EP1342131A1 - Watch case - Google Patents

Watch case

Info

Publication number
EP1342131A1
EP1342131A1 EP01960052A EP01960052A EP1342131A1 EP 1342131 A1 EP1342131 A1 EP 1342131A1 EP 01960052 A EP01960052 A EP 01960052A EP 01960052 A EP01960052 A EP 01960052A EP 1342131 A1 EP1342131 A1 EP 1342131A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch case
case according
rotation
watch
bezel
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP01960052A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1342131B1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Daniel Carrard
François Burgener
Olivier Steiner
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.)
LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
Original Assignee
TAG Heuer SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TAG Heuer SA filed Critical TAG Heuer SA
Publication of EP1342131A1 publication Critical patent/EP1342131A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1342131B1 publication Critical patent/EP1342131B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/28—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time
    • G04B19/283—Adjustable guide marks or pointers for indicating determined points of time on rotatable rings, i.e. bezel
    • 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
    • G04B27/00—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means
    • G04B27/08—Mechanical devices for setting the time indicating means by using parts of the case

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch case, in particular a watch case comprising a rotating bezel and display or control elements inside the middle.
  • the bezel is in this case provided with a graduation corresponding to the minutes traveled by the minute hand of the watch; colored segments on the bezel are sometimes used which allow the diver, for example, to quickly detect that it is time to go back up when the hand points to a range of red color.
  • Watch cases are also known, as described for example in patent CH662235 (New Lemania SA), in which the bezel is used to control various functions inside the watch, in particular winding or setting hour.
  • the bezel is in direct contact with the driven components, which makes the construction complex and requires having joints between the bezel and the middle part to guarantee sealing.
  • Another watch in which the bezel directly drives different functions of the watch is described in CH343293 (R. Jec er-Meyer).
  • CH687285 (R. Valentini SA) describes a watch in which the lighting of the dial is controlled by the rotation of the bezel.
  • CH685584 (Paul Feuz) describes a universal watch for selecting the time zone by turning the bezel.
  • CH486728 E.
  • Piquerez describes a watch comprising an external rotating bezel driving an internal bezel by means of a pinion. All these watches have the drawback of a mechanical connection between the external rotating bezel and the element or function controlled inside the watch. It is therefore necessary to provide means for sealing this connection, for example by means of a circular joint under the bezel. These joints, however, have the disadvantage of being deformed following repeated handling of the telescope. These constructions are therefore not suitable for watches which have to meet high requirements, in particular diving watches intended to be used at great depths.
  • Patent application WO99 / 26117 (Seiko Epson) describes a watch case comprising a rotating bezel, in which a photoelectric measurement system outside the middle provides the electronics of the watch with a signal corresponding to the position of the glasses.
  • This solution is complex and costly to implement.
  • the photodetectors consume current which must be taken from the watch battery.
  • the electrical connection between the measuring system and the watch movement uses several wires crossing the middle, which can pose a problem of water infiltration.
  • Patent EP-B 1-0738944 (Asulab SA) describes a watch comprising a rotating outer ring provided with permanent magnets. Mechanical means force the ring to adopt one of the 24 predefined rotation positions. The chosen position is detected by means of several magnetic switches inside the watch, the state of the various switches defining a digital signal corresponding to the position of the outer ring and which is supplied to the watch electronics. Similar devices, also comprising magnetic switches inside the watch actuated by external magnets, are described in patent application CH-A3-613088 (Cetehor) and in application DE-2501973 (A. Meitinger).
  • each magnetic switch is a potential source of failure, causing a reliability problem when a large number of switches are used.
  • the outer ring can take and indicate only a limited number of discrete positions, for example 24, the increase in the number of positions being possible only at the price of the increase in the number of magnetic switches and therefore of the cost and diameter of the watch.
  • they can only be implemented in electronic watches, for which it is still necessary to modify the circuit so that it reacts to the signals delivered by the magnetic switches.
  • Patent application DE2010941 describes a waterproof watch which can be set by setting the entire middle part and the movement to rotate.
  • the dial remains in the same relative position relative to the dial thanks to magnets.
  • the purpose of this construction is to remove the through hole through the middle for the winding stem.
  • the watch does not have a bezel.
  • This construction comprising a rotating middle poses significant aesthetic constraints. It is not possible to control additional functions of the watch by rotating the middle.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a watch case which makes it possible to avoid the drawbacks of the aforementioned watch cases.
  • an object of the present invention is to propose a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, and whose width of the bezel is not determined by the size of the indications to be displayed .
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, which can be used both with mechanical movements and with electronic quartz movements, without requiring any mandatory modification of these, and without increasing their current consumption.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, and the reliability of which is improved compared to the watch cases of the prior art.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a watch case having a reduced number of seals and magnetic switches.
  • a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel outside said middle part, the rotating bezel comprising at least one portion made of magnetic material, an organ inside of said middle being disposed so as to be able to be controlled by magnetic attraction with said portion, and in which said member is of analog type and can take an infinity of distinct positions according to the angular position of said telescope.
  • a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel outside said middle part, said bezel comprising at least one portion made of magnetic material, a member inside of said middle being arranged so as to be able to be controlled by magnetic attraction with said magnetic portion, and in which said member comprises an element concentric with said bezel and provided with a plurality of magnetic portions, so as to be able to be driven in rotation by the magnetic field of said telescope during its rotation.
  • the indication or the function controlled by manually turning the bezel is not provided on the bezel itself. same, but on an indicator inside the watch case. It is thus possible to make much thinner glasses whose width is not imposed by the size of the indications.
  • the member driven inside the watch case is provided with a system for controlling the direction of rotation, while the bezel is free to rotate in both directions.
  • the bezel can thus be very thin, allowing new aesthetic possibilities.
  • the organ is only driven with a relatively small moment by means of the magnetic field, it is not essential to provide a very large system for controlling the direction of rotation.
  • This solution also has the advantage that the rotation of the rotating bezel is transmitted without contact to the body through the middle. It is thus not necessary to provide holes or openings through the middle, which elegantly solves the problem of sealing.
  • Figure 1 an exploded view of a watch case according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 a partial sectional view of a watch case according to the invention.
  • Figure 3 a perspective view of a casing circle provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a first embodiment.
  • Figure 4 a section along line A-A of the casing circle illustrated in Figure 3 and the flange.
  • Figures 5a and 5b two schematic top views of the flange and the casing circle according to the first alternative embodiment of the direction of rotation control device.
  • Figure 6 a perspective view of a casing circle provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a second alternative embodiment.
  • Figure 7 a section of the casing circle illustrated in Figure 6 and the flange.
  • Figure 8 a perspective view of a casing circle and a flange provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a third embodiment.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a watch case comprising a middle part 10 and a rotating bezel 14 which can be turned manually relative to the middle part 10.
  • the middle part is made of non-magnetic material.
  • notching means can be provided to prevent the rotation of the telescope in one of the two directions of rotation; moreover, means can be provided to force the telescope to adopt a limited number of predefined angular positions.
  • An elastic system 140 makes it possible to hold the bezel on the middle while adjusting the moment necessary to make the bezel 14 pivot relative to the middle 10.
  • the watch case also includes a bottom 16 (visible in FIG. 2) and a casing ring 17 intended to maintain the movement 15 of the watch.
  • the movement causes indicators 6, for example hands 6 and / or a date disc not shown, displaying the time and other indications, if any.
  • One or more watch winders 9 and / or pushbuttons not shown make it possible to set the time and to control additional functions.
  • the illustrated watch further comprises a dial 8 as well as a crystal 13 held by a seal 130 against the middle part 10.
