HK1249591B - Exterior sub-assembly for a timepiece or piece of jewellery - Google Patents

Description

External subassemblies for watches or jewelry

Technical Field

The invention relates to a subassembly, known as an external subassembly, for a timepiece, in particular a watch, or for an item of jewellery, comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising edges protruding from a first skirt and arranged alternately with first recesses, the second component comprising wings protruding from a second skirt and arranged alternately with second recesses, the subassembly being arranged to occupy a first, unplugged position, in which the first component and the second component have a first angular orientation relative to each other, or to occupy a second, assembled and locked position, in which the first component and the second component have a second angular orientation relative to each other that is different from the first angular orientation, and the first component and the second component are axially retained by a bayonet fit between at least two of the edges and at least two of the wings.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such an exterior subassembly.

The invention also relates to an item of jewellery comprising such a subassembly.

The present invention relates to the field of watch exteriors and to the field of jewellery.

Background Art

The external parts of watches and similar devices are subject to many constraints in particular regarding sealing, robustness and appearance, and must be designed to prevent any unintentional/accidental detachment/disassembly, which would necessarily require after-sales work to replace gaskets, perform cleaning, lubrication or even repairs.

These external components or control components must also be angularly positioned relative to each other to locate an initial reference position, rest position, or actuated position, or to facilitate reading of indicators or scales, or to ensure continuity of twisted surfaces and/or decorative features. This angular positioning (angular indexing) is often difficult to achieve successfully while simultaneously achieving properly gripped components and a fully sealed gasket.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to achieve a sealed and safe assembly of the outer component while simultaneously achieving a simple and adjustable angular positioning for precise position adjustment.

To this end, the invention relates to an outer subassembly for a timepiece or for a piece of jewellery, comprising a first component and a second component, the first component having edges protruding from a first skirt and arranged alternately with first recesses, the second component comprising wings protruding from a second skirt and arranged alternately with second recesses, the first component and the second component being arranged to occupy a first unplugged position or a second assembled and locked position, in which, in the first unplugged position, the first component and the second component have a first angular orientation relative to each other, in which, in the second assembled and locked position, the first component and the second component have a second angular orientation relative to each other that is different from the first angular orientation, and the first component and the second component have at least two of the edges and at least one of the wings. and a second stop member having a plurality of camming members connected thereto and having a plurality of camming members connected thereto, the plurality of camming members having the plurality of camming members being connected thereto are plurality of camming members and a plurality of camming members connected thereto.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such an exterior subassembly.

The invention also relates to an item of jewellery comprising such a subassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic top perspective view of a specific variant of a component according to the invention, which is in the form of an annular element, which comprises at least one elastically deformable area, here in the form of a recess, the annular piece forming a third component arranged to be inserted between a first component and a second component, wherein the first component and the second component are arranged to be fixed to each other in a bayonet fit arrangement.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a similar ring including a protruding elastically deformable region.

3 shows a schematic sectional view along the main axis of an external subassembly according to the invention comprising a first component, which is the case middle part, and a second component, shown below it, which is the case back cover, which are fixed to one another in a bayonet-fit arrangement and which hold, on the one hand, the sealing gasket and, on the other hand, the annular element from FIG. 1 , which is received in a groove in the first component and is angularly stopped in a stop receptacle of the second component, through which the sectional plane passes.

FIG4 shows the same subassembly in a similar manner to FIG3 in another sectional view taken through the elastically deformable region of the annular element and the projection in the groove of the first component and between the two stop receiving portions comprised therein in the second component.

FIG5 shows a specific variant in a similar manner to FIG4 and in the same sectional plane, in which the groove of the first component is a rotary groove and in which the first component includes a press-in pin which forms a stop at the indexing position of the elastically deformable area of the annular part.

6 is a partial section, located in a plane perpendicular to the main axis and in the middle of the groove of the first member, in another variant in which the groove comprises a notch structure and in which the annular element comprises a plurality of elastically deformable zones in series.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic bottom view of a watch comprising such a subassembly, wherein the case middle forms a first component and the case back forms a second component.

FIG. 8 shows a watch comprising such a subassembly in a schematic top view, wherein the case middle forms the first component and the bezel forms the second component.

FIG. 9 shows, in a schematic top view, a watch comprising such a subassembly, wherein the tubular piece fastened to the case middle forms a first component and the crown forms a second component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The object of the present invention is to achieve a sealed and safe assembly of an outer component with a simple, adjustable angular positioning and with a reduced number of components.

