PRESS FOR SQUEEzing Out a Bezel or Watch Glass

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of tooling in the microtechnology sector, particularly in the watchmaking sector, for example intended for after-sales service.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a press for pressing a bezel or a watch crystal. Technological background

[0003] In order to perform after-sales service on a watch, it is sometimes necessary to remove the watch crystal. For this purpose, tools have been developed for removing watch crystals, such as those mentioned in the prior art of patent EP3835888, or in documents US4210798A and FR1495452A.

[0004] Once the service operations are completed, the crystal, and if applicable the bezel, must be pressed onto the watch case. Presses for this operation are known and consist of a fixture that holds the case in a predefined position opposite a support in which a tool holder slides, activated by a user's control mechanism. The tool holder carries a tool designed to apply pressure against the crystal, thus pressing it into the opening in the case designed for this purpose.

[0005] Generally, the press's mounting plate is removable, allowing the user to have several plates of different sizes to accommodate the various case sizes they may service. Therefore, the user should ensure they have a sufficient number of different plates to be able to service a wide variety of watches.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to make it possible to do away with these different setups and in particular the disadvantages related to their storage and use. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention solves the aforementioned drawbacks by offering a solution for simply and quickly inserting a crystal or bezel into a watch case, regardless of the dimensions of said case, using a press with a single mounting.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a press according to the terms of claim 1 as annexed.

[0009] In particular embodiments, the fixture includes a connecting element kinematically linked to the jaws so that when it is stressed, it causes the jaws to move towards the axis AA, against the forces exerted by the elastic element.

[0010] In particular embodiments, the fixture comprises a base with straight grooves, and the connecting member is in the form of a plate arranged to rotate movably relative to the base about axis AA, and includes helical grooves. The jaws slide within the grooves of the base and the plate such that a rotation of the plate about axis AA causes the jaws to translate in plane P.

[0011] In particular embodiments, the straight grooves have a T-shaped cross-section, the jaws each having a head by which they are intended to cooperate with the frame, said head being fixed to a foot having a shape complementary to that of the straight grooves so as to slide in one of said grooves.

[0012] In particular embodiments, the elastic element is subjected to torsion and is connected by one end to the plate, and by a second end to the base.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the platform includes a gripping element so that it can be rotated upon excitation of said gripping element by a user against the force generated by the elastic element.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the jaws are regularly distributed around the AA axis.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the mounting includes an angular positioning element connected to the base and adapted to cooperate with the case to eliminate any degree of rotational freedom around the AA axis of the latter.

[0016] In particular embodiments, at least one of the jaws includes a graphic representation for guiding the orientation, relative to the frame, of the scope or the lens to be hunted.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the mounting includes an adjustment base adapted to adjust the tension of the elastic element, receiving the second end of the elastic element in fixation and being fixed to the base in a movable way in rotation, said base including a locking element in rotation relative to the base. Brief description of the figures

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 represents a perspective view of a press according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, comprising a fixture holding in position a watch case onto which a bezel is mounted; the figure 2 represents a detailed view of the press setup of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 represents an exploded view of the installation of the figure 2 . Detailed description of the invention

[0019] There figure 1 shows a press 10 for pressing a crystal or a bezel 11 onto a case 12 of a watch comprising a fixture 20 intended to hold in position, i.e. without degree of freedom, the case 12 in order to receive, during a pressing operation, said crystal or said bezel 11.

[0020] The press 10 also includes, for carrying out this pressing operation, a gantry 30 supporting a tool holder 31 that is movable in translation and cooperates with a actuating element 32, so as to slide relative to said gantry 30, for example in an opening in which it is engaged, along an axis AA when said actuating element 32 is activated by a user. It is understood that the axis AA is intended to correspond with the center of the frame 12, as shown in the figures.

[0021] A tool 33, such as a press block known in itself to a person skilled in the art, is fixed to the tool holder 31, for example by clamping, by magnetizing, by screwing or by any other suitable means.

[0022] In particular, the operating member 32 can be formed by a movable, rotating lever as illustrated in the example embodiment of the invention on the figure 1In particular, the tool holder 31 may include a toothed shaft along a portion of its length to form a rack (not visible on the figure 1 ) with the teeth of which cooperates a toothed wheel with which the operating member 32 is equipped, said toothed wheel being fixed to the lever.

[0023] Advantageously, the fixture 20 has adjustable radial dimensions, said dimensions being defined in a plane P orthogonal to the axis AA. The term radial is used here in reference to the radial dimension of the case 12 intended to be held in position by the fixture 20.

[0024] In this way, it can adapt to the dimensions of all body types, which avoids the use of removable supports and thus facilitates the fitting operation.