  • a flange 11 on the periphery of the dial carries additional indications 110, for example a residual diving time, ranges of color, etc.
  • the bezel 14 includes at least one magnetic portion capable of actuating an analog indicator member inside the watch.
  • the telescope 14 comprises an annular permanent magnet 2 provided with several annular segments magnetized with alternating polarities.
  • the analog indicating member is constituted by the flange 11 provided with indications 110 and which is equipped with a second permanent annular magnet 4, concentric with the magnet 2, and also provided with several annular segments magnetized with alternating polarities.
  • the number of magnetized sections on the two annular magnets 2 and 4 is preferably the same, in order to guarantee a synchronous rotation of the two rings.
  • small magnetized angular segments will be chosen in order to limit the flapping when the segments of the outer ring 2 are not opposite the segments of the inner ring 4.
  • the external magnet 4 is fixed by bonding to the bezel 14 while the internal magnet 4 is wedged between the flange 11 and a lower support ring 12.
  • the two rings are preferably based on rare earths (Neodymium-Iron-Boron or Samarium-Cobalt for example) and manufactured by sintering using powder compacted in an oven.
  • the invention is not however limited to these particular examples and other shapes and types of magnets could be used.
  • only the telescope 14 or only the member 11 is provided with one or more permanent magnets while the other element comprises at least one portion made of non-permanent magnetic material, for example of soft iron, capable of be attracted to these magnets.
  • the magnetic field caused by the permanent external magnet 2 is moved, thereby driving the internal magnet 4 and the flange associated therewith. It is thus possible to control the angular position of the flange continuously from the outside of the middle part, and to control the position of the indications, for example a residual diving time, on the flange 11.
  • the indications 110 displayed on the controlled indicator member can be enlarged by magnifying glass effect, in particular under water.
  • a device for controlling the direction of rotation is provided to prevent rotation of the flange 11 in one of the two directions of rotation, the bezel 14 being free to be able to rotate in both directions.
  • the device for controlling the direction of rotation is thus placed inside the sealed enclosure of the watch and less subject to disturbances caused by dust or splashes of liquid. Furthermore, it is possible to use a device that is not very bulky, since the user does not act directly on the flange: it suffices that the locking moment is greater than the maximum driving torque of the magnetic bezel 14.
  • the bezel can in this case be turned in both directions; in the first direction, with a relatively small moment determined mainly by the leaf spring 140, driving the member 11; in the other direction, with a greater moment corresponding to the sum of the action of the leaf spring 140 and the attraction of the inner ring 4 which remains fixed.
  • FIGS. 3 to 5b A first variant of the direction of rotation control device is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5b.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the casing circle 17 modified for this purpose.
  • the circle which can be made of synthetic material or of non-magnetic metal, for example brass, comprises a recess or an opening 175 for the crown stem not shown.
  • a second recess 170 milled in the circle 17 houses a flexible metal rod 171 (wire) mounted in cantilever perpendicular to the plane of the casing circle, so as to protrude above this circle.
  • the free end of the rod 171 can thus be bent using a limited force.
  • the shape of the recess 170 prevents the rod 171 from bending in any direction.
  • the notch cage 110 under the magnetized part of the flange 11.
  • the notch cage 110 is provided over its entire periphery with sawtooth notches comprising a first flank
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second variant in which the device for controlling the direction of rotation of the flange uses the magnetization of the latter.
  • the device includes in this variant a plurality of rods 173 of magnetic material freely placed in openings 172 in the casing ring 17.
  • the rods 173 are attracted magnetically by the flange partially outside the openings 172.
  • An optional spring not shown may possibly be be provided at the bottom of the openings 172 to control the vertical force exerted on each of the rods 173.
  • the flange comprises, as in the first variant illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5b, a notched cage 1 14 mounted under the magnetized part 1 17.
  • the notched cage comprises, over its entire periphery, notches 1 14 each comprising a relatively stiff flank 1 16 and a softer side 1 15.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a third variant of the device for controlling the direction of rotation of the flange, also using the magnetization of the latter.
  • the rods 173 and the openings 172 which are relatively tedious to machine are replaced by a ring 176 (washer) directly placed on the casing circle 17 and attracted magnetically towards the top of the shown by the magnetic portion 1 17 of the flange 1 1.
  • the flange again comprises a notched cage 1 13 under the magnetized portion 1 17.
  • the rotation of the washer 176 is prevented in this example by two portions folded in the housing 175 passage of the rod through the circle 17.
  • Recesses 177 were cut at several places in the washer 176 to form a raised tongue capable of abutting against a tooth of the flange 1 13, for example against a notch cage of the type illustrated in Figure 7.
  • the shape of the recesses 177 and teeth 113 under the lower surface of the flange 11 is provided so as to allow the rotation of the latter only in the counterclockwise direction illustrated by the arrow a. Additional guide means can be used to ensure vertical movement of the ring 176.
  • the device for controlling the direction of rotation described here can also be used to control the rotation of other parts of the watch, for example of the bezel.
  • the magnetic telescope 14 can be used within the framework of this invention to control the position of organs other than the flange 11.
  • the dial 8 By mounting the dial 8 on a rotary axis, and by fixing a magnetized ring to it or several discrete magnets, it is thus possible to rotate it around its axis, for example to move the position of a window through which other indications are displayed. It is also possible to produce a dial in several parts, only one of which is driven by the bezel 14, or to drive a wheel or a disc of the gear train, for example the date disc, using this mechanism.
  • auxiliary functions of the watch for example to initialize a countdown of the chronograph or set an alarm time.
  • Indications relating to the function controlled for each position of the bezel, for example on the selected time zone, may be provided on the latter and / or on an indicator in the watch.
  • the member driven by the bezel 14 may include a cam in order to trigger different functions or to actuate different members of the watch as a function of its angular position.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a watch case comprising: a middle (10), a rotary bezel (14-2) outside said middle, said rotary bezel comprising at least a magnetic portion (2), a member inside said middle, designed to be controlled by the magnetic field of said magnetic portion, said member (11) including a ring concentric (4) to said rotary bezel and provided with at least a magnetic portion, so as to be driven in rotation by the magnetic field of said rotary bezel during its rotation, and wherein said member is of the analog type and can take up an infinite number of different positions depending on the angular position of the rotary bezel.

Description

Boîte de montre Watch box
La présente invention concerne une boîte de montre, en particulier une boîte de montre comprenant une lunette tournante et des éléments d'affichage ou de commande à l'intérieur de la carrure.The present invention relates to a watch case, in particular a watch case comprising a rotating bezel and display or control elements inside the middle.
De nombreuses montres et boîtes de montres sont munies d'une lunette tournante utilisée pour afficher et commander différentes fonctions de la montre. Une application fréquente des lunettes tournantes consiste à indiquer un temps de plongée résiduel. La lunette est dans ce cas munie d'une graduation correspondant à des minutes parcourues par l'aiguille des minutes de la montre ; des segments de couleur sur la lunette sont parfois utilisés qui permettent par exemple au plongeur de détecter très rapidement qu'il est temps de remonter lorsque l'aiguille pointe vers une plage de couleur rouge.Many watches and watch cases have a rotating bezel that is used to display and control various functions of the watch. A frequent application of rotating glasses is to indicate a residual dive time. The bezel is in this case provided with a graduation corresponding to the minutes traveled by the minute hand of the watch; colored segments on the bezel are sometimes used which allow the diver, for example, to quickly detect that it is time to go back up when the hand points to a range of red color.