The present invention relates to an external subassembly 100 for a timepiece, in particular a watch or an item of jewellery, comprising a first component 1 having an edge 2 projecting from a first skirt 6 and arranged alternately with first recesses, and a second component 10 comprising wings 12 projecting from a second skirt 11 and arranged alternately with second recesses.

Although the general term "external" subassembly is often used only in horology, it is used here for both watches and jewelry. It should be understood that in the case of jewelry, such a subassembly may refer to the structure of the jewelry, or an element attached to a base structure, or an assembly composed of multiple base or preassembled components, or even an entire piece of jewelry.

The outer subassembly 100 is arranged to be transformed from a first, un-inserted position to a second, assembled and locked position.

In this first, unplugged position, the first component 1 and the second component 10 have a first angular orientation relative to each other.

In a specific non-limiting variant, a repulsion mechanism is provided at the interface between the first member 1 and the second member 10, the first member 1 and the second member 10 tend to be kept at a certain distance from each other under the action of the repulsion mechanism, the repulsion mechanism comprising a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing gasket 9. The transition from the first unassembled position to the second assembled and locked position is achieved under the action of a force applied by an operator: the force applied by the operator comprises an axial force to overcome the resistance of the repulsion mechanism and bring the first member 1 and the second member 10 into contact, and a torque to bring the first member 1 and the second member into an angular positioning position/angular calibration position.

In the second assembled and locked position, the first component 1 and the second component 10 have a second angular orientation relative to each other, which is different from the first angular orientation. In this particular variant including a repulsion mechanism, the first component 1 and the second component 10 are axially retained by means of a bayonet fit, achieved between the at least two edges 2 and the at least two wings 12 by an axial force and a torque force applied by an operator, against the resistance exerted by the repulsion mechanism.

The coupling between the first component 1 and the second component 10, achieved by means of a bayonet fit, in particular about the axial direction D, is reversible and allows disengagement of the first component 1 and the second component 10. According to the invention and in complete contrast to the prior art, such disengagement requires the operator to exert a force similar to that exerted during assembly, preferably using a dedicated tool that cooperates, for example, with a peripheral notch or hole or similar structure, and cannot occur due to misoperation or exposure to certain external physical factors.

In one specific variation including a repulsion mechanism, and particularly in the non-limiting variations illustrated by Figures 3-5, an external subassembly 100 includes at least one sealing gasket 9 between a first member 1 and a second member 10. In these same variations, the first member 1 includes a lip 2 projecting radially inward from a first skirt 6, the lip 2 alternating with first recesses. The second member 10 includes wings 12 projecting radially outward from a second skirt 11, the wings alternating with second recesses. The external subassembly 100 is configured to transition from a disengaged position to an assembled position compressing the sealing gasket 9 by reversibly engaging the first and second members 1, 10, the reversible engagement being achieved by a bayonet fit between at least two lip 2 and at least two wings 12 formed during relative rotational movement of the first and second members 1, 10 about an axial direction D. While axial compression of the sealing gasket 9 is most common, the present invention also allows for simpler assembly utilizing radial compression of such a gasket. It should be understood that the present invention is illustrated herein with respect to a specific variation having radially projecting lip and wings. The present invention is also applicable to other variations in which the axial and radial configurations are reversed.

According to the invention, this subassembly 100 comprises at least one third member 30 in the form of an annular piece, inserted between the first and second members 1, 10, and in the illustrated embodiment, particularly radially therebetween. Third member 30 more particularly comprises a ring 31, i.e., a thin ring, not necessarily closed, arranged to be received in a groove 131 included in at least the first or second member 1, 10. More particularly, ring 31 comprises a segment similar to a ratchet to facilitate manipulation in only one direction, as in the particular case of the invention for a unidirectional bezel. Such a ring may be elongated and have a substantially circular or rectangular cross-section, or another cross-sectional shape.

More particularly, the ring 31 is elastic and can be made of, in particular, spring wire, steel wire, or the ring 31 can be pressed or molded from an elastic material or the like.

The third component 30 comprises at least one rotation stop 33 , 34 relative to the first component 1 or relative to the second component 10 .

