CH718404A1 - Device for clock or clock comprising a winding key and a storage unit for this key. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for a small clock or clock comprising a winding key and a storage unit intended to be arranged in or on the case of said small clock or clock to receive the winding key when it is not in use. The winding key of the device comprises a first arm (101) whose first end carries a gripping head (103) and whose second end is articulated to a second arm (102) by means of an articulation (104) at a degree of freedom. The storage unit comprises, for its part, a body comprising an angled housing (202) whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first (101) and second (102) arms of the key. The whole is arranged so that, when the free end of the second arm (102) of the key is pressed into the elbow housing (202), its friction against the wall (204) of the elbow housing causes the articulation to bend. (104) so that the key is positioned in the stored position in the storage unit, with its first (101) and second (102) arms in the angled part (202) and its head (103) oriented in a predetermined direction . The invention also relates to a pendulum or clock, a storage unit and a winding key.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for a small clock or clock comprising a winding key and a storage unit intended to be arranged in or on the case of said small clock or clock to receive the winding key when it is not used. It also relates to a clock or a clock comprising such a storage unit, as well as each of the parts that constitute the winding key and the storage unit of such a device considered as such.

[0002] Traditionally, a timepiece such as a clock or a clock is wound by means of a removable winding key which is coupled with a form of drive, typically a square, of this piece of watchmaking, the time of winding. This key is then detached from the timepiece and stored by its user wherever he sees fit.

[0003] Some clocks include an integrated drawer provided for storing the key so as not to misplace it.

[0004] Such drawers are relatively bulky and may tend, in use, to seize up. Moreover, they lack originality and modernity.

[0005] In order to overcome these drawbacks, some clocks include an integrated electric motor allowing the mainspring to be wound. In this case, no winding key is necessary, so there is no risk of misplacing it. This is practical but involves a battery-type power supply that will have to be changed. In addition, some users of mechanical timepieces will prefer an entirely mechanical system.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for a clock or a mechanical clock intended to be wound by means of a winding key, said device incorporating a storage space for this key which is less bulky , more practical and/or more attractive for the user than a drawer integrated into the case.

To this end, the present invention relates to a device for a small clock or clock comprising a winding key and a storage unit intended to be arranged in or on the case of said small clock or clock to receive the winding key when it is not used.

According to the invention, the winding key of the device comprises a first arm, a first end of which carries a gripping head and the second end of which is articulated to a second arm by means of an articulation with one degree of freedom. The storage unit for its part comprises a body comprising an angled housing whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first and second arms of the key. Finally, the whole is arranged so that, when the free end of the second arm of the key is pushed into the elbow housing, its friction against the wall of the elbow housing causes the articulation to bend so that the key is positioned in the stored position in the storage unit, with its first and second arms in the angled part and its head oriented in a predetermined direction.

[0009] The invention also relates to a clock or a clock comprising a winding key and, in or on its case, a storage unit intended to receive said winding key when it is not in use, said clock or clock being characterized in that the winding key comprises a first arm, a first end of which carries a gripping head and the second end of which is articulated to a second arm by means of an articulation with one degree of freedom; in that the storage unit comprises a body comprising an angled housing whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first and second arms of the key; and in that, when the free end of the second arm of the key is pressed into the elbow housing, its friction against the wall of the elbow housing causes the articulation to bend so that the key is positioned in the stowed position in the storage unit, with its first and second arms in the bent part and its head oriented in a predetermined direction.

The present invention also relates to a storage unit and a winding key for the device according to the invention taken separately for themselves.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description given with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of a clock case comprising a device according to a particular embodiment of the invention in two different states of use, said device comprising a winding key, a storage unit allowing the storage of said key and an ejection system allowing the ejection of said key; FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c are cross-sectional views along a plane P1 of the part of the case illustrated in FIG. 1a comprising the device in successive states during the insertion of the winding key into the storage unit ; FIGS. 3a and 3b are top views of the case illustrated in FIG. 1a in successive states during the insertion of the winding key into the storage unit; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the device shown in Figure 1a without its winding key; FIGS. 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views along an axis I-I of a part, called the ejection system, of the device illustrated in FIG. 1a, in successive states during insertion of the winding key in the storage unit; FIGS. 6a to 6f are schematic views illustrating the ejection system of FIGS. 5a and 5b in successive positions which it assumes during the insertion of the winding key into the storage unit; FIGS. 7a to 7f are schematic views illustrating the ejection system of FIGS. 5a and 5b in successive positions which it assumes when the winding key is ejected from the storage unit.

