Fixing device for watch movements

Abstract

We provide a fixing device designed to hold a watch movement in a case. [Solution] The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a watch movement 2, designed to hold the watch movement in the case of a watch 1. The device comprises at least one laminate 3 consisting of at least two blades, the at least one laminate having two opposite ends, a first case-side end and a second movement-side end, and a first fixing element 7 for fixing the second movement-side end of the at least one laminate to the watch movement, the at least one laminate being configured to rigidly hold the watch movement in the case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing a watch movement inside a watch case.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a watch provided with such a fixing device.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, two or three casing clamps are used to assemble or fix a watch movement inside a case, particularly inside the middle case.

[0004] These casing clamps ensure that the watch movement is rigidly held inside the watch case.

[0005] It is rare that these casing clamps are dimensioned to withstand the effects caused by impacts on the case. Such impacts can lead to the loss of anchor points or bending of the clamps, which can amplify the acceleration received by the watch movement and thus damage the watch movement.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve the fixing device for the watch movement.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention provides a device for fixing a watch movement inside a case that makes it possible to eliminate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, the present invention provides a fixing device for a watch movement that has improved rigidity and limited space requirements to hold the watch movement inside the watch case with sufficient rigidity to minimize the acceleration received by the watch movement as a result of an impact.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a fixing device that is more reliable and robust compared to prior art solutions.

[0010] According to the present invention, the fixing device is • At least one laminate comprising at least two blades, having two opposing ends, namely a first case-side end and a second movement-side end, • A first fixing element for fixing the second movement-side end of at least one laminate to a watch movement Includes, The at least one laminate is configured to rigidly hold the watch movement within the case.

[0011] The fixing device according to the present invention enables rigid connection of a watch movement to a case. By stacking multiple blades, it is possible to minimize the required space while increasing the rigidity of clamps using conventional state-of-the-art technology.

[0012] The fixing device according to the present invention is applicable to both blade-type fixing devices in which the blade is clamped (tightened) on both sides by fixing elements such as screws, and to retaining clamps that are attached to a movement and press the watch movement against a stepped portion (shoulder portion) of the case by engaging with a notch provided in the case (middle) for this purpose.

[0013] By stacking multiple blades, it becomes possible to increase the yield strength of the fixing device within the watch movement against impact.

[0014] In addition to the features described in the previous paragraph, the fixing device according to the present invention may have one or more of the following features individually or in any technically possible combination. The fixing device comprises a second fixing element for fixing the first case-side end of at least one laminate to the case, The first case-side end of the at least one laminate is fastened to the case by engaging with a seat inside the case. The at least two blades within the laminate are in at least partial contact with each other. The at least two blades within the laminate are separated by at least one spacer positioned between the at least two blades. The at least two blades have identical dimensions and / or identical mechanical properties, for example, in terms of width and / or thickness, and / or Young's modulus and / or yield strength of the material in question. The at least two blades have different dimensions and / or different mechanical properties, for example, in terms of width and / or thickness, and / or Young's modulus and / or yield strength of the material in question. The fixing device comprises at least two laminates, preferably at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five, and preferably six laminates. The at least two laminates are arranged to form a circular repeating pattern. • At least two laminates are arranged at equidistant angles from each other around the watch movement. The first fixing element comprises at least one screw, The second fixing element is equipped with at least one screw, The at least two blades in the at least one laminate include a material selected from steel, elastic steel, superelastic shape memory alloy, amorphous metal, nickel-based superalloy, iron-nickel-based superalloy, cobalt-based superalloy, spring steel, composite material, or mixtures or combinations thereof. The fixing device comprises a casing support (internal frame) on which the watch movement is clamped, and the at least one laminate is fixed to the casing support via its second movement-side end.

[0015] Preferably, the at least two blades are at least partially overlapped.

[0016] For example, the fixing device may include at least two laminates that extend substantially tangentially to a circle passing through the fixing points on the laminate in the timepiece movement. "Substantially tangentially" is interpreted to mean a direction forming an angle in the range of 80° to 100° with respect to the radius of the circle passing through the fixing points on the laminate in the timepiece movement.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a timepiece device comprising a timepiece movement and a case configured to hold the timepiece movement. This comprises a fixing device having one or more of the above-described features for connecting the timepiece movement to the case.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a timepiece movement and a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this first embodiment, the fixing device comprises four laminates consisting of a plurality of blades designed to be clamped by screwing. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view presenting the assembly shown in FIG. 1 on a receiving seat within a case of a timepiece part. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement incorporated into a case using a fixing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a timepiece movement and a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the fixing device comprises four laminates consisting of a plurality of blades.