The third member 30 further comprises at least one elastic area 32, which is radially recessed in the variant of FIG. 1 and radially protrudes in the variant of FIG. 2 and is arranged to cooperate in an angular positioning and locking configuration in a plane passing through the groove with a projection 132 or a receiving portion included in either of the first member 1 and the second member 10 that are free to rotate relative to the third member 30. The elastic area 32 is a radial relief area in the variants shown, in which the bayonet fitting mechanism is based on a radial extension, which relief area could, in another application, be an axial relief area cooperating with an axial relief portion in the assembly mechanism.

5 , the projection 132 is inserted into a groove 131 machined in revolution about the axis D. More specifically, the projection 132 is formed by a pin 232 or similar element which only needs to be driven into a simple bore 231 made in the first element 1 .

In the case where the projection 132 is an additional component, although a pin is the simplest embodiment, other variations are not excluded, such as other configurations in a dovetail fit or the like. In one variation, the projection 132 can itself be elastic and made, for example, of an amorphous metal or the like.

In another variant, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the groove 131 is produced by contouring or by injection molding or the like and directly comprises the projection 132 or, in an opposite variant, the receptacle.

More specifically, the third member 30 is rotationally fixed relative to the first member 1 or relative to the second member 10 , and the elastic region 32 provides a resistance torque with a variable moment against any relative tangential torque between the first member 1 and the second member 10 .

And any travel of the projection 132 or the receiving portion on the elastic region 32 generates a resistance torque that tends to resist the relative rotational movement between the first member 1 and the second member 10 .

At least one elastic region 32 is arranged for relative angular positioning between the first component 1 and the second component 10 .

3-5 , the second member 10 includes at least one stopper receiving portion 133 or 134 for receiving a foot included in the third member 30 and forming a rotation stop 33, 34. More specifically, as shown in the figures, the third member 30 includes two rotation stops 33 and 34, which are arranged to cooperate with two corresponding stopper receiving portions 133, 134.

These feet give the assembly its rigidity.

Figure 1 shows a variant in which the two rotation stops 33 and 34 are perpendicular to the plane of the ring 31. Other shapes can naturally be used, in particular shapes with radial stops in the plane of the ring 31, or vice versa.

More specifically, in the latter variant, the spacing between the two stop receptacles 133 and 134 can be different from the spacing between the rotation stops 33 and 34 in the untensioned state, thereby exerting stress on the ring 31: if the contour of the ring 31 is circular except for the elastic area 32 in the untensioned state, then in the tensioned state this stress can give it an elliptical shape due to the friction in a part of the groove 131, thereby braking the first component 1 relative to the second component 10, which may be useful in particular when disassembling for maintenance.

Similar results can be achieved with special shapes of the ring 31 in the untensioned state: ellipsis, wavy or multi-lobed circles, or other shapes.

The surface treatment applied to the member with the groove 131 and/or to the ring 31 also makes it possible to obtain a friction surface that proves useful in resisting any untimely disengagement: in this case, the user must have a tool, preferably a dedicated tool, to enable relative rotation between the first and second members and overcome the main resistance threshold of the area 32 to which the frictional resistance is applied.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the third member 30 includes a plurality of elastic regions 32 on at least one elastically deformable region, and the plurality of elastic regions are arranged to provide continuous resistance against the complementary concave-convex regions 18 included in the relative member, which complementary concave-convex regions 18 can be, for example, a plurality of notch structures or similar structures composed of a series of receiving portions.

More specifically, as can still be seen in Figure 6, within the same elastically deformable area, a plurality of successive elastic areas 32 are arranged to provide an increasing resistance against such a complementary concave and convex area 18. In a particular and advantageous manner, such a succession of elastic areas 32 and/or complementary concave and convex areas 18 can be arranged to provide an increasing resistance torque during the rotational movement caused by the operator towards the detent position, for example as the number of protrusions or the like increases.

Thus, it is possible to provide strong progressive braking during the relative rotation of the first and second components until a position is reached at which the relative relief between the ring 31 and the projection 132 or the profile of the recess 131, as the case may be, results in a maximum resistance torque, which corresponds to a specific positioning position. Such a notch configuration also prevents untimely disengagement of the subassembly.

Naturally, an opposite assembly is also possible, in which the first component 1 has a stop receiving portion 133 or 134 and the second component 10 includes a projection 132 or similar structure, but is not described in detail because it is easy to replace for a person skilled in the art.

More specifically and as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the ring 31 is open and therefore comprises two free ends in the free, untensioned state of the ring.This characteristic particularly facilitates the tensioning of the ring, as explained above.