Ces lunettes ont toutefois l'inconvénient de nécessiter une largeur importante afin d'afficher lisiblement, même sous l'eau, les graduations et les zones de couleur. Le système de crantage et de fixation de la lunette, par exemple un ressort à pans, doit par ailleurs résister aux forces importantes qui peuvent lui être appliquées par l'utilisateur. La largeur de la lunette est donc généralement conditionnée par la taille des indications qui y sont apportées et par la dimension du système de crantage et de fixation, ce qui pose des contraintes esthétiques importantes pour le design de la montre.These glasses, however, have the disadvantage of requiring a large width in order to display legibly, even under water, the graduations and the areas of color. The notching and fixing system of the telescope, for example a spring with frames, must also resist the significant forces which can be applied to it by the user. The width of the bezel is therefore generally conditioned by the size of the indications given therein and by the size of the notching and fixing system, which poses significant aesthetic constraints for the design of the watch.
On connaît également des boîtes de montre, telles que décrites par exemple dans le brevet CH662235 (Nouvelle Lemania SA), dans lesquelles la lunette est utilisée pour commander différentes fonctions à l'intérieur de la montre, notamment le remontage ou la mise à l'heure. Dans ce document, la lunette est en contact direct avec les composants entraînés, ce qui rend la construction complexe et nécessite de disposer des joints entre la lunette et la carrure pour garantir l'étanchéité. Une autre montre dans laquelle la lunette entraîne directement différentes fonctions de la montre est décrite dans CH343293 (R. Jec er- Meyer). CH687285 (R. Valentini SA) décrit une montre dans laquelle l'éclairage du cadran est commandé par la rotation de la lunette. CH685584 (Paul Feuz) décrit une montre universelle permettant de sélectionner le fuseau horaire en tournant la lunette. CH486728 (E. Piquerez) décrit une montre comportant une lunette tournante externe entraînant par l'intermédiaire d'un pignon une lunette interne. Toutes ces montres présentent l'inconvénient d'une liaison mécanique entre la lunette tournante externe et l'élément ou la fonction commandée à l'intérieur de la montre. Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir des moyens pour étanchéifier cette liaison, par exemple au moyen d'un joint circulaire sous la lunette. Ces joints ont cependant l'inconvénient de se déformer suite à des manipulations répétées de la lunette. Ces constructions ne conviennent donc pas à des montres devant satisfaire à des exigences élevées, notamment des montres de plongée destinées à être utilisées à des profondeurs importantes.Watch cases are also known, as described for example in patent CH662235 (New Lemania SA), in which the bezel is used to control various functions inside the watch, in particular winding or setting hour. In this document, the bezel is in direct contact with the driven components, which makes the construction complex and requires having joints between the bezel and the middle part to guarantee sealing. Another watch in which the bezel directly drives different functions of the watch is described in CH343293 (R. Jec er-Meyer). CH687285 (R. Valentini SA) describes a watch in which the lighting of the dial is controlled by the rotation of the bezel. CH685584 (Paul Feuz) describes a universal watch for selecting the time zone by turning the bezel. CH486728 (E. Piquerez) describes a watch comprising an external rotating bezel driving an internal bezel by means of a pinion. All these watches have the drawback of a mechanical connection between the external rotating bezel and the element or function controlled inside the watch. It is therefore necessary to provide means for sealing this connection, for example by means of a circular joint under the bezel. These joints, however, have the disadvantage of being deformed following repeated handling of the telescope. These constructions are therefore not suitable for watches which have to meet high requirements, in particular diving watches intended to be used at great depths.
La demande de brevet WO99/26117 (Seiko Epson) décrit une boîte de montre comprenant une lunette tournante, dans laquelle un système de mesure photoélectrique à l'extérieur de la carrure fournit à l'électronique de la montre un signal correspondant à la position de la lunette. Cette solution est complexe et coûteuse à mettre en œuvre. Par ailleurs, les photodétecteurs consomment du courant qui doit être prélevé sur la batterie de la montre. La liaison électrique entre le système de mesure et le mouvement de la montre utilise plusieurs fils traversant la carrure, pouvant poser un problème d'infiltration d'eau.Patent application WO99 / 26117 (Seiko Epson) describes a watch case comprising a rotating bezel, in which a photoelectric measurement system outside the middle provides the electronics of the watch with a signal corresponding to the position of the glasses. This solution is complex and costly to implement. In addition, the photodetectors consume current which must be taken from the watch battery. The electrical connection between the measuring system and the watch movement uses several wires crossing the middle, which can pose a problem of water infiltration.
Le brevet EP-B 1-0738944 (Asulab SA) décrit une montre comportant une bague extérieure tournante munie d'aimants permanents. Des moyens mécaniques forcent la bague à adopter l'une des 24 positions de rotations prédéfinies. La position choisie est détectée au moyen de plusieurs interrupteurs magnétiques à l'intérieur de la montre, l'état des différents interrupteurs définissant un signal numérique correspondant à la position de la bague externe et qui est fourni à l'électronique de la montre. Des dispositifs similaires, comportant également des interrupteurs magnétiques à l'intérieur de la montre actionnés par des aimants externes, sont décrits dans la demande de brevet CH-A3-613088 (Cetehor) et dans la demande DE-2501973 (A. Meitinger).Patent EP-B 1-0738944 (Asulab SA) describes a watch comprising a rotating outer ring provided with permanent magnets. Mechanical means force the ring to adopt one of the 24 predefined rotation positions. The chosen position is detected by means of several magnetic switches inside the watch, the state of the various switches defining a digital signal corresponding to the position of the outer ring and which is supplied to the watch electronics. Similar devices, also comprising magnetic switches inside the watch actuated by external magnets, are described in patent application CH-A3-613088 (Cetehor) and in application DE-2501973 (A. Meitinger).
Ces solutions utilisant des interrupteurs magnétiques sont coûteuses. Chaque interrupteur magnétique est une source de défaillance potentielle, causant un problème de fiabilité lorsqu'un grand nombre d'interrupteurs est utilisé. De surcroît, la bague externe peut prendre et indiquer uniquement un nombre limité de positions discrètes, par exemple 24, l'augmentation du nombre de positions n'étant possible qu'au prix de l'augmentation du nombre d'interrupteurs magnétiques et donc du coût et du diamètre de la montre. Par ailleurs, elles ne peuvent être mises en œuvre que dans des montres électroniques, pour lesquelles il est encore nécessaire de modifier le circuit afin qu'il réagisse aux signaux délivrés par les interrupteurs magnétiques.These solutions using magnetic switches are expensive. Each magnetic switch is a potential source of failure, causing a reliability problem when a large number of switches are used. In addition, the outer ring can take and indicate only a limited number of discrete positions, for example 24, the increase in the number of positions being possible only at the price of the increase in the number of magnetic switches and therefore of the cost and diameter of the watch. Furthermore, they can only be implemented in electronic watches, for which it is still necessary to modify the circuit so that it reacts to the signals delivered by the magnetic switches.
La demande de brevet DE2010941 décrit une montre étanche qui peut être mise à l'heure en faisant pivoter l'ensemble de la carrure et du mouvement. Le cadran reste en revanche maintenu dans la même position relative par rapport au cadran grâce à des aimants. Le but de cette construction est de supprimer le trou traversant à travers la carrure pour la tige de remontoir. La montre est toutefois dépourvue de lunette. Cette construction comprenant une carrure tournante pose des contraintes esthétiques importantes. Il n'est pas possible de commander des fonctions supplémentaires de la montre en pivotant la carrure.Patent application DE2010941 describes a waterproof watch which can be set by setting the entire middle part and the movement to rotate. The dial, however, remains in the same relative position relative to the dial thanks to magnets. The purpose of this construction is to remove the through hole through the middle for the winding stem. However, the watch does not have a bezel. This construction comprising a rotating middle poses significant aesthetic constraints. It is not possible to control additional functions of the watch by rotating the middle.
