Pressing device for driving the bezel or crystal of a portable watch

Abstract

To enable a crystal or bezel to be driven into a watch case middle, regardless of the dimensions of the middle, simply and quickly, using a press device provided with a single support.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a press device (10) for driving a crystal or bezel (11) into a watch middle (12). The press device comprises a support (20) to hold the middle (12) in position, and a bracket (30) supporting a tool holder (31) to which a tool (33) is attached. The tool holder (31) is movable in translation and cooperates with a handling member (32) so as to slide relative to the bracket (30) along an axis A-A upon actuation of the handling member (32). The support (20) includes at least two jaws (21) designed to cooperate with the middle (12) so as to hold the middle (12) in position, each jaw (21) being movable in a plane P orthogonal to the axis A-A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention lies in the field of microtechnology, in particular in the field of watchmaking (eg wristwatches, pocket watches), for example in the field of after-sales services.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a pressing device for inserting a bezel or crystal of a watch into the middle part of a watch case. [Background technology]

[0003] In order to carry out after-sales service on a watch, it may be necessary to remove the crystal of the watch. For this purpose, tools for removing the crystal of a watch have been developed, such as those described in the prior art European patent document EP 3835888.

[0004] After the servicing operation, the crystal, and if necessary the bezel, must be pushed into the middle of the watch case. Pressing devices for carrying out this operation are well known, which comprise a support for holding the middle in place opposite a bracket on which a tool holder slides when the user actuates the control member. The tool holder carries a tool designed to apply pressure to the crystal, forcing it into an opening formed in the middle.

[0005] Typically, the support of the pressing device is removable, and the user may have several supports of different dimensions to fit the middles of the different sizes of watch cases that the user may service, so the user must ensure that they have a sufficient number of different supports to be able to service a wide variety of watch cases.

[0006] The present invention aims to eliminate the need for these different supports, and in particular the problems associated with their storage and use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention solves this problem by providing a method that allows a crystal or bezel to be simply and quickly inserted into the middle of a watch case, regardless of the dimensions of the middle, using a press device with a single support. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a pressing device for inserting a crystal or bezel into a middle of a watch, comprising a support for holding said middle in position and a bracket supporting a tool holder to which a tool is attached, said tool holder being translationally movable and associated with a handling member so as to slide relative to said bracket along axis AA when actuated by said handling member.

[0009] The support has at least two jaws designed to interact with the middle part and hold it in place, each jaw being movable in a plane P perpendicular to the axis AA; thus, thanks to the features of the invention, a pressing device can be used to fit a bezel or crystal into a middle part of any size without changing the support.

[0010] In particular embodiments, the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0011] In certain embodiments, the jaws are designed to rest against the inner surface of the middle portion and tend to move away from each other, i.e., away from axis AA, when induced by a resilient member in the support, thereby exerting a clamping force on the middle portion and holding it in place.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the support has a connecting member kinematically connected to the jaw body, whereby the support, when stressed, displaces the jaw body towards the axis AA against the force exerted by the elastic member.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the support has a base with a straight groove formed therein, the connecting member is in the form of a plate configured to rotate about the axis AA relative to the base, the connecting member having a spiral groove formed therein, the jaws slidably engaging the base and the plate at the grooves, and rotation of the plate about the axis AA causes the jaws to translate in the plane.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the straight grooves have a T-shaped cross section, and the jaw bodies each have a head intended to mate with the middle part, the head being attached to a foot whose shape is complementary to the shape of the straight grooves, so that the foot slides within one of the straight grooves.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the resilient member is under torsional stress and is connected at a first end to the plate and at a second end to the base.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the plate has a gripping member that allows the plate to rotate against a force generated by the resilient member when the gripping member is actuated by a user.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the jaw bodies are evenly distributed around the axis AA.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the support includes an angular positioning element connected to the base portion that is configured to interface with the middle portion to eliminate any rotational degrees of freedom about the axis AA.

