EP1211578A1 - Assembling by piling a plurality of modules forming an electromagnetic device, in particular for an ultra thin time piece - Google Patents

Assembling by piling a plurality of modules forming an electromagnetic device, in particular for an ultra thin time piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1211578A1
EP1211578A1 EP00204244A EP00204244A EP1211578A1 EP 1211578 A1 EP1211578 A1 EP 1211578A1 EP 00204244 A EP00204244 A EP 00204244A EP 00204244 A EP00204244 A EP 00204244A EP 1211578 A1 EP1211578 A1 EP 1211578A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
assembly
timepiece
modules
thickness
zone
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00204244A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1211578B1 (en
Inventor
Baptist Wyssbrod
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Priority to EP00204244A priority Critical patent/EP1211578B1/en
Priority to DE60044850T priority patent/DE60044850D1/en
Priority to AT00204244T priority patent/ATE478364T1/en
Publication of EP1211578A1 publication Critical patent/EP1211578A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1211578B1 publication Critical patent/EP1211578B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B13/00—Gearwork
    • G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/008—Mounting, assembling of components

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an assembly by stack of a plurality of modules making up an electronic device or electromechanical. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ultra-thin timepiece comprising such an assembly.
  • Stacking of a plurality of mechanical modules, electronic and / or electromechanical devices are known to those skilled in the art. Such assemblies are used in particular in the watchmaking field in order to link under the shape of a stack the different modules making up the movement of a timepiece, such as a plate, an electronic module comprising in particular a printed circuit carrying various electronic and electrical components of the part watchmaking, and, where appropriate, a support carrying one or more means drive a timer mechanism.
  • a solution enabling such a assembly consists for example of stacking the various modules on tenons of fixing, then to make the whole integral, for example by riveting, that is to say by plastic deformation of the end of the fixing studs.
  • One such solution is particularly advantageous because the assembly of the various elements composing the modules can be carried out very easily and can in particular be carried out from automatic or semi-automatic.
  • Such an assembly by stacking of modules nevertheless presents a disadvantage in that the vertical precision of the assembly is dependent on the precision and manufacturing tolerances of the various assembled modules, in particular the thickness of the elements constituting them. Although it is relatively easy to manufacture certain components with a determined thickness having low tolerances, such accuracy and low tolerances cannot be guaranteed for each module assembled. In particular, the skilled person meets large difficulties in manufacturing printed circuits whose thickness is guaranteed in a reduced tolerance range. If the skilled person wishes to manufacture a part of watchmaking by incorporating an assembly by stacking modules such as described above, assembly of which at least one module comprises an element of highly variable thickness, such as an electronic module comprising a circuit printed, it cannot guarantee assembly precision and tolerances sufficient for certain applications where such precision is a necessity.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to propose an assembly by stack of various modules making up an electronic device or electromechanical, like a movement of a timepiece, which allows take into account variations in thickness of at least one component of modules assembled to ensure that the assembly has a thickness determined within a reduced tolerance range.
  • the present invention also aims to provide such an assembly which does not, however, involve a substantial complication of the assembly process and does not increase the manufacturing costs of the assembled device.
  • the present invention thus relates to an assembly by stacking a plurality of modules making up an electronic or electromechanical device including the features are set out in claim 1.
  • the present invention also relates to a timepiece electronic or electromechanical including such an assembly and whose Features are set out in claim 5.
  • this timepiece is the subject dependent claims.
  • various modules making up an electromechanical timepiece are assembled in this way to ensure that the thickness of the whole presents great precision allowing in particular to guarantee a determined game at the level of the various mobiles, such as the middle and intermediate wheels and / or the movement timer wheels of the timepiece, play which is necessary to allow operation adequate movement.
  • the assembly according to the present invention is in particular used for the purpose of making an ultra-thin timepiece.
  • an advantage of the present invention lies in particular in its simplicity of Implementation.
  • an intermediate element of tubular form hereinafter called storey tube, is mounted on the fixing pins of assembly, this stage tube being inserted into the assembly orifice of the element assembled whose thickness is not guaranteed so as to maintain this element in support in assembly.
  • This tube of stages presents first and second reference surfaces separated by a determined distance and against which assembly is supported.
  • the intermediate element has, between its two surfaces of reference, an area preferably plastically penetrating into the element concerned, the length of this zone (in the direction of assembly) being such that it makes it possible to absorb the variations in thickness of this element.
  • the two sides of the element whose thickness is not guaranteed do not both come in support on neighboring modules so that the thickness of the joint is not dependent on the thickness of this element but is determined by the two surfaces of reference of the stage tube.
  • coils of motors of the electromechanical timepiece are also advantageously fixed by means of storey tubes.
  • the solution according to the present invention thus makes it possible to obtain a high precision vertical assembly without this resulting in increased complexity and manufacturing costs of the assembled device.
  • Figure 1 shows a partial and schematic plan view of a room electromechanical watchmaking, generally indicated by the numerical reference 1, characterized by a very small thickness and incorporating an assembly by stack according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the timepiece illustrated in Figure 1 taken along the line of section A-A 'of this same figure.
  • the illustrated timepiece 1 includes in particular a box or case-back 2, preferably made of plastic, formed of a middle part 21 and a base 22 made in one piece, a movement 3 formed by an assembly by stacking various modules (assembly which will be described in more detail below), a dial 4 arranged above movement 3, as well as a window 5.
  • a box or case-back 2 preferably made of plastic, formed of a middle part 21 and a base 22 made in one piece, a movement 3 formed by an assembly by stacking various modules (assembly which will be described in more detail below), a dial 4 arranged above movement 3, as well as a window 5.
  • Figure 3 which will also be referred to as much as necessary, shows an enlarged view, designated B, of the sectional view of FIG. 2.
  • the timepiece illustrated in the figures is the result of developments made by the Applicant with a view to designing a part ultra-thin electromechanical watchmaking comprising a plastic box, timepiece which, in addition to conventional analog display organs of the hour, presents analog display devices of a timed time.
  • This timepiece derives, in its philosophy, from a product developed by the Applicant and who saw its first commercialization on the market in 1997 under the name "Swatch SKIN” (registered trademark). For your information, we can refer to the article "Swatch SKIN - The ultra-flat plastic watch", by M. O.
  • the "Swatch SKIN” contains only conventional bodies analog time display including hour and minute hands and is characterized by a thickness of the order of 4 mm.
  • the ultra-thin electromechanical timepiece newly developed by the The Applicant comprises, in addition to the conventional analog display units of the time, three other analog display devices of a timed time, namely a first tenths of a second counter, a second second counter, and a third minute counter and is characterized by a slightly thicker greater than the "Swatch SKIN" by 5.9 mm for a comparable diameter of 37.6 mm. This timepiece is only partially illustrated in the figures.
  • each of the display members of this piece watchmaking is commonly driven by training means (here at number of four) each comprising a bipolar Lavet type motor consisting a rotor, a stator and a coil mounted on the stator. All organs display and drive means are not illustrated in detail in the figures, these are not the subject of the present invention. However, some of these elements is apparent from the figures.
  • the present invention is specifically intended for a assembly by stacking of a plurality of modules notably forming the movement of an electronic or electromechanical timepiece.
  • the illustrated timepiece is only an example of application particularly advantageous of the present invention. Indeed, given its complexity and strict constraints in thickness it was necessary to develop a high precision vertical assembly, assembly which is the subject of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is in no way limited to this alone realization and that it can advantageously be applied to any timepiece electronic or electromechanical requiring precise vertical assembly of various modules stacked.
  • the present invention can be applied to any electronic or electromechanical device other than a timepiece comprising a stacking assembly of a plurality of modules in front meet strict thickness tolerance criteria.
  • first bipolar motor 6 of Lavet type consisting of a rotor 61 (partially shown), a stator 62, and a coil 63 wound on a core 64 which is in contact with the stator 62.
  • This first motor conventionally drives the analog display devices via a gear train (not shown).
  • a second bipolar motor 7 of Lavet type consisting of a rotor 71 ( Figure 1 only), a stator 72, and a coil 73 wound on a core 74 which is in contact with the stator 72.
  • the rotor 71 of this second motor 7 rotates a counter wheel 75 carrying a wheel axle counter 76 ( Figure 2) and a counter needle 77 ( Figure 2) indicating, in this case, chronometric information relating to the timed time (e.g. minutes).
  • Two other training means (not shown), similar to the means described above, are similarly arranged in the room clockmaking 1 in order to train the analog display members of the other two chronometric counters (not shown).
  • movement 3 includes an assembly of various stacked modules, namely, starting from the bottom 22, a bottom plate 32, an electronic module 33 comprising in particular a printed circuit 34 and a motor module, generally indicated by the reference 36.
  • the lower plate is for example made of a metallic material and serves including reinforcement for box 2 of the timepiece, box 2 which is preferably made of a plastic material.
  • the electronic module 33 supports, on the printed circuit 34, various electrical and electronic components of the timepiece, in particular a quartz (not shown), an integrated circuit (not shown) intended in particular for control the time functions of the timepiece and control the motors, flanges for connection to a battery (not shown) as well as the coils (coils 63, 73 and other coils not illustrated) means for driving the organs display of the timepiece.
  • a quartz not shown
  • an integrated circuit intended in particular for control the time functions of the timepiece and control the motors
  • flanges for connection to a battery (not shown) as well as the coils (coils 63, 73 and other coils not illustrated) means for driving the organs display of the timepiece.
  • the motor module 36 supports the rotors and stators of the motors (for example the rotors 61, 71 and the stators 62, 72 of the motors 6, 7), as well as the various timer and stopwatch mobiles (for example the counter 75 and counter wheel axle 76). More specifically, the engine module 36 comprises an upper plate 37 on which are in particular riveted the stators of the means for driving the analog display members such as illustrated in figure 2.
  • the bottom plate 32, the electronic module 33 including its circuit printed 34, and the motor module 36 are stacked in this order on a plurality of fixing feet or tenons 24 preferably made of one piece with the bottom 22 of the box 2 and passing through assembly orifices made in the various modules.
  • These assembly orifices are respectively identified by the references number of the corresponding elements followed by the index a.
  • Reference 34a indicates for example an orifice for assembling the printed circuit 34.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 Only three fixing pins 24 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but we will obviously understand that an adequate number of studs are used to ensure stability of the assembly in the timepiece.
  • the fixing lugs 24 are preferably arranged to pass through, in addition to the various modules 32, 33 and 36, holes provided at the ends of the cores on which the coils are wound (for example the cores 64 and 74 of the coils 63 and 73 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2).
  • the holes for assembling the coil cores are also shown by the references of the corresponding elements followed by the index a.
  • at least eight fixing lugs are provided to maintain the four coils of the motors respectively driving the four analog display elements of the timepiece.
  • the various elements follow one another as follows from the bottom 22: the bottom plate 32, the printed circuit 34 of the module electronics 33, the core of a coil (64, 74 or others not shown), the stator corresponding (62, 72 or others not shown), and the upper plate 37 of the module motor 36. It will be understood in particular that the elements are assembled in this way, so that the cores of the coils are in contact with the stators training means correspondents.
  • the ends 26 of the fixing pins 24 are preferably plastically deformed by a conventional riveting technique.
  • movement 3 formed from the assembly modules 32, 33 and 36 is assembled by compression between first and second planes, formed respectively by a face 23 of the bottom 22 and by a shoulder 25 fixing pins 24 formed after plastic deformation of the ends 26 of these tenons.
  • the vertical precision of the assembly forming movement 3 of the timepiece 1 is dependent on the manufacturing precision and tolerances of the various items stacked.
  • the vertical precision of the assembly is particularly dependent on the precision and manufacturing tolerances of the circuit printed 34, the thickness of the other elements being more easily guaranteed in a reduced tolerance range.
  • stage tubes intermediate elements 8 of tubular shape, called stage tubes, are placed on the fastening pins 24 in the immediate vicinity of the element whose thickness is not warranty, namely the printed circuit 34.
  • FIG. 3 makes it possible to highlight the structure of a storey tube 8.
  • This stage tube 8 comprises in particular first and second reference surfaces indicated respectively by the reference numerals 81 and 82.
  • These reference surfaces 81 and 82 are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the fixing studs 24 and are separated by a distance determined d1 which is greater than the thickness e of the printed circuit 34.
  • These first and second reference surfaces 81, 82 support the assembly, on the one hand, by pressing on the lower plate 32, and, on the other hand , by pressing on the core of the coils (for example the cores 64, 74 of the coils 63, 73).
  • the stage tube 8 further comprises a zone 85, disposed between said reference surfaces 81, 82, arranged to hold the printed circuit 34 in abutment in the assembly.
  • this zone 85 plastically penetrates the printed circuit 34.
  • the zone 85 storey tubes enter the printed circuit 34 until the surfaces of references 81 and 82 come into contact with neighboring elements, in this case, the lower plate 32, on the one hand, and the cores of the coils, on the other hand.
  • the thickness e of the printed circuit 34 thus in no way affects the total thickness of the assembly forming the movement 3.
  • the length of the zone 85, marked d2 (in the direction of the fixing studs 24) makes it possible to absorb the variations in thickness of the printed circuit 34 and is consequently greater than l maximum thickness of the printed circuit 34 that can be observed.
  • this distance d2 is taken between a shoulder 83 of the stage tube 8 and the second reference surface 82. It will however be understood that this shoulder 83 is not necessary and that the distance d2 can be defined by the distance d1 separating the two reference surfaces 81 and 82.
  • the zone 85 absorbing the variations in thickness of the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33 can have various forms.
  • this zone 85 has a portion 86 of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the assembly orifice 34a in which it is inserted.
  • this portion 86 can take a substantially conical shape.
  • this portion 86 may have radial projections (star-shaped section) intended to penetrate into the walls of the assembly orifice 34a of the printed circuit 34.
  • tubes stages 8 may be provided of axial projections directed towards the surface of the printed circuit 34.
  • these axial projections could for example be arranged on the shoulder 83 of the stage tube 8.
  • the stage tube fills essentially two functions, namely (i) absorb variations in thickness of an element whose thickness is not guaranteed with precision (here the printed circuit 34), and (ii) nevertheless maintain this element in support in the assembly (in this case particular, keep the printed circuit 34 in abutment against the cores of the coils of the means of training).
  • any form of storey tube to fulfill both functions above can therefore be used.
  • These floor tubes simply need to be inserted in an assembly hole of the element concerned and (i) present first and second reference surfaces 81, 82 separated by a distance determined greater than the thickness of the element concerned and against which the assembly is supported, and (ii) have a zone 85, between these surfaces of reference, allowing the element concerned to be supported in the assembly, the length of this zone 85 must be sufficient to absorb variations element thickness.
  • the stage tubes 8 can furthermore advantageously be extended axially by a tubular portion 87 cooperating with the holes for assembling the coil cores (holes 64a and 74a in the figures).
  • this tubular portion 87 is advantageously driven out in the assembly hole of the coils (holes 74a for example), in order to make integral with the coils of the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33.
  • the coils are thus preferably mounted on the printed circuit 34 and rendered integral with the latter so as to form a semi-final module which can be assembled in the timepiece.
  • the motor coils can be previously mounted on the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33 at by means of the stage tubes 8, then connected to the connection pads typically made on the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33, the latter then being ready to be mounted in the timepiece.
  • the electronic module 33 thus includes not only the printed circuit 34 and various components, such as quartz, integrated circuit, connection flanges to the battery, but also part of the components of the drive means, to know the coils (including coils 63 and 73 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) various engines of the timepiece.
  • various components such as quartz, integrated circuit, connection flanges to the battery, but also part of the components of the drive means, to know the coils (including coils 63 and 73 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) various engines of the timepiece.
  • the electronic module 33 already alone responds to the definition of a stacking assembly as claimed.
  • stage tubes 8 are in contact, on the one hand, with the bottom plate 32, and, on the other hand, with the coils of the motors forming the means for driving the various analog display devices of the room watchmaking. Special attention should therefore be paid to materials used to make the above elements.
  • the lower plate 32 is for example made of a metallic material.
  • a metallic material with high magnetic permeability such as an iron-rich metal alloy
  • the storey tubes should be manufactured in a material which is not or only very slightly likely to be traversed by the magnetic flux generated by motor coils, i.e. a material having a low magnetic permeability, such as brass for example, this material also has the advantage of being hard enough to penetrate plastically in the printed circuit 34. Any other material having acceptable magnetic permeability characteristics could be used instead and place of brass. Note that if a material with high permeability was used, the magnetic flux generated by the motor coils would be likely to extend into the lower plate 32. It will be understood that it is well obviously also possible to realize the lower plate 32 in a material of low magnetic permeability in order to avoid this drawback.
  • the precise vertical assembly obtained thanks to the addition of the stage tubes 8 in the immediate vicinity of the printed circuit 34, ensures precise thickness of the watch movement 3.
  • this assembly ensures adequate play allowing rotation of the mobiles of the movement 3.
  • Figure 4 shows an enlarged view, designated C, of the base the counter wheel 75 and the counter wheel axle 76.
  • the counter wheel axle 76 is rotatably mounted in a tubular element 78 abutting in an orifice 36b formed in the motor module 36, or more exactly in orifices provided respectively in the stator (for example an orifice 72b of the stator 72) and in the upper plate 37.
  • the stator for example an orifice 72b of the stator 72
  • the distance d1 between the reference surfaces of the stage tubes 8 is here preferably chosen so that it allows (i) precise vertical assembly of the various stacked modules, and (ii) play at the level of the moving parts of the movement. , for example at the level of the counter wheel 75 illustrated in the figures.

