Forming a watch cover for processing and / or presenting a watch movement

Abstract

An aspect of the invention relates to a watch case (200) forming a housing for handling and / or presenting a watch movement (400) based on a predetermined series of specifications; the movement (400) comprises a control member (410) having a distal portion (411) at a radial value (VR) from a movement axis (DM) specific to the model; the case (200) comprises a ring (220) specific to the model, the ring (220) being assemblable with a bottom (210) and a cover (230) in a single angular position to enclose the movement (400); and the outer shape of the case (200) is identical for each specification in the series, with a reference shoulder (240) defining a case axis (DC); the ring (220) biases the movement axis (DM) relative to the case axis (DC) in the radial direction (DR) of the control member (410) by a value such that the distal portion (411) is at a predetermined value (VP) from the case axis (DC), the predetermined value (VP) being identical for all specifications of the series.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a calotte forming a housing for handling and / or presenting a watch movement based on a predetermined series calibre model, the movement including a control member projecting radially relative to the movement axis, and the distal portion of the control member being a radial distance from the movement axis by a value specific to the model, the calotte including a transport ring specific to the calibre model, and the transport ring being arranged to engage with a bottom on one hand and a cover on the other hand by assembly in a single angular position, so as to surround the movement except for the control member of the movement, the control member being radially extended at least through a first recess included in the transport ring in the radial direction.

[0002] The present invention relates to a production apparatus for processing and / or presenting watch movements of different specifications and models belonging to a predetermined series at a manufacturing, inspection or storage station.

[0003] This invention relates to the field of assembling, processing, and testing watch movements. Background Technology

[0004] European Patent No. 2015148B1, filed by ETA SAManufacture Horlogère Suisse, describes a system for handling and transporting different types of watch movements during manufacturing. The system includes different types of support rings, each corresponding to a different type of movement, and each support ring is arranged to support the mainplate of the movement in a defined position. The system also includes transport pallets and holding devices, each pallet having an opening arranged to removably receive any of the support rings. The pallet openings and the outer contours of the support rings have standardized constructions adapted to fit together. The holding devices are used to retain the support rings within the pallets. The transport ring includes internal elements arranged to support the mainplate of the movement in a defined position. These internal elements include support surfaces and prestressing devices. The support ring includes a reference surface on its outer side, which functions as a support for precise spatial positioning of the support ring. These prestressing devices are elastic and arranged to elastically deform by moving away from each other when the movement is inserted, thus ensuring precise positioning of the mainplate of the movement within the ring.

[0005] These types of transport pallets (more commonly known as covers) are extremely useful for protecting and transporting watch movements. To inspect the movement, especially to check its operation or condition, it must be presented in a precise position in front of or in contact with one or more sensors. However, the diversity of existing specifications makes this a challenging task, as there are many different covers associated with different specifications. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to facilitate the inspection of watch movements of a predetermined series of specifications by creating a series of covers, which include reference surfaces for positioning, and such that the elements of the movement are positioned on the placement side relative to the contour of the cover surrounding it.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a watch case forming a housing according to claim 1, the housing being used for processing and / or presenting a watch movement based on a specification model belonging to a predetermined series.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a production apparatus for processing and / or presenting watch movements of different specifications belonging to a predetermined series at a manufacturing, inspection or storage station, the production apparatus including such covers for each specification of the series. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 A schematic side view of a three-part cover according to the invention is shown, the three parts being assembled together in a single angular rotation position. Based on a predetermined series of specifications, the cover surrounds the watch movement, with only the control member of the movement protruding radially; the distal portion of this control member (in this example, the end of the crown) is located at a predetermined distance from the cover axis, a predetermined distance that is the same for all specifications in the relevant series.

[0011] - Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 An exploded side view of the cover, which, from bottom to top, includes a bottom, a transport ring, and a cover, with the bottom and cover each having a flat surface;

[0012] - Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 1 A top view of the cover, wherein the same contours constituting the bottom of the cover, the transport ring and the cap have a flat or rounded reference surface defining the axis of the cover, which is located at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the control handle shaft.

