EP3584644B1 - Winding mechanism and lever correction for clock movement - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toggle correction mechanism for a timepiece comprising a first and a second toothed wheel set respectively arranged to pivot about two parallel axes, a manual actuator, a manual selection member, a return lever. , a first and a second movable return pivotally mounted on the return lever, a control lever arranged to selectively occupy at least a first, a second and a third position, and to be controlled by the manual selection member so as to switch in one direction or the other between the first and the second position or between the second and the third position, the control lever itself being arranged to control the position of the return rocker, and the first movable return being arranged to connect the first toothed mobile to the manual actuator when the control lever switches from the first to the second position, and the second re nmovable drive being arranged to come to connect the second toothed mobile device to the manual actuator when the control lever switches from the second to the third position, the first toothed mobile device being disengaged from the manual actuator when the lever control occupies the first or third position, and the second toothed wheel set being disengaged from the manual actuator when the control lever occupies the first or second position.

PRIOR ART

Toggle correction mechanisms are known which comply with the above definition. The patent document EP 1 043 634 A1 in particular describes a device for correcting the time and date which comprises a first toothed mobile unit making it possible to act on the date indication, a second toothed mobile allowing to act on the time indication, a control rod with three axial positions arranged to make it possible to select a function by pulling or pushing back the rod and also to allow actuation of the function which comes from 'be selected by rotating the rod on itself, a return lever which carries a first and a second movable return, a control lever constituted by a pull tab arranged to selectively occupy a first, a second and a third position, and to cooperate with the rod, so that the wearer of the watch can rotate the zipper in one direction or the other by pulling or pushing back the rod, the zipper itself being arranged to control the position of the return latch so that the first toothed mobile is kinematically connected to the rod by means of the first mobile return when the pull tab occupies its second position, and so that the second toothed mobile is rel ied kinematically to the rod by means of the second movable return when the zipper occupies its third position, the first toothed mobile unit being disengaged from the rod when the zipper occupies its first or its third position, and the second toothed mobile unit being disengaged from the rod when the pull tab occupies its first or second position.

The use of a toggle winding and correction mechanism such as the one just described can give rise to certain problems. Indeed, when, after setting his watch on time, the wearer of it pushes the control rod back from the second pulled out position, the rod necessarily passes for a brief moment into the first pulled out position before reaching the position. pushed back. This transition to the intermediate position is accompanied by the pivoting of the return lever in the counterclockwise direction, so that the first mobile return strikes the first toothed mobile. Under these conditions, depending on the orientation of the gear teeth relative to those of the mobile, the penetration of the gear teeth into that of the mobile can cause an untimely jump of said mobile forwards or backwards. It will also be understood that such a jump can cause the indication of the date or that of the day of the week to change accidentally.

We also know the document CH 313 200 A , which describes a correction mechanism according to the preamble of the appended independent claim 1.

BRIEF PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been explained. The present invention achieves this and other object by providing a toggle correction mechanism for a timepiece according to the appended claim 1.

According to the invention, the first movable reference is arranged so as not to come to connect the first toothed movable member to the manual actuator when the control lever switches from the third to the second position. Thanks to this feature, a user of the timepiece does not run the risk of inadvertently turning the first toothed wheel set when he switches the control lever from its third to its second position by actuating the manual selection member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• les figure 1A, 1B et 1C sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un mécanisme de correction à bascule selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, les trois figures montrant respectivement le levier de commande du mécanisme de correction dans sa première, sa deuxième et sa troisième position ;
• les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues en plan montrant en plus de détails le mécanisme de correction des figures 1A, 1B et 1C dans deux configurations qui correspondent respectivement à la correction de la date et à celle de l'heure;
• les figures 3A, 3B et 3C sont des paires de vues partielles en plan, de dessus et de dessous, du mécanisme de correction des figures précédentes, et qui montrent plus en détail la coopération entre le guide porté par la bascule de renvoi et le coulisseau du levier de commande ; les trois figures montrant respectivement le coulisseau en appui contre le sommet A, le sommet B et le sommet C du guide.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic plan views of a toggle correction mechanism according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the three figures respectively showing the control lever of the correction mechanism in its first, second and third position;
• the figures 2A and 2B are plan views showing in more detail the correction mechanism of figures 1A, 1B and 1C in two configurations which correspond respectively to the correction of the date and to that of the time;
• the figures 3A, 3B and 3C are pairs of partial plan views, from above and below, of the correction mechanism of the previous figures, and which show in more detail the cooperation between the guide carried by the return rocker and the slide of the control lever; the three figures respectively showing the slide resting against the top A, the top B and the top C of the guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

In the description which follows, the expressions "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" refer to an observer looking at the part concerned from above. On the other hand, the plan views which are the subject of the appended figures should be considered as top views, unless the description specifically indicates to the contrary.