Un but de la présente invention est donc de proposer une boîte de montre qui permette d'éviter les inconvénients des boîtes de montre susmentionnées.An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a watch case which makes it possible to avoid the drawbacks of the aforementioned watch cases.
En particulier, un but de la présente invention est de proposer une boîte de montre munie d'une lunette tournante permettant de commander des indications de la montre, et dont la largeur de la lunette n'est pas déterminée par la taille des indications à afficher. Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une boîte de montre munie d'une lunette tournante permettant de commander des indications de la montre, pouvant être utilisée aussi bien avec des mouvements mécaniques qu'avec des mouvements électroniques à quartz, sans nécessiter de modification obligatoire de ces derniers, et sans augmenter leur consommation de courant.In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, and whose width of the bezel is not determined by the size of the indications to be displayed . Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, which can be used both with mechanical movements and with electronic quartz movements, without requiring any mandatory modification of these, and without increasing their current consumption.
Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une boîte de montre munie d'une lunette tournante permettant de commander des indications de la montre, et dont la fiabilité est améliorée par rapport aux boîtes de montre de l'art antérieur. En particulier, un but de la présente invention est de proposer une boîte de montre présentant un nombre réduit de joints et d'interrupteurs magnétiques.Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch case provided with a rotating bezel making it possible to control indications of the watch, and the reliability of which is improved compared to the watch cases of the prior art. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a watch case having a reduced number of seals and magnetic switches.
Selon l'invention, ces buts sont atteints au moyen d'une boîte de montre comportant une carrure, une lunette tournante à l'extérieur de ladite carrure, la lunette tournante comportant au moins une portion en matériau magnétique, un organe à l'intérieur de ladite carrure étant disposé de manière à pouvoir être commandé par attraction magnétique avec ladite portion, et dans laquelle ledit organe est de type analogique et peut prendre une infinité de positions distinctes selon la position angulaire de ladite lunette.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by means of a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel outside said middle part, the rotating bezel comprising at least one portion made of magnetic material, an organ inside of said middle being disposed so as to be able to be controlled by magnetic attraction with said portion, and in which said member is of analog type and can take an infinity of distinct positions according to the angular position of said telescope.
Selon l'invention, ces buts sont également atteints au moyen d'une boîte de montre comportant une carrure, une lunette tournante à l'extérieur de ladite carrure, ladite lunette comportant au moins une portion en matériau magnétique, un organe à l'intérieur de ladite carrure étant disposé de manière à pouvoir être commandé par attraction magnétique avec ladite portion magnétique, et dans laquelle ledit organe comporte un élément concentrique à ladite lunette et muni d'une pluralité de portions magnétique, de manière à pouvoir être entraîné en rotation par le champ magnétique de ladite lunette lors de sa rotation.According to the invention, these aims are also achieved by means of a watch case comprising a middle part, a rotating bezel outside said middle part, said bezel comprising at least one portion made of magnetic material, a member inside of said middle being arranged so as to be able to be controlled by magnetic attraction with said magnetic portion, and in which said member comprises an element concentric with said bezel and provided with a plurality of magnetic portions, so as to be able to be driven in rotation by the magnetic field of said telescope during its rotation.
Avantageusement, l'indication ou la fonction commandée en tournant manuellement la lunette n'est pas apportée sur la lunette elle- même, mais sur un organe indicateur à l'intérieur de la boîte de montre. Il est ainsi possible de réaliser des lunettes beaucoup plus fines dont la largeur n'est pas imposée par la taille des indications.Advantageously, the indication or the function controlled by manually turning the bezel is not provided on the bezel itself. same, but on an indicator inside the watch case. It is thus possible to make much thinner glasses whose width is not imposed by the size of the indications.
Avantageusement, seul l'organe entraîné à l'intérieur de la boîte de montre est muni d'un système de contrôle du sens de rotation, tandis que la lunette est libre de tourner dans les deux sens. La lunette peut ainsi être très fine, permettant de nouvelles possibilités esthétiques. Comme l'organe n'est entraîné qu'avec un moment relativement faible au moyen du champ magnétique, il n'est pas indispensable de prévoir un système de contrôle du sens de rotation très volumineux.Advantageously, only the member driven inside the watch case is provided with a system for controlling the direction of rotation, while the bezel is free to rotate in both directions. The bezel can thus be very thin, allowing new aesthetic possibilities. As the organ is only driven with a relatively small moment by means of the magnetic field, it is not essential to provide a very large system for controlling the direction of rotation.
Cette solution a également l'avantage que la rotation de la lunette tournante est transmise sans contact à l'organe au travers de la carrure. Il n'est ainsi pas nécessaire de prévoir de trous ou d'ouvertures à travers la carrure, ce qui permet de résoudre de manière élégante le problème de l'étanchéité.This solution also has the advantage that the rotation of the rotating bezel is transmitted without contact to the body through the middle. It is thus not necessary to provide holes or openings through the middle, which elegantly solves the problem of sealing.
Elle offre par ailleurs l'avantage de pouvoir être utilisée avec n'importe quel type de mouvement de montre pour commander un organe analogique, par exemple un affichage supplémentaire. En outre, elle ne nécessite pas de courant supplémentaire et ne sollicite donc pas la batterie de la montre.It also offers the advantage of being able to be used with any type of watch movement to control an analog member, for example an additional display. In addition, it does not require additional current and therefore does not draw on the watch battery.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description donnée à titre d'exemple et illustrée par les figures annexées qui montrent :The invention will be better understood on reading the description given by way of example and illustrated by the appended figures which show:
La figure 1 une vue en éclaté d'une boîte de montre selon l'invention.Figure 1 an exploded view of a watch case according to the invention.
La figure 2 une vue en coupe partielle d'une boîte de montre selon l'invention. La figure 3 une vue en perspective d'un cercle d'emboîtage muni d'un dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation selon une première variante de réalisation.Figure 2 a partial sectional view of a watch case according to the invention. Figure 3 a perspective view of a casing circle provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a first embodiment.
La figure 4 une coupe selon la ligne A-A du cercle d'emboîtage illustré sur la figure 3 et du réhaut.Figure 4 a section along line A-A of the casing circle illustrated in Figure 3 and the flange.
Les figures 5a et 5b deux vues de dessus schématiques du réhaut et du cercle d'emboîtage selon la première variante de réalisation du dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation.Figures 5a and 5b two schematic top views of the flange and the casing circle according to the first alternative embodiment of the direction of rotation control device.
La figure 6 une vue en perspective d'un cercle d'emboîtage muni d'un dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation selon une deuxième variante de réalisation.Figure 6 a perspective view of a casing circle provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a second alternative embodiment.
La figure 7 une coupe du cercle d'emboîtage illustré sur la figure 6 et du réhaut.Figure 7 a section of the casing circle illustrated in Figure 6 and the flange.
La figure 8 une vue en perspective d'un cercle d'emboîtage et d'un réhaut muni d'un dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation selon une troisième variante de réalisation.Figure 8 a perspective view of a casing circle and a flange provided with a direction of rotation control device according to a third embodiment.
Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent une boîte de montre comportant une carrure 10 et une lunette tournante 14 pouvant être tournée manuellement par rapport à la carrure 10. La carrure est réalisée en matériau non magnétique. Selon la fonction commandée, des moyens de crantage non représentés peuvent être prévus pour empêcher la rotation de la lunette dans l'un des deux sens de rotation; par ailleurs, des moyens peuvent être prévus pour forcer la lunette à adopter un nombre limité de positions angulaires prédéfinies. Un système élastique 140 permet de tenir la lunette sur la carrure tout en ajustant le moment nécessaire pour faire pivoter la lunette 14 par rapport à la carrure 10.Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a watch case comprising a middle part 10 and a rotating bezel 14 which can be turned manually relative to the middle part 10. The middle part is made of non-magnetic material. According to the commanded function, not shown notching means can be provided to prevent the rotation of the telescope in one of the two directions of rotation; moreover, means can be provided to force the telescope to adopt a limited number of predefined angular positions. An elastic system 140 makes it possible to hold the bezel on the middle while adjusting the moment necessary to make the bezel 14 pivot relative to the middle 10.
La boîte de montre comporte également un fond 16 (visible sur la figure 2) et un cercle d'emboîtage 17 destiné à maintenir le mouvement 15 de la montre. Le mouvement entraîne des indicateurs 6, par exemple des aiguilles 6 et/ou un disque de quantième non représenté, affichant l'heure et d'autres indications éventuelles. Un ou plusieurs remontoirs 9 et/ou boutons-poussoirs non représentés permettent de mettre à l'heure le mouvement et de commander des fonctions supplémentaires.The watch case also includes a bottom 16 (visible in FIG. 2) and a casing ring 17 intended to maintain the movement 15 of the watch. The movement causes indicators 6, for example hands 6 and / or a date disc not shown, displaying the time and other indications, if any. One or more watch winders 9 and / or pushbuttons not shown make it possible to set the time and to control additional functions.
La montre illustrée comporte en outre un cadran 8 ainsi qu'une glace 13 maintenue par un joint 130 contre la carrure 10. Un réhaut 11 sur la périphérie du cadran porte des indications supplémentaires 110, par exemple un temps de plongée résiduel, des plages de couleur, etc..The illustrated watch further comprises a dial 8 as well as a crystal 13 held by a seal 130 against the middle part 10. A flange 11 on the periphery of the dial carries additional indications 110, for example a residual diving time, ranges of color, etc.
Selon l'invention, la lunette 14 comporte au moins une portion magnétique capable d'actionner un organe indicateur analogique à l'intérieur de la montre. Dans l'exemple représenté, la lunette 14 comporte un aimant permanent annulaire 2 muni de plusieurs segments annulaires magnétisés avec des polarités alternées. L'organe indicateur analogique est constitué par le réhaut 11 muni d'indications 110 et qui est équipé d'un second aimant permanent annulaire 4, concentrique à l'aimant 2, et également muni de plusieurs segments annulaires magnétisés avec des polarités alternées. Le nombre de sections magnétisées sur les deux aimants annulaires 2 et 4 est de préférence le même, afin de garantir une rotation synchrone des deux anneaux. On choisira de préférence des segments angulaires magnétisés de petite taille afin de limiter le battement lorsque les segments de l'anneau externe 2 ne sont pas en face des segments de l'anneau interne 4.According to the invention, the bezel 14 includes at least one magnetic portion capable of actuating an analog indicator member inside the watch. In the example shown, the telescope 14 comprises an annular permanent magnet 2 provided with several annular segments magnetized with alternating polarities. The analog indicating member is constituted by the flange 11 provided with indications 110 and which is equipped with a second permanent annular magnet 4, concentric with the magnet 2, and also provided with several annular segments magnetized with alternating polarities. The number of magnetized sections on the two annular magnets 2 and 4 is preferably the same, in order to guarantee a synchronous rotation of the two rings. Preferably, small magnetized angular segments will be chosen in order to limit the flapping when the segments of the outer ring 2 are not opposite the segments of the inner ring 4.
Dans la variante illustrée, l'aimant externe 4 est fixé par collage sur la lunette 14 tandis que l'aimant interne 4 est coincé entre le réhaut 11 et une bague de support inférieure 12. Les deux anneaux sont de préférence à base de terres rares (Néodyme-Fer-Bore ou Samarium-Cobalt par exemple) et fabriqués par f rittage à base de poudre compactée dans un four. L'invention n'est toutefois pas limitée à ces exemples particuliers et d'autres formes et types d'aimants pourraient être utilisés. Il est également possible dans une variante de remplacer un ou les deux anneaux 2 et/ou 4 par un ou plusieurs aimants discrets montés dans la périphérie de la lunette, respectivement du réhaut. Enfin, dans une variante, seule la lunette 14 ou seul l'organe 11 est muni d'un ou plusieurs aimants permanents tandis que l'autre élément comporte au moins une portion en matériau magnétique non permanent, par exemple en fer doux, apte à être attirée par ces aimants.In the illustrated variant, the external magnet 4 is fixed by bonding to the bezel 14 while the internal magnet 4 is wedged between the flange 11 and a lower support ring 12. The two rings are preferably based on rare earths (Neodymium-Iron-Boron or Samarium-Cobalt for example) and manufactured by sintering using powder compacted in an oven. The invention is not however limited to these particular examples and other shapes and types of magnets could be used. It is also possible in a variant to replace one or both rings 2 and / or 4 with one or more discrete magnets mounted in the periphery of the bezel, respectively of the flange. Finally, in a variant, only the telescope 14 or only the member 11 is provided with one or more permanent magnets while the other element comprises at least one portion made of non-permanent magnetic material, for example of soft iron, capable of be attracted to these magnets.
En tournant la lunette 14, on déplace le champ magnétique provoqué par l'aimant externe permanent 2, entraînant ainsi l'aimant interne 4 et le réhaut qui lui est associé. Il est ainsi possible de commander la position angulaire du réhaut de manière continue depuis l'extérieur de la carrure, et de contrôler la position des indications, par exemple un temps de plongée résiduel, sur le réhaut 11.By turning the telescope 14, the magnetic field caused by the permanent external magnet 2 is moved, thereby driving the internal magnet 4 and the flange associated therewith. It is thus possible to control the angular position of the flange continuously from the outside of the middle part, and to control the position of the indications, for example a residual diving time, on the flange 11.
On parvient ainsi à contrôler depuis l'extérieur de la montre des indications affichées par des organes dans la montre. Selon le type de glace 13 utilisée, les indications 110 affichées sur l'organe indicateur contrôlé peuvent être agrandies par effet de loupe, notamment sous l'eau.We thus manage to control from the outside of the watch indications displayed by organs in the watch. Depending on the type of ice 13 used, the indications 110 displayed on the controlled indicator member can be enlarged by magnifying glass effect, in particular under water.
