EP1855166B1 - Tweezers and prehension sytem - Google Patents

Tweezers and prehension sytem Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1855166B1
EP1855166B1 EP06113848A EP06113848A EP1855166B1 EP 1855166 B1 EP1855166 B1 EP 1855166B1 EP 06113848 A EP06113848 A EP 06113848A EP 06113848 A EP06113848 A EP 06113848A EP 1855166 B1 EP1855166 B1 EP 1855166B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tweezers
electrostatic
component
grasping
branch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06113848A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1855166A1 (en
Inventor
Fabien Blondeau
Mauro Lorenzini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to DE602006008433T priority Critical patent/DE602006008433D1/en
Priority to AT06113848T priority patent/ATE439622T1/en
Priority to EP06113848A priority patent/EP1855166B1/en
Priority to TW096116688A priority patent/TW200807193A/en
Priority to SG200703397-0A priority patent/SG137772A1/en
Priority to CN2007101388669A priority patent/CN101082808B/en
Priority to JP2007126338A priority patent/JP5159163B2/en
Priority to KR1020070045975A priority patent/KR20070109942A/en
Priority to US11/748,222 priority patent/US7775569B2/en
Publication of EP1855166A1 publication Critical patent/EP1855166A1/en
Priority to HK08102748.3A priority patent/HK1113410A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1855166B1 publication Critical patent/EP1855166B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B9/00—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00
    • B25B9/02—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00 without sliding or pivotal connections, e.g. tweezers, onepiece tongs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B11/00—Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders
    • B25B11/002—Magnetic work holders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B9/00—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D1/00—Gripping, holding, or supporting devices
    • G04D1/02—Tweezers; Vice clamps or other special hand tools for watchmakers
    • G04D1/021—Tweezers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to tweezers and a system for gripping and assembling components in a timepiece.
  • the invention relates more particularly to tweezers for gripping and assembling at least one component in a timepiece, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • tweezers When assembling small watch components such as display hands, watchmakers usually use tweezers, which allows them to manipulate the components and position them precisely for assembly in a room. watchmaking. Such tweezers are described and shown, for example, in the document US 3,638,516 .
  • tweezers tend to leave marks on the components.
  • the components are made of semiconductor material such as silicon
  • the very fragile outer surface is marked by scratches resulting from manipulation by the tweezers, which penalizes the final aesthetic appearance of the timepiece. .
  • Manipulation by the tweezers can even cause breakage on the component.
  • the present invention aims to solve this problem by providing a tool that allows easy and precise handling without altering the surface of the components to handle.
  • the invention proposes tweezers of the type described above, characterized in that the first branch comprises at least one electrostatic gripping surface provided for capturing, by electrostatic attraction, a component made of conductive or semiconductive material.
  • Tweezers according to the invention have the advantage of being particularly easy to grip because they have the shape of a tool used daily by watchmakers.
  • they can be used in a conventional mode, by means of the clamp, and in an advanced mode, by means of the surface of electrostatic gripping, which allows them to adapt to the needs of watchmakers.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface is arranged on the side of the outer face of the branch, which facilitates the gripping of the components by making easily accessible the electrostatic gripping surface while allowing the user to continue to use the conventional gripper to capture less fragile traditional components.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface has at least one guide portion which is provided to force the component to occupy a predetermined position on the electrostatic gripping surface.
  • This feature provides a stable relative position of the component on the gripping surface so that assembly operations are facilitated.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface comprises at least one orifice provided for the passage of the axis during positioning of the needle on the axis, which facilitates the mounting of the needle on its drive shaft in the timepiece.
  • At least a portion of the electrostatic gripping surface belongs to an insert which is removably attached to the first branch by interlocking. It is thus possible to use interchangeable electrostatic gripping surfaces according to the components to be handled.
  • the branches are made of electrically conductive material and the electrostatic gripping surface is made of an electrically insulating synthetic material whose hardness and surface appearance are intended not to alter the appearance surface area of the component to grab.
  • the first branch comprises an electrode supplied with electric current by a supply device and an insulating jacket of dielectric material which covers the electrode, and the insulating envelope comprises an external surface which constitutes the electrostatic gripping surface.
  • the feeding device can be carried by the tweezers or be deported relative to the tweezers.
  • an organ controlling the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force produced at the level of the electrostatic gripping surface is arranged on the tweezers, which makes it possible to adapt the force of attraction to the component to be grasped and which allows to release the component when desired.
  • the present invention also provides an electrostatic gripping system comprising tweezers as described above and comprising a member, offset relative to the tweezers, which controls the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force produced at the electrostatic gripping surface.
  • the control member is a pedal that varies the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force as a function of the pressing force applied to the pedal.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a gripping system 10 according to a first embodiment comprising tweezers 12 for gripping and assembling at least one component 14 in a timepiece (not shown), in particular in a wristwatch.
  • the component 14 to be grasped is constituted, for example, by a display needle 15, which must be mounted fitted on an axis of the timepiece.
  • a display needle 15 which must be mounted fitted on an axis of the timepiece.
  • other components 14 can be manipulated by means of the gripping system 10 according to the invention, including axles, wheels, springs ...
  • a vertical axial orientation along the general A1 axis of the tweezers 12 will be used without limitation.
  • the tweezers 12 comprise a first and a second limb 16, 18 which are joined at a first axial end 20 of the tweezers and which form a gripper 22 gripping the second axial end of the tweezers to allow, by manual manipulation of the tweezers 12, the seizure of the component 14 by the clamp 22.
  • the branches 16, 18 are made of electrically conductive material and they are placed at a determined potential, for example to ground.
  • the first branch 16 comprises at least one electrostatic gripping surface 24 designed to capture, by electrostatic attraction, a component 14 made of conductive or semi-conductive material, in particular needles 15 made of crystalline material based on silicon. Before the capture of the component 14, it is placed on a support (not shown) of electrically conductive material placed at a determined potential corresponding to the potential of the branches 16, 18, for example to ground.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is constituted by the outer surface of an insulating envelope 30 which covers an electrode 26.
  • the electrode 26 is supplied with electric current by a supply device 28.
  • the insulating envelope 30 is made of dielectric material and it completely envelops the electrode 26.
  • the insulating envelope 30 here has a parallelepiped shape. In order to ensure a sufficient electrostatic attractive force with a reasonable voltage, the thickness of the insulating jacket 30, between the electrode 26 and the electrostatic gripping surface 24, must be relatively small.