[0025] More specifically, the fixture 20 comprises at least two jaws 21, preferably at least three, evenly distributed around the axis AA, and designed to cooperate with the case 12 by clamping so as to ensure its retention in position. Each jaw 21 is movable in plane P, as described in detail below. In the embodiment of the invention, the fixture 20 comprises six jaws 21, diametrically opposed in pairs. This feature allows for optimal distribution of the forces applied against the case 12.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, under the effect of a stress on an elastic element 22 arranged in the fixture 20, the jaws 21 tend to move apart from each other, i.e. from the axis AA, in order to bear against an internal surface of the case 12, so as to apply clamping forces on said case 12. Thus, holding the case 12 in position presents no risk of damaging it on visible surfaces.

[0027] Furthermore, the jaws 21 are advantageously designed to support the body 12, and in particular a shoulder of the latter, on an upper bearing face inscribed in a plane orthogonal to the axis AA. This feature contributes to the stability of the body 12 during the driving operation insofar as the forces generated by the tool 33 during this operation are transmitted by the body 12 onto these upper bearing faces.

[0028] To move the jaws 21, the fixture 20 includes a connecting member kinematically linked to the jaws 21 such that, when subjected to forces exerted by the elastic member 22, it moves the jaws 21 towards the axis AA, i.e., towards each other, as described below. The connecting member takes the form of a plate 23 in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures. figures 1 to 3 .

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in the exploded view of the figure 3 The mounting 20 includes a base 24 fixed relative to the support 30. The platform 23 is arranged on the base 24 in a movable rotational manner, around the axis AA, for example by means of a plain bearing, a ball bearing or any other suitable means.

[0030] The base 24 has straight grooves 240 extending lengthwise in a plane orthogonal to the axis AA, for example along longitudinal axes passing through the axis AA, said straight grooves 240 being regularly distributed around the axis AA. The plate 23 includes helical grooves 230 regularly distributed around the axis AA, each of which is partially aligned with a straight groove 240, said helical grooves also extending lengthwise in a plane orthogonal to the axis AA. The helical grooves 230 are preferably curvilinear.

[0031] As shown in the figures, the base 24 and the plate 23 respectively have a number of straight grooves 240 and helical grooves 230 corresponding to the number of jaws 21, so that each jaw 21 is engaged in sliding in a straight groove 240 and in a helical groove 230. Thus, a rotation of the plate 23 around the axis AA causes the jaws 21 to translate along axes orthogonal to the axis AA, said jaws 21 moving away from each other or towards each other depending on the direction of rotation of said plate 23.

[0032] Similarly, one could consider that the base 24 has helical grooves 230 and that the plate 23 has straight grooves 240.

[0033] As shown by figures 1 to 3In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the straight grooves 240 have a T-shaped cross-section extending from an opening opposite the plate 23 to a bottom.

[0034] Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the jaws 21 each have a head 210 resting against the plate 23 and by which they are intended to cooperate with the body 12, each head 210 being fixed to a foot 211. The feet 211 are each engaged, on the one hand, through a helical groove 230, by a first portion 2110, and on the other hand, in a straight groove 240, by a second portion 2111, as visible on the figure 3The second portion 2111 of the feet 211 advantageously has a shape complementary to that of the straight grooves 240, so as to be constrained to a single degree of freedom in translation. Thus, the rotation of the plate 23 constrains each helical groove 230, by one of its flanks, to apply thrust forces on the first portion 2110 of the foot 211 with which it cooperates, which causes the translation of the second portion 2111 of this foot 211, and therefore the sliding of each jaw 21.

[0035] The jaws 21 can be removable so that they can be replaced if necessary, which helps to simplify maintenance operations on the press 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures and visible in detail in the exploded view of the figure 3 , each head 210 is fixed to a foot 211 by screwing a screw engaged in a tapped hole made in the foot 211.

[0036] Preferably, the elastic element 22 is intended to work in torsion and is connected, by a first end, to the plate 23, and by a second end, to the base 24, so as to drive the plate 23 in rotation relative to the base 24. The elastic element 22 is for example a helical torsion spring.

[0037] In the example implementation shown on the figures 1 to 3 The platform 23 advantageously includes a gripping member 25 so that it can be pivoted by a user against the force generated by the elastic member 22. The elastic member 22 can then be constrained to bring the jaws 21 closer together, for example until they reach an extreme stop position, as close as possible to the axis AA, as shown in the figure 2This allows a frame 12, onto which a lens or bezel is to be driven, to be engaged on these jaws 21. The frame 12 is held in position when the user releases the gripping member 25. Indeed, the plate 23 then pivots under the force of the elastic member 22, causing the jaws 21 to move until they come into contact with the frame 12 and thus apply clamping forces to said frame 12.

[0038] The gripping element 25 is represented as a handle intended to be manipulated by a user on the figures 1 to 3 However, in other embodiments of the invention, it may consist of an electric motor kinematically connected to the plate 23 and controlled by a control module.