[0020] For clarity, the same or similar elements in different embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals in all the figures.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a fixing device 10 for a timepiece movement 2 designed to hold the timepiece movement 2 within a case 4 of a timepiece 1.

[0022] In this first embodiment, the fixing device is of the type in which at least one casing blade is screwed at both its ends.

[0023] The fixing device 10 according to the invention makes it possible to rigidly connect the timepiece movement 2 to the case 4 and to minimize or control the acceleration to which the timepiece movement 2 is subjected as a result of an impact.

[0024] The fixing device 10 according to the invention can also be used to connect the timepiece movement 2 to an intermediate casing support (not shown) and to connect the intermediate casing support to the case 4.

[0025] The fixing device 10 according to the invention comprises at least one laminate 3 formed by at least two blades 3a, 3b which function as a casing clamp for the timepiece movement 2.

[0026] Preferably, at least two blades 3a, 3b within the laminate 3 are at least partially superimposed on one another.

[0027] The blades 3a, 3b within the laminate 3 may be in direct contact, or a space may be provided between the two superimposed blades such that they are not in direct contact at least in part of the laminate 3. The space between the two superimposed blades can be formed by adding a spacer between two successive superimposed blades.

[0028] In the example shown, the fixing device 10 comprises four laminates 3, each laminate 3 preferably consisting of two superimposed blades in direct contact with one another.

[0029] However, the fixing device 10 may comprise at least two laminates 3, preferably up to six, having the same or different mechanical or geometric properties.

[0030] Each laminated body 3 in the fixing device 10 may preferably have multiple blades that are overlapping and in contact with each other.

[0031] The number of overlapping blades and the thickness of the blades in the laminate 3 are selected according to the desired target stiffness.

[0032] In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, blades 3a and 3b have the same dimensions.

[0033] However, the various blades 3a, 3b forming the laminate 3 may have different dimensions and / or different mechanical properties, for example, in terms of width and / or thickness, and / or Young's modulus.

[0034] The various blades 3a and 3b in the two separate laminates 3 may also have different dimensions and / or different mechanical properties, for example, in terms of width and / or thickness, and / or Young's modulus.

[0035] Preferably, the material of the blades 3a and 3b is selected from the following list: steel, elastic steel, superelastic shape memory alloy, amorphous metal, nickel-based superalloy, iron-nickel-based superalloy, cobalt-based superalloy, spring steel, composite material, or mixtures or combinations thereof.

[0036] For example, blades 3a and 3b are straight.

[0037] For example, blades 3a and 3b may have one or more of the following characteristics: namely, a thickness in the range of 0.2 to 2 mm, a width in the range of 2 to 6 mm, and a length in the range of 8 to 25 mm.

[0038] Each laminate 3 has two opposite ends, namely a first case-side end 3c and a second movement-side end 3d. Each end 3c, 3d has an axial or cylindrical hole suitable for passing a fixing element of the laminate 3, ensuring that the laminate 3 is detachably attached to the case 4 and the watch movement 2. This ensures that the watch movement 2 is rigidly fitted into the case 4.

[0039] The fixing device 10 comprises first and second fixing elements 7, such as screws. These are threaded bodies designed to penetrate holes in the laminate 3 and have threaded bodies designed to engage with fixing points formed by female threads (tapping) in the watch movement 2 and case 4.

[0040] In this way, the laminate 3 is rigidly clamped by screwing its two ends 3d and 3c to the watch movement 2 and case 4, respectively. The laminate 3 may also be clamped (tightened) by other equivalent means known to those skilled in the art to ensure a rigid and detachable mounting.

[0041] Preferably, the various laminates 3 within the fixing device 10 are arranged at equal angular distances from each other around the clock movement 2.

[0042] Preferably, the various laminates 3 form a repeating circular pattern around the clock movement 2.

[0043] Preferably, the fixed point on the watch movement is positioned so as to be inscribed within the first circle.

[0044] Preferably, in case 4, the fixed point is positioned so as to be inscribed in a second circle that is concentric with the first circle.

[0045] According to the illustrated embodiment, the laminate 3 is positioned to extend tangentially or substantially tangentially with respect to the first circle in which the fixed points of the clock movement 2 are inscribed.