  • the electrode 26 and the insulating envelope 30 are arranged on the outer face 32 of the first branch 16, so that the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is oriented on the opposite side to the axis A1.
  • the insulating jacket 30 is made of a synthetic material whose surface appearance is intended to allow a non-aggressive contact between the component 14 and the gripping surface 24, so as not to alter the surface appearance of the component 14 .
  • the supply device 28 is carried by the first end 20 of the tweezers 12 and is electrically connected to the electrode 26 by a wire 34.
  • the feed device 28 comprises, for example, a rechargeable battery and a high voltage generator (from 0.01 to 10 kV).
  • the supply device 28 comprises a control member 36 which allows the user of the tweezers 12 to manually control the supply of the electrode 26 to cause the electrostatic attraction of the component 14 and the thus keep pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24, as shown on the Figures 1 and 2 .
  • the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force necessary to keep the component 14 pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is relatively small because of the low weight of a component 14 such as a display needle 15. Therefore, during certain assembly operations of the component 14, for example during the mounting of the needle 15 on an axis, if it is held in position on the axis by a mechanical force such as a clamping force, it is not essential to set up a particular control strategy of the feed device 18 to cause the release of the component 14.
  • the control member 36 may be constituted by a switch and, preferably, when the user stops feeding the electrode 26, a power supply control strategy is set up to cause the release of the component 14 for example by causing several alternating pulses of decreasing amplitude.
  • a watchmaker manipulates and assembles components 14 that are not particularly fragile, for example brass components 14, then he uses the conventional clamp 22 to grasp the component 14 and position it in the workpiece. watchmaking, simply by exerting mechanical pressure with the fingers on the branches 16, 18 of the tweezers 12.
  • the component 14 of conductive or semiconductor material being placed on a support placed at the same potential as the branches 16, 18, here to ground, then this component 14 is itself grounded.
  • the supply of the electrode 26 causes a potential difference between the electrode 26 and the component 14, which generates an electric field and a force of attraction electrostatic. Electrical charges appear on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 and on the component 14.
  • the electrostatic attraction force is sufficient, the component 14 is pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24.
  • the electrostatic attraction force is maintained which allows to move the component 14 by keeping it pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24, until it is released by an action on the switch 36.
  • the feeding device 28 is offset relative to the tweezers 12, the electrical connection wire 34 extending from the tweezers 12 to the feed device 28.
  • the control 36 is constituted by a pedal 38 which allows the user to vary the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force at the level of the electrostatic gripping surface 24, as a function of the support force which it exerts with his foot on the pedal 38.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a support 39 on which the component 14 is placed before being seized.
  • the support 39 is placed at the same electrical potential as the branches 16, 18 of the tweezers 12, here it is placed in the ground.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface 24 has at least one guide portion 40, 42 provided to force the component 14 to occupy a specific position on the electrostatic gripping surface 24.
  • first and second guide portions 40, 42 which are provided on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 to form complementary housings for needles 15 shown in broken lines.
  • the first guide portion 40 extends over the entire width of the gripping surface 24 and has the shape of the end portion of the needle 15 located on the side of its axis of rotation.
  • the first guide portion 40 is here constituted by a recess delimited by two flanges 44, 46 facing each other which make it possible to force the needle 15 to orient in a direction transverse to the axis A1, such as represented on the figure 3 .
  • the needle 15 is not only held on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 by the electrostatic attraction force, but also held in a specific position relative to the electrostatic gripping surface 24 which then facilitates the positioning of the needle 15 by the user in the timepiece for its assembly.
  • the second guiding portion 42 is a housing which has the shape of a half-disk but it could take any other form adapted to the shape of the component 14 to enter.
  • the first guide portion 40 has, opposite the axis hole of the needle 15 an orifice 48 for receiving the axial end portion of the axis on which the needle 15 is intended to be mounted.
  • the guide portions 40, 42 are here constituted by hollow shapes but they could also be made in the form of ribs delimiting complementary housing portions of the components 14 to enter.
  • guide portions 40, 42 may also be arranged on the gripping surface 24 of the first embodiment.
  • the electrostatic gripping surface 24 belongs to an insert element 50 which is removably attached to the first branch 16.
  • the insert element 50 is constituted by a plate dielectric material which is fixed by interlocking on a plate 52 of dielectric material.
  • the plate 52 is fixed on the first branch 16 of the tweezers 12, for example by gluing, and it comprises a housing which receives the electrode 26.
  • the insert 50 and the plate 52 together form the insulating envelope 30 which encloses the electrode 26.
  • the advantage of the insert 50 is that it facilitates the change of the electrostatic gripping surface 24 and thus allows to use an electrostatic gripping surface 24 whose portions 40, 42 in relief are adapted to the components 14 to seize .
  • the insert element 50 for the needles 15 by an insert element 50 provided with portions 40, 42 complementary to the wheel to be gripped.
  • the insulating casing 30 can be entirely detachably attached to the tweezers 12, which makes it possible, if necessary, to use the tweezers 12 without the electrostatic gripping surface 24.
  • the user To grab a silicon needle 15, the user approaches the electrostatic gripping surface 24 of the holder carrying the needle 15, approximately aligning the needle 15 with the first guide portion 40. Simultaneously, the user presses on the pedal 38 to feed the electrode 26 and gradually increase the electrostatic attraction force until the needle 15 is pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24. By the attractive force and by the appropriate form of the first guide portion 40, the needle 15 is properly positioned in the first guide portion 40 so that its axis hole is opposite the orifice 48.
  • the user When the needle 15 is adjusted, the user lifts the foot of the pedal 38 which causes the cancellation of the electrostatic force of attraction and allows to release the needle 15, the latter being in any case retained on the axis by its fitted fitting similar to a chase.
  • the invention has been described in the case of tweezers 12 which comprise an electrostatic gripping surface 24 only on the first branch 16.
  • the second branch 18 of the tweezers 12 may also include an electrostatic gripping surface 24 similar to that described previously. It may comprise guide portions 40, 42 different from those of the first branch 16 which increases the number of different components that can be seized by electrostatic attraction with the same tweezers 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Gripping Jigs, Holding Jigs, And Positioning Jigs (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Elimination Of Static Electricity (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Micromachines (AREA)

Abstract

The tweezers (12) has branches (16, 18) joined at an axial end (20) of the tweezers and forming a gripping claw (22) at another axial end for capturing a small component (14) e.g. display hand, using the claw by manual operation of the tweezers, where the branches are made of electrical conductor material e.g. foam. The branch (16) has an electrostatic gripping surface (24) that captures the component by an electrostatic attraction and is arranged on a side of an external surface of the branch (16). A guiding portion forces the component to occupy a determined position on the surface.

