CH647376GA3

CH647376GA3 - Watch case

Info

Publication number: CH647376GA3
Application number: CH278882A
Authority: CH
Inventors: Claude Baillod
Original assignee: Far Fab Assortiments Reunies
Priority date: 1982-05-06
Filing date: 1982-05-06
Publication date: 1985-01-31

Abstract

The watch case comprises in particular a calibre (1) made of hard sintered material and a back (7) attached removably to the lower part of this calibre. It includes a ring (8) for fixing the back (7), the ring being rigidly attached to the perimeter of the lower aperture of the calibre by means of a plurality of tapped pins (10) solid with the ring (8) and fixed permanently into receiving holes (11) reserved in the calibre before it is sintered, the back being held against the calibre by means of screws (12) passing through the latter as well as the ring, and engaging in the tapped pins. <IMAGE>

Description

**ATTENTION** debut du champ DESC peut contenir fin de CLMS **. ** ATTENTION ** start of the DESC field may contain end of CLMS **.

REVENDICATIONS 1. Boîte de montre comprenant notamment une carrure en un matériau dur fritté et un fond assujetti de façon amovible à la partie inférieure de cette carrure, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte une bague de fixation du fond rigidement assujettie sur le pourtour de l'ouverture inférieure de la carrure au moyen d'une pluralité de plots taraudés fixés à demeure dans des trous de réception réservés dans la carrure avant son frittage, le fond étant maintenu contre la carrure au moyen de vis traversant ce dernier ainsi que la bague, et s'engageant dans lesdits plots taraudés. CLAIMS 1. Watch case comprising in particular a middle part made of a sintered hard material and a bottom removably attached to the lower part of this middle part, characterized in that it comprises a bottom fixing ring rigidly fixed on the periphery of the lower opening of the middle by means of a plurality of threaded studs fixed permanently in the receiving holes reserved in the middle before its sintering, the bottom being held against the middle by means of screws passing through the latter as well as the ring, and engaging in said threaded studs.

2. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que les plots taraudés sont solidaires de la bague. 2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded studs are integral with the ring.

3. Boîte de montre selon la revendication I ou la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les dimensions des trous réservés dans la carrure sont suffisantes pour permettre un positionnement précis de la bague de fixation du fond malgré d'éventuelles variations dimensionnelles consécutives au frittage. 3. Watch case according to claim I or claim 2, characterized in that the dimensions of the holes reserved in the middle are sufficient to allow precise positioning of the bottom fixing ring despite any dimensional variations following sintering.

4. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'un joint d'étanchéité est comprimé entre le fond et la carrure, la retenue radiale de ce joint étant assurée extérieurement par ladite bague de fixation du fond, et intérieurement par une collerette prévue sur la périphérie extérieure d'un cercle porte-mouvement placé dans la carrure, cette collerette s'engageant entre le fond et la partie inférieure de la carrure. 4. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal is compressed between the base and the middle part, the radial retention of this seal being provided externally by said bottom fixing ring, and internally by a collar provided on the outer periphery of a movement-carrying circle placed in the middle, this collar engaging between the bottom and the lower part of the middle.

5. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la carrure présente, sur deux côtés extérieurs opposés, un dégagement pour la mise en place d'une pièce de fixation d'un bracelet, des goupilles solidaires du fond étant prévues pour s'engager dans des trous correspondants de ladite pièce lors de la mise en place du fond, de manière à en assurer la retenue axiale et radiale. 5. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle has, on two opposite outer sides, a clearance for the establishment of a fastening piece of a bracelet, pins secured to the bottom being provided to engage in corresponding holes of said piece during the establishment of the bottom, so as to ensure the axial and radial retention.

6. Boîte de montre selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite pièce de fixation est constituée par le premier maillon du bracelet. 6. Watch case according to claim 5, characterized in that said fixing piece is constituted by the first link of the bracelet.

7. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte en outre une glace solidaire d'un talon périphérique lui-même assujetti rigidement sur le pourtour de l'ouverture supérieure de la carrure, le bord intérieur du talon faisant saillie au moins partiellement dans ladite ouverture de manière à constituer un appui axial pour le cadran d'un mouvement susceptible d'être introduit par l'ouverture inférieure de la carrure. 7. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a crystal secured to a peripheral heel itself rigidly fixed on the periphery of the upper opening of the middle, the inner edge of the heel projecting at least partially into said opening so as to constitute an axial support for the dial of a movement capable of being introduced by the lower opening of the middle part.

8. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que les surfaces supérieure et inférieure de la carrure sont planes. 8. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper and lower surfaces of the middle part are flat.

9. Boîte de montre selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la carrure est réalisée en un matériau céramique fritté. 9. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle part is made of a sintered ceramic material.

La présente invention concerne une boîte de montre en un matériau dur fritté, par exemple en céramique. The present invention relates to a watch case made of a sintered hard material, for example ceramic.

Elle propose en particulier une construction parfaitement adaptée à la réalisation de telles boîtes de montres étanches, dont la carrure est simple à réaliser, dont l'assemblage est aisé, dont le fond est amovible, et dont l'épaisseur peut être réduite suffisamment pour obtenir des boîtes de montres plates et élégantes. It proposes in particular a construction perfectly suited to the production of such waterproof watch cases, the build of which is simple to produce, the assembly of which is easy, the bottom of which is removable, and the thickness of which can be reduced sufficiently to obtain elegant and flat watch cases.

Selon un premier aspect de l'invention, on a prévu d'utiliser, pour réaliser le montage du fond amovible, une bague de fixation et des plots taraudés destinés à recevoir des vis de fixation du fond, cette bague étant montée à demeure à la partie inférieure de la carrure, après son positionnement précis, grâce à l'engagement de ces mêmes plots dans des trous de réception réservés dans la carrure avant son frittage. According to a first aspect of the invention, provision has been made to use, for carrying out the mounting of the removable bottom, a fixing ring and threaded studs intended to receive screws for fixing the bottom, this ring being permanently mounted at the lower part of the middle, after its precise positioning, thanks to the engagement of these same studs in reserved receiving holes in the middle before its sintering.

Selon d'autres aspects, I'invention propose également des moyens particuliers de positionnement d'un joint d'étanchéité entre le fond et la carrure, de fixation d'un bracelet, ainsi que l'utilisation d'une glace à talon montée à demeure à la partie supérieure de la carrure pour former un appui pour le cadran. According to other aspects, the invention also provides specific means for positioning a seal between the base and the middle part, for attaching a bracelet, as well as the use of a heel glass mounted at remains at the upper part of the middle to form a support for the dial.

L'invention sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description suivante, faite en liaison avec les dessins joints, parmi lesquels: la figure 1 est une vue de dessous d'une boîte de montre selon l'invention; la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne Il-Il de la figure 1; la figure 3 est une vue en élévation et en coupe partielle selon la ligne III-III de la figure 1; la figure 4 est une vue du dessus de la carrure de la boîte de montre de la figure 1; la figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 4; la figure 6 est une vue de dessus de la bague de fixation de la boîte de montre de la figure 1; la figure 7 est une vue en coupe partielle montrant l'assemblage du fond et de la carrure de la figure 1; la figure 8 est une vue du dessus du fond de la boîte de montre de la figure 1;; la figure 9 est une vue de dessus d'une pièce de fixation du bracelet de la boîte de montre de la figure 1; et la figure 10 est une vue élévation du cercle d'encageage de la boîte de montre de la figure 1. The invention will be clearly understood on reading the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, among which: Figure 1 is a bottom view of a watch case according to the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an elevational view in partial section along the line III-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the middle part of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a top view of the fixing ring of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a partial sectional view showing the assembly of the base and the middle part of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a top view of the bottom of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a top view of a fixing part of the strap of the watch case of Figure 1; and FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the casing circle of the watch case of FIG. 1.