[0013] - Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows the object resting on its flat surface. Figure 2 Top view of the bottom of the image;

[0014] - Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows the object resting on its flat surface. Figure 2 Top view of the cover;

[0015] - Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 2 A plan view of the lower part of the transport ring, in this position of the transport ring, and as shown... Figure 5 The cover shown fits at an angle;

[0016] - Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 2 A plan view of the lower part of the transport ring, in this position of the transport ring, and as shown... Figure 5 The cover shown fits at an angle;

[0017] - Figure 8 A perspective view of the transport ring is schematically shown, with its upper portion holding the movement, the control shaft of the movement passing through a first recess in the transport ring;

[0018] - Figure 9 Similar to Figure 8 This shows the other side of the transport ring that provides the organic core;

[0019] - Figure 10 A schematic side view of the distal end of the control lever opposite the transport ring providing the organic core is shown.

[0020] - Figure 11 The diagram schematically shows the cross-section of the transport ring providing the organic core through the cover axis and through the core axis. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention relates to a watch case 200 forming a housing for processing and / or presenting a watch movement 400 based on a specification model belonging to a predetermined series. The movement 400 includes a control member 410 that projects radially relative to the movement axis DM, and the distal portion 411 of the control member 410 (e.g., the end of the crown) is at a radial distance VR from the movement axis DM that is specific to the specification model of the movement 400.

[0022] Cover 200 includes a transport ring 220 of this specification specific to movement 400, and the transport ring 220 is arranged to engage with bottom 210 on one hand and cover 230 on the other hand by assembly in a single angular position, so as to surround movement 400 except for the control member 410 of movement, which radially passes at least through a first recess 221 included in transport ring 220 in the radial direction DR.

[0023] According to the invention, the cover 200 has the same external shape for all sizes in the series, and it includes external reference shoulders 240, at least some of which are symmetrical about the cover axis DC.

[0024] Furthermore, the transport ring 220 is arranged such that, in the radial direction DR defined by the first recess 221, the movement axis DM of the movement 400 is eccentrically positioned relative to the cover axis DC based on an eccentricity value, such that the distal portion 411 of the control member 410 is at a predetermined distance VP from the cover axis DC, which is the same for all specifications in the series.

[0025] More specifically, the cover 230 includes a second recess 231 that allows the control member 410 to pass through it.

[0026] More specifically, the bottom 210 is the same for all specifications in this series.

[0027] More specifically, the bottom 210 and the cover 230 each include flat outer plates 218 and 238 perpendicular to the cover axis DC, which have the same profile when projected over each other and when the cover 200 is in the closed position (in which the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220).

[0028] More specifically, the transport ring 220 includes an outer lip 225 that protrudes from shoulders 219, 239, respectively, included in the bottom 210 and the cover 230, when the cover 200 is in the closed position (in which the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with respect to the transport ring 220).

[0029] More specifically, when the outer lip 225 is projected onto each other with the flat outer plates 218, 238 of the bottom 210 and the cover 230, and when the cover 200 is in the closed position (in which the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220), the outer lip 225 has the same profile as the flat outer plates 218, 238 of the bottom 210 and the cover 230.

[0030] More specifically, the outer lip 225 and the flat outer plates 218, 238 each include positioning notches 227, 217, 237, which are aligned parallel to the cover axis DC when the cover 200 is in the closed position (in which the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220). Furthermore, the outer lip 225 and the flat outer plates 218, 238 each include détrompage notches 226, 216, 236 to distinguish the dial side of the movement 400 from the plate side, which are aligned parallel to the cover axis DC when the cover 200 is in the closed position.

[0031] More specifically, the cover 230 includes an inner cover protrusion 232 arranged to support the transport ring 220 in the direction of the cover axis DC in the axial position when the cover 200 is in a position in which the cover 230 is angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220.

