EP0458175B1 - Gear mechanism, in particular for a time-piece - Google Patents

Gear mechanism, in particular for a time-piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0458175B1
EP0458175B1 EP91107825A EP91107825A EP0458175B1 EP 0458175 B1 EP0458175 B1 EP 0458175B1 EP 91107825 A EP91107825 A EP 91107825A EP 91107825 A EP91107825 A EP 91107825A EP 0458175 B1 EP0458175 B1 EP 0458175B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wheel
cam
gear mechanism
mechanism according
rotatable wheel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP91107825A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0458175A1 (en
Inventor
Alphonse Bron
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ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
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Publication of EP0458175A1 publication Critical patent/EP0458175A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
    • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
    • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
    • G04F7/0804—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with reset mechanisms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B13/00—Gearwork
    • G04B13/02—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots
    • G04B13/027—Wheels; Pinions; Spindles; Pivots planar toothing: shape and design

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a gear mechanism, in particular for a timepiece.
  • Heart-shaped cams are very commonly used in watchmaking, especially in chronographs and are then called "chronograph heart".
  • the heart is fixed on the wheel of a chronograph counter and allows the needle of this counter to be reset to zero after the chronograph is started and stopped.
  • FIGS 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrate other constructions of heart-shaped cams of the prior art, as well as their operation.
  • the profile of the heart 1 has a point 2 and, in contrast, two rounded lateral surfaces 3 and 4, called shoulders.
  • This core has, substantially between the two shoulders 3 and 4, an orifice 5 whose axis is perpendicular to the general plane of the cam and which allows the fixing of this core on the axis 6 of the wheel 7 of a counter, for example the seconds counter or the minutes counter of a chronograph.
  • shoulders 3 and 4 can also be slightly pointed.
  • FIGs 3a to 3d illustrate a top view of the successive conventional steps of resetting a chronograph counter, using such a heart-shaped cam.
  • This reset is carried out by a hammer 8 having at one of its ends an inclined 9 and pivoting at its other end around a fixed axis 10.
  • the counter needle shown diagrammatically is fixed on the axis 6 of the wheel 7 and bears the reference 11.
  • the hammer 8 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow F until its incline 9 comes into contact with the periphery of the core 1.
  • a force can be exerted on it which is transmitted on the core 1 and, as the latter is eccentric relative to the axis 6, it pivots easily (Figure 3c), up to 'that the incline 9 comes into contact with the two shoulders 3 and 4 (see figure 3d).
  • the needle 11 is returned to its original or reference position.
  • the core 1 therefore has only the function of resetting the wheel 7 of the counter to zero. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, it is often necessary from this counter wheel 7, which is for example a seconds counter, to drive another wheel, for example that of a minute counter.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the techniques of the prior art making it possible to drive this second counter wheel.
  • a drive finger 12 which projects beyond the profile of the cam so as to be able to mesh with an intermediate wheel 13 which in turn meshes with a second wheel.
  • counter 14 itself provided with a heart 15.
  • This drive finger fulfills an analogous function, although different, to that described in the disclosure of invention CH 197 349. In the latter document, no function for resetting a mobile to zero is provided.
  • the hammer 8 is not in contact with the heart 1 and the wheel 7 can therefore turn, also driving the wheels 13 and 14 by means of its drive finger 12.
  • the drive finger 12 makes it possible to rotate the wheels 13 and 14 by one step.
  • the wheel 13 When the chronograph is reset, the wheel 13 is moved axially out of the plane of the drive finger 12 (high position shown in phantom). The hammer 8 can then bring the wheel 7 of the second counter to zero, as explained above.
  • the drive finger 12 is placed outside the plane of the heart, to mesh with the wheel 13 and not to interfere with the action of the hammer 8. Indeed, if this drive finger 12 was placed directly on the upper face of the wheel 7 of the counter, in the same plane as the core 1, it would in some cases risk being in the path of the hammer 8 during the reset, making it impossible.
  • the heart itself has two functions, namely the classic reset function and also the function of driving other gear mobiles.
  • the construction of the mechanism is simplified by reducing the number of parts necessary to obtain the same functions and, moreover, space is gained in height since no drive finger being outside the plane of the cam n 'is necessary.
  • This last property conferred by the invention is particularly advantageous in its application to a chronograph mechanism, the height of which is always sought to be reduced as much as possible.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a gear mechanism according to the invention applied in a chronograph mechanism.
  • the gear mechanism is mounted between a plate 20 and a bridge 22.
  • the mechanism comprises a first mobile 24 forming in this case the seconds counter and which comprises an axis 26 rotatably mounted in a barrel 28 fixed in the bridge 22.
  • On the axis 26 is mounted a toothed wheel 30 to which one can apply a motive force coming from a clockwork mechanism not shown, so as to drive the first mobile 24.
  • a heart-shaped cam 32 is integral in rotation with the wheel 30.
  • the mechanism also includes a second mobile 34 which, as will be explained below, is coupled to the first mobile 24 with a predetermined reduction ratio.