It should be noted that when a sealing gasket is not necessary, the third member 30 may form a repulsion mechanism, in particular in the form of a ring 31 which is not planar but wavy or similarly shaped.

In one advantageous, non-limiting application, as seen in FIG7 , first component 1 is a case middle and second component 10 is a case back. In a specific variant, at least one sealing gasket is required. In a variant not shown, first component 1 is a case back and second component 10 is a decorative element attached to the case back, such as a medallion or the like, in which case no gasket is required between them, and in variants including a repulsion mechanism, the presence of a spring or ring 31 itself may be sufficient.

It should be noted in this regard that the present invention may be implemented without such a repulsion mechanism, particularly for applications with external components or the like.

In another application, first member 1 is a case middle and second member 10 is a flange or bezel, as shown in FIG8 . This situation is particularly suitable for variants in which the first and second members are inclined to move away from each other by a magnetic repulsion mechanism or even by an elastic element—for example, a ring, not necessarily a closed, thin ring, or more particularly a ring including a segment similar to a ratchet to allow only unidirectional operation, as in the particular case in which the present invention is applied to a unidirectional bezel. Such a ring can be elongated, with a substantially circular or rectangular cross-section or other cross-section. Alternatively, in a specific variant, it is only the actual third member 30 that forms the repulsion mechanism, which significantly reduces the number of components while ensuring the required retention very satisfactorily. In such a case, ring 31 can include a relief structure in its main plane for positioning between first member 1 and second member 10 and another relief structure in the axial direction of subassembly 100 to form such a repulsion mechanism.

In yet another application, first component 1 is a case middle or a tubular element attached to a case middle, and second component 10 is a crown, as can be seen in Figure 9. In a variant, second component 10 is a winding stem or a pusher. In these cases as well, at least one washer must be provided.

The choice of material pairs forming the first and third components, and the second and third components, allows different friction characteristics to be achieved despite identical geometries, particularly when some of these components have friction surfaces obtained through surface treatment. This allows for adjustment of the resistance, which is particularly useful for preventing accidental detachment/disassembly. Ring 31, which ensures force absorption, particularly in the event of impact, also protects the surfaces of the components, which is advantageous. For example, if at least one component is made of ceramic, this ring is advantageously made of at least partially amorphous metal or the like.

The invention is suitable for numerous applications in horology, for example in helium escape valves in divers' watches, or in external components such as bracelets or straps, buckles, clasps or the like. It is also suitable for use in jewellery to effectively close cuff links or earrings, or to secure gemstones or decorative elements designed to be removable.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch 1000 , comprising such an exterior subassembly 100 .

The invention also relates to an article of jewellery comprising such a timepiece subassembly 100 .

The present invention thus prevents untimely and accidental disengagement of the subassembly 100, for example, under the influence of vibration, continuous expansion cycles, or due to user misuse or due to other factors.

An important advantage of the present invention is that it requires only simple, easily performed mechanical operations to avoid soiling or damaging the watch and is affordable.

The invention also ensures perfect orientation of the component which remains locked in its service position.

The invention also enables opposing components made of different types of materials to cooperate with each other without generating expansion, friction, elastic forces, or other stresses, without the need for external fastening elements such as screws or the like, without threads, or machining that could weaken specialized materials such as ceramic, sapphire, or the like. The invention exhibits very good resistance to accidental or even intentional loosening due to vibrations, or to shocks of the Chapuis type. The invention also ensures the interchangeability of components and thus allows for improved customization of the watch or jewelry item to the user.

The invention is equally applicable to watches or jewellery made of precious materials and to mass-produced products comprising components having low unit costs, in particular components made of plastic or similar materials.

The present invention is well suited for cases where the subassembly 100 comprises a first component 1 and a second component 10 made of different materials with different expansion coefficients, or of fragile or hard materials (ceramic, sapphire, precious stones, gemstones, cameos) that are not suitable for standard fastening methods. Typical configurations that can be cited include the assembly of a gold case middle to a sapphire case back, or a watch case entirely made of ceramic, a metal-ceramic combination, or similar materials. The first component 1 and the second component 10 can therefore be made of a wide variety of materials, including: metal alloys, particularly precious or graded alloys, stainless steel, at least partially amorphous metal alloys, or the like; ceramics; sapphire; minerals; hard stones; rubber; plastic materials, particularly thermoplastic elastomers known as TPEs, particularly thermoplastic polyurethanes known as TPUs; polycarbonates known as PCs; polyvinyl chloride known as PVCs; polyacetals or polyoxymethylenes known as POMs; silicones, and, in a non-limiting manner, materials found only in horology and jewelry.

