Device for opening a clock case with a base that is attached to a central part by snapping it into place.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of tooling in the microtechnology sector, particularly in the watchmaking sector.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for opening a watch case having a base fixed to a case by interlocking. Technological background

[0003] There are many situations in which it is necessary to open a watch case, for example, during the watch assembly process, particularly to adjust the movement or to clean the inside of the case, or after performing water resistance tests. Naturally, it is also necessary to open a watch case during after-sales service.

[0004] This opening is made by removing the case back. There are several types of case back attachment, such as screw-on backs, bayonet-fitted backs, snap-on backs, etc.

[0005] In the case of casebacks attached to the case by a snap-fit, the caseback has a cavity around its periphery designed to receive the point of a tool for removing the caseback from the case. Specifically, after inserting the tool's point into the cavity, the watchmaker uses leverage against the case with the tool to gradually separate the caseback from the case.

[0006] This procedure is relatively delicate and requires great care from the watchmaker performing it. In particular, the tool risks damaging, or at least marking, the case back or the case if it is accidentally caught in an uncontrolled movement.

[0007] When they are marked or damaged, the case back or case is either polished or replaced, which incurs costs that obviously cannot be borne by the watch owner.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a tool for opening a watch case, in particular for separating a case back from a watch case, in a simple and quick manner, without risking damage to the case back or the case.

[0009] US 6 640 666 B2 discloses a device for opening a watch case having a back attached to a case by interlocking. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, relates to a device for opening a watch case having a back attached to a case by a snap-fit. The device comprises a fixture fixed to a frame and intended to hold a watch case in position, and at least one carriage that moves in translation relative to the frame along an X-direction. The carriage includes a tool holder to which a knife is attached. The device further includes a control element intended to be operated by a user, kinematically connected to the carriage via a transmission element configured such that when the control element is operated, the carriage is moved in translation towards the fixture or in the opposite direction to the fixture.

[0011] In particular embodiments, the invention may further include one or more of the following features.

[0012] In particular embodiments, the device comprises two trolleys that move in translation relative to the frame along the X direction, on either side of the mounting, the transmission element being configured so that when the control element is activated, the trolleys are driven in translation in opposite directions.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the device includes a module for adjusting the minimum spacing between the two tool holders, configured so as to be able to modify the stroke amplitude of each of the carriages.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the module for adjusting the minimum spacing between the two tool holders comprises two stops arranged each between one of the tool holders and the fixture, and a positioning shaft to which an operating member is attached, said positioning shaft cooperating by helical connection with each of the stops via threaded portions in opposite directions.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the fixture includes a linear position adjustment module configured to drive the fixture in translation along a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction.

[0016] In particular embodiments, the linear position adjustment module of the fixture is formed by a fixture body arranged in a movable translational manner within a fixture structure, the fixture body comprising a threaded portion cooperating with an operating member according to a helical link.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the apparatus is mobile in rotation around a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction and includes a module for adjusting its angular position configured so as to release the apparatus in rotation around the Z direction or to immobilize the apparatus in rotation.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the angular position adjustment module of the fixture includes an indexing element adapted to lock the fixture in a reference angular position.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the angular position adjustment module of the fixture includes a ring housed in a cavity of the fixture, said ring being intended to hold the watch case in position and being movable in translation around the Z direction and being immobilized in translation by a locking element.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the angular position adjustment module of the fixture includes an elastic positioning element fixed to the fixture, intended to work in compression and intended to cooperate with a cavity in the ring when the ring reaches the reference angular position.

[0021] In particular embodiments, at least the carriage includes a module for adjusting the position of the knife it carries, said adjustment module being configured to move the knife relative to the carriage in at least one direction parallel to the X direction.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the transmission member comprises a cam fixed in rotation with the control element, said cam comprising two cam tracks with each of which a follower cooperates, said followers being respectively fixed to one and the other of the carriages.

[0023] In particular embodiments, the two cam paths are symmetrical to each other along a symmetry whose center is aligned with the axis of rotation of the cam.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the device includes a module for adjusting the angular position of the control element relative to the frame around a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction.

[0025] In particular embodiments, the cam is kinematically connected to the control element via the control element's angular position adjustment module.

[0026] In particular embodiments, the module for adjusting the angular position of the control element includes an indexing wheel fixed in rotation with the cam and an indexing element adapted to cooperate with the indexing wheel in one among several angular positions so as to fix the control element and the indexing wheel in rotation.

