Device for testing watch member

Abstract

To provide a testing device disposed to hold in place a watch component such as a watch case in order to subject it to dynamic tests such as shocks, vibration tests, or even acceleration tests.SOLUTION: A device (20) for testing a watch member comprises at least: a holding device (30), arranged to receive and hold in place the watch member; a fixing device (40), arranged to fix the holding device (30) on a testing machine (10). One of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) comprises a counter-shape at least partially matching the other of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40). The counter-shape is arranged to allow an adjustment to fix the holding device (30) according to at least seven distinct relative orientations between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devices for testing timepiece components, and in particular to a testing device provided for holding a timepiece component, such as a movement or a watch case containing a movement, in position in order to subject it to dynamic tests such as shock, vibration tests and even acceleration tests. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art for devices for testing watch components, Swiss Patent Applications No. 699300 and No. 699301 are known, which describe test devices provided to hold watch components in place during mechanical and environmental tests. However, these devices do not offer much flexibility in the relative positioning between the watch component and the testing machine, as only a few predetermined relative positions are possible. It should also be noted that these documents do not propose solutions for easily handling and installing the described test devices in the testing machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular to firstly propose a testing device that is very easy to use and / or that allows great freedom in the relative positioning between the watch element to be tested and the testing machine.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention is a device for testing timepiece elements, comprising at least: a holding device arranged to receive and hold in place a clock member; a fixing device arranged to fix the holding device to the testing machine, The device is characterized in that one of the holding device and the fixing device has a counter shape that at least partially fits the other of the holding device and the fixing device, and the counter shape is arranged to allow adjustment for fixing the holding device according to at least seven distinct relative orientations between the holding device and the fixing device.

[0005] The testing device according to the above embodiment comprises a holding device that can be repositioned relative to the clamping device (and therefore relative to the testing machine) according to at least seven distinct relative orientations, thereby enabling the component to be tested according to multiple orientations. To this end, one of the holding device and the clamping device has a counter shape that at least partially matches the other of the holding device and the clamping device. In other words, one of the holding device and the clamping device has a predetermined shape, and the other of the holding device and the clamping device has a counter shape that matches the predetermined shape and allows it to be easily repositioned according to multiple relative positions (at least seven).

[0006] In other words, current watch testing is limited to six very specific watch positions. The six orientations are mutually orthogonal, with the normal to the plane of the movement either parallel or perpendicular to gravity, and the 12:00-6:00 axis of the movement being parallel or perpendicular to gravity in the vertical position. It should be noted that, according to the present invention, at least seven relative positions are permitted, with at least seven orientations that are not necessarily orthogonal to one another. Thus, there is much greater freedom in adjusting the relative positions to better represent the constraints that a watch is subject to. Even if the six standard watch positions are theoretical standards that can be used with the present invention, the device for testing watch components according to the above-described embodiments allows for testing watch components according to an infinite number of relative configurations or orientations.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the counter geometry comprises at least one continuous contact area between the holding device and the fixing device, and is arranged to allow a continuous change of the fixing adjustment between at least two distinct orthogonal relative orientations between the holding device and the fixing device. Such a continuous change of the fixing adjustment provides an infinite number of relative positions between the holding device and the fixing device, which is a multitude of possibilities for testing the watch elements.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the at least one continuous portion comprises a continuous contact surface between the holding device and the fixation device that is curved and / or oval and / or spherical in shape.

[0009] According to one embodiment, it may be provided that the holding device has a spherical, substantially spherical or nearly spherical outer shape.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the fixation device may have or include a female receiving shape including a cylindrical or spherical or conical portion for receiving the holding device.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the counter shape comprises at least two separate parts arranged to allow discrete fixation adjustment according to at least two distinct relative orientations between the holding device and the fixation device, for example according to orthogonal directions. To obtain the predetermined discrete positioning (distinct different positions), indexing, in particular with flats and / or notches, can be provided.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the fastening device comprises at least one opening and / or the holding device fastened by the fastening device comprises at least one part that is directly accessible from the outside, for example to apply a direct impact to the holding device. In other words, the fastening device is provided in such a way that at least a part of the holding device remains directly accessible from the outside, so that, for example, an impact during an impact test or a vibration during a vibration test can be applied directly to the holding device. Thus, the test is reliable and representative, since the holding device (which receives and supports the watch element) is directly engaged.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the testing device comprises an orientation adjustment device having orientation drive means arranged to move the holding device relative to the fixation device, such orientation drive means making it possible to automatically adjust or assist an operator to quickly and reliably adjust the orientation between the holding device and the fixation device.