Description

L'invention concerne des brucelles et un système pour la préhension et l'assemblage de composants dans une pièce d'horlogerie.The invention relates to tweezers and a system for gripping and assembling components in a timepiece.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement des brucelles pour la préhension et l'assemblage d'au moins un composant dans une pièce d'horlogerie, selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The invention relates more particularly to tweezers for gripping and assembling at least one component in a timepiece, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Lors de l'assemblage de composants horlogers de petites dimensions tels que des aiguilles d'affichage, les horlogers ont pour habitude d'utiliser des brucelles, ce qui leur permet de manipuler les composants et de les positionner précisément pour réaliser un assemblage dans une pièce d'horlogerie. De telles brucelles sont décrites et représentées, par exemple, dans le document US 3 638 516 .When assembling small watch components such as display hands, watchmakers usually use tweezers, which allows them to manipulate the components and position them precisely for assembly in a room. watchmaking. Such tweezers are described and shown, for example, in the document US 3,638,516 .

Il est apparu que, pour certains types de composants, les brucelles avaient tendance à laisser des marques sur les composants. En particulier, lorsque les composants sont réalisés en matériau semi-conducteur tel que du silicium, la surface extérieure très fragile est marquée par des rayures provenant de la manipulation par les brucelles, ce qui pénalise l'aspect esthétique final de la pièce d'horlogerie. La manipulation par les brucelles peut même provoquer une rupture sur le composant.It has been found that for some types of components, tweezers tend to leave marks on the components. In particular, when the components are made of semiconductor material such as silicon, the very fragile outer surface is marked by scratches resulting from manipulation by the tweezers, which penalizes the final aesthetic appearance of the timepiece. . Manipulation by the tweezers can even cause breakage on the component.

Il a déjà été proposé, notamment dans le document CH 667 839 , de saisir les composants horlogers par aspiration. Toutefois, cette solution ne résout pas le problème du marquage ou d'une rupture des composants fragiles.It has already been proposed, particularly in the document CH 667 839 , to grasp the watch components by aspiration. However, this solution does not solve the problem of marking or breaking of fragile components.

La présente invention vise à résoudre ce problème en proposant un outil qui permette une manipulation aisée et précise sans altérer la surface des composants à manipuler.The present invention aims to solve this problem by providing a tool that allows easy and precise handling without altering the surface of the components to handle.

Dans ce but, l'invention propose des brucelles du type décrit précédemment, caractérisées en ce que la première branche comporte au moins une surface de préhension électrostatique prévue pour saisir, par attraction électrostatique, un composant en matériau conducteur ou semi-conducteur.For this purpose, the invention proposes tweezers of the type described above, characterized in that the first branch comprises at least one electrostatic gripping surface provided for capturing, by electrostatic attraction, a component made of conductive or semiconductive material.

Les brucelles selon l'invention présentent l'avantage d'être particulièrement faciles de prise en main puisqu'elles ont la forme d'un outil utilisé quotidiennement par les horlogers. De plus, elles peuvent être utilisées selon un mode conventionnel, au moyen de la pince, et selon un mode avancé, au moyen de la surface de préhension électrostatique, ce qui leur permet de s'adapter aux besoins des horlogers.Tweezers according to the invention have the advantage of being particularly easy to grip because they have the shape of a tool used daily by watchmakers. In addition, they can be used in a conventional mode, by means of the clamp, and in an advanced mode, by means of the surface of electrostatic gripping, which allows them to adapt to the needs of watchmakers.

De préférence, la surface de préhension électrostatique est agencée du côté de la face externe de la branche, ce qui facilite la saisie des composants en rendant facilement accessible la surface de préhension électrostatique tout en permettant à l'utilisateur de continuer à utiliser la pince conventionnelle pour saisir des composants traditionnels moins fragiles.Preferably, the electrostatic gripping surface is arranged on the side of the outer face of the branch, which facilitates the gripping of the components by making easily accessible the electrostatic gripping surface while allowing the user to continue to use the conventional gripper to capture less fragile traditional components.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, la surface de préhension électrostatique possède au moins une portion de guidage qui est prévue pour forcer le composant à occuper une position déterminée sur la surface de préhension électrostatique. Cette caractéristique permet d'obtenir une position relative stable du composant sur la surface de préhension de sorte que les opérations d'assemblage en sont facilitées. De plus, les brucelles étant utilisées pour l'assemblage d'une aiguille horlogère sur un axe, la surface de préhension électrostatique comporte au moins un orifice prévu pour le passage de l'axe lors du positionnement de l'aiguille sur l'axe, ce qui facilite le montage de l'aiguille sur son axe d'entraînement dans la pièce d'horlogerie.According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrostatic gripping surface has at least one guide portion which is provided to force the component to occupy a predetermined position on the electrostatic gripping surface. This feature provides a stable relative position of the component on the gripping surface so that assembly operations are facilitated. In addition, the tweezers being used for assembling a watchmaker's needle on an axis, the electrostatic gripping surface comprises at least one orifice provided for the passage of the axis during positioning of the needle on the axis, which facilitates the mounting of the needle on its drive shaft in the timepiece.

Avantageusement, au moins une partie de la surface de préhension électrostatique appartient à un élément rapporté qui est fixé de manière amovible sur la première branche par emboîtement. On peut ainsi utiliser des surfaces de préhension électrostatique interchangeables en fonction des composants à manipuler.Advantageously, at least a portion of the electrostatic gripping surface belongs to an insert which is removably attached to the first branch by interlocking. It is thus possible to use interchangeable electrostatic gripping surfaces according to the components to be handled.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention, les branches sont réalisées en matériau conducteur électrique et la surface de préhension électrostatique est réalisée dans un matériau synthétique isolant électrique dont la dureté et l'aspect de surface sont prévus pour ne pas altérer l'aspect de surface du composant à saisir.According to other features of the invention, the branches are made of electrically conductive material and the electrostatic gripping surface is made of an electrically insulating synthetic material whose hardness and surface appearance are intended not to alter the appearance surface area of the component to grab.

