EP1617306A1

EP1617306A1 - Case for wristwatch

Info

Publication number: EP1617306A1
Application number: EP03717646A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Susumu Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. SHIBATA; Tsugio Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. SATO; Kazuo Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. OKADA; Hirosi Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. MATSUMURA; Tadashi Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. ABE; Yoichi Namiki Seimitu Houseki K. K. YAGUCHI; Ratajski Emmer SA MICHELLE
Original assignee: Namiki Precision Jewel Co Ltd
Current assignee: Namiki Precision Jewel Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-04-18
Filing date: 2003-04-18
Publication date: 2006-01-18
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-18
Also published as: EP1617306A4; EP1617306B1; CN1788242A; DE60328720D1; CN100555121C; WO2004095147A1

Abstract

A timepiece case body made of a hard transparent material having mirror-polished inner and outer peripheral surfaces formed in an almost hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape accommodates a timepiece movement and an inner frame-connecting member for fixedly holding the aforementioned timepiece movement in an axial direction of the cylinder, cover bodies provided with connecting portions with an inner frame-connecting member is arranged at both end-opening portions of said timepiece case body, the both end-opening portions are covered by the cover bodies, and both cover bodies are integrally and fixedly connected to each end portion of the aforementioned inner frame-connecting member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a construction of a case for a wristwatch of a skeleton type through which a part of a mechanical device such as a movement or a whole internal mechanism can be seen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, many cases for a wristwatch of a skeleton type, wherein a mechanical movement for a wristwatch is protected by two windshields made of transparent hard material, such as inorganic cover glass (hereafter referred to as inorganic glass), sapphire cover glass (hereafter referred to as sapphire), etc., and the aforementioned movement is arranged and fixedly held in a space inside the watch case so that the movement can be seen through upper and a lower windows located in a direction of thickness at a middle position of the case, have been proposed.
However, since this type of watch is designed simply by making two planes of a timepiece case body facing in a direction of thickness transparent (skeletonizing), its external shape seems to be the same as general normal models from the viewpoint of appearance. Such a structural restriction has caused a problem in the past that it is difficult to design a fashionable, innovative, and unique wristwatch of a skeleton type.
In addition, high integration of electronic circuits and use of a very small quartz resonator has enabled size reductions, weight reductions, and simplification of the recent quartz watch movement. However, design inconvenience due to excessive simplification such that mechanical and precise motion inherent in the mechanical movement and fashionableness as a personal ornament having marked individualities are insufficient has been revealed.
The purpose of this invention considering these circumstances is to provide a case for a wristwatch of a new skeleton type having a unique construction associated with fashionable and innovative design inherent in a wristwatch as a personal ornament with excellent waterproof performance as well as transparent and three-dimensional styling and having a simple movement supporting construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the abovementioned problems, in a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, a timepiece case body made of a hard transparent material having mirror-polished inner and outer peripheral surfaces formed in an almost hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape is newly used, a timepiece movement is arranged in an almost central position inside the case, an inner frame connecting member for fixedly holding the aforementioned timepiece movement in an axial direction of the cylinder is accommodated, a cover body having a connecting portion with an inner frame connection member is disposed of at both end-opening portions of the timepiece case body, the both end-opening portions are covered by the aforementioned cover bodies, and both cover bodies are integrally and fixedly connected to each end portion of the aforementioned inner frame connecting member.
Thus, it is possible to use a hollow cylindrical transparent hard timepiece case body in a basic outer enclosing portion and to use a support mechanism for suspending the timepiece movement inside the case. In this way, a unique wristwatch construction of a skeleton type having transparent and three-dimensional style can be realized, and a wristwatch case of new and innovative design can be provided.
In addition, in a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, ring-shaped elastic gaskets are inserted between the aforementioned cover bodies and the edges of both end-opening portions of the aforementioned case body for a wristwatch and are covered by the cover bodies to provide a case for a wristwatch where both cover bodies are integrally and fixedly held in each end portion of the aforementioned inner frame connecting member.
Thus, a case for a wristwatch having a simple construction and excellent waterproof performance can be provided.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, the aforementioned transparent hard material is an ornamental material for watches, such as single crystal sapphire, jewel material, translucent ceramics, inorganic glass, and rigid plastics. In addition, the aforementioned combined cover body is made of an ornamental material for watches, such as noble metal, metal, cemented carbide, single crystal sapphire, jewel material, translucent ceramics, inorganic glass, and rigid plastics. Thus, a case for a wristwatch in which one type of transparent hard material selected from the above options and one or more types of materials for the aforementioned cover bodies can be combined is provided.