Dans une variante préférentielle de l'invention, un dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation est prévu pour empêcher la rotation du réhaut 11 dans l'un des deux sens de rotation, la lunette 14 étant libre de pouvoir tourner dans les deux sens. Le dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation est ainsi disposé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte étanchéifiée de la montre et moins sujets à des perturbations occasionnées par des poussières ou des projections de liquide. Par ailleurs, il est possible d'utiliser un dispositif peu volumineux, puisque l'utilisateur n'agit pas directement sur le réhaut: il suffit que le moment de blocage soit supérieur au couple d'entraînement maximal de la lunette magnétique 14. La lunette peut dans ce cas être tournée dans les deux sens; dans le premier sens, avec un moment relativement faible déterminé principalement par la lame ressort 140, en entraînant l'organe 11; dans l'autre sens, avec un moment plus important correspondant à la somme de l'action de la lame ressort 140 et de l'attraction de la bague interne 4 qui reste fixe. Une première variante du dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation est illustrée sur les figures 3 à 5b. La figure 3 illustre une vue en perspective du cercle d'emboîtage 17 modifié dans ce but. Le cercle, qui peut être réalisé en matériau synthétique ou en métal non magnétique, par exemple en laiton, comprend un décrochement ou une ouverture 175 pour la tige de couronne non représentée. Un second décrochement 170 fraisé dans le cercle 17 abrite une tige métallique flexible 171 (fil de fer) montée en porte-à-faux perpendiculairement au plan du cercle d'emboîtage, de manière à dépasser au dessus de ce cercle. L'extrémité libre de la tige 171 peut ainsi être fléchie en employant une force restreinte. La forme du décrochement 170 empêche toutefois la tige 171 de fléchir dans n'importe quelle direction.In a preferred variant of the invention, a device for controlling the direction of rotation is provided to prevent rotation of the flange 11 in one of the two directions of rotation, the bezel 14 being free to be able to rotate in both directions. The device for controlling the direction of rotation is thus placed inside the sealed enclosure of the watch and less subject to disturbances caused by dust or splashes of liquid. Furthermore, it is possible to use a device that is not very bulky, since the user does not act directly on the flange: it suffices that the locking moment is greater than the maximum driving torque of the magnetic bezel 14. The bezel can in this case be turned in both directions; in the first direction, with a relatively small moment determined mainly by the leaf spring 140, driving the member 11; in the other direction, with a greater moment corresponding to the sum of the action of the leaf spring 140 and the attraction of the inner ring 4 which remains fixed. A first variant of the direction of rotation control device is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5b. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the casing circle 17 modified for this purpose. The circle, which can be made of synthetic material or of non-magnetic metal, for example brass, comprises a recess or an opening 175 for the crown stem not shown. A second recess 170 milled in the circle 17 houses a flexible metal rod 171 (wire) mounted in cantilever perpendicular to the plane of the casing circle, so as to protrude above this circle. The free end of the rod 171 can thus be bent using a limited force. The shape of the recess 170, however, prevents the rod 171 from bending in any direction.
L'extrémité libre de la tige 171 est engagée dans une cage à cransThe free end of the rod 171 is engaged in a notched cage
110 sous la partie aimantée du réhaut 11. La cage à crans 110 est munie sur toute sa périphérie de crans en dent de scie comportant un premier flanc110 under the magnetized part of the flange 11. The notch cage 110 is provided over its entire periphery with sawtooth notches comprising a first flank
111 relativement raide et un second flanc 112 plus doux, comme on le voit en particulier sur les figures 5a et 5b.111 relatively stiff and a second flank 112 softer, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5a and 5b.
Lorsque le réhaut 11 est entraîné par le champ magnétique de la lunette dans le sens horaire illustré sur la figure 5a par la flèche b, le flanc 111 du cran 110 le plus proche de la tige 171 repousse cette dernière dans la même direction b. La flexion de la tige 171 est toutefois empêchée par la forme particulière du décrochement 170 dans le cercle 17. Le moment d'entraînement du réhaut étant relativement faible, la tige 171 reste droite et parvient ainsi à retenir la rotation du réhaut 1 1.When the flange 11 is driven by the magnetic field of the telescope in the clockwise direction illustrated in FIG. 5a by the arrow b, the flank 111 of the notch 110 closest to the rod 171 pushes the latter in the same direction b. The bending of the rod 171 is however prevented by the particular shape of the recess 170 in the circle 17. The drive moment of the flange being relatively small, the rod 171 remains straight and thus manages to retain the rotation of the flange 11.
Lorsque l'utilisateur entraîne le réhaut dans le sens antihoraire illustré par la flèche a (figure 5b), le flanc 1 12 du cran 110 repousse lentement la tige 171 dans la direction a et vers l'intérieur du cercle. Le décrochement 170 est suffisamment profond dans cette direction pour permettre à la tige 171 de fléchir jusqu'au point où elle parvient à "passer" par dessus la tête de la dent 110. La rotation du réhaut 11 est donc possible dans le sens de la flèche a. Les figures 6 et 7 illustrent une deuxième variante dans laquelle le dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation du réhaut utilise l'aimantation de ce dernier. Le dispositif inclut dans cette variante une pluralité de tiges 173 en matériau magnétique placées librement dans des ouvertures 172 dans le cercle d'emboîtage 17. Les tiges 173 sont attirées magnétiquement par le réhaut partiellement hors des ouvertures 172. Un ressort optionnel non représenté peut éventuellement être prévu au fond des ouvertures 172 pour contrôler la force verticale exercée sur chacune des tiges 173.When the user drives the flange counterclockwise illustrated by the arrow a (Figure 5b), the side 1 12 of the notch 110 slowly pushes the rod 171 in the direction a and towards the inside of the circle. The recess 170 is deep enough in this direction to allow the rod 171 to flex to the point where it manages to "pass" over the head of the tooth 110. The rotation of the flange 11 is therefore possible in the direction of the arrow a. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second variant in which the device for controlling the direction of rotation of the flange uses the magnetization of the latter. The device includes in this variant a plurality of rods 173 of magnetic material freely placed in openings 172 in the casing ring 17. The rods 173 are attracted magnetically by the flange partially outside the openings 172. An optional spring not shown may possibly be be provided at the bottom of the openings 172 to control the vertical force exerted on each of the rods 173.
Le réhaut comporte comme dans la première variante illustrée sur les figures 3 à 5b une cage à crans 1 14 montée sous la partie aimantée 1 17. La cage à crans comporte sur toute sa périphérie des crans 1 14 comportant chacun un flanc relativement raide 1 16 et un flanc plus doux 1 15.The flange comprises, as in the first variant illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5b, a notched cage 1 14 mounted under the magnetized part 1 17. The notched cage comprises, over its entire periphery, notches 1 14 each comprising a relatively stiff flank 1 16 and a softer side 1 15.
Lorsque le réhaut est entraîné dans le sens antihoraire illustré par la flèche a, le flanc doux 1 15 repousse lentement la tige 173 dans l'ouverture 172, permettant ainsi le " passage" de la tête de la dent 1 14. Dans l'autre sens illustré par la flèche b, le flanc raide 1 16 exerce une force exclusivement latérale contre la tige 173 qui reste complètement en saillie hors de l'ouverture 172, empêchant ainsi la rotation du réhaut.When the flange is driven in the counterclockwise direction illustrated by the arrow a, the soft flank 1 15 slowly pushes the rod 173 back into the opening 172, thus allowing the "passage" of the head of the tooth 1 14. In the other direction illustrated by arrow b, the stiff side 11 16 exerts an exclusively lateral force against the rod 173 which remains completely projecting out of the opening 172, thus preventing rotation of the flange.