Claims (19)

1. An external sub-assembly (100) for a watch or for jewelry, comprising a first member (1) and a second member (10), the first member having edges (2) projecting from a first edge (6) and alternating with a first recess, the second member including wings (12) projecting from a second edge (11) and alternating with a second recess, the first member and the second member being arranged to occupy a first uninserted position or a second assembled and locked position, in the first uninserted position having a first angular orientation relative to each other, and in the second assembled and locked position having a second angular orientation relative to each other different from the first angular orientation, and the first member and the second member being engaged by a snap-fit between at least two of the edges (2) and at least two of the wings (12). Axially retained, characterized in that the external subassembly (100) includes at least one third member (30) in the form of a ring, the third member being inserted between the first member (1) and the second member (10) and including an annular element (31) received within a groove (131) included in at least the first member (1) or the second member (10), and the third member (30) including at least one radially recessed or radially protruding elastic region (32) and at least one rotation stop (33, 34) relative to the first member (1) or the second member (10), the elastic region (32) being arranged in an angularly positioned and locked arrangement in the plane through the groove to cooperate with a protrusion or receiving portion included in either the first member (1) or the second member (10) which is freely rotatable relative to the third member (30). 2. The external subassembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the first uninserted position, the first member (1) and the second member (10) are oriented at a first angle relative to each other and are kept apart by a repulsion mechanism comprising a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing gasket (9), and wherein, in the second assembled and locked position, the first member (1) and the second member (10) are axially held against the resistance exerted by the repulsion mechanism. 3. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein the repulsion mechanism comprises at least one of the sealing gaskets (9). 4. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the repulsion mechanism includes at least one of the sealing gaskets (9), wherein the edge (2) protrudes radially inward from the first skirt edge (6), the wing (12) protrudes radially outward from the second skirt edge (11), and wherein the annular third member (30) is arranged radially inserted between the first member (1) and the second member (10). 5. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the third member (30) is fixed in rotation relative to the first member (1) or relative to the second member (10), and wherein the elastic region (32) provides a variable torque resisting any relative tangential torque between the first member (1) and the second member (10), and any travel of the protrusion or receiving portion on the elastic region (32) generates a resisting torque that tends to resist relative rotational movement between the first member (1) and the second member (10), at least one of the elastic regions (32) being arranged for relative angular positioning between the first member (1) and the second member (10). 6. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protrusion (132) is inserted into the interior of the groove (131), the groove (131) being a rotary groove about the axis (D). 7. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the groove (131) directly includes the protrusion (132), or in the opposite configuration directly includes the receiving portion. 8. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the annular element (31) is elastic. 9. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second member (10) includes at least one stop receiving portion (133, 134) for receiving a leg forming the rotation stop portion (33, 34) included in the third member (30). 10. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the third member (30) includes two of the said rotation stops (33, 34), the two said rotation stops (33, 34) being arranged to cooperate with two corresponding said stop receiving portions (133, 134), wherein the spacing between the two said stop receiving portions (133, 134) is different from the spacing between the rotation stops (33, 34) in the untensioned state, thereby causing stress to be generated on the annular element (31) when it is in place. 11. The external subassembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the member with the groove (131) and/or the annular element (31) includes a friction surface arranged to resist frictional resistance when the external subassembly (100) is disassembled. 12. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third member (30) includes a plurality of elastic regions (32) in at least one deformable region, the plurality of elastic regions being arranged to provide continuous resistance against complementary concave-convex regions (18). 13. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, in the same deformable region, the successive elastic regions (32) are arranged to provide increasing resistance against the complementary concave-convex regions (18). 14. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first component (1) is a middle part of the watch case and the second component (10) is a back cover of the watch case. 15. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first component (1) is a middle part of the case and the second component (10) is a flange or bezel. 16. The external sub-assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first member (1) is a case intermediate part or a tubular part attached to the case intermediate part, and the second member (10) is a crown. 17. The external sub-component (100) according to claim 2, wherein the third component (30) forms the repulsion mechanism. 18. A watch (1000) including the external sub-component (100) according to claim 1. 19. Jewelry comprising the external sub-component (100) according to claim 1.