[0014] Alternatively or in combination, an orientation drive means may be provided to allow adjusting the position of the clamping device on the testing machine, in other words to change the relative position of the entire testing device with respect to the testing machine.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the orientation driving means comprises: - comprising a docking part arranged to reversibly couple to a holding device and / or to a fixing device; and / or - at least one roller for driving the holding device, and / or at least one track for driving the holding device, and / or at least one arm for driving the holding device. Generally, the orientation drive means is provided to be directly coupled to the holding device to move the holding device relative to the clamping device and / or to be directly coupled to the clamping device to move the clamping device relative to the machine.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the docking portion comprises a drive square (or any other form of rotation stop). According to one embodiment, the orientation drive means comprises a locking means on the holding device, for example a ball plunger provided on the drive square.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the orientation driving means comprises: - with a portion passing through an opening; and / or - arranged so as to be in contact with at least one part of the holding device that is directly accessible from the outside;

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fixation device comprises: at least one cradle arranged to receive a holding device; - at least one clamping member movable between an open position, in which the holding device can be freely received or removed from the cradle, and a clamping position, in which the holding device is clamped on the cradle, the at least one clamping member being arranged to be able to occupy an adjustment position disposed between the clamping position and the open position, in which the relative orientation between the holding device and the fixation device can be adjusted. In other words, the at least one clamping member can occupy three different positions: the open position, the clamping position, and the adjustment position. According to one embodiment, with the at least one clamping member in the adjustment position, the holding device cannot be removed from the test device; the holding device can be moved to adjust a specific relative position, but cannot be removed. Thus, in the adjustment position, the holding device cannot be dropped or completely separated.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cradle comprises at least one counter shape that at least partially fits onto the holding device, and at least one clamping member is arranged to press and clamp the holding device on the counter shape.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the at least one clamping member comprises at least: - a swivel clamping lever, and / or sliding clamping jaws, and / or -Equipped with clamping screws.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fastening device comprises means for reversibly fastening to the testing machine.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the holding device comprises: two half shells arranged to be fixed to each other and arranged to house the watch elements; and / or at least one measurement sensor, such as an inclinometer, an accelerometer, an image sensor, a force sensor, etc.; and / or an outer casing with a contact surface for the fixation device, the contact surface being substantially continuous and / or curved and / or oval and / or spherical; and / or a positioning device for positioning and / or holding the watch element on the holding device, for example by clamping or clamping, means for identifying the position of the clock element within the holding device.

[0023] As an example, a system can be provided in which a triaxial sensor is used to measure linear acceleration and a first sensor can be combined with a linear accelerometer to measure angular acceleration.

[0024] The sensor may be located as close as possible to the timepiece member, preferably at the centre of gravity of the holding device, to ensure reliable acceleration measurements.

[0025] These acceleration measurements can be performed on a dummy clock element, such as a blank, of the same shape and weight as the clock movement to which the accelerometer is attached. Once measurements have been performed for the tester and a given orientation, the same test can be performed on the clock element, based on the assumption that the forces and accelerations are the same as those measured on the dummy element. In this case, it is possible to ensure that the test is performed in multiple orientations, and to further improve the accuracy of the measurements, a calibration step can be performed both in the relative orientation and in the measurement of the physical parameters. Such a calibration makes it possible to take into account the peculiarities of the test device, the relative orientation, or the peculiarities of the test itself.

[0026] At least one visual system may be provided to observe the effects of shocks on the watch and its movement.

[0027] All of the collected information can be sent to a central unit, which can be integrated into the test machine.

[0028] The holding device may include a wired or wireless connection for transmitting the measured information to a central unit (such as a computer).

[0029] Preferably, the test device also comprises at least one identification means, such as a barcode or an RFID chip.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the components of the test device (holding and fixation devices) that come into contact with other components (for clamping, impact application, etc.) can be made from: wear-resistant steel with good surface hardness, such as DIN 1.2510, and / or aluminum that has been treated by anodizing or oxidation (for example by micro-arc) to transform and harden its surface, and / or - polymers (polyoxymethylene (POM)) and / or elastomers (polyurethane (PUR)) and / or plastics and / or titanium and / or any other metallic material.

