US3802251A - Method and apparatus for testing a watch for tightness - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for testing a watch for tightness Download PDF

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Publication number
US3802251A
US3802251A US00296999A US29699972A US3802251A US 3802251 A US3802251 A US 3802251A US 00296999 A US00296999 A US 00296999A US 29699972 A US29699972 A US 29699972A US 3802251 A US3802251 A US 3802251A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
pressure
watch
housing
chamber
pressure chamber
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00296999A
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English (en)
Inventor
W Durr
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.)
BECKER H KG DT
BECKER KG H
Original Assignee
BECKER KG H
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
Priority claimed from DE19712153682 external-priority patent/DE2153682C/de
Priority claimed from DE19722219771 external-priority patent/DE2219771C3/de
Application filed by BECKER KG H filed Critical BECKER KG H
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3802251A publication Critical patent/US3802251A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G04D7/006—Testing apparatus for complete clockworks with regard to external influences or general good working
    • G04D7/007—Testing apparatus for complete clockworks with regard to external influences or general good working with regard to the sealing of the case

Definitions

  • the method according to the invention is characterized in that the watch housing which contains the watch movement, which is operated, is subjected to an air pressure which differs from and preferably exceeds the normal or atmospheric pressure, and changes in the accuracy of the operation of the watch movement are detected.
  • the method may be carried out in that a watch housing containing a watch movement is placed on a microphone to which an electronic chronograph is connected, and the watch housing is subjected to pressure changes in a pressure chamber while the electronic chronograph is operated.
  • Apparatus for carrying out the method comprise suitably a microhpone provided with a holder for carrying the watch housing containing a watch movement, and means operatively connecting the microphone to the electronic chronograph, which microphone is contained in a pressure chamber provided with pressure gauge.
  • the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that a sealing cover of the pressure chamber is connected to a linkage, which tends to close the cover in response to an increase of the pressure in the pressure chamber.
  • the pressure in the pressure 'chamber is applied to a piston, which is operatively
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are sectional views taken at right angles through a first embodiment of the apparatus.
  • FIG. 3 shows test charts recorded during tests of two watches.
  • FIGS. 4 and S are sectional views showing the second embodiment of the apparatus with the sealing cover in closed and open positions, respectively.
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view showing the apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the sealing cover removed so that the holder for the watch is visible.
  • the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a pressure chamber body 1 provided with a cover 2, which can be removed, e.g., unscrewed, and is provided with a sight glass 3.
  • a pressure chamber 4 contains a retaining spring 5 for receiving a watch housing 6 to be tested, which contains a watch movement.
  • the watch housing is engaged by transmission pins 7, which transmit the ticking of the watch (this ticking is due to the oscillations of the balance wheel) to a piezoelectric quartz 8.
  • The'oscillating quartz 8 converts the acoustic oscillations in known manner into electric signals, which are conducted in known manner by the lead 9 to the electronic chronograph.
  • Air pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 4 of the pressure chamber body 1 along path A from an inlet pipe 10 through a three-way valve 11, which is controlled by a switch 12.
  • the pressure rise is indicated by a pressure gauge 13.
  • the pressure relief is initiated by a shifting of the three-way valve 1 1 so that the air can escape along path B through an outlet 15.
  • the record of the chronograph shows no change in accuracy compared to normal pressure conditions. If the watch housing is not tight, the test watch shows a distinct lag because the oscillation of the balance wheel is influenced by the changed pressure in such a sense that the watch is slower. This is recorded or indicated by the chronograph.
  • the sight glass 3 enables an observation of the operation of the watch because if the watch is tight the watchglass may press on the hands to stop the watch.
  • FIG. 3 shows a chart plotting the records of two tested watches.
  • the change in accuracy reported as pitch difference in seconds per day or A s/d is plotted as a function of the pressure rise p (in kilograms per square centimeter) for a tight watch housing of the first tested watch (curve a) and for the same watch housing which has been rendered untight (curve b), also for a tight watch housing of the second tested watch (curve 0) and for the same watch housing which has been rendered untight (curve d). It is apparent that the untightness is indicated by a change in accuracy compared to normal pressure.