Thus, it is possible to provide a variety of cases for a wristwatch ranging from lightweight and inexpensive specifications to gorgeous-looking ornamental specifications depending on an application by selecting and combining these materials. It is a matter of course that an ornamental part for a watch made of a generally worked metallic material of which surface is subjected to ornamental treatment can be used for the aforementioned cover body.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, the aforementioned transparent hard material made of sapphire single crystal lifting material in a modified tube shape such as an almost hollow cylindrical shape and a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape grown by the EFG method is used.
Thus, it is possible to make an outer enclosing body of a case for a wristwatch of a wide variety of designs from a lifting material in a tube-like almost polygonal shape or a modified shape, which is one of the characteristics of the EFG method, enabling an innovative design.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, a part of the aforementioned cover body has a construction provided with portions for attaching a band for a wristwatch.
Thus, it is possible to reduce the time for manufacturing parts and the number of parts, to facilitate attachment of a band etc., and to provide a case for a wristwatch having a sense of unity.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, the band is attached to the aforementioned cover body in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of a timepiece case body in the aforementioned almost hollow cylindrical shape or hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape.
Thus, a case for a wristwatch having a total wristwatch image of a horizontally long design is completed.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, the band is attached to the aforementioned cover body in a direction of a central axis of a timepiece case body in the aforementioned almost hollow cylindrical shape or hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape.
Thus, a case for a wristwatch having a total wristwatch image of vertically long design is completed.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, at least one of the aforementioned cover bodies is provided with a winding crown portion for operating a setting stem of the aforementioned timepiece movement.
Thus, it is possible to perform operation of a movement such as synchronization as basic operation of a watch from the outside of a timepiece case body.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, the aforementioned timepiece movement is a mechanical movement of a skeleton specification.
Thus, it is possible to see an entire mechanism inside a timepiece case body through a case to provide a function of demonstrating mechanical and precise motion inherent in a wristwatch of a mechanical movement type and fashionableness as a personal ornament.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, ornamental jewels are enchased in one or both of two spaces at the dial side and back side between the aforementioned inner frame connecting member and the timepiece case body.
Thus, it is possible to provide a wristwatch having functions as an ornamental and jewelry watch and gorgeous styling in addition to fashionableness as a personal ornament. Moreover, it is possible to provide a reversible type wristwatch using the right side as a watch and the reversible side as a jewel enchased bracelet.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, a part of the aforementioned cover bodies is provided with a plurality of portions for attaching a wristwatch band so that the aforementioned wristwatch band attaching position can be changed from one of two attaching portions to the other that are provided in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of a timepiece case body and in a direction of the central axis of the timepiece case body.
Thus, it is possible to easily and freely select one of two different designs for the same case of a wristwatch and to personally change the position for attaching the band to enjoy the design according to the mood of the day.
In a case for a wristwatch relating to this invention, a part of the aforementioned cover body is provided with a portion for attaching a suspending type band so that the case for a wristwatch is a pendant type having a watch function in which the aforementioned case for a wristwatch is suspended in a direction of a central axis of a timepiece case body.
Thus, it is possible to enjoy a pendant type fashionable watch using the case for a wristwatch in addition to the design as the aforementioned wristwatch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining an embodiment of this invention.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining an embodiment of this invention.
Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining an embodiment of this invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a whole wristwatch for explaining an example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining another example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining another example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic bottom view of a case for a wristwatch for explaining another example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a whole wristwatch for explaining another example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a whole wristwatch for explaining another different example of embodiments of this invention.
Figure 10 is three schematic side views of a whole wristwatch for explaining another different example of embodiments of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The details of this invention are described based on the embodiments. The construction shown in this embodiment is one of the typical examples of constructions according to this invention and is not limited to these examples.

