HK1186531B - Modular mechanical timepiece unit with functional modules - Google Patents

Description

Modular mechanical timepiece unit with functional modules

Technical Field

The invention relates to a functional timepiece module that can be integrated in a mechanical modular unit, wherein the functional module is a mechanical module derived from a subassembly of: the subassembly includes a rigid bridge (bridge) carrying the components necessary to perform the particular horological function of translating movement between at least one input wheel set and at least one output wheel set.

The invention also relates to a mechanical modular unit for a timepiece movement or timepiece comprising a plurality of said functional modules.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a mechanical modular unit of this type.

The invention also concerns a timepiece movement including at least one such mechanical modular unit.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such mechanical modular unit.

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical timepieces, and more particularly to the field of watches.

Background

Modular timepieces are known. Although modular watches are generally known in electronic watches, they are not common in mechanical watches, in which a modular construction is generally more expensive than traditional manufacturing methods, which are generally designed to divide the same basic movement into several small movements with different functions or with different appearances. Only a few additional mechanisms made on the additional board are relatively widely distributed.

Because of the accumulation of assembly gaps between modules, which require tight tolerances for each module, modular construction often imposes limitations on machining high precision interfaces to ensure satisfactory results for the entire unit.

The manufacture of the modules also often has an adverse effect on the overall thickness of the movement, making it difficult to produce an ultra-flat movement or even a generally flat movement.

However, the modular construction has been of great interest to watchmakers, since it allows to disassemble the assembly task. In return for the tighter manufacturing tolerances required for the accumulation of gaps between modules, even less skilled personnel can complete the final assembly operation because the assembly process is simple. However, the final assembly operation still requires the watch manufacturer to have the knowledge and the dexterity involved.

EP patent application No.1079284 to ETA discloses a watch with two main modules, each of which accommodates half of the components.

EP patent application No.0862098 to VOSS discloses a modular watch with a timing mechanism forming the whole module.

EP patent application No.1211578 to ETA discloses an ultra-thin electromechanical movement with stacked modules, which uses tubular elements to compensate for variations in the thickness of the fitting elements.

WO patent application No.2009/056498a1 to juovenot FREDERIC discloses an additional self-winding mechanism in which a pendulum is mounted between a main set of hands on the one hand and a chronograph (chronograph) and an eccentric second hand on the other hand. The mechanism of the accessory is not a module, since it is sandwiched between the components of the main movement and the various spindles and tubes of the movement that pass through the movement.

CH patent application No.647125A3 to DUBOIS & DEPRAZ SA discloses a timepiece with a motor module including a first power take-off integral with its cannon-pinion and a second power take-off integral with the second spindle. The timer module is detachably mounted and the gear train of the timer module is driven by the second power take off. The two power take-offs are concentric and accessible from the same side of the motor module. The timer module is secured between the dial and the top surface of the motor module. The hands form part of a timer module.

US patent application No.2008/112273a1 to PELLATON LOIC (ETA SA) discloses a movement with a fixed support that houses a display module comprising: a center bar clamp plate secured to the support; and an annular display member which is freely rotatable about the center bar clamp plate against the fixed support. The display member has a contact surface. The central strip clamp comprises three positioning surfaces (formed by three projections cooperating with said contact surfaces) to axially position the display member on the fixed support. The center bar clamp plate includes three mounting faces that are axially and angularly offset relative to the locating surface. The display member has three projections. The contact surface, the positioning surface, the fitting surface and the protrusion are arranged to together form a bayonet fitting system for mounting the display member on the bar clamp.

GIRARDIN FREDERIC, U.S. patent application No.2011/110199a1 discloses a module for actuating an element of a movement, intended to be mounted on a movement frame. The module comprises a mechanism comprising: a pivoting control stem that moves between axial positions; a control pinion gear that rotates integrally with the control stem; at least one actuation member arranged to cooperate with the control pinion at one axial position of the stem. The control pinion translates with the stem as the stem moves from one axial position to another. The module comprises: a separate housing containing the mechanism; a connection member coming out of said housing and arranged to kinematically connect said actuation member to the element of the movement to be actuated, so that said actuation member can actuate said element regardless of the position of the module on the frame of the movement.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention overcomes some of the problems of the prior art by proposing a mechanical modular unit that can be assembled without using an operator while ensuring the accuracy of the working parameters through adjustment by trial and test and at a lower production cost than conventional manufacturing methods.