[0019] In certain embodiments, at least one of the jaws has a graphic representation to guide the orientation of the bezel or crystal to be inserted relative to the middle portion.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the support has an adapter sole configured to adjust the tension of the elastic member, the adapter sole being received by mounting the second end of the elastic member and rotatably attached to the base, the adapter sole having a member for locking the adapter sole against rotation relative to the base.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example and not by way of limitation, and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a pressing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which includes a support for holding in place the middle of the watch case into which the bezel is inserted. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a support of the pressing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the support shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a pressing device 10 for inserting a crystal or bezel 11 into a middle part 12 of a watch case, the pressing device 10 having a support 20 designed to hold the middle part 12 in place without any degree of freedom, the support 20 receiving the crystal or bezel 11 when inserted.

[0024] To perform this pushing operation, the press 10 further includes a bracket 30 supporting a tool holder 31 that is translationally movable and slides relative to the bracket 30 along an axis AA, for example in an engaging opening, in conjunction with the handling member 32 when the latter is actuated by a user. Naturally, the axis AA is intended to correspond to the center of the middle part 12, as shown in the drawings.

[0025] A tool 33, such as a chuck of a pressing device well known to those skilled in the art, is attached to the tool holder 31, for example, by clamping, magnetizing, screwing, or any other suitable means.

[0026] In particular, the handling member 32 may be formed by a rotatable lever, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1. In particular, the tool holder 31 may comprise a shaft notched along part of its length to form a rack (not visible in Figure 1), the teeth of which interact with a gear wheel provided with the handling member 32, which gear wheel is attached to the lever.

[0027] Advantageously, the support 20 has an adjustable radial dimension, which dimension is defined in a plane P perpendicular to the axis AA. Here, the term "radial" is used to mean the radial dimension of the middle part 12 intended to be held in place by the support 20.

[0028] In this way, the support can be adapted to any middle size, eliminating the need for a removable support and facilitating the installation process.

[0029] In particular, the support 20 has at least two, and preferably at least three, jaws 21, evenly distributed around the axis AA, which are designed to cooperate with the middle part 12 by clamping it to hold it in place. Each jaw 21 is movable in a plane P, as will be explained in detail below. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support 20 has six jaws 21, diametrically opposed to one another in pairs. This feature ensures an optimal distribution of forces exerted on the case middle part 12.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the jaws 21 tend to move away from each other, i.e. away from the axis AA, under the effect of elastic members 22 arranged in the support 20, so that they can bear against the inner surface of the middle part 12 and apply a clamping force to this middle part 12. Thus, while being held in place, there is no risk of damaging the visible surface of the middle part 12.

[0031] Moreover, the jaws 21 are advantageously designed to support the middle 12, in particular its shoulder, on an upper support surface lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis AA. This feature contributes to the stability of the middle 12 during the driving operation, insofar as the forces generated by the tool 33 during the driving operation are transmitted by the middle 12 to said upper support surface.

[0032] To displace the jaws 21, the support 20 has a connecting member which is kinematically connected to the jaws 21 and which, when induced against the force exerted by the elastic member 22, causes the support 20 to move the jaws 21 towards the axis AA, i.e. towards each other, as described below. The connecting member is in the form of a plate 23 in the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in the exploded view of Figure 3, the support 20 has a base 24 that is fixed relative to a bracket 30. The plate 23 is rotatably mounted on the base 24 about the axis AA, for example, by means of a plain bearing, a ball bearing or other suitable means.

[0034] The base 24 has straight grooves 240 extending longitudinally in a plane perpendicular to the axis AA, for example, along a longitudinal axis passing through the axis AA, and the straight grooves 240 are uniformly distributed around the axis AA. The plate 23 has helical grooves 230 evenly distributed around the axis AA, each helical groove 230 partially opposing a straight groove 240 and extending longitudinally in a plane perpendicular to the axis AA. The helical grooves 230 are preferably curved.

[0035] As shown, the base 24 and the plate 23 each have a certain number of straight grooves 240 and a corresponding number of helical grooves 230 for the jaws 21, such that each jaw 21 is slidably engaged within the straight grooves 240 and the helical grooves 230. Thus, rotation of the plate 23 about the axis AA translates the jaws 21 along an axis perpendicular to the axis AA, moving the jaws 21 away from or toward each other depending on the direction of rotation of the plate 23.

[0036] Similarly, it is possible to imagine a spiral groove 230 in the base 24 and a straight groove 240 in the plate 23 .

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the straight groove 240 has a T-shaped cross section formed from an opening facing the plate 23 to the bottom side.