Comme on le voit au mieux dans les figures I à 3, la boîte de montre selon l'invention comprend notamment une carrure 1 en un matériau dur fritté, par exemple en une céramique du type du rubis ou du saphir. La carrure 1 présente un passage axial susceptible de recevoir un mouvement 2 muni d'un cadran 3. Sur la surface supérieure plane 4 de la carrure 1 est assujettie, par exemple par collage, une glace 5 pourvue d'un talon périphérique 6. De préférence, la glace 5 et le talon 6 ou l'une au moins de ces pièces, sont réalisées en saphir de manière à être inrayables. Sur une partie au moins de l'ouverture supérieure de la carrure 1, le talon 6 fait saillie radialement vers l'intérieur au delà de la surface 4, et constitue ainsi un appui axial pour le cadran 3, après que le mouvement ait été introduit dans la carrure par son ouverture inférieure.Ainsi, la hauteur du talon 6 déterminera celle de l'espace réservé aux aiguilles. As best seen in Figures I to 3, the watch case according to the invention comprises in particular a middle part 1 of a sintered hard material, for example a ceramic of the ruby or sapphire type. The middle part 1 has an axial passage capable of receiving a movement 2 provided with a dial 3. On the flat upper surface 4 of the middle part 1 is fixed, for example by gluing, a crystal 5 provided with a peripheral heel 6. From preferably, the crystal 5 and the heel 6 or at least one of these parts, are made of sapphire so as to be scratch-resistant. On at least part of the upper opening of the middle part 1, the heel 6 projects radially inwards beyond the surface 4, and thus constitutes an axial support for the dial 3, after the movement has been introduced in the middle by its lower opening. Thus, the height of the heel 6 will determine that of the space reserved for the hands.

A la partie inférieure, limitée par une surface plane 19, est monté de manière amovible un fond 7. Ce fond est maintenu contre la carrure grâce à une bague de fixation 8 rigidement assujettie sur le pourtour inférieur de la carrure. At the lower part, limited by a flat surface 19, is removably mounted a bottom 7. This bottom is held against the middle by a fixing ring 8 rigidly fixed on the lower periphery of the middle.

A cet effet, la bague 8 (fig. 6) comprend des passages 9 à l'endroit desquels sont fixés, par exemple par soudage, des plots taraudés 10 qui viennent s'engager dans des trous de réception 11, réservés dans la carrure avant son frittage, dans lesquels ils sont fixés à demeure. Pour faciliter leur ancrage, ces plots 10 peuvent présenter une section extérieure polygonale, et de dimension plus grande à leur extrémité opposée à celle où est opérée leur jonction avec la bague 8. Pour prendre en compte d'éventuelles variations dimensionnelles de la carrure au moment du frittage, les trous 11 présentent une section bien supérieure à celle des plots 10. Le positionnement précis de la bague 8 avant le scellement des plots 11, par exemple par collage ou par To this end, the ring 8 (fig. 6) includes passages 9 at the location of which are fixed, for example by welding, threaded studs 10 which engage in receiving holes 11, reserved in the middle part its sintering, in which they are fixed permanently. To facilitate their anchoring, these studs 10 may have a polygonal outer section, and of larger dimension at their end opposite to that where their junction is made with the ring 8. To take into account possible dimensional variations of the middle part at the time sintering, the holes 11 have a section much greater than that of the studs 10. The precise positioning of the ring 8 before the sealing of the studs 11, for example by gluing or by

soudage, peut alors être effectué, par exemple au moyen d'un posage adéquat. welding, can then be carried out, for example by means of an adequate laying.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, les plots 10 peuvent être formés par remplissage des trous de réception 11, après frittage de la carrure, au moyen de soudure ou d'un matériau de faible dureté dans lequel des taraudages peuvent ensuite être pratiqués. According to another embodiment not shown, the studs 10 can be formed by filling the receiving holes 11, after sintering the middle part, by means of welding or of a material of low hardness in which tappings can then be practiced.

