Forearm support for watchmaker's bench, and watchmaker's bench

Abstract

To provide a forearm support for a watchmaker's bench which makes it possible to perform any work operation with precision without imposing a posture which may lead to a long-term degraded work experience.SOLUTION: A forearm support 10 for a watchmaker's bench comprises: a coupling portion 11 arranged to be coupled to a watchmaker's bench; a first arm 12 linked to the coupling portion 11; a second arm 13 linked to the first arm 12; and a forearm support pad 14 linked to the second arm 13 and arranged to support a forearm of an operator. The forearm support 10 comprises an articulation system comprising at least: a first ball joint 16 arranged between the coupling portion 11 and the first arm 12 and connecting the coupling portion 11 and the first arm 12; and a second ball joint 17 arranged between the first arm 12 and the second arm 13 and connecting the first arm 12 and the second arm 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a work station for an operator performing the operations of assembling, adjusting, repairing or decorating watches, in other words to a watchmaker's bench, and in particular to a watchmaker's bench with a forearm support enabling the operator to rest or support his forearms in order to perform fine and precise operations.

[0002] (prior art) In the prior art of watchmaker's benches, for example, the document Swiss Patent No. 715504 B1 is known, which discloses a watchmaker's bench with an articulating forearm support. However, the proposed solution does not allow the operator to adjust his work station to all his needs, nor to do so in an easy way. In other words, a watchmaker's bench as disclosed in the aforementioned document may have limited adjustment possibilities, especially with regard to the forearm support, and may not be very easy or ergonomic to configure. This may result in work discomfort for the operator and time losses when trying to find a comfortable and suitable configuration for the next work movement. All this may result in inconveniences to be avoided, such as, for example, a worsening of the work experience and / or musculoskeletal disorders. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above, in particular to propose a forearm support for a watchmaker's bench that allows the operator to optimally, quickly and easily control his work station to perform any work movement precisely, in complete comfort and without imposing postures that may lead to a poor working experience in the long term. Another aspect of the present invention is to propose a watchmaker's bench that pursues the same objective.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention is a forearm support for a watchmaker's bench, comprising: a coupling part arranged to be coupled to a watchmaker's bench; a first arm connected to a coupling portion; a second arm connected to the first arm; a forearm support pad connected to the second arm and arranged to support a forearm of an operator; The forearm support includes an articulation system, the articulation system including at least a first ball joint disposed between the coupling portion and the first arm and connecting the coupling portion and the first arm; -A forearm support comprising: a second ball joint disposed between the first arm and the second arm and connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0005] The forearm support according to the above-mentioned embodiment comprises a first arm connected by two ball joints to the bench (through a coupling part) on the one hand and to the forearm support pad (through a second arm) on the other hand. Such a ball joint allows for a completely free adjustment of the position of the forearm support pad relative to the watchmaker's bench. In fact, the ball joint allows for three degrees of freedom (in this case three rotations) to remain free between two parts connected or rigidly connected by a ball joint. As a result, it is possible to pivot the first arm in three rotations around an orthogonal axis relative to the watchmaker's bench and do the same between the second arm and the first arm. The possibilities for adjusting the position in space of the forearm support pad relative to the watchmaker's bench are increased both in position along the axis X, Y or Z of the Cartesian coordinate system and in tilt with respect to these axes.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the first arm may have a first end connected to the coupling portion and a second end; the second arm may have a first end coupled to the second end of the first arm and a second end coupled to the forearm support pad; The first arm is at a first end, a first male ball joint element or a first housing for receiving a first male ball joint element; - at the second end, a second male ball joint element or a second housing for receiving the second male ball joint element. In other words, the first arm can comprise two male ball joint elements or two housings, each intended to receive a male ball joint element. Alternatively, the first arm can comprise a male ball joint element at one end and a housing at the other end.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first male ball joint element can be identical to the second male ball joint element, or the first housing can be identical to the second housing, so that the first arm is symmetrical.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned implementation, the first arm is symmetrical, i.e. it can be attached in one direction or the other between the connecting part and the second arm, which simplifies the operation of manufacturing the forearm support. Of course, alternatively, the first arm can be asymmetrical and provided with a differential ball joint to allow position coding during assembly and maintenance.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the articulation system may comprise a first sliding or pivotal connection arranged between the second arm and the forearm support pad. The sliding connection may allow a relative translational movement between the second arm and the forearm support pad. The sliding pivotal connection may allow a relative translational and rotational movement around the translational direction between the second arm and the forearm support pad, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the forearm support. These types of connections make it possible to provide even more possibilities for adjusting the position in space of the forearm support pad relative to the watchmaker's bench, both in position along the X-, Y- or Z-axis of the Cartesian reference system and in tilt with respect to these axes.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the forearm support pad may be removably attached to the second arm, which may allow for interchange of one model of forearm support pad with another model and / or for the pad to be reoriented on the slide.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the forearm support may comprise motorisation means arranged to move the forearm support pads. The ergonomics may be further improved by means of motorised assistance.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the forearm support can include a power assist for at least one of the articulation systems. A position memory configurable by the operator via the man-machine interface to retrieve the operator's preferred adjustments can further improve ergonomics.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the articulation system may comprise a carriage or runner or slide or slideway, arranged on the coupling part to allow a sliding interlocking coupling between the coupling part and the watchmaker's bench. The carriage may for example be a movable part intended to be moved along a guide path of the watchmaker's bench and to support the remaining part of the forearm support. The runner may be a part belonging to the coupling part, having at least one flat guide surface, intended to couple itself to a rail of the watchmaker's bench and to participate in the guidance. In particular, it is possible to provide a U-shaped ball runner, which couples to the rail of the watchmaker's bench and slides on it. Alternatively, the slide may be a guide following a line and may be part of the coupling part, which couples to a track and is intended to move in or on the track. Also alternatively, the slideway may be a groove of the coupling part, intended to couple to a rail, a protrusion or an index of the watchmaker's bench and to slide on it.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the forearm support comprises at least one locking device connected to at least one articulation part of the articulation system (comprising at least a first ball joint and a second ball joint, and possibly at least one sliding or pivoting joint), and connected to said at least one articulation part of the articulation system: an unlocked state in which the at least one articulation part of the articulation system is free to move; and at least one locking device arranged to impose a locked state that blocks said at least one articulation part of the articulation system. In addition, the forearm support may comprise at least one control device having a man-machine interface intended to enable actuation of the at least one locking device.