The details of an embodiment of this invention are described referring to Figures 1 through 4.
Figures 1 through 3 are schematic diagrams showing a dial side front view, a cross-sectional side view cut in a direction of 3 to 9 o'clock, and a bottom view seen from 9 o'clock of an embodiment respectively according to this invention. In the diagrams, a timepiece case body 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape using single crystal sapphire (or, for example, a mirror-transparent or partially semi-transparent hard material such as inorganic glass is acceptable), cover bodies 3a and 3b are made in contact with both end-opening portions of the timepiece case body 1 through ring-shaped gaskets 2 in an axial direction of a cylinder, and these cover bodies 3a and 3b are fixedly connected to each end of an inner frame connecting member 4 arranged in an axial direction penetrating in the aforementioned timepiece case body 1 with a screw 10 (only a cover body 3b is illustrated) to air-tightly seal both end-opening portions of the timepiece case body 1.
The inner frame connecting member 4 additionally serving to accommodate and hold a movement 5 has a member with a concave surface F for a gold plated or ornamentally coated metallic dial or a member made by shaping a transparent material etc., and the inner frame connecting member 4 is designed and arranged so that a large space is formed between the concave portion of this inner frame connecting member 4 and the timepiece case body 1 in a direction of thickness of the movement 5. Furthermore, both axial end portions of the inner frame connecting member 4 are fit in internal peripheral surfaces at both ends of a cylinder of the cylindrical timepiece case body 1 so that the inner frame connecting member 4 is integrally held in a middle position of the cylindrical shape.
Item 6 in the drawing is a fork (attaching portion) provided in both cover bodies 3a and 3b through which a watchband, chain, etc. passes, Item 7 a winding crown formed and arranged so as to protrude from the inner frame connecting member 4 to the outside of the cover body, Item 8 a back cover for fixedly holding the movement 5 in the inner frame connecting member 4, Item 9 a setting stem pipe integrally formed with the aforementioned winding crown, Item 10 screws provided in the cover bodies of both sides of the timepiece case body 1 and used for supporting and fixing the inner frame connecting member 4, Item 11 a spring rod for attaching a watchband, and Item 12 an end cap to be attached to the cover body 3b.
The inner frame-connecting member 4 holding the movement 5 integrally is inserted into the timepiece case body 1 and the cover bodies 3a and 3b are fastened to these both ends of the inner frame connecting member 4 with the screws 10 after placing the gaskets 2 between the timepiece case body and the cover bodies. Thus the timepiece case body 1 is air -tight and sealed by the cover bodies 3a and 3b in a condition that the timepiece case body encloses the movement 5.
In a case for a wristwatch 100, a large space formed between the inner frame-connecting member 4, additionally serving as a dial, and the inner periphery of the hollow cylinder of the timepiece case body 1 provides a design having good and deep visibility as shown in Figure 4. Thus, a wristwatch of innovative and unique design having three-dimensional styling thanks to its concave plane can be obtained.