The invention therefore relates to a functional timepiece module that can be integrated in a mechanical modular unit, said functional module being derived from a subassembly comprising a rigid bridge carrying the components necessary to perform a specific timepiece function that converts movement between at least one input wheel set and at least one output wheel set, characterized in that said subassembly is autonomous and comprises all the components necessary to perform said specific timepiece function, since said input wheel set is set in motion by means external to said module; characterized in that said sub-assembly comprises adjustment and/or assembly means which are irreversibly fixed to said separate sub-assembly after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function has been performed on the test bench; wherein said module resulting from the conversion of said sub-assembly by irreversible fixing of said adjustment and/or assembly means comprises at least one first bearing surface and a positioning means for identifying said module and positioning said module with respect to other elements of said mechanical modular unit or with respect to a machine plate, said positioning being achieved by said first bearing surface abutting against a complementary bearing surface comprised in said other elements or said machine plate.

The invention also relates to a mechanical modular unit for a timepiece movement or timepiece comprising a plurality of such functional modules, characterized in that each of said functional modules is irreversibly adjusted by irreversibly fixing said adjusting and/or fitting part of each of said functional modules; it is also characterized in that on the first bearing surface of each of said functional modules, said functional modules cooperate in pairs or respectively in abutment with a plate or bridge comprised in said mechanical modular unit.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a mechanical modular unit of this type, in which:

-storing a list of assembled parts of the mechanical modular unit in a control device, comprising: at least one functional module for each specific timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit, the assembly order of said mechanical modular unit, the relative assembly positions between the parts of said list, the instructions relating to loose or irreversible fixed holding for each part,

-irreversibly converting, for each of said functional modules, a subassembly of each of said functional modules into a usable functional module after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function have been performed on the test bench;

-storing the components required for the assembly list of mechanical modular units in a storage location, comprising: at least one functional module for each specific timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit, each said functional module having been irreversibly adjusted after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function have been performed on the test bench;

-a manipulator controlled by a control device is programmed to find each of said components or functional modules to be assembled in a predefined order specific to each of said assembly lists of said mechanical modular units;

-shape recognition means are programmed to operate said manipulator so as to pick up each of said functional modules according to positioning means comprised in each of said functional modules, so as to arrange said module in an assembly position with respect to another of said functional modules or said deck or a bridge of said mechanical modular unit, and in a precise position set by said control means according to the data collected by said shape recognition means;

the precisely arranged elements of the mechanical modular unit are always irreversibly fitted to each other.

The invention also concerns a timepiece movement including at least one such mechanical modular unit.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such mechanical modular unit.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a timepiece having a movement comprising a mechanical modular unit according to the invention, which in turn contains a plurality of functional modules according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a partially schematic exploded view of a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement formed by a mechanical modular unit according to the invention, which combines several functional modules of the invention, some of which are shown transparently or with parts removed.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic partially exploded side view of a mechanical modular unit according to the invention, which combines several functional modules according to the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of three successive conversion steps of a subassembly, wherein in a first view the subassembly is assembled, in a second view the subassembly is inspected and adjusted, and in a third view the subassembly is irreversibly converted into a functional module according to the invention and the adjustment is permanently fixed.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical timepieces, and more particularly to the field of watches.

The invention concerns both a functional timepiece module 1 that can be integrated into a mechanical modular unit 100 and a mechanical modular unit 100 that is formed in a particular way by said module 1, possibly completed by other components.

The functional module 1 according to the invention is a mechanical module originating from a subassembly 1A. This subassembly 1A comprises a rigid bridge 2 carrying the components necessary to perform the specific horological functions of translating the movement between at least one input wheel set 3 and at least one output wheel set 4.

According to the invention, since the input wheel set 3 is set in motion by a device external to the module 1, the subassembly 1A is autonomous and comprises all the components necessary to perform the specific timepiece function.

According to the invention, the subassembly 1A comprises an adjustment and/or fitting part 9, which adjustment and/or fitting part 9 is irreversibly fixed to the separate subassembly 1A after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function has been performed on the test stand.

The actual functional module 1 is a pre-adjusted module resulting from the transformation of this type of subassembly 1A by its adjustment and/or irreversible fixing of the fitting part 9. Fig. 4 shows an example of converting the subassembly 1A into the pre-adjustment function module 1 by fixing the fixing screws 9 to the housing or the like by means of punch marks (punch marks) or laser micro-welding or the like.

The incorporation of the pre-conditioned functional module 1 is an essential aspect of the invention, since each function corresponding to a particular module is therefore tested as early as possible and at a lower cost. The adjustment is performed completely at once for each module. The irreversible fixing of the adjusting means 9 in the respective module 1 ensures that the previously performed adjustment in the respective memory module 1 does not deteriorate over time. Since the final assembly list includes fewer components, management of the final assembly operation is simplified.

Module 1 comprises at least one first bearing surface 5 and one positioning means 6 for identifying module 1 and positioning module 1 with respect to other elements of this type of mechanical modular unit 100 or with respect to a plate comprised in said unit 100, said positioning being achieved by first bearing surface 5 abutting against a complementary bearing surface comprised in said other elements or said plate.

The concept of "bearing surface" is to be understood in the broadest sense. The "bearing surface" may also be formed by a hole or mandrel or a flat surface or other element.

