EP3422119B1 - Universal device for preparing a watch - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a universal device for preparing a watch comprising a first state correction crown and an oscillating resonator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency, said universal device for preparing a re-winding and correction means. 'state of said watch, comprising at least one robotic manipulator for operating said first crown.

The invention also relates to a watch bank comprising such a universal preparation device, and at least one said watch comprising a time base comprising at least one oscillating resonator, means for correcting state by a control rod provided with a said first ring, energy storage means or a barrel, energy recharging means. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the state of a watch.

The invention relates to the field of watch maintenance, and devices for quickly making available to the user a watch from his collection, with an updated state setting, a satisfactory rate setting, and full recharging. in energy.

Background of the invention

Current winders use a traditional gear between an electric motor and a watch holder. This type of transmission is sufficient for a continuous rotation, in an economical manufacture with reduced costs, and with low consumption. However, if such a winder is used for relatively fast back-and-forth movements, in particular shaking, which consists in subjecting the watch to vibrations, by riddling with modulated adjustment movement, in particular periodic, up to at a frequency of 10 Hz or more, shock noises may appear, and cause discomfort to the user.

The dither method is described by patent applications CH713821 and CH713822 from the same depositor, and is very interesting for the correction of small drifts. However, it does not yet make it possible to correct in less than a day a state error greater than plus or minus one minute.

Finally, if the minute hand and the second hand are poorly indexed with respect to each other, the information can currently be sent back to the Client but the indexing cannot be corrected.

The document DE10 2008 031124 in the name of GEHRING BERND describes a device for positioning the display of a watch, which comprises externally controlled means for setting data and functions, where several control units include mechanical setting units, in particular able to act in rotation, and / or compression / traction on a crown or a push-piece of a watch.

The document WO2012 / 126978A1 in the name of IMH describes an adaptable multifunction case for winding an automatic or manual watch comprising one or more displays, the case comprising: a case comprising a removable support arranged to receive the watch; a winding mechanism is intended to wind the watch when the latter is placed on the removable support. The multifunction box further comprises an adjustment mechanism suitable for adjusting one or more displays, so as to keep the watch on time when it is placed in the box. In particular, the device may include a camera for capturing the position of a display, and image analysis means, and comparison means with a reference.

The document DE10 2013 012854B3 in the name of GODER REINHARD describes a device for correcting alterations in the rate of a watch, or at least means for maintaining the rate at a constant value when it is not worn. Different input means, such as a camera with image analyzer, laser sensor, microphone, can be connected to a central unit, which receives the signal from a reference clock, and which controls an automatic stirring mechanism of the watch.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to very quickly correct state errors greater than one minute, in particular for changing to summer / winter time, switching to another time zone, or for correcting the date.

To this end, the invention relates to a universal device for preparing a watch according to claim 1.

The invention further relates to a watch bank according to claim 9.

