CH720098A2 - Timepiece module which can be activated occasionally including automatic blocking means - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a clock module (1) for a clock movement, for example an automaton or a striker, clock module (1) comprising a plate (2) and a mechanical device (10) capable of move from a rest state in which the mechanical device (10) is immobile relative to the plate (2), to an operating state, in which at least part of the mechanical device (10) is movable relative to the plate (2) when actuated, the clock module (1) comprising a barrel (3) to supply energy to the mechanical device (10), the mechanical device (10) comprising a train of cogs (20 ) actuable by the barrel (3), the mechanical device (10) further comprising a speed regulator of the mechanical device (10), the timepiece module (1) comprising automatic blocking means (30) of the mechanical device (10), the automatic blocking means (30) being configured to block the regulator in order to put the mechanical device (10) in the rest state.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention concerns timepiece modules which can be activated occasionally, the timepiece module comprising means for automatically blocking the operation of the module.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to timepiece modules, such as animation mechanisms or ringing mechanisms, which are activated occasionally, and which require an automatic shutdown device after a determined operating time.

[0003] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement of a timepiece, such as a watch, comprising such a timepiece module.

Technology background

[0004] In the field of watchmaking, there are mechanisms configured to trigger at a predetermined time or which can be activated on request.

[0005] For example, in bell mechanisms, a bell is configured to sound at a given time, for example in the case of an alarm function. Other types of chime mechanisms, called minute repeater mechanisms, are chimes that can be activated on demand to indicate the time audibly.

[0006] Other mechanisms, called animation, consist of animating an object by one or more movements, for example an automaton. The animation of the automaton can be programmed at a predetermined time, or be triggered on request by actuation means.

[0007] Generally, these ringing or animation mechanisms have their own drive means, such as a barrel, which is arranged to provide the energy necessary for its operation. By a train of cogs linked to the barrel, the automaton or the strike is activated.

[0008] The mechanism can be operated until the barrel is completely unloaded. However, certain mechanisms include automatic stopping means, to stop the animation or the ringing after a predetermined time, in particular in order to be able to activate the mechanism several times with the same loaded barrel.

[0009] For example, document US 3460339 describes an automatic alarm mechanism comprising means for blocking the alarm mechanism. The automatic blocking means comprise a lever cooperating with a rotating cam, the cam comprising a notch to block the lever and prevent the mechanism from operating. The alarm mechanism also includes means for releasing the lever to release the alarm mechanism. When the lever is released from the notch, the mechanism operates as long as the cam makes one revolution, until the lever is retained by the notch. The cam is driven by drive means to which it is connected.

However, such a mechanism is complex to implement and takes up space.

[0011] Documents EP 2880650 and EP 2880498 describe a watch provided with an animation mechanism comprising an automaton, here a bird, whose animation is driven by a barrel via a train of cogs.

However, the documents do not describe means of blocking the mechanism before the barrel is completely discharged.

Summary of the invention

[0013] In this context, the aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks cited above by proposing a timepiece module which can be activated occasionally, which can be stopped automatically after a predetermined operating time, while maintaining a volume reduced.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a timepiece module for a timepiece movement, the timepiece module comprising a plate and a mechanical device capable of switching from a rest state, in which the device mechanical is stationary relative to the plate, in an operating state, in which at least part of the mechanical device is movable relative to the plate when it is actuated, the watch module comprising a barrel to provide energy energy to the mechanical device, the mechanical device comprising a train of cogs operable by the barrel, the mechanical device further comprising a speed regulator of the mechanical device, the watchmaking module comprising means for automatically blocking the mechanical device.

The invention is remarkable in that the automatic blocking means are configured to block the regulator in order to put the mechanical device in the rest state.

[0016] The timepiece mechanism according to the invention thus offers an innovative technical solution making it possible to automatically stop the mechanical device.