La première branche comporte une électrode alimentée en courant électrique par un dispositif d'alimentation et une enveloppe isolante en matériau diélectrique qui recouvre l'électrode, et l'enveloppe isolante comporte une surface externe qui constitue la surface de préhension électrostatique.The first branch comprises an electrode supplied with electric current by a supply device and an insulating jacket of dielectric material which covers the electrode, and the insulating envelope comprises an external surface which constitutes the electrostatic gripping surface.

Le dispositif d'alimentation peut être porté par les brucelles ou être déporté par rapport aux brucelles.The feeding device can be carried by the tweezers or be deported relative to the tweezers.

De préférence, un organe commandant l'intensité de la force d'attraction électrostatique produite au niveau de la surface de préhension électrostatique est agencé sur les brucelles, ce qui permet d'adapter la force d'attraction au composant à saisir et ce qui permet de relâcher le composant lorsqu'on le souhaite.Preferably, an organ controlling the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force produced at the level of the electrostatic gripping surface is arranged on the tweezers, which makes it possible to adapt the force of attraction to the component to be grasped and which allows to release the component when desired.

La présente invention propose aussi un système de préhension électrostatique comportant des brucelles telles que décrites précédemment et comportant un organe, déporté par rapport aux brucelles, qui commande l'intensité de la force d'attraction électrostatique produite au niveau de la surface de préhension électrostatique. L'organe de commande est une pédale qui permet de faire varier l'intensité de la force d'attraction électrostatique en fonction de la force d'appui appliquée sur la pédale.The present invention also provides an electrostatic gripping system comprising tweezers as described above and comprising a member, offset relative to the tweezers, which controls the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force produced at the electrostatic gripping surface. The control member is a pedal that varies the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force as a function of the pressing force applied to the pedal.

Ces caractéristiques permettent au système de préhension selon l'invention d'être particulièrement ergonomique puisque l'utilisateur dispose de ses deux mains pour manipuler les composants à l'aide des brucelles et tenir la pièce d'horlogerie, alors que la force d'attraction électrostatique est commandée à l'aide du pied.These characteristics allow the gripping system according to the invention to be particularly ergonomic since the user has both hands to manipulate the components using the tweezers and hold the timepiece, while the force of attraction electrostatic is controlled using the foot.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatifs et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de côté qui représente schématiquement un système de préhension comportant des brucelles réalisées conformément aux enseignements de l'invention selon un premier mode de réalisation;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une portion de branche des brucelles de la figure 1 destinée à la préhension électrostatique d'un composant;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective qui représente un second mode de réalisation du système de préhension de la figure 1 comportant un dispositif d'alimentation déporté et commandé par une pédale;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective qui représente un mode de réalisation avantageux de la surface de préhension des brucelles de la figure 3.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which:
  • the figure 1 is a side view which schematically shows a gripping system comprising tweezers made according to the teachings of the invention according to a first embodiment;
  • the figure 2 is an axial sectional view of a branch portion of the tweezers of the figure 1 intended for the electrostatic gripping of a component;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view that represents a second embodiment of the gripping system of the figure 1 having a remote power supply device and controlled by a pedal;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view which represents an advantageous embodiment of the gripping surface of the tweezers of the figure 3 .

Dans la suite de la description, des éléments identiques ou similaires porteront les mêmes références.In the remainder of the description, identical or similar elements will bear the same references.

Sur la figure 1, on a représenté un système de préhension 10 selon un premier mode de réalisation comportant des brucelles 12 pour la préhension et l'assemblage d'au moins un composant 14 dans une pièce d'horlogerie (non représentée), notamment dans une montre bracelet.On the figure 1 , there is shown a gripping system 10 according to a first embodiment comprising tweezers 12 for gripping and assembling at least one component 14 in a timepiece (not shown), in particular in a wristwatch.

Le composant 14 à saisir est constitué, par exemple, par une aiguille d'affichage 15, qui doit être montée ajustée sur un axe de la pièce d'horlogerie. Bien entendu, d'autres composants 14 peuvent être manipulés au moyen du système de préhension 10 selon l'invention, notamment des axes, des roues, des ressorts...The component 14 to be grasped is constituted, for example, by a display needle 15, which must be mounted fitted on an axis of the timepiece. Of course, other components 14 can be manipulated by means of the gripping system 10 according to the invention, including axles, wheels, springs ...

Dans la suite de la description, on utilisera à titre non limitatif une orientation axiale verticale suivant l'axe A1 général des brucelles 12.In the remainder of the description, a vertical axial orientation along the general A1 axis of the tweezers 12 will be used without limitation.

Les brucelles 12 comportent une première et une seconde branches 16, 18 qui sont réunies à une première extrémité 20 axiale des brucelles et qui forment une pince 22 de préhension à la seconde extrémité axiale des brucelles en vue de permettre, par une manipulation manuelle des brucelles 12, la saisie du composant 14 par la pince 22.The tweezers 12 comprise a first and a second limb 16, 18 which are joined at a first axial end 20 of the tweezers and which form a gripper 22 gripping the second axial end of the tweezers to allow, by manual manipulation of the tweezers 12, the seizure of the component 14 by the clamp 22.

Les branches 16, 18 sont réalisées en matériau conducteur électrique et elles sont placées à un potentiel déterminé, par exemple à la masse.The branches 16, 18 are made of electrically conductive material and they are placed at a determined potential, for example to ground.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, la première branche 16 comporte au moins une surface de préhension électrostatique 24 prévue pour saisir, par attraction électrostatique, un composant 14 en matériau conducteur ou semi-conducteur, notamment des aiguilles 15 en matériau cristallin à base de silicium. Avant la saisie du composant 14, celui-ci est posé sur un support (non représenté) en matériau conducteur électrique placé à un potentiel déterminé correspondant au potentiel des branches 16, 18, par exemple à la masse.According to the teachings of the invention, the first branch 16 comprises at least one electrostatic gripping surface 24 designed to capture, by electrostatic attraction, a component 14 made of conductive or semi-conductive material, in particular needles 15 made of crystalline material based on silicon. Before the capture of the component 14, it is placed on a support (not shown) of electrically conductive material placed at a determined potential corresponding to the potential of the branches 16, 18, for example to ground.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 est constituée par la surface externe d'une enveloppe isolante 30 qui recouvre une électrode 26. L'électrode 26 est alimentée en courant électrique par un dispositif d'alimentation 28.According to the embodiment shown, the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is constituted by the outer surface of an insulating envelope 30 which covers an electrode 26. The electrode 26 is supplied with electric current by a supply device 28.