The positioning means can be designed to be positioned with or without contact, and can take a variety of forms which can be combined with each other:

in an advantageous variant for automated manufacturing, the positioning means 6 comprise optical positioning means for optical recognition and positioning of the module 1,

in another variant, said locating means 6 comprise contactless locating means of inductive, capacitive, acoustic or ultrasonic type, for the identification and location of the module 1,

in another variant, or more advantageously, in addition to any of the previous variants, said positioning means 6 comprise mechanical positioning means for mechanical identification and positioning of the module 1, such as sensors, stop members, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the first bearing surface 5 is flat and perpendicular to the insertion direction D.

Preferably, the functional module 1 comprises at least one second bearing surface 7 parallel to the first bearing surface 5. This arrangement facilitates automatic assembly by paraxial (paraxial) positioning relative to the insertion direction D, in which some parts or modules are stacked with their bearing surfaces in contact with each other perpendicular to the insertion direction D.

Advantageously, in order to ensure some cooperation between the assembled parts, in particular between toothed wheels, or between wheels and racks, ratchets, etc., or to ensure the positioning of cams, jumper springs, pawls, fingers (fingers), pushers, etc., the functional module 1 comprises at least one pivoting guide element 8, which element 8 enables the module to be preassembled while allowing a pivoting freedom of the module. This fit can thus be ensured in the final pivoting movement of the module 1. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, this pivoting guide is carried out with respect to a direction parallel to the insertion direction D, in particular according to the characteristics of european patent application No.11005713 by the present applicant.

In one variant, the module 1 comprises the following guide members: which are arranged to cooperate with complementary guide members comprised in another module 1 or with parts of the mechanical modular unit 100 or plates of said unit, so that a similar cooperation is achieved by translation or parallel adjustment in one plane. Preferably, the guide member is made in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D.

The first type of functional module 10 is a motor module 11 comprising at least one barrel wheel (barrel) 110, the input wheel set of said barrel wheel 110 being formed by a barrel spindle 111 cooperating with a ratchet wheel 12, said ratchet wheel 12 being integrated or not in said motor module 11 and being arranged to be pivoted by a manual winding mechanism or winding and time-setting mechanism 15 or from a winding mechanism or from a winding module 18, the above bars forming at least one spring 112 in at least one drum (drum) 113 of the output wheel set 4 of said motor module 11. The drum 113 is arranged to drive an input pinion 131 of the gear train or gear train module 13.

Another type of functional module 1 is a gear train module 13, the input wheel set 3 of said gear train module 13 being formed by an input pinion 131 arranged to cooperate with the drum 113, and the first output wheel set 4A of said gear train module 13 being formed by a fourth wheel 132 arranged to cooperate with an escape pinion 161, said escape pinion 161 being connected to an escape wheel 160 comprised in the escapement or regulating module 16.

Advantageously, the functional module 1, in particular the gear train module 13, comprises a second output wheel set 4B formed by a display wheel train 133, said display wheel train 133 being arranged to cooperate with a display member 13A of the gear train module 13, or with a display module 14, which display module 14 is external to said gear train module 13 and contains a display member 14A.

Another type of functional module 1 is a display module 14, the input wheel set 3 of which display module 14 is formed by a display wheel set 133 comprised in a gear train mechanism or gear train module 13, and the output wheel set 4 of said display module 14 is formed by at least one indicator 140 arranged to cooperate with a complementary indicator 141 or with a dial plate comprised in said display module 14 or in a timepiece incorporating said module.

Advantageously, said gear train module 13 or display module 14 comprises a motion work mechanism (kinematic work mechanism) frictionally connected to the gear train disclosed in EP patent application No.11177840 of the applicant and comprising a fourth wheel set preassembled on a central tube, which is the subject of EP patent application No.11177839 of the applicant.

Another type of functional module 1 is a time-setting module 15, the input wheel set 3 of said time-setting module 15 being formed by a stem 150 arranged to be moved by a user, and the first output wheel set 4C of said time-setting module 15 being formed by a motion work control train 151.

Preferably, said time-setting module 15 is also a time-setting and winding module 15A and comprises a second output wheel set 4D formed by a winding control train 152.

Advantageously, this module 15 is made by means of a winding stem mechanism according to EP patent application No.11170180, in the name of the present applicant. The module 15 can also integrate a device for manual winding via pressure on the stem according to EP patent application No.11177838 of the present applicant.

In a particular embodiment, the module 15 is based on a bridge made of a plastic material, preferably a highly resistant filled plastic (high resistance filled plastics), for example 30% or 40% polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or a polyamide, such as polyamide 12 (polylaurmide) (PA 12), and having a maximum thickness close to 2.5mm, the choice of these materials ensuring a good stiffness even with large section differences in the bridge 15.