[0031] It should be noted that these components can be made from different materials (bi- or multi-material). The selection of a suitable material must take into account the mechanical properties of the material and its weight, which should be as small as possible.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the testing device comprises a timepiece element formed by a timepiece movement, or a timepiece head, or a wristwatch.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the clock element is held on or in a holding device. The clock element can be contained within the holding device during testing, but it can also be such that the clock element is externally accessible when the clock element is attached to the holding device. In other words, the clock element does not necessarily have to be contained or enclosed within the holding device during testing.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention relates to a testing machine for performing an impact test, and / or a linear acceleration test, and / or a vibration test, and / or an angular acceleration test, comprising a testing device according to the first aspect.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the test machine comprises: a chassis, a test arm movable relative to the chassis; an anvil (or target or impact plate or base block) fixed relative to the chassis, The test device is supported by the free end of the test arm, which is arranged so that the test device, in particular the holding device, projects relative to the anvil (or target or impact plate or base block).

[0036] According to one embodiment, a testing machine can be provided to perform impact tests on watch movements and watches according to different standards such as NIHS 91-10 of April 2016, NIHS 91-20 of April 2022, NIHS 91-30 of August 2021, or NIHS 93-20 of August 2021.

[0037] Thus, according to the following different embodiments, it is possible to optimize the test speed and guarantee reproducibility for each movement, the solution offering the possibility to: the same support can be used for different tests on different test equipment for different movements or watch heads, - quickly and easily identify the position of the reference surface of a watch element and orient it (automatically or not) according to different spatial orientations in an accurate and reproducible way; -New and unprecedented tests can be performed using an infinite spectrum of orientations of the movement being tested. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified diagram of a testing machine supporting a testing device according to the present invention, which is provided for applying an impact to a clock element and has a test arm in an initial position, a holding device surrounding the clock element, and a fixing device arranged to fix the holding device to the test arm of the testing machine.

[0040] [Figure 2] 2 depicts the testing machine of FIG. 1 with the testing arm in its final position and the holding device protruding above the anvil (or target or impact plate) of the testing machine.

[0041] [Figure 3a]2 depicts a portion of the testing machine of FIG. 1 with the fixation device partially releasing the holding device so that the relative position of the holding device with respect to the test arm can be adjusted.

[0042] [Figure 3b] 2 illustrates the portion of the testing machine of FIG. 1 with the holding device fully released so that the fixation device can remove the holding device from the testing machine.

[0043] [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of the holding device of FIG. 1.

[0044] [Figure 5] 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for holding a watch element in a holding device.

[0045] [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the holding system of FIG. 5 and a part of the holding device of FIG. 4 that receives a watch element.

[0046] [Figure 7] 7A and 7B show details of an exemplary embodiment of a fixation device that receives the holding device of FIG. 4 or FIG. 6.

[0047] [Figure 8] 1 represents an orientation drive means that can be used to change the relative orientation between the holding device and the fixation device, for example when the fixation device partially releases the holding device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a testing machine 10 supporting a testing device 20 according to the invention, which is provided for applying an impact to a watch element and has a test arm 14 in an initial position, a holding device 30 surrounding the watch element, and a fixing device 40 arranged to fix the holding device 30 to the test arm 14 of the testing machine 10.

[0049] In particular, according to the simplified example shown, the testing machine 10 comprises: -Base table 11 and a bracket 12 fixed to a base 11; an anvil 13 fixed on a base table 11; a test arm 14 attached to the bracket 12 and articulated according to a pivot connection according to this particular example;

[0050] The testing device 20 comprises in particular a holding device 30 for embedding the watch element and a fixing device 40 provided for reversibly fixing or attaching the holding device 30 to the testing machine 10 , in particular to the test arm 14 .

[0051] The holding device 30 comprises two half shells 31 and 32 assembled together to have a spherical or substantially spherical or roughly spherical shape, the structure of which will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0052] The fixing device 40 comprises a counter shape forming a cradle 41 for receiving the holding device 30, two pivoting clamping arms 42 and a clamping jack 43 arranged between the two clamping arms 42 and applying a reversible clamping force to the holding device 30. In Figure 1, the two clamping arms 42 are in contact with the holding device 30 and firmly hold the holding device 30 under the action of the clamping jack 43.

[0053] To apply an impact to a watch element embedded in the holding device, the testing machine 10 can of course be equipped with control and / or motorization means for pivoting the test arm 14. In Figure 1, the test arm 14 is in an initial test position, holding the holding device (via a fixing device 40) facing an anvil 13 carried by the base table 11. In Figure 2, the test arm 14 has been moved to a final test position, with the holding device 30 protruding relative to the anvil 13 in order to receive the impact. Depending on the speed of pivoting of the test arm 14 and / or the mass of the various components, it is possible to apply an impact with a deceleration of the order of a few g to hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of g.

