CH720335A2 - Elastic casing ring for casing a watch movement and watch case comprising such an elastic casing ring. - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to an elastic casing ring (200) for casing a watch movement (10) in a watch case (100) comprising a caseband (110), said elastic casing ring (200) being characterized in that it comprises an annular body (205) with a central axis (Z), fixing tabs (210) carried by said annular body (205) and capable of cooperating with said caseband (110) to form a bayonet casing system (300) by relative rotation of the elastic casing ring (200) relative to the caseband (110) about the central axis (Z), between an insertion position and a locked position, said elastic casing ring (200) comprising at least one elastic retaining element capable of cooperating with said watch movement (10) and to exert an axial force parallel to the central axis (Z) on the watch movement (10) by elastic deformation of said elastic retaining element when said elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position in the caseband (110).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to casing devices for fixing a watch movement in a watch case.

[0002] The invention also relates to a watch case comprising a watch movement fixed to said case by a casing device.

[0003] The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a case.

[0004] The invention also relates to a method of casing a watch movement using the elastic casing ring according to the invention.

[0005] The invention also relates to a fitting tool for locking and unlocking the elastic fitting ring according to the invention.

Technological background

[0006] The casing of a watch movement, that is to say the fixing of the movement in a watch case, is generally carried out by means of fixing flanges which are inserted into grooves provided on the internal circumference of the case, the assembly being secured by flange screws. This solution is however relatively complex to implement due to the numerous parts, the different manipulations required for the placement of the flanges and the screws, which greatly affects the productivity of such a casing solution.

[0007] Other casing solutions are also known using an intermediate part, such as a casing ring or an enlarging ring, positioned around the watch movement so as to hold it in position when screwing a back onto the case. Although this solution promotes rapid fixing of the movement, this solution requires providing a space between the watch movement and the case to receive the casing ring, or case, which limits the possible dimensions of the movement relative to the dimensions of the case.

[0008] Furthermore, existing solutions do not provide a real solution concerning shock absorption at the level of the clock movement.

[0009] Consequently, there is a need to improve the devices for fitting a watch movement into a case to address at least one of the problems mentioned above.

[0010] There is also a need to improve a method of casing a watch movement in a watch case, and to provide such a method free from the limitations mentioned above.

Summary of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention aims to propose a casing device for fixing a watch movement in a watch case making it possible to resolve at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] According to the invention, such a casing device is in the form of an elastic casing ring for quickly securing a watch movement in a watch case. Such an elastic casing ring according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with the use of a multitude of holding flanges and flange tightening screws, and thus makes it possible to dispense with the numerous manipulations required for the screws and flanges.

[0013] The elastic casing ring according to the invention also makes it possible to provide a solution for damping the movements of the watch movement in the event of an impact on the watch case.

[0014] In this context, the invention relates to an elastic casing ring for casing a watch movement in a watch case comprising a caseband, said elastic casing ring comprising an annular body with a central axis Z, fixing tabs carried by said annular body and capable of cooperating with said caseband to form a bayonet casing system by relative rotation of the elastic casing ring relative to the caseband around the central axis Z, between an insertion position and a locked position, said elastic casing ring comprising at least one elastic retaining element configured to deform elastically, said at least one elastic retaining element being capable of cooperating with said watch movement and of exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis Z on the watch movement by elastic deformation of said elastic retaining element when said elastic casing ring is in the locked position in the caseband.

[0015] In addition to the features mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the elastic casing ring according to the invention may have one or more additional features among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: – the elastic casing ring comprises an angular locking member capable of cooperating with the watch movement or the caseband to ensure rotational locking of the locked position of the elastic casing ring in the caseband; – said angular locking member is capable of cooperating with the watch movement or the caseband to form an angular stop for positioning said elastic casing ring; – said elastic casing ring is made of metal or polymer material; – said at least one elastic retaining element is formed by the annular body; – the elastic casing ring comprises a plurality of elastic retaining elements formed by elastic retaining tabs comprising an elastic portion connected to the annular body and shaped to deform elastically; – said elastic portion comprises a free contact end having at least one axially offset portion, along the central axis Z, relative to the annular body, capable of coming to bear on the watch movement and of exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis Z on the watch movement by elastic deformation of said elastic portion at least when said elastic casing ring is in the locked position in the caseband; – the elastic casing ring comprises a mounting foolproofing device; – the elastic casing ring comprises at least one imprint having a shape adapted to cooperate with a casing tool; – the elastic casing ring comprises a first imprint configured to ensure the rotation of the elastic casing ring and a second imprint configured to ensure the unlocking of said elastic casing ring, each of the imprints having a shape adapted to cooperate with a casing tool.