The stem mechanism module 15 is designed for automatic assembly and inspection. The studs (stud) are pressed onto the bridge plate and advantageously penetrate through the bridge plate and protrude from both sides of the bridge plate. The wheel, the lever, the sliding gear and the pull-out piece are arranged on the pin; before the first part of the train, which in particular comprises a sliding gear for selecting between two wheels (one for controlling the time-setting function and the other for controlling the winding function), is permanently defined by a retaining plate, which is preferably achieved by laser welding the cover plate at several points just below the surface at the end of the pin as pivot spindle or through the cover plate, an optical inspection is carried out with a camera on the first part of the train. This irreversible assembly means that before the lever holding plate is set in place and welded in several positions, a manipulator (manipulator) can turn the assembly over in a completely safe manner in order to assemble the components on the other side, which is checked by the camera. The kinematic chain starting from the stem 150 is then completed and a mechanical functional check is carried out in the three positions T1, T2, T3 of the stem in both directions of rotation. The module 15 advantageously comprises a pivoting lever for retaining the stem, as disclosed in the above-cited EP patent application No. 11170180. The operation of the lever is mechanically checked by temporarily pulling out the stem, but this does not occur until the final assembly of the movement.

Another type of functional module 1 is a regulating module 16, said regulating module 16 comprising a regulating unit, the input wheel set 3 of said regulating module 16 being formed by an escape wheel 160, this escape wheel 160 being arranged to be moved by a fourth wheel 132 comprised in a gear train or gear train module 13, and the output wheel set 4 of said regulating module 16 being formed by said same escape wheel 160.

Advantageously, this platform (platform) escapement regulating module 16 is made according to the features of EP patent applications No.11005713 and No.11179181 of the present applicant. For the external fixation of the balance spring, the adjustment module 16 advantageously comprises a pin joined to the bar (bar) and having a width large enough to be identified before it is permanently joined. Advantageously, this regulating module 16 comprises a balance with a small molded cast roller according to EP patent application No.11194061.5 of the present applicant. The assembly of the conditioning module 16 includes optical camera inspection, inter-axis and distance measurements before the conditioning module 16 is permanently adjusted and fixed. The clamp-type clamping means enable the adjustment module 16 to be held in position, so that the adjustment module 16 can be turned over to complete the welding points on the side not visible to the watch user.

A particular functional module 1 is a self-winding module 18, the input wheel set 3 of said self-winding module 18 being formed by a pendulum 180 moved by the action of a user or by an external tool, and the output wheel set 4 of said self-winding module 18 being formed by a drive train 183 of a ratchet wheel 12 comprised in a motor mechanism or motor module 11, or by a drive train of a ratchet wheel 12 engaged with a bar shaft (barrel arbor) comprised in a motor mechanism or motor module 11.

Advantageously, the pendulum 180 is made according to the characteristics of EP patent application No.11188261 of the applicant.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, in addition to the input wheel set 3 and/or the output wheel set 4 of the functional module 1, the functional module 1 is contained in two parallel planes forming a first plane bearing surface 5 (which is perpendicular to the insertion direction D) and a second bearing surface 7. The formed functional module 1 can thus be easily juxtaposed as if cards were stacked in a group of cards. Of course, if input wheel set 3 and/or output wheel set 4 protrude from a module, cutouts or channels are formed in adjacent modules to allow mating and stacking.

The locating means 6 for identifying and locating the module 1 may take a variety of forms. Preferably, the positioning means 6 are formed by one or more marks produced during the machining of certain parts of the module, in particular on the first planar bearing surface 5 and the second bearing surface 7. In particular, for parts made by bar turning (bar turning), the positioning means may form a central groove, and similarly for parts made in the machining center, the positioning means may comprise a milled groove or shoulder, which is inexpensive to manufacture and easily recognizable by a camera. The positioning member may be formed by screen printing or the like.

In a particular embodiment, the functional module 1 may also have at least one recessed machined portion (such as a hole) and/or at least one protruding machined portion (such as a journal or boss) made with greater tolerances on at least one component of the functional module 1, so that the module 1 can be easily stored on a storage tray, or held on a conveyor belt, or held in any similar manner required for handling the module 1 during the assembly cycle of the mechanical modular unit 100 comprising the module 1.

Advantageously, the machined parts are manufactured in a cost-effective manner, the tolerances of which are independent of the adjustment of the timepiece and are of the order of 0.05mm to 0.10mm or more. In one particular embodiment in which two adjacent modules 1 in the mechanical modular unit 100 are arranged in this manner, one with a female tooling portion and the other with a male tooling portion, it is advantageous to combine these two tooling portions during assembly, not for precise centering (which is not possible due to their respective tolerances), but for irreversibly fixing them to each other by gluing, welding, soldering, heading or other methods, the gap between the female and male tooling portions being chosen to be about 0.05mm to 0.10mm or more and being used for inserting adhesives, solders or the like. At least one of the female and male tooling portions may also form a groove of sacrificial material for localized transformation, e.g., the journal may be locally melted to form a weld with the hole it mates with.