[0054] In Fig. 1, the two clamp arms 42 are in a clamping position, in which they hold the holding device 30 firmly fixed on the cradle 41. In Fig. 3a, after actuation of the clamp jack 43, the two clamp arms 42 are in an adjusted position, in which they are free to move the holding device 30 and reposition it within the cradle 41. However, with the two clamp arms 42 in the adjusted position, the holding device 30 cannot be completely removed from the fixing device 40. In Fig. 3b, after actuation of the clamp jack 43, the two clamp arms 42 are in an open position, in which they are free to completely remove the holding device 30 from the cradle 41 and the testing machine 10.

[0055] It should be noted that the cradle 41 has a counter shape to the spherical (or substantially spherical) shape of the holding device so that in the open or adjusted position, an infinite number of relative positions can be imposed between the holding device 30 and the fixing device 40, and therefore between the holding device 30 and the testing machine 10.

[0056] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of the holding device 30 of FIG. 1. As shown, the holding device 30 comprises two half shells 31 and 32 assembled together, for example by screwing. In particular, it is possible to provide a first half shell 31 including a screw thread 311 and a second half shell 32 with a tapping 321 provided to engage with the screw thread 311. The first half shell 31 and the second half shell 32 are each hollowed out to receive a holding system supporting the watch element to be tested. In particular, a fixing interface 313 (here, an inner fixing surface with tapping and blind positioning holes) can be provided in a recess of the first half shell 31. It is also possible to provide a first drive square 312 (or any other form of rotation stop) opening on the outer surface of the first half shell 31 and a second drive square 322 (or any other form of rotation stop) opening on the second half shell 32. It should be noted that the first drive square 312 is substantially coaxial with the second drive square 322 and / or oriented substantially perpendicular to the inner fixation surface of the fixation interface 313. The first drive square 312 and the second drive square 322 may be used to assemble, tighten, loosen, manipulate, and position the first half shell 31 and / or the second half shell 32.

[0057] 5 shows a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a system 50 for holding a watch element 100 in a holding device 30. In this particular example, the watch element 100 is formed by a watch case that houses the watch movement. The holding system 50 comprises two flanges, each comprising a base plate 51 and a flange head 52, to which the horn and the watch case can be fastened and which are held together by at least one fixing screw 53. A single base plate can be provided to receive the two flange heads 52.

[0058] As part of the impact testing machine 10, the half shells 31 and 32 can be provided with specific materials. Stainless steel, hardened steel, or surface-treated steel can be provided with sufficient hardness to ensure durability and the absence of deformation. Surface-hardened aluminum or polymer materials can also be provided. In other words, materials can be provided that allow the greatest possible energy to be transferred to the movement in a repeatable manner. To properly take into account the influence of the material, geometry, and test device, sensors can be provided in the calibration of the test device to properly determine the acceleration experienced by the tested part in each of the relative orientations tested.

[0059] Figure 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the holding system 50 of Figure 5 and a portion of the holding device 30 of Figure 4 that receives the watch element 100. As shown in Figure 5, the watch element 100 is sandwiched or clamped between a base plate 51 and flange heads 52 of two fixing flanges, and as shown in Figure 6, the flanges of the holding system 50 are each fixed to the fixing interface 313 of the first half-shell 31 by means of fixing screws 53. Finally, in Figure 6, the holding device 30 is closed on the watch element 100, i.e. the first half-shell 31 is screwed onto the second half-shell 32 to form a sphere.

[0060] 6, it should be noted that there are recesses above or below the clock element 100 that can be used to place measurement sensors (shock, vibration, visual sensors, etc.) during testing. Such sensors can be fastened, for example, by clamping or screws, and can be provided to calibrate the sensors to ensure good measurement accuracy. Provision can also be made to install a dummy clock element containing the above-mentioned sensors instead of the clock element 10.

[0061] FIG. 7 shows the fixing device 40 receiving the holding device 30. Note that each of the two clamp arms 42 is articulated to rotate about a pivot axis 421 so that a contact interface 422 (in this example, a cylindrical shaft) can abut against the holding device 30 and a clamp jack 43 can act on a control axis 423 to move the two clamp arms 42 simultaneously. In FIG. 7, the two clamp arms 42 are pushed back against the holding device 30 by the clamp jack 43 at the axis 423, which presses the holding device 30 against the cradle 41, against the counter shape of the cradle 41. This ensures that the holding device 30 is firmly pressed against the cradle 41, and that the relative position of the holding device 30 to the cradle 41 does not change even if an impact is applied to the holding device 30.

