Universal device for the preparation of a watch

A universal device is for preparation of a watch with a gain/loss correction crown and an oscillating resonator. The device includes winding and a gain/loss corrector with a robotic manipulator for manoeuvring the crown. It also includes an adjustment device with a gain/loss correction device including a gain/loss-corrector oscillator generating an oscillation to subject the watch to an oscillation at a correction frequency NC and/or to a modulated movement. The gain/loss correction device includes a gain/loss controller that controls the oscillation of the gain/loss-corrector oscillator, interfaced with a device to measure the gain/loss of the watch. The gain/loss correction device also includes an automatic winder with a watch-holder stand subjected to the oscillations or movements generated by the gain/loss-corrector oscillator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage entry of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/063145, filed May 21, 2019, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 18173402.1, filed on May 21, 2018, the entire content and disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a universal device for preparing a watch including a first crown for correction of gain/loss in time and an oscillating resonator arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency, said universal preparation device comprising means for winding and for correcting the gain/loss in time of said watch, comprising at least one robotic manipulator for operating said first crown.

The invention also concerns a storage arrangement for a watch bank comprising such a universal preparation device and at least one said watch comprising a time base including at least one oscillating resonator, means of gain/loss correction via a control stem provided with a said first crown, and energy storage means or a barrel, and energy charging means. The invention also concerns a method for adjusting the gain/loss in time of a watch.

The invention concerns the field of watch maintenance and devices for quickly providing the user with a watch from his collection, which has an updated gain/loss adjustment, a satisfactory rate adjustment and is fully charged with energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current winder mechanisms use conventional gearing between an electric motor and a watch-holder. This type of transmission is sufficient for continuous rotation, in economical, low-cost, low-power manufacturing. However, if such a winder mechanism is used for relatively fast back-and-forth motions, in particular an oscillatory motion, which consists in subjecting the watch to vibrations, by moving it around with a modulated movement of adjustment, especially a periodic motion, up to a frequency of 10 Hz or more, impact noises may appear and disturb the user.

The oscillatory motion method is described in Swiss Patents CH713821 and CH713822 by the same Applicant and is very advantageous for the correction of small variations in rate. However, it cannot yet correct, in less than one day, a gain/loss error of more than plus or minus one minute.

Finally, if the minute hand and the seconds hand are not properly indexed with respect to each other, the information can currently be passed on to the client, but the indexing cannot be corrected.

German Patent No. DE10 2008 031124 in the name of GEHRING BERND discloses a device for positioning a watch display, which includes externally controlled means for the adjustment of data and functions, wherein several control units comprise mechanical adjustment units able to act in rotation and/or compression/traction on a watch crown or pusher.

WO Patent Application No. 2012/126978A1 in the name of IMH discloses a multi-function case adaptable for the winding of an automatic or manual watch having one or more displays, wherein the case includes: a box including a removable support arranged for receiving the watch; a winder mechanism is intended to wind the watch when the latter is placed on the removable support. The multi-function case further includes an adjustment mechanism adapted for the adjustment of one or more displays, such that the watch keeps time when placed inside the case. In particular, the device can include a camera for capturing a display position, and image analysis means and means for comparison to a reference.

German Patent No. DE102013012854B3 in the name of GODER REINHARD discloses a device for correcting deterioration in the rate of a watch, or at the very least means for maintaining the rate at a constant value when it is not being worn. Different means of capture, such as a camera with image analysis, laser sensor, microphone, can be connected to a central unit, which receives a reference clock signal, and which controls a mechanism for automatically moving the watch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes to very quickly correct gain/loss errors of more than one minute, particularly for the change of summer/winter time, a different time zone change, or for correcting the date.

To this end, the invention concerns a universal device for preparing a watch according to claim1.

The invention also concerns a storage arrangement for a watch according to claim9.

The invention also concerns a method for adjusting the gain/loss of a watch according to claim14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Swiss Patent Nos. CH00698/17 and CH00699/17 by the same Applicant disclose a smart winder mechanism capable of controlling the frequency of at least one mechanical watch. Various embodiments were envisaged, in particular, variants controlling several watches on the same device, which is a recurring demand from watch lovers and collectors.

Naturally, everything that is described here for a watch, specifically intended for implementation of the invention at a user's home, is applicable to an uncased movement, in the factory or in after-sales service. The term ‘watch’ is thus used for the sake of simplicity, both for a complete watch and simply for its movement.