L'enveloppe isolante 30 est réalisée en matériau diélectrique et elle enveloppe entièrement l'électrode 26. L'enveloppe isolante 30 a ici une forme parallélépipédique. Afin de garantir une force d'attraction électrostatique suffisante avec une tension raisonnable, l'épaisseur de l'enveloppe isolante 30, entre l'électrode 26 et la surface de préhension électrostatique 24, doit être relativement faible.The insulating envelope 30 is made of dielectric material and it completely envelops the electrode 26. The insulating envelope 30 here has a parallelepiped shape. In order to ensure a sufficient electrostatic attractive force with a reasonable voltage, the thickness of the insulating jacket 30, between the electrode 26 and the electrostatic gripping surface 24, must be relatively small.

Avantageusement, l'électrode 26 et l'enveloppe isolante 30 sont agencées sur la face externe 32 de la première branche 16, de manière que la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 soit orientée du côté opposé à l'axe A1. L'enveloppe isolante 30 est réalisée dans un matériau synthétique dont l'aspect de surface est prévu pour permettre un contact non agressif entre le composant 14 et la surface de préhension 24, de manière à ne pas altérer l'aspect de surface du composant 14.Advantageously, the electrode 26 and the insulating envelope 30 are arranged on the outer face 32 of the first branch 16, so that the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is oriented on the opposite side to the axis A1. The insulating jacket 30 is made of a synthetic material whose surface appearance is intended to allow a non-aggressive contact between the component 14 and the gripping surface 24, so as not to alter the surface appearance of the component 14 .

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, le dispositif d'alimentation 28 est porté par la première extrémité 20 des brucelles 12 et il est raccordé électriquement à l'électrode 26 par un fil 34. Le dispositif d'alimentation 28 comporte, par exemple, une pile rechargeable et un générateur haute tension (de 0,01 à 10 kV).According to the embodiment shown here, the supply device 28 is carried by the first end 20 of the tweezers 12 and is electrically connected to the electrode 26 by a wire 34. The feed device 28 comprises, for example, a rechargeable battery and a high voltage generator (from 0.01 to 10 kV).

Le dispositif d'alimentation 28 comporte un organe de commande 36 qui permet à l'utilisateur des brucelles 12 de commander manuellement M l'alimentation de l'électrode 26 pour provoquer l'attraction électrostatique du composant 14 et le maintenir ainsi plaqué contre la surface de préhension électrostatique 24, comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 2.The supply device 28 comprises a control member 36 which allows the user of the tweezers 12 to manually control the supply of the electrode 26 to cause the electrostatic attraction of the component 14 and the thus keep pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24, as shown on the Figures 1 and 2 .

On note que l'intensité de la force d'attraction électrostatique nécessaire pour maintenir le composant 14 plaqué contre la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 est relativement faible du fait du faible poids d'un composant 14 tel qu'une aiguille d'affichage 15. Par conséquent, lors de certaines opérations d'assemblage du composant 14, par exemple lors du montage de l'aiguille 15 sur un axe, si elle est retenue en position sur l'axe par une force mécanique telle qu'une force de serrage, il n'est pas indispensable de mettre en place une stratégie de commande particulière du dispositif d'alimentation 18 pour provoquer la libération du composant 14.Note that the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force necessary to keep the component 14 pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24 is relatively small because of the low weight of a component 14 such as a display needle 15. Therefore, during certain assembly operations of the component 14, for example during the mounting of the needle 15 on an axis, if it is held in position on the axis by a mechanical force such as a clamping force, it is not essential to set up a particular control strategy of the feed device 18 to cause the release of the component 14.

L'organe de commande 36 peut être constitué par un interrupteur et, de préférence, lorsque l'utilisateur arrête l'alimentation de l'électrode 26, une stratégie de commande de l'alimentation électrique est mise place pour provoquer la libération du composant 14, par exemple en provoquant plusieurs impulsions alternatives d'amplitude décroissante.The control member 36 may be constituted by a switch and, preferably, when the user stops feeding the electrode 26, a power supply control strategy is set up to cause the release of the component 14 for example by causing several alternating pulses of decreasing amplitude.

Le fonctionnement des brucelles 12 selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention est le suivant.The operation of the tweezers 12 according to the first embodiment of the invention is as follows.

Lorsque l'utilisateur, généralement un horloger, manipule et assemble des composants 14 qui ne sont pas particulièrement fragiles, par exemple des composants 14 en laiton, alors il utilise la pince 22 conventionnelle pour saisir le composant 14 et le positionner dans la pièce d'horlogerie, simplement en exerçant une pression mécanique avec les doigts sur les branches 16,18 des brucelles 12.When the user, generally a watchmaker, manipulates and assembles components 14 that are not particularly fragile, for example brass components 14, then he uses the conventional clamp 22 to grasp the component 14 and position it in the workpiece. watchmaking, simply by exerting mechanical pressure with the fingers on the branches 16, 18 of the tweezers 12.

Lorsque l'utilisateur manipule et assemble des composants 14 qui doivent faire l'objet de précautions particulières pour ne pas être rayés ou endommagés, par exemple des aiguilles 15 en silicium, alors il commande l'alimentation de l'électrode 26 au moyen de l'interrupteur 36 ce qui charge l'enveloppe isolante 30 en produisant, au niveau de la surface de préhension électrostatique 24, une force d'attraction qui permet de saisir le composant 14 sans avoir à exercer sur lui une pression mécanique. L'utilisateur peut ensuite déplacer le composant 14 dans la pièce d'horlogerie pour le positionner, puis relâcher le composant 14 en agissant de nouveau sur l'interrupteur 36.When the user manipulates and assembles components 14 which must be specially cautious not to be scratched or damaged, for example silicon needles 15, he then controls the supply of the electrode 26 by means of the switch 36 which charges the insulating jacket 30 by producing, at the level of the electrostatic gripping surface 24, an attractive force which makes it possible to grip the component 14 without having to exert on it a mechanical pressure. The user can then move the component 14 into the timepiece to position it, then release the component 14 by acting again on the switch 36.