[0017] Thanks to the invention, we obtain a timepiece module provided with automatic blocking means, which is compact and efficient.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulator comprises a regulating pinion driven by the barrel when it is rotating via the gear train, the regulating pinion being mounted integrally on a shaft regulation, the automatic blocking means being configured to block the regulation shaft to put the mechanical device in the rest state.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprise a brake lever cooperating with the regulating shaft, the brake lever being movable around a first pivot of rotation between a position of contact in which it is in contact with the regulating shaft to block it and a position remote from the regulating shaft, in which it lets the regulating shaft rotate.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device is in the rest position when the brake lever is in the contact position, and the mechanical device is in the operating position when the brake lever is in the far position.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic blocking means comprise a first return spring, acting on the brake lever to keep it in the contact position.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic blocking means comprise a rotating cam and a movable body cooperating with the rotating cam, the movable body being movable between a blocking position, in which the mechanical device is in the rest state, and a withdrawn position, in which the mechanical device is in the operating state.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the rotating cam is mounted integral with the barrel.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the rotary cam is provided with at least one notch, and the movable body is provided with a finger, the finger being inserted in the notch of the rotary cam, when the mobile body is in the blocking position, and the finger being outside the notch, when the mobile body is in the withdrawn position.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mobile body remains in contact with the rotating cam in the operating state of the mechanical device.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable body is configured to automatically move from the withdrawn position to the blocking position after a predefined time.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the predefined time corresponds to one revolution of the barrel.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic blocking means comprise an intermediate rocker carrying the movable body, the intermediate rocker being movable around a second pivot of rotation.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the intermediate rocker is configured to actuate the brake rocker to move it from the contact position to the remote position, the intermediate rocker being mechanically linked to the brake rocker .

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic blocking means comprise actuation means on demand making it possible to move the mobile body from the blocking position to the withdrawal position.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation means comprise a rotary control rocker around a third pivot of rotation between an initial position and a depressed position, the control rocker actuating the intermediate rocker when in the depressed position.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation means comprise a second return spring acting on the control rocker to return it to the initial position.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic blocking means comprise a ratchet wheel cooperating with the control rocker.

[0034] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising such a timepiece module.

[0035] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a clockwork movement.

Brief description of the figures

[0036] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below with reference to the following figures: - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of an embodiment of the module watchmaking according to the invention; – Figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of the embodiment of the clock module of Figure 1, in which the cogs have been removed; – Figure 3 is a schematic representation in top view of a part of the clock module of Figure 2, the clock module being in a rest state; – Figure 4 is a schematic representation in top view of a part of the clock module of Figure 2, at the time of triggering of the mechanical device 10; – Figure 5 is a schematic representation in top view of a part of the clock module of Figure 2, the clock module being in operating state; and – Figure 6 is a schematic representation in top view of a part of the clock module of Figure 2, the clock module passing from the operating state to the rest state.

[0037] In all the figures, the common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified.

Detailed description of the invention

[0038] Represented in Figures 1 to 3, the invention relates to a clock module 1 for a clock movement.

[0039] The clock module 1 comprises a plate 2 on which the parts of the module 1 are arranged. The clock module 1 comprises in particular a mechanical device 10 capable of being triggered punctually, for example a mechanical device for animating d 'an automaton in this embodiment. The mechanical device 10 can go from a rest state, in which the mechanical device 10 is stationary relative to the plate 2, to an operating state in which the mechanical device 10 is movable relative to the plate 2 when it is activated.

The mechanical device 10 comprises a train of cogs 20, for example configured to drive the automaton. Thus, by operating the cogs 20, the mechanical device 10 is in operating condition.

[0041] To regulate the movement of the automaton, the mechanical device 10 comprises a regulator provided with a regulating pinion 19 mounted integrally on a regulating shaft 15. The regulating shaft 15 is movable in rotation to allow rotation of the regulation pinion 19.

[0042] There are different types of regulators, some regulators being friction, and others being braked by a magnetic field. The regulators, which are well known to those skilled in the art, prevent too rapid rotation of the shaft by retaining it using friction or using a magnetic brake. Thus, the rotation speed of the regulating shaft 15 and therefore of the regulating pinion 19 is controlled by the regulator.

[0043] To supply energy to the mechanical device 10, in particular to the train of cogs 20, the clock module 1 comprises a barrel 3. The barrel 3 comprises a cylindrical housing provided with peripheral external teeth 6. The housing is arranged to include a barrel spring inside, so as to rotate the housing and the peripheral external teeth 6 around an axis of rotation.

The cog train 20 comprises two gear wheels arranged on the plate: a first wheel set provided with a first toothed wheel 9 and a first toothed pinion 13 arranged on the first toothed wheel 9, and a second wheel set provided with a second toothed wheel 11 and a second toothed pinion (not visible in the figures), arranged under the second toothed wheel 11. The gear train 20 further comprises a third toothed wheel 12.

The first mobile, the second mobile and the third toothed wheel 12 are arranged one after the other. The first toothed wheel 9 is arranged partly under the barrel 3. The second toothed wheel 11 is arranged partly above the first toothed wheel 11, and the third toothed wheel 12 is arranged near the second toothed wheel 11.

The first pinion 13 is meshed with the external teeth 6 of the barrel 3, and the second pinion is meshed with the first gear wheel 9. The third toothed wheel 12 is meshed with the second toothed wheel 11.