La figure 8 illustre une troisième variante du dispositif de contrôle de sens de rotation du réhaut, utilisant également l'aimantation de ce dernier. Par rapport à la variante illustrée sur le figures 6 à 7, les tiges 173 et les ouvertures 172 relativement fastidieuses à usiner sont remplacées par un anneau 176 (rondelle) directement posé sur le cercle d'emboîtage 17 et attiré magnétiquement vers le haut de la figure par la portion magnétique 1 17 du réhaut 1 1. Le réhaut comporte à nouveau une cage à crans 1 13 sous la partie aimantée 1 17. La rotation de la rondelle 176 est empêchée dans cet exemple par deux portions repliées dans le logement 175 de passage de la tige à travers le cercle 17. Des décrochements 177 ont été découpés à plusieurs endroits dans la rondelle 176 pour former une languette en relief apte à buter contre une dent du réhaut 1 13, par exemple contre une cage à cran du type illustré sur la figure 7. La forme des décrochements 177 et des dents 113 sous la surface inférieure du réhaut 11 est prévue de manière à n'autoriser la rotation de ce dernier que dans le sens anti-horaire illustré par la flèche a. Des moyens de guidage supplémentaires peuvent être utilisés pour assurer un déplacement vertical de l'anneau 176.FIG. 8 illustrates a third variant of the device for controlling the direction of rotation of the flange, also using the magnetization of the latter. Compared to the variant illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 7, the rods 173 and the openings 172 which are relatively tedious to machine are replaced by a ring 176 (washer) directly placed on the casing circle 17 and attracted magnetically towards the top of the shown by the magnetic portion 1 17 of the flange 1 1. The flange again comprises a notched cage 1 13 under the magnetized portion 1 17. The rotation of the washer 176 is prevented in this example by two portions folded in the housing 175 passage of the rod through the circle 17. Recesses 177 were cut at several places in the washer 176 to form a raised tongue capable of abutting against a tooth of the flange 1 13, for example against a notch cage of the type illustrated in Figure 7. The shape of the recesses 177 and teeth 113 under the lower surface of the flange 11 is provided so as to allow the rotation of the latter only in the counterclockwise direction illustrated by the arrow a. Additional guide means can be used to ensure vertical movement of the ring 176.
L'homme du métier comprendra que le dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation décrit ici peut aussi être utilisé pour contrôler la rotation d'autres organes de la montre, par exemple de la lunette.Those skilled in the art will understand that the device for controlling the direction of rotation described here can also be used to control the rotation of other parts of the watch, for example of the bezel.
L'homme du métier comprendra que la lunette magnétique 14 peut être utilisée dans le cadre de cette invention pour commander la position d'autres organes que le réhaut 11. En montant le cadran 8 sur un axe rotatif, et en lui fixant un anneau magnétisé ou plusieurs aimants discrets, il est ainsi possible de le faire pivoter autour de son axe, par exemple pour déplacer la position d'un guichet au travers duquel d'autres indications sont affichées. Il est aussi possible de réaliser un cadran en plusieurs parties dont une seule est entraînée par la lunette 14, ou d'entraîner une roue ou un disque du train d'engrenages, par exemple le disque des quantièmes, à l'aide de ce mécanisme, afin par exemple de sélectionner un fuseau horaire, de régler l'heure et/ou la date, de remonter la montre, ou afin de commander des fonctions auxiliaires de la montre, par exemple d'initialiser un compte à rebours du chronographe ou de régler une heure d'alarme. Des indications relatives à la fonction commandée pour chaque position de la lunette, par exemple sur le fuseau horaire sélectionné, pourront être apportées sur cette dernière et/ou sur un indicateur dans la montre.A person skilled in the art will understand that the magnetic telescope 14 can be used within the framework of this invention to control the position of organs other than the flange 11. By mounting the dial 8 on a rotary axis, and by fixing a magnetized ring to it or several discrete magnets, it is thus possible to rotate it around its axis, for example to move the position of a window through which other indications are displayed. It is also possible to produce a dial in several parts, only one of which is driven by the bezel 14, or to drive a wheel or a disc of the gear train, for example the date disc, using this mechanism. , for example to select a time zone, to set the time and / or date, to wind the watch, or to control auxiliary functions of the watch, for example to initialize a countdown of the chronograph or set an alarm time. Indications relating to the function controlled for each position of the bezel, for example on the selected time zone, may be provided on the latter and / or on an indicator in the watch.
Dans le cas d'une montre électronique, il est également possible de convertir la position de l'organe entraîné par la lunette 14, par exemple la position du réhaut 11, en une valeur électrique analogique ou numérique de commande de l'électronique de la montre. Cette valeur peut être utilisée pour commander différentes fonctions de la montre. La position de l'organe entraîné par la lunette peut par exemple être détectée par un codeur angulaire photoélectrique ou capacitif de type connu. On constatera que cette solution offre l'avantage de ne nécessiter aucun composant électronique hors de l'enceinte étanchéifiée de la montre et aucune liaison électrique à travers la carrure. Par ailleurs, elle ne fait pas appel à des composants électromécaniques de type interrupteur magnétique.In the case of an electronic watch, it is also possible to convert the position of the member driven by the bezel 14, for example the position of the flange 11, into an analog or digital electric value for controlling the electronics of the shows. This value can be used to control different functions of the watch. The position of the member driven by the telescope can for example be detected by a photoelectric or capacitive angular encoder of known type. We will find that this solution offers the advantage of not requiring any electronic component outside the sealed enclosure of the watch and no electrical connection through the middle. Furthermore, it does not use electromechanical components of the magnetic switch type.
Il est également possible dans le cadre de cette invention de combiner le déplacement continu d'un organe 11 avec le déclenchement d'une fonction de la montre lorsque la lunette occupe une ou plusieurs positions angulaires prédéterminées. Dans ce but, l'organe entraîné par la lunette 14 peut comprendre une came afin de déclencher différentes fonctions ou d'actionner différents organes de la montre en fonction de sa position angulaire. It is also possible in the context of this invention to combine the continuous movement of a member 11 with the triggering of a watch function when the bezel occupies one or more predetermined angular positions. For this purpose, the member driven by the bezel 14 may include a cam in order to trigger different functions or to actuate different members of the watch as a function of its angular position.

Claims

Revendications claims
1. Boîte de montre comportant : une carrure (10), une lunette tournante (14-2) à l'extérieur de ladite carrure, ladite lunette tournante comportant au moins une portion en matériau magnétique (2), un organe (1 1) à l'intérieur de ladite carrure, disposé de manière à pouvoir être commandé par le champ magnétique de ladite portion magnétique, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe (11) est concentrique (4) à ladite lunette tournante et muni d'au moins une portion (4) en matériau magnétique, de manière à pouvoir être entraîné en rotation par attraction entre ladite portion en matériau magnétique de la lunette et ladite portion en matériau magnétique de l'organe.1. Watch case comprising: a middle part (10), a rotating bezel (14-2) outside said middle part, said rotating bezel comprising at least one portion made of magnetic material (2), a member (1 1) inside said middle, arranged so as to be able to be controlled by the magnetic field of said magnetic portion, characterized in that said member (11) is concentric (4) with said rotating bezel and provided with at least one portion (4) of magnetic material, so that it can be rotated by attraction between said portion of magnetic material of the telescope and said portion of magnetic material of the member.
2. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit organe (11) est de type analogique et peut prendre une infinité de positions distinctes selon la position angulaire de ladite lunette tournante.2. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said member (11) is of analog type and can take an infinity of distinct positions according to the angular position of said rotating bezel.
3. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit organe (11) porte des indications (110) visibles à travers la glace (13) de ladite boîte de montre.3. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said member (11) carries indications (110) visible through the glass (13) of said watch case.
4. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit organe comprend un réhaut (11) portant des indications (1 10) visibles à travers la glace (13) de la boîte de montre.4. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said member comprises a flange (11) bearing indications (1 10) visible through the glass (13) of the watch case.
5. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle lesdites indications (110) correspondent à un temps résiduel.5. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said indications (110) correspond to a residual time.
6. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle ledit organe comprend au moins une portion du cadran (8) visible à travers la glace (13) de la boîte de montre. 6. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said member comprises at least a portion of the dial (8) visible through the crystal (13) of the watch case.
7. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle ledit organe comprend une roue ou un disque du train d'engrenages de la montre.7. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said member comprises a wheel or a disc of the gear train of the watch.
8. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ladite roue ou ledit disque du train d'engrenages permet de sélectionner un fuseau horaire.8. Watch case according to the preceding claim, in which said wheel or said gear train disc makes it possible to select a time zone.
9. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle des indications relatives au fuseau horaire sélectionné sont indiquées sur ladite lunette (14).9. Watch case according to the preceding claim, in which indications relating to the selected time zone are indicated on said bezel (14).
10. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant un anneau (2) solidaire de ladite lunette tournante (14) et muni d'une pluralité de segments angulaires avec des polarités magnétiques alternées.10. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a ring (2) integral with said rotating bezel (14) and provided with a plurality of angular segments with alternating magnetic polarities.
11. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant un anneau (4) solidaire dudit organe (1 1) et muni d'une pluralité de segments angulaires avec des polarités magnétiques alternées.11. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a ring (4) integral with said member (1 1) and provided with a plurality of angular segments with alternating magnetic polarities.
12. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 10 ou 1 1 , dans laquelle au moins un desdits anneaux (2, 4) est fabriqué par frittage à base de terres rares.12. Watch case according to one of claims 10 or 1 1, wherein at least one of said rings (2, 4) is manufactured by sintering based on rare earths.
13. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, comprenant une pluralité d'aimants individuels solidaires de ladite lunette tournante (14).13. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of individual magnets integral with said rotating bezel (14).
14. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, comprenant une pluralité d'aimants individuels solidaires dudit organe (1 1).14. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of individual magnets integral with said member (1 1).
15. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, ledit organe (11) étant constitué par une came montée de manière à déclencher une ou plusieurs fonctions en fonction de sa position angulaire. 15. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, said member (11) being constituted by a cam mounted so as to trigger one or more functions depending on its angular position.
16. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, comprenant un dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation de ladite lunette tournante (14).16. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for controlling the direction of rotation of said rotating bezel (14).
17. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications 1 à 15, comprenant un dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation dudit organe (11).17. Watch case according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a device for controlling the direction of rotation of said member (11).
18. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation dudit organe (11) comprend un élément (171) en flexion solidaire du cercle d'emboîtage et apte à coopérer avec une portion de l'organe pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.18. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said device for controlling the direction of rotation of said member (11) comprises an element (171) in flexion secured to the casing circle and capable of cooperating with a portion of the member. to prevent its rotation in one direction.
19. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 17, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation dudit organe (1 1) comprend au moins un élément en matériau magnétique (173; 176) attiré magnétiquement par ledit organe pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.19. Watch case according to claim 17, wherein said device for controlling the direction of rotation of said member (1 1) comprises at least one element made of magnetic material (173; 176) attracted magnetically by said member to prevent its rotation in a meaning.
20. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit au moins un élément en matériau magnétique comprend au moins une tige (173) placée librement dans au moins une ouverture (172) et apte à coopérer avec une portion dudit organe (1 1) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.20. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one element of magnetic material comprises at least one rod (173) placed freely in at least one opening (172) and able to cooperate with a portion of said member (1 1 ) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
21. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 19, dans laquelle ledit au moins un élément en matériau magnétique comprend un anneau (176) d'épaisseur irrégulière posé librement sur une surface d'appui (17) et apte à coopérer avec une portion dudit organe (1 1) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.21. Watch case according to claim 19, wherein said at least one element made of magnetic material comprises a ring (176) of irregular thickness freely placed on a bearing surface (17) and able to cooperate with a portion of said member. (1 1) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
22. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit anneau est réalisé à partir d'un anneau d'épaisseur régulière dans lequel des décrochements (177) ont été découpés pour former une surface apte à buter contre une portion dudit organe (11) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens. 22. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said ring is made from a ring of regular thickness in which recesses (177) have been cut to form a surface capable of abutting against a portion of said member (11 ) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
23. Boîte de montre comportant : une carrure (10), une lunette tournante (14-2) à l'extérieur de ladite carrure, ladite lunette tournante comportant au moins une portion magnétique (2), un organe (11) à l'intérieur de ladite carrure, disposé de manière à pouvoir être commandé par le champ magnétique de ladite portion magnétique (2), caractérisé en ce que ledit organe (11) est de type analogique et peut prendre une infinité de positions distinctes selon la position angulaire de ladite lunette tournante.23. Watch case comprising: a middle part (10), a rotating bezel (14-2) outside said middle part, said rotating bezel comprising at least one magnetic portion (2), a member (11) at the inside of said middle, arranged so as to be able to be controlled by the magnetic field of said magnetic portion (2), characterized in that said member (11) is of analog type and can take an infinity of distinct positions depending on the angular position of said rotating bezel.
24. Boîte de montre comportant au moins un organe (17; 14) tournant et un dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation dudit organe, ledit organe tournant comportant au moins une portion magnétique (2), caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif de contrôle du sens de rotation comprend au moins un élément en matériau magnétique (173; 176) attiré magnétiquement par ledit organe tournant pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.24. Watch case comprising at least one rotating member (17; 14) and a device for controlling the direction of rotation of said member, said rotating member comprising at least one magnetic portion (2), characterized in that said device for controlling the direction of rotation comprises at least one element made of magnetic material (173; 176) attracted magnetically by said rotating member to prevent its rotation in one direction.
25. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit au moins un élément comprend au moins une tige (173) placée librement dans au moins une ouverture (172) et apte à coopérer avec une portion dudit organe (11) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.25. Watch case according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one element comprises at least one rod (173) placed freely in at least one opening (172) and able to cooperate with a portion of said member (11) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
26. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 24, dans laquelle ledit au moins un élément comprend un anneau (176) d'épaisseur irrégulière posé librement sur une surface d'appui et apte à coopérer avec une portion dudit organe (1 1) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens.26. Watch case according to claim 24, wherein said at least one element comprises a ring (176) of irregular thickness freely placed on a bearing surface and adapted to cooperate with a portion of said member (1 1) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
27. Boîte de montre selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit anneau est réalisé à partir d'un anneau d'épaisseur régulière dans lequel des décrochements (177) ont été découpés pour former une surface apte à buter contre une portion dudit organe (11) pour empêcher sa rotation dans un sens. 27. Watch case according to the preceding claim, in which said ring is produced from a ring of regular thickness in which recesses (177) have been cut to form a surface capable of abutting against a portion of said member (11 ) to prevent its rotation in one direction.
EP01960052A 2000-12-01 2001-09-07 Watch case Expired - Lifetime EP1342131B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH233700 2000-12-01
CH23372000 2000-12-01
PCT/CH2001/000542 WO2002044818A1 (en) 2000-12-01 2001-09-07 Watch case

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EP1342131A1 true EP1342131A1 (en) 2003-09-10
EP1342131B1 EP1342131B1 (en) 2011-11-09

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EP01960052A Expired - Lifetime EP1342131B1 (en) 2000-12-01 2001-09-07 Watch case

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US (1) US6799886B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1342131B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4558270B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE533091T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001281662A1 (en)
TW (1) TW490602B (en)
WO (1) WO2002044818A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
ATE533091T1 (en) 2011-11-15
AU2001281662A1 (en) 2002-06-11
JP2004514155A (en) 2004-05-13
US6799886B2 (en) 2004-10-05
EP1342131B1 (en) 2011-11-09
WO2002044818A1 (en) 2002-06-06
JP4558270B2 (en) 2010-10-06
US20030206493A1 (en) 2003-11-06
TW490602B (en) 2002-06-11

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