The details of another embodiment of this invention are described referring to Figures 5 through 10.
Figures 5 through 7 are schematic diagrams showing a dial side front view, a cross-sectional side view cut in a direction of 3 to 9 o'clock, and a bottom view seen from 9 o'clock of an embodiment respectively according to this invention. In the diagrams, a timepiece case body 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape using single crystal sapphire or inorganic glass, such as a mirror-transparent or partially semi-transparent hard material, cover bodies 3a and 3b are made in contact with both end-opening portions of the timepiece case body 1 through ring-shaped gaskets 2 in an axial direction of a cylinder, and these cover bodies 3a and 3b are fixedly connected to each end of an inner frame connecting member 4 arranged in an axial direction penetrating in the aforementioned timepiece case body 1 with screws 10 to air-tightly seal both end-opening portion of the timepiece case body 1.
In a way similar to Embodiment 1, the inner frame connecting member 4', additionally serving to accommodate and hold a movement 5, has a member with a concave surface F for a gold plated or ornamentally coated metallic dial or a member made by shaping a transparent material etc., and the inner frame connecting member 4' is designed and arranged so that a large space is formed between the concave portion of this inner frame connecting member 4' and the timepiece case body 1. Furthermore, both of axial end portions of the inner frame-connecting member 4' are fit in internal peripheral surfaces at both ends of a cylinder of the cylindrical timepiece case body 1 so that the inner frame-connecting member 4' is integrally held in a middle position of the cylindrical shape.
In a way similar to the aforementioned, Item 6' in the drawing shows a fork (attaching portion) provided in both cover bodies 3a and 3b through which a watchband, chain, etc. passes, Item 7 a winding crown formed and arranged so as to protrude from the inner frame-connecting member 4 to the outside of one of the cover bodies, Item 8' a back cover for fixedly holding the movement 5 in the inner frame-connecting member 4', Item 9 a setting stem pipe integrally formed with the aforementioned winding crown, Item 10 screws for supporting and fixing the inner frame-connecting member 4' provided in the cover bodies of both sides of the timepiece case body 1, and Item 12 an end cap to be attached to the cover body 3b.
The above construction is almost the same as the aforementioned Embodiment 1. In the case of this Embodiment 2, however, a movement 5' is of a mechanical type according to a skeleton specification and an attaching construction for showing the mechanism and attaching direction of a fork provided to both cover bodies 3a and 3b through which a watchband, a chain, etc. passes are different by 90 degrees as clearly shown in the drawing.
The abovementioned different points can add mechanical and precise motion inherent in an ornamental mechanical wristwatch as a wristwatch of a skeleton type to thoroughly demonstrate the inside of the case body and fashionableness for female users as a personal ornament in addition to a functional effect of the aforementioned Embodiment 1. Especially as shown in Figure 8, when a chain 101 is attached as a watchband, both sides are of the almost same design. As shown in Figure 9, since ornamental jewels 13 are enchased in one or both of two spaces between the inner frame-connecting member 4' and the timepiece case body 1 in a wristwatch case 100, a gorgeous-looking wristwatch having a function as an ornamental and jewelry watch in addition to fashionableness as a personal ornament can be provided. Therefore, it is also possible to use it as a function-reversible wristwatch of which a right side functions as a wristwatch and of which a reverse side functions as an accessory bracelet enchased with jewels.
As described above, in the construction of this case for a wristwatch, an attaching direction of a chain 101 or a band 102 can be designed by changing the direction of forks by 90 degrees as shown in Figure 4 or 8. Thus, two models of different designs can be easily manufactured using the same wristwatch case construction. Moreover, application of a detachable construction to the fork portion makes it possible to personally change the position of the fork to enjoy a different design according to the mood of the day.
Furthermore, it is possible to manufacture a new case for a wristwatch integrated with a skeleton construction of an innovative design with an image having no side edges in a 12 to 6 o'clock direction as shown in Figure 10 while still keeping a basic image inherent in a conventional wristwatch.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, this invention makes it possible to provide a case for a wristwatch having a three-dimensional unique construction and a simple hollow suspension support construction in addition to innovative design as a personal ornament and excellent waterproof performance.
Moreover, a timepiece case body is formed in an almost hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape using a transparent hard material and cover bodies covering both end-opening portions are fixedly connected to both end portions of an inner frame connecting member inserted and arranged in the timepiece case body. Thus, it is possible not only to construct an almost cylindrical wristwatch case of skeleton specification very easily but also to securely and attach and fix the cover body to opening ends of both sides in an air tight manner even when the timepiece case body is formed using a difficult-to-shape material having a shape such as an almost cylindrical polygon.
Simultaneously, when a timepiece movement of an ornamental mechanical type with skeleton specification is applied, it is possible to add a function of demonstrating mechanical precise motion inherent in a mechanical wristwatch and fashionableness as a personal ornament provided with engraving etc.
This inner frame-connecting member for fixing both cover bodies is allowed to simultaneously support the movement at the central position inside the timepiece case body. Thus, it is possible to provide a sufficient space for a dial between the timepiece case body and the cover bodies, to provide an innovative design of hollow suspension support construction in a case of skeleton specification, and to easily manufacture two models of different designs using the same construction of a wristwatch case by changing a direction of forks by 90 degrees to change the direction of attaching a band or a chain to be combined.
Since ornamental jewels are enchased in one or both of two spaces in a direction of movement thickness between the inner frame connecting member and the timepiece case body in a case for a wristwatch, a gorgeous-looking wristwatch having a function as a jewelry watch in addition to fashionableness as a personal ornament can be provided. Therefore, it is also possible to use it as a function-reversible wristwatch of which a right side functions as a wristwatch and of which a reverse side functions as a jewelry bracelet enchased with jewels.
Moreover, application of a detachable construction to the fork portions makes it possible to personally change the position of the fork to enjoy a different design according to the mood of the day.