[0027] In particular embodiments, the frame comprises two flanges arranged on either side of the mounting, said flanges having openings through which extend translational guide rods comprising one of the carriages called the "first carriage", the tool holder of the first carriage being fixed in translation with the guide rods.

[0028] In particular embodiments, one of the carriages, called the "second carriage", is configured to be guided in sliding motion by the guide rods. Brief description of the figures

[0029] 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 device for opening a watch case according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 represents another perspective view of the device of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 according to section plane A; the figure 4 represents a side view of the device figure 1 ; there figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the device of the figure 1 according to section plan B. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] The present invention relates to a device 10 for opening a watch case, in particular a case comprising a back assembled to a case by interlocking. This back has, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, a cavity on its periphery intended to receive the point of a tool, in particular a knife.

[0031] As seen on the figures 1 to 5 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device 10 includes a support 11 intended to hold the box in position so that it can be opened by separating the base and the case, as described in detail below.

[0032] The device 10 comprises a frame 12 to which the fixture 11 is fixed and at least one carriage 13 or 14 movable in translation relative to the frame 12 along a direction X on which the fixture 11 is arranged. The carriage 13 or 14 comprises a tool holder 130 or 140 to which is fixed a knife whose free end is intended to enter the cavity of the bottom of the watch immobilized by the fixture 11 in order to open the watch case.

[0033] The device 10 further includes a control element 16 intended to be activated by a user. As described in more detail later in the text, the control element 16 is kinematically connected to the carriage 13 or 14 via a transmission element configured so that when the control element 16 is activated, the carriage 13 or 14 is driven in translation towards the fixture 11 or in the opposite direction to the fixture 11, depending on the direction in which the control element 16 is activated.

[0034] It goes without saying that the embodiment of the invention in which the device 10 comprises a single carriage 13 or 14 is particularly suited to watch cases having a single cavity intended to receive the knife.

[0035] In the embodiment of the invention described below and illustrated in the figures, the device 10 comprises two carriages 13 and 14. It is therefore particularly suited to opening boxes whose base has two cavities around its periphery. Naturally, the elements described below, except those relating to or connected with the second carriage 13 or 14, are common to both embodiments of the invention.

[0036] As shown in the figures, the two carriages 13 and 14 are free to move in translation relative to the frame 12 along the X direction, on either side of the fixture 11. In other words, in a frame of reference attached to the fixture 11, the carriages 13 and 14 are diametrically opposed to each other. It is understood that, in this embodiment of the invention, the cavities in the base are also diametrically opposed to each other. The transmission element is configured so that when the control element 16 is activated, the carriages 13 and 14 are driven in translation in opposite directions. Thus, the knives carried by the tool holders 130 and 140 are simultaneously inserted into their respective cavities and exert opposing forces of equal magnitude on the gearbox.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control element 16 is formed by a lever intended to be pivoted by a user so as to bring the tool holders 130 and 140 closer together or further apart.

[0038] Alternatively, it may be envisaged that the control element 16 be formed by any gripping organ capable of being animated by a rotational and / or translational movement by a user.

[0039] The transmission member preferably comprises a cam 17 fixed in rotation with the control element 16. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the control element 16 and that of the cam 17 coincide. These axes are designated on the figure 1 by the Y direction, this direction being orthogonal to the X direction. As visible in the cross-sectional view of the figure 3The cam 17 is fixed to a transmission shaft 18, with which it is rotationally locked, here by means of a square cross-section of the transmission shaft 18 and an opening in the cam 17 into which it is engaged. Naturally, the rotational locking of the transmission shaft 18 and the cam 17 can be achieved by any suitable means, such as a pin, a key, a cross-section of the transmission shaft 18 and the opening of the cam 17 with complementary polygonal shapes, etc.

[0040] The cam 17 comprises two cam tracks 170, with each of which cooperates a follower 131 or 141, said followers 131 and 141 being respectively fixed to one or the other of the carriages 13 and 14. In the preferred embodiment, each cam track 17 is formed by a through opening extending in a curvilinear direction, here in a direction conforming to an arc of a semicircle, as shown in the figure 3 .

[0041] In order for the carriages 13 and 14 to move at identical speeds, the paths of the cam 17 are symmetrical to each other along a symmetry whose center is aligned with the axis of rotation of the cam 17. This symmetry is visible on the figure 3 .