When the barrel 3 begins to rotate, it drives the first mobile, the second mobile, and the third toothed wheel 12. Thus, the regulating pinion 19 and the regulating shaft 15 are driven by the barrel 3 when it rotates via the gear train 20, the regulating pinion 19 being meshed with the third toothed wheel 12.

The rotation speed of the gear train 20 is therefore regulated by the regulator so that the rotation and therefore the animation of the automaton is controlled.

[0049] The timepiece module 1 comprises automatic blocking means 30 of the mechanical device 10. To this end, the automatic blocking means 30 are configured to be able to block the mechanical device 10 in the rest state and to leave it in the rest state. of operation for a predetermined period of time.

The automatic locking means 30 comprise a rotary cam 4, the rotary cam 4 being arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation. The cam has a peripheral face provided with a notch 5.

The rotary cam 4 is mounted on the barrel 3, and is integral with the rotation of the barrel 3. The circular peripheral face of the rotary cam 4 overcomes the peripheral teeth 6 of the barrel 3. The notch 5 is formed in the face peripheral, and has a shape curved towards the inside of the rotating cam 4.

The automatic blocking means 30 further comprise a movable body 7 provided with a finger 26 extending towards the rotating cam 4. The movable body 7 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the finger 26 extending laterally in the plane of the rotating cam 4.

The movable body 7 is movable between a blocking position in which the finger 26 is inserted in the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4, and a withdrawal position in which the movable body 7 is moved away from the rotating cam 4, so that finger 26 remains outside notch 5.

As shown in Figure 5, during the rotation of the rotary cam 4, the movable body 7 remains in the withdrawn position, the tip of the finger 26 of the movable body 7 being in contact with the peripheral face of the cam rotary 4 while it rotates with the barrel 3. More precisely, the mobile body 7 experiences a restoring force, which holds it against the rotating cam 4. The origin and effect of the restoring force are described later in the description in paragraphs 68 to 70.

[0055] Thanks to this restoring force, the mobile body 7 moves automatically into the blocking position, when the finger 26 can be inserted into the notch 5, as shown in Figure 6. Thus, as soon as the finger 26 makes facing the notch 5, the mobile body 7 is no longer pushed back by the peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 in the withdrawn position, and the finger 26 can return to the blocking position, the finger 26 inserting into the notch 5.

As long as the finger 26 cannot be inserted into the notch 5 of the peripheral face, the barrel 3 continues to rotate and the mechanical device 10 is in working order. Thanks to this restoring force, automatic blocking means are obtained.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the movable body 7 is in the withdrawn position, the barrel 3 makes a revolution until the notch 5 is again facing the finger 26 of the movable body 7. Indeed , as the rotating cam 4 has a single notch 5, the barrel 3 makes an entire revolution before the automatic blocking means 30 stop it again.

[0058] In a variant embodiment, not shown in the figures, the rotating cam has two or more notches, so that the barrel and the mechanical device are stopped at each notch. Consequently, the mechanical device operates only during rotation of the barrel between two notches, that is to say for a period of less than one revolution of the barrel.

To carry and move the mobile body 7, the automatic locking means 30 comprise an intermediate rocker 8 arranged on the plate 2, the mobile body 7 being mounted at a first end 27 of the intermediate rocker 8. The intermediate rocker 8 is mounted on a second rotation pivot 21 to be able to tilt and modify the position of the movable body 7 from the blocking position to the withdrawal position.

The intermediate rocker 8 has a curved shape comprising at the front two substantially parallel arms curved and connected to the first end 27, the two arms delimiting an open space. The intermediate rocker 8 comprises a third curved arm extending rearwardly to form a second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8. The three arms are connected by an intermediate joint 29 provided with the second rotation pivot 21.

[0061] A restoring force is applied to the second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8 to keep the movable body 7 in contact with the peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 by the finger 26. Thus, a spring effect is obtained, which pushes the first end 27 of the intermediate rocker 8 towards the rotating cam 4, in order to automatically return the movable body 7 to the blocking position, when the notch 5 of the peripheral face is opposite the finger 26.

[0062] In this embodiment, the clock module 1 comprises a brake rocker 14 configured to come into contact with the regulating shaft 15 to prevent it from rotating. The brake rocker 14 comprises a first end 31 provided with a nose capable of coming into contact with the regulating shaft.

The mechanical device 10 is in the rest position when the brake lever 14 is in the contact position, and the mechanical device 10 is in the operating position when the brake lever 14 is in the remote position.