[0015] The locking device may allow the configuration settings to be frozen and then allow the operator to work comfortably and ergonomically on the watchmaker's bench. Preferably, the locking device is connected to several or all of the articulation parts of the articulation system and locks or unlocks them centrally and / or simultaneously. Thus, this type of locking control device may optionally allow locking and unlocking of the locking device with a single command.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the locking device comprises: at least two half shells arranged around at least one of the first and second ball joints; a clamping member arranged to apply a clamping force to the two half shells in the locked state and to release the clamping force to the two half shells in the unlocked state. The clamping force can be a clamping force. The half shells can for example be housed in a first arm, which can for example be perforated to allow clamping of the half shells. A pair of half shells can be provided around each ball joint.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the locking device can include a movable brake device arranged to prevent relative movement between the second arm and the forearm support pad in a locked state and to allow relative movement between the second arm and the forearm support pad in an unlocked state. According to one exemplary embodiment, it is possible to receive a ratchet pad coupled to the actuator, which can contact the forearm support pad to frictionally block the forearm support pad.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a locking device can be provided to impose a prestressed state on the articulation device, in which the articulation is placed under stress and exerts a frictional force greater than the action of the weight of the members of the forearm support. Thus, when unlocked, the articulation device in the prestressed state does not change its configuration or undergo movement or displacement under the action of its own weight. It is possible to provide a gradual and / or linear and / or incremental passage between the locked state and the completely free state, and to modify the prestressed state in a gradual and / or linear and / or incremental manner. A control using a screw or pressure adjustment can make it possible to adjust the prestressed state.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the locking device may be pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electrical.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the locking device is connected to several or even all of the articulation parts of the articulation system and can lock or unlock them centrally and / or simultaneously.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the forearm support may include a control board disposed on the first arm or the second arm, and the control board may support a man-machine interface of the locking control device.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the control board may be adjustable in position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the articulation system comprises: a first stop arranged to limit the angular movement in at least one of the three rotational degrees of freedom of the first ball joint, or to limit the angular movement in at least two or all of the three rotational degrees of freedom of the first ball joint, and / or - a second stop arranged to limit the angular movement in at least one of the three degrees of freedom in rotation of the second ball joint, or to limit the angular movement in at least two or all three degrees of freedom of the second ball joint. The first stop and / or the second stop can thus limit the angular movement, for example limiting the (freed or deformable) device from dropping or moving violently over a large height during unlocking. Such a stop can for example prevent or avoid the forearm support from hanging completely vertically in case of full unlocking, which can be useful for an operator when configuring his work station.