[0038] Also in this preferred embodiment, each jaw 21 has a head 210 resting on the plate 23, by means of which the jaw 21 is intended to cooperate with the middle part 12, and each head 210 is attached to a foot 211. As shown in Fig. 3, each foot 211 passes through the spiral groove 230 via a first portion 2110, on the one hand, and engages in the straight groove 240 via a second portion 2111, on the other hand. The second portion 2111 of the foot 211 is advantageously shaped complementary to the shape of the straight groove 240 so as to be constrained to a single degree of freedom to perform translational movement. Thus, rotation of the plate 23 forces each spiral groove 230 to exert a thrust through one of its side walls on the first part 2110 of the associated foot 211, causing the second part 2111 of this foot 211 to move in translation and therefore causing each jaw 21 to slide.

[0039] The jaws 21 may be removable so that they can be replaced as needed, thereby simplifying maintenance operations of the press 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown and seen in detail in the exploded view of Figure 3, each head 210 is attached to a foot 211 by threading a screw into threads formed in the foot 211.

[0040] Preferably, the elastic member 22 is designed to be torsionally stressed and is connected at a first end to the plate 23 and at a second end to the base 24 such that the plate 23 rotates relative to the base 24. The elastic member 22 is, for example, a helical torsion spring.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the plate 23 advantageously has a gripping member 25, which allows the user to rotate the plate 23 against the force generated by the elastic member 22. The elastic member 22 can then be stressed to move the jaws 21 closer to each other as close as possible to the axis AA, for example, until the jaws 21 reach an extreme abutment position, as shown in Figure 2, allowing the middle part 12 onto which the windshield or bezel must be inserted to engage. The middle part 12 is held in place when the user releases the gripping member 25. In particular, the plate 23 rotates under the action of the elastic member 22, bringing the jaws 21 into contact with the middle part 12 and thereby exerting a clamping force on said middle part 12.

[0042] 1 to 3 is shown in the form of a handle intended for manipulation by a user, however, in other embodiments of the invention the gripping member may comprise an electric motor kinematically connected to the plate 23 and controlled by a control module.

[0043] Support 20 can include angular positioning element 26, as shown in Figures 1-3, connected to base 24 and configured to interface with middle section 12 to eliminate any potential rotational degrees of freedom of middle section 12 about axis AA. In addition to further ensuring that middle section 12 is held in place, angular positioning element 26 ensures perfect positioning of tool 33 when tool 33 is in place.

[0044] 1 to 3, such angular positioning element 26 is formed by a shaft supported by an arm connected to the periphery of base 24, this shaft being capable of translational movement and intended to engage in an opening in middle 12, for example an opening intended to receive the shaft of a crown.

[0045] Advantageously, the support 20 can further have an adapter sole 27 for adjusting the tension of the elastic member 22, which in turn can adjust the strength of the force that the support 20 can exert. This sole 27 is placed below the base 24, removably attached to this base 24, and is attached to receive the second end of the elastic member 22.

[0046] The sole 27 has a degree of rotational freedom relative to the base 24, for example around the axis AA, so that the tension of the elastic member 22 varies depending on the angular position of the sole 27 relative to the base 24. The sole 27 further has a rotational locking member, for example formed by a screw 270, which is designed, on the one hand, to pass through and engage a groove 271 in the sole 27 extending along an arc whose center coincides with the rotational axis of the sole 27, as shown in FIG. 3, and, on the other hand, to engage with a thread formed on the face of the base 24 opposite the straight groove 240. In this way, by screwing or loosening the screw, the relative rotation of the sole 27 and the base 24 becomes free or restricted. Preferably, the sole 27 has a plurality of screws 270 that engage with the groove 271 and the thread on the base 24. Other rotational locking members, such as pins, are also possible.