[0016] The invention also relates to a watch case comprising a caseband, an elastic casing ring according to the invention and a watch movement fitted into said caseband by said elastic casing ring.

[0017] Preferably, the elastic casing ring is configured to form shock-absorbing means for the watch movement in the event of shocks suffered by the watch case, preferably in an axial direction parallel to the central axis Z.

[0018] Preferably, the case middle comprises bayonet grooves, said bayonet grooves cooperating with said fixing tabs to form the bayonet casing system of the watch movement.

[0019] Preferably, the case middle comprises at least one bearing surface for receiving said fixing tabs of the elastic casing ring in the insertion position of said elastic casing ring.

[0020] Preferably, the elastic casing ring comprises an angular locking member and the caseband comprises an elastic locking finger configured to cooperate with said angular locking member to ensure rotational locking of the elastic casing ring in the caseband by clipping or elastic locking.

[0021] Preferably, the elastic casing ring comprises an angular locking member and the watch movement comprises an elastic locking finger configured to cooperate with said angular locking member to ensure rotational locking of the elastic casing ring in the caseband by clipping or elastic locking.

[0022] The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a case.

[0023] The invention also relates to a casing tool for casing a watch movement of a watch case according to the invention.

[0024] Preferably, the fitting tool comprises at least one projecting element configured to cooperate with at least one imprint of the elastic fitting ring.

[0025] Preferably, the fitting tool comprises projecting elements configured to cooperate with a plurality of impressions of said elastic fitting ring, said projecting elements ensuring rotational drive of said elastic fitting ring during rotation of said fitting tool by an operator, an automaton or a robot.

[0026] Preferably, the casing tool comprises an unlocking stud configured to disengage said elastic locking finger when said casing tool is in position on the elastic casing ring so as to allow its unlocking and the disassembly of said watch movement.

[0027] The invention also relates to a casing method for securing a watch movement in a watch case by means of an elastic casing ring according to the invention, the watch case comprising a caseband having a support surface and a plurality of bayonet grooves, said casing method comprising: – a step of introducing said watch movement into the caseband; – a step of introducing said elastic casing ring over the watch movement – a step of securing the watch movement to the caseband during which the elastic casing ring is engaged in rotation about the Z axis, said securing tabs engaging in a plurality of bayonet grooves that the caseband comprises during rotation of the elastic casing ring until a locked position of the elastic casing ring is reached.

[0028] Preferably, the locked position is reached when the locking member of the elastic casing ring comes into abutment against an angular positioning stop of the caseband or said watch movement.

[0029] Preferably, the step of fixing the movement is carried out with a casing tool comprising at least one projecting element cooperating with at least one imprint of said elastic casing ring to engage the elastic casing ring in rotation during rotation of the casing tool by an operator, an automaton or a robot.

[0030] The nesting process may be a manual process, i.e. carried out by a natural person, or an automated process.

Brief description of the figures

[0031] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, referring to the following figures: - Figure 1 is a semi-exploded perspective view of a watch case according to the invention comprising a case middle, a watch movement mounted in the case middle and an elastic casing ring to ensure the fixing of the watch movement in the watch case; - Figure 2 is a top view of the watch case illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 2 particularly illustrating the elastic casing ring in its insertion position; - Figure 3 is a top view of the watch case illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 2 particularly illustrating the elastic casing ring in its locked position in the case middle; - Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the case middle according to the invention at a bayonet groove; – Figure 5 is a detailed view of the elastic casing ring according to the invention, more particularly illustrating an angular locking member of the elastic casing ring; – Figure 6 is a detailed view of the elastic casing ring according to the invention, more particularly illustrating an elastic retaining tab of the elastic casing ring; – Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an assembly/disassembly tool for casing a watch movement using the elastic casing ring according to the invention.