[0042] Followers 131 and 141 are preferentially in the form of fingers, as illustrated on the figure 3 , respectively engaged through the cam tracks 170. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each carriage 13, 14 has a mounting bracket 132, 142 comprising two parallel facing walls, between which extends a follower 131, 141, each follower 131 and 141 being fixed at each end to one of the walls. Thus, the cam 17 is always positioned in the space formed between the walls of each bracket 132, 142, as can be seen in the figures 1 and 2 .

[0043] The transmission shaft 18 is pivotally mounted in a first flange 120 of the frame 12 described in more detail later in the text, on either side of which are arranged the clevises 132, 142.

[0044] Advantageously, the device 10 may include a module for adjusting the angular position of the control element 16 relative to the frame 12 around the Y direction. Such an adjustment module is shown in the figures 1, 2 And 4 and kinematically connects the control element 16 to the cam 17 in order to transmit to the carriages 13 and 14 the forces generated by the activation of the control element 16 to cause their respective movements.

[0045] In particular, the angular position adjustment module of the control element 16 includes an indexing wheel 160 which is rotationally fixed to the cam 17 by means of the transmission shaft 18, the latter being rotationally fixed to the indexing wheel 160. The rotational locking of the transmission shaft 18 and the indexing wheel 160 can be achieved by any suitable means, such as a pin, a key, complementary polygonal sections between the transmission shaft 18 and an opening in the indexing wheel 160 through which it is engaged.

[0046] The angular position adjustment module of the control element 16 also includes an indexing element 161 adapted to cooperate with the indexing wheel 160 in one of several angular positions of the latter so as to lock the control element 16 and the indexing wheel 160 in rotation.

[0047] As shown by Figures 1 And 4 The indexing element 161 is fixed to the control element 16 and is adapted to be removably engaged in one of several peripheral holes in the indexing wheel 160, the holes being regularly distributed around the axis of rotation of said indexing wheel 160, i.e., around the Y direction. It is understood here that the greater the number of holes, the more different angular positions the control element 16 can occupy. In this embodiment, the indexing element 161 is formed by an indexing finger carried by an arm fixed to the control element 16 and arranged to rotate freely relative to the indexing wheel 160.

[0048] Advantageously, the device 10 can also include a module for adjusting the minimum spacing between the two tool holders 130 and 140, configured so as to be able to modify the amplitude of the stroke of each of the carriages 13 and 14.

[0049] In particular, as seen on the figure 3 The minimum gap adjustment module between the two tool holders 130 and 140 comprises two stops 133 and 143, each arranged between one of the tool holders 130 and 140 and the fixture 11, and a positioning shaft 21 to which an operating member 22 is attached. The positioning shaft 21 cooperates via a helical connection with each of the stops 133 and 143 by means of threaded portions in opposite directions. Thus, applying force to the operating member 22 allows the stops 133 and 143 to move in opposite directions. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the positioning shaft 21 is movably engaged in rotation through a second flange 121 of the frame 12, substantially parallel to the first flange 120.

[0050] As depicted on the figures 1 to 4The operating member 22 includes a knurled wheel fixed to one end of the positioning shaft 21. The operating member 22 may also include an adjusting nut 220 that acts as a stop for the knurled wheel in order to secure the position of the stops 133 and 143 while allowing for its fine adjustment. Such an adjusting nut 220 is freely rotationally engaged on the positioning shaft 21 and cooperates with the second flange 121 via a helical connection.

[0051] As can be deduced from the above and the figures, the minimum spacing adjustment module between the two tool holders 130 and 140 allows the position of a limit switch of the control element 16 to be modified.

[0052] The first and second flanges 120 and 121 are both fixed to a base 123 of the frame 12 which supports the entire device 10. They are also arranged on either side of the mounting 11, as can be deduced from the text above and as shown in the figures. The first and second flanges 120 and 121 have openings through which guide rods 134 extend in translation, which are fitted to one of the carriages, referred to as the "first carriage" 13.

[0053] The tool holder 130 of the first carriage 13 is fixed in translation with the guide rods 134. The guide rods 134 are arranged parallel to each other in the preferred embodiment of the invention, on either side of the fixture 11, so that the latter is interposed between said guide rods 134. Such an arrangement allows a uniform distribution of the forces acting on the guide rods 134 when opening a watch case.

[0054] Advantageously, the clevis 132 of the first carriage 13 connects the two guide rods 134 at one of their free ends, fixedly, that is, without any degree of freedom, as shown in the figures 2 to 4 .

[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second carriage 14 is configured to be guided in sliding motion by the guide rods 134. Thus, the design of the device 10 is simplified and relatively robust.