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Abstract

Watch assembly comprising a stack of modules (32, 33, 36) forming an electronic or electro-mechanical device (3). The assembly comprises a number of intermediate tubular elements (8), called stage tubes mounted on the fixing tenons (24) to compensate for different thicknesses of different components. Each state tube has first and second reference surfaces separated by a distance that is greater than the thickness of a first element (34) for which it is to compensate, and against which an assembly is supported and a zone between the first and second reference surfaces, that ensures the first element is held against the stack of modules. An Independent claim is made for a watch containing such an assembly as described.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte de manière générale à un assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules composant un dispositif électronique ou électromécanique. Plus particulièrement, la présente invention se rapporte à une pièce d'horlogerie ultra-mince comportant un tel assemblage.The present invention relates generally to an assembly by stack of a plurality of modules making up an electronic device or electromechanical. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ultra-thin timepiece comprising such an assembly.

Des assemblages par empilement d'une pluralité de modules mécaniques, électroniques et/ou électromécaniques sont connus de l'homme du métier. De tels assemblages sont notamment utilisés dans le domaine de l'horlogerie afin de lier sous la forme d'un empilement les différents modules composant le mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie, tels une platine, un module électronique comportant notamment un circuit imprimé portant divers composants électroniques et électriques de la pièce d'horlogerie, et, le cas échéant, un support portant un ou plusieurs moyens d'entraínement d'un mécanisme de minuterie.Stacking of a plurality of mechanical modules, electronic and / or electromechanical devices are known to those skilled in the art. Such assemblies are used in particular in the watchmaking field in order to link under the shape of a stack the different modules making up the movement of a timepiece, such as a plate, an electronic module comprising in particular a printed circuit carrying various electronic and electrical components of the part watchmaking, and, where appropriate, a support carrying one or more means drive a timer mechanism.

Dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, une solution permettant d'effectuer un tel assemblage consiste par exemple à empiler les divers modules sur des tenons de fixation, puis à rendre solidaire le tout, par exemple par rivetage, c'est-à-dire par déformation plastique de l'extrémité des tenons de fixation. Une telle solution est particulièrement avantageuse car l'assemblage des divers éléments composant les modules peut être effectué de manière très aisée et peut notamment être effectué de manière automatique ou semi-automatique.In the field of watchmaking, a solution enabling such a assembly consists for example of stacking the various modules on tenons of fixing, then to make the whole integral, for example by riveting, that is to say by plastic deformation of the end of the fixing studs. One such solution is particularly advantageous because the assembly of the various elements composing the modules can be carried out very easily and can in particular be carried out from automatic or semi-automatic.

Un tel assemblage par empilement de modules présente néanmoins un désavantage en ce que la précision verticale de l'assemblage est tributaire de la précision et des tolérances de fabrication des divers modules assemblés, notamment de l'épaisseur des éléments les constituant. Bien qu'il soit relativement aisé de fabriquer certains composants avec une épaisseur déterminée présentant de faibles tolérances, une telle précision et des tolérances faibles ne peuvent être garanties pour chaque module assemblé. En particulier, l'homme du métier rencontre de grandes difficultés à fabriquer des circuits imprimés dont l'épaisseur est garantie dans une gamme de tolérances réduite. Si l'homme du métier désire fabriquer une pièce d'horlogerie en y incorporant un assemblage par empilement de modules tel que décrit ci-dessus, assemblage dont au moins un module comporte un élément d'épaisseur fortement variable, tel un module électronique comportant un circuit imprimé, il ne pourra garantir une précision et des tolérances d'assemblage suffisantes pour certaines applications où une telle précision est une nécessité.Such an assembly by stacking of modules nevertheless presents a disadvantage in that the vertical precision of the assembly is dependent on the precision and manufacturing tolerances of the various assembled modules, in particular the thickness of the elements constituting them. Although it is relatively easy to manufacture certain components with a determined thickness having low tolerances, such accuracy and low tolerances cannot be guaranteed for each module assembled. In particular, the skilled person meets large difficulties in manufacturing printed circuits whose thickness is guaranteed in a reduced tolerance range. If the skilled person wishes to manufacture a part of watchmaking by incorporating an assembly by stacking modules such as described above, assembly of which at least one module comprises an element of highly variable thickness, such as an electronic module comprising a circuit printed, it cannot guarantee assembly precision and tolerances sufficient for certain applications where such precision is a necessity.

En particulier, si l'homme du métier est désireux de fabriquer une pièce d'horlogerie devant répondre à des critères stricts de précision et de tolérance d'assemblage, notamment en vue de fabriquer une pièce d'horlogerie ultra-mince dont l'épaisseur est un facteur critique, il ne pourra trouver, dans les solutions actuelles à sa disposition, une solution suffisamment satisfaisante.In particular, if the skilled person is eager to manufacture a part of watchmaking that must meet strict criteria of precision and tolerance assembly, in particular with a view to manufacturing an ultra-thin timepiece of which thickness is a critical factor, it cannot find, in current solutions to at its disposal, a sufficiently satisfactory solution.

La présente invention a ainsi pour but de proposer un assemblage par empilement de divers modules composant un dispositif électronique ou électromécanique, tel un mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie, qui permette de prendre en compte des variations d'épaisseur d'au moins un élément constitutif des modules assemblés afin d'assurer que l'assemblage présente une épaisseur déterminée dans une gamme de tolérances réduite.The object of the present invention is therefore to propose an assembly by stack of various modules making up an electronic device or electromechanical, like a movement of a timepiece, which allows take into account variations in thickness of at least one component of modules assembled to ensure that the assembly has a thickness determined within a reduced tolerance range.

La présente invention a également pour but de proposer un tel assemblage qui n'implique toutefois pas une complication substantielle du processus d'assemblage et n'augmente pas les coûts de fabrication du dispositif assemblé.The present invention also aims to provide such an assembly which does not, however, involve a substantial complication of the assembly process and does not increase the manufacturing costs of the assembled device.

La présente invention a ainsi pour objet un assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules composant un dispositif électronique ou électromécanique dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées à la revendication 1.The present invention thus relates to an assembly by stacking a plurality of modules making up an electronic or electromechanical device including the features are set out in claim 1.

Des modes de réalisation avantageux de cet assemblage font l'objet des revendications dépendantes.Advantageous embodiments of this assembly are the subject of dependent claims.

La présente invention a également pour objet une pièce d'horlogerie électronique ou électromécanique comportant un tel assemblage et dont les caractéristiques sont énoncées à la revendication 5.The present invention also relates to a timepiece electronic or electromechanical including such an assembly and whose Features are set out in claim 5.

Des modes de réalisation avantageux de cette pièce d'horlogerie font l'objet des revendications dépendantes. Ainsi, selon un aspect particulier de l'invention, divers modules composant une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique sont assemblés de la sorte afin d'assurer que l'épaisseur du tout présente une grande précision permettant notamment de garantir un jeu déterminé au niveaux des divers mobiles, telles les roues moyenne et intermédiaire et/ou les roues de minuterie du mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie, jeu qui est nécessaire pour permettre un fonctionnement adéquat du mouvement. L'assemblage selon la présente invention est notamment utilisé dans le but de fabriquer une pièce d'horlogerie ultra-mince.Advantageous embodiments of this timepiece are the subject dependent claims. Thus, according to a particular aspect of the invention, various modules making up an electromechanical timepiece are assembled in this way to ensure that the thickness of the whole presents great precision allowing in particular to guarantee a determined game at the level of the various mobiles, such as the middle and intermediate wheels and / or the movement timer wheels of the timepiece, play which is necessary to allow operation adequate movement. The assembly according to the present invention is in particular used for the purpose of making an ultra-thin timepiece.

Un avantage de la présente invention réside notamment dans sa simplicité de mise en oeuvre. En effet, selon la présente invention, un élément intermédiaire de forme tubulaire, ci-après appelé tube d'étages, est monté sur les tenons de fixation de l'assemblage, ce tube d'étages étant inséré dans l'orifice d'assemblage de l'élément assemblé dont l'épaisseur n'est pas garantie de manière à maintenir cet élément en appui dans l'assemblage. Ce tube d'étages présente des première et seconde surfaces de référence séparées d'une distance déterminée et contre lesquelles l'assemblage est supporté. L'élément intermédiaire présente, entre ses deux surfaces de référence, une zone pénétrant préférablement plastiquement dans l'élément concerné, la longueur de cette zone (dans la direction d'assemblage) étant telle qu'elle permet d'absorber les variations d'épaisseur de cet élément. Les deux faces de l'élément dont l'épaisseur n'est pas garantie ne viennent ainsi pas toutes deux en appui sur les modules voisins de sorte que l'épaisseur de l'assemblage n'est pas dépendante de l'épaisseur de cet élément mais est déterminée par les deux surfaces de référence du tube d'étages.An advantage of the present invention lies in particular in its simplicity of Implementation. Indeed, according to the present invention, an intermediate element of tubular form, hereinafter called storey tube, is mounted on the fixing pins of assembly, this stage tube being inserted into the assembly orifice of the element assembled whose thickness is not guaranteed so as to maintain this element in support in assembly. This tube of stages presents first and second reference surfaces separated by a determined distance and against which assembly is supported. The intermediate element has, between its two surfaces of reference, an area preferably plastically penetrating into the element concerned, the length of this zone (in the direction of assembly) being such that it makes it possible to absorb the variations in thickness of this element. The two sides of the element whose thickness is not guaranteed do not both come in support on neighboring modules so that the thickness of the joint is not dependent on the thickness of this element but is determined by the two surfaces of reference of the stage tube.

Selon un autre aspect particulier de la présente invention, des bobines des moteurs de la pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique sont en outre avantageusement fixées au moyen des tubes d'étages.According to another particular aspect of the present invention, coils of motors of the electromechanical timepiece are also advantageously fixed by means of storey tubes.

La solution selon la présente invention permet ainsi l'obtention d'un assemblage vertical de grande précision sans que cela ait pour conséquence une augmentation de la complexité et des coûts de fabrication du dispositif assemblé.The solution according to the present invention thus makes it possible to obtain a high precision vertical assembly without this resulting in increased complexity and manufacturing costs of the assembled device.

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

  • la figure 1 montre un vue en plan partielle et schématique du revers d'une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique incorporant un assemblage par empilement de modules selon la présente invention;
  • la figure 2 montre une vue en coupe de la pièce d'horlogerie prise selon la ligne de coupe A-A' dans la figure 1;
  • la figure 3 montre une vue en coupe agrandie désignée B d'un tenon de fixation de l'assemblage illustré à la figure 2 mettant en évidence la structure d'un tube d'étages; et
  • la figure 4 montre une vue en coupe agrandie désignée C d'un mobile du mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie illustrée aux figures 1 et 2, permettant de mettre en évidence un jeu assurant la rotation de ce mobile, ce jeu étant garanti par le mode d'assemblage selon la présente invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a partial and schematic plan view of the reverse of an electromechanical timepiece incorporating an assembly by stacking of modules according to the present invention;
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the timepiece taken along the section line AA 'in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional view designated B of an attachment pin of the assembly illustrated in Figure 2 showing the structure of a storey tube; and
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlarged sectional view, designated C, of a mobile of the movement of the timepiece illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, making it possible to highlight a play ensuring the rotation of this mobile, this play being guaranteed by the assembly method according to the present invention.

