CH713578B1 - Push-button winding device for mechanical watch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a winding device (1) fixed to a structure of a timepiece movement (600) or of a mechanical watch comprising a case enclosing a barrel (300), comprising a pusher (2) independent of the control stem (500) of the watch and movable to drive a rack (4) for winding the barrel (300). This pusher (2) is extendable telescopically and comprises, between a barrel fixed to the box and a head (7) operable by the user, first elastic return means tending to move the head (7) away from the barrel, this head (7) able to occupy an angular position of longitudinal blocking corresponding to a rest position (PR), or an angular position of freedom allowing its axial mobility between an abutment position (PB) and an activated position (PA). The invention also relates to such a bayonet retractable and telescopically extendable pusher (2).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch pusher, retractable bayonet and extendable telescopically, comprising, between a barrel arranged to be fixed to a box and a head operable by the user and which carries a control member, first elastic return means tending to separate said head from said barrel.

The invention relates to a winding device arranged for its attachment to a structure of a mechanical watch comprising a box enclosing at least one barrel, relative to which box is movable a control rod at least hour, said winding device comprising at least one rack and such a pusher arranged to indirectly drive at least the drum of at least one barrel or a ratchet for winding the at least one barrel, the control member of said pusher being movable linearly and arranged for, under an action of a user, driving the at least one rack.

[0003] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising said structure on which is fixed at least one such winding device.

Background of the invention

[0004] The manual winding of mechanical watches is always a concern for manufacturers, because of the stresses imposed on the stem, and the wear of the components. In particular, small-sized watches are inconvenient to wind by the crown, often not very accessible and of very small size.

[0005] It is therefore difficult for the user to correctly transmit high torques and forces with crowns and pushers of very small diameter, the accessibility of which is sometimes difficult, in particular on ladies' watches, for which this accessibility may still be complicated by the length of the user's fingernails.

[0006] Other mechanisms have been produced, in particular by Léon Hatot, who has produced, for ladies' watches, caches with flaps covering the crown, and the opening of which allows energy to be recharged.

[0007] At the same time, such mechanisms make it difficult to ensure a large power reserve, due to the large number of cycles to be performed for complete winding. For example, it is not uncommon to require more than 20 turns of the stem for the complete winding of a small ladies' watch with a single barrel. The gear ratio must often be reduced, so as to reduce the torque to be applied at the level of the crown. And the space available does not always allow an automatic winding mechanism to be accommodated.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention proposes to define a winding mechanism that is easier to use than the usual crown, especially for small-sized watches such as ladies' watches, and allowing full recharging of energy with a number reduced winding cycles.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece pusher according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a winding device according to claim 7.

[0011] The invention also relates to a clock movement according to claim 14.

[0012] The invention also relates to a watch according to claim 15.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: FIG. 1 represents, schematically, and in perspective view from below, a watch movement comprising a winding device according to the invention, arranged for the winding of a barrel, with a pusher represented in its three remarkable positions : rest, activated, stop; FIG. 2 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, the movement of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 represents, schematically, in top view, a watch comprising a case enclosing the movement of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 represents, schematically, in bottom view, the watch comprising FIG. 3; FIG. 3 represents, schematically, in top view, a watch comprising a case enclosing the movement of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 schematically represents the same watch in section according to section A-A of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 represents, schematically, and in perspective seen from above, a part of the watch of FIG. 3 with a structure which carries the winding device according to the invention; FIG. 7 represents, schematically, and in perspective, the pusher of the winding device according to the invention, constituting an independent module, of which FIG. 8 represents, in the same way, the barrel that this pusher comprises; FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 represent, schematically, and in longitudinal section with respect to the axis of the pusher, this pusher module, respectively in the activated, rest and abutment position.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a watch pusher 2, retractable bayonet and extendable telescopically, which comprises, between a barrel 21 arranged to be fixed to a box 200 and a head 7 operable by the user and which carries a control member 8, first elastic return means 6 tending to separate the head 7 from the barrel 21.