[0056] Preferably, at least one of the first or second carriages 13 or 14 has, at its tool holder 130 or 140, a module for adjusting the position of the knife it carries. More precisely, the adjustment module is configured to move the knife relative to the first or second carriage 13 or 14 in at least one direction parallel to the X direction.

[0057] As seen on the figure 3 , the adjustment module may include a slide 150 comprising a housing for receiving the knife, and an adjustment screw 151 capable of acting on the slide 150 so as to move it closer to or further from the mounting 11.

[0058] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixture 11 includes a linear position adjustment module configured to drive the fixture 11 in translation along a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction as shown in the figure 1 .

[0059] In particular, the linear position adjustment module of the fixture 11 is formed by a fixture body arranged in a movable translational manner within a structure 116 of the fixture 11. As shown in the cross-sectional views of figures 3 And 5 , the mounting body includes a support 110 intended to hold the box in position, connected to a guide portion 111 fitted with a degree of freedom in translation in a tubular part of the structure 116 of the mounting 11.

[0060] The guiding portion 111 is extended by a threaded portion 112 cooperating with an operating member 113 via a helical connection, either directly or indirectly. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the threaded portion 112 cooperates directly with a thread of a wheel, for example, one that is grooved on its periphery to facilitate its manipulation.

[0061] Advantageously, as can be seen on the figures 3 And 5, the guide portion 111 has a through hole 114, preferably oblong in shape, through which extends the positioning shaft 21 of the module for adjusting the minimum gap between the two tool holders 130 and 140. It is understood here that the positioning shaft 21 extends at each end of the through hole 114 when the fixture 11 occupies one or the other of its extreme linear positions.

[0062] Advantageously, the mount 11 can be rotated about the Z-axis and may include a module for adjusting its angular position. This adjustment module is configured to either release the mount 11 from rotation about the Z-axis or to immobilize the mount 11 during rotation. In particular, the angular position adjustment module of the mount 11 is capable of allowing the mount 11 to rotate into any angular position it may occupy.

[0063] To this end, in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the angular position adjustment module of the fixture 11 comprises a ring 115, having a shape of revolution, housed in a cavity of the fixture 11, and in particular of the support 110, such that the axis of revolution of the ring 115 coincides with the Z direction. The ring 115 is intended to receive the watch case and to hold it in position by means, for example, of pins. The ring 115 is prevented from moving by a locking element fixed to the support 110. More precisely, as shown in the figures 3 And 5The ring 115 has a central opening into which a stud of the support 110 is engaged, extending along the Z direction. The locking element can be formed by a washer 117 fixed to the central stud by a screw so as to cover a portion of the ring 115. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the washer 117 extends radially beyond the stud so as to cover an internal peripheral lip of the ring 115. In other words, the ring 115 has an internal peripheral lip forming a shoulder with which the washer 117 cooperates to block the translational movement of the ring 115.

[0064] The angular position adjustment module for the fixture 11 may include a rotation locking element capable of allowing or blocking the rotation of the ring 115 around the Z direction. This locking element is preferably formed by an indexing member 119 adapted to lock the fixture 11 in at least one predetermined angular position, referred to as the "reference position". More precisely, the indexing member 119 may have the form of a movable finger that translates between a position shown on the figure 5, in which it is engaged in a radial hole of the support 110 and in a radial hole of the ring 115, and in which it prevents the rotation of the ring 115 relative to the support 110, and a disengagement position in which it is removed from the radial hole of the ring 115 and in which it therefore releases the rotation of the ring 115. The indexing member 119 can be constrained in the engagement position in the radial hole of the ring 115 by an elastic member (not shown in the figures).

[0065] Advantageously, the angular position adjustment module of the fixture 11 may include an elastic positioning element 118 fixed to the fixture 11, in particular to the support 110, designed to work in compression and to cooperate with a cavity in the ring 115 so as to provide an indication to a user when the ring 115 reaches the reference angular position. More specifically, the elastic positioning element 118 may be formed by a ball spring pad. During the rotation of the ring 115 around the Z direction, once the ring 115 reaches the reference position, the elastic positioning element 118 cooperates with the cavity of said ring 115, which, on the one hand, provides haptic feedback to a user, and on the other hand, requires overcoming resistance to dislodge the elastic positioning element 118 from the cavity of said ring 115 in order to continue the rotation of said ring 115.

[0066] Once the reference position has been identified, the ring 115 can be locked in this position by the indexing member 119.