In a particular variant, the pre-adjustment of the functional module 1 takes into account the assembly stresses with other modules or components forming a larger unit.

In particular, the functional module 1 can have a prestress on a bridge or the like.

In an advantageous variant, in order to withstand the high traction stresses that may be exerted on certain mandrels, the functional module 1 comprises a support made of a high-resistance filled plastic material, such as PPS30 or PPS 40. In order to meet the same resistance requirements, the components of the functional module are mounted on through-hole metal pins pressed into the support, rather than on pins moulded with the support, which may not be sufficiently strong in shear. These components are then immobilized on the first side by welding to the first end of the pin. The advantage of using this type of support is that the components can be assembled from two sides. In an automated assembly process, after the components have been assembled on one side, the support can be turned over in an intermediate assembly stage, and then the components can be easily mounted on the second side and immobilized by welding the second ends of the respective pins. Of course, the support can be turned as many times as necessary, since there is no risk of losing any parts.

It is clear that the modular construction according to the invention allows in particular access from both sides with respect to the intermediate support, which is not possible in conventional assemblies in which all the components are mounted on the same side of the panel and in which the panel cannot be turned over while working. It can even be said that in order to perform such assembly and double-sided welding, the modular construction must be used.

In a preferred variant, movement 100 comprises at most one screw located on pendulum 180, if movement 100 has a screw. All other connections can be made without screws.

In one particular variant, which does not include a pendulum, movement 100 does not have screws at all.

Limiting the number of screws or omitting screws is an important factor to prevent poor adjustment or malfunction.

The invention also relates to a mechanical modular unit 100 of this type for a timepiece movement 1000 or a timepiece 2000 comprising a plurality of functional modules.

According to the invention, the mechanical modular unit 100 comprises a plurality of functional modules 1 thus defined.

In a first embodiment, after inspection and adjustment on the test bench (which is intended to provide very specific operating parameters to the module), at least one of the functional modules 1 is irreversibly adjusted by irreversibly fixing the adjusting and/or fitting components 9 of the functional module 1.

In another embodiment, each functional module 1 is irreversibly adjusted by irreversibly fixing the adjustment and/or fitting means 9 of the functional module 1 after inspection and adjustment on the test bench (which is intended to provide very specific operating parameters to the module).

On the first bearing surface 5 of each functional module 1, said functional module 1 cooperates in pairs or respectively with a plate 10 or with a bridge comprised in said mechanical modular unit 100.

In a particular embodiment, the mechanical modular unit 100 is assembled such that all functional modules 1 comprised in the mechanical modular unit 100 are irreversibly assembled to each other.

The composition of the mechanical modular unit 100 according to the invention is deliberately different from traditional timepiece structures in which the components are mounted one after the other on the plate and the operation of the movement is finally tested, which means that at the end all the adjustment work is carried out, often requiring partial disassembly for final modification and adjustment operations.

The irreversible fixing of the functional modules 1 to each other or to the same plate 10 is also different from the traditional timepiece embodiments. The mechanical modular unit 100 according to the invention is not removable in the aftermarket requirements. In fact, it is irreversibly assembled, which ensures that the adjustments made can last over time, both for the individual functional modules and for the mechanical modular unit 100 as a whole assembled. The purpose of the fixed module 1 is to accurately prevent any loosening and relative movement between the components, which often causes failure during use. This design thus prevents malfunctions, while once the mechanical modular unit 100 is completely irreversibly assembled, it cannot be disassembled again.

In an advantageous embodiment, each irreversibly pre-conditioned functional module fixed to the machine plate 10 or to another pre-conditioning functional module 1 is a mechanical module.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling a mechanical modular unit 100 of this type, in which:

-storing a list of assembled components of said mechanical modular unit 100 in a control device, comprising: at least one functional module 1 for each specific timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit 100, the assembly order of said mechanical modular unit 100, the relative assembly positions between the parts of said list, the instructions related to the loose or irreversible fixed retention of each part,

-for each of said functional modules 1, irreversibly converting the subassembly 1A of each of said functional modules 1 into a usable functional module 1 after the adjustment and functional check of the specific timepiece function that said specific functional module 1 must perform have been performed on the test bench;

storing the components required for the assembly list of the mechanical modular unit 100 in a storage location, comprising: at least one functional module 1 for each specific timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit 100, each said functional module 1 having been irreversibly adjusted after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function have been performed on the test bench, so it is clear that all the components and modules 1 forming the mechanical modular unit 100 are ready for use, no longer requiring a change or adjustment;

-the manipulator controlled by the control means is programmed to find each of said components or functional modules 1 to be assembled in a predefined order specific to each of said assembly lists of said mechanical modular units 100;

-shape recognition means are programmed to operate said manipulator in order to pick up each of said functional modules 1 according to the positioning means 6 contained in each of said functional modules, so as to arrange said module at an assembly position with respect to another of said functional modules 1 or said deck 10 or a bridge of said mechanical modular unit 100, and in a precise position set by said control means according to the data collected by said shape recognition means;

the precisely arranged elements of the mechanical modular unit 100 are always irreversibly assembled to each other. This irreversible assembly does not allow any subsequent disassembly. Such irreversible assembly may be performed by bonding, welding, brazing, riveting, upsetting, or other means.