According to the invention, this head 7 is movable in translation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel 21, between two extreme limit switches which are a stop position PB, where the head 7 is closest to the box 200, and in which stop position PB the head 7 has a degree of freedom in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel 21, and an activated position PA which is a position of maximum elongation, more easily accessible to the user, and where the head 7 is indexed in rotation relative to the box 200 in an indexed angular position, this head 7 being able to occupy, between these two stop positions PB and activated PA, a rest position PR where the head 7 is capable of being immobilized longitudinally with respect to barrel 21, in at least one angular locking position which is different from the indexed angular position.

More particularly, this barrel 21 comprises a first bore 22 for guiding a shaft 81 which is fixed to the head 7 and which constitutes the control member 8, for driving, in particular but not limited to translation, by pushing a rack 4 or a moving clockwork component.

The invention relates to a winding device 1 for a mechanical watch 100. Such a watch 100 conventionally comprises a box 200 enclosing at least one barrel 300, in particular provided with a ratchet 400, relative to which box 200 is movable a stem 500 for at least setting the time.

The winding device 1 is arranged for its attachment to a structure 700 of such a mechanical watch 100, this structure 700 possibly being a plate or a bridge, or the like, of a movement 600 intended to be integrated into the watch 100, or even the case 200 itself, or a member that it comprises, such as caseband, caseback, or other.

The winding device 1 according to the invention is versatile, since it can constitute a main winding device, or an auxiliary winding device in particular in the case where the watch also includes an automatic winding device. This winding device 1 can power both a main barrel intended to drive a movement 600, and a secondary barrel for a secondary function, such as a chronograph or even a striking mechanism, an automaton, or other . Naturally the winding device 1 can also be arranged to drive a plurality of ratchets each linked to a different barrel.

The invention is illustrated by the figures in the particular and non-limiting case of driving a main barrel.

This winding device 1 comprises such a pusher 2, which is arranged to indirectly drive at least one ratchet 400 for winding a barrel 300, or to indirectly drive the drum of this barrel 300.

This pusher 2 is linearly movable and arranged to, under the action of a user, drive, in particular in translation as in the particular case illustrated by the figures, at least one rack 4. It is understood that the rack 4 can have a race other than linear, in particular a circular race, for example following the contour of the movement if the latter is round in shape, or otherwise. In the non-limiting example of the figures, the rack 4 is guided on two supports 41, this configuration is also suitable for a circular stroke of the rack 4.

According to the invention, the pusher 2 is only used for winding, and is independent of the rod 500.

[0024] Naturally, this in no way prevents stem 500 from having a conventional winding function for an energy reservoir of the watch, in particular a barrel.

It should be understood that the pusher 2 does not use any cog in relation to the rod 500, and is independent to directly control the rotation of a ratchet.

This pusher 2 is extendable telescopically, and comprises, between a barrel 21 arranged to be fixed to the box 200 and a head 7 operable by the user and which carries the control member 8, first means of elastic return 6 which tend to separate the head 7 from the barrel 21.

[0027] The head 7 is mobile, in a limited way, in rotation, and in translation, relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel 21

The head 7 is movable in translation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel 21, between two extreme limit switches: a stop position PB, where this head 7 is as close as possible to the box 200, for example in a recess, in which the stop position PB the head 7 has a degree of freedom in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel, and an activated position PA which is a position of maximum elongation, where it is more easily accessible to the user, and where it is indexed in rotation relative to the box 200 in an indexed angular position. Between these two stop positions PB and activated PA, the head 7 can occupy a rest position where it is immobilized longitudinally with respect to the barrel 21, in at least one angular blocking position, which is different from the indexed angular position.

[0029] It is understood that the stop position PB is a transitional position which is only used for a change of angular position of the head 7 relative to the barrel 21: from the indexed angular position to the angular blocking position, or Conversely. It is in this stop position PB that the user imparts to the head 7 the rotation which allows it to change its angular position, by 45° in the particular non-limiting example of the figures.