La figure 1 montre une vue en plan partielle et schématique d'une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique, indiquée généralement par la référence numérique 1, caractérisée par une très faible épaisseur et incorporant un assemblage par empilement selon la présente invention. Pour les besoins de l'illustration, une partie du fond de la pièce d'horlogerie 1 illustrée à la figure 1 a été supprimée pour laisser apparaítre une partie du mouvement de cette pièce. La figure 2 montre quant à elle une vue en coupe de la pièce d'horlogerie illustrée à la figure 1 prise selon la ligne de coupe A-A' de cette même figure.Figure 1 shows a partial and schematic plan view of a room electromechanical watchmaking, generally indicated by the numerical reference 1, characterized by a very small thickness and incorporating an assembly by stack according to the present invention. For the purposes of illustration, part from the bottom of timepiece 1 illustrated in Figure 1 has been removed to leave appear part of the movement of this piece. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the timepiece illustrated in Figure 1 taken along the line of section A-A 'of this same figure.

La pièce d'horlogerie 1 illustrée comprend notamment une boíte ou fond-carrure 2, préférablement en matière plastique, formée d'une carrure 21 et d'un fond 22 réalisés d'une pièce, un mouvement 3 formé d'un assemblage par empilement de divers modules (assemblage qui sera décrit plus en détail ci-après), un cadran 4 disposé au-dessus du mouvement 3, ainsi qu'une glace 5.The illustrated timepiece 1 includes in particular a box or case-back 2, preferably made of plastic, formed of a middle part 21 and a base 22 made in one piece, a movement 3 formed by an assembly by stacking various modules (assembly which will be described in more detail below), a dial 4 arranged above movement 3, as well as a window 5.

La figure 3, à laquelle on se référera également autant que nécessaire, montre une vue agrandie, désignée B, de la vue en coupe de la figure 2.Figure 3, which will also be referred to as much as necessary, shows an enlarged view, designated B, of the sectional view of FIG. 2.

La pièce d'horlogerie illustrée dans les figures est le résultat de développements effectués par la Demanderesse en vue de concevoir une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique ultra-mince comportant une boíte en matière plastique, pièce d'horlogerie qui, outre des organes conventionnels d'affichage analogique de l'heure, présente des organes d'affichage analogique d'un temps chronométré. Cette pièce d'horlogerie dérive, dans sa philosophie, d'un produit développé par la Demanderesse et qui a vu sa première commercialisation sur le marché en 1997 sous la dénomination "Swatch SKIN" (marque déposée). A titre d'information, on pourra se référer à l'article "Swatch SKIN - La montre plastique ultra-plate", de M. O. Koch, publié dans les Actes du 64ème Congrès de Chronométrie, Société Suisse de Chronométrie, Le Sentier, 30. septembre - 1er octobre 1999, Session 1 - Produits I, Communication 1, pp. 11 à 14. A titre d'information complémentaire, on pourra également se référer au document EP 0 691 595 au nom de la Demanderesse décrivant une montre-bracelet en matière plastique comportant une armature métallique de renforcement utilisée comme platine, montre-bracelet qui est conforme au produit susmentionné.The timepiece illustrated in the figures is the result of developments made by the Applicant with a view to designing a part ultra-thin electromechanical watchmaking comprising a plastic box, timepiece which, in addition to conventional analog display organs of the hour, presents analog display devices of a timed time. This timepiece derives, in its philosophy, from a product developed by the Applicant and who saw its first commercialization on the market in 1997 under the name "Swatch SKIN" (registered trademark). For your information, we can refer to the article "Swatch SKIN - The ultra-flat plastic watch", by M. O. Koch, published in the Proceedings of the 64th Chronometry Congress, Swiss Society of Chronométrie, Le Sentier, September 30 - October 1, 1999, Session 1 - Products I, Communication 1, pp. 11 to 14. As additional information, we can also refer to document EP 0 691 595 in the name of the Applicant describing a plastic wristwatch with a frame metal reinforcement used as a platinum, wristwatch which conforms to the aforementioned product.

La "Swatch SKIN" comporte uniquement des organes conventionnels d'affichage analogique de l'heure comprenant des aiguilles des heures et des minutes et se caractérise par une épaisseur de l'ordre de 4 mm. A titre de comparaison, la pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique ultra-mince nouvellement développée par la Demanderesse comporte, outre les organes conventionnels d'affichage analogique de l'heure, trois autres organes d'affichage analogique d'un temps chronométré, à savoir un premier compteur de dixièmes de seconde, un second compteur de secondes, et un troisième compteur de minutes et se caractérise par une épaisseur légèrement supérieure à la "Swatch SKIN" de 5,9 mm pour un diamètre comparable de 37,6 mm. Cette pièce d'horlogerie n'est que partiellement illustrée dans les figures.The "Swatch SKIN" contains only conventional bodies analog time display including hour and minute hands and is characterized by a thickness of the order of 4 mm. For comparison, the ultra-thin electromechanical timepiece newly developed by the The Applicant comprises, in addition to the conventional analog display units of the time, three other analog display devices of a timed time, namely a first tenths of a second counter, a second second counter, and a third minute counter and is characterized by a slightly thicker greater than the "Swatch SKIN" by 5.9 mm for a comparable diameter of 37.6 mm. This timepiece is only partially illustrated in the figures.

On notera en complément que chacun des organes d'affichage de cette pièce d'horlogerie est communément entraíné par des moyens d'entraínement (ici au nombre de quatre) comprenant chacun un moteur bipolaire de type Lavet constitué d'un rotor, d'un stator et d'une bobine montée sur le stator. Tous les organes d'affichage et moyens d'entraínement ne sont pas illustrés en détails dans les figures, ceux-ci ne faisant pas l'objet de la présente invention. Néanmoins, une partie de ces éléments est apparente des figures.It will also be noted that each of the display members of this piece watchmaking is commonly driven by training means (here at number of four) each comprising a bipolar Lavet type motor consisting a rotor, a stator and a coil mounted on the stator. All organs display and drive means are not illustrated in detail in the figures, these are not the subject of the present invention. However, some of these elements is apparent from the figures.

On insistera sur le fait que la présente invention s'adresse spécifiquement à un assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules formant notamment le mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie électronique ou électromécanique. On notera que la pièce d'horlogerie illustrée ne constitue qu'un exemple d'application particulièrement avantageux de la présente invention. En effet, compte tenu de sa complexité et des contraintes strictes en épaisseur, il était nécessaire de développer un assemblage vertical de grande précision, assemblage qui fait l'objet de la présente invention. On comprendra que l'invention n'est nullement limitée à cette seule réalisation et qu'elle peut avantageusement être appliquée à toute pièce d'horlogerie électronique ou électromécanique nécessitant un assemblage vertical précis des divers modules empilés. Par extension, la présente invention peut être appliquée à tout dispositif électronique ou électromécanique autre qu'une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules devant répondre à des critères stricts de tolérance en épaisseur.It will be emphasized that the present invention is specifically intended for a assembly by stacking of a plurality of modules notably forming the movement of an electronic or electromechanical timepiece. We will note that the illustrated timepiece is only an example of application particularly advantageous of the present invention. Indeed, given its complexity and strict constraints in thickness it was necessary to develop a high precision vertical assembly, assembly which is the subject of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is in no way limited to this alone realization and that it can advantageously be applied to any timepiece electronic or electromechanical requiring precise vertical assembly of various modules stacked. By extension, the present invention can be applied to any electronic or electromechanical device other than a timepiece comprising a stacking assembly of a plurality of modules in front meet strict thickness tolerance criteria.

En se référant à nouveau aux figures 1 et 2, on peut voir une partie des moyens d'entraínement des organes d'affichage analogique de l'heure comprenant un premier moteur bipolaire 6 de type Lavet constitué d'un rotor 61 (partiellement représenté), d'un stator 62, et d'une bobine 63 enroulée sur un noyau 64 qui est en contact avec le stator 62. Ce premier moteur entraíne de manière classique les organes d'affichage analogique par l'intermédiaire d'un rouage (non représenté).Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, we can see some of the means for driving analog time display units comprising a first bipolar motor 6 of Lavet type consisting of a rotor 61 (partially shown), a stator 62, and a coil 63 wound on a core 64 which is in contact with the stator 62. This first motor conventionally drives the analog display devices via a gear train (not shown).

Une partie des moyens d'entraínement des organes d'affichage analogique de l'un des trois compteurs chronométriques (en l'occurrence, et de manière non limitative, le compteur chronométrique des minutes) est également illustrée. Ces moyens d'entraínement comprennent un second moteur bipolaire 7 de type Lavet constitué d'un rotor 71 (figure 1 uniquement), d'un stator 72, et d'une bobine 73 enroulée sur un noyau 74 qui est en contact avec le stator 72. Le rotor 71 de ce second moteur 7 entraíne en rotation une roue de compteur 75 portant un axe de roue de compteur 76 (figure 2) ainsi qu'une aiguille de compteur 77 (figure 2) indiquant, dans ce cas de figure, une information chronométrique relative au temps chronométré (par exemple les minutes).Part of the means for driving the analog display organs of one of the three timers (in this case, and not limitative, the chronometric minute counter) is also illustrated. These drive means include a second bipolar motor 7 of Lavet type consisting of a rotor 71 (Figure 1 only), a stator 72, and a coil 73 wound on a core 74 which is in contact with the stator 72. The rotor 71 of this second motor 7 rotates a counter wheel 75 carrying a wheel axle counter 76 (Figure 2) and a counter needle 77 (Figure 2) indicating, in this case, chronometric information relating to the timed time (e.g. minutes).