[0064] According to the invention, the mechanical device 10 is stopped when the brake lever 14 is in the contact position. In other words, the mechanical device 10 is stopped by the blocking of the regulating shaft 15 by the brake rocker 14. In fact, if the regulating shaft 15 is blocked, the gear train 20 can no longer rotate because the regulating pinion 19 holds the third wheel 12.

[0065] In this embodiment the mechanical device 10 is not stopped, by blocking the barrel 3, when the finger 26 of the movable element 7 is inserted in the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4. The movable 7 , the finger 26 and the notch 5 only have the function of triggering the blocking of the mechanical device 10, by causing the brake rocker 14 to tilt into the position of contact with the regulating shaft 15 after the predefined time.

[0066] In a variant embodiment, the automatic blocking means 30 are configured to simultaneously block the rotation of the barrel 3 and the rotation of the regulating shaft 15. Thus, when the finger 26 of the movable element 7 enters into the notch 5 of the rotary cam 4, the barrel 3 is blocked, and simultaneously, the lever lever 14 passes into the contact position with the regulating shaft 15 to block it.

The brake rocker 14 is rotatably mounted around a first rotation pivot 22 to be able to switch from a position of contact with the regulating shaft 15 to a remote position to leave it free to rotate. The brake rocker 14 has an elbow shape, the first rotation pivot 22 being arranged on the curvature of the elbow.

The automatic blocking means 30 also comprise a first return spring 16, which presses on the first end 31 of the brake rocker 14 to keep it in contact with the regulating shaft 15, in the contact position. The first return spring 16 comprises a curved flexible blade attached to the plate on one side and free on the other, the free part being folded over a first pin extending from the first end 31 of the brake lever 14.

[0069] To this end, the brake lever 14 comprises a second end 32 on which the second end 28 of the intermediate lever 8 rests. The second end 32 of the brake lever 14 is provided with a pin 33 s extending in the plane of the intermediate rocker 8. The pin of the brake rocker 14 presses on the second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8.

[0070] Thus, thanks to the pin 33, the return force of the first return spring 16 is transmitted to the intermediate rocker 8, so that it is in the position of placing the mobile body 7 against the rotating cam 4.

[0071] The timepiece module 1 further comprises actuation means on demand making it possible to tilt the intermediate rocker 8 and consequently the brake rocker 14, so that the mobile body 7 is moved from the position of blocking in the withdrawn position, and the regulating shaft 15 is simultaneously released.

[0072] To this end, the actuation means comprise a control rocker 18 rotatably mounted around a third rotation pivot 23.

The control rocker 18 comprises a first end 35 forming an actuation button. The control rocker 18 has an elbow shape provided with a short segment comprising the first end 35, and a long segment in the middle of which the third rotation pivot 23 is arranged. The second end 36 of the control rocker 18 is at the end of the long segment.

[0074] The control rocker 18 is partly mounted below the intermediate rocker 8.

[0075] The control rocker 18 further comprises a hook 37 rotatably mounted at the second end 36 of the control rocker 18. The hook 37 cooperates with a ratchet wheel 34 arranged near the second end 36 of the control rocker. order 18.

[0076] The automatic blocking means 30 comprise a second return spring 17 similar to the first return spring 16, which is configured to press on the hook 37, in order to exert a force tending to bring it into contact with the wheel to be ratchet 34.

[0077] The control rocker 18 is also connected to the intermediate rocker 8 by an oblong through hole 25 surrounding a stud 24 mounted on the intermediate rocker 8. Thus, when the control rocker 18 pivots, it pulls on the stud 24 of the intermediate rocker 8, to tilt it in turn, so as to move the movable body 7 into the retracted position to release the barrel 3. Simultaneously, the intermediate rocker 8 presses on the brake rocker 14 in order to release the regulating shaft 15 the regulating pinion 19, and therefore the mechanical device 10, which goes into the operating position.

[0078] In Figure 4, when a user presses on the first end 35, he activates the control rocker 18, which rotates in a first direction. The control rocker 18 pulls the intermediate rocker 8 to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. And the intermediate rocker 8 pushes the brake rocker 14 in the first direction, to release the regulating shaft 15 according to the method described above.

[0079] During the operation of the mechanical device 10 and the rotation of the barrel 3, as shown in Figure 5, the control rocker 18 returns to its initial position thanks to the second return spring 16, when the user releases the end 35, while the intermediate rocker 8 and the brake rocker 14, remain substantially in the same positions as long as the movable element 7 remains in the withdrawn position.

If the user does not release the control lever 18, the automatic stop cannot be triggered, and the barrel continues to rotate and drive the gear train 20.

