HK1249592B - Sub-assembly of external parts for timepiece or piece of jewellery - Google Patents

Description

Subassemblies for exterior parts of watches or jewelry

Technical Field

The invention relates to a subassembly of an external part for a timepiece, a watch or a piece of jewellery, comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising an edge protruding from a first skirt and arranged alternately with a first cutout, the second component comprising a wing protruding from a second skirt and arranged alternately with a second cutout, the first component and the second component being arranged to occupy a first unplugged position or an assembled and locked position, in which the first unplugged position the first component and the second component have a first angular orientation relative to each other, different from the first angular orientation, and 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 a subassembly of an exterior part.

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

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

Background Art

The exterior parts of watches and similar devices are subject to many constraints, notably impermeability, robustness, appearance, and must be made to prevent any unintentional disassembly that would inevitably lead to after-sales intervention for replacing seals, cleaning, lubrication or even repairs.

Some components of the external parts or some components for control also have to be positioned angularly relative to each other in order to reposition them to an initial reference position, inoperative or operative, or even to assist in reading markings or graduations, or to ensure the continuity of unrealistic and/or decorative surfaces. This angular positioning (angular indexing) is often difficult to achieve properly in combination with a good locking of the components and a perfect sealing of the joints.

Document EP2476335A1, in the name of De Retz, describes a jewelry item having two annular side bodies, each having a larger diameter than a central annular body. One of the side bodies is removably assembled with the central body for positioning and removing the annular decorative element. In the assembled position, defined by a further locking element interposed between the side bodies and the central body, a magnetic locking element (i.e., a toothing) holds the side body to the central body along a degree of freedom. This further locking element is formed by a protruding element (i.e., a rounded edge), a protrusion with an opening and a closing portion, and a groove.

Document EP 2 537 431 A1 in the name of Aravelo Martin describes a device for attaching a precious element to a finger ring, comprising a basic annular body to be worn on the finger and a jewel support connected to the annular body in an upper region. The basic annular body comprises a head at one portion of the annular body, which is integrally formed with the annular body and is inserted and connected to the lower portion of the jewel support by means of a bayonet connection.

Summary of the Invention

The invention proposes to produce a sealed and strong assembly of components of an exterior part with perfect angular positioning between the components.

To this end, the present invention relates to a subassembly of an outer part for a timepiece, comprising a first component and a second component, the first component comprising an edge projecting from a first skirt and arranged alternately with a first cutout, the second component comprising a wing projecting from a second skirt and arranged alternately with a second cutout, the first component and the second component being arranged to occupy a first, unplugged position or a second, assembled and locked position, in which the first and second components have a first angular orientation relative to each other, and in which the first and second components have a second angular orientation relative to each other that is different from the first angular orientation, and are axially retained by a bayonet fit between at least two of the edges and at least two of the wings, characterized in that at least the first component or the second component The two components at least partially include at least one elastically deformable area in the thickness of the first skirt or the second skirt, which area includes a lug, which is configured to cooperate with a limit stop for angular positioning and locking included in the other of the first component and the second component by positioning in a relative position between the first component and the second component; and wherein, in the first uninserted position, the first component and the second component have a first angular orientation relative to each other and are maintained at a certain distance relative to each other by a repulsion mechanism, which repulsion mechanism includes a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing joint; and wherein, in the second assembled and locked position, the first component and the second component are axially maintained against the resistance applied by the repulsion mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a subassembly of external parts.

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 from the following detailed description when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG1 schematically shows, in exploded perspective, a particular variant of the subassembly of the exterior part according to the invention, comprising a first component, which is the middle part, below which is shown a second component, which is the back cover, including arrows indicating the angular positioning directions and which is shown fastened to the first component in a bayonet manner;

FIG. 2 , similar to FIG. 1 , shows the same subassembly after insertion, supported on the first component by the second component in a first angular orientation corresponding to the free passage of the bayonet;

FIG3 , similar to FIG2 , shows the same subassembly in a second positioning position, after the rotation achieved by the perfect relative angular positioning of the second member with respect to the first member, and in the closed position after the bayonet is completely closed;

FIG4 is a partial perspective view of the subassembly of the outer part, in which the first and second parts are in a stable indexed position thanks to the cooperation of a lug in the elastically deformable zone of one part (here the back cover) located near the groove and a limit stop included in the other part (here the middle part);

- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of another variant of the subassembly according to the invention, in which it is an intermediate part that comprises such an elastically deformable zone comprising a lug;

- FIG6 schematically shows, in bottom view, a watch comprising such a subassembly, of which the intermediate part constitutes the first component and the back cover constitutes the second component;

- FIG. 7 schematically shows, in top view, a watch comprising such a subassembly, of which the intermediate part constitutes the first component and the bezel constitutes the second component;

FIG. 8 schematically shows, in top view, a watch comprising such a subassembly, the tubular piece fixed to the middle constituting a first component and the crown constituting a second component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention proposes to produce a sealed and secure assembly of components of an exterior part, with easily adjustable angular positioning and with a minimum number of components.