[0062] As indicated in the description of FIG. 3 a , the grip of the clamping arms 42 on the holding device 30 can be loosened to allow relative movement between the holding device 30 and the fixation device, particularly with respect to the cradle 41 .

[0063] Figure 8 shows an example of an orientation drive means 60 that can be used to change the relative orientation between the holding device 30 and the cradle 41, for example when the fixation device partially releases the holding device 30 as in Figure 3a.

[0064] Specifically, the orientation driving means 60 in FIG. an alignment clamp 61 arranged to couple with the holding device 30 (one of the first drive square 312 or the second drive square 322); a control jack 62 provided for coupling and decoupling the alignment clamp 61 to the holding device 30; a rotary actuator 63, here a rotary motor with a gearing that drives the alignment clamp 61 in rotation and, when the alignment clamp 61 is coupled to the holding device 30, also drives the holding device 30 in rotation; - displacement means 64 provided for inserting the alignment clamp 61 closer to one of the first drive square 312 or the second drive square 322. As shown by the arrows at the bottom of Figure 8, elements may be provided that allow the orientation drive means 60 to pivot as follows: about a substantially vertical axis in FIG. 8 and substantially passing through the center of gravity of the holding device 30; and / or about a substantially horizontal axis in FIG. 8 and substantially passing through the center of gravity of the holding device 30.

[0065] In this way, the holding device 30 can be moved automatically in a controlled manner relative to the cradle 41. In particular, the rotation actuator 63 can comprise a stepper motor in order to impose a predetermined and precise rotation on the holding device 30 relative to the cradle 41. It may also be provided to calibrate the orientation drive means 60 in order to ensure good accuracy and / or good reproducibility of the relative positioning imposed by the rotation drive means 60.

[0066] Thus, the testing machine 10 can receive the holding device 30 in a particular position in order to perform a dynamic test (such as an impact test according to the given example).

[0067] As mentioned above, and as shown in particular in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the relative position between the holding device 30 and the fixing device 40 imposes a relative position between the watch element 100 and the testing machine 10, and in particular between the anvil (or target or impact plate) 13 in the example of an impact machine. It should be noted that at the end of a test carried out in a first relative position between the holding device 30 and the testing machine 10, it is easy to change this relative position or orientation. In practice, in order to re-clamp the holding device 30 in a new relative position with the testing machine 10, it is sufficient to unclamp the holding device and pass the clamping arm 42 through an adjustment position in order to change its relative position with respect to the cradle 41, before returning the clamping arm 42 to the clamping position.

[0068] The counter shape of the cradle 41 makes it possible to provide an infinite number of relative positions between the holding device 30 and the testing machine 10. Tests can be provided in six orthogonal directions of a Cartesian coordinate system: +X, +Y, +Z, -X, -Y, -Z, and tests can easily be performed according to positions or orientations intermediate these principal axes. To ensure the accuracy of the relative position or orientation, it may be provided to use an orientation drive means 60 and / or markings or specific notches on the holding device 30 to provide positioning references or markers for the operator or the automaton of the testing machine 10. industrial use

[0069] The test device according to the invention and its manufacture can be applied industrially.

[0070] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] In particular, it should be noted that although the first male half shell 31 and the second half shell 32 in Figures 4 and 6 are assembled together by screwing, other types of assembly modes can be provided (by screws, by elastic interlock, etc.).

[0072] The external shape of the holding device 30 is spherical, but other shapes can be provided that allow for repositioning relative to the fixing device. For example, a smooth counter shape can be provided so that an infinite number of relative positions can be provided, but it is also possible to provide a counter shape with pre-positioning (splines, notches, etc.). For example, grooves can be provided on the outer surface of the holding device. For example, these grooves can also indicate the position of the clock elements present in the holding device and / or provide a means for identifying and / or presenting indexing means.

[0073] In the example given, the cradle 41 comprises a spherical counter shape, but a cylindrical hole with a chamfered or conical portion may be provided for receiving the holding device 30 .

[0074] The orienting drive means 60 may comprise rollers or drive rollers instead of alignment clamps 61. Alternatively, a five-axis robot may be provided with gripping clamps that are able to reposition the holding device 30 within the cradle 41.

[0075] The holding device 30 can be varied depending on the model and size of the watch element 100 to be tested.