[0039] The fixture 20 may include an angular positioning element 26, as shown in the figures 1 to 3connected to the base 24 and adapted to cooperate with the case 12 to eliminate any possible degree of rotational freedom around the latter's axis AA. This angular positioning element 26, in addition to further securing the case 12 in position, ensures perfect positioning relative to the tool 33 during its placement.

[0040] Such an angular positioning element 26 is formed, on the figures 1 to 3 , by a movable rod in translation supported by an arm connected to the periphery of the base 24, intended to engage in an opening in the case 12, for example an opening intended to receive a crown stem.

[0041] Advantageously, the mounting 20 may also include an adjustment plate 27 for adjusting the tension of the elastic element 22 and, consequently, the intensity of the forces it is capable of providing. This plate 27 rests under the base 24 to which it is removably attached and receives the second end of the elastic element 22 in a fixed position.

[0042] The sole 27 is arranged with a degree of rotational freedom relative to the base 24, for example, relative to the axis AA, such that the tension of the elastic element 22 varies according to the angular position of the sole 27 relative to the base 24. The sole 27 also includes a rotational locking element, formed, for example, as shown in the figure 3by means of a screw 270 intended to be engaged, on the one hand, through a groove 271 in the sole 27 extending along an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the axis of rotation of the sole 27, and on the other hand, in a threaded hole made in a face of the base 24 opposite the straight grooves 240. Thus, by tightening or loosening the screw, the relative rotation of the sole 27 and the base 24 is either free or restricted. Preferably, the sole 27 has several screws 270 engaged in grooves 271 and threaded holes in the base 24. Other rotation-locking devices are possible, such as pins, etc.

[0043] Advantageously, the present invention allows for controlling the orientation of the bezel 11 or the crystal relative to the case 12 during the pressing operation, for example, when said bezel 11 is decorated or has indices, or when said crystal has a magnifying element. In particular, the head 210 of a jaw 21 may include a graphic representation 212, for example on the bearing face, for guiding the angular position of the bezel 11 or the crystal to be pressed onto the case 12. More precisely, the graphic representation 212 may be designed to serve as a reference point with which the user must align the bezel or the crystal.

Claims

1. Press (10) for driving a crystal or a bezel (11) into a middle (12) of a watch, comprising: - a support (20) to hold the middle (12) in position, - a bracket (30) supporting a tool-holder (31) to which a tool (33) is attached, said tool-holder (31) being movable in translation and cooperating with a handling member (32) so as to slide relative to said bracket (30) along an axis A-A upon actuation of said handling member (32), the support (20) comprising at least two jaws (21) designed to cooperate with the middle (12) so as to hold it in position, each jaw (21) being movable in a plane P orthogonal to the axis A-A, the jaws (21) being, moreover, designed to bear against an internal surface of the middle (12) and tending to move away from one another hen solicited by a resilient member (22) with which the support (20) is equipped, so as to apply clamping forces to said middle (12).

2. Press (10) according to claim 1, wherein the support (20) includes a connecting member kinematically connected to the jaws (21) so that, when solicited, it displaces the jaws (21) towards the axis A-A, against the forces exerted by the resilient member (22).

3. Press (10) according to claim 2, wherein the support (20) comprises a base (24) with rectilinear grooves (240), the connecting member being in the form of a plate (23) arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the base (24), about the axis A-A, and comprises helical grooves (230), the jaws (21) being slidably engaged in the grooves of the base (24) and of the plate (23) so that rotation of the plate (23) about the axis A-A causes the jaws (21) to translate in the plane orthogonal to the axis A-A.

4. Press (10) according to claim 3, wherein the rectilinear grooves (240) have a T-shaped cross-section, the jaws (21) each including a head (210) via which they are intended to cooperate with the middle (12), said head (210) being attached to a foot (211) having a shape complementary to that of the rectilinear grooves (240) so as to slide in one of said grooves.

5. Press (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the resilient member (22) is torsionally stressed and is connected at a first end to the plate (23) and at a second end to the base (24).

6. Press (10) according to claim 5, wherein the plate (23) includes a gripping member (25) so that it can be rotated, when said gripping member is actuated by a user, against the force generated by the resilient member (22).

7. Press (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the jaws (21) are evenly distributed around the axis A-A.

8. Press (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support (20) includes an angular positioning element (26) connected to the base (24) and adapted to cooperate with the middle (12) to eliminate any degree of rotational freedom about the axis A-A thereof.

9. Press (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the jaws (21) includes a graphic representation (212) for guiding the orientation, relative to the middle (12), of the bezel (11) or crystal to be driven in.

10. Press (10) according to claims 1 and 5, wherein the support (20) includes an adapter sole (27) adapted to adjust the tension of the resilient member (22), receiving the second end of the resilient member (22) by way of attachment and being rotatably attached to the base (24), said sole (27) comprising a member for locking it against rotation with respect to the base (24).