  • the gear mechanism also includes means 36 cooperating with said cam 32 to return the first mobile 24 to its initial position.
  • these means 36 comprise a hammer, articulated on the plate 20 at a location not visible in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the comparison between the profile of a conventional core 1, symmetrical, represented in dashed lines and the profile of the core 32 according to the invention, asymmetrical.
  • the heart 32 has a point 38, and two shoulders 40 and 42.
  • the heart 32 according to the invention being asymmetrical, it has a left half 44G and a right half 44D with a curvature different from that of the left half 44G.
  • the tip 38 is different from that of the conventional core 1, since it has a straight edge 46 on the left and a concave edge 48 on the right.
  • the tip 38 of the heart 32 meshes with the teeth of the second mobile 34, which here is an intermediate wheel.
  • this tip 38 is part of the profile of the cam 32 and serves as a meshing means for advancing the second mobile 34.
  • FIG. 7 shows that this second mobile can move axially so that it can be brought out of the plane of the cam 32 under the action of a blade 50 which can lift it while the hammer 36 acts on the cam 32.
  • the second mobile 34 in turn meshes with a third mobile 52 comprising an axis 54 on which are wedged a wheel 56 and a cam 58.
  • EP-A-0 451 660 of the applicant more precise description of these elements.
  • the first mobile 24 is for example a seconds counter, while the third mobile 52 is a minutes counter.
  • the reduction ratio between the two counters is then 60: 1.
  • the concave leading edge 48 of the tip 38 engages with one of the teeth 60 of the second mobile 34, for example and as shown in FIG. 5, the tooth 60a.
  • the tip 38 of the heart 32 therefore advances the tooth 60a by half a step in the anticlockwise direction to a position located between the original positions of the teeth 60a and 60b (represented in dotted lines). ).
  • the third mobile 52 is also driven in rotation and the wheel 56 moves half a step in the direction of the arrow F ′.
  • this wheel 56 is positioned by a jumper 57 which is in a stable position only when its end is placed between two teeth, of said toothed wheel 56.
  • This jumper 57 then being in an unstable position will therefore cause the wheel 56 to move half a additional step in direction F ′ to return to its stable position.
  • This rotation of the wheel 56 also causes the displacement of a half step of the mobile 34.
  • the tooth 60a then takes the initial position of the tooth 60b.
  • each rotation of a revolution of the first mobile 24 causes a rotation of the second mobile 34 by two half-steps, the movement of a first half-step being effected by the core 32 and that of the second half-step via the jumper 57.
  • the profile of the tip 38 of the cam 32 adapts perfectly to that of the end of the tooth 60, thus guaranteeing good training.
  • the first mobile 24 is then returned to the initial position, using the hammer 36, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d. Note however that the first mobile 24 can be returned to its initial position as well by a rotation in the clockwise direction as by a rotation in the opposite direction.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the return to the initial position in the particular case where the hammer 36 and more particularly its front tip 62, meets the concave edge 48 of the tip 38 of the heart 32.
  • F1 represents the force applied by the hammer 36 perpendicular to the surface of the concave edge 48 and that d1 is the distance from the axis 64 of rotation of the mobile 24 to the normal of F1
  • the moment M1 exerted by the hammer 36 on the core 32 is equal to F1 x d1.
  • F2 represents the force exerted by the hammer 36 perpendicular to the edge of the tip of a conventional core 1 (shown in dashed lines) and that d2 is the distance from the axis 64 to the normal of F2
  • the moment M2 equal to F2 x d2 is less than the moment M1.
  • the particular shape of the tip 38 of the heart 32 therefore improves the return to the initial position of the mobile. It will be noted that the latter then pivots counterclockwise (arrow direction F ⁇ ).
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the particular case where the hammer 36 meets the tip 38 of the heart 32.
  • the moment M1 is only slightly greater than the moment M2 but this nevertheless results in a slight improvement in the return to the initial position.
  • the mobile 24 is driven clockwise (direction F ′).
  • the tip 22 of the heart 20B could have two concave edges 48 (see FIG. 10).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • General Electrical Machinery Utilizing Piezoelectricity, Electrostriction Or Magnetostriction (AREA)
  • Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Gear Transmission (AREA)
  • Gears, Cams (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Predetermined Time Intervals (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gear mechanism for a time-piece. <??>The aim of the invention is to produce a gear mechanism enabling not only one of the runners (gears) forming it to be brought back into a position of origin, but also a second runner (gear) to be driven, while reducing the height of the said mechanism and the number of pieces necessary to perform these two functions. <??>This aim is achieved with the aid of a mechanism comprising a first runner (gear) (24) and a second runner (gear) (34), the first runner (gear) (24) comprising a toothed wheel (30) mounted on a spindle (26) and on which is fixed a heart-shaped cam (32), the point (38) of this cam (32) acting as a meshing means of the second runner (gear) (34) and the cam (32) enabling the said first runner (gear) (24) to be brought back into a position of origin, by virtue of a hammer (36). <??>The invention is intended particularly for chronographs. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'engrenage, notamment pour pièce d'horlogerie.The present invention relates to a gear mechanism, in particular for a timepiece.