[0076] Similarly, several types of fixing fixtures 50 can be provided depending on the watch element 100 to be tested. They can be provided to fix the watch element 100 to be tested by supporting it on a horn or, alternatively, on the bezel if it is not a rotating bezel. They can be provided for testing bare movements, in which case their fixation in the holding device 30 is preferably carried out by direct compression on a plate. They can also be provided to hold the watch element 100 to be tested by compressing or clamping it between the components of the holding device 30. For testing wristwatches, the holding system can be formed by a cylinder with an oval cross section, allowing a hold similar to that of a human wrist.

[0077] It should be noted that the drive squares 312 or 322 can be replaced by any other shape that allows rotational indexing. If a sufficiently strong clamp is provided, a cylindrical hole with a circular cross section can even be proposed.

Claims

1. A device (20) for testing a watch element (100), comprising at least: - a holding device (30) arranged to receive and hold in place said watch element (100); a fixing device (40) arranged to fix said holding device (30) to the testing machine (10), 1. A device (20) characterized in that one of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) comprises a counter shape that at least partially matches the other of the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40), the counter shape being arranged to allow adjustment for fixing the holding device (30) according to at least seven distinct relative orientations between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40).

2. 2. The test device (20) of claim 1, wherein the counter shape comprises at least one continuous contact portion between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) and is arranged to allow continuous change of the fixing adjustment between at least two distinct orthogonal relative orientations between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40).

3. 3. The test device (20) of claim 2, wherein the at least one continuous portion comprises a continuous contact surface between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) that is curved and / or oval and / or spherical in shape.

4. 2. The test device (20) of claim 1, wherein the counter shape comprises at least two separate portions arranged to allow discrete fixation adjustment according to at least two separate relative orientations between the holding device (30) and the fixation device (40), for example according to orthogonal directions.

5. The test device (20) of claim 1, wherein the fixing device (40) has at least one opening and / or the holding device (30) fixed by the fixing device (40) has at least one part that is directly accessible from the outside, for example, to receive a direct impact on the holding device (30).

6. 2. The testing device (20) of claim 1, comprising an orientation adjustment device having orientation drive means (60) arranged to move the holding device (30) relative to the fixation device (40).

7. The orientation driving means (60) - comprising a docking portion arranged to reversibly couple to said holding device (30); and / or - A testing device (20) according to claim 6, comprising at least one roller for driving the holding device (30), and / or at least one track for driving the holding device (30), and / or at least one arm for driving the holding device (30).

8. The orientation driving means (60) - with a portion passing through said opening; and / or A test device (20) according to claim 5 or 6, arranged to be in contact with said at least one part of said holding device (30) that is directly accessible from the outside.

9. The fixation device (40) - at least one cradle (41) arranged to receive said holding device (30); - at least one clamping member movable between an open position in which said holding device (30) can be freely received or removed from said cradle (41) and a clamped position in which said holding device (30) is clamped onto said cradle (41); 2. The test device (20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one clamp member is arranged to occupy an adjustment position disposed between the clamp position and the open position, and in the adjustment position, the relative orientation between the holding device (30) and the fixing device (40) can be adjusted.

10. 10. The test device (20) of claim 9, wherein the cradle (41) has at least one counter shape that at least partially fits the holding device (30), and the at least one clamping member is configured to press and clamp the holding device (30) in the counter shape.

11. The at least one clamping member includes at least: - a swiveling clamping lever, and / or - sliding clamping jaws, and / or A testing device (20) according to claim 9, comprising a clamping screw.

12. 10. The testing device (20) of claim 1, wherein the securing device (40) comprises means for reversibly securing to the testing machine (10).

13. The holding device (30) - two half-shells arranged to be fixed to each other and arranged to house said timepiece element (100), and / or at least one measurement sensor, such as an inclinometer, an accelerometer, an image sensor, a force sensor, and / or an outer casing with a contact surface for said fixation device (40), said contact surface being substantially continuous and / or curved and / or oval and / or spherical; and / or a positioning device for positioning and / or holding said watch element (100) on said holding device (30), for example by clamping or clamping; A testing device (20) according to claim 1, comprising means for identifying the position of said clock element (100) in said holding device (30).

14. 2. The testing device (20) of claim 1, comprising the timepiece member (100) formed by a timepiece movement, or a timepiece head, or a wristwatch.

15. A testing machine (10) for performing shock tests, and / or linear acceleration tests, and / or vibration tests, and / or angular acceleration tests, comprising a testing device (20) according to claim 1.

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