1 to 5 show non-limiting examples of the angular positioning of the back cover relative to the watch middle part.

The invention relates to a subassembly 100 for an external part of a timepiece, more particularly a watch or an item of jewellery, comprising a first component 1 comprising an edge 2 projecting from a first skirt 6 and arranged alternately with first cutouts, and a second component 10 comprising wings 12 projecting from a second skirt 11 and arranged alternately with second cutouts 13.

The general term "subassembly of an external part" is used here for both watches and jewelry, although the term is currently only used in watchmaking. It should be understood that in the case of jewelry, the subassembly may refer to the structure of the jewelry or an element connected to the back cover structure, or any assembly of several basic or preassembled parts, or even an entire piece of jewelry.

The subassembly of the outer part 100 is provided to be moved from a first, unplugged position to a second, assembled and locked position.

In a specific non-limiting variant, which includes a repulsion mechanism provided at the interface between the first and second components 1, 10, the first and second components 1, 10 tend to be kept at a distance from each other by a repulsion mechanism comprising a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing joint. The change from the first, unassembled position to the second, assembled and locked position is achieved by the action of forces applied by the operator: an axial force to overcome the resistance of the repulsion mechanism and bring the first and second components 1, 10 into contact, and a torque to bring them into an angular and supported positioning position.

In the first, unplugged position, the first component 1 and the second component 10 have a first angular orientation relative to one another.

In a specific non-limiting variant, which includes a repulsion mechanism provided at the interface between the first and second components 1, 10, the first and second components 1, 10 tend to be kept at a distance from each other by a repulsion mechanism comprising a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing joint, lug or protrusion. The transition from the first unassembled position to the second assembled and locked position is achieved by the action of forces applied by the operator: an axial force to overcome the resistance of the repulsion mechanism and bring the first and second components 1, 10 into contact, and a torque to bring them into an angular and supported positioning position.

In the second assembled and locked position, the first and second members 1, 10 have a second angular orientation relative to each other that is different from the first angular orientation. In a particular variant comprising repulsion mechanisms, the first and second members 1, 10 are axially retained by the action of a bayonet fit between at least two edges 2 and at least two wings 12, the action of the bayonet fit being generated by the application of an axial force and a torsional force provided by the operator, and against the resistance exerted by these repulsion mechanisms.

The integration of the first and second components 1, 10 by means of a bayonet fit, in particular with respect to the axial direction D, is reversible and allows their disassembly. In the manner according to the invention and unlike the prior art, this disassembly requires forces similar to those exerted during assembly on the part of the operator, preferably requiring the use of a dedicated tool, which, for example, fits into a hole or a peripheral recess or the like and which cannot be achieved with awkwardness or exposed to certain external physical factors.

According to the invention, at least the first component 1 or the second component 10 comprises at least one elastically deformable area 50, in the illustrated case radially deformable, located in such edge 2 or corresponding such wing 12. The subassembly 100 of the outer part comprises at least one elastically deformable area 50, in the illustrated case radially deformable, comprising a lug 19, which is arranged to cooperate with a limit stop 63, 163 for angular positioning and locking included in the other of the first and second components 1, 10, by means of marking/positioning the relative position between the first and second components 1, 10.

More specifically, the invention relates to a subassembly 100 of an exterior part for a timepiece or watch comprising at least one sealed joint between a first component 1 and a second component 10 , insofar as this non-limiting variant comprises a repulsion mechanism.

More specifically, and in particular in the variant shown in the figures, the edge 2 of the first component 1 has a substantially revolutionized shape relative to the first axial direction D1, and the wings 12 of the second component 10 have a substantially revolutionized shape relative to the second axial direction D2. These wings 12 project radially outwards relative to the second skirt 11 and have an angular amplitude less than or equal to that of the first notch 3 through which they can be inserted during axial assembly of the first and second components 1, 10, in accordance with a common axial direction D that aligns the first and second axial directions D1, D2. The first component 1 or the second component 10 comprises, at least partially, such a radially elastically deformable zone 50 over the thickness of the first skirt 6 or the second skirt 11.

More specifically, at least one elastically deformable zone 50 is provided in the vicinity of at least one elastic groove 114 , 14 comprised by such edge 2 or respectively one such wing 12 .