[0030] Some figures superimpose the visualization of these three positions, the numerical markers are then in some cases assigned the letter B stop, A activated or R idle to better distinguish them.

The rack 4 is movable against second elastic return means 5, which are arranged to oppose a force resisting the thrust of the rack 4, and brings it back to the start of the race each time the user releases pusher 2.

[0032] More particularly, this at least one rack 4 is slidably mounted, and is linearly guided by guide means, or by at least two supports 41 in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, and cooperates with a winding mobile 42 which meshes with a deflection rake 43. This deflection rake 43 is actuated by at least one return spring 44 which comprises the second elastic return means 5,

[0033] More particularly the winding mobile 42 meshes with a sliding gear 45 which, depending on its direction of rotation, meshes or not, either directly with the ratchet 400, or else, as illustrated in the figures, with a crown of winding 46 which itself meshes with the ratchet 400, for winding the barrel 300 associated with the ratchet 400 under the effect of an actuation of the pusher 2.

[0034] It is understood that the choice of the gear ratios between the winding mobile 42, the sliding reference 45, and the winding crown 46, makes it possible to adjust the number of cycles to be carried out to obtain a complete winding of the barrel, or to increase the torque transmitted during each winding cycle by action on push-piece 2 until the end of its travel.

[0035] More particularly the winding mobile 42 meshes with a sliding gear 45 through at least one reverse gear 47, depending on the position of the pusher 2 in the box 200, and the direction of rotation of the barrel or barrels. Naturally, it is possible to interpose, if necessary, a longer cog between the winding mobile 42 and the sliding transmission 45, with as many transmissions and inverters as necessary.

[0036] In the non-limiting illustrated case, which concerns a very small ladies' watch caliber, the relationship is only between the winding mobile 42 and the ratchet 400, in fact it is easy to adapt the sizing of the mobile winding 42 depending on the desired report. More particularly, the sliding gear 45, the reverser pinion 47, if any, and the winding crown 46, act as a gear, with a ratio of 1, it is of course possible to modify this ratio with mobiles with sprockets and wheels, but at the expense of clutter.

[0037] It is understood that the presence of the winding crown 46 and/or the inverter pinion 47 is imposed by the relative positioning between the barrel 300 and the winding device 1 according to the invention, not only in terms of spacing , but also according to their relative angular positioning with respect to the watch case, the direction of rotation of the barrel 300 during its unwinding being imposed by the running direction of the cog of the clockwork movement 600 to which this barrel 300 provides energy.

[0038] More particularly the winding device 1 comprises a third elastic return means, or a non-return pawl 48 provided with a spring 480, or even a jumper spring or the like, to prevent the barrel from unwinding, and cooperating with the winding crown 46 or with the ratchet 400. The sliding reference 45 can therefore easily de-gear from the winding crown 46 without receiving adverse tension.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, this pawl 48 is on the winding crown 46, rather than on the ratchet 400, for space optimization, due to a thin movement configuration available, which prevents placing the pawl on the ratchet, or a jumper spring having the same function, as could be the case on a larger caliber.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, during the outward race (by pushing the rack 4), the player engages, in the return race the player disengages. This configuration is preferred to the reverse configuration, which would require unnecessary oversizing of the return spring of rack 4.

[0041] More particularly, and as visible in the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the first linear stroke of the head 7 is parallel to the second linear stroke of the rack 4.

In another variant not shown, the first linear stroke of the head 7 is not parallel to the second linear stroke of the rack 4, and the control member 8 cooperates with a rack 4 by an articulated connection, for example with an intermediate arm comprising a first articulation with the control member 8, and a second articulation with the rack 4, or similar. Such articulations can be made conventionally by articulation pins, or else this articulated connection is made by using a component in micro-machinable material, such as silicon or the like, comprising a plurality of necks forming as many articulations, this component being interposed between the rack 4 and the control member 8, or even secured to the rack 4, with which it can still be made in one piece. In yet another variant, the connection in thrust between the control member 8 and the rack 4 is made by sloping surfaces forming corners.