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a clock case 10 with mechanical movement comprising a device 1 according to the invention. This device 1 comprises a winding key 100 making it possible to wind up the engine member of the clock as well as a storage unit 200 arranged in the case 10 of the clock and making it possible to store the winding key 100 when it is not not used.

As illustrated in Figure 1b, the winding key 100 comprises a first arm 101, a first end of which carries a gripping head 103 and the second end of which is hinged to a second arm 102 by means of a hinge 104.

[0014] Referring to Figures 2a to 2c, the storage unit 200 comprises a body 201 comprising an angled housing 202 whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first 101 and second 102 arms of the key 100.

The housing 10 and the storage unit 200 define a housing 203 intended to receive the gripping head 103. Its shape and its dimensions correspond to those of the head 103.

[0016] The articulation 104 between the first 101 and second 102 arms of the winding key 100 typically comprises a cylindrical hinge pin, pivoting freely in cylindrical bores of the first 101 and second 102 arms of the winding key 100. Joint 104 is therefore a joint with one degree of freedom which only allows flexion between these two arms 101, 102 so as to modify the value of the angle that they form between them.

As indicated above, the angled housing 202 is characterized by a shape and dimensions adapted to receive the first 101 and second 102 arms of the key. It further comprises a clearance 205 to facilitate the bending of the articulation 104 under the effect of the friction of the free end of the second arm 102 of the winding key 100 against the wall 204 of the elbow housing 202, when the end free of the second arm 102 of the key 100 is pushed into the angled housing 202.

As illustrated in Figure 3a, it is possible that by wanting to store the winding key 100 in the angled housing 202, the user inserts it with his gripping head 103 oriented in a direction other than that provided, typically rotated through an angle α relative to the direction in which the head is aligned with the housing 203.

[0019] If such an offset of the key relative to its ideal insertion position were maintained throughout the insertion, the gripping head 103 would eventually come into contact with the housing 10 while being outside the housing. 203 planned to receive it. Repeated use of this type could result in damaging, typically scratching, the surface of the housing 10.

The device 1 according to the invention has the advantage of avoiding this. Indeed, as the joint 104 has a single degree of freedom, if the angle α is not too large, the friction of the free end of the second arm 102 of the key 100 against the internal wall 204 of the housing causes the pivoting of the key 100 so that the gripping head 103 is oriented in the direction imposed by the orientation of the bend of the bent housing 202 and takes place in the housing 203 provided to receive it.

[0021] Thus, when a user inserts the key 100 into the angled housing 202 of the storage unit 200 with an offset as shown in FIG. 3a, the latter reorients itself spontaneously as the user pushes it into the housing 202, and this until it reaches the stowed position illustrated in Figure 3b. This avoids damaging the clock case 10 even when the winding key 100 is inserted therein slightly askew.

Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention also comprises an ejection system 300 allowing the user of the clock to easily extract the winding key 100 from the storage unit 200 when he wishes to wind his clock.

This ejection system 300 is illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c and 4 to 7f. In the example illustrated, it is integrated into the storage unit 200. It comprises a pair of helical springs 302 arranged to be constrained under the effect of the insertion of the free end of the second arm 102 of the key 100 into the angled housing 202. When they reach a certain degree of cocking the ejection system 300 reaches a locked position. This position is illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2c and 5b. The key 100 is then in the stowed position, resting on the ejection system 300.

[0024] When the user of the clock wishes to remove the winding key 100 from the device 1, all he has to do is press the gripping head 103 of the key 100 to move it beyond its stowed position. This unlocks the ejection system 300 which causes the relaxation of the springs 302 which allow the key 100 to be pushed at least partly out of the angled housing 202, so that the user can easily grasp it (return to the position illustrated in Figure 2b).

[0025] The ejection system 300 is described in more detail in the following section.

[0026] Referring to the figures, the ejection system 300 comprises a piston 301, movable in translation in a slot 206 of the storage unit 200, between a first stable position illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 5a in which it is in particular when the winding key 100 is outside the storage unit 200, and a second stable position illustrated in Figures 2c and 5b in which it is when the winding key 100 is in the stowed position in the unit of storage 200.