[0032] More specifically, the transport ring 220 includes an inner ring protrusion 222, which is arranged to support the bottom 210 in the direction of the cover axis DC in the axial position when the cover 200 is in a position in which the bottom 210 is angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220.

[0033] More specifically, the transport ring 220 includes a ring groove 223 or a lug for engaging with a bottom groove or bottom lug 213 included in the bottom 210, respectively, so that when the cover 200 is in a position in which the bottom 210 is angularly rotated and assembled with respect to the transport ring 220, the bottom 210 is angularly oriented relative to the transport ring 220.

[0034] More specifically, when the cover 200 is in the closed position (in which the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with respect to the transport ring 220), the outer lip 225 is offset relative to the cover 200 in the direction of the cover axis DC to define an upper chamber on the side of the cover 230 and a lower chamber on the side of the bottom 210. The upper chamber is used to receive the movement 400 on the upper surface of the transport ring 220. The upper chamber is arranged such that the dial side of the movement 400 is visible and ensures the radial passage of the control member 410. The lower chamber has a smaller volume than the upper chamber and is defined by the lower surface of the transport ring 220, which is arranged such that the plate side of the movement 400 is visible.

[0035] More specifically, the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are transparent to allow for optical inspection of the movement 400.

[0036] More specifically, the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are soundproof to isolate the movement 400 contained in the cover 200 from other sound sources in its vicinity, so as to allow for acoustic inspection of the movement 400.

[0037] More specifically, the bottom 210, transport ring 220 and cover 230 are arranged to be assembled together in pairs by elastic clamping.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a production apparatus 2000 for processing and / or presenting watch movements 400 of different specifications belonging to a predetermined series at a manufacturing, inspection, or storage station. According to the invention, the production apparatus 2000 includes at least one watch case 200 for each specification in the series. The watch case 200 includes a transport ring 220 and a cover 230 specific to that specification. Furthermore, in their closed position (where the bottom 210 and the cover 230 are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring 220), all cases 200 included in the apparatus 2000 have the same external dimensions. Furthermore, when the cover 200 is in the closed position surrounding the movement 400, the distal portion 411 of the control member 410 is at a predetermined distance VP from the cover axis DC, which is the same for all specifications in the series, and the distal portion 411 of the control member 410 is oriented in a single angular position in the radial direction DR relative to the positioning device and the error-proofing device, which are the same for all covers 200 included in the device 2000.

Claims

1. A watch case (200) forming a housing for processing and / or presenting a watch movement (400) based on a specification model belonging to a predetermined series, the movement (400) including a control member (410) radially projecting relative to a movement axis (DM), and a distal portion (411) of the control member (410) being a radial distance (VR) from the movement axis (DM) specific to the specification model, the case (200) including a transport ring (220) specific to the specification of the movement (400), and the transport ring (220) being arranged to engage with a bottom (210) on one hand and a cover (230) on the other hand by assembly in a single angular position, so as to surround the movement (400) except for the control member (410), the control member (410) radially passing at least through a first recess (221) included in the transport ring (220) in the radial direction (DR), characterized in that, The cover (200) has the same external shape for all specifications in the series, and the cover (200) includes external reference shoulders (240), at least some of which are symmetrical about the cover axis (DC), and wherein the transport ring (220) is arranged to position the movement axis (DM) of the movement (400) eccentrically relative to the cover axis (DC) based on an eccentricity value in the radial direction (DR) defined by the first recess (221), such that the distal portion (411) of the control member (410) is at a predetermined distance (VP) from the cover axis (DC), the predetermined value (VP) being the same for all specifications in the series. The frames are identical, wherein the bottom (210) and the cover (230) each include a flat outer plate (218; 238) perpendicular to the cover axis (DC), which, when projected onto each other, and when the cover (200) is in a closed position where the bottom (210) and the cover (230) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), have the same profile, wherein the transport ring (220) includes an outer lip (225) which, when the cover (200) is in a closed position where the bottom (210) and the cover (230) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), have the same profile. When the cover (200) is in the closed position and assembled with the transport ring (220), the outer lip (225) protrudes from the shoulders (219; 239) respectively included in the bottom (210) and the cover (230), wherein the outer lip (225) projects onto each other with the flat outer plates (218; 238) of the bottom (210) and the cover (230), and when the cover (200) is in the closed position in which the bottom (210) and the cover (230) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), the outer lip (225) has a similar shape to the bottom (210) and the cover (230). The outer flat outer plate (218; 238) of the cover (200) has the same profile as the flat outer plate (218; 238), and wherein the outer lip (225) and the flat outer plate (218; 238) each include a positioning notch (227; 217; 237) which are aligned parallel to the cover axis (DC) when the cover (200) is in the closed position in which the bottom (210) and the cover (230) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), and wherein the outer lip (225) and the flat outer plate (218; 238) each include a mis-proof notch (226; 216).236) To distinguish the dial side and the plate side of the movement (400), when the cover (200) is in the closed position, the anti-misalignment notches (226; 216; 236) are aligned parallel to the cover axis (DC).