More particularly, in an advantageous embodiment illustrated by the figures, the pusher 2 is a retractable bayonet pusher, and comprises a barrel 21 arranged to be screwed and/or glued in an implantation 201 of the box 200. This barrel 21 which comprises a first bore 22, for guiding a shaft 81 which is fixed to the head 7, for example by a thread 29 and an internal thread 79, or the like, and which constitutes the control member 8 for driving , in particular in translation, of the at least one rack 4. More particularly, at least one seal 92 is interposed between the first bore 22 and the shaft 81, to seal the inside of the box 200.

In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the shaft 81 comprises, at its end, a screw 80 which comprises a smooth front surface, more particularly planar, free of slot, its drive being done by a peripheral profile, so as to do not hook the rack 4 during a rotation of the pusher 2 around its longitudinal axis. This screw 80 also serves, advantageously, as a rear stop to avoid the extraction of the shaft 81, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 9 where the head of this screw 80 comes to rest on an end stop 91, which can be a mechanical stop such as circlips, split ring, or the like, or a seal.

[0045] More particularly and as seen in Figure 7, the pusher 2 constitutes an independent module arranged to push a rack 4, and which can be inserted in one block in the location 201 of the case 200 of a watch 100. Preferably, but not limited to, the insertion of the barrel 21 is made permanently, by screwing and/or gluing or the like.

[0046] More particularly the barrel 21 comprises, connected to a flange 23 for abutment support which is intended to bear against one face of the box 200, a cylindrical bearing surface 24 on which a bore 72 of the head 7 slides. At least one longitudinal groove 25 parallel to the axis of the barrel 21 is arranged on the periphery of this cylindrical bearing surface 24, as seen in FIG. 7. A lug 73 which is integral with a front end 71 of the head 7 slides in this longitudinal groove 25 during a relative translation between the head 7 and the barrel 21, in a particular angular position of the head 7 which is an angular position of freedom.

This at least one longitudinal groove 25 opens, in the vicinity of the collar 23, into a clearance 27 forming a bayonet profile capable of receiving the lug 73 during an appropriate rotation of the head 7 relative to the barrel 21 , to form an axial stop of the head 7 relative to the barrel 21, the head 7 is then in an angular blocking position. The direction of rotation is irrelevant, and is chosen during the ergonomic definition of the product.

More particularly the barrel 21 comprises a first chamber 28 aligned with a second chamber 78 that the head 7 comprises for receiving a spring 31 tending to move the head 7 away from the barrel 21, the spring 31 constituting the first means of elastic return 6.

[0049] More specifically, clearance 27 comprises a housing 270 arranged to house lug 73 in a rest position, and which is separated from longitudinal groove 25 by a peripheral stop 29 preventing any rotation of head 7 when the lug 73 is housed in the housing 270 in the absence of axial movement of the head 7. The head 7 is then in the rest position referenced PR for the figures, and in the angular locking position, and, for the in release in order to carry out a reassembly, it is necessary to exert on the head 7 a pressure tending to bring it closer to the collar 23 of the barrel 21, up to the stop position PB, which is a transitional position and which is sufficiently far to allow clearance between the lug 73 and the peripheral stop 29, the user cannot push the head 7 any further. The user can then, then, impart to the head 7 a rotation bringing it into the indexed angular position , which allows longitudinal freedom, the res fate 31 then pushes the head 7 towards the active position PA, where the spring 31 is in its most relaxed position, and from which the user can maneuver the head 7 and carry out the winding of the barrel by a certain number of successive pressures. This rotation is 45° in the non-limiting example of the figures.

[0050] Preferably, only one knurled end, or the like, of the head 7, as well as an outer bearing surface 77, protrude from the box 200, the mechanism of the pusher 2 thus remains hidden, and protected, in the box 200 to any time.