[0067] Thus, the 11 bearing can adopt a predefined angular position in a simple and rapid manner, while ensuring its immobilization in this position.

[0068] More generally, it should be noted that the implementation and realization methods considered above have been described as non-limiting examples, and that other variants are therefore conceivable.

Claims

1. A device (10) for opening a watch case including a back fixed to a middle by interlocking, characterised in that it comprises a fitting (11) fixed to a frame (12) and intended to hold a watch case in position, at least one carriage (13; 14) movable in translation relative to the frame (12) in a direction X, the carriage (13; 14) including a tool holder (130; 140) to which a knife is fixed, the device (10) further includes a control element (16) designed to be actuated by a user, kinematically connected to the carriage (13; 14) by means of a transmission member configured so that when the control element (16) is actuated, the carriage (13; 14) is translated towards the fitting (11) or in a direction opposite to the fitting (11).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, comprising two carriages (13, 14) movable in translation with respect to the frame (12) in the direction X, on either side of the fitting (11), the transmission member being configured so that when the control element (16) is actuated, the carriages (13, 14) are translated in opposite directions.

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, comprising a module for adjusting the minimum distance between the two tool holders (130, 140), configured so as to be able to modify the amplitude of the stroke of each of the carriages (13, 14).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the module for adjusting the minimum distance between the two tool holders (130, 140) includes two stops (133, 143) each arranged between one of the tool holders (130; 140) and the fitting (11), and a positioning shaft (21) to which an operating member (22) is fixed, said positioning shaft (21) cooperating by helical connection with each of the stops (133, 143) by means of threaded portions of opposite directions.

5. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fitting (11) comprises a module for adjusting its linear position configured to drive the fitting (11) in translation in a direction Z orthogonal to the direction X.

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the module for adjusting the linear position of the fitting (11) is formed by a fitting body arranged so as to be movable in translation in a structure (116) of the fitting (11), the fitting body including a threaded portion cooperating with an operating member (113) in a helical connection.

7. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fitting (11) can be rotated about a direction Z orthogonal to the direction X and comprises a module for adjusting its angular position configured so as to release the fitting (11) in rotation about the direction Z or to immobilise the fitting (11) in rotation.

8. The device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the module for adjusting the angular position of the fitting (11) includes an indexing member (119) adapted to block the fitting (11) in a reference angular position.

9. The device (10) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the module for adjusting the angular position of the fitting (11) includes a ring (115) housed in a cavity of the fitting (11), said ring (115) being intended to hold the watch case in position and being movable in translation about the direction Z and being immobilised in translation by a blocking element.

10. The device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the module for adjusting the angular position of the fitting (11) includes an elastic positioning member (118) fixed to the fitting (11), designed to work in compression and designed to cooperate with a cavity of the ring (115) when the ring (115) reaches the reference angular position.

11. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the carriage (13, 14) includes a module for adjusting the position of the knife which it carries, said adjustment module being configured to move the knife relative to the carriage (13; 14) in at least one direction parallel to direction X.

12. The device (10) according to claim 2 and / or one of its dependent claims, wherein the transmission member includes a cam (17) integral in rotation with the control element (16), said cam (17) comprising two cam tracks (17) with each of which a follower (131, 141) cooperates, said followers (131, 141) being fixed respectively to each of the carriages (13, 14).

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the two cam tracks (17) are symmetrical to each other with a symmetry whose centre is aligned with the axis of rotation of the cam (17).

14. The device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a module for adjusting the angular position of the control element (16) relative to the frame (12) about a direction Y orthogonal to the direction X.

15. The device (10) according to claims 12 or 13, and claim 14, wherein the cam (17) is kinematically connected to the control element (16) via the module for adjusting the angular position of the control element (16).

16. The device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the module for adjusting the angular position of the control element (16) includes an indexing wheel (160) integral in rotation with the cam (17) and an indexing element (161) adapted to cooperate with the indexing wheel (160) in one of several angular positions so as to make the control element (16) and the indexing wheel (160) integral in rotation.

17. The device (10) according to claim 2 and / or one of its dependent claims, wherein the frame (12) includes two flanges (120, 121) arranged on either side of the fitting (11), said flanges (120, 121) including openings through which extend translational guide rods (134) included in one of the carriages, referred to as the "first carriage" (13), the tool holder (130) of the first carriage (13) being integral in translation with the guide rods (134).

18. The device (10) according to claim 17, wherein one of the carriages, referred to as the "second carriage" (14), is configured so as to be slidably guided by the guide rods (134).