The piston 301 is guided in translation in the slot 206 by means of a slide-type connection.

Each of the springs of the pair 302 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slot 206 around a guide rod. Springs 302 rest against bottom 206a of slot 206 and push piston 301 in the direction going from its second stable position (key stored) to its first stable position (key out of device 1).

The longitudinal axis of the slot 206 defining the direction of movement of the piston 301 is typically arranged to be parallel to the first arm 101 of the key 100 when the latter is in the stored position in the storage unit 200.

The piston 301 carries a pin 301a extending perpendicular to the slot 206 and intended to cooperate with a shoulder 105 of the first arm 102 of the winding key 100 when the latter is inserted into the storage unit 200. As can be seen in Figures 2b and 2c, when the winding key 100 is inserted into the angled housing 202, the shoulder 105 of its first arm 101 comes into abutment against the pin 301a and allows the key 100 to drive the piston 301 towards the bottom 206a of the slot 206 by constraining the springs 302. The stud 301a is retractably mounted so that it retracts to let the first arm 101 pass then a first portion of the second arm 102 of the key at the start from its insertion into the angled housing 202 (see FIG. 2a) and until it comes into abutment against the shoulder 105.

The piston 301 comprises a hollow cam 303 defining a closed circuit in which the foot 304a of a pin 304 moves. The pin 304 also comprises a flat cylindrical head 304b arranged in an oblong slot 305 made in the internal wall of a plate 201a of the body 201 of the storage unit 200. The pin 304 is guided in translation in this slot 305 and can only move relative to the storage unit 200 in this slot 305, perpendicular to the axis displacement of the piston 301.

Figures 6 and 7 describe in detail the role of these different bodies. These are schematic figures illustrating the displacements of the piston 301 during the insertion of the key 100 into the storage unit 200. The oblong slot 305 is shown and serves as a reference for identifying the displacements of the piston 301 relative to the storage unit 200.

Figure 6a illustrates the configuration of the ejection system 300 in the first stable position of the piston 301, typically when the key is outside the device 1. This position corresponds to that illustrated in Figures 2a, 2b and 5a. In this position, the springs 302 exert a relatively weak restoring force Fr and the foot 304a of the pin 304 cooperates with the cam 303 to retain the piston 301 in its first stable position. A leaf spring 306, illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b and cooperating with a notch 307 of the piston 301 also participates in maintaining the piston 301 in its first stable position.

[0034] Figures 6b to 6f illustrate the progression of the pin 304 in the closed circuit of the cam 303 when the winding key 100 is inserted into the angled housing 202.

[0035] During this insertion, the shoulder 105 of the key pushes the pin 301a towards the bottom 206a of the slot 206 which results in a Fins insertion force opposing that of the springs 302 (and that leaf spring 306). This Fins force allows the piston 301 to descend into the slot 206. As the piston 301 progresses through the slot 206, a first inclined plane 303a of the hollow cam 303 comes into abutment against the pin 304 which is forced to move translation in its slot 305 (FIG. 6c). The pin 304 evolves in the circuit of the cam 303 as the piston 301 descends into the slot by winding the springs. The elastic restoring force gradually increases.

[0036] In Figure 6d, a second inclined plane 303b of the hollow cam 303 comes into contact with the pin 304, pushing it to move in the slot 305.

In Figure 6e, the user releases the piston 301 and the return force Frdes springs 302 positions a third inclined plane 303c of the cam 303 against the pin 304. The piston is in a stable state. This state corresponds to that represented schematically in FIG. 6f as well as in FIGS. 5b and 2c. The shoulder 105 of the winding key 100 bears against the stud 301a carried by the piston 301

[0038] Figures 7a to 7f illustrate the configuration of the ejection system 300 during the ejection of the key.

FIG. 7a illustrates the configuration of the ejection system when it is "locked", the key 100 being in the stowed position in the storage unit. In this position Frest strength at its maximum.

To unlock the system and recover the key, the user exerts a Fins force (he pushes the key beyond its stowed position) countering the force Fr of the coil springs 302. This releases the pin 304 from the stop 303b (see Figure 7c). The user can then release the key and the elastic return force Frva alone pushes back the piston 301 until it returns to its first stable position. During this displacement of the piston 301, the pin 301a pushes on the shoulder 105 and partly brings the key out of the angled housing 202. The gripping head 103 is then easily accessible by the user. This corresponds to the position illustrated in Figure 2b.