Preferably, the following memory is incorporated in the control means: this memory contains the shape of each component and/or module 1 required by said assembly list of said mechanical modular units 100. The shape recognition means are programmed to operate the manipulator so as to pick up each part and/or module 1 according to the stored shape, so as to place said each part and/or module 1 in an assembly position with respect to the functional module 1 or with respect to the components of the unit 100 or with respect to the deck 10 or with respect to the bridge comprised in said mechanical modular unit 100, and to keep said part in a precise position set by the control means according to the data collected by the shape recognition means during the manipulation. According to the instructions listed in the list on loose hold or irreversible fixed hold, the component is irreversibly fitted in place on a subassembly of the mechanical modular unit 100 during handling or loosely held during handling before the degree of freedom of the component is reduced due to positioning and fixing other components named later in the assembly sequence on the list.

Preferably, therefore, each functional module 1 is irreversibly fixedly held, or clamped between other components, or confined in a sealed housing, or held stationary, by irreversible fixing methods or welding methods or adhesive methods or other methods, which ensure that the module cannot be disassembled with respect to other components or with respect to other functional modules 1 or with respect to the deck 10 or with respect to a bridge plate comprised in the mechanical modular unit 100.

Preferably, before storing the functional modules 1, in the process of preparing the components on the list, on at least one and preferably on each functional module 1, a first flat bearing surface 5 perpendicular to the insertion direction D and at least one second bearing surface 7 parallel to the first bearing surface 5 are formed.

Furthermore, during the assembly of a functional module 1 into a mechanical modular unit 100, on the flat surfaces of both sides, said module is placed in an assembly position with respect to another functional module 1 or said plate 10 or a bridge comprised in said mechanical modular unit 100, and at a precise position set by said control means according to the data collected by said shape recognition means.

Preferably, all translational movements of the manipulator are controlled so as to insert the component and/or the module 1 in a direction parallel to a single insertion direction (D).

Preferably, the shape recognition means used comprise optical positioning means for optical recognition and positioning of each module 1.

The movement 100 including these functional modules 1 is assembled according to the same principle. The assembly of some of the components of the movement therefore comprises similar checking and irreversible fixing steps before use. This is particularly true when the gear train is assembled on the plate 10, once this gear train is irreversibly fixed by means of welding, a gear train module is formed.

The automatic assembly of the gear train begins with the preparation of the machine plate 10 by etching in the machine plate 10 the identification marks, the anti-counterfeiting marks and the traceable production code of the movement required for the after-market services, preferably by laser etching. Preparing a base pipe on a specific stand, placing and pressing a machine plate on a shoulder of the base pipe and riveting the base pipe; a fourth mandrel is prepared on the stand, on which the aforementioned subassembly is placed, and then the pinion (pinion) is placed on top of the fourth mandrel and pressed into the fourth mandrel to fix this pinion. The centre wheel is then positioned, the combination of the camera, the rotary manipulator and the positioning robot then enables the third wheel to be positioned and similar manipulation operations are performed to position the intermediate plate and any other wheels in the correct transmission. Then, a holding plate for the gear train is welded at some positions. According to specific manufacturing rules, the necessary lubrication is performed during assembly, the lubrication being sufficient to enable the mechanical function detection of the gear train to be performed by mechanical and/or fluid drive.

The invention also concerns a timepiece movement 1000 comprising at least one such mechanical modular unit 100.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, cartridge 100 does not include an index-assembly (index-assembly) in which the balance spring is secured. In fact, adjusting the rate by direct mechanical action on the balance means that this mechanism is no longer required. Thus, a shock absorber is no longer required to hold the non-existent fast and slow needle assembly, which allows more freedom in the design of the damping device.

Advantageously, movement 100 comprises simple, inexpensive and compact top and bottom cylindrical shock absorbers.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 2000 comprising at least one such mechanical modular unit 100.

The invention has the advantage that functional modules are incorporated in the mechanical modular unit, each functional module having been pre-adjusted and pre-tested, without any subsequent adjustment being required at the final assembly stage of the mechanical modular unit. The reliability of this type of unit is therefore very good.