More specifically, the elastically deformable zone 50 is provided in the protruding portion of the edge 2 or respectively of the wing 12, in the vicinity of at least one elastic groove 114, 14. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 4 or 5, this zone 50 is delimited by two such parallel grooves 14 or 114, as the case may be.

More specifically, the lugs 19 project from the rim 2 or the wings 12. In the variant of FIG5 , the rim 2 carries an external skirt 20 which is substantially of a shape of revolution about the first axial direction D1 and which supports the lugs 19.

In the specific and non-limiting embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the limit stop 63, 163 is delimited by a cavity 61 and 62, 161 and 162, in particular by milling or by injection molding or other means, the contour of this cavity being sufficiently simple (here a simple hollow cylindrical sector) to be manufactured by any means. Advantageously, this limit stop 63, 163 is clamped between the lug 19 and the end 18, 118 included in the edge portion 2 or the wing 12 or the edge 2, as the case may be, and is more rigid than the elastically deformable zone 50.

In one advantageous, non-limiting application, shown in Figures 1 to 6 , the first component 1 is a middle part, and the second component 10 is a back cover. Generally speaking, in the variant shown in Figures 1 to 4 , the back cover 10 includes at least one segmented skirt 11, which supports one or more lugs 19 to allow for positioning and locking on the middle part 1. The middle part 1 advantageously has a geometry obtained by grinding, which seats in the lugs 19 of the back cover 10 and locks the system in the positioned position. This radial snap-fit is reliable and economical. Accidental reopening is impossible because the profile of the cavity 61 advantageously includes a portion with a steep slope, which would require the application of a high torque with the aid of a tool to release it and allow reopening of the back cover, making reopening impossible for the user and maintenance and after-sales personnel. In this illustrated embodiment, at least one sealing joint is required in one specific variant. In a variant not shown, the first member 1 is a back cover and the second member 10 is a visible piece connected to this back cover, such as a medallion or the like, in which case a joint between them is not necessary; in the variant including a repulsion mechanism, the presence of a spring is entirely sufficient.

In this regard, it should be noted that the present invention can be implemented without such a repulsion mechanism, in particular for watch case applications or the like.

Of course, the first and second components can be manufactured so that they each include an elastically deformable region, but the illustrated embodiment, in which only one of the components includes an elastically deformable region, is the least expensive to manufacture.

If axial compression of the sealing joint is the most standard, the invention also allows trouble-free assembly with radial compression of such a joint.

It will be appreciated that the invention is shown here in a specific variant as having an edge and radially projecting wings. The invention is also applicable to other variants in which the axial and radial configurations are reversed.

In another application, the first component 1 is a middle part and the second component 10 is a flange or a bezel, as can be seen in FIG. 7 .

This situation is very suitable for a variant in which the first and second members tend to be moved away from each other by magnetic repulsion or even by an elastic element, such as a washer (i.e. a thin ring) that is not necessarily closed, or more specifically a washer including segments similar to ratchets, so as to allow easy operation in only one direction, as in the specific case of using the invention for a unidirectional bezel. Such a washer can be wire-shaped, with a substantially circular cross section, or even have a rectangular cross section or other cross-section.

In a particular embodiment, when these repulsion mechanisms are mechanical and comprise at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing joint, the elastic element and/or sealing joint is continuous, has a substantially annular free shape, and is substantially mounted on the periphery of the first component 1 and the second component 10. More specifically, the elastic element and/or sealing joint is partially housed in a continuous groove comprised by the first component 1 and/or the second component 10.

In another application, the first component 1 is a middle part or a tubular part connected to the middle part, and the second component 10 is a crown, as can be seen in Figure 8. In a variant, the second component 10 is a crown stem or a pusher. In these cases, at least one sealing joint must also be present.

The invention is suitable for a variety of applications in watchmaking, for example in helium escape valves on dive watches, or even in components for external parts such as watch straps, buckles, clasps or the like. The same applies to jewellery, in order to function as closures for cufflinks, earrings or even for securing gemstones or decorative elements designed to be removable.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch 1000 , comprising such a subassembly 100 of an external part.

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

The invention thus makes it possible to prevent any inadvertent or unintentional disassembly of the subassembly 100 , for example through the effects of vibrations, successive expansion cycles, through misuse by a user or otherwise.

The invention makes it possible to ensure perfect orientation of the components which remain locked in their position of use.

The invention also makes it possible to manufacture relative parts from materials of various properties without expansion, friction, elasticity or other limitations, without requiring external fastening elements such as screws, without risk of threading or machining that weakens specific materials such as ceramics, sapphire, etc. The invention is very resistant to accidental or even intentional unscrewing caused by vibrations or Chapuis impacts.