[0032] In all figures, common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified.

Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Figure 1 is a semi-exploded perspective view of a case 100 with central axis B according to the invention comprising a caseband 110 configured to be closed on either side by a case back (not shown) and by a crystal (not shown).

[0034] The watch case 100 comprises a clockwork movement 10 housed in the internal space 115 delimited by the caseband 110.

[0035] For example, the case 110 is made of metal, ceramic, polymer or even a mixture of different materials.

[0036] The clockwork movement 10 may be a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic movement.

[0037] The clockwork movement 10 has a central axis A perpendicular to a general plane P1. The general plane P1 of the clockwork movement 10 is parallel to the plane of the hands (not shown). The central axis A of the clockwork movement 10 is parallel or corresponds to the axis of rotation of the hands of the movement.

[0038] The central axis A of the clockwork movement 10 is parallel or corresponds to the central axis B of the caseband 110.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the casing of the clockwork movement 10 is carried out on the case back side. Of course, casing of the clockwork movement 10 on the crystal side is also possible without departing from the context of the invention.

[0040] The main objective of the invention is to propose a casing device making it possible to facilitate the operation of casing the watch movement 10 into the watch case 100.

[0041] For this purpose, the applicant proposes the use of an elastic casing ring 200 for fixing, securing and locking the watch movement 10 in the watch case 100.

[0042] The elastic casing ring 200 comprises an annular body 205 with a central axis Z and fixing tabs 210 extending in a radial direction, relative to the axial direction Z.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the central axis A of the clockwork movement 10 coincides with the central axis Z of the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring. However, other configurations are possible without departing from the context of the invention.

[0044] Figure 2 more particularly illustrates a top view of such a watch case 100 according to the invention in which the watch movement 10 is mounted and the elastic casing ring 200 is positioned above the watch movement 10 in an insertion position (i.e. not locked). From this insertion position of the elastic casing ring 200, a rotation of the elastic casing ring 200 of a few degrees around the Z axis makes it possible to arrive at a locked position of the elastic casing ring 200 illustrated in Figure 3. This locked position ensures casing of the watch movement 10.

[0045] The locking direction is exemplarily represented in the clockwise direction by an arrow on the elastic casing ring 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, the locking direction may also be in the counterclockwise direction.

[0046] Such an elastic casing ring 200 is advantageously made of metallic material or polymer material.

[0047] Such an elastic casing ring 200 also has a shock absorber function to attenuate the effects of the movements of the watch movement 10, and mainly the axial movements along the Z axis in the event of impacts on the watch case 100.

[0048] However, the elastic casing ring 200 can also attenuate and dampen the movements of the clockwork movement 10 in the plane P1.

[0049] Advantageously, such an elastic casing ring is an elastic bayonet casing ring.

[0050] The fixing tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200 cooperate with bayonet grooves 113 formed in the caseband 110 to form a bayonet casing system 300. Such a bayonet locking system 300 makes it possible to casing the watch movement 10 by simple relative rotation of the elastic casing ring 200 relative to the caseband 110, around the Z axis between an insertion position (not locked) and a locked position.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case 110 more particularly illustrating a portion having a bayonet groove 113.

[0052] To receive the elastic casing ring 200, the case 110 comprises a support surface 111 forming a circular shoulder extending around the inner circumference of the case 110.

[0053] More particularly, when inserting the elastic casing ring 200 into the caseband 110, the fixing tabs 210 come to rest at least partly on the bearing surface 111 of the caseband 110.

[0054] Generally speaking, the terms “internal”, “interior”, “external” and “exterior” are of course to be understood in relation to the axial direction Z illustrated in FIG. 1 forming the central axis of the elastic casing ring 200; an “internal” element being closer to the central axis than an “external” element.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, it is possible to arrange a plurality of bearing surfaces 111 extending over angular portions of the inner periphery of the caseband 110 and distributed uniformly, or not, over the inner periphery of the caseband 110. In this alternative embodiment, the number of bearing surfaces 111 would preferably be equal to the number of fixing tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic casing ring 200 comprises six fixing tabs 210. However, the number of fixing tabs 210 is not limited to six, it could be equal to two or to an arbitrary number greater than two.