The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the state of a watch according to claim 14.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de face, une partie d'un dispositif universel de préparation selon l'invention, qui comporte un remontoir qui porte plusieurs montres différentes montées sur le même dispositif, chacune sur un posage apte à au moins un mouvement d'oscillation, notamment en pivotement; ce remontoir comporte des moyens de mesure d'état avec notamment un système de vision fixe d'évaluation de l'état de chaque montre, et apte à comparer l'heure lue à une horloge de référence, ici illustrée par une liaison GPS ; ce remontoir comporte encore un microphone permettant d'évaluer la fréquence et la marche de la montre ; ce remontoir est un remontoir rotatif, permettant d'amener successivement chaque montre face au système de vision et au microphone, qui sont ici uniques dans cette réalisation particulière ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, un remontoir dont le système de vision et le microphone sont mobiles, et où les posages sont en position fixe ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 2, un autre remontoir dont le système de vision et le microphone sont mobiles, et où les posages sont en position fixe ;
• les figures 4 à 7 illustrent les étapes d'un procédé de réglage d'état d'une montre, avec une autre partie du dispositif universel de préparation, qui comprend un manipulateur robotisé, et selon lesquelles :
• en figure 4, on identifie une première coiffe amovible adaptée à une première couronne de la montre ;
• en figure 5 on effectue une traction de cette première couronne ;
• en figure 6 on équipe la première couronne de cette première coiffe amovible ;
• en figure 7 on place la montre sur un posage ;
• en figure 8 on effectue une action sur un moyen de commande pour activer les moyens de mesure d'état et effectuer une mesure d'état de la montre ;
• en figure 9 on ajuste l'état de la montre par un manipulateur robotisé commandé par lesdits moyens de pilotage d'état, et qui manipule cette première coiffe amovible;
• en figure 10, après un certain temps, l'utilisateur est informé, optionnellement, de l'achèvement du réglage d'état de sa montre par un signal au niveau du moyen de commande ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, l'oscillateur d'une montre maintenue sur un posage, soumis à l'action d'un dispositif de correction d'état lequel comporte des moyens de pilotage d'état pour commander un oscillateur correcteur d'état agencé pour générer une oscillation à une fréquence de correction, et pour soumettre la montre à une oscillation à cette fréquence de correction et/ou à un mouvement modulé, le dispositif de correction d'état comportant des moyens de pilotage d'état agencés pour commander l'oscillation de l'oscillateur correcteur d'état et interfacés avec des moyens de mesure d'état pour la mesure de l'état de la montre ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, l'oscillateur de la montre de la figure 11, où les moyens de pilotage d'état sont encore agencés pour commander une oscillation d'excitation générée par un oscillateur maître à une fréquence d'excitation, approximativement égale à la fréquence nominale de l'oscillateur de la montre, ou à un multiple entier de celle-ci, et qui sont interfacés avec des moyens de mesure de marche pour la mesure de l'écart de marche de la montre ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, fixée sur un posage, une montre qui comporte un barillet et une masse de réarmage automatique, une première couronne de correction d'état comportant une gorge de manipulation, une deuxième couronne de réarmage comportant une gorge de manipulation et ici équipée d'un deuxième coiffe amovible agencée pour la coiffer avec serrage pour autoriser sa manipulation par un manipulateur robotisé, et un actionneur également manipulable par un manipulateur motorisé ;
• la figure 14 représente, sous forme d'un schéma-blocs, une banque de montres, qui comporte un tel dispositif universel de préparation, et des montres comportant chacune une base de temps à résonateur oscillant, des moyens de correction d'état par une tige de commande munie d'une première couronne, des moyens de stockage d'énergie ou un barillet, des moyens de recharge en énergie, notamment agencées en tout ou partie comme la montre représentée à la figure 13.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in front view, part of a universal preparation device according to the invention, which comprises a winder which carries several different watches mounted on the same device, each on a fitting suitable for at least one oscillation movement, especially in pivoting; this winder comprises state measuring means with in particular a fixed vision system for evaluating the state of each watch, and capable of comparing the time read with a reference clock, here illustrated by a GPS link; this winder also includes a microphone making it possible to evaluate the frequency and the rate of the watch; this winder is a rotary winder, making it possible to bring each watch successively in front of the vision system and the microphone, which are unique here in this particular embodiment;
• the figure 2 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a winder whose vision system and microphone are mobile, and where the settings are in a fixed position;
• the figure 3 represents, similarly to the figure 2 , another winder whose vision system and microphone are mobile, and where the settings are in a fixed position;
• the figures 4 to 7 illustrate the steps of a process for adjusting the state of a watch, with another part of the universal preparation device, which comprises a robotic manipulator, and according to which:
• in figure 4 , we identify a first removable cap adapted to a first crown of the watch;
• in figure 5 this first crown is pulled in;
• in figure 6 the first crown is fitted with this first removable cap;
• in figure 7 the watch is placed on a stand;
• in figure 8 an action is performed on a control means to activate the state measuring means and perform a state measurement of the watch;
• in figure 9 the state of the watch is adjusted by a robotic manipulator controlled by said state control means, and which manipulates this first removable cap;
• in figure 10 , after a certain time, the user is informed, optionally, of the completion of the state setting of his watch by a signal at the level of the control means;
• the figure 11 schematically shows, partially, and in perspective, the oscillator of a watch held on a setting, subjected to the action of a state correction device which comprises state control means for controlling a state corrector oscillator arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency, and to subject the watch to an oscillation at this correction frequency and / or to a modulated movement, the state correction device comprising control means d state arranged to control the oscillation of the state corrector oscillator and interfaced with state measuring means for measuring the state of the watch;
• the figure 12 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, the oscillator of the watch of the figure 11 , where the state control means are further arranged to control an excitation oscillation generated by a master oscillator at an excitation frequency, approximately equal to the nominal frequency of the oscillator of the watch, or to an integer multiple thereof, and which are interfaced with rate measuring means for measuring the variation of the rate of the watch;
• the figure 13 shows, schematically, partially, and in perspective, fixed on a fitting, a watch which comprises a barrel and an automatic rewinding mass, a first state correction crown comprising a handling groove, a second rewinding crown comprising a manipulation groove and here equipped with a second removable cover arranged to cover it with clamping to allow its manipulation by a robotic manipulator, and an actuator also capable of being manipulated by a motorized manipulator;
• the figure 14 shows, in the form of a block diagram, a bank of watches, which includes such a universal preparation device, and watches each comprising an oscillating resonator time base, means for correcting state by a control rod provided with a first crown, means of energy storage or a barrel, energy recharging means, in particular arranged in whole or in part like the watch shown in figure 13 .

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Patent applications CH713821 and CH713822 by the same applicant describe an intelligent winder capable of slaving the frequency of at least one mechanical watch. Different embodiments have been devised, in particular variants making it possible to control several watches on the same device, which constitutes a recurring request from watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Naturally, what is described here for a watch, with the particular aim of implementing the invention for a user, is applicable to a non-fitted movement, in the factory or after-sales service. The term “watch” is therefore used for simplification, both for a complete watch and for its movement alone.