Deux autres moyens d'entraínement (non illustrés), similaires aux moyens d'entraínement décrits plus haut, sont disposés de manière analogue dans la pièce d'horlogerie 1 afin d'entraíner les organes d'affichage analogique des deux autres compteurs chronométriques (non illustrés).Two other training means (not shown), similar to the means described above, are similarly arranged in the room clockmaking 1 in order to train the analog display members of the other two chronometric counters (not shown).

En se référant plus spécifiquement aux figures 2 et 3, le mouvement 3, déjà mentionné, comprend un assemblage de divers modules empilés, à savoir, en partant du fond 22, une platine inférieure 32, un module électronique 33 comprenant notamment un circuit imprimé 34 et un module moteur, indiqué généralement par la référence 36.With more specific reference to Figures 2 and 3, movement 3, already mentioned, includes an assembly of various stacked modules, namely, starting from the bottom 22, a bottom plate 32, an electronic module 33 comprising in particular a printed circuit 34 and a motor module, generally indicated by the reference 36.

La platine inférieure est par exemple réalisée en un matériau métallique et sert notamment de renfort pour la boíte 2 de la pièce d'horlogerie, boíte 2 qui est préférablement réalisée dans une matière plastique.The lower plate is for example made of a metallic material and serves including reinforcement for box 2 of the timepiece, box 2 which is preferably made of a plastic material.

Le module électronique 33 supporte, sur le circuit imprimé 34, divers composants électriques et électroniques de la pièce d'horlogerie, notamment un quartz (non représenté), un circuit intégré (non représenté) destiné notamment à contrôler les fonctions horaires de la pièce d'horlogerie et à commander les moteurs, des brides de connexion à une pile (non représentées) ainsi que les bobines (bobines 63, 73 et autres bobines non illustrées) des moyens d'entraínement des organes d'affichage de la pièce d'horlogerie.The electronic module 33 supports, on the printed circuit 34, various electrical and electronic components of the timepiece, in particular a quartz (not shown), an integrated circuit (not shown) intended in particular for control the time functions of the timepiece and control the motors, flanges for connection to a battery (not shown) as well as the coils (coils 63, 73 and other coils not illustrated) means for driving the organs display of the timepiece.

Le module moteur 36, quant à lui, supporte les rotors et stators des moteurs (par exemple les rotors 61, 71 et les stators 62, 72 des moteurs 6, 7), ainsi que les divers mobiles de minuterie et de compteur chronométrique (par exemple la roue de compteur 75 et l'axe de roue de compteur 76). Plus spécifiquement, le module moteur 36 comprend une platine supérieure 37 sur laquelle sont notamment rivetés les stators des moyens d'entraínement des organes d'affichage analogique comme illustré dans la figure 2.The motor module 36, meanwhile, supports the rotors and stators of the motors (for example the rotors 61, 71 and the stators 62, 72 of the motors 6, 7), as well as the various timer and stopwatch mobiles (for example the counter 75 and counter wheel axle 76). More specifically, the engine module 36 comprises an upper plate 37 on which are in particular riveted the stators of the means for driving the analog display members such as illustrated in figure 2.

La platine inférieure 32, le module électronique 33 comprenant son circuit imprimé 34, et le module moteur 36 sont empilés dans cet ordre sur une pluralité de pieds ou tenons de fixation 24 venant préférablement de matière avec le fond 22 de la boíte 2 et traversant des orifices d'assemblage ménagés dans les divers modules. Ces orifices d'assemblage sont respectivement repérés par les références numériques des éléments correspondants suivies de l'indice a. La référence 34a indique par exemple un orifice d'assemblage du circuit imprimé 34.The bottom plate 32, the electronic module 33 including its circuit printed 34, and the motor module 36 are stacked in this order on a plurality of fixing feet or tenons 24 preferably made of one piece with the bottom 22 of the box 2 and passing through assembly orifices made in the various modules. These assembly orifices are respectively identified by the references number of the corresponding elements followed by the index a. Reference 34a indicates for example an orifice for assembling the printed circuit 34.

Seuls trois tenons de fixation 24 sont illustrés dans les figures 1 et 2, mais on comprendra bien évidemment qu'un nombre adéquat de tenons est utilisé pour assurer une stabilité de l'assemblage dans la pièce d'horlogerie.Only three fixing pins 24 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but we will obviously understand that an adequate number of studs are used to ensure stability of the assembly in the timepiece.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, les tenons de fixation 24 sont préférablement agencés pour traverser, outre les divers modules 32, 33 et 36, des orifices ménagés aux extrémités des noyaux sur lesquels sont enroulées les bobines (par exemple les noyaux 64 et 74 des bobines 63 et 73 illustrées dans les figures 1 et 2). Dans les figures, les orifices d'assemblage des noyaux des bobines sont également indiqués par les références des éléments correspondants suivies de l'indice a. Dans ce mode de réalisation, on notera, à titre non limitatif, qu'au moins huit tenons de fixation sont prévus pour maintenir les quatre bobines des moteurs entraínant respectivement les quatre organes d'affichage analogique de la pièce d'horlogerie.In this embodiment, the fixing lugs 24 are preferably arranged to pass through, in addition to the various modules 32, 33 and 36, holes provided at the ends of the cores on which the coils are wound (for example the cores 64 and 74 of the coils 63 and 73 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2). In the figures, the holes for assembling the coil cores are also shown by the references of the corresponding elements followed by the index a. In this mode of realization, it will be noted, without limitation, that at least eight fixing lugs are provided to maintain the four coils of the motors respectively driving the four analog display elements of the timepiece.

Comme illustré à la figure 2, les divers éléments se succèdent comme suit depuis le fond 22 : la platine inférieure 32, le circuit imprimé 34 du module électronique 33, le noyau d'une bobine (64, 74 ou autres non illustrés), le stator correspondant (62, 72 ou autres non illustrés), et la platine supérieure 37 du module moteur 36. On comprendra notamment que les éléments sont assemblés de la sorte, de manière à ce que les noyaux des bobines soient en contact avec les stators correspondants des moyens d'entraínement.As illustrated in Figure 2, the various elements follow one another as follows from the bottom 22: the bottom plate 32, the printed circuit 34 of the module electronics 33, the core of a coil (64, 74 or others not shown), the stator corresponding (62, 72 or others not shown), and the upper plate 37 of the module motor 36. It will be understood in particular that the elements are assembled in this way, so that the cores of the coils are in contact with the stators training means correspondents.

Afin d'assurer l'assemblage des modules empilés, les extrémités 26 des tenons de fixation 24 sont préférablement déformées plastiquement par une technique de rivetage conventionnelle. Ainsi le mouvement 3 formé de l'assemblage des modules 32, 33 et 36 est assemblé par compression entre des premier et second plans, formés respectivement par une face 23 du fond 22 et par un épaulement 25 des tenons de fixation 24 formé après déformation plastique des extrémités 26 de ces tenons.In order to ensure the assembly of the stacked modules, the ends 26 of the fixing pins 24 are preferably plastically deformed by a conventional riveting technique. Thus movement 3 formed from the assembly modules 32, 33 and 36 is assembled by compression between first and second planes, formed respectively by a face 23 of the bottom 22 and by a shoulder 25 fixing pins 24 formed after plastic deformation of the ends 26 of these tenons.

Comme mentionné en préambule de la présente description, sans autres mécanismes, la précision verticale de l'assemblage formant le mouvement 3 de la pièce d'horlogerie 1 est tributaire des précisions et tolérances de fabrication des divers éléments empilés. En particulier, la précision verticale de l'assemblage est particulièrement dépendante de la précision et des tolérances de fabrication du circuit imprimé 34, l'épaisseur des autres éléments pouvant être plus aisément garantie dans une gamme de tolérance réduite.As mentioned in the preamble to this description, without others mechanisms, the vertical precision of the assembly forming movement 3 of the timepiece 1 is dependent on the manufacturing precision and tolerances of the various items stacked. In particular, the vertical precision of the assembly is particularly dependent on the precision and manufacturing tolerances of the circuit printed 34, the thickness of the other elements being more easily guaranteed in a reduced tolerance range.

Selon la présente invention, afin d'assurer une précision adéquate en épaisseur de l'assemblage formant le mouvement 3 de la pièce d'horlogerie, des éléments intermédiaires 8 de forme tubulaire, dits tubes d'étages, sont placés sur les tenons de fixation 24 au voisinage immédiat de l'élément dont l'épaisseur n'est pas garantie, à savoir le circuit imprimé 34. La figure 3 permet de mettre en évidence la structure d'un tube d'étage 8.According to the present invention, in order to ensure adequate precision in thickness of the assembly forming movement 3 of the timepiece, intermediate elements 8 of tubular shape, called stage tubes, are placed on the fastening pins 24 in the immediate vicinity of the element whose thickness is not warranty, namely the printed circuit 34. FIG. 3 makes it possible to highlight the structure of a storey tube 8.