The invention proposes to improve such a mechanism, with the development of a universal preparation device1000, which includes a smart winder with the following functions:

precisely controlling the frequency of several mechanical watches having at least one oscillating resonator. The device has access to a reference time base. The stand incorporated in the winder imparts an oscillatory motion to each watch, which imposes a reference frequency on the watch balance spring;

using a winder, non-restrictively, with a backlash take-up gear to minimise noise during the oscillatory phases;

correcting large gain/loss errors by reading the time optically and then manipulating the crown.

FIG.1illustrates a winder304with several different watches mounted on the same device. These watches1must, however, all have the following characteristics: their time base must be an oscillating resonator, and they must have an oscillating weight allowing (one or two-directional) automatic winding. This winder304ofFIG.1includes a rotary drum, which carries stands305for receiving watches. All the watches must be mounted on the winder in a vertical or substantially vertical position, i.e. the movement plane passes through the direction of the local gravitational field, or the smallest angle between the movement plane and the direction of the local gravitational field is less than 45°. Positioning with a slight tilt may be advantageous for the purposes of display, for example to exhibit watch collections in a shop window, museum or otherwise, improving visibility for the spectator, especially when he is positioned higher than the winder. Advantageously, such a winder can carry several watches, for example eight in the case ofFIGS.1and2, and particularly up to around a dozen watches, which still makes it possible for the winder to have reasonable dimensions, and it can be placed on a piece of furniture and is easy to move.

Watches1may, however, have different displays (provided there is a dial and hands, or an analogue dial using a disc, roller or suchlike, which can be read and interpreted by an optical means) and any oscillator—especially balance spring—frequency, in practice with a maximum value of 20 Hz. The barrel may be in any state of wind when 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 in succession in front of a fixed vision system303(camera1003+lighting+CPU302) to evaluate its gain/loss, by reading the time and comparing it to a reference clock (symbolised by reference1001), non-restrictively, by a GPS link).

Just as in Swiss Patent Nos. CH00698/17 and CH00699/17 by the same Applicant, it is possible for at least one watch-holder stand305, and more particularly each watch-holder stand305, to have a microphone1003for evaluating the frequency, rate and amplitude of the balance spring (the amplitude measurement—although approximate—makes it possible to evaluate the state of wind of the barrel).FIG.1illustrates a variant with a single fixed microphone1003, for making these measurements, when watch1reaches the right position.

In a variant, at least one stand305is autonomous and incorporates an energy supply means308, such as a cell or battery, one such microphone1003, and a transmitter307, notably with an antenna for transmission to a centralised control means. If this stand does not have its own on board smart system, it is arranged to transmit a signal by means of the centralised control means.

In another variant, at least one stand305is autonomous, and incorporates an energy supply means308, such as a cell or battery, a processor309(CPU), and a transmitter307, notably with an antenna for transmission to a centralised control unit. Since this stand has its own on board smart system, it is able to process the signal and is arranged to then transmit the result of its local processing to the centralised control means.

As will be seen below, in one or other of these variants, at least one such stand305may include at least one gain/loss-corrector oscillator301for correcting the gain/loss of the watch mounted on stand305and/or a master oscillator201for correcting the rate of this watch.

Or, one such stand305may be entirely subjected to the action of at least one gain/loss-corrector oscillator301for correcting the gain/loss of the watch mounted on stand305, and/or a master oscillator for correcting the rate of this watch.

A microphone1003may be a contact microphone or an aerial microphone.

In an advantageous variant, contactless transmission is used between each microphone1003and the control centre, which here includes gain/loss control means302. This contactless transmission facilitates the design of rotating mechanisms like that ofFIG.1, the microphone(s)1003can be mounted on the drum which carries watch-holder stands305, and communicate with a fixed CPU302, or, conversely, microphone(s)1003can be fixed and communicate with a CPU302mounted on the drum that carries watch-holder stands305.

When the frequency, gain/loss and amplitude of each watch are known, it is then possible, as a result of the invention, to wind the watch if necessary, in an optimum manner without stressing the mechanism or the barrel drum, and to correct its gain/loss (to some extent, typically ±30 seconds in one night).

FIG.2illustrates a variant in which winder304does not necessarily have a rotating drum and includes a fixed structure that carries watch-receiving stands305. Fixed vision system303and microphone1003are movable and move towards the various stands.FIG.3represents another winder whose vision system and microphone are movable, and in which the stands are in a fixed position and grouped in rows, a manipulator (not represented), and which carries the vision system and the microphone, is then movable according to Cartesian coordinates. Many other geometric and kinematic arrangements are possible and are limited only by the size and total mass of the universal preparation device according to the invention.