Description of items

1Timepiece case body
2 Gasket
3a and 3b Cover bodies
4 Inner frame connecting member
5 Movement
6 Fork (attaching portion)
7 Winding crown
8 Back cover
9 Setting stem
10 Screw
11 Spring rod
12 End cap
13 Jewel
100 Wristwatch body
101 Chain
102 Band

Claims

A case for a wristwatch, wherein a timepiece case body made of a hard transparent material having mirror-polished inner and outer peripheral surfaces formed in an almost hollow cylindrical shape or a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape accommodates a timepiece movement and an inner frame connecting member for fixedly holding said timepiece movement in an axial direction of said cylinder, a cover body provided with a connecting portion with an inner frame connection member is arranged at both end-opening portions of said timepiece case body, both end-opening portions are covered by said cover bodies, and both cover bodies are integrally and fixedly connected to each end portion of said inner frame connecting member.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claim 1, wherein ring-shaped elastic gaskets are inserted between said cover body and edges of both end-opening portions of said timepiece case body and are covered by said cover bodies to provide a case for a wristwatch where both cover bodies are integrally and fixedly held in each end portion of said inner frame connecting member.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said transparent hard material is an ornamental material for a watch such as single crystal sapphire, jewel material, translucent ceramics, inorganic glass and rigid plastics, said cover bodies to be combined are made of an ornamental material for a watch such as noble metal, metallic or cemented carbide, single crystal sapphire, jewel material, translucent ceramics, inorganic glass, and rigid plastics.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said transparent hard material made of a sapphire single crystal lifting material in a modified tube shape, such as an almost hollow cylindrical shape and a hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape grown by the EFG method.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 4, wherein a part of said cover body is constructed so as to serve also as a portion for attaching a wristwatch band.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 5, wherein a band is attached to said cover body in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of a timepiece case body in said almost hollow cylindrical shape or hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 5, wherein a band is attached to said cover body in a direction of a central axis of a timepiece case body in said almost hollow cylindrical shape or hollow polygonal and almost cylindrical shape.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 7, wherein at least one of said cover bodies is provided with a winding crown portion for operating a setting stem of said timepiece movement.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 8, wherein said timepiece movement is a mechanical movement of a skeleton specification.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 9, wherein ornamental jewels are enchased in one or both of two spaces at a dial side and a backside between said inner frame connecting member and said timepiece case body.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 10, wherein a part of said cover body is provided with a plurality of portions for attaching a wristwatch band so that said wristwatch band attaching position can be changed from one of two attaching portions to another that are provided in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of a timepiece case body and in a direction of central axis of said timepiece case body.
A case for a wristwatch according to Claims 1 through 10, wherein a part of said cover body is provided with a portion for attaching a suspending type band so that said wristwatch case is of a pendant type having a watch function in which said wristwatch case is suspended in a direction of a central axis of a timepiece case body.