Ce tube d'étages 8 comprend en particulier des première et seconde surfaces de référence indiquées respectivement par les références numériques 81 et 82. Ces surfaces de référence 81 et 82 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires à la direction des tenons de fixation 24 et sont séparées par une distance déterminée d1 qui est supérieure à l'épaisseur e du circuit imprimé 34. Ces première et seconde surfaces de référence 81, 82 supportent l'assemblage, d'une part, par un appui sur la platine inférieure 32, et, d'autre part, par un appui sur le noyau des bobines (par exemple les noyaux 64, 74 des bobines 63, 73).This stage tube 8 comprises in particular first and second reference surfaces indicated respectively by the reference numerals 81 and 82. These reference surfaces 81 and 82 are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the fixing studs 24 and are separated by a distance determined d1 which is greater than the thickness e of the printed circuit 34. These first and second reference surfaces 81, 82 support the assembly, on the one hand, by pressing on the lower plate 32, and, on the other hand , by pressing on the core of the coils (for example the cores 64, 74 of the coils 63, 73).

Le tube d'étages 8 comprennent en outre une zone 85, disposée entre lesdites surfaces de références 81, 82, agencée pour maintenir le circuit imprimé 34 en appui dans l'assemblage. Préférablement, cette zone 85 pénètre plastiquement dans le circuit imprimé 34. Ainsi, lors de l'assemblage sur les tenons de fixation 24, la zone 85 des tubes d'étages pénètre dans le circuit imprimé 34 jusqu'à ce que les surfaces de référence 81 et 82 viennent en contact avec les éléments voisins, dans ce cas, la platine inférieure 32, d'une part, et les noyaux des bobines, d'autre part. Au final, l'épaisseur e du circuit imprimé 34 n'affecte ainsi nullement l'épaisseur totale de l'assemblage formant le mouvement 3.The stage tube 8 further comprises a zone 85, disposed between said reference surfaces 81, 82, arranged to hold the printed circuit 34 in abutment in the assembly. Preferably, this zone 85 plastically penetrates the printed circuit 34. Thus, during assembly on the fixing studs 24, the zone 85 storey tubes enter the printed circuit 34 until the surfaces of references 81 and 82 come into contact with neighboring elements, in this case, the lower plate 32, on the one hand, and the cores of the coils, on the other hand. Finally, the thickness e of the printed circuit 34 thus in no way affects the total thickness of the assembly forming the movement 3.

Pour ce faire, il est bien évidemment nécessaire que la longueur de la zone 85, repérée d2, (dans la direction des tenons de fixation 24) permette d'absorber les variations d'épaisseur du circuit imprimé 34 et soit en conséquence supérieure à l'épaisseur maximale du circuit imprimée 34 pouvant être constatée. Dans l'illustration de la figure 3, cette distance d2 est prise entre un épaulement 83 du tube d'étages 8 et la seconde surface de référence 82. On comprendra toutefois que cet épaulement 83 n'est pas nécessaire et que la distance d2 peut être définie par la distance d1 séparant les deux surfaces de référence 81 et 82.To do this, it is obviously necessary that the length of the zone 85, marked d2 , (in the direction of the fixing studs 24) makes it possible to absorb the variations in thickness of the printed circuit 34 and is consequently greater than l maximum thickness of the printed circuit 34 that can be observed. In the illustration of FIG. 3, this distance d2 is taken between a shoulder 83 of the stage tube 8 and the second reference surface 82. It will however be understood that this shoulder 83 is not necessary and that the distance d2 can be defined by the distance d1 separating the two reference surfaces 81 and 82.

La zone 85 absorbant les variations d'épaisseur du circuit imprimé 34 du module électronique 33 peut présenter diverses formes. Préférablement, comme illustré, cette zone 85 présente une portion 86 de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre de l'orifice d'assemblage 34a dans lequel il est inséré. Avantageusement, cette portion 86 peut prendre une forme sensiblement conique. Alternativement, cette portion 86 peut présenter des projections radiales (section de forme étoilée) destinées à pénétrer dans les parois de l'orifice d'assemblage 34a du circuit imprimé 34.The zone 85 absorbing the variations in thickness of the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33 can have various forms. Preferably, like illustrated, this zone 85 has a portion 86 of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the assembly orifice 34a in which it is inserted. advantageously, this portion 86 can take a substantially conical shape. Alternatively, this portion 86 may have radial projections (star-shaped section) intended to penetrate into the walls of the assembly orifice 34a of the printed circuit 34.

Egalement à titre d'alternative, il peut être envisageable de pourvoir les tubes d'étages 8 de projections axiales dirigées vers la surface du circuit imprimé 34. En se référant à la figure 3, ces projections axiales pourraient par exemple être ménagées sur l'épaulement 83 du tube d'étage 8.Also as an alternative, it may be possible to provide the tubes stages 8 of axial projections directed towards the surface of the printed circuit 34. In se referring to FIG. 3, these axial projections could for example be arranged on the shoulder 83 of the stage tube 8.

D'une manière générale, on comprendra que le tube d'étage remplit essentiellement deux fonctions, nommément (i) absorber les variations d'épaisseur d'un élément dont l'épaisseur n'est pas garantie avec précision (ici le circuit imprimé 34), et (ii) néanmoins maintenir cet élément en appui dans l'assemblage (dans ce cas particulier, maintenir le circuit imprimé 34 en appui contre les noyaux des bobines des moyens d'entraínement).In general, it will be understood that the stage tube fills essentially two functions, namely (i) absorb variations in thickness of an element whose thickness is not guaranteed with precision (here the printed circuit 34), and (ii) nevertheless maintain this element in support in the assembly (in this case particular, keep the printed circuit 34 in abutment against the cores of the coils of the means of training).

Toute forme de tube d'étages permettant de remplir les deux fonctions susmentionnées peut donc être utilisée. Ces tubes d'étages doivent simplement être insérés dans un orifice d'assemblage de l'élément concerné et (i) présenter des première et seconde surfaces de référence 81, 82 séparées d'une distance déterminée supérieure à l'épaisseur de l'élément concerné et contre lesquelles l'assemblage est supporté, et (ii) comporter une zone 85, entre ces surfaces de référence, permettant de maintenir en appui l'élément concerné dans l'assemblage, la longueur de cette zone 85 devant être suffisante pour absorber des variations d'épaisseur de l'élément.Any form of storey tube to fulfill both functions above can therefore be used. These floor tubes simply need to be inserted in an assembly hole of the element concerned and (i) present first and second reference surfaces 81, 82 separated by a distance determined greater than the thickness of the element concerned and against which the assembly is supported, and (ii) have a zone 85, between these surfaces of reference, allowing the element concerned to be supported in the assembly, the length of this zone 85 must be sufficient to absorb variations element thickness.

Comme illustré dans les figures 2 et 3, les tubes d'étages 8 peuvent en outre avantageusement être prolongés axialement par une portion tubulaire 87 coopérant avec les orifices d'assemblage des noyaux des bobines (orifices 64a et 74a dans les figures). En particulier, cette portion tubulaire 87 est avantageusement chassée dans l'orifice d'assemblage des bobines (orifices 74a par exemple), afin de rendre solidaires les bobines du circuit imprimé 34 du module électronique 33.As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stage tubes 8 can furthermore advantageously be extended axially by a tubular portion 87 cooperating with the holes for assembling the coil cores (holes 64a and 74a in the figures). In particular, this tubular portion 87 is advantageously driven out in the assembly hole of the coils (holes 74a for example), in order to make integral with the coils of the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33.

Au moyen des tubes d'étages 8 conformes aux illustrations des figures 2 et 3, les bobines sont ainsi préférablement montées sur le circuit imprimé 34 et rendues solidaires de ce dernier de manière à former un module semi-final pouvant être assemblé dans la pièce d'horlogerie. En particulier, les bobines des moteurs peuvent être préalablement montées sur le circuit imprimé 34 du module électronique 33 au moyen des tubes d'étages 8, puis connectées aux plages de connexion typiquement réalisées sur le circuit imprimé 34 du module électronique 33, ce dernier étant alors prêt à être monté dans la pièce d'horlogerie.By means of the storey tubes 8 in accordance with the illustrations in FIGS. 2 and 3, the coils are thus preferably mounted on the printed circuit 34 and rendered integral with the latter so as to form a semi-final module which can be assembled in the timepiece. In particular, the motor coils can be previously mounted on the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33 at by means of the stage tubes 8, then connected to the connection pads typically made on the printed circuit 34 of the electronic module 33, the latter then being ready to be mounted in the timepiece.

Le module électronique 33 comprend ainsi non seulement le circuit imprimé 34 et les divers composants, tels que le quartz, le circuit intégré, les brides de connexion à la pile, mais également une partie des composants des moyens d'entraínement, à savoir les bobines (notamment les bobines 63 et 73 illustrées dans les figures 1 et 2) des divers moteurs de la pièce d'horlogerie. Dans le cadre de la présente invention, on pourra ainsi noter que le module électronique 33 répond déjà, à lui seul, à la définition d'un assemblage par empilement tel que revendiqué.The electronic module 33 thus includes not only the printed circuit 34 and various components, such as quartz, integrated circuit, connection flanges to the battery, but also part of the components of the drive means, to know the coils (including coils 63 and 73 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) various engines of the timepiece. In the context of the present invention, it will thus be noted that the electronic module 33 already alone responds to the definition of a stacking assembly as claimed.