Naturally, it is also possible to combine the embodiments ofFIGS.1and2with a rotating drum carrying the stands and with the fixed vision system303and microphone1002which are movable and move to the various stands.

In a preferred construction, each watch-holder stand305has a motor or a cam or gear system that makes it possible:

either to move watch1in order to adjust it while also winding it through rotation of the whole stand, by the movement of oscillating weight7of watch1when the watch includes such a weight (a movement that can be clockwise or anticlockwise);

or to vibrate watch1by moving it in a modulated movement for adjustment without winding, by compensating for the winding movement caused by the whole stand (in order to avoid overwinding a watch that is completely wound, which would cause premature wear of the barrel drum).

In a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the watch is vibrated in the direction of the degree of freedom of its oscillator, when there is only one degree of freedom.

The four examples below illustrate different possible cases:

a watch A was measured to have an amplitude of 200° and must therefore be wound. It was measured to have a gain of 20 seconds and a basic frequency of 4 Hz, and must therefore be vibrated at a frequency of less than 4 Hz (typically 3.9986 Hz, i.e. minus 30 seconds per day) to slow it down until its gain is brought to 0 seconds (in this example, this will take 16 hours);

a watch B was measured to have an amplitude of 250° and it therefore must be wound a little more. It was measured to have a gain/loss of 0 seconds and a base frequency of 3.5 Hz, and must therefore be vibrated at a frequency equal to 3.5 Hz to maintain its gain/loss at 0 seconds;

a watch C was measured to have an amplitude of 300° and is considered to be wound to maximum capacity. Its orientation is thus kept constant. It was measured to have a loss of 5 seconds and a basic frequency of 3.5 Hz, and must therefore be vibrated at a frequency higher than 3.5 Hz (typically 3.5012 Hz, i.e. plus 30 seconds per day) to accelerate it until its loss is brought to 0 seconds (in this example, this will take 4 hours);

a watch D was measured to have an amplitude of 300° and is thus considered to be wound to maximum capacity. Its orientation is thus kept constant. It was measured to have a gain/loss of 0 seconds and a base frequency of 3 Hz and must therefore be vibrated at a frequency equal to 3 Hz to maintain its gain/loss at 0. Indicators (2 green LEDs in the example ofFIG.1or2—one to specify the state of wind and the other to specify the gain/loss adjustment) make it possible to quickly identify this watch which is then ready to be worn.

FIGS.2and3illustrate two embodiments wherein vision system303is movable and watch-holder stands305are fixed in position relative to the winder assembly, and each movable, particularly pivotable.

The invention proposes in a non-limiting manner to use a backlash take-up gear, a chevron gear or a direct drive. These solutions minimise the noise generated by the back-and-forth motions inherent to the watch vibration principle.

It is known to correct large gain/loss errors by acting on the crown to pivot the gain/loss correction stem, notably to change the time display.

Thus, the invention more particularly concerns a universal device1000for preparing a watch1. This watch1includes a first gain/loss correction crown4and an oscillating resonator2, which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a nominal frequency N0. This universal preparation device1000comprises means for winding and for correcting the gain/loss of watch1, and it comprises at least one robotic manipulator306for operating first crown4.

According to the invention, this universal preparation device1000includes an adjustment device, which includes at least one gain/loss correction device300for correcting the gain/loss of watch1. This gain/loss correction device300includes a gain/loss-corrector oscillator301which is arranged to generate an oscillation at a correction frequency NC, and to subject watch1to an oscillation at correction frequency NC and/or to a modulated movement.

This gain/loss correction device300comprises gain/loss control means302, which are arranged to control the oscillation of gain/loss-corrector oscillator301, and which are interfaced with means303for measuring the gain/loss of watch1.

This gain/loss correction device300includes an automatic winder304for manual or automatic mechanical watches, and includes at least one watch-holder stand305, which is subjected to oscillations and/or movements generated by gain/loss-corrector oscillator301.

More particularly, gain/loss control means302are also arranged to adjust the rate of the watch. To this end, they are also arranged to control an excitation oscillation generated by a master oscillator201at an excitation frequency NE, approximately equal to nominal frequency N0of watch1, or to a multiple integer of the latter, with a master variation-in-rate value AM compared to a reference202, which is lower than the initial variation-in-rate value D1of watch1. These gain/loss control means302are then interfaced with rate measuring means203to measure the variation in rate of watch1.

More particularly, the same oscillator forms both gain/loss-corrector oscillator301and master oscillator201.