In the particular case illustrated by the figures, the barrel 21 comprises two identical bayonet grooves, offset by 180°.

The invention is illustrated here with a single-stage pusher 2. It is of course possible to manufacture a similar mechanism, with a greater linear stroke, in the form of a multi-stage pusher, these stages being internal and coaxial with each other, and each comprising return means tending to its elongation maximum.

More particularly the winding device 1 constitutes a module independent of the stem 300 and which is arranged to be fixed to the case 200.

The invention also relates to a clock movement 600 comprising such a structure 700, on which is fixed at least one winding device 1 according to the invention.

The pusher 2 is designed to be housed anywhere in the watch. For example, the figures illustrate a pusher 2 which is located approximately at 8 o'clock, which explains the need for an inverter pinion 47 to drive the ratchet in the correct direction. This inverter pinion would not be necessary in another configuration, for example with the pusher 2 substantially at 4 o'clock. Thus the invention allows the placement of the pusher 2 in any location comprising an available volume, which is advantageous.

In a particular embodiment, with a movement with a width of 13.2 mm, the travel of the rack is 2.7 mm. Pusher 2 must be adapted to this long stroke of the rack. Preferably, the strokes of the pusher and of the rack are close, or even identical. It is necessary that the blocking position is done at the pusher and not in the mechanism, because, unlike a usual pusher, it is necessary to carry out the stop in the pusher, to have access to the release of the bayonet. It's really about making the most of the available space. If the width of the movement were 20mm and not 13.2mm, one could obtain much larger strokes. The invention makes good use of a rectangular movement, which offers a lot of available space as soon as you move off-axis from the stem, and this across the entire width of the movement. In this particular case, the travel of the head 7 of the pusher 2 is 2.7mm, the free travel of the screw 80 before touching the rack 4 at the start of travel stop is 0.1mm, the travel available between the stops of the rack on the supports 41 is 2.7mm, and the useful travel of the rack to arm the barrel is 2.6mm, due to the 0.1mm travel of the pusher which is devoted to the safety of the rack end of travel and stop position rack.

The invention advantageously implements only three return means: the first elastic return means 6 (spring 31) which tend to move the head 7 away from the barrel 21, the second elastic return means 5 which recall the rack, and the third elastic return means cooperating with the winding ring 46 or with the ratchet 400, which can be constituted by the spring 480 of the pawl 48 in the non-limiting variant illustrated by the figures. The product is generally ergonomic, with a retractable pusher, the advantage of which is to have a long stroke, but invisible. The user is not bothered when the pusher is hidden. The restoring force of the rack must be as low as possible, sized to overcome passive friction.

The same principle applies to the pusher. The return forces of these first and second return means are similar and of the same order, without special importance for the operation of the product, the main thing being that each manages to overcome the possible jamming of the components of the mechanism that it drives.

The invention also relates to a mechanical watch 100, comprising a box 200 enclosing at least one barrel 300 provided with a ratchet 400, relative to which box 200 is movable a control rod 500 at least for time, the watch 100 comprising such a structure 700 to which is attached a winding device 1 according to the invention, or comprising such a movement 600, and this case 200 comprises at least one installation 201 for housing a pusher 2, which is distant from the rod 500.

Claims (15)