The invention also allows to optimize the internal volume of the movement by making it possible to make flat movements not possible in the embodiments of the prior art, which comprise additional mechanisms, each comprising a plate stacked on other plates and on the main plate.

The design choice directed to the automated final assembly guided by the shape recognition device allows for greater tolerances in the dimensions of the interface between the modules. However, when it is preferred that the bearing surface at these interfaces is a flat surface, the quality of the bearing surface at these interfaces must be perfect, especially in terms of flatness.

Claims (26)

1. A functional timepiece module (1), the functional timepiece module (1) being capable of being integrated in a mechanical modular unit (100), the functional timepiece module (1) originating from a subassembly (1A) comprising a rigid bridge (2) carrying the components necessary to perform a specific timepiece function that converts movement between at least one input wheel set (3) and at least one output wheel set (4), characterized in that the subassembly (1A) is autonomous and comprises all the components necessary to perform the specific timepiece function, since the input wheel set (3) is set in movement by means external to the functional timepiece module (1); said sub-assembly (1A) comprises an adjustment and/or assembly part (9), said adjustment and/or assembly part (9) being irreversibly fixed on said sub-assembly (1A) after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function has been performed on the test bench; the functional timepiece module (1) is a pre-adjustment module and results from the conversion of the subassembly (1A) by irreversible fixing of the adjustment and/or assembly part (9), comprising at least one first bearing surface (5) and a positioning part (6) for identifying the functional timepiece module (1) and positioning the functional timepiece module (1) with respect to other elements of the mechanical modular unit (100) or with respect to a plate, the positioning being achieved by the first bearing surface (5) abutting against a complementary bearing surface contained in the other elements or the plate.

2. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means (6) comprise optical positioning means for optically identifying and positioning the functional timepiece module (1).

3. Functional horological module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locating means (6) comprise acoustic or ultrasonic locating means for identifying and locating the functional horological module (1).

4. Functional horological module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning means (6) comprise mechanical positioning means for mechanically identifying and positioning the functional horological module (1).

5. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first bearing surface (5) is flat and perpendicular to the insertion direction (D).

6. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 5, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) includes at least one second bearing surface (7) parallel to the first bearing surface (5).

7. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) includes at least one pivoting guide member (8) parallel to the insertion direction (D).

8. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) is a motor module (11) and includes at least one barrel wheel (110), the input wheel set (3) of the barrel wheel (110) being formed by a barrel spindle (111) cooperating with a ratchet wheel (12), the ratchet wheel (12) being integratable or not in the motor module (11) and being arranged to be pivoted by a manual winding mechanism or winding and time setting mechanism (15) or from a winding mechanism or from a winding module (18) for winding at least one spring (112) in at least one drum (113) forming the output wheel set (4) of the motor module (11), the drum (113) being arranged to drive a gear train or an input pinion (131) of a gear train module (13).

9. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) is a gear train module (13), the input wheel set (3) of the gear train module (13) being formed by an input pinion (131) arranged to cooperate with the drum (113), and the first output wheel set (4A) of the gear train module (13) being formed by a fourth wheel (132) arranged to cooperate with an escape pinion (161) connected to an escape wheel (160) comprised in an escapement or regulating module (16).

10. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 9, wherein the gear train module (13) includes a second output wheel set (4B) formed by a display wheel train (133) arranged to cooperate with a display member (13A) contained in the gear train module (13) or with a display module (14) external to the gear train module (13).

11. Functional horological module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional horological module (1) is a display module (14), the input wheel set (3) of the display module (14) being formed by a display wheel set (133) comprised in a gear train mechanism or a gear train module (13), and the output wheel set (4) of the display module (14) being formed by at least one indicator (140) arranged to cooperate with a complementary indicator (141) or with a dial comprised in the display module (14) or a timepiece incorporating it.

12. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) is a time setting module, the input wheel set (3) of which is formed by a stem (150) arranged to be moved by a user, and the first output wheel set (4C) of which is formed by a motion work control train (151).

13. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 12, wherein the time setting module is a time setting and winding module (15A) and includes a second output wheel set (4D) formed by a winding control train (152).

14. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional timepiece module (1) is a regulating module (16) including a regulating unit, the input wheel set (3) of the regulating module (16) being formed by an escape wheel (160), the escape wheel (160) being arranged to be moved by a fourth wheel (132) comprised in a gear train or gear train module (13), and the output wheel set (4) of the regulating module (16) being formed by the same escape wheel (160).

15. Functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional timepiece module (1) is a self-winding module (18), the input wheel set (3) of the self-winding module (18) being formed by a pendulum (180) moved by the action of the user or by an external tool, and the output wheel set (4) of the self-winding module (18) being formed by a drive train of a ratchet wheel (12) comprised in the motor mechanism or motor module (11), or by a drive train of a ratchet wheel (12) meshing with a bar shaft comprised in the motor mechanism or motor module (11).