State-corrector oscillator301and/or master oscillator201is a higher precision oscillator than those of ordinary commercial watches, such as a regulator oscillator or a quartz oscillator, and is less expensive and more compact and consequently easy to incorporate in a stand305like that represented inFIG.13.

In a variant, automatic winder304for automatic or mechanical watches is motorized and able to automatically wind an automatic watch by moving watch1and its oscillating weight7and/or by the magnetic driving of its oscillating weight7.

In particular, this automatic winder304is able to produce a vibration of at least one magnet, in particular for the magnetic driving of an oscillating weight7.

One improvement consists in the use of a cap, manually added by the user to the crown, or positioned on this crown by a robotic manipulator. The user or manipulator can also place the stem in the gain/loss correction position. Such a cap greatly facilitates the automated correction phase. Indeed, ordinary operations for handling a watch stem require some gentleness, which is difficult to automate, whereas a cap with a standard exterior is relatively simple for the device to handle, with no risk of scratching or breakage. Preferably, in order to adapt to a maximum number of crowns, various caps are available to the user, who can thus select the most suitable one.

In a variant, an automatic vision system is used, which is arranged to identify the shape and dimensions of the crown, and which is interfaced with a control system to determine, in a cap bank of caps410, the most suitable cap for the crown concerned. A robotic manipulator can thus, after (manual or automatic) assembly of this cap on the crown, very easily be coupled to or engaged with the cap, and thus indirectly operate the crown and the stem. In another variant, it is possible to use a movable disc coated with a suitable material, such as, for example, rubber of suitable hardness, placed in contact with the crown by optical force sensors, and then drive the crown in rotation in one direction or the other. This variant has the advantage of being intrinsically adaptable to a crown of any shape or dimensions.

This allows implementation of a mode of use wherein the watch is only wound, and its gain/loss is only corrected when the user or client so requests: indeed, winding using the stem can be performed in a few minutes, as can the gain/loss correction. Correction by the crown can also precisely index the minute hand with the seconds hand.

FIGS.4to10illustrate a proposed algorithm:

FIG.4: the cap41of an array of caps410which is most suitable for crown4of the watch1to be adjusted, is identified;

FIG.5: the stem is pulled out, for example manually, by crown4;

FIG.7: watch1is placed in the device (on standby), which includes a robotic manipulator306which engages with cap41;

FIG.8: when the client wishes to wear his watch, he performs an action on a control means18to activate the gain/loss measuring means303and measure the gain/loss of watch1, the device is then activated;

FIG.9: the gain/loss of watch1is adjusted by robotic manipulator306, controlled by gain/loss control means302; the gain/loss correction and winding operations are performed in succession by the stem. The hands are compared to a reference for an exact gain/loss correction and for perfect indexing between the minute and seconds hands;

FIG.10: after a few minutes, the watch is wound and set to time. An indicator, on control means18here, indicates that the watch is ready to be worn.

It is clear that the gain/loss adjustment and winding device visible inFIGS.7to10can be used alone.

In a variant, this gain/loss adjustment and winding device is combined with universal preparation device100, watch1, taken from a storage arrangement for a watch bank2000, is then placed on one of stands305, on which robotic manipulator306can act. For example, robotic manipulator306can be arranged substantially radially with respect to the rotating drum of the automatic winder ofFIG.1, stands305then have a particular indexing position in order to present the watch stem in a particular orientation in space, and to present the crown, either outside the drum if robotic manipulator306is arranged on the outside of this drum, or towards the centre of the drum if robotic manipulator306is arranged inside the drum, between the stands.

Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one robotic manipulator306, and more particularly each robotic manipulator306, is arranged to manoeuvre a first removable cap41tightly gripping first crown4, or to grip a peripheral groove40comprised in first crown4.

In particular, automatic winder304includes at least one such robotic manipulator306capable of winding, i.e. charging energy storage means5, comprised in watch1, by manoeuvring first crown4, or a second crown9specifically for winding, or a removable cap41tightly gripping said first crown4, or a second removable crown91tightly gripping second crown9, as seen in the watch ofFIG.13.

Advantageously, universal preparation device1000includes a reference clock1001, or is interfaced with such a reference clock1001, to which gain/loss measuring means303, which include a vision system1002, refers. Thus, if the gain/loss relative to clock reference1001is less than one minute, gain/loss control means302are arranged to generate at least one oscillation of gain/loss-corrector oscillator301to return the gain/loss of the watch to the value of reference clock1001, or, if the gain/loss relative to the reference clock is more than one minute, to cause a robotic manipulator306to operate first crown4to adjust the gain/loss of watch1.