  • the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 comprises a pressure chamber body 21 and a removable cover 22, which is provided with a clamping rim 23. There is no sight glass in this embodiment.
  • a pressure chamber 24 contains again a retaining spring 25 for receiving a watch housing 26 to be tested, which contains a watch movement.
  • the watch housing 26 is engaged by transmission pins 27, which transmit the ticking of the watch (this ticking is due to the oscillations of the balance wheel) to a piezoelectric quartz 28. These pins serve in this case also to hold the watch.
  • the piezoelectric quartz 28 the acoustic oscillations are converted in known manner into electric signals, which are conducted by a lead 29 to an electronic chronograph.
  • Air pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 24 in the pressure chamber body 21 from an inlet pipe 30 along, path A through a three-way valve 31, which is controlled by a switch 32.
  • the pressure rise is indicated by a pressure gauge 33. Air enters the pressure chamber through a nozzle 34 so that there is no too sudden pressure change, just as during a pressure relief.
  • the three-way valve 31 has been shifted, pressure is relieved through an outlet 35 to the outside.
  • a piston chamber 36 is disposed below the pressure chamber 24- and is connected by a passage 37 also to the passage through which compressed air is admitted and through which the air is exhausted for a pressure relief.
  • the piston 38 comprises a sealing cup 39, which is held by screws 40 and is engaged by, for instance, three clamping levers 41, which also engage the clamping ring 23 of the sealing cover 22 on the inside.
  • these levers serve to increase the sealing force.
  • return springs 42 acting on the piston 38 return the latter so that the clamping levers 41 pivoted at 43 disengage the rim 23 and the cover 22 can be opened as is shown in FIG. 5.
  • the sealing cover 22 is thus automatically closed and opened in response to the air pressure so that there is no need for a manual unscrewing or unclamping and the manufacture in large quantities is facilitated.
  • a method of testing a watch for tightness which comprises operating a watch movement in an associated watch housing
  • a method of testing a watch for tightness which comprises operating a watch movement in an associated watch housing, placing said watch housing containing said operating watch movement in a pressure chamber,
  • Apparatus for testing a watch for tightness which comprises means defining a pressure chamber, means for holding a watch housing containing a watch movement in said pressure chamber, means for subjecting said watch housing in said pressure chamber to a pressure which differs from atmospheric pressure, and means for detecting during the operation of said watch movement in said housing in said pressure chamber any changes in the accuracy of said operation when said housing is subjected to said different pressure compared to the accuracy of the operation of said watch movement in said housing when the latter is under said atmospheric pressure. 5.
  • said means for detecting any change in the operation of said watch movement in said watch housing includes a microphone which is arranged to receive acoustic oscillations produced by said watch movement when the same is operating in said pressure chamber and to convert said acoustic oscillations into electric signals when said watch housing in said pressure chamber is under said atmospheric air pressure and under said different air pressure, and
  • chronograph arranged to receive and record said electric signals and to indicate any changes in the accuracy of the operation of said watch movement in response to the change from said atmospheric air pressure to said different air pressure in said pressure chamber.
  • a pressure gauge is connected to said pressure chambet.
  • said means defining a pressure chamber comprises a body having an opening and a sealing cover adapted to seal said opening and provided with a sight glass enabling an observation of said watch when the latter is supported in said pressure chamber.
  • Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, which comprises a three-way valve, which is shiftable between a first position for connecting said pressure chamber to a source of compressed air and a second position for pressurerelieving said pressure chamber.
  • said means defining a pressure chamber comprise a body having an opening and a sealing cover adapted to seal said opening and means are provided which are responsive to the pressure in said chamber and adapted to force said sealing cover into sealing engagement with said body with a force which increases in response to a pressure rise in said chamber.
  • said piston is contained in said piston chamber and responsive to the pressure therein,
  • lever means comprise a plurality of forceincreasing levers
  • said piston is arranged to exert on said levers a force which varies with said pressure in said piston chamber.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
US00296999A 1971-10-28 1972-10-12 Method and apparatus for testing a watch for tightness Expired - Lifetime US3802251A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19712153682 DE2153682C (de) 1971-10-28 Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Dicht heitsprufung fur Uhren, insbes Armband uhren
DE19722219771 DE2219771C3 (de) 1972-04-22 1972-04-22 Vorrichtung zur Dichtheitsprüfung für Uhren, insbesondere Armbanduhren

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3802251A true US3802251A (en) 1974-04-09