[0081] In Figure 6, as soon as the finger 26 of the movable body 7 can enter the notch 5 in the blocking position, the intermediate rocker 8 returns to its initial position. The brake rocker 14 no longer being pushed by the intermediate rocker 8, it also returns to its position of contact with the regulating shaft 15 thanks to the return force provided by the first return spring 16, and thus blocks the regulating pinion 19 and the cogs 20 of the mechanical device 10.

[0082] In the variant of simultaneous blocking, the mobile body 7 also blocks the rotation of the barrel 3 when the finger 26 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4.

[0083] Thus, the mechanical device 10 of the clock module 1 is stopped after one revolution of the barrel 3, but it can be started again by actuating the control rocker 18, as long as the barrel 3 is not completely discharged.

[0084] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising a timepiece module 1 as described above, as well as a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement.

[0085] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures and variants could be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. Clock module (1) for a clock movement, for example an automaton or a chime, clock module (1) comprising a plate (2) and a mechanical device (10) capable of switching from a state of rest in which the mechanical device (10) is stationary relative to the plate (2), to an operating state, in which at least part of the mechanical device (10) is movable relative to the plate (2) when it is actuated, the clock module (1) comprising a barrel (3) to supply energy to the mechanical device (10), the mechanical device (10) comprising a train of cogs (20) actuable by the barrel ( 3), the mechanical device (10) further comprising a speed regulator of the mechanical device (10), the clock module (1) comprising automatic blocking means (30) of the mechanical device (10), characterized in what the automatic blocking means (30) are configured to block the regulator in order to put the mechanical device (10) in the rest state. 2. Timepiece module according to claim 1, characterized in that the regulator comprises a regulating pinion (19) driven by the barrel (3) when it is rotating via the gear train (20), the regulating pinion (19) being mounted integrally on a regulating shaft (15), the automatic blocking means (30) being configured to block the regulating shaft (15) to put the mechanical device (10) in the state rest. 3. Clock module according to claim 2, characterized in that the automatic blocking means (30) comprise a brake rocker (14) cooperating with the regulating shaft (15), the brake rocker (14) being mobile around a first pivot of rotation (22) between a contact position in which it is in contact with the regulating shaft (15) to block it, and a position remote from the regulating shaft (15), in which it lets the regulating shaft (15) rotate. 4. Clock module according to claim 3, characterized in that the mechanical device (10) is in the rest position when the brake rocker (14) is in the contact position, and the mechanical device (10) is in the operating position when the brake rocker (14) is in the remote position. 5. Clock module according to claim 4, characterized in that the automatic blocking means (30) comprise a first return spring (16), acting on the brake rocker (14) to maintain it in the contact position. 6. Clock module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automatic blocking means (30) comprise a rotating cam (4) and a movable body (7) cooperating with the rotating cam (4) , the movable body (7) being movable between a blocking position, in which the mechanical device (10) is in the rest state, and a withdrawal position, in which the mechanical device (10) is in the state Operating. 7. Clock module according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotary cam (4) is mounted integral with the barrel (3). 8. Clock module according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the rotary cam (4) is provided with at least one notch (5), and the movable body (7) is provided with a finger (26) , the finger (26) being inserted in the notch (5) of the rotary cam (4), when the movable body (7) is in the locking position, and the finger (26) being outside the notch (5), when the mobile body (7) is in the withdrawn position. 9. Clock module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the movable body (7) remains in contact with the rotating cam (4) during its rotation in the operating state of the mechanical device (10). 10. Clock module according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the movable body (7) is configured to automatically move from the withdrawn position to the blocking position after a predefined time. 11. Clock module according to claim 10, characterized in that the predefined time corresponds to one revolution of the barrel (2). 12. Timepiece module according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the automatic blocking means (30) comprise an intermediate rocker (8) carrying the movable body (7), the intermediate rocker (8) being movable around a second rotation pivot (21). 13. Clock module according to claim 12 in dependence on claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate rocker (8) is configured to actuate the brake rocker (14) to move it from the contact position to the position distant, the intermediate rocker (8) being mechanically linked to the brake rocker (14). 14. Timepiece module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the automatic blocking means (30) comprise actuation means on demand making it possible to move the intermediate rocker (8) from the contact position to the remote position . 15. Clock module according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuation means comprise a control rocker (18) rotatable around a third pivot of rotation (23) between an initial position and a depressed position, the rocker control (18) actuating the intermediate rocker (8) when it is in the depressed position. 16. Clock module according to claim 15, characterized in that the actuation means comprise a second return spring (16) acting on the control rocker (18) to return it to the initial position. 17. Timepiece movement for a timepiece comprising a timepiece module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. 18. Timepiece comprising a clockwork movement (1) according to the preceding claim.