The figures 1A, 1B and 1C are three plan views of the same toggle correction mechanism according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The correction mechanism shown comprises first of all an intermediate return 37, a coaxial return 21 and a return latch 15 which is mounted to pivot about the axis 39 of the coaxial return 21. The return latch 15 itself carries a first and second movable return 17 and 19 which are arranged on either side of the coaxial return 21 so as to mesh with the latter. The correction mechanism shown further comprises a first and a second toothed mobile (respectively referenced 11 and 13), as well as a pull tab 23 which acts as a control lever. The pull tab is arranged to selectively occupy a first, a second and a third position illustrated respectively by the figures 1A, 1B and 1C . One of the ends of the zipper 23 carries a cylindrical lug 25 which is engaged in a guide 27 arranged in the head of the return lever 15. The cylindrical lug 25 is arranged so as to be free to slide in the guide 27. C 'This is the reason why the rest of the description speaks indifferently of "cylindrical lug" or "slider" 25. It will be understood on the other hand that the cooperation of the slider with the guide allows the pull tab 23 to control the rocker. referral 15.

As can be seen, in the example illustrated, the guide 27 has approximately the shape of a triangle formed of three sections which meet at the vertices A, B and C of the triangle. In accordance with what will be explained in more detail later, when the pull tab 23 occupies its first position ( figure 1A ), the slide 25 is located at the level of the top A of the guide 27 in the form of a triangle. When the zipper 23 is then switched from its first to its second position, the slider 25 moves inside the guide 27 along the section AB until it reaches the level of the top B ( figure 1B ). If the zipper is then switched from its second to its third position, the slide then follows the section BC until it reaches the level of the top C ( figure 1C ).

When the slide 25 is at the level of the top C ( figure 1C ), and that the zipper 23 is then switched in the opposite direction from its third to its second position, the slide 25 does not return in the direction of the top B along the section BC as one would expect. On the contrary, the slider follows the section CA from the top C, and travels part of the distance separating it from the top A. If the zipper 23 is then switched from its second to its first position, the slider 25 travels the rest of the distance between it and vertex A, so that it is again in the position shown by the figure 1A . It will be understood from the above that the vertices A and C of the guide 27 are connected by two distinct paths, and that the slide 25 takes one of these paths to get from the top A to the top C, and takes the other path to return. at the top A from the top C. It will also be noted that, in a manner known per se, according to an advantageous variant, the zipper is designed so, on return, not to stop in its second position (or intermediate position), but return at once from its third position to its first position.

According to the invention, the changes in position of the return lever 15 are controlled by causing the pull tab 23 to switch in one direction or the other between its first and its second position or between its second and its third position. Always referring to figures 1A, 1B and 1C , we can see that when the pull rod 23 is in its second position and that the slide 25 is at the level of the top B of the guide 27, the inclination of the return lever 15 is such that the first mobile return 17 meshes with the first toothed mobile 11 ( figure 1B ). It can also be seen that when the zipper is in its third position and the slide rests against the top C, the inclination of the return lever is such that the second mobile return 19 meshes with the second toothed mobile 13 ( figure 1C ). The figure 1A furthermore shows that when the pull tab is in its first position and the slide is at the level of the top A, the rocker is in an intermediate position in which the first mobile reference does not mesh with the first toothed wheel and the second reference mobile does not mesh with the second toothed mobile either.

In accordance with what has been described above, when the zipper 23 is switched from its third position to its second position, the slider 25 moves along the section CA from the top C of the guide 27. It will therefore be understood that the slider is arranged to pass through the top B only when the pull tab is brought into its second position from its first position. When, on the other hand, the zipper is brought into its second or its first position, from its third position, the slide moves in the direction of the top A, following the section CA. It therefore does not pass through the top B. In other words, the second position of the zipper 23 is associated with two different positions of the slider 25. In addition, when the slider passes through the second of these two positions, the one that is on the section AC of the guide 27, the inclination of the return lever 15 is such that the first mobile return does not mesh with the first toothed mobile, and that the second mobile return does not mesh with the second toothed mobile either .

The figures 2A and 2B are more detailed plan views of the exemplary correction mechanism that is the subject of this description. In addition to the elements which have already been described, the illustrated embodiment of the correction mechanism of the invention conventionally comprises a rod control 31 which can be actuated manually in translation between a first, a second and a third predefined axial position, and which can also be actuated in rotation, so that the rod 31 serves both as a manual actuator (when it is actuated in rotation) and a manual selection member (when it is moved axially in one direction or the other so as to pass from one to another of the first, second and third predefined axial positions). Still traditionally, the correction mechanism also comprises a sliding pinion 33, a first end of which is provided with Breguet teeth and the second end of which is provided with edge teeth. The sliding pinion is arranged on the rod so as to be free to slide along the latter while being integral with it in rotation. The rod 31 and the sliding pinion 33 are slaved to one another by means (not shown) which may be conventional. The mechanism also comprises a winding pinion 35 which is mounted idle on the stem in the axis of the sliding pinion, and which is provided with a Breguet toothing provided to cooperate with the Breguet toothing of the sliding pinion 33 when the control rod 31 is in the first axial position (not shown). On the other hand, the sliding pinion is provided to mesh with the intermediate gear 37 via its edge teeth when the rod is in the second or third axial position (shown respectively in the figures 2A and 2B ).