1. Watch pusher (2), retractable bayonet and extendable telescopically, comprising, between a barrel (21) arranged to be fixed to a box (200) and a head (7) operable by the user and which carries a control member (8), first elastic return means (6) tending to separate said head (7) from said barrel (21), characterized in that said head (7) is movable in translation relative to the longitudinal axis of said barrel (21), between two extreme limit switches which are an abutment position (PB), where said head (7) is arranged to be as close as possible to said box (200), and in which abutment position (PB) said head (7) has a degree of freedom in rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of said barrel (21), and an activated position (PA) which is a position of maximum elongation, more easily accessible to the user, and wherein said head (7) is arranged to be indexed in rotation with respect to said box (200) in an indexed angular position , said head (7) being able to occupy, between these two abutment (PB) and activated (PA) positions, a rest position (PR) where said head (7) is able to be immobilized longitudinally with respect to said barrel (21) , in at least one angular blocking position which is different from said indexed angular position. 2. Pusher (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said barrel (21) comprises a first bore (22) for guiding a shaft (81) which is fixed to said head (7) and which constitutes said member control (8) for pushing a rack (4) or a mobile clock component. 3. Pusher (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said pusher (2) constitutes an independent module. 4. Pusher (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said barrel (21) comprises, connected to a collar (23) for abutment support, a cylindrical surface (24) on which slides a bore (72) of said head (7) and in which is formed at least one longitudinal groove (25) parallel to its axis and in which slides a lug (73) integral with a front end (71) of said head (7) , said at least one longitudinal groove (25) opening, in the vicinity of said collar (23), into a clearance (27) forming a bayonet profile capable of receiving said lug (73) during an appropriate rotation of said head ( 7) relative to said barrel (21), to form an axial stop of said head (7) relative to said barrel (21). 5. Pusher according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said barrel (21) comprises a first chamber (28) aligned with a second chamber (78) that comprises said head (7) for receiving a spring (31) tending to separate said head (7) from said barrel (21), said spring (31) constituting said first elastic return means (6). 6. Pusher (2) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said clearance (27) comprises a housing (270) arranged to accommodate said lug (73) in a rest position, and which is separated from said at least a longitudinal groove (25) by a peripheral stop (29) preventing any rotation of said head (7) when said lug (73) is housed in said housing (270) in the absence of axial movement of said head (7). 7. Winding device (1) arranged for its attachment to a structure (700) of a mechanical watch (100) comprising a case (200) enclosing at least one barrel (300), with respect to which case (200) is moving a stem (500) for at least setting the time, said winding device (1) comprising at least one rack (4) and one pusher (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, arranged to indirectly drive at least the drum of at least one barrel (300) or a ratchet (400) for winding the at least one barrel (300), the control member (8) of said pusher (2) being linearly movable and arranged for, under the action of a user, driving the at least one rack (4), characterized in that said pusher (2) is only used for winding and arranged to be independent of said rod (500) , and in that said at least one rack (4) is movable against second elastic return means (5). 8. Winding device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one rack (4) is mounted sliding and guided by guide means or by at least two supports (41), and cooperates with a mobile winding (42) which meshes with a deflection rake (43) actuated by at least one return spring (44) which comprises said second elastic return means (5). 9. Winding device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said winding mobile (42) meshes indirectly with a sliding gear (45) which, depending on its direction of rotation, is arranged to mesh or not with said ratchet (400), or meshes directly with a winding crown (46) arranged to mesh with said ratchet (400), or with the drum of said barrel (300), for winding said barrel (300) under the effect an actuation of said pusher (2). 10. Winding device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said winding mobile (42) meshes indirectly with the sliding gear (45) through at least one inverter pinion (47). 11. Winding device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said winding device (1) comprises a third elastic return means, or a pawl (48), cooperating with said winding crown (46 ) or being arranged to cooperate with said ratchet (400). 12. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that said at least one rack (4) is linearly movable, and in that said head (7) is movable according to a first linear stroke which is parallel to a second linear stroke along which said at least one rack (4) is movable. 13. Winding device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that said winding device (1) is arranged to constitute a module independent of said stem (500) and is arranged to be fixed to said box (200). 14. Clock movement (600) comprising a structure (700) on which is fixed at least one winding device (1) according to one of claims 7 to 13. 15. Watch (100) comprising a case (200) enclosing at least one barrel (300), relative to which case (200) is movable a stem (500) for at least setting the time, said watch ( 100) comprising a structure (700) to which is fixed a winding device (1) according to one of Claims 7 to 13, or comprising a movement (600) according to Claim 14, and the said case (200) comprising at least an implantation (201) for housing said pusher (2), which is remote from said rod (500).