[0057] The bayonet grooves 113 are provided between the bearing surface 111 and a holding surface 114 facing the bearing surface 111.

[0058] The number of bayonet grooves 113 is at least equal to the number of fixing tabs 210.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the bayonet grooves 113 are arranged in a plane parallel to the general plane P1 of the clockwork movement 10, that is to say a plane perpendicular to the central axis A of the clockwork movement.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the bayonet grooves 113 may be arranged to comprise at least one portion with an inclination relative to the general plane P1 of the watch movement 10, so as to guide the fixing tabs 210 in rotation and translation, and thus impose a vertical movement, along the Z axis, in the direction of the watch movement 10, of the elastic casing ring during locking by rotation about the Z axis. For example, the bayonet grooves 113 may have at least one portion with a slope directed towards the crystal of the case 100 (i.e. the side opposite the insertion of the watch movement 10 and the elastic casing ring 200).

[0061] The space between the bearing surface 111 and the holding surface 114 delimits the width of the bayonet groove 113. Of course, the width of the bayonet grooves 113 may be constant or variable, with for example a maximum width at an insertion end portion to facilitate the introduction of the fixing tabs 210, and a minimum width at the bottom of the bayonet grooves 113, for example with a width close to, or corresponding to, the thickness of the fixing tabs 210 to ensure additional support of the fixing tabs 210 by friction or friction.

[0062] However, as we will see later, such an arrangement is not essential because the elastic casing ring 200 according to the invention comprises one or more elastic retaining elements acting elastically on the clockwork movement 10 and which will, by elastic counter-reaction, tend to keep the fixing tabs 210 of the elastic casing ring 200 pressed against the holding surface 114 at the bayonet grooves 113.

[0063] The bayonet grooves 113 may include a bottom, or an obstacle, for example a protuberance, to form an angular positioning stop during rotation of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0064] The elastic casing ring 200 comprises a locking member 220 ensuring rotational blocking of the locked position of the elastic casing ring 200. Such a locking member is configured to prevent unexpected loosening or unlocking of the elastic casing ring 200, in particular in the event of an impact on the watch case 100.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment, the elastic fitting ring 200 comprises a plurality of locking members 220.

[0066] Figure 5 illustrates a portion of the elastic casing ring 200 comprising a locking member 220.

[0067] In a first embodiment variant, as illustrated, the locking member 220 has a portion 222 connected to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 at a first end. The portion 222 has a free end 221, opposite the first end, which is axially offset along the Z axis relative to the annular body 205. Thus, the free end 221 projects relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200, and is directed towards the clockwork movement 10.

[0068] The locking member 220 is configured to cooperate with an elastic locking finger 230 arranged at the level of the caseband 110 or the watch movement 10. Such an elastic locking finger 230 is shaped to block an unlocking rotation of the elastic casing ring 200 when the latter is in the stop position. The elastic casing ring 200 is then in the locked position.

[0069] In a second variant embodiment, the angular locking member 220 may be in the form of a roughness, for example a hole, at least provided on the lower surface of the annular body 205 (i.e. the surface intended to be opposite the watch movement 10). The roughness may or may not be a through surface. The elastic locking finger 230, provided at the level of the caseband 110 or the watch movement 10, is then shaped to be inserted at least partly into the roughness so as to block a reverse rotation of the conductive elastic ring 200 when the latter reaches the stop. The ring is then in the locked position.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic locking finger 230 belongs to the watch movement 10, the watch movement 10 being blocked in rotation in the caseband 110 by lugs, ears, or ad hoc means, cooperating with housings provided at the level of the inner periphery of the caseband 110. These means also make it possible to form a foolproof member to guarantee the correct positioning and the correct orientation of the watch movement 10 in the caseband 110 when casing the watch movement 10.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the locking member 220 of the elastic casing ring 200 can also form an angular stop for positioning the elastic casing ring 200 by coming into contact with a stop surface 16 of the caseband 110 or of the watch movement 10, which makes it possible to avoid having to produce one or a plurality of angular stops in the grooves 113 of the caseband 110. Thus, the manufacture of such a caseband 110 is simplified.