[0024] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a watchmaker's bench comprising: a work table arranged to receive a watch which can be the subject of an operation, such as an assembly or decoration operation; a frame supporting the work table and defining at least one work surface or one work station on the work table for an operator, the frame being arranged to rest on a work floor, The watchmaker's bench is characterized in that it comprises a mounting rail, in particular arranged under the work table, facing the work surface or work station and arranged to receive at least one working module coupled to the watchmaker's bench in an adjustable position along said at least one mounting rail. The watchmaker's bench according to the above-mentioned implementation comprises at least one mounting rail, preferably provided under the work table, which mounting rail does not hinder the worker's access to the work table and still allows the working module to be removably and / or adjustably mounted. The adjustment and / or configuration possibilities are increased without affecting the access to the work table.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one articulation part of the articulation system may include a set of mechanical cursors, either of the stepped or stationary cursor type, which can be actuated by the operator and locked into position to facilitate subsequent adjustment to a preferred positioning.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one ball joint includes adjustment marks, such as discrete positions and / or preferred or specific adjustments. A ball can be considered to cooperate with the arm of the forearm support through a notched system, in which case indexing is for example done using a first element with teeth cooperating with a second element with a retaining complementary form. This configuration allows for easy adjustment to the preferred positioning.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the at least one mounting rail may extend over at least a quarter, or even at least a third, or even at least half, of the length or width of the work table. a single mounting rail, which runs the entire length of the work table but consists of several elements mounted end to end; - two mounting rails, each mounted on one side of the watchmaker's bench and interrupted by a work station; - Parallel mounting rails, provided beneath the work table, each dedicated to a particular module.

[0028] The at least one rail may, according to different embodiments, be in the form of a single component or may be made from several parts.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a watchmaker's bench may be provided with a forearm support according to the first aspect, forming at least one working module coupled to said at least one mounting rail of the watchmaker's bench in an adjustable position along said at least one mounting rail.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the watchmaker's bench comprises at least one working module coupled to said at least one mounting rail, a table nosepiece forming an overhang of the work table towards the operator, or a table edge or raised shoulder arranged to protrude with respect to the working plane defined by the working table, or an instrument support, in particular for an optical reading device, arranged to support an instrument, in particular an optical reading device, or -Shock absorbing cushions, or a tool holder arranged to support a working tool, or -drawer The present invention may comprise one working module forming a

[0031] According to one embodiment, the at least one working module coupled to the at least one mounting rail may comprise a coupling portion on the at least one mounting rail, the coupling portion comprising: a runner or carriage that is removable and lockable on said at least one mounting rail; or a runner or carriage, in which at least one elastic part is arranged so as to enable a reversible elastic interlock on the mounting rail, or - comprising a runner or carriage (which may or may not be asymmetric) arranged to be engaged on the at least one mounting rail for rotational movement about the axial direction of the at least one mounting rail.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the at least one mounting rail may be flush or recessed relative to the periphery of the work table and / or the periphery of the frame, in other words, according to one embodiment, the at least one mounting rail does not extend beyond the bottom of the work table. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given as a in no way limiting example and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which:

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows a general perspective view of a watchmaker's bench according to the invention, comprising a frame, a work table and a working module coupled to a mounting rail arranged below the work table;

[0035] [Diagram 2] 2 shows a partial view of the work table of FIG. 1 with a work module coupled to a mounting rail disposed below the work table;

[0036] [Diagram 3] 2 shows a perspective bottom view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a forearm support;

[0037] [Figure 4] 4 shows a detailed view of the first arm of the forearm support of FIG. 3.

[0038] [Diagram 5] 4 shows a detailed view of the second arm of the forearm support of FIG. 3.

[0039] [Figure 6] 2 shows a perspective top view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a table nosepiece;

[0040] [Figure 7] 2 shows a perspective top view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a raised shoulder;

[0041] [Figure 8] 8 illustrates another perspective view of the raised shoulder of FIG. 7.

[0042] [Figure 9] 2 shows a perspective top view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a shock absorbing cushion;

[0043] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the shock absorbing cushion of FIG.