In an advantageous variant with rate correction, rate measuring means203include at least one microphone1003for evaluating the frequency, rate and amplitude of oscillating resonator2of watch1. And, if a variation in rate greater than a predetermined threshold is observed, gain/loss control means302are arranged to generate at least one excitation oscillation by means of a master oscillator201at excitation frequency NE to return the variation in rate to the value desired by the user, and more particularly, but not limited to an intermediate value between master value AM and initial value DI of the variation in rate of watch1.

The invention advantageously applies to a storage arrangement for a watch bank2000, which may be a user's collection, or the stock of a retail outlet, or otherwise.

Such a storage arrangement for a watch bank2000advantageously includes one such universal preparation device1000described above, and at least one watch1including a time base having at least one oscillating resonator2, means of gain/loss correction via a control stem provided with a first crown4, energy storage means5or a barrel, energy charging means6. More particularly but not exclusively, these energy charging means6are formed by an automatic winding mechanism including at least one oscillating weight7and/or formed by a manual winding mechanism using the control stem or by a winding mechanism8comprising a second crown9or a pusher. In a particular variant, energy charging means6are formed by an automatic winding mechanism including at least one wheel set inside the case of watch1and arranged to be driven contactlessly by contactless drive means comprised in automatic winder304or stand305, or by a magnetic or electrostatic field.

Each watch1of this storage arrangement for a watch bank2000advantageously includes, for automatic adjustment of the gain/loss thereof, a first groove40around first crown4and/or a first removable cap41arranged to tightly grip first crown4to allow the manipulation thereof in translation and/or rotation by a robotic manipulator306.

More particularly, in such a storage arrangement for a watch bank2000, at least one watch1includes, for the automatic energy charging thereof, a second groove90around said second crown9and/or a second removable cap91arranged to tightly grip second crown9to allow the manipulation thereof in translation and/or rotation by a robotic manipulator306. One variant consists of a driver, disc, ring or suchlike, coated with a suitable material such as rubber, suitable for friction driving, and placed in contact with the winding crown in order to rotate the latter.

Advantageously, at least one watch1of this storage arrangement for a watch bank2000includes a removable cap41,91, for watches, whose internal profile is complementary to the external profile of a crown4,9or of an actuator10(pusher or pull-piece, or the like) comprised in watch1, said removable cap41,91is articulated and/or elastically deformable between a first presentation position in which removable cap41,91can be radially or frontally inserted onto a crown4,9or an actuator10, and a second clamping position in which removable cap41,91is able to grip crown4,9or actuator10tightly longitudinally or radially. And this removable cap41,91includes external gripping means11which, in its second clamping position, are arranged to allow manipulation by a robotic manipulator306in all degrees of freedom. Such a removable cap also forms a means of protecting the crown when the watch is not being used, and its simplicity makes it cost particularly low, the user can thus advantageously systematically place a cap on a crown when he changes watches.

The invention makes it possible to manage a watch collection with two levels of intervention: firstly by correcting large gain/loss variation by the action of a robotic manipulator on the crown of the watch, and secondly by maintaining and finely adjusting the watches on a winder, especially multiple watches, carrying stands equipped with gain/loss-corrector oscillators and, advantageously, rate-corrector oscillators, which may be the same as the preceding oscillators.

Naturally, both the robotic manipulator and the automatic winder equipped with rate and/or gain/loss-corrector oscillators, are each capable of performing the first and second levels of correction, but combining the two provides the advantage of not unduly implementing one or the other of these devices for one particular watch or another.

To this end, gain/loss control means302of this universal preparation device are also arranged to manage the duration of occupation of each stand305by each watch1of a storage arrangement for a watch bank2000, and advantageously include an interface with a computer-aided production management system for managing a schedule for moving the various watches1on the various stands305, which is particularly advantageous in the context of preparing watches prior to shipment in a factory or in an after-sales service, or in a major sales outlet.

These control means preferably perform self-diagnosis, to suggest dispatch to after-sales service if necessary, for example to reset the gain/loss or to correct the maximum oscillation amplitude, or otherwise. This suggestion or warning is simple to achieve by a display on a set of LEDs or suchlike.

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

In this latter case of the sales outlet, universal preparation device1000provides the advantage of very great versatility, since it is not dependent on watch manufacturers, who may have different displays and oscillators set to different frequencies.

The private collector therefore also has a single device, which allows him to maintain a very diverse collection, in the best possible state of availability and in the best possible state of precision, and at a low cost in comparison to his investment in timepieces.