[0072] The locking member 220 and the elastic locking finger 230 form rotational locking means by elastic clipping of the elastic casing ring 200. The rotational locking means are reversible and unlockable by means of a point or a mounting/dismounting tool making it possible to constrain the elastic locking finger 230 and to deform it elastically, here in an axial direction parallel to the Z axis, to release the locking member 220 and the rotation of the elastic casing ring 200, in a direction of unlocking and dismounting of the elastic casing ring.

[0073] The elastic locking finger 230 functions as a disengageable element. It is configured to be inactive during the assembly of the elastic casing ring 200 and to prevent reverse rotation of the ring once the latter is in the locked position (normal operating position of the watch).

[0074] More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment variant, the elastic locking finger 230 is shaped so that, in the free position, its end is positioned axially above the portion of the free end 221 of the locking member 220 which is axially furthest from the annular body 205.

[0075] The elastic locking finger 230 can be made of either polymer material or metallic material.

[0076] The elastic casing ring 200 also comprises at least one elastic retaining element configured to exert an axial force on the watch movement 10, along an axis parallel to the Z axis of the watch movement 10, by elastic deformation.

[0077] According to a first variant embodiment, the elastic retaining element may be formed by the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. The annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 is preferably an elastic member configured to come to bear on the watch movement 10 and deform elastically so as to exert an axial elastic force on the watch movement once in the locked position in the caseband 110.

[0078] According to a second variant embodiment, the elastic retaining element is formed by a plurality of elastic retaining tabs 250.

[0079] Figure 6 particularly illustrates a portion of the elastic casing ring 200 at the level of one of the elastic retaining tabs 250.

[0080] The elastic retaining tabs 250 comprise an elastic portion 251 connected to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 at a first end. This elastic portion 251, for example in the form of a blade, is intended to deform elastically relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200. The elastic portion 251 comprises a free contact end 252 having at least one portion 253 axially offset relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 and to the fixing tabs 210, along the Z axis. The free contact end 252 therefore projects relative to the annular body 205 of the elastic casing ring 200 in the direction of the clockwork movement 10.

[0081] Advantageously, the free contact ends 252 of the elastic retaining tabs 250 and the free end 222 of the locking member 220 are arranged at different heights relative to the plane formed by the annular body 205.

[0082] The free contact ends 252 of the elastic retaining tabs 250 are configured to come to bear on the watch movement 10, preferably at the level of dedicated support portions 18, and to exert a force on the watch movement 10 when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position in the caseband 110.

[0083] Preferably, the free contact ends 252 of the elastic retaining tabs 250 are configured to exert an axial force parallel to the central axis Z on the watch movement 10 when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position in the caseband 110.

[0084] The elastic retaining tabs 250 make it possible to constrain the watch movement 10 in the caseband 110 to keep it in position in the caseband 110 during normal use, while forming absorption or damping means attenuating the movements of the watch movement 10 in the event of an impact on the watch case 100.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic retaining tabs 250 make it possible to axially constrain the clockwork movement 10 along the Z axis to attenuate the effects of the axial movements of the clockwork movement 10 along this same axis.

[0086] The dedicated support portions 18 of the clockwork movement 10 may comprise asperities, for example hollows, surfaces set back relative to an upper surface of the clockwork movement 10, configured to receive and house the elastic retaining tabs 250.

[0087] These roughnesses at the level of the clockwork movement 10 can also form angular stops for positioning the elastic casing ring 200, give an indication on the positioning of the elastic casing ring 200 and/or participate in locking the elastic casing ring 200 in the locked position.

[0088] The elastic retaining tabs 250 housed in these asperities can also ensure blocking of the movements of the clockwork movement 10 in the plane P1 and/or dampen or attenuate the movements of the clockwork movement 10 in the plane P1.