[0044] [Figure 11] 2 shows a perspective top view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming an optical reader support;

[0045] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the optical reader support of FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a general perspective view of a watchmaker's bench according to the invention, -Frame 20, - a work table 21 supported by a frame; storage drawers arranged in two lateral rows beneath the work table 21; - a mounting rail 22 arranged under the work table 21; - two working modules formed by a forearm support 10 connected to a mounting rail 22; a working module formed by a table nosepiece 30, which is likewise connected to the mounting rail 33 and is arranged between the two forearm supports 10;

[0047] It should be noted in Figure 1 that the mounting rail 22 is arranged below the work table 21 and is mounted flush with the periphery of the work table 21, so that the mounting rail does not get in the way and / or form an obstacle for an operator who may want to push or access the work table 21. The handling of watches of small dimensions on the work table 21 is not hindered or impaired.

[0048] 2 shows a partial view of the work table 21 of FIG. 1 with the following work modules coupled to the mounting rails 22: - forearm support 10, -Table nose piece 30, -Raised shoulders 40.

[0049] It should be noted that each working module coupled to the mounting rail can be moved along the mounting rail 22, so that an operator can configure the watchmaker's bench of Fig. 1 according to his needs and perform one or another working operation, such as watch assembly, repair work, adjustment or decoration operation, etc. This allows the relative positions between the working modules to be easily adjusted, for example the center distance between the two forearm supports 10 of Fig. 1.

[0050] As described in detail below, each working module can be moved along the mounting rail 22, reversibly coupled to the mounting rail 22, and locked / unlocked on the mounting rail 22, thereby providing great modularity and a large number of possible uses while ensuring reliable use and robust construction.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective bottom view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming the forearm support 10, which in particular comprises: a connecting part 11 connected to a mounting rail 22; a first arm 12 connected to the connecting portion 11; a second arm 13 connected to the first arm 12; a forearm support pad 14 connected to the second arm 13 and arranged to support the forearm of an operator; a first ball joint 16 arranged between the connecting part 11 and the first arm 12; a second ball joint 17 arranged between the first arm 12 and the second arm 13; a sliding armrest connection 19 disposed between the second arm 13 and the forearm support pad 14;

[0052] In particular, the binding moiety 11 is specifically a runner or carriage 11.1 coupled to a mounting rail 22 to form a sliding connection; a first intermediate support 11.2 attached to the carriage 11.1 and supporting a first male ball joint element of the first ball joint 16; a control knob 11.3 for effecting a lockable and releasable engagement of the carriage 11.1 on the mounting rail 22;

[0053] The carriage 11.1 can be a carriage which can be asymmetric or a tiltable clamp which can be locked by screwing via the control knob 11.3 for easy mounting / removal on the mounting rail 22, which can alternatively be a spring loaded positioning index.

[0054] The first arm 12 carries a control panel 15 which comprises two female ball joint element housings for a first ball joint 16 and a second ball joint 17 and which receives a man-machine interface 18 of the locking control device.

[0055] The second arm 13 comprises a second intermediate support 13.1 which on the one hand receives the connecting rod of the second male ball joint element of the second ball joint 17.2 and on the other hand supports a clamp for the guide shaft 13.3.

[0056] The forearm support pad 14 comprises a support cushion 14.1 arranged to receive or support the forearm of an operator, and a guide shaft 14.2 which is engaged with a clamp for the guide shaft 13.3 of the second arm 13 to form a sliding armrest joint 19. It is noted that the underside of the support cushion 14.1 comprises a free mounting hole 14.3 which can serve to mount the guide shaft 14.2 in positions other than that shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows the first arm 12 in a top view in order to clearly show its structure. The first arm 12 comprises a first female ball joint element housing 16.1 of the first ball joint 16 and a second female ball joint element housing 17.1 of the second ball joint 17. The first female ball joint element housing 16.1 and the second female ball joint element housing 17.1 are each formed by two half shells, 12.1a and 12.1b, 12.1c and 12.1d respectively, attached to the first arm 12. It is noted that the first ball joint 16 has a larger diameter than the second ball joint 17, for reasons that will be explained below.

[0058] It should also be noted that the first arm 12 is drilled over its entire length with a central recess 12.4 separating two walls 12.7 with a central opening 12.5, and the central ring 12.6 is mounted in the central recess 12.4 with a gap and arranged facing the central opening 12.5. It may be considered to mount a clamping member 12.8 (screw system, actuator, etc.) through the central opening 12.5 to clamp the half shells 12.1a and 12.1b, 12.1c and 12.1d and thus lock or block the first ball joint 16 and the second ball joint 17. The central ring 12.6 then serves as a stop to avoid excessive deformations and / or stresses, and the hood 12.3 covers the central recess 12.4.