On note que, le composant 14 en matériau conducteur ou semi-conducteur étant posé sur un support placé au même potentiel que les branches 16, 18, ici à la masse, alors ce composant 14 est lui-même à la masse. Lorsque l'on approche la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 du composant 14, l'alimentation de l'électrode 26 provoque une différence de potentiel entre l'électrode 26 et le composant 14, ce qui génère un champ électrique et une force d'attraction électrostatique. Des charges électriques apparaissent sur la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 et sur le composant 14. Quand la force d'attraction électrostatique est suffisante, le composant 14 vient se plaquer contre la surface de préhension électrostatique 24. Comme la majorité des charges électriques mobilisées dans le composant 14 restent sur le composant 14, la force d'attraction électrostatique se maintient ce qui permet de déplacer le composant 14 en le maintenant plaqué contre la surface de préhension électrostatique 24, jusqu'à ce qu'il soit libéré par une action sur l'interrupteur 36.Note that, the component 14 of conductive or semiconductor material being placed on a support placed at the same potential as the branches 16, 18, here to ground, then this component 14 is itself grounded. When approaching the electrostatic gripping surface 24 of the component 14, the supply of the electrode 26 causes a potential difference between the electrode 26 and the component 14, which generates an electric field and a force of attraction electrostatic. Electrical charges appear on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 and on the component 14. When the electrostatic attraction force is sufficient, the component 14 is pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24. Like the majority of the electric charges mobilized in the component 14 remain on the component 14, the electrostatic attraction force is maintained which allows to move the component 14 by keeping it pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24, until it is released by an action on the switch 36.

On décrit maintenant le second mode de réalisation, qui est représenté sur les figures 3 et 4, en insistant sur les caractéristiques techniques qui différencient ce second mode de réalisation du premier mode de réalisation.We now describe the second embodiment, which is represented on the Figures 3 and 4 , emphasizing the technical features that differentiate this second embodiment of the first embodiment.

Selon le second mode de réalisation, le dispositif d'alimentation 28 est déporté par rapport aux brucelles 12, le fil 34 de raccordement électrique s'étendant depuis les brucelles 12 jusqu'au dispositif d'alimentation 28. De plus, l'organe de commande 36 est constitué par une pédale 38 qui permet à l'utilisateur de faire varier l'intensité de la force d'attraction électrostatique, au niveau de la surface de préhension électrostatique 24, en fonction de la force d'appui qu'il exerce avec son pied sur la pédale 38.According to the second embodiment, the feeding device 28 is offset relative to the tweezers 12, the electrical connection wire 34 extending from the tweezers 12 to the feed device 28. In addition, the control 36 is constituted by a pedal 38 which allows the user to vary the intensity of the electrostatic attraction force at the level of the electrostatic gripping surface 24, as a function of the support force which it exerts with his foot on the pedal 38.

Sur la figure 3, on a représenté un support 39 sur lequel le composant 14 est posé avant d'être saisi. Comme mentionné précédemment, le support 39 est placé au même potentiel électrique que les branches 16, 18 des brucelles 12, ici il est placé à la masse.On the figure 3 , there is shown a support 39 on which the component 14 is placed before being seized. As mentioned above, the support 39 is placed at the same electrical potential as the branches 16, 18 of the tweezers 12, here it is placed in the ground.

Dans le second mode de réalisation, la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 possède au moins une portion de guidage 40, 42 prévue pour forcer le composant 14 à occuper une position déterminée sur la surface de préhension électrostatique 24.In the second embodiment, the electrostatic gripping surface 24 has at least one guide portion 40, 42 provided to force the component 14 to occupy a specific position on the electrostatic gripping surface 24.

Sur la figure 4, on a représenté une première et une seconde portions de guidage 40, 42 qui sont aménagées sur la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 en vue de former des logements complémentaires pour des aiguilles 15 représentées en traits discontinus.On the figure 4 there is shown first and second guide portions 40, 42 which are provided on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 to form complementary housings for needles 15 shown in broken lines.

Selon l'exemple représenté, la première portion de guidage 40 s'étend sur toute la largeur de la surface de préhension 24 et elle a la forme du tronçon d'extrémité de l'aiguille 15 situé du côté de son axe de rotation. La première portion de guidage 40 est ici constituée par un évidement délimité par deux rebords 44, 46 en vis-à-vis qui permettent de forcer l'aiguille 15 à s'orienter selon une direction transversale par rapport à l'axe A1, comme représenté sur la figure 3. Ainsi, l'aiguille 15 est non seulement tenue sur la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 par la force d'attraction électrostatique, mais aussi tenue dans une position déterminée par rapport à la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 ce qui facilite ensuite le positionnement de l'aiguille 15 par l'utilisateur dans la pièce d'horlogerie pour son assemblage.According to the example shown, the first guide portion 40 extends over the entire width of the gripping surface 24 and has the shape of the end portion of the needle 15 located on the side of its axis of rotation. The first guide portion 40 is here constituted by a recess delimited by two flanges 44, 46 facing each other which make it possible to force the needle 15 to orient in a direction transverse to the axis A1, such as represented on the figure 3 . Thus, the needle 15 is not only held on the electrostatic gripping surface 24 by the electrostatic attraction force, but also held in a specific position relative to the electrostatic gripping surface 24 which then facilitates the positioning of the needle 15 by the user in the timepiece for its assembly.

Selon l'exemple représenté, la seconde portion de guidage 42 est un logement qui a la forme d'un demi-disque mais elle pourrait prendre toute autre forme adaptée à la forme du composant 14 à saisir.According to the example shown, the second guiding portion 42 is a housing which has the shape of a half-disk but it could take any other form adapted to the shape of the component 14 to enter.