[0089] The elastic casing ring 200 also comprises at least one mounting foolproofing device 245 cooperating with a cavity 246 formed in the caseband 110 and extending axially along the Z axis.

[0090] The elastic casing ring 200 also comprises an imprint 260, preferably at least two, configured to cooperate with projecting elements 460 such as protuberances, studs, lugs, of a casing tool 400 for the assembly (locking) and disassembly (unlocking) of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0091] In the embodiment shown, the elastic ring comprises five imprints 260.

[0092] The imprints 260 may be holes, notches, etc.).

[0093] The fitting tool 400 comprises a body 410 making it easier to handle, lock and unlock the elastic fitting ring 200.

[0094] Figure 7 schematically illustrates such a casing tool according to the invention for the casing operation of the watch movement 10 by means of the elastic casing ring 200 according to the invention.

[0095] The casing tool 400 may be in the form of a sleeve easily graspable by a watchmaker having at least one stud 460 configured to be inserted into said at least one imprint 260 of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fitting tool 400 comprises five pins 460 configured to fit into the five cavities 260 of the elastic fitting ring 200.

[0097] The elastic casing ring 200 further comprises a disassembly imprint 270 configured to receive and allow the passage of an unlocking pin 470 of the casing tool 400. Such a disassembly imprint 270 preferably has a specific shape different from the other imprints 260, in particular to facilitate its identification relative to the other imprints. Obviously, other means can be used to easily identify the disassembly imprint 270 from the other imprints 260 used for driving the elastic casing ring 200 in rotation.

[0098] The disassembly imprint 270 is for example a hole or a notch of oblong shape, while the imprints 260 can be of circular shape.

[0099] The disassembly imprint 270 is provided at the level of the annular body 205 so as to be positioned above the elastic locking finger 230 when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position in the caseband 110.

[0100] The unlocking stud 470 of the fitting tool 400 is configured to disengage the elastic locking finger 230 when the fitting tool 400 is positioned on the elastic fitting ring 200. The unlocking stud 470 is configured to press and elastically deform the elastic locking finger 230 so as to release it from the locking member 220 or from the trajectory of the locking member 220, thus allowing reverse rotation of the elastic fitting ring 200.

[0101] Thus, once the fitting tool 400 is in position on the elastic fitting ring 200, it is easy to disassemble the elastic fitting ring 200 by simple rotation in the opposite direction to the assembly direction, the latter causing the elastic fitting ring 200 to rotate by the cooperation of the pins 460 and the imprints 260.

[0102] Advantageously, in the insertion position of the elastic casing ring 200, that is to say in the position in which the elastic casing ring 200 is just placed on the bearing surface 111 of the caseband 110 (the fixing tabs 210 not being engaged in the bayonet grooves 113), the elastic retaining tabs 250 are not in contact with the different bearing portions 18 of the watch movement. The elastic retaining elements 250 exert a force, in particular axial, on the watch movement only when the elastic casing ring 200 is in the locked position.

Method of casing a watch movement according to the invention

[0103] To carry out the casing of the watch movement 10, a first operation consists in introducing the watch movement 10 into the caseband 110 so as to match the different indexing elements of the movement 10 and the caseband 110. Thus, the installation of the watch movement 10 can be carried out with a predefined angular position of the watch movement 10 relative to the caseband 110. The different indexing elements pre-maintain the rotation of the watch movement 10 in the caseband 110, relative to the Z axis.

[0104] In the illustrated embodiment, the clockwork movement 10 is inserted through the case back side.

[0105] Then, a second operation consists of introducing the elastic casing ring 200 above the clockwork movement 10 until the fixing tabs 210 come to bear on the bearing surface 111 of the caseband 110.

[0106] According to a variant, the elastic casing ring 200 can be placed directly on the clock movement 10.

[0107] A third operation consists in imparting a rotation of the elastic casing ring 200, in a determined locking direction, for example in the clockwise direction, so that the fixing tabs 210 are inserted into the bayonet grooves 113, until reaching a stop position via the angular positioning stop(s). The elastic casing ring 200 is then in the locked position. In the embodiment described above, the locking member 220 of the elastic casing ring 200 cooperates with a stop surface 16 of the clockwork movement 10 to form an angular positioning stop for the elastic casing ring 200.