[0059] It is noted that the first arm 12 is perforated over its length, which allows in particular the introduction of the ball joints 16 and 17 (in particular the half shells 12.1a and 12.1b, 12.1c and 12.1d of the ball joints 16 and 17). The pair of half shells 12.1a-12.1b for the ball joint 16 and the pair of half shells 12.1c-12.1d for the ball joint 17 are introduced in respective openings that partially surround each of the balls and are positioned at the longitudinal ends of the first arm 12. Mounting screws allow the half shell / ball assembly to be held on the first arm 12. A clamping member 12.8 (for example at least one pneumatic actuator) present in the first arm 12 allows the application of a force to the side walls of the first arm 12 to move them together and a locking force to be applied by tightening the half shell / ball assembly.

[0060] In a ball locking system, clamping the sidewall of the first arm 12 applies a resilient force to the half shell / ball assembly, which locks the ball. The half shell must be wear resistant and the arm must be relatively resilient.

[0061] It should be noted that instead of machining a ball housing directly into the first arm 12, it may be appropriate to use the above-mentioned half-shell system as a replaceable element, which makes it possible to avoid high machining costs and complex manufacturing. Moreover, in case of wear, replacement of each worn part of the above-mentioned half-shell system does not require a complete dismantling of the device.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that in the locked state, the torque on each ball joint 16, 17 may be greater at the first end of the first arm 12 (at the side of the coupling part 11) than at the second end of the first arm 12 (at the side of the second arm 13), especially in case of full deployment of the system. In order to resist any slippage and to guarantee the locking of both the first ball joint 16 and the second ball joint 17 with the same clamping force of the first arm 12, it may be optionally provided that the diameter of the female spherical housing and of the male ball joint element of the first ball joint 16 is greater than that of the second ball joint 17, which leads to differences in the geometry and the contact surface of the half shells on the balls.

[0063] FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the second arm 13 of the forearm support of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view in the direction of the guide shaft clamp 13.3. On the one hand, the first intermediate support 13.1 is seen, which receives the connecting rod 13.2 of the second male ball joint element 17.2 of the second ball joint 17 and on the other hand supports the guide shaft clamp 13.3. Also noteworthy is the presence of a mobile brake device 13.4 (e.g. a friction ratchet runner) arranged between the guide shaft clamps 13.3. The mobile brake device 13.4 can be coupled to a rodless actuator, for example, so as to move vertically and come into contact with the lower wall of the support cushion 14.1, thereby providing the possibility of (reversibly) locking the sliding connection formed by the guide shaft 14.2 received in the guide shaft clamp 13.3.

[0064] Please note the following: the first ball joint, the second ball joint and the sliding armrest connection 19 form an articulation device arranged on the connecting part to enable a sliding connection connection between the connecting part and the watchmaker's bench, the articulation device may comprise a carriage or a runner or a slide or a slideway. The perforated structure of the first arm, the clamping device 12.8 passing through the central opening 12.5 as well as the movable braking device 13.4 form or at least form part of the locking device of the articulation device.

[0065] The articulation device makes it possible to provide the operator with multiple possibilities for adjusting the relative position between the mounting rail 22 (frame 20) and the support cushion 14.1. In particular, the first ball joint 16 allows the first arm 12 to be moved with three rotational degrees of freedom relative to the connecting part 11, as well as the second ball joint 17 between the second arm 13 and the first arm 12. The sliding armrest connection 19 makes it possible to provide other adjustment positions, as does the connecting part 11, which can be moved in translation along the mounting rail 22.

[0066] The locking device can be controlled manually (e.g. with a screw or a spring member), but advantageously an electric or pneumatic or hydraulic control device can be provided as locking control device, where a man-machine interface 18 is provided on a control panel 15. One or more actuators can be provided to perform these locking / unlocking actions individually, independently of each other. Alternatively, it is possible to control the entire locking device so as to lock or block all the articulation parts of the articulation device simultaneously, or to unblock all of them together. In this case, this is a centralized locking device. It is also possible to provide intermediate solutions with certain locking / unlocking actions independent of each other and other locking / unlocking actions performed in a common or centralized manner.