Selon un perfectionnement de ce second mode de réalisation, la première portion de guidage 40 comporte, en regard du trou d'axe de l'aiguille 15 un orifice 48 destiné à recevoir le tronçon d'extrémité axiale de l'axe sur lequel l'aiguille 15 est prévue pour être montée. Ainsi, lorsque l'utilisateur positionne l'aiguille 15 pour la monter sur son axe, il peut exercer une pression sur l'aiguille 15 avec les brucelles 12 sans venir directement en butée sur l'extrémité de l'axe.According to an improvement of this second embodiment, the first guide portion 40 has, opposite the axis hole of the needle 15 an orifice 48 for receiving the axial end portion of the axis on which the needle 15 is intended to be mounted. Thus, when the user positions the needle 15 to mount it on its axis, it can exert pressure on the needle 15 with tweezers 12 without directly abutting the end of the axis.

Les portions de guidage 40, 42 sont constituées ici par des formes creuses mais elle pourraient aussi être réalisées sous la forme de nervures délimitant des logements complémentaires de portions des composants 14 à saisir.The guide portions 40, 42 are here constituted by hollow shapes but they could also be made in the form of ribs delimiting complementary housing portions of the components 14 to enter.

Bien entendu, les portions de guidage 40, 42 peuvent aussi être agencées sur la surface de préhension 24 du premier mode de réalisation.Of course, the guide portions 40, 42 may also be arranged on the gripping surface 24 of the first embodiment.

Avantageusement, au moins une partie de la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 appartient à un élément rapporté 50 qui est fixé de manière amovible sur la première branche 16. Selon l'exemple de réalisation représenté, l'élément rapporté 50 est constitué par une plaque en matériau diélectrique qui vient se fixer par emboîtement sur une platine 52 en matériau diélectrique. La platine 52 est fixée sur la première branche 16 des brucelles 12, par exemple par collage, et elle comporte un logement qui reçoit l'électrode 26. L'élément rapporté 50 et la platine 52 forment ensemble l'enveloppe isolante 30 qui enferme l'électrode 26.Advantageously, at least a part of the electrostatic gripping surface 24 belongs to an insert element 50 which is removably attached to the first branch 16. According to the embodiment shown, the insert element 50 is constituted by a plate dielectric material which is fixed by interlocking on a plate 52 of dielectric material. The plate 52 is fixed on the first branch 16 of the tweezers 12, for example by gluing, and it comprises a housing which receives the electrode 26. The insert 50 and the plate 52 together form the insulating envelope 30 which encloses the electrode 26.

L'avantage de l'élément rapporté 50 est qu'il facilite le changement de la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 et permet ainsi d'utiliser une surface de préhension électrostatique 24 dont les portions 40, 42 en relief sont adaptées aux composants 14 à saisir. Ainsi, si l'on souhaite manipuler des roues en silicium, il suffit de remplacer l'élément rapporté 50 destiné aux aiguilles 15 par un élément rapporté 50 muni de portions 40, 42 complémentaire de la roue à saisir.The advantage of the insert 50 is that it facilitates the change of the electrostatic gripping surface 24 and thus allows to use an electrostatic gripping surface 24 whose portions 40, 42 in relief are adapted to the components 14 to seize . Thus, if one wishes to manipulate silicon wheels, it suffices to replace the insert element 50 for the needles 15 by an insert element 50 provided with portions 40, 42 complementary to the wheel to be gripped.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée), l'enveloppe isolante 30 peut être entièrement fixée de manière amovible sur les brucelles 12, ce qui permet, si nécessaire, d'utiliser les brucelles 12 sans la surface de préhension électrostatique 24.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the insulating casing 30 can be entirely detachably attached to the tweezers 12, which makes it possible, if necessary, to use the tweezers 12 without the electrostatic gripping surface 24.

On décrit maintenant le fonctionnement du système de préhension selon l'invention en référence au second mode de réalisation.The operation of the gripping system according to the invention is now described with reference to the second embodiment.

Pour saisir une aiguille 15 en silicium, l'utilisateur approche la surface de préhension électrostatique 24 du support qui porte l'aiguille 15, en alignant de manière approximative l'aiguille 15 avec la première portion de guidage 40. Simultanément, l'utilisateur appuie sur la pédale 38 pour alimenter l'électrode 26 et augmenter progressivement la force d'attraction électrostatique jusqu'à ce que l'aiguille 15 soit plaquée contre la surface de préhension électrostatique 24. Par la force d'attraction et par la forme appropriée de la première portion de guidage 40, l'aiguille 15 vient se positionner de manière adéquate dans la première portion de guidage 40 de sorte que son trou d'axe se trouve en regard de l'orifice 48.To grab a silicon needle 15, the user approaches the electrostatic gripping surface 24 of the holder carrying the needle 15, approximately aligning the needle 15 with the first guide portion 40. Simultaneously, the user presses on the pedal 38 to feed the electrode 26 and gradually increase the electrostatic attraction force until the needle 15 is pressed against the electrostatic gripping surface 24. By the attractive force and by the appropriate form of the first guide portion 40, the needle 15 is properly positioned in the first guide portion 40 so that its axis hole is opposite the orifice 48.

L'utilisateur porte ensuite l'aiguille 15 avec les brucelles 12 jusqu'à la pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle elle doit être assemblée. L'utilisateur vient alors ajuster l'aiguille 15 sur l'axe correspondant de la pièce d'horlogerie en enfilant l'aiguille 15 sur l'axe jusqu'à ce que l'extrémité libre de l'axe soit reçue dans l'orifice 18 de la surface de préhension électrostatique 24.The user then carries the needle 15 with the tweezers 12 to the timepiece in which it must be assembled. The user then comes to adjust the needle 15 on the corresponding axis of the timepiece by threading the needle 15 on the axis until the free end of the axis is received in the orifice 18 of the electrostatic gripping surface 24.

Lorsque l'aiguille 15 est ajustée, l'utilisateur relève le pied de la pédale 38 ce qui provoque l'annulation de la force électrostatique d'attraction et permet de lâcher l'aiguille 15, celle-ci étant de toute façon retenue sur l'axe par son montage ajusté similaire à un chassage.When the needle 15 is adjusted, the user lifts the foot of the pedal 38 which causes the cancellation of the electrostatic force of attraction and allows to release the needle 15, the latter being in any case retained on the axis by its fitted fitting similar to a chase.