The invention also makes it possible to ensure the interchangeability of components and thus enhance the personalization of the watch or piece of jewellery by the user.

The invention is suitable both for watches or jewellery produced from precious materials and for mass production including low-cost components, in particular made of plastic material or the like.

The present invention is well-suited for use in cases where subassembly 100 includes components 1 and 10 made of different materials with different expansion coefficients, or even fragile or hard materials that do not allow standard fixing methods (ceramic, sapphire, precious stones, jewellery stones, cameos). In standard configurations, this may involve a middle part made of gold or an assembly with a sapphire back, or even a watch case made entirely of ceramic, a metal-ceramic combination, or the like. Components 1 and 10 can also be made of various materials: metal alloys, in particular precious or standard stainless steel, at least partially amorphous metal alloys, or the like, ceramics, sapphire, minerals, hard stones, rubber, plastic materials, and in particular thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), in particular thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), polycarbonates (PCs), polyvinyl chloride (PVCs), polyacetals or polyoxymethylenes (POMs), silicones, to mention, in a non-limiting way, only standard materials in watchmaking and jewellery production.

Claims (12)

1. A sub-assembly (100) for an external part of a watch, comprising a first member (1) and a second member (10), the first member (1) comprising edges (2) projecting from a first edge (6) and alternating with a first cutout (3), the second member (10) comprising wings (12) projecting from a second edge (11) and alternating with a second cutout (13), the first member (1) and the second member (10) being configured to occupy a first uninserted position or a second assembled and locked position, wherein in the first uninserted position the first member (1) and the second member (10) have a first angular orientation relative to each other, and in the second assembled and locked position the first member (1) and the second member (10) have a second angular orientation relative to each other different from the first angular orientation, and the first member (1) and the second member (10) are axially held by a snap-fit engagement between at least two of the edges (2) and at least two of the wings (12); characterized in that at least The first member (1) or the second member (10) includes at least one elastically deformable region (50) on the thickness of the first skirt edge (6) or the second skirt edge (11), the region (50) including a lug (19) configured to engage with a limiting stop (63, 163) for angular positioning and locking included in another of the first member (1) and the second member (10) by positioning the relative positions between the first member (1) and the second member (10); and wherein, in the first uninserted position, the first member (1) and the second member (10) have a first angular orientation relative to each other and are kept at a distance from each other by a repulsion mechanism including a magnetic repulsion mechanism and/or at least one elastic element and/or at least one sealing joint; 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. 2. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that the repulsion mechanism includes at least one sealing joint. 3. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 2, characterized in that the repulsion mechanism includes at least one sealing joint, the edge (2) protrudes radially toward the interior of the first skirt edge (6), the wing (12) protrudes radially toward the exterior of the second skirt edge (11); and the region (50) is radially elastically deformable. 4. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one sealing joint is continuous, has an annular free shape, and is mounted on the periphery of the first member (1) and the second member (10). 5. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that the first member (1) includes the edge (2) having a rotational shape relative to a first axial direction (D1), the edge (2) projecting radially toward the interior of the first skirt edge (6) and alternating with the first cutout (3); the second member (10) includes the wing (12) having a rotational shape relative to a second axial direction (D2), the wing (12) projecting radially toward the exterior relative to the second skirt edge (11) and having a shape less than or equal to the first cutout (3). 3) The angular amplitude of the first member (1) and the second member (10) are axially assembled according to the common axis direction (D), and the wing (12) can be inserted through the first cut (3), wherein the first axis direction (D1) and the second axis direction (D2) are aligned with each other based on the common axis direction (D); at least the first member (1) or the second member (10) includes at least partially a radially elastically deformable region (50) on the thickness of the first skirt edge (6) or the second skirt edge (11). 6. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one elastically deformable region (50) is disposed near at least one elastic groove (114, 14) of the edge (2) or the wing (12). 7. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 6, characterized in that the elastically deformable region (50) is disposed in the protrusion of the edge (2) or the wing (12), near at least one elastic groove (114, 14). 8. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (1) is an intermediate component and the second component (10) is a rear cover. 9. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (1) is an intermediate component and the second component (10) is a flange or bezel. 10. The sub-assembly (100) of the external component according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component (1) is an intermediate component or a tubular component connected to the intermediate component, and the second component (10) is a crown. 11. A watch (1000) including a sub-assembly (100) of an external component as claimed in claim 1. 12. Jewelry comprising a sub-assembly (100) of an external component as claimed in claim 1.