16. Mechanical modular unit (100) for a timepiece movement (1000) or a timepiece (2000) comprising at least one pre-adjusted functional timepiece module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one functional timepiece module (1) is irreversibly adjusted by irreversibly fixing the adjusting and/or fitting parts (9) of the at least one functional timepiece module (1); on a first bearing surface (5) of each functional timepiece module (1), the functional timepiece module (1) cooperates in pairs or respectively in abutment with a plate (10) or with a bridge comprised in the mechanical modular unit (100).

17. Mechanical modular unit (100) for a timepiece movement (1000) or a timepiece (2000) according to claim 16, wherein each functional timepiece module (1) is irreversibly pre-adjusted by irreversibly fixing the adjusting and/or fitting parts (9) of each functional timepiece module (1); on a first bearing surface (5) of each functional timepiece module (1), the functional timepiece module (1) cooperates in pairs or respectively in abutment with a plate (10) or with a bridge comprised in the mechanical modular unit (100).

18. Mechanical modular unit (100) for a timepiece movement (1000) or a timepiece (2000) according to claim 16, wherein all the pre-adjusted functional timepiece modules (1) contained in the mechanical modular unit (100) are irreversibly assembled to each other.

19. A method for assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that:

-storing a list of assembled components of the mechanical modular unit (100) in a control device, comprising: at least one functional timepiece module (1) for each specific timepiece function required by the mechanical modular unit (100), the assembly order of the mechanical modular unit (100), the relative assembly positions between the components of the list, the instructions relating to the loose or irreversible fixed retention of each component,

-for each of said functional horological modules (1), irreversibly converting the sub-assembly (1A) of each of said functional horological modules (1) into a usable functional horological module (1) after the adjustment and functional check of said specific horological function have been performed on the test bench;

-storing the components required for the assembly list of mechanical modular units (100) in a storage location, comprising: -at least one functional timepiece module (1) for each specific timepiece function required by said mechanical modular unit (100), each said functional timepiece module (1) having been irreversibly adjusted after the adjustment and functional check of said specific timepiece function have been performed on a test bench;

-the manipulator controlled by the control means is programmed to find each of said components or functional timepiece modules (1) to be assembled in a predefined order specific to each of said assembly lists of said mechanical modular unit (100);

-shape recognition means are programmed to operate said manipulators in order to pick up each said functional timepiece module (1) according to positioning means (6) contained in it, so as to arrange it in an assembly position with respect to the other said functional timepiece module (1) or said plate (10) or bridge of said mechanical modular unit (100), and in a precise position set by said control means according to the data collected by said shape recognition means;

-the precisely arranged elements of the mechanical modular unit (100) are always irreversibly fitted to each other.

20. Method of assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the following memories are incorporated in the control means: this memory comprises the shape of each part required by the assembly list of the mechanical modular unit (100), the shape recognition means being programmed to operate the manipulator so as to pick up each part according to the stored shape in order to place it in an assembly position with respect to a functional timepiece module (1) or with respect to a plate (10) or with respect to a bridge comprised in the mechanical modular unit (100) and to hold it in a precise position set by the control means according to the data collected by the shape recognition means, and, according to instructions on loose or irreversible fixed holding, the part is irreversibly assembled in place on a subassembly of the mechanical modular unit (100) during the handling phase, or before the freedom of the part is reduced by positioning and fixing other parts subsequently named on the assembly list, the components are loosely held.

21. Method of assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that each of said functional timepiece modules (1) is irreversibly fixedly held with respect to the other components or with respect to the other functional timepiece modules (1) or with respect to said plate (10) or with respect to a bridge plate comprised in said mechanical modular unit (100) by clamping each of said functional timepiece modules (1) between the other components or constrained in a sealed case or held stationary by means of an irreversible fixing method or welding method or gluing method.

22. Method of assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that, before storing said functional timepiece modules (1), on each functional timepiece module (1) there is formed a first flat bearing surface (5) perpendicular to the direction of insertion (D) and at least one second bearing surface (7) parallel to said first bearing surface (5); during the assembly of a functional timepiece module (1) into a mechanical modular unit (100), said functional timepiece module is set in an assembled position with respect to another functional timepiece module (1) or to the plate (10) or to a bridge comprised in the mechanical modular unit (100), on flat surfaces on both sides and at a precise position set by the control means according to the data collected by the shape recognition means.

23. Method of assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that all the translational movements of said manipulator are operated in a single insertion direction (D).

24. Method of assembling a mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 19, wherein the shape recognition means used comprise optical positioning means for the optical recognition and positioning of each of said functional timepiece modules (1).

25. A timepiece movement (1000), the timepiece movement (1000) comprising at least one mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 16.

26. A timepiece (2000), the timepiece (2000) comprising at least one mechanical modular unit (100) according to claim 16.