2. The watch case (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover (230) includes a second recess (231) that allows the control member (410) to pass through it.

3. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom (210) is the same for all the specifications in the series.

4. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover (230) includes an inner cover protrusion (232) arranged to support the transport ring (220) in the direction of the cover axis (DC) in an axial position when the cover (200) is in the position where the cover (230) is angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220).

5. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transport ring (220) includes a ring protrusion (222) arranged to support the bottom (210) in the direction of the cover axis (DC) in an axial position when the cover (200) is in the position where the bottom (210) is angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220) relative to the transport ring (220).

6. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transport ring (220) includes a ring groove (223) or a lug for engaging with a bottom groove or bottom lug (213) included in the bottom (210) so that when the cover (200) is in the position where the bottom (210) is angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220) relative to the transport ring (220), the bottom (210) is angularly oriented relative to the transport ring (220).

7. The watch case (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the cover (200) is in the closed position where the bottom (210) and the cover (230) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), the outer lip (225) is offset relative to the cover (200) in the direction of the cover axis (DC) to define an upper chamber on the side of the cover (230) and a lower chamber on the side of the bottom (210), the upper chamber being used to receive the movement (400) on the upper surface of the transport ring (220), the upper chamber being arranged such that the dial side of the movement (400) is visible and ensuring radial passage of the control member (410), the lower chamber having a smaller volume than the upper chamber and being defined by the lower surface of the transport ring (220) being arranged such that the plate side of the movement (400) is visible.

8. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom (210) and the cover (230) are transparent to allow optical inspection of the movement (400).

9. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom (210) and the cover (230) are soundproof to isolate the movement (400) contained in the cover (200) from other sound sources in its vicinity, so as to allow for acoustic inspection of the movement (400).

10. The watch case (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bottom (210), the transport ring (220) and the cover (230) are arranged to be assembled together in pairs by elastic clamping.

11. A production apparatus (2000) for processing and / or presenting watch movements (400) of different specifications and models belonging to a predetermined series at a manufacturing, inspection, or storage station, characterized in that, The production equipment (2000) includes, for each of the specifications, at least one of the watch cases (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the case (200) including the transport ring (220) and the cover (230) specific to the specification, and wherein, in the closed position where the bottom (210) and the cover (230) of the case (200) are angularly rotated and assembled with the transport ring (220), all the cases (200) in the equipment (2000) have the same external dimensions, and their In the closed position surrounding the movement (400), when the cover (200) is in the closed position, the distal portion (411) of the control member (410) is at a predetermined value (VP) from the cover axis (DC), the predetermined value (VP) being the same for all specifications of the series, and the distal portion (411) of the control member (410) is oriented in a single angular position in the radial direction (DR) relative to the positioning device and the error-proofing device being the same for all covers (200) included in the device (2000).

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