[0047] Advantageously, thanks to the invention, it is possible to control the orientation of the bezel 11 or crystal relative to the middle 12 when the bezel 11 or crystal is inserted into the middle 12, for example if the bezel 11 is decorated or has indices or if the crystal has magnifying elements. In particular, the head 210 of the jaw 21 can have a graphic representation 212, for example on a support surface, to guide the angular position of the bezel 11 or crystal inserted into the middle 12. In particular, the graphic representation 212 can be made to provide a reference point along which the user must orient the bezel or crystal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Press equipment 11 Bezel 12 Middle section 20 Support 21 Jaw body 22 Elastic Member 23 Plate 24 base 25 Gripping member 26 Angular Positioning Elements 27 Adapter sole 30 Bracket 31 Tool holder 32 Handling Member 33 Tools 210 Head 211 Foot 212 Graphic Representation 230 Spiral groove 240 straight groove 270 Screw

Claims

1. A press device (10) for inserting a crystal or bezel (11) into a middle part (12) of a portable watch, a support (20) for holding the middle portion (12) in place; a bracket (30) for supporting a tool holder (31) to which a tool (33) is attached; the tool holder (31) is translatable and associated with a handling member (32) so as to slide relative to the bracket (30) along axis A-A when actuated by the handling member (32); The support (20) has at least two jaws (21) designed to cooperate with the middle part (12) and hold the middle part (12) in place; Each jaw (21) is movable in a plane P perpendicular to said axis A-A; The jaws (21) are designed to rest against the inner surface of the middle part (12) and move apart when induced by an elastic member (22) on the support (20), thereby exerting a clamping force on the middle part (12); the support (20) comprises a connecting member kinematically connected to the jaw body (21), and when the connecting member is stressed by an elastic member (22), the support (20) displaces the jaw body (21) in a direction toward the axis A-A against the force exerted by the elastic member (22); The support (20) has a base (24) formed with a straight groove (240) along a longitudinal axis passing through the axis A-A; the connecting member being in the form of a plate (23) adapted to be rotatable about the axis A-A relative to the base (24); said connecting member is formed with spiral grooves (230) evenly distributed around said axis A-A; The jaw body (21) is slidably engaged with the base (24) through a groove in the plate (23), and the rotation of the plate (23) around the axis A-A causes the jaw body (21) to translate in a plane perpendicular to the axis A-A. A press device (10) characterized in that

2. The straight groove (240) has a T-shaped cross section; Each of said jaws (21) has a head (210) intended to cooperate with said middle part (12), The head (210) is attached to a foot (211) that is complementary in shape to the straight groove (240); This allows the foot (211) to slide in one of the straight grooves.

2. A pressing device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The elastic member (22) is subjected to torsional stress and is connected at a first end to the plate (23) and at a second end to an adapter sole (27) adapted to adjust the tension of the elastic member (22).

3. A pressing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The plate (23) has a gripping member (25), This allows the plate (23) to rotate against the force generated by the elastic member (22) when the gripping member is actuated by a user.

4. Pressing device (10) according to claim 3.

5. The jaws (21) are evenly distributed around the axis A-A 2. A pressing device (10) according to claim 1.

6. The support (20) has an angular positioning element (26) connected to the base (24); The angular positioning element (26) is configured to cooperate with the middle section (12) to eliminate any rotational degree of freedom about the axis A-A.

2. A pressing device (10) according to claim 1.

7. At least one of the jaws (21) has a graphic representation (212) for guiding the orientation of the bezel (11) or crystal to be inserted relative to the middle part (12).

7. Pressing device (10) according to claim 6.

8. A press device (10) for inserting a crystal or bezel (11) into a middle part (12) of a portable watch, a support (20) for holding the middle portion (12) in place; a bracket (30) for supporting a tool holder (31) to which a tool (33) is attached; the tool holder (31) is translatable and associated with a handling member (32) so as to slide relative to the bracket (30) along axis A-A when actuated by the handling member (32); The support (20) has at least two jaws (21) designed to cooperate with the middle part (12) and hold the middle part (12) in place; Each jaw (21) is movable in a plane P perpendicular to said axis A-A; The jaws (21) are designed to rest against the inner surface of the middle part (12) and move apart when induced by an elastic member (22) on the support (20), thereby exerting a clamping force on the middle part (12); The support (20) has an adapter sole (27) configured to adjust the tension of the elastic member (22), The adapter sole (27) is received by mounting the second end of the elastic member (22) and is rotatably mounted on a base (24) having a straight groove (240) formed along a longitudinal axis passing through the axis A-A; The adapter sole (27) has a member that locks the adapter sole (27) against rotation relative to the base (24). A press device (10) characterized in that

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