• asservir précisément la fréquence de plusieurs montres mécaniques possédant au moins un résonateur oscillant. Le dispositif a accès à une base de temps de référence. Le posage incorporé au mécanisme de remontoir impose à chaque montre mécanique un mouvement oscillatoire, ce qui impose au balancier-spiral de la montre une fréquence de référence ;
• utiliser un remontoir avec non limitativement un engrenage à rattrapage de jeu pour minimiser le bruit parasite lors de phases de tremblottage;
• corriger les grands écarts d'état en lisant l'heure de manière optique puis en manipulant la couronne.

The invention proposes to improve such a mechanism, with the development of a universal preparation device 1000, which comprises an intelligent winder with the following functions:

• to control precisely the frequency of several mechanical watches having at least one oscillating resonator. The device has access to a reference time base. The setting incorporated in the winding mechanism imposes an oscillatory movement on each mechanical watch, which imposes a reference frequency on the sprung balance of the watch;
• use a winder with, but not limited to, a backlash take-up gear to minimize parasitic noise during shaking phases;
• correct large deviations of state by reading the time optically then by manipulating the crown.

The figure 1 illustrates a winder 304 with several different watches 1 mounted on the same device. These watches 1 must however all have the following characteristics: their time base must be an oscillating resonator, and they must have an oscillating weight allowing automatic reset (mono or bidirectional). This winder 304 from the figure 1 comprises a rotating drum, which carries positions 305 for receiving watches. All watches must be mounted on the winder in a vertical or substantially vertical position, i.e. the plane of movement passes through the direction of the local gravity field, or the smallest angle between the plane of movement and the direction of the local gravity field is less than 45 °. Positioning with a slight inclination can be favorable for display purposes, for example to display watch collections in a store window, museum, or the like, thanks to improved visibility for the viewer, especially when it is. positioned higher than the winder. Advantageously, such a winder can carry several watches, for example eight in the case of figures 1 and 2 , and in particular up to about a dozen watches, which still allows reasonable dimensions of the winder, which can be placed on a piece of furniture, and is easily movable.

Watches 1, on the other hand, can have different displays (as long as there is a dial and hands, or an analog display by disc, roller or the like, readable and interpretable by optical means) and any frequency of oscillator, in particular sprung balance, in practice with a maximum value of 20 Hz. The barrel can be in any winding state when it is mounted on the device. The watch can theoretically have any time setting, although in practice a pre-setting of ± 1 minute is recommended.

Each watch passes successively in front of a fixed vision system 303 (camera 1002 + lighting + CPU 302) making it possible to evaluate the state, by reading the time and comparing it with a reference clock (symbolized under the reference 1001, not limited by a GPS link).

Just like in patent applications CH00698 / 17 and CH00699 / 17 from the same applicant, it is possible that at least one watch holder 305, and more particularly each watch holder 305, has a microphone 1003 making it possible to evaluate the frequency, rate and amplitude of the sprung balance ( the measurement of the amplitude - even coarse - makes it possible to evaluate the winding of the barrel). The figure 1 illustrates a variant with a single microphone 1003, fixed, making it possible to take these measurements, when the watch 1 arrives in the correct position.

In a variant, at least one set 305 is autonomous, and integrates an energy supply means 308, such as a battery or battery, such a microphone 1003, and a transmitter 307, in particular with a transmission antenna to a control means. centralized. If this setting does not include its own intelligence, it is designed to transmit a signal to the centralized control means.

In another variant, at least one fitting 305 is autonomous, and integrates a means of supplying energy 308, such as a cell or battery, a processor 309 (CPU), and a transmitter 307, with in particular a transmission antenna to a centralized control means. As this setting has its own intelligence, it is capable of processing the signal, and is then arranged to transmit the result of its local processing to the centralized control means.

As will be seen later, in one or other of these variants, at least one such setting 305 may include at least one state-correcting oscillator 301 for correcting the state of the watch on board this setting. 305, and / or a master oscillator 201 for correcting the rate of this watch.

Or again, such a setting 305 can be entirely subjected to the action of at least one state-correcting oscillator 301 for correcting the state of the watch on board this setting 305, and / or of an oscillator. master 201 for the rate correction of this watch.

Such a microphone 1003 can be a contact microphone, or even an aerial microphone.

In an advantageous variant, a contactless transmission is used between each microphone 1003 and the control unit, which here comprises state control means 302. Such a contactless transmission facilitates the design of rotating mechanisms such as that of the control unit. figure 1 , the microphone (s) 1003 can be on board the drum which carries watch holder positions 305, and communicate with a fixed CPU 302, or, conversely, the microphone (s) 1003 can be fixed, and communicate with a CPU 302 mounted on the drum which carries 305 watch holder positions.

When the frequency, state, and amplitude of each watch are known, it is then possible, thanks to the invention, to reset it if necessary, optimally without stressing the mechanism or the barrel drum, and to correct the condition (to some extent, typically ± 30 seconds overnight).