Les cames en forme de coeur sont utilisées très couramment en horlogerie, notamment dans les chronographes et elles sont alors appelées "coeur de chronographe". Le coeur est fixé sur la roue d'un compteur du chronographe et permet la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de ce compteur, après la mise en marche et l'arrêt du chronographe.Heart-shaped cams are very commonly used in watchmaking, especially in chronographs and are then called "chronograph heart". The heart is fixed on the wheel of a chronograph counter and allows the needle of this counter to be reset to zero after the chronograph is started and stopped.

Deux exemples d'une telle construction peuvent être trouvés dans les brevets CH 571 741 et CH 223 717. Dans le premier brevet, le coeur du compteur de secondes est monté sur un axe qui porte la roue de chronographe ainsi qu'un doigt d'entraînement (figure 4b, référence 11), ces éléments étant superposés les uns aux autres. Dans le second brevet, la position de remise à zéro est assurée par une encoche prévue dans la base du coeur et dans laquelle prend place le marteau de remise à zéro.Two examples of such a construction can be found in the patents CH 571 741 and CH 223 717. In the first patent, the heart of the seconds counter is mounted on an axis which carries the chronograph wheel as well as a finger. drive (Figure 4b, reference 11), these elements being superimposed on each other. In the second patent, the reset position is ensured by a notch provided in the base of the heart and in which the reset hammer takes place.

Les figures 1 à 4 des dessins annexés illustrent d'autres constructions de cames en forme de coeur de l'art antérieur, ainsi que leur fonctionnement.Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings illustrate other constructions of heart-shaped cams of the prior art, as well as their operation.

Ainsi, sur la figure 1, on peut voir que le profil du coeur 1 présente une pointe 2 et à l'opposé deux surfaces latérales arrondies 3 et 4, appelées épaules. Ce coeur présente, sensiblement entre les deux épaules 3 et 4, un orifice 5 dont l'axe est perpendiculaire au plan général de la came et qui permet la fixation de ce coeur sur l'axe 6 de la roue 7 d'un compteur, par exemple le compteur des secondes ou le compteur des minutes d'un chronographe. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 2, les épaules 3 et 4 peuvent également être légèrement pointues.Thus, in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the profile of the heart 1 has a point 2 and, in contrast, two rounded lateral surfaces 3 and 4, called shoulders. This core has, substantially between the two shoulders 3 and 4, an orifice 5 whose axis is perpendicular to the general plane of the cam and which allows the fixing of this core on the axis 6 of the wheel 7 of a counter, for example the seconds counter or the minutes counter of a chronograph. As can be seen in Figure 2, shoulders 3 and 4 can also be slightly pointed.