[0108] During rotation, the operator may have to overcome a resistance force due to the elastic deformation of one or more elastic retaining elements of the ring 200.

[0109] For example, during rotation, the operator may have to overcome a resistance force due to the elastic deformation of the annular body 205 and/or the elastic retaining tabs 250 coming into contact with the clockwork movement 10 during rotation of the ring 200, and/or overcome the resistance force by friction of the annular body 205 and/or the elastic retaining tabs 250 in contact with the clockwork movement 10.

[0110] It may also be necessary for the operator to apply an axial force along the Z axis to the elastic fitting ring 200 so as to elastically constrain the annular body 205 and/or the elastic retaining tabs 250 to engage the fixing tabs 210 in the grooves 113.

[0111] The rotation of the elastic casing ring 200 is preferably carried out by means of the casing tool 400 according to the invention described above. Such a casing tool 400 makes it possible to facilitate the handling of such an elastic casing ring 200 according to the invention.

[0112] For this purpose, the method may include a prior step consisting of positioning the casing tool 400 on the elastic casing ring 200 by matching the different pins 460, 470 of the casing tool 400 with the different respective imprints 260, 270 of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0113] When the elastic casing ring 200 rotates, the free end 221 of the locking member 220 comes into contact with the elastic locking finger 230, gradually elastically deforming it as the ring 200 rotates or as soon as the conductive elastic ring 200 is positioned above the watch movement 10. When the elastic casing ring 200 reaches its final angular position (stop position), the elastic locking finger 230 is no longer constrained, and can return to its free rest position so as to cooperate with the locking member 220, thereby preventing reverse rotation of the elastic casing ring 200. The elastic casing ring 200 is then locked in position.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the elastic locking finger 230 is positioned axially (along the Z axis) opposite or above the locking member 220, thus preventing reverse rotation of the elastic casing ring 200.

[0115] The locking member 220 makes it possible, in cooperation with the elastic finger 230 of the watch movement, to block the locked position of the elastic casing ring 200 and to prevent any unexpected and involuntary disassembly of the elastic casing ring 200, for example under the effect of vibrations, successive expansion cycles, shocks, by inadvertent use by the wearer, or other.

[0116] The transition from the insertion position to the locked position of the elastic casing ring 200, and vice versa, is achieved by performing a rotation of the order of 20°.

[0117] Once in the locked position, the elastic retaining tabs 250 rest on dedicated support portions 18 of the clock movement 10.

[0118] Advantageously, the locking of the elastic casing ring 200 by means of a bayonet connection, in particular by rotation around the Z axis, is reversible.

[0119] The disassembly of the elastic casing ring 200 preferably requires the use of a casing tool 400 to disengage the elastic finger 230 and release the rotation of the locking member 220 in the unlocking direction.

[0120] Preferably, the tool mentioned during the assembly of the elastic casing ring 200 is also used for the unlocking and disassembly of the elastic casing ring 200. As described previously, the tool comprises an unlocking stud 470 configured to cooperate with the elastic locking finger 230 and constrain it in axial position relative to the Z axis, when the tool is held in position on the elastic casing ring 200 by the operator.

[0121] Generally, the invention has been described with operations carried out by an operator. However, the invention is also applicable with an automaton or a robot, so that the method of casing a watch movement according to the invention can be a manual method or an automated method.

Claims (20)