The figure 2 illustrates a variant where the winder 304 does not necessarily have a rotating drum, and comprises a fixed structure which carries positions 305 for receiving watches. The fixed vision system 303 and the microphone 1003 are mobile, and move to the different positions. The figure 3 shows another winder whose vision system and microphone are mobile, and where the settings are in a fixed position and grouped in rows, a manipulator, not shown, and which carries the vision system and the microphone, is then mobile according to Cartesian coordinates. Many other geometric arrangements and kinematics are possible, and are only limited by the size and the total mass of the universal preparation device according to the invention.

Of course, it is also possible to combine the executions of figures 1 and 2 , with a rotating drum carrying the positions, and with the fixed vision system 303 and the microphone 1003 which are mobile and move towards the different positions.

• soit de remuer la montre 1 pour son ajustement, tout en la réarmant grâce à la rotation du posage global par le mouvement de la masse oscillante 7 de la montre 1 quand elle en comporte (mouvement qui peut être horaire ou anti-horaire) ;
• soit de tremblotter la montre 1, en la remuant avec mouvement modulé pour l'ajustement sans réarmer, en compensant le mouvement d'armage dû au posage global (afin d'éviter de trop armer une montre qui serait complètement armée, ce qui userait prématurément le tambour de barillet).

In a preferred embodiment, each watch holder 305 has a motor or a cam or gear system which allows:

• either to move the watch 1 for its adjustment, while rearming it thanks to the rotation of the global setting by the movement of the oscillating weight 7 of the watch 1 when it includes it (movement which can be clockwise or anti-clockwise);
• either to shake watch 1, by stirring it with modulated movement for adjustment without rearming, by compensating for the winding movement due to the global setting (in order to avoid over-arming a watch that is fully armed, which would wear out prematurely barrel drum).

In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the shaking of the watch is carried out in the direction of the degree of freedom of its oscillator, when this degree of freedom is unique.

• une montre A a été mesurée à 200° d'amplitude, il faut donc la réarmer. Son état a été mesuré à plus 20 secondes et sa fréquence de base à 4 Hz, son tremblottage doit donc être effectué à une fréquence inférieure à 4 Hz (typiquement 3.9986 Hz soit moins 30 secondes par jour) pour la ralentir jusqu'à ce que son état soit ramené à 0 seconde (dans cet exemple, cela prendra 16 heures) ;
• une montre B a été mesurée à 250° d'amplitude, il faut donc la réarmer encore un peu. Son état a été mesuré à 0 seconde et sa fréquence de base à 3.5 Hz, son tremblottage doit donc être effectué à une fréquence égale à 3.5 Hz pour maintenir son état à 0 seconde;
• une montre C a été mesurée à 300° d'amplitude, son armage est donc considéré comme maximum. Son orientation est donc maintenue constante. Son état a été mesuré à moins 5 secondes et sa fréquence de base à 3.5 Hz, son tremblottage doit donc être effectué à une fréquence supérieure à 3.5 Hz (typiquement 3.5012 Hz soit plus 30 secondes par jour) pour l'accélérer jusqu'à ce que son état soit ramené à 0 seconde (dans cet exemple, cela prendra 4 heures) ;
• une montre D a été mesurée à 300° d'amplitude, son armage est donc considéré comme maximum. Son orientation est donc maintenue constante. Son état a été mesuré à 0 seconde et sa fréquence de base à 3 Hz, son tremblottage doit donc être effectué à une fréquence égale à 3 Hz pour maintenir son état à 0 seconde. Des indicateurs (2 LED vertes dans l'exemple de la figure 1 ou 2, l'un pour qualifier l'armage, et l'autre pour qualifier le réglage d'état) permettent de rapidement identifier cette montre qui est alors prête à être portée.

The four examples below illustrate different possible cases:

• a watch A has been measured at 200 ° amplitude, so it must be reset. Its state has been measured at plus 20 seconds and its base frequency at 4 Hz, its shaking must therefore be performed at a frequency lower than 4 Hz (typically 3.9986 Hz or minus 30 seconds per day) to slow it down until its state is brought back to 0 seconds (in this example, it will take 16 hours);
• a watch B has been measured at 250 ° amplitude, so it needs to be rearmed a little more. Its state was measured at 0 seconds and its base frequency at 3.5 Hz, its flickering must therefore be performed at a frequency equal to 3.5 Hz to maintain its state at 0 seconds;
• a watch C was measured at 300 ° of amplitude, its winding is therefore considered as maximum. Its orientation is therefore kept constant. Its state has been measured at minus 5 seconds and its base frequency at 3.5 Hz, its shaking must therefore be performed at a frequency greater than 3.5 Hz (typically 3.5012 Hz or more than 30 seconds per day) to accelerate it until that its state be brought back to 0 seconds (in this example, it will take 4 hours);
• a D watch has been measured at 300 ° of amplitude, its winding is therefore considered to be maximum. Its orientation is therefore kept constant. Its state was measured at 0 seconds and its base frequency at 3 Hz, so its shaking must be performed at a frequency equal to 3 Hz to maintain its state at 0 seconds. Indicators (2 green LEDs in the example of the figure 1 or 2 , one to qualify the arming, and the other to qualify the state setting) allow you to quickly identify this watch which is then ready to be worn.