Always referring to figures 2A and 2B , it can be seen that the zipper 23 is constituted by a lever formed by two arms extending on either side of a pivot axis 41. The zipper is arranged to be controlled by the rod 31 so as to be located in its first position when the rod is in the first axial position, to be in its second position when the rod is in the second axial position and to be in its third position when the rod is in the third axial position. To this end, one of the two arms of the pull tab 23 conventionally carries a stud (not shown) which is engaged in a groove (not shown) of the rod 31.

The figure 2A illustrates the correction mechanism in the same configuration already illustrated by the figure 1B . The zipper 23 therefore occupies its second position and the slide is located at the top B of the guide 27, so that the first movable return 17 meshes with the first toothed movable 11. In this configuration, the control rod 31 is in second axial position, and when it is rotated, the first toothed mobile 11 is actuated. It can also be specified that, in the example illustrated, the first toothed mobile is a corrective mobile associated with a date display mechanism (generally referenced 43).

The figure 2B illustrates the correction mechanism in the same configuration already illustrated by the figure 1C . The pull rod 23 therefore occupies its third position and the slide 25 is located at the level of the top C of the guide 27, so that the second mobile return 19 meshes with the second toothed mobile 13. In this configuration, the control rod 31 is located in the third axial position, and when it is rotated, the time setting is actuated by means of the second toothed mobile 13. Always referring to the figure 2B , it can be seen that the latter meshes with a roadway 45 which is itself connected to a timer mobile comprising a wheel 51 and a pinion 49.

The figures 3A, 3B and 3C are pairs of partial top and bottom plan views of the head of the rocker 15, which illustrate in more detail the guide 27 and the movements of the slider 25 therein. As shown more particularly in the top views, in other words the left views of each pair, the guide 27 is essentially formed of an opening 53 of generally triangular shape formed in the head of the lever 15 and of a deflector 55 arranged at inside the opening and the general shape of which is that of a "spearhead" quadrilateral. The opening 53 and the baffle 55 are dimensioned so that the slider 25 can be guided in the peripheral groove-shaped gap formed by the space between the inner edge of the opening 53 and the outer edge of the baffle. 55.

The central deflector 55 is mounted to pivot about an axis 57 extending perpendicularly to the plane of the opening 53. However, its spearhead shape, with two wings ending in acute angles, does not allow it to rotate fully inside opening 53. Referring again to the left views of each pair of figures 3A, 3B and 3C , it can be seen in particular that one of the two wings of the deflector 55 (referenced 55a) is shown in abutment against the wall AC of the triangular-shaped opening 53. It can also be seen that the other wing (referenced 55b) is, for its part, practically in abutment against the wall BC of the opening. It will be understood that in the position shown, the pivoting of the deflector 55 in the counterclockwise direction is impossible, but on the other hand it has the possibility of pivoting by a limited angle in the clockwise direction. Referring now to the straight views (in other words, the bottom views) of the pairs of figures 3A, 3B and 3C , it can be seen that the deflector 55 is associated with a spring 59 arranged to return it in the counterclockwise direction (as seen from above).

The pair of figure 3A illustrates the slide 25 and the guide 27 in the configuration already illustrated by figure 1A . The slide is thus located at the top A of the triangular-shaped opening 53 and the wing 55a butts against the AC side of the opening. The wing 55a plays a role analogous to that of a needle blade on a railway track. When it is in abutment against the edge AC of the opening 53 and the pull tab 23 is switched from its first to its second position, the slide 25 is forced to bypass the deflector 55 and pass between the latter and the edge. inside AB of the opening, so that the slider is guided towards the vertex B.

The pair of figures 3B illustrates the slide 25 and the guide 27 in the configuration already illustrated by figure 1B . The slide is thus located at the top B of the opening 53, while the deflector 55 is in its rest position, its wing 55b blocking the path leading from the top B to the top C. If the pull tab 23 is then switched from his second to his third position, the slider 25 is forced to move in the direction of the top C passing between the deflector 55 and the inner edge BC of the opening 53. On its way, the slider meets the wing 55b of the deflector and pushes it aside. pushing it back clockwise. The slide then ends its travel resting against the top C, while the return spring 59 brings the deflector 55 with its wing 55b back to the rest position.