Les figures 3a à 3d illustrent en vue de dessus les étapes successives classiques de la remise à zéro d'un compteur de chronographe, à l'aide d'une telle came en forme de coeur. Cette remise à zéro est effectuée par un marteau 8 présentant à l'une de ses extrémités un incliné 9 et pivotant à son autre extrémité autour d'un axe fixe 10. L'aiguille du compteur représentée schématiquement est fixée sur l'axe 6 de la roue 7 et porte la référence 11.Figures 3a to 3d illustrate a top view of the successive conventional steps of resetting a chronograph counter, using such a heart-shaped cam. This reset is carried out by a hammer 8 having at one of its ends an inclined 9 and pivoting at its other end around a fixed axis 10. The counter needle shown diagrammatically is fixed on the axis 6 of the wheel 7 and bears the reference 11.

Lorsque le chronographe fonctionne, le marteau 8 est écarté de la roue 7 comme cela est illustré en figure 3a et cette roue peut donc tourner dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre en entraînant l'aiguille 11. Lors de l'arrêt du chronographe, réalisé par des éléments qui ne seront pas décrits ici, mais dont on peut trouver une description à titre d'exemple dans le premier brevet précité, la roue 7 s'immobilise et l'aiguille 11 indique le temps écoulé depuis la mise en marche du chronographe à supposer que la roue 7 soit le seul compteur du chronographe. Il est à noter qu'en général les chronographes sont pourvus de trois compteurs (heures, minutes et secondes) qui sont tous munis d'un coeur semblable à celui précédemment décrit.When the chronograph is running, the hammer 8 is moved away from the wheel 7 as illustrated in FIG. 3a and this wheel can therefore turn clockwise by driving the hand 11. When the chronograph stops , produced by elements which will not be described here, but a description of which can be found by way of example in the first aforementioned patent, the wheel 7 comes to a standstill and the needle 11 indicates the time elapsed since switching on of the chronograph assuming that the wheel 7 is the only counter in the chronograph. It should be noted that, in general, chronographs are provided with three counters (hours, minutes and seconds) which are all provided with a heart similar to that previously described.

Par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme non représenté en figure 3a, on fait pivoter le marteau 8 dans le sens de la flèche F jusqu'à ce que son incliné 9 vienne au contact de la périphérie du coeur 1. On se trouve alors dans la position représentée en figure 3b. Le marteau étant couplé à un bouton poussoir de remise à zéro, on peut y exercer une force qui est transmise sur le coeur 1 et, comme ce dernier est excentré par rapport à l'axe 6, il pivote aisément (figure 3c), jusqu'à ce que l'incliné 9 vienne au contact des deux épaules 3 et 4 (voir figure 3d). Dans cette position, l'aiguille 11 est ramenée dans sa position d'origine ou de référence.By means of a mechanism not shown in FIG. 3a, the hammer 8 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow F until its incline 9 comes into contact with the periphery of the core 1. We are then in the position shown in Figure 3b. The hammer being coupled to a reset push button, a force can be exerted on it which is transmitted on the core 1 and, as the latter is eccentric relative to the axis 6, it pivots easily (Figure 3c), up to 'that the incline 9 comes into contact with the two shoulders 3 and 4 (see figure 3d). In this position, the needle 11 is returned to its original or reference position.

Dans ce cas, le coeur 1 a donc uniquement pour fonction la remise à zéro de la roue 7 du compteur. Par ailleurs, comme déjà évoqué ci-dessus, il est souvent nécessaire à partir de cette roue 7 de compteur, qui est par exemple, un compteur des secondes, d'entraîner une autre roue, par exemple celle d'un compteur des minutes.In this case, the core 1 therefore has only the function of resetting the wheel 7 of the counter to zero. Furthermore, as already mentioned above, it is often necessary from this counter wheel 7, which is for example a seconds counter, to drive another wheel, for example that of a minute counter.