The figures 2 and 3 illustrate two embodiments where the vision system 303 is movable and the watch holder positions 305 are fixed in position with respect to the winder assembly, and each movable, in particular in pivoting.

The invention proposes without limitation to use a backlash take-up gear, a chevron gear, or a direct drive. These solutions make it possible to minimize the parasitic noise generated by the back-and-forth movements inherent in the principle of shaking of the watch.

It is known to correct large variations in state by acting on the crown to cause the state correction rod to pivot, in particular to modify the time display.

Thus, the invention relates more particularly to a universal device 1000 for preparing a watch 1. This watch 1 comprises a first state correction crown 4, and an oscillating resonator 2, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a frequency nominal N0. This universal preparation device 1000 comprises means for resetting and correcting the state of watch 1, and it comprises at least one robotic manipulator 306 for operating the first crown 4.

According to the invention, this universal preparation device 1000 comprises an adjustment device, which comprises at least one state correction device 300 for correcting the state of watch 1. This state correction device 300 comprises a state corrector oscillator 301, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC, and to subject the watch 1 to an oscillation at the correction frequency NC and / or to a modulated movement.

This state correction device 300 comprises state control means 302, which are arranged to control the oscillation of the state correcting oscillator 301, and which are interfaced with state measurement means 303 for measuring the condition of the watch 1.

This state correction device 300 comprises an automatic winder 304 for a mechanical, manual or automatic watch, and comprises at least one watch reception position 305, which is subjected to the oscillations and / or movements generated by this state correcting oscillator. 301.

More particularly, the state control means 302 are also arranged to control a running adjustment of the watch. For this purpose, they are also arranged to control an excitation oscillation generated by a master oscillator 201 at an excitation frequency NE, approximately equal to the nominal frequency N0 of watch 1, or to an integer multiple thereof. , with a master value AM of operating deviation with respect to a reference 202, which is lower than the initial value DI of operating deviation of watch 1. These state control means 302 are then interfaced with rate measurement means 203 for measuring the variation in rate of the watch 1.

More particularly, the same oscillator constitutes both the state-correcting oscillator 301 and the master oscillator 201.

The state-correcting oscillator 301 and / or the master oscillator 201 is an oscillator with greater precision than those of conventional watches on the market, such as a regulator oscillator, or a quartz oscillator, which is less expensive and more compact, and, therefore, easy to integrate into a fixture 305 such as that shown in figure 13 .

In a variant, the automatic winder 304 for a mechanical or automatic watch is motorized, and able to perform the automatic reset of an automatic watch by setting the watch 1 and its oscillating weight 7 in motion, and / or by a magnetic drive. of its oscillating weight 7.

In particular, this automatic winder 304 is able to generate a tremor of at least one magnet, and in particular for this magnetic drive of an oscillating weight 7.

An improvement consists in the use of a cap, added manually by the user on the crown, or even positioned on this crown by a robotic manipulator. This user or this manipulator can also place the rod in the state correction position. Such a cap greatly facilitates the automated correction phase. In fact, the usual manipulations of the stem of a watch require a certain delicacy, which is difficult to automate, whereas a cap with a standard exterior is relatively easy to handle by the user. device, without risk of scratching or breakage. Preferably, in order to be able to adapt to a maximum of crowns, different caps are available to the user, who can thus select the most suitable.

In a variant, an automatic vision system is used, which is arranged to identify the shape of the crown and its dimensions, and which is interfaced with a control system, to determine, within a bank of caps 410, the more suitable for the crown concerned. A robotic manipulator can then, after assembly (manual or automated) of this cap on the crown, very easily come into coupling or clutch with this cap, in order to thus indirectly operate the crown and the stem. In another variant, it is possible to use a movable disc covered with a suitable material, such as for example rubber of suitable hardness, brought into contact with the crown by optical control and force sensor, and then to drive the crown rotating in one direction or the other. This variant has the advantage of being able to intrinsically adapt to any shape or size of crown.

This allows the implementation of a mode of use where the watch is rearmed, and its state corrected, only when the user, or the Customer, requests it: in fact, resetting by the stem can can be done in minutes, and condition correction as well. A crown correction also allows the minute hand to be precisely indexed with the seconds hand.