[0067] It is also possible to control the locking of the coupling part 11 on the mounting rail 22 with the same locking device and, in the case of a centralised locking device, its locking control device. For this purpose an actuator can be added to the control knob 11.3.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a perspective top view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming table nosepiece 30, which specifically includes: a table extension 31; a carriage 32 supporting the table extension 31, in particular having an asymmetric shape in the embodiment shown, so that it can be quickly assembled to / disassembled from the mounting rail 22 by lifting and / or rotating; a locking knob 33 that can be pivoted to move the index, and which in the deployed position locks the carriage 32 on the mounting rail 22 and in the retracted position allows the carriage 32 to be disassembled from the mounting rail 22;

[0069] It should be noted that the table extension 31 is intended to lie in the same plane as the plane of the work table 21 so that a particular part or tool can be placed thereon.

[0070] 7 and 8 show perspective views of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a raised shoulder 40, which an edge 41 arranged to extend beyond the working plane of the work table 21; - a clip carriage 42 having flexible tabs that allow for quick assembly / disassembly to / from the mounting rail 22;

[0071] This allows an operator to quickly position / engage / move / disengage the raised shoulder 40 along the mounting rail 22 to prevent parts placed on the work table 21 from falling to the floor.

[0072] 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of the working module of FIG. 2 forming the shock absorbing cushion 50. The shock absorbing cushion 50 is a cushion portion 51 capable of supporting an operator; a carriage 32 supporting the cushion portion 51, which in the illustrated embodiment has an asymmetric shape so that it can be quickly assembled to / disassembled from the mounting rail 22 by lifting and / or rotating, similar to the table nosepiece 30 of FIG. 6; With respect to the table nosepiece 30 of FIG. 6, it comprises a locking knob 33 that can be pivoted to move the index, which in an extended position locks the asymmetric carriage 32 onto the mounting rail 22, and in a retracted position allows the asymmetric carriage 32 to be disassembled from the mounting rail 22.

[0073] 11 and 12 show respectively a perspective view and a side view of the working module of FIG. 1 forming a support for an instrument, in particular an optical reader, the support being a support fork 61 intended to receive an instrument, in particular an optical reader (for example a barcode reader); a clip carriage 62 having one or more flexible tabs that allow for quick assembly / disassembly onto / from the mounting rail 22;

[0074] It is hereby understood that the described watchmaker's bench can easily and reversibly accommodate a number of working modules, all of which are positionally adjustable along the mounting rail 22, which preferably does not extend beyond the work table 21. The ergonomics are improved and the modularity is particularly increased.

[0075] With regard to the forearm support 10, it should be noted that its use is simple with a single control of the locking device according to one preferred embodiment, and that its architecture, particularly with regard to its morphology, offers a wide variety of adjustments to tailor it to the wishes of the operator and / or to the movements to be made. industrial use

[0076] The watchmaker's bench, the forearm support and the working module according to the invention and their manufacture are suitable for industrial applications.

[0077] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, apparent to those skilled in the art, can be applied to the different embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078] In particular, it is noted that the operational modules may be adapted to and / or provided for other functions suitable for watchmaking (such as illumination, cleaning, provisioning or storage of components, instruments or tools, etc.).

[0079] It should also be noted that other intermediate or additional articulations can be added (the first arm and / or second arm can be adjustable in length, and a sliding pivot connection can be provided instead of the sliding forearm connection as illustrated in FIG. 3).

[0080] The locking device can be powered or can have an assisted portion as in the described examples, but can also have a manual clamping and / or locking system such as a resilient toggle clamp, retractable index or screw system, even if an assisted system is preferred to avoid musculoskeletal disorders in the long term.

[0081] The forearm support can be motorized to automate or assist certain adjustments, such as the relative movement between the forearm support pad 14 and the second arm 13. For example, pneumatic, electric or hydraulic assistance can be provided.

Claims

1. A forearm support (10) for a watchmaker's bench, - A connecting part (11) arranged to be attached to a watchmaker's bench, - The first arm (12) connected to the aforementioned joint portion (11), - The second arm (13) is connected to the first arm (12), - A forearm support pad (14) is connected to the second arm (13) and is positioned to support the operator's forearm, The forearm support portion (10) is equipped with a joint movement system, and the joint movement system comprises at least, - Displaced between the connecting portion (11) and the first arm (12), and connecting the connecting portion (11) and the first arm (12), - A forearm support (10) characterized by comprising a second ball joint (17) disposed between the first arm (12) and the second arm (13) and connecting the first arm (12) and the second arm (13).