La retenue du fond est alors assurée par un jeu de vis 12 engagées dans les ouvertures 13 du fond 7 (fig. 7 et 8), qui traversent les passages 9 de la bague 8 et viennent en prise dans les plots taraudés 10. L'étanchéité est réalisée par un joint torique 14 comprimé entre le fond 7 et la carrure 1 au moment du vissage des vis 12. Le maintien radial du joint 14 est assuré extérieurement par la bague 8 dont le bord intérieur peut être muni d'un biseau 15 et intérieurement par une collerette 16 prévue sur la périphérie extérieure d'un cercle porte-mouvement 17. Lorsque le cercle porte-mouvement, auquel le mouvement 2 peut être fixé au moyen de vis 18 (fig. 2) est en place dans la carrure, cette collerette s'engage entre le fond 7 et la partie en regard de la carrure 1. The retention of the bottom is then ensured by a set of screws 12 engaged in the openings 13 of the bottom 7 (fig. 7 and 8), which pass through the passages 9 of the ring 8 and come into engagement in the threaded studs 10. The sealing is achieved by an O-ring 14 compressed between the bottom 7 and the middle part 1 when the screws are screwed 12. The radial retention of the seal 14 is provided externally by the ring 8 whose inner edge may be provided with a bevel 15 and internally by a flange 16 provided on the outer periphery of a movement-carrying circle 17. When the movement-carrying circle, to which the movement 2 can be fixed by means of screws 18 (fig. 2) is in place in the middle , this flange engages between the bottom 7 and the part opposite the middle part 1.

Pour assurer l'assujettissement d'un bracelet, la carrure 1 comporte, sur deux de ses côtés opposés, un dégagement 20 permettant de recevoir une pièce de fixation du bracelet 21. To ensure the securing of a bracelet, the middle part 1 has, on two of its opposite sides, a clearance 20 making it possible to receive a fixing piece for the bracelet 21.

Cette pièce 21 (fig. 9) peut former le premier maillon du bracelet, ou simplement porter des cornes 22 entre lesquelles un bracelet peut être monté, par exemple au moyen d'une barrette à ressort. Elle comporte des passages 23 dans lesquels peuvent venir s'engager des goupilles 24 montées en position correspondante sur le fond 7 (fig. 3 et 8), en regard des dégagements 20 de la carrure, lors de la mise en place de ce fond. This piece 21 (fig. 9) can form the first link of the bracelet, or simply wear horns 22 between which a bracelet can be mounted, for example by means of a spring bar. It comprises passages 23 into which pins 24 can be engaged, mounted in corresponding position on the base 7 (FIGS. 3 and 8), facing the clearances 20 of the middle part, during the positioning of this base.

Bien qu'elle ait été décrite en relation avec l'un de ses modes de réalisation particuliers, la présente invention ne s'y trouve nullement limitée, mais elle est au contraire susceptible de faire l'objet de nombreuses modifications et variantes qui apparaîtront à l'homme du métier. Although it has been described in relation to one of its particular embodiments, the present invention is in no way limited thereto, but it is on the contrary liable to be the subject of numerous modifications and variants which will appear to the skilled person.

Claims

1. Watch case comprising in particular a middle part made of a sintered hard material and a bottom removably attached to the lower part of this middle part, characterized in that it comprises a bottom fixing ring rigidly fixed on the periphery of the lower opening of the middle by means of a plurality of threaded studs fixed permanently in the receiving holes reserved in the middle before its sintering, the bottom being held against the middle by means of screws passing through the latter as well as the ring, and engaging in said threaded studs.

2. Watch case according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded studs are integral with the ring.

3. Watch case according to claim I or claim 2, characterized in that the dimensions of the holes reserved in the middle are sufficient to allow precise positioning of the bottom fixing ring despite any dimensional variations following sintering.

4. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal is compressed between the base and the middle part, the radial retention of this seal being provided externally by said bottom fixing ring, and internally by a collar provided on the outer periphery of a movement-carrying circle placed in the middle, this collar engaging between the bottom and the lower part of the middle.

5. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle has, on two opposite outer sides, a clearance for the establishment of a fastening piece of a bracelet, pins secured to the bottom being provided to engage in corresponding holes of said piece during the establishment of the bottom, so as to ensure the axial and radial retention.

6. Watch case according to claim 5, characterized in that said fixing piece is constituted by the first link of the bracelet.

7. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a crystal secured to a peripheral heel itself rigidly fixed on the periphery of the upper opening of the middle, the inner edge of the heel projecting at least partially into said opening so as to constitute an axial support for the dial of a movement capable of being introduced by the lower opening of the middle part.

8. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper and lower surfaces of the middle part are flat.

9. Watch case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle part is made of a sintered ceramic material.

The present invention relates to a watch case made of a sintered hard material, for example ceramic.

It proposes in particular a construction perfectly suited to the production of such waterproof watch cases, the build of which is simple to produce, the assembly of which is easy, the bottom of which is removable, and the thickness of which can be reduced sufficiently to obtain elegant and flat watch cases.

According to a first aspect of the invention, provision has been made to use, for carrying out the mounting of the removable bottom, a fixing ring and threaded studs intended to receive screws for fixing the bottom, this ring being permanently mounted at the lower part of the middle, after its precise positioning, thanks to the engagement of these same studs in reserved receiving holes in the middle before its sintering.

According to other aspects, the invention also provides specific means for positioning a seal between the base and the middle part, for attaching a bracelet, as well as the use of a heel glass mounted at remains at the upper part of the middle to form a support for the dial.

The invention will be clearly understood on reading the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, among which: Figure 1 is a bottom view of a watch case according to the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an elevational view in partial section along the line III-III of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top view of the middle part of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line V-V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a top view of the fixing ring of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a partial sectional view showing the assembly of the base and the middle part of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a top view of the bottom of the watch case of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a top view of a fixing part of the strap of the watch case of Figure 1; and FIG. 10 is an elevation view of the casing circle of the watch case of FIG. 1.

As best seen in Figures I to 3, the watch case according to the invention comprises in particular a middle part 1 of a sintered hard material, for example a ceramic of the ruby or sapphire type. The middle part 1 has an axial passage capable of receiving a movement 2 provided with a dial 3. On the flat upper surface 4 of the middle part 1 is fixed, for example by gluing, a crystal 5 provided with a peripheral heel 6. From preferably, the crystal 5 and the heel 6 or at least one of these parts, are made of sapphire so as to be scratch-resistant. On at least part of the upper opening of the middle part 1, the heel 6 projects radially inwards beyond the surface 4, and thus constitutes an axial support for the dial 3, after the movement has been introduced in the middle by its lower opening. Thus, the height of the heel 6 will determine that of the space reserved for the hands.

At the lower part, limited by a flat surface 19, is removably mounted a bottom 7. This bottom is held against the middle by a fixing ring 8 rigidly fixed on the lower periphery of the middle.

To this end, the ring 8 (fig. 6) includes passages 9 at the location of which are fixed, for example by welding, threaded studs 10 which engage in receiving holes 11, reserved in the middle part its sintering, in which they are fixed permanently. To facilitate their anchoring, these studs 10 may have a polygonal outer section, and of larger dimension at their end opposite to that where their junction is made with the ring 8. To take into account possible dimensional variations of the middle part at the time sintering, the holes 11 have a section much greater than that of the studs

10. The precise positioning of the ring 8 before the sealing of the studs 11, for example by gluing or by

** ATTENTION ** end of the CLMS field may contain start of DESC **.