• figure 4 : la coiffe 41 d'un lot de coiffes 410, la plus adaptée à la couronne 4 de la montre 1 qu'il s'agit de régler, est identifiée ;
• figure 5 : la tige est tirée, par exemple manuellement, par la couronne 4 ;
• figure 6 : la coiffe 41 est mise en place sur la couronne 4;
• figure 7 : la montre 1 est placée dans le dispositif (en veille), qui comporte un manipulateur robotisé 306 qui embraye avec la coiffe 41 ;
• figure 8 : lorsque le client désire porter sa montre, il actionne effectue une action sur un moyen de commande 18 pour activer les moyens de mesure d'état 303 et effectuer une mesure d'état de la montre 1, le dispositif est alors enclenché ;
• figure 9 : on ajuste l'état de la montre 1 par le manipulateur robotisé 306, commandé par les moyens de pilotage d'état 302 ; la correction d'état et le réarmage sont effectués successivement par la tige. Les aiguilles sont comparées à une référence pour une correction d'état exacte et pour un indexage parfait entre les aiguilles des minutes et des secondes ;
• figure 10 : après quelques minutes, la montre est armée et ajustée à l'heure. Un témoin, ici au niveau du moyen de commande 18, signale que la montre est prête à être portée.

The figures 4 to 10 illustrate a proposed algorithm:

• figure 4 : the cap 41 of a set of caps 410, the most suitable for the crown 4 of the watch 1 to be adjusted, is identified;
• figure 5 : the rod is pulled, for example manually, by the crown 4;
• figure 6 : the cap 41 is placed on the crown 4;
• figure 7 : watch 1 is placed in the device (in standby), which comprises a robotic manipulator 306 which engages with the cap 41;
• figure 8 : when the customer wishes to wear his watch, he actuates performs an action on a control means 18 to activate the state measuring means 303 and perform a state measurement of the watch 1, the device is then engaged;
• figure 9 : the state of watch 1 is adjusted by the robotic manipulator 306, controlled by the state control means 302; state correction and resetting are carried out successively by the rod. The needles are compared to a reference for exact state correction and for perfect indexing between the minute and second hands;
• figure 10 : after a few minutes, the watch is armed and adjusted to the time. A witness, here at the level of the control means 18, indicates that the watch is ready to be worn.

It is understood that the status adjustment and reset device visible on the figures 7 to 10 can be used alone.

In a variant, this state adjustment and reset device is combined with the universal preparation device 1000, the watch 1, from such a bank of watches 2000, is then placed on one of the positions 305, at which level the robotic manipulator 306 is able to intervene. For example, the robotic manipulator 306 can be disposed substantially radially with respect to the rotating drum of the automatic winder of the watch. figure 1 , the settings 305 then include a particular indexing position for the presentation of the watch stem in a particular orientation in space, and for the presentation of the crown, either towards the outside of the drum if the robotic manipulator 306 is arranged outside this drum, or towards the center of the drum if the robotic manipulator 306 is placed inside this drum, between the positions.

Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one robotic manipulator 306, and more particularly each robotic manipulator 306, is arranged for the operation of a first removable cap 41 tightly enclosing the first ring 4, or for gripping a peripheral groove 40 that has this first crown 4.

In particular, the automatic winder 304 comprises at least one such robotic manipulator 306 suitable for resetting, that is to say for recharging energy storage means 5, which is included in watch 1, by the maneuver. of the first crown 4 or of a second crown 9 dedicated to rearming, or of such a first removable cap 41 tightly enclosing said first crown 4, or of a second removable cap 91 tightly enclosing the second crown 9, such as as visible on the watch of the figure 13 .

Advantageously, the universal preparation device 1000 comprises a reference clock 1001, or else is interfaced with such a reference clock 1001, to which the state measuring means 303 refer which comprise a vision system 1002. The state control means 302 are then arranged to generate, if the state deviation from this reference clock 1001 is less than one minute, at least one oscillation of the state-correcting oscillator 301, to bring the state of the watch back to the value of l 'reference clock 1001, or, if the state deviation from the reference clock is greater than one minute, the operation of such a robotic manipulator 306 on the first ring gear 4 for the state adjustment of the watch 1.

In an advantageous variant of rate correction, the rate measurement means 203 comprise at least one microphone 1003 for evaluating the frequency, rate and amplitude of the oscillating resonator 2 of watch 1. And, in in the event of the observation of an operating deviation greater than a predetermined threshold, the state control means 302 are arranged to control at least one excitation oscillation generated by a master oscillator 201 at the excitation frequency NE, in order to reduce the rate deviation from the value desired by the user, and more particularly but not limited to an intermediate value between the master value AM and the initial value DI of the rate deviation of watch 1.

The invention advantageously applies to a watch bank 2000, which may be a user's collection, or the stock of a retail store, or the like.

Such a bank of watches 2000 advantageously comprises such a universal preparation device 1000 described above, and at least one watch 1 comprising a time base comprising at least one oscillating resonator 2, means for correcting the state by means of a control rod. control provided with a first ring gear 4, energy storage means 5 or a barrel, energy recharging means 6. More particularly but not limited to, these energy recharging means 6 consist of an automatic reset mechanism comprising at least one oscillating weight 7 and / or constituted by a manual reset mechanism by the control rod or by a winder 8 comprising a second crown 9 or a push-piece. In a particular variant, the energy recharging means 6 are constituted by an automatic re-winding mechanism comprising at least one mobile unit inside the watch case 1 and arranged to be driven without contact by contactless drive means that comprises the automatic winder 304 or the setting 305, or by a magnetic or electrostatic field.