[0046] Next, referring to Figures 2 and 3, after the laminate 3 is fixed to the watch movement 2, the assembly formed by the watch movement 2 and the laminate 3 is fitted into the seat on the case body 4.

[0047] In the illustrated example, case 4 has surfaces for holding and supporting the case-side end 3c of the laminate 3. Preferably, the fixing points for the case are provided on these holding surfaces. Of course, case 4 has at least the same number of holding surfaces as the laminate 3 for fixing the watch movement 2.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the fixing device 100 according to the present invention. This second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment described above, except for the laminate clamping element which will be described in more detail below. In this second embodiment, the fixing device 100 comprises at least one laminate 30 formed by at least two blades 3a, 3b which function as casing clamps for the watch movement 20.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device 100 is formed by a plurality of laminates 30 of two overlapping blades 3a and 3b.

[0050] The movement-side end 3d of the laminate 30 is attached, similar to the first embodiment, by a fixing element such as a screw that engages with a female thread forming a fixed point on the watch movement 20.

[0051] On the other hand, the case-side end 3c is designed to engage with a notch 42 formed in the case. The notch 42 is positioned to firmly hold the watch movement 20 by keeping the laminate 30 pressed against the stepped portion (shoulder portion) 43 of the case 40.

[0052] By using a laminate with multiple blades, it is possible to increase the overall rigidity of the fixing clamp while limiting the required space. Therefore, the present invention prevents the fixing clamp from bending (plastic deformation). The use of a laminate with multiple blades is advantageous regardless of how the laminate is fixed and / or clamped to the watch movement and case.

[0053] Furthermore, the laminate with multiple blades minimizes the stress on the fixing points of the laminate, and therefore on the screws, in the event of the same impact. In this way, the fixing device according to the present invention prevents the watch movement from coming loose from the case when subjected to impact.

[0054] Preferably, the fixing device may include one or more of the following manufacturing processes: waterjet cutting, 3-axis machining, machining, turning, laser cutting, and stamping.

[0055] The above description of the present invention is given as an example. It will be understood that those skilled in the art may arrive at different modifications of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A fixing device (10, 100) for fixing a watch movement (2, 20), which is designed to hold the watch movement (2, 20) in the case (4, 40) of a watch (1), It comprises at least one laminate (3, 30) consisting of at least two blades (3a, 3b), and the at least one laminate (3, 30) has two opposite ends, a first case-side end (3c) and a second movement-side end (3d), The at least one laminate (3, 30) is provided with a first fixing element (7) for fixing the second movement-side end (3d) of the laminate (3, 30) to the watch movement (2, 20), and the at least one laminate (3, 30) is configured to rigidly hold the watch movement (2, 20) in the case (4). A fixing device (10, 100) characterized by the above.

2. The fixing device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing element (7) for fixing the first case-side end (3c) of at least one laminate (3) to the case (4).

3. The fixing device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first case-side end (3c) of at least one laminate (30) is clamped to the case (40) by engaging with a notch (42) in the case (40).

4. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two blades (3a, 3b) in a single laminate (3, 30) are in at least partial contact with each other.

5. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two blades (3a, 3b) in a single laminate (3, 30) are separated by at least one spacer disposed between the at least two blades (3a, 3b).

6. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two blades (3a, 3b) have the same dimensions and / or the same mechanical properties.

7. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two blades (3a, 3b) have different dimensions and / or different mechanical properties.

8. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least two laminates (3, 30), preferably at least three laminates (3, 30), preferably at least four laminates (3, 30), preferably at least five laminates (3, 30), and preferably six laminates (3, 30).

9. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least two laminates (3, 30) are arranged to form a circular repeating pattern.

10. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least two laminates (3, 30) are arranged around the clock movement (2, 20) at equal angular distances from each other.

11. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first fixing element (7) includes at least one screw.

12. The fixing device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second fixing element (7) includes at least one screw.

13. The fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two blades (3a, 3b) in the at least one laminate (3, 30) include a material selected from steel, elastic steel, superelastic shape memory alloy, amorphous metal, nickel-based superalloy, iron-nickel-based superalloy, cobalt-based superalloy, spring steel, composite material, or mixtures or combinations thereof.

14. A clock (1) comprising at least one clock movement (2, 20) and a case (4, 40) for holding the clock movement (2, 20), characterized in that it comprises a fixing device (10, 100) according to claim 1 for connecting the clock movement (2, 20) to the case (4).

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