2. - The first arm (12) comprises a first end connected to the joint portion (11) and a second end, - The second arm (13) comprises a first end connected to the second end of the first arm (12) and a second end connected to the forearm support pad (14), The first arm (12) is - At the first end, a first male ball joint, or a first housing for receiving the first male ball joint, - The forearm support (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a second male ball joint or a second housing for receiving the second male ball joint at the second end.

3. The forearm support (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint movement system comprises a first sliding connecting portion or a first sliding pivot connecting portion disposed between the second arm (13) and the forearm support pad (14).

4. The forearm support (10) according to claim 1, wherein the forearm support pad (14) is detachably attached to the second arm (13).

5. The forearm support (10) according to claim 1, wherein the joint movement system comprises a carriage (11.1) or runner or sliding body or sliding path disposed on the joint portion (11) to enable a sliding connection between the joint portion (11) and the watchmaker's bench.

6. At least one locking device, connected to at least one joint movement portion of the joint movement system comprising at least the first ball joint (16) and the second ball joint (17), and to the at least one joint movement portion of the joint movement system, - A unlocked state in which at least one joint movement part of the joint movement system can be freely moved, - comprising at least one locking device disposed to impose a locking state on the at least one joint movement portion of the joint movement system, The forearm support (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one locking control device having a man-machine interface intended to enable the activation of at least one locking device.

7. The aforementioned locking device is - At least two half-shells (12.1a, 12.1b, 12.1c, 12.1d) are arranged around one of the first ball joint (16) and the second ball joint (17), - A clamping member (12.8) disposed to apply a clamping force to the two half shells (12.1a, 12.1b, 12.1c, 12.1d) in the locked state, and to release the clamping force to the two half shells (12.1a, 12.1b, 12.1c, 12.1d) in the unlocked state, the forearm support (10) according to claim 6.

8. The forearm support (10) according to claim 6, dependent on claim 3, wherein the locking device comprises a movable braking device disposed to prevent relative movement between the second arm (13) and the forearm support pad (14) in the locked state and to enable relative movement between the second arm (13) and the forearm support pad (14) in the unlocked state.

9. The forearm support (10) according to claim 6, wherein the locking device is pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or electric.

10. The locking device is connected to a plurality of or all of the joint movement parts of the joint movement system, and locks or unlocks them centrally and / or simultaneously, the forearm support (10) according to claim 6.

11. It is a watchmaker's bench, - A work table (21) arranged to accommodate a clock, - A frame (20) is provided to support the work table (21), define at least one work surface or one work station on the work table (21) for the operator, and is positioned to rest on the floor of the workspace. The watchmaker's bench comprises at least one mounting rail (22), which is located particularly beneath the work table (21), facing the work surface or the work station, and is positioned to receive at least one work module to be coupled to the watchmaker's bench at an adjustable position along the at least one mounting rail (22), A watchmaker's bench, further comprising a forearm support (10) according to claim 1, which forms at least one work module that is coupled to the at least one mounting rail (22) of the watchmaker's bench at a position adjustable along the at least one mounting rail (22).

12. At least one work module coupled to the at least one mounting rail (22), - A table nose piece (30) that forms an overhang of the work table (21) toward the operator, or - A table edge or raised shoulder (40) that is arranged to protrude from the work plane defined by the work table (21), or - In particular, an instrument support for an optical reading device (60), which is arranged to support an instrument, specifically an optical reading device, or - Shock-absorbing cushion (50), or - Tool holders arranged to support work tools, or -drawer, A watchmaker's bench according to claim 11, comprising at least one work module forming a bench.

13. The at least one work module coupled to the at least one mounting rail (22) has a coupling portion (11) on the at least one mounting rail (22), and the coupling portion (11) is - A runner or carriage that is removable and lockable on at least one mounting rail (22), or - A runner or carriage having at least one elastic portion arranged on the at least one mounting rail (22) to enable a reversible elastic interlock, or - A watchmaker's bench according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a runner or carriage disposed to engage with the at least one mounting rail (22) in rotational movement of the at least one mounting rail (22) about the axial direction of the at least one mounting rail (22).

14. The watchmaker's bench according to claim 11, wherein the at least one mounting rail (22) is flush with or recessed to the periphery of the work table (21) and / or the periphery of the frame (20).

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