Each watch 1, which this bank 2000 comprises, advantageously comprises, for its automatic state adjustment, a first groove 40 around the first crown 4 and / or a first removable cap 41 arranged to cover with tightening the first crown 4 to allow its handling in translation and / or in rotation by a robotic manipulator 306.

More particularly, at the level of such a bank of watches 2000, at least one watch 1 comprises, for its automatic energy recharge, a second groove 90 around said second crown 9 and / or a second removable cap 91 arranged to cap with tightening the second ring 9 to allow its manipulation in translation and / or in rotation by a robotic manipulator 306. A variant consists of a driver, disc, ring, or the like, coated with a suitable material such as rubber, suitable for a friction drive, and placed in contact with the crown of the rod to be able to perform a rotation thereof.

Advantageously, at least one watch 1 from the watch bank 2000 comprises a removable cover 41, 91 for a watch, with an interior profile complementary to the exterior profile of a crown 4, 9 or of an actuator 10 (push-piece or bolt, or the like. ) included in this watch 1, which removable cover 41, 91 is articulated and / or elastically deformable between a first presentation position where the removable cover 41, 91 is insertable radially or frontally on a crown 4, 9 or an actuator 10, and a second clamping position where the removable cover 41, 91 is able to enclose the crown 4, 9 or the actuator 10 with longitudinal and / or radial clamping. And this removable cover 41, 91 comprises external gripping means 11 which are arranged to, in its second clamping position, allow its manipulation in all degrees of freedom by such a robotic manipulator 306. Such a removable cover constitutes, again, a means of protecting the crown when the watch is not in use, and its simplicity makes its cost particularly low, the user can thus advantageously systematize the fitting of a cap on a crown when changing watches.

The invention makes it possible to manage a collection of watches at two levels of intervention: the first level of correcting large deviations of state by action of a robotic manipulator on the crown of the watch, and the second level of maintenance and the current fine adjustment of watches on a winder, in particular a multiple winder, carrying the settings equipped with condition-correcting oscillators, and, advantageously, rate correcting oscillators, which can be confused with the previous ones.

Naturally, both the robotic manipulator and the automatic winder equipped with rate and / or state correction oscillators are each capable of performing the first level and the second level of correction, but their combination provides the advantage. not to unduly mobilize one or other of these devices for one or the other particular watch.

To this end, the state control means 302 of this universal preparation device are also equipped to manage the duration of occupation of each fitting 305 by each watch 1 of a bank of watches 2000, and advantageously comprise an interface with a CAPM system for managing a schedule for the passage of the different watches 1 on the different settings 305, which is particularly advantageous in the context of a preparation service before shipment of the watches to the factory, or to an after-sales service, or still in an important point of sale.

These control means preferably carry out a self-diagnosis, to suggest to the user that it be sent to after-sales service, if this is necessary, for example to carry out a state setting or to correct the maximum amplitude of oscillation. , Or other. This suggestion or alarm can be carried out simply by a display on a set of LEDs, or the like.

In a particular variant, these control means are arranged to be connected to a GPS or similar signal, in particular to determine the terrestrial position of the watch and the local time zone.

In the latter case of the point of sale, the universal preparation device 1000 brings the advantage of very great versatility, because it is not dependent on the manufacturers of the watches, which may have different displays, and oscillators set to different frequencies.

The private collector also has at his disposal a unique device, which allows him to maintain a very diversified collection, in the best possible state of availability, and in the best possible state of precision, and at a moderate cost compared to its investment in timepieces.

Claims (14)