Family

ID=25761963

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00296999A Expired - Lifetime US3802251A (en) 1971-10-28 1972-10-12 Method and apparatus for testing a watch for tightness

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US3802251A (enExample)
JP (1) JPS4852283A (enExample)
FR (1) FR2158061B1 (enExample)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4282744A (en) * 1979-11-02 1981-08-11 Western Electric Co., Inc. Leak testing hermetically sealed electronic articles
US4803868A (en) * 1986-08-29 1989-02-14 Analytical Instruments Limited Hermetically sealed package tester
US20140230526A1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
US20140230525A1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
CN106441728A (zh) * 2015-07-22 2017-02-22 劳力士有限公司 用于测试时钟防水性的方法
EP3611575A1 (en) 2018-08-14 2020-02-19 Invoxia Computer-implemented method and system for diagnosing mechanical default of a mechanical watch, and mechanical watch for implementing said method
CN112764341A (zh) * 2019-10-21 2021-05-07 斯沃奇集团研究及开发有限公司 用于机械表的测量设备
EP3985457A1 (fr) * 2020-10-16 2022-04-20 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Ensemble de mesure du degre d'humidite relative a l interieur d'un boitier de montre

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3292416A (en) * 1963-07-02 1966-12-20 Le Porte Echappement Universal Microphone device
US3355932A (en) * 1965-09-13 1967-12-05 Edward J Mulligan Method and apparatus for testing waterproof watches
US3517547A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-06-30 Ernest Morf Method of and apparatus for checking the tightness of a watchcase
US3690144A (en) * 1969-08-27 1972-09-12 Portescop Le Porte Echappement Piezoelectric microphone

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4102561A (en) * 1975-07-02 1978-07-25 Corning Glass Works Optical waveguide connector

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3292416A (en) * 1963-07-02 1966-12-20 Le Porte Echappement Universal Microphone device
US3355932A (en) * 1965-09-13 1967-12-05 Edward J Mulligan Method and apparatus for testing waterproof watches
US3517547A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-06-30 Ernest Morf Method of and apparatus for checking the tightness of a watchcase
US3690144A (en) * 1969-08-27 1972-09-12 Portescop Le Porte Echappement Piezoelectric microphone

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4282744A (en) * 1979-11-02 1981-08-11 Western Electric Co., Inc. Leak testing hermetically sealed electronic articles
US4803868A (en) * 1986-08-29 1989-02-14 Analytical Instruments Limited Hermetically sealed package tester
US20140230526A1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
US20140230525A1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
US9310272B2 (en) * 2013-02-21 2016-04-12 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
US9488543B2 (en) * 2013-02-21 2016-11-08 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Electronic device provided with automatic leak detection means
CN106441728B (zh) * 2015-07-22 2020-05-12 劳力士有限公司 用于测试时钟防水性的方法
CN106441728A (zh) * 2015-07-22 2017-02-22 劳力士有限公司 用于测试时钟防水性的方法
US9977404B2 (en) 2015-07-22 2018-05-22 Rolex Sa Method for testing the water resistance of a timepiece
EP3611575A1 (en) 2018-08-14 2020-02-19 Invoxia Computer-implemented method and system for diagnosing mechanical default of a mechanical watch, and mechanical watch for implementing said method
US20200057414A1 (en) * 2018-08-14 2020-02-20 Invoxia Computer-Implemented Method And System For Diagnosing Mechanical Default Of A Mechanical Watch, And Mechanical Watch For Implementing Said Method
US11619913B2 (en) * 2018-08-14 2023-04-04 Invoxia Computer-implemented method and system for diagnosing mechanical default of a mechanical watch, and mechanical watch for implementing said method
CN112764341A (zh) * 2019-10-21 2021-05-07 斯沃奇集团研究及开发有限公司 用于机械表的测量设备
US11372375B2 (en) * 2019-10-21 2022-06-28 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Measuring device for a mechanical watch
EP3985457A1 (fr) * 2020-10-16 2022-04-20 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Ensemble de mesure du degre d'humidite relative a l interieur d'un boitier de montre
US11585748B2 (en) 2020-10-16 2023-02-21 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd Assembly for measuring the relative humidity level inside a watch case

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4852283A (enExample) 1973-07-23
FR2158061A1 (enExample) 1973-06-08
FR2158061B1 (enExample) 1977-01-14

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