The pair of figure 3C illustrates the slide 25 and the guide 27 in the configuration already illustrated by figure 1C . The slide is thus located at the top C of the opening 53, while the flange 55b of the deflector 55 bars access to the section CB of the guide 27. If, in this configuration, the zipper 23 is then switched from its position. third to its second position, the wing 55b prevents the slide 25 from returning from where it came. The latter is therefore guided between the deflector 55 and the edge AC of the opening 53 in the direction of the top A. Always referring to the pair of figure 3C , it can be seen that the wing 55a of the deflector 55 bars the path separating the slide from the top A. However, when the zipper 23 passes from its second to its first position, the slide 25 continues its path by moving the wing 55a away from the deflector by pushing it back clockwise. The slider then ends its travel at the level of the top A, while the return spring 59 returns the wing 55a in the counterclockwise direction.

It will also be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the embodiment which is the subject of the present description without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, in the embodiments in which the guide consists of an opening and a deflector, the general shape of the opening need not be triangular. It can in particular be that of a “kite” quadrilateral. Likewise, the general shape of the deflector does not need to be that of a spearhead. It can for example be that of a triangle or a kite.

Claims (5)

1. Rocking-bar correction mechanism for a timepiece comprising a first (11) and a second (13) toothed mobile which are arranged respectively to pivot about two parallel axes, a manual actuating member (31), a manual selection member (31), a setting wheel rocking-bar (15), a first and a second mobile setting wheel (17, 19) which are pivotably mounted on the setting wheel rocking-bar (15), a control lever (23) arranged to occupy selectively at least one first, one second and one third position, and to be controlled by the manual selection member (31) so as to switch in one direction or the other between the first and the second position or between the second and the third position, the control lever (23) bearing a slide (25) arranged to cooperate with a guide (27) on the setting wheel rocking-bar (15) so as to permit the control lever (23) to control the position of the setting wheel rocking-bar (15) so that the first mobile setting wheel (17) connects the first toothed mobile (11) to the manual actuating member (31) when the control lever (23) switches from the first to the second position, and that the second mobile setting wheel (19) connects the second toothed mobile (13) to the manual actuating member (31) when the control lever switches from the second to the third position, the first toothed mobile (11) being disconnected from the manual actuating member (31) when the control lever (23) occupies the first or the third position, and the second toothed mobile (13) being disconnected from the manual actuating member (31) when the control lever (23) occupies the first or the second position, the guide (27) further being arranged so that the slide (25) is located at two predefined locations (A, C) of the guide when the control lever (23) is located in the first and third position respectively; characterised in that the guide (27) comprises two distinct paths between the two predetermined locations (A, C), and in that the guide is arranged so that the slide (25) travels a first of the two paths when the control lever (23) switches from its first to its second, then from its second to third position, and in that it travels the second of the two paths when the control lever (23) switches from its third to its second, then from its second to its first position, so that the first mobile setting wheel (17) does not connect the first toothed mobile (11) to the manual actuating member (31) when the control lever (23) switches from the third position to the second or the first position.
2. Rocking-bar correction mechanism for a timepiece as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the guide (27) comprises an opening (53) formed in the setting wheel rocking-bar (15) and a central deflector (55) arranged inside the opening, the slide (25) being arranged to slide along a closed-loop slot formed by a peripheral space between the outer edge of the deflector (55) and the inner edge of the opening (53), the first and the second paths being formed by two portions of the slot which extend on both sides of the central deflector (55) and of which the ends meet at the two predefined locations (A, C).
3. Rocking-bar correction mechanism for a timepiece as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the central deflector (55) comprises at least two protruding parts (55a, 55b) extending in the direction of the inner edge of the opening, in that the central deflector (55) is mounted to pivot relative to a spindle (57) perpendicular to the surface of the rocking-bar (15), in that the central deflector (55) is associated with means (59) for returning it to an angular position in which one of the at least two protruding parts (55a) abuts against the inner edge of the opening (53), and in that, on the one hand, a first of the at least two protruding parts (55b) is arranged to block access to the first path from one of the two predefined locations (C) and, on the other hand, a second of the at least two protruding parts (55a) is arranged to block access to the second path from the other predefined location (A) when said one (55a) of the two protruding parts abuts against the inner edge of the opening (53).
4. Rocking-bar correction mechanism for a timepiece as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the general shape of the central deflector (55) is that of a "spearhead" quadrilateral with two wings terminating at acute angles and constituting the first and the second protruding parts (55a, 55b).
5. Rocking-bar correction mechanism for a timepiece as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the general shape of the opening (53) is that of a triangle, the two predefined locations (A, C) being located respectively in the immediate proximity of two of the points.

Images