[0041] At each cycle comprising a complete insertion of the winding key 100 in the storage unit then its exit, the pin 304 runs through the entire circuit of the hollow cam 303.

The foregoing description sets out to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration, and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular characteristics which have just been described, such as, for example, the structure and/or the mode of operation of the ejection system.

In the example shown, the device 1 comprising the storage unit 200 and the winding key 100 is an independent structure which has been fitted in a casing 10 of the clock. Alternatively, it is possible to attach the storage unit 200 to the casing. In other variants, it is also possible to design a casing comprising a storage unit such as that 200 of the device 1 forming an integral part of the casing (unlike an added part).

Claims (9)

1. Device (1) for clock or clock comprising a winding key (100) and a storage unit (200) intended to be arranged in or on the case (10) of said clock or clock to receive the winding key ( 100) when not in use, said device (1) being characterized in that the winding key (100) comprises a first arm (101), one end of which carries a gripping head (103) and the second end of which is articulated to a second arm (102) by means of an articulation (104) with one degree of freedom; in that the storage unit (200) comprises a body (201) comprising an angled housing (202) whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first (101) and second (102) arms of the key (100 ); and in that, when the free end of the second arm (102) of the key (100) is pressed into the elbow housing (202), its friction against the wall (204) of the elbow housing causes the articulation to bend (104) so that the key (100) is positioned in the stored position in the storage unit (200), with its first (101) and second (102) arms in the angled part (202) and its head (103 ) oriented in a predetermined direction. 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an ejection system (300) comprising an elastic return member (302) arranged to constrain under the effect of the insertion of the free end of the second arm (102) of the key in the angled housing (202) until it reaches a locked position, the key then being in the stowed position resting on the ejection system (300), and arranged further to unlock upon movement of the key (100) beyond its stowed position to relax and push the key at least partially out of the angled housing (202). 3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said ejection system (300) comprises a piston (301) movable in translation between a first stable position, in which it is when the key (100) is outside the storage unit (200), and a second stable position corresponding to said locked position, said piston (301) being subjected to the elastic return action of at least one spring (302) which winds when the piston (301) moves from its first to its second stable position, said piston (301) further comprising a hollow cam (303) defining a closed circuit traversed by a pin (304) during the translational movements of the piston mobile (301), said pin (304) itself being guided in translation perpendicular to the axis of translation of the piston (301), the whole being arranged so that the cooperation between the cam (303) and this pin (304 ) locks the position of the piston (301) in each of said stable positions are. 4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said winding key (100) comprises a shoulder (105) arranged to drive the piston (301) from its first stable position to its second stable position during its insertion in the stowed position in the storage unit (200). 5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the piston (301) carries a pin (301a) retractable cooperating with said shoulder (105) to drive the piston (301) from its first stable position to its second position stable when inserting the winding key (100) in the stored position in the storage unit (200). 6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cooperation between the pin (301a) and the shoulder (105) allows the transmission of the elastic return force of said spring (302) to the winding key ( 100) when it unlocks and relaxes. 7. Clock or clock comprising a removable winding key (100) and, in or on its case (10), a storage unit (200) intended to receive said winding key (100) when not in use , said pendulum or clock being characterized in that the winding key (100) comprises a first arm (101), one end of which carries a gripping head (103) and the second end of which is articulated to a second arm (102) at the means of an articulation (104) with one degree of freedom; in that the storage unit (200) comprises a body (201) comprising an angled housing (202) whose shape and dimensions are adapted to receive the first (101) and second (102) arms of the key (100 ); and in that, when the free end of the second arm (102) of the key is pressed into the elbow housing (202), its friction against the wall (204) of the elbow housing causes the articulation (104) to bend so that the key (100) is positioned in the stored position in the storage unit (200), with its first and second arms in the angled part and its head oriented (103) in a predetermined direction. 8. Storage unit (200) for a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a body (201) comprising an angled housing (202). 9. Winding key (100) for a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a first arm (101) of which a first end carries a gripping head (103) and whose second end is articulated to a second arm (102) by means of an articulation (104) with one degree of freedom.