1. Elastic casing ring (200) for casing a watch movement (10) in a watch case (100) comprising a caseband (110), said elastic casing ring (200) being characterized in that it comprises an annular body (205) with a central axis (Z), fixing tabs (210) carried by said annular body (205) and capable of cooperating with said caseband (110) to form a bayonet casing system (300) by relative rotation of the elastic casing ring (200) relative to the caseband (110) about the central axis (Z), between an insertion position and a locked position, said elastic casing ring (200) comprising at least one elastic retaining element capable of cooperating with said watch movement (10) and of exerting a force axial parallel to the central axis (Z) on the watch movement (10) by elastic deformation of said elastic retaining element when said elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position in the caseband (110). 2. Elastic casing ring (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) comprises a locking member (220) capable of cooperating with the watch movement (10) or the caseband (110) to ensure rotational locking of the locked position of the elastic casing ring (200) in the caseband (110). 3. Elastic casing ring (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said locking member (220) is capable of cooperating with the watch movement (10) or the caseband (110) to form an angular stop for positioning said elastic casing ring (200). 4. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic fitting ring (200) is made of metallic material or polymer material. 5. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one elastic retaining element is formed by the annular body (205). 6. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic fitting ring (200) comprises a plurality of elastic retaining elements formed by elastic retaining tabs (250) comprising an elastic portion (251) connected to the annular body (205) and shaped to deform elastically. 7. Elastic casing ring (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elastic portion (251) comprises a free contact end (252) having at least one portion (253) axially offset, along the central axis (Z), relative to the annular body (205), capable of coming to bear on the watch movement (10) and of exerting an axial force parallel to the central axis (Z) on the watch movement (10) by elastic deformation of said elastic portion (251) at least when said elastic casing ring (200) is in the locked position in the caseband (110). 8. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a mounting key (245). 9. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one imprint (260, 270) having a shape adapted to cooperate with a fitting tool (400). 10. Elastic fitting ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first imprint (260) configured to ensure the rotation of the elastic fitting ring (200) and a second imprint (270) configured to ensure the unlocking of said elastic fitting ring (200), each of the imprints (260, 270) having a shape adapted to cooperate with a fitting tool (400). 11. Watch case (100) comprising a caseband (110), an elastic casing ring (200) according to one of the preceding claims and a watch movement (10) fitted into said caseband (110) by said elastic casing ring (10). 12. Watch case (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) is configured to form shock-absorbing means for the watch movement (10) in the event of shocks suffered by the watch case (100), preferably in an axial direction parallel to the central axis Z. 13. Watch case (100) according to one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that the caseband (110) comprises bayonet grooves (113), said bayonet grooves (113) cooperating with said fixing tabs (210) to form the bayonet casing system (300) of the watch movement (10). 14. Watch case (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the caseband (110) comprises at least one bearing surface (111) for receiving said fixing tabs (210) of the elastic casing ring (200) in the insertion position of said elastic casing ring (200). 15. Watch case (100) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) comprises a locking member (220) and in that the caseband (110) comprises an elastic locking finger (230) configured to cooperate with said locking member (220) to ensure rotational locking of the elastic casing ring (200) in the caseband (110) by elastic clipping. 16. Watch case (100) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the elastic casing ring (200) comprises a locking member (220) and in that the watch movement (10) comprises an elastic locking finger (230) configured to cooperate with said locking member (220) to ensure rotational locking of the elastic casing ring (200) in the caseband (110) by elastic clipping. 17. Casing tool (400) for casing a watch movement (10) of a watch case (100) according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one projecting element (460, 470) configured to cooperate with at least one imprint (260, 270) of the elastic casing ring (200). 18. Fitting tool (400) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises projecting elements (460, 470) configured to cooperate with a plurality of imprints (260, 270) of said elastic fitting ring (200), said projecting elements (460, 470) ensuring rotational drive of said elastic fitting ring (200) during rotation of said fitting tool (400). 19. Fitting tool (400) according to one of claims 17 to 18 and one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises an unlocking pin (470) configured to disengage said elastic locking finger (230) when said fitting tool (400) is in position on the elastic fitting ring (200) so as to allow its unlocking and the disassembly of the elastic fitting ring (200). 20. Method for casing a watch movement (10) with a central axis (Z) in a watch case (100) comprising a caseband (110) by means of an elastic casing ring (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises: – a step of introducing said watch movement (10) into the caseband (110); – a step of introducing said elastic casing ring (200) over the watch movement along the central axis (Z); – a step of fixing the watch movement (10) to the caseband (110) during which the elastic casing ring (200) is engaged in rotation around the central axis (Z), said fixing tabs engaging in a plurality of bayonet grooves (113) that the caseband (110) comprises during the rotation of the elastic casing ring (200) until reaching a locked position of said elastic casing ring (200).