Dans le cadre du mode de réalisation particulier illustré dans les figures, il convient de préciser encore certains points. En se référant aux illustrations des figures 2 et 3, il convient de constater que les tubes d'étages 8 sont en contact, d'une part, avec la platine inférieure 32, et, d'autre part, avec les bobines des moteurs formant les moyens d'entraínement des divers organes d'affichage analogique de la pièce d'horlogerie. Il convient en conséquence d'attacher une attention toute particulière au matériaux utilisés pour réaliser les éléments susmentionnés.In the context of the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, it certain points should be clarified further. Referring to the illustrations of the figures 2 and 3, it should be noted that the stage tubes 8 are in contact, on the one hand, with the bottom plate 32, and, on the other hand, with the coils of the motors forming the means for driving the various analog display devices of the room watchmaking. Special attention should therefore be paid to materials used to make the above elements.

Dans le cas de figure qui vient d'être présenté, il a été mentionné que la platine inférieure 32 est par exemple réalisée dans un matériau métallique. Dans l'éventualité où un matériau métallique à grande perméabilité magnétique était utilisé, tel qu'un alliage métallique riche en fer, il conviendra de fabriquer les tubes d'étages dans un matériau qui n'est pas ou très faiblement susceptible d'être parcouru par le flux magnétique généré par les bobines des moteurs, c'est-à-dire un matériau présentant une faible perméabilité magnétique, tel qu'un laiton par exemple, ce matériau présentant par ailleurs l'avantage d'être suffisamment dur pour pénétrer plastiquement dans le circuit imprimé 34. Tout autre matériau présentant des caractéristiques de perméabilité magnétique acceptables pourrait être utilisé en lieu et place du laiton. On notera que si un matériau présentant une grande perméabilité magnétique était utilisé, le flux magnétique généré par les bobines des moteurs serait susceptible de s'étendre dans la platine inférieure 32. On comprendra qu'il est bien évidemment également envisageable de réaliser la platine inférieure 32 dans un matériau de faible perméabilité magnétique afin d'éviter cet inconvénient.In the case which has just been presented, it was mentioned that the lower plate 32 is for example made of a metallic material. In the possibility that a metallic material with high magnetic permeability was used, such as an iron-rich metal alloy, the storey tubes should be manufactured in a material which is not or only very slightly likely to be traversed by the magnetic flux generated by motor coils, i.e. a material having a low magnetic permeability, such as brass for example, this material also has the advantage of being hard enough to penetrate plastically in the printed circuit 34. Any other material having acceptable magnetic permeability characteristics could be used instead and place of brass. Note that if a material with high permeability was used, the magnetic flux generated by the motor coils would be likely to extend into the lower plate 32. It will be understood that it is well obviously also possible to realize the lower plate 32 in a material of low magnetic permeability in order to avoid this drawback.

En rapport avec la pièce d'horlogerie illustrée constituant un exemple d'application avantageux de la présente invention, l'assemblage vertical précis obtenu grâce à l'adjonction des tubes d'étages 8 au voisinage immédiat du circuit imprimé 34, permet de garantir une épaisseur précise du mouvement horloger 3. En particulier, cet assemblage permet d'assurer un jeu adéquat permettant la rotation des mobiles du mouvement 3.Related to the illustrated timepiece constituting an example advantageous application of the present invention, the precise vertical assembly obtained thanks to the addition of the stage tubes 8 in the immediate vicinity of the printed circuit 34, ensures precise thickness of the watch movement 3. In particular, this assembly ensures adequate play allowing rotation of the mobiles of the movement 3.

A titre d'exemple, la figure 4 montre une vue agrandie, désignée C, de la base de la roue de compteur 75 et de l'axe de roue de compteur 76. Comme illustré dans cette figure ainsi que dans la figure 2, l'axe de roue de compteur 76 est monté rotatif dans un élément tubulaire 78 venant en butée dans un orifice 36b ménagé dans le module moteur 36, ou plus exactement dans des orifices ménagés respectivement dans le stator (par exemple un orifice 72b du stator 72) et dans la platine supérieure 37. Afin d'assurer que la rotation du mobile telle que la roue de compteur 75 soit possible, il convient de garantir qu'un jeu suffisant existe entre cette roue de compteur 75 et l'élément tubulaire 78. Si un tel jeu n'était pas assuré, la rotation de la roue de compteur 75 pourrait être rendue impossible si les modules venaient à être assemblé de sorte que l'élément tubulaire 78 viendrait serrer la roue de compteur 75 contre la platine inférieure 32.For example, Figure 4 shows an enlarged view, designated C, of the base the counter wheel 75 and the counter wheel axle 76. As illustrated in this figure as well as in figure 2, the counter wheel axle 76 is rotatably mounted in a tubular element 78 abutting in an orifice 36b formed in the motor module 36, or more exactly in orifices provided respectively in the stator (for example an orifice 72b of the stator 72) and in the upper plate 37. To ensure that the rotation of the mobile such as the counter wheel 75 is possible, it should be ensured that sufficient clearance exists between this counter wheel 75 and the tubular element 78. If such play was not ensured, the rotation of the wheel counter 75 could be made impossible if the modules were to be assembled so that the tubular member 78 would clamp the counter wheel 75 against the lower plate 32.

Ainsi, la distance d1 entre les surfaces de référence des tubes d'étages 8 est ici préférablement choisie de sorte qu'elle permet (i) un assemblage vertical précis des divers modules empilés, et (ii) un jeu au niveau des mobiles du mouvement, par exemple au niveau de la roue de compteur 75 illustrée dans les figures.Thus, the distance d1 between the reference surfaces of the stage tubes 8 is here preferably chosen so that it allows (i) precise vertical assembly of the various stacked modules, and (ii) play at the level of the moving parts of the movement. , for example at the level of the counter wheel 75 illustrated in the figures.

On comprendra que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être apportées aux modes de réalisation décrits dans la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, bien qu'il ait été décrit que l'assemblage est assemblé par déformation plastique des extrémités des tenons de fixation, c'est-à-dire selon une technique de rivetage, l'assemblage peut alternativement être assemblé par d'autres techniques équivalentes par lesquelles les divers modules empilés seraient maintenus ensemble par compression entre deux plans, par exemple au moyen d'un système de fixation à vis. L'utilisation d'une technique de rivetage s'avère toutefois particulièrement avantageuse économiquement, notamment en vue d'une automatisation de l'assemblage.It will be understood that various obvious modifications and / or improvements for those skilled in the art can be made to the embodiments described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims attached. In particular, although it has been described that the assembly is assembled by plastic deformation of the ends of the fixing studs, that is to say according to a riveting technique, the assembly can alternatively be assembled by other equivalent techniques by which the various stacked modules would be maintained together by compression between two planes, for example by means of a system of screw fixing. The use of a riveting technique proves however particularly economically advantageous, particularly with a view to automation of assembly.

Claims (14)

Assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules (32, 33, 36) composant un dispositif (3) électronique ou électromécanique, lesdits modules (32, 33, 36) étant montés par des orifices d'assemblages (32a, 34a, 37a, 72a) sur une pluralité de tenons de fixation (24) et assemblés par compression entre des premier et second plans (23, 25), ladite pluralité de modules (32, 33, 36) comprenant au moins un premier élément (34) dont l'épaisseur (e) n'est pas garantie avec grande précision,
   caractérisé en ce que ledit assemblage comporte une pluralité d'éléments intermédiaires de forme tubulaire, dits tubes d'étages (8), montés respectivement sur lesdits tenons de fixation (24), chaque tube d'étages (8) étant inséré dans un orifice d'assemblage (34a) dudit premier élément (34), chaque tube d'étages (8) présentant : des première et seconde surfaces de référence (81, 82) séparées d'une distance déterminée (d1) supérieure à l'épaisseur (e) dudit premier élément (34) et contre lesquelles l'assemblage est supporté, et une zone (85), entre lesdites première et seconde surfaces de référence (81, 82), permettant de maintenir ledit premier élément (34) en appui dans l'assemblage, la longueur (d2) de ladite zone (85), dans la direction desdits tenons de fixation (24), étant telle qu'elle permet d'absorber des variations d'épaisseur (e) dudit premier élément (34). Assembly by stacking of a plurality of modules (32, 33, 36) composing an electronic or electromechanical device (3), said modules (32, 33, 36) being mounted by assembly orifices (32a, 34a, 37a, 72a) on a plurality of fixing lugs (24) and assembled by compression between first and second planes (23, 25), said plurality of modules (32, 33, 36) comprising at least one first element (34), the l thickness (e) is not guaranteed with high accuracy,
characterized in that said assembly comprises a plurality of intermediate elements of tubular shape, called stage tubes (8), mounted respectively on said fixing lugs (24), each stage tube (8) being inserted in an orifice assembly (34a) of said first element (34), each stage tube (8) having: first and second reference surfaces (81, 82) separated by a determined distance ( d1 ) greater than the thickness ( e ) of said first element (34) and against which the assembly is supported, and a zone (85), between said first and second reference surfaces (81, 82), allowing said first element (34) to be supported in the assembly, the length ( d2 ) of said zone (85), in the direction of said fixing studs (24), being such that it makes it possible to absorb variations in thickness ( e ) of said first element (34). Assemblage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite zone (85) pénétre plastiquement dans ledit premier élément (34) et présente une portion (86) de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre de l'orifice d'assemblage (34a) dans lequel il est inséré.Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said zone (85) plastically penetrates into said first element (34) and has a portion (86) of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the assembly orifice (34a) in which it is inserted. Assemblage selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ladite portion (86) est de forme sensiblement conique.Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said portion (86) is of substantially conical shape. Assemblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits modules (32, 33, 36) sont assemblés par déformation plastique des extrémités (26) desdits tenons de fixations (24).Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said modules (32, 33, 36) are assembled by plastic deformation of the ends (26) of the said fixing lugs (24). Pièce d'horlogerie (1) comportant une boíte (2, 21, 22) et un assemblage par empilement d'une pluralité de modules (32, 33, 36) formant un mouvement (3) de la pièce d'horlogerie (1), lesdits modules (32, 33, 36) étant montés dans ladite boíte (2, 21, 22) par des orifices d'assemblages (32a, 34a, 37a, 72a) sur une pluralité de tenons de fixation (24) et assemblés par compression entre des premier et second plans (23, 25), ladite pluralité de modules (32, 33, 36) comprenant au moins un premier élément (34) dont l'épaisseur (e) n'est pas garantie avec grande précision,
   caractérisé en ce que ledit assemblage comporte une pluralité d'éléments intermédiaires de forme tubulaire, dits tubes d'étages (8), montés respectivement sur lesdits tenons de fixation (24), chaque tube d'étages (8) étant inséré dans un orifice d'assemblage (34a) dudit premier élément (34), chaque tube d'étages (8) présentant : des première et seconde surfaces de référence (81, 82) séparées d'une distance déterminée (d1) supérieure à l'épaisseur (e) dudit premier élément (34) et contre lesquelles ledit assemblage est supporté, et une zone (85), entre lesdites première et seconde surfaces de référence (81, 82), permettant de maintenir ledit premier élément (34) en appui dans l'assemblage, la longueur (d2) de ladite zone (85), dans la direction desdits tenons de fixation (24), étant telle qu'elle permet d'absorber les variations d'épaisseur (e) dudit premier élément (34). Timepiece (1) comprising a box (2, 21, 22) and an assembly by stacking of a plurality of modules (32, 33, 36) forming a movement (3) of the timepiece (1) , said modules (32, 33, 36) being mounted in said box (2, 21, 22) by assembly orifices (32a, 34a, 37a, 72a) on a plurality of fixing lugs (24) and assembled by compression between first and second planes (23, 25), said plurality of modules (32, 33, 36) comprising at least a first element (34) whose thickness ( e ) is not guaranteed with great precision,
characterized in that said assembly comprises a plurality of intermediate elements of tubular shape, called stage tubes (8), mounted respectively on said fixing lugs (24), each stage tube (8) being inserted in an orifice assembly (34a) of said first element (34), each stage tube (8) having: first and second reference surfaces (81, 82) separated by a determined distance ( d1 ) greater than the thickness ( e ) of said first element (34) and against which said assembly is supported, and a zone (85), between said first and second reference surfaces (81, 82), allowing said first element (34) to be supported in the assembly, the length ( d2 ) of said zone (85), in the direction of said fixing pins (24), being such that it makes it possible to absorb variations in thickness ( e ) of said first element (34). Pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que ladite zone (85) pénètre plastiquement dans ledit premier élément (34) et présente une portion (86) de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre de l'orifice d'assemblage (34a) dans lequel il est inséré.Timepiece according to claim 5, characterized in that said zone (85) plastically penetrates into said first element (34) and has a portion (86) of diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the assembly orifice (34a) in which it is inserted. Pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que ladite portion (86) est de forme sensiblement conique.Timepiece according to claim 6, characterized in that said portion (86) is of substantially conical shape. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisée en ce que lesdits modules (32, 33, 36) sont assemblés par déformation plastique des extrémités (26) desdits tenons de fixations (24).Timepiece according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said modules (32, 33, 36) are assembled by plastic deformation of the ends (26) of said fixing lugs (24). Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, caractérisée en ce que ladite pièce d'horlogerie (1) est une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique et en ce que la distance (d1) entre lesdites première et seconde surfaces de référence est déterminée de manière à assurer un jeu permettant la rotation de mobiles (75, 76) du mouvement (3) de la pièce d'horlogerie.Timepiece according to any one of Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said timepiece (1) is an electromechanical timepiece and in that the distance ( d1 ) between said first and second surfaces of reference is determined so as to ensure a clearance allowing the rotation of mobiles (75, 76) of the movement (3) of the timepiece. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisée en ce que lesdits tenons de fixation (24) viennent de matière avec un fond (22) de ladite boíte (2).Timepiece according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that said fixing lugs (24) come in one piece with a bottom (22) of said box (2). Pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que ladite pièce d'horlogerie (1) est une pièce d'horlogerie électromécanique et en ce que ledit assemblage comporte un empilement successif, sur ledit fond (22), d'une platine inférieure (32), d'un module électronique (33) comprenant notamment un circuit imprimé (34) et formant ledit premier élément d'épaisseur (e) non garantie, et d'un module moteur (36) comprenant notamment au moins un moteur (6, 7) permettant l'entraínement d'organes d'affichage analogique.Timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that said timepiece (1) is an electromechanical timepiece and in that said assembly comprises a successive stacking, on said bottom (22), of a plate lower (32), an electronic module (33) comprising in particular a printed circuit (34) and forming said first element of thickness ( e ) not guaranteed, and a motor module (36) comprising in particular at least one motor (6, 7) allowing the training of analog display members. Pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que une bobine (63, 73) dudit moteur (6,7) est en outre assemblée au moyen desdits tenons de fixation (24) entre ledit circuit imprimé (34) et un stator correspondant (62, 72) dudit moteur (6, 7), ladite bobine (63, 73) étant rendue solidaire dudit circuit imprimé (34) du module électronique (33) au moyen desdits tubes d'étages (8).Timepiece according to claim 11, characterized in that a coil (63, 73) of said motor (6,7) is further assembled by means of said fixing pins (24) between said printed circuit (34) and a stator corresponding (62, 72) of said motor (6, 7), said coil (63, 73) being made integral with said printed circuit (34) of the electronic module (33) by means of said stage tubes (8). Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 12, caractérisée en ce que lesdits tenons de fixation (24) sont réalisés en matière plastique.Timepiece according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that said fixing lugs (24) are made of plastic. Pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 13, caractérisée en ce que lesdits tubes d'étages (8) sont réalisés dans un matériau présentant une faible perméabilité magnétique, tel un laiton.Timepiece according to any one of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that said stage tubes (8) are made of a material having a low magnetic permeability, such as brass.
EP00204244A 2000-11-29 2000-11-29 Assembling by piling a plurality of modules forming an electromagnetic device, in particular for an ultra thin time piece Expired - Lifetime EP1211578B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00204244A EP1211578B1 (en) 2000-11-29 2000-11-29 Assembling by piling a plurality of modules forming an electromagnetic device, in particular for an ultra thin time piece
DE60044850T DE60044850D1 (en) 2000-11-29 2000-11-29 Assembly of an electromagnetic device by stacking a plurality of modules, in particular for a very thin movement
AT00204244T ATE478364T1 (en) 2000-11-29 2000-11-29 ASSEMBLY OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICE BY STACKING SEVERAL MODULES, ESPECIALLY FOR AN EXTREMELY THIN CLOCK MOVEMENT

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EP00204244A EP1211578B1 (en) 2000-11-29 2000-11-29 Assembling by piling a plurality of modules forming an electromagnetic device, in particular for an ultra thin time piece

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EP1211578A1 true EP1211578A1 (en) 2002-06-05
EP1211578B1 EP1211578B1 (en) 2010-08-18

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DE (1) DE60044850D1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2605087A1 (en) 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular clock assembly with functional modules
EP2605079A1 (en) 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular clock movement with functional modules
EP3115853A1 (en) 2015-07-07 2017-01-11 Soprod SA Timepiece module and electromechanical watch comprising such a timepiece module
WO2021239229A1 (en) 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Soprod S.A. Analogue display module for watches

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US4198809A (en) * 1977-05-28 1980-04-22 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Construction of an analogue crystal wrist watch
US4351040A (en) * 1979-05-16 1982-09-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha Quartz crystal wristwatch
US5245580A (en) * 1990-08-21 1993-09-14 Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches Electromechanical timepiece
EP0907116A1 (en) * 1997-10-01 1999-04-07 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Device for fastening an element to the back cover of a case

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4198809A (en) * 1977-05-28 1980-04-22 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Construction of an analogue crystal wrist watch
US4351040A (en) * 1979-05-16 1982-09-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha Quartz crystal wristwatch
US5245580A (en) * 1990-08-21 1993-09-14 Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches Electromechanical timepiece
EP0907116A1 (en) * 1997-10-01 1999-04-07 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Device for fastening an element to the back cover of a case

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2605087A1 (en) 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular clock assembly with functional modules
EP2605079A1 (en) 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular clock movement with functional modules
CN103163772A (en) * 2011-12-13 2013-06-19 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Modular clock assembly with functional modules
EP2787399A2 (en) 2011-12-13 2014-10-08 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular clock movement with functional modules
US9081369B1 (en) 2011-12-13 2015-07-14 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular mechanical timepiece unit with functional modules
CN103163772B (en) * 2011-12-13 2015-07-15 Eta瑞士钟表制造股份有限公司 Modular clock assembly with functional modules
US9274504B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2016-03-01 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular mechanical timepiece unit with functional modules
US9557713B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2017-01-31 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Modular mechanical timepiece movement with functional modules
US10241472B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2019-03-26 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse Modular timepiece movement with functional modules
EP3115853A1 (en) 2015-07-07 2017-01-11 Soprod SA Timepiece module and electromechanical watch comprising such a timepiece module
WO2021239229A1 (en) 2020-05-28 2021-12-02 Soprod S.A. Analogue display module for watches

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EP1211578B1 (en) 2010-08-18
ATE478364T1 (en) 2010-09-15
DE60044850D1 (en) 2010-09-30

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