1. Universal device (1000) for preparation of a watch (1) including a first crown (4) for gain/loss correction and an oscillating resonator (2) arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0, said universal preparation device (1000) comprising means for winding and for correcting the gain/loss of said watch (1), comprising at least one robotic manipulator (306) for operating said first crown (4), wherein said universal preparation device (1000) includes an adjustment device, which includes at least one gain/loss correction device (300) for correcting the gain/loss of said watch (1), which includes an automatic winder (304) for mechanical or automatic watches, characterized in that said gain/loss correction device (300) includes a gain/loss-corrector oscillator (301) arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC and to subject said watch (1) to an oscillation at said correction frequency NC and/or to a modulated movement, said gain/loss correction device (300) comprising gain/loss control means (302) arranged to control the oscillation of said gain/loss-corrector oscillator (301) and interfaced with gain/loss measuring means (303) comprised in said universal preparation device (1000) for measuring the gain/loss of said watch (1), and characterized in that said gain/loss correction device (300) includes at least one watch-holder stand (305), which is subjected to the oscillations and/or movements generated by said gain/loss-corrector oscillator (301).
2. Universal preparation device (1000) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a master oscillator (201) and in that said gain/loss control means (302) are also arranged to control an excitation oscillation generated by said master oscillator (201) at an excitation frequency NE, approximately equal to said nominal frequency N0 or to a multiple integer of the latter, said master oscillator (201) having a master variation-in-rate value AM with respect to a reference (202), characterized in that said master variation-in-rate value AM is lower than the initial variation-in-rate value DI of said watch (1), and further characterized in that said gain/loss control means (302) are interfaced with rate measuring means (203) comprised in said universal preparation device (1000) for measuring the variation in rate of said watch (1).
3. Universal preparation device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the same oscillator forms said gain/loss-corrector oscillator (301) and said master oscillator (201).
4. Universal preparation device (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said automatic winder (304) for mechanical or automatic watches is motorized and able to automatically wind an automatic watch by moving said watch (1) and its oscillating weight and/or by magnetic driving of its oscillating weight.
5. Universal preparation device (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one robotic manipulator (306) is arranged to manoeuvre a first removable cap (41) tightly gripping said first crown (4), or to grip a peripheral groove (40) comprised in said first crown (4).
6. Universal preparation device (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said automatic winder (304) includes at least one said robotic manipulator (306) for charging energy storage means (5) comprised in said watch (1), by manoeuvring said first crown (4) or a second crown (9) specifically for winding, or a said first removable cap (41) tightly gripping said first crown (4), or a second removable cap (91) tightly gripping said second crown (9).
7. Universal preparation device (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said universal preparation device (1000) includes a reference clock (1001) to which said gain/loss measuring means (303), which include a vision system (1002), refer, and in that, if the gain/loss relative to said reference clock is less than one minute, said gain/loss control means (302) are arranged to generate the oscillation of said gain/loss-corrector oscillator (301) to return the gain/loss of said watch to the value of said reference clock (1001), or, if the gain/loss relative to said reference clock is more than one minute, to cause a robotic manipulator (306) to manoeuvre said first crown (4) to adjust the gain/loss of said watch (1).
8. Universal preparation device (1000) according to claim 2 and any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said rate measuring means (203) include at least one microphone (1003) for evaluating the frequency, rate and amplitude of said oscillating resonator (2), and in that, if a variation in rate greater than a predetermined threshold is observed, said gain/loss control means (302) are arranged to control at least one said excitation oscillation generated by a master oscillator (201) at said excitation frequency NE to return said variation in rate to an intermediate value between said master value AM and said initial value DI of the variation in rate.
9. Watch bank (2000) comprising a universal preparation device (1000) according to any of claims 1 to 8, and at least one said watch (1) comprising a time base including at least one oscillating resonator (2), means of gain/loss correction via a control stem provided with a said first crown (4), and energy storage means (5) or a barrel, and energy charging means (6), characterized in that each said watch (1) of said watch bank (2000) includes, for automatic adjustment of the gain/loss thereof, a first groove (40) around said first crown (4) and/or a first removable cap (41) arranged to tightly grip said first crown (4) to allow the manipulation thereof in translation and/or rotation by a robotic manipulator (306).
10. Watch bank (2000) according to claim 9, characterized in that said energy charging means (6) are formed by an automatic winding mechanism including at least one oscillating weight (7) and/or by a manual winding mechanism using said control stem or a winder (8) comprising a second crown (9) or a pusher.
11. Watch bank (2000) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one said watch (1) includes, for the automatic energy charging thereof, a second groove (90) around said second crown (9) and/or a second removable cap (91) arranged to tightly cover said second crown (9) to allow the manipulation thereof in translation and/or rotation by a robotic manipulator (306).
12. Watch bank (2000) according to claim 9, characterized in that said energy charging means (6) are formed by an automatic winding mechanism including at least one wheel set inside the case of said watch (1) and arranged to be driven contactlessly by contactless drive means comprised in said automatic winder (304) or said stand (305), or by a magnetic or electrostatic field.
13. Watch bank (2000) according to any of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that at least one said watch (1) includes a removable cap (41, 91) for watches, having an internal profile complementary to the external profile of a crown (4, 9) or of an actuator (10) comprised in said watch (1), which removable cap (41, 91) is articulated and/or elastically deformable between a first presentation position in which said removable cap (41, 91) can be radially or frontally inserted onto a said crown (4, 9) or a said actuator (10), and a second clamping position in which said removable cap (41, 91) is able to grip said crown (4, 9) or said actuator (10) tightly longitudinally and/or radially, and in that said removable cap (41, 91) includes external gripping means (11) arranged, in said second clamping position thereof, to allow manipulation by a said robotic manipulator (306) in all degrees of freedom.
14. Method for adjusting the gain/loss of a said watch (1) of a said watch bank (2000) according to any of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that a said first removable cap (41) suitable for said first crown (4) of said watch (1) is identified, in that said first crown (4) is pulled out, in that said first crown (4) is fitted with said first removable cap (41), in that said watch (1) is placed on a said stand (305) of said universal preparation device (1000), in that an action is performed on a control means (18) to activate said gain/loss measuring means (303) and to make a measurement of the gain/loss of said watch (1), and in that the gain/loss of said watch (1) is adjusted by said robotic manipulator (306) controlled by said gain/loss control means (302).

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