L'invention a été décrite dans le cas de brucelles 12 qui comportent une surface de préhension électrostatique 24 uniquement sur la première branche 16. Bien entendu, la seconde branche 18 des brucelles 12 peut aussi comporter une surface de préhension électrostatique 24 similaire à celle décrite précédemment. Elle peut comporter des portions de guidage 40, 42 différentes de celles de la première branche 16 ce qui augmente le nombre de composants différents susceptibles d'être saisis par attraction électrostatique avec les mêmes brucelles 12.The invention has been described in the case of tweezers 12 which comprise an electrostatic gripping surface 24 only on the first branch 16. Of course, the second branch 18 of the tweezers 12 may also include an electrostatic gripping surface 24 similar to that described previously. It may comprise guide portions 40, 42 different from those of the first branch 16 which increases the number of different components that can be seized by electrostatic attraction with the same tweezers 12.

Claims (17)

  1. Tweezers (12) for grasping and assembling at least one component (14, 15) in a timepiece, including first and second branches (16, 18) which are joined on each other at a first end (20) of the tweezers (12) and which form a grasping pincer (22) at the second end of the tweezers (12) in order to enable the component (14, 15) to be grasped by the pincer (22), via mechanical pressure with the user fingers on branches (16, 18) of the tweezers (12), the user exerting a mechanical pressure with his fingers on the branches (16, 18) of the tweezers (12), characterized in that the first branch (16) includes at least one electrostatic grasping surface (24) provided for grasping, via electrostatic attraction, a component (14, 15) made of conductor material.
  2. Tweezers (12) for grasping and assembling at least one component (14, 15) in a timepiece, including first and second branches (16, 18) which are joined on each other at a first end (20) of the tweezers (12) and which form a grasping pincer (22) at the second end of the tweezers (12) in order to enable the component (14, 15) to be grasped by the pincer (22), via mechanical pressure with the user fingers on branches (16, 18) of the tweezers (12), the user exerting a mechanical pressure with his fingers on the branches (16, 18) of the tweezers (12), characterized in that the first branch (16) includes at least one electrostatic grasping surface (24) provided for grasping, via electrostatic attraction, a component (14, 15) made of semiconductor material.
  3. Tweezers according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrostatic grasping surface (24) is arranged on the side of the outer face of the branch (16).
  4. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrostatic grasping surface (24) has at least one guide portion (40, 42) which is provided for forcing the component (14, 15) to occupy a determined position on the electrostatic grasping surface (24).
  5. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, used for assembling a watch hand (15) on an arbour, characterized in that the electrostatic grasping surface (24) includes at least one orifice (48) provided for the passage of the arbour when the hand (15) is being positioned on the arbour.
  6. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one part of the electrostatic grasping surface (24) belongs to an added element (50) which is removably secured to the first branch (16).
  7. Tweezers (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the added element (50) is secured to the first branch (16) by snap fit.
  8. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the branches (16, 18) are made of an electrically conductive material.
  9. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrostatic grasping surface (24) is made of an electrically insulating material so as not to alter the surface appearance of the component (14, 15) to be grasped.
  10. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first branch (16) includes an electrode (26) supplied with electric current by a powering device (28) and an insulating envelope (30) made of dielectric material which covers the electrode (26), and in that the insulating envelope (30) includes an outer surface that forms the electrostatic grasping surface (24).
  11. Tweezers (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the powering device (28) is carried by the tweezers (12).
  12. Tweezers (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrode (26) is connected to a powering device (28) that is offset relative to the tweezers (12).
  13. Tweezers (12) according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a member (36) controlling the intensity of the electrostatic attractive force produced on the electrostatic grasping surface (24) is arranged on the tweezers (12).
  14. Tweezers (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second branch (18) also includes an electrostatic grasping surface (24).
  15. Electrostatic grasping system (10), characterized in that it includes tweezers (12) according to any of claims 10 to 12, and in that it includes a member (36), offset relative to the tweezers (12), which controls the intensity of the electrostatic attractive force produced on the electrostatic grasping surface (24).
  16. Electrostatic grasping system (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the control member (36) is a pedal (38), which varies the electrostatic attractive force as a function of the pressing force applied to the pedal (38).
  17. Electrostatic grasping system (10) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the second branch (18) of the tweezers (12) also includes an electrostatic grasping surface (24).
EP06113848A 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 Tweezers and prehension sytem Active EP1855166B1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE602006008433T DE602006008433D1 (en) 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 Tweezers and gripping system
AT06113848T ATE439622T1 (en) 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 TWEEZERS AND GRIP SYSTEM
EP06113848A EP1855166B1 (en) 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 Tweezers and prehension sytem
SG200703397-0A SG137772A1 (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-10 Tweezers and grasping system
TW096116688A TW200807193A (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-10 Tweezers and grasping system
JP2007126338A JP5159163B2 (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-11 Gripper and gripping system
CN2007101388669A CN101082808B (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-11 Tweezers and prehension sytem
KR1020070045975A KR20070109942A (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-11 Tweezers and grasping system
US11/748,222 US7775569B2 (en) 2006-05-12 2007-05-14 Tweezers and grasping system
HK08102748.3A HK1113410A1 (en) 2006-05-12 2008-03-10 Tweezers and grasping system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06113848A EP1855166B1 (en) 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 Tweezers and prehension sytem

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EP1855166A1 EP1855166A1 (en) 2007-11-14
EP1855166B1 true EP1855166B1 (en) 2009-08-12

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US (1) US7775569B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1855166B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5159163B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20070109942A (en)
CN (1) CN101082808B (en)
AT (1) ATE439622T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006008433D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1113410A1 (en)
SG (1) SG137772A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200807193A (en)

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CH703475B1 (en) * 2010-07-30 2015-06-30 Swatch Group Res & Dev Ltd A method of making a noncontact transmission in a timepiece movement.
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TW200807193A (en) 2008-02-01
JP5159163B2 (en) 2013-03-06
JP2007301718A (en) 2007-11-22
KR20070109942A (en) 2007-11-15
CN101082808A (en) 2007-12-05
EP1855166A1 (en) 2007-11-14
HK1113410A1 (en) 2008-10-03
US7775569B2 (en) 2010-08-17
ATE439622T1 (en) 2009-08-15
SG137772A1 (en) 2007-12-28
US20080034924A1 (en) 2008-02-14
CN101082808B (en) 2012-06-06
DE602006008433D1 (en) 2009-09-24

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