La figure 4 illustre les techniques de l'art antérieur permettant d'entraîner cette deuxième roue de compteur. A cet effet, on dispose par exemple au-dessus du coeur 1, un doigt d'entraînement 12 qui déborde par rapport au profil de la came de manière à pouvoir engrener avec une roue intermédiaire 13 qui à son tour engrène avec une seconde roue de compteur 14 elle-même munie d'un coeur 15. Ce doigt d'entraînement remplit une fonction analogue, bien que différente, à celui décrit dans l'exposé d'invention CH 197 349. Dans ce dernier document, aucune fonction de remise à zéro d'un mobile n'est prévue. Lors du fonctionnement du chronographe, le marteau 8 n'est pas au contact du coeur 1 et la roue 7 peut donc tourner en entraînant également les roues 13 et 14 par l'intermédiaire de son doigt d'entraînement 12. Ainsi, lorsque la roue 7 a effectué un tour complet, le doigt d'entraînement 12 permet de faire tourner les roues 13 et 14 d'un pas.FIG. 4 illustrates the techniques of the prior art making it possible to drive this second counter wheel. For this purpose, there is for example above the core 1, a drive finger 12 which projects beyond the profile of the cam so as to be able to mesh with an intermediate wheel 13 which in turn meshes with a second wheel. counter 14 itself provided with a heart 15. This drive finger fulfills an analogous function, although different, to that described in the disclosure of invention CH 197 349. In the latter document, no function for resetting a mobile to zero is provided. During the operation of the chronograph, the hammer 8 is not in contact with the heart 1 and the wheel 7 can therefore turn, also driving the wheels 13 and 14 by means of its drive finger 12. Thus, when the wheel 7 has made a complete revolution, the drive finger 12 makes it possible to rotate the wheels 13 and 14 by one step.

Lors de la remise à zéro du chronographe, la roue 13 est déplacée axialement hors du plan du doigt d'entraînement 12 (position haute représentée en traits mixtes). Le marteau 8 peut alors ramener à zéro la roue 7 du compteur des secondes, comme cela a été expliqué précédemment.When the chronograph is reset, the wheel 13 is moved axially out of the plane of the drive finger 12 (high position shown in phantom). The hammer 8 can then bring the wheel 7 of the second counter to zero, as explained above.

Dans ce dispositif de l'art antérieur, comme dans celui du premier brevet précité, le doigt d'entraînement 12 est placé en-dehors du plan du coeur, pour engrener avec la roue 13 et ne pas gêner l'action du marteau 8. En effet, si ce doigt d'entraînement 12 était placé directement sur la face supérieure de la roue 7 du compteur, dans le même plan que le coeur 1, il risquerait dans certains cas de se trouver sur la trajectoire du marteau 8 lors de la remise à zéro, rendant celle-ci impossible.In this device of the prior art, as in that of the aforementioned first patent, the drive finger 12 is placed outside the plane of the heart, to mesh with the wheel 13 and not to interfere with the action of the hammer 8. Indeed, if this drive finger 12 was placed directly on the upper face of the wheel 7 of the counter, in the same plane as the core 1, it would in some cases risk being in the path of the hammer 8 during the reset, making it impossible.

Toutefois, une telle disposition augmente la hauteur de l'ensemble formé par le coeur 1, la roue 7 du compteur et le doigt d'entraînement 12. Or, il serait intéressant, tout en conservant les fonctions de remise à zéro d'une part et d'entraînement des autres compteurs d'autre part, de diminuer la hauteur occupée par les éléments assurant ces fonctions.However, such an arrangement increases the height of the assembly formed by the heart 1, the wheel 7 of the counter and the drive finger 12. However, it would be advantageous, while retaining the reset functions on the one hand and drive other counters on the other hand, to decrease the height occupied by the elements ensuring these functions.

L'analyse de l'art antérieur qui précède s'applique aux mécanismes d'engrenage utilisés dans les pièces d'horlogerie telles que des chronographes. Toutefois, l'invention ne se limite pas à ce type d'applications. Au contraire elle peut être utilisée avec profit dans d'autres applications, chaque fois qu'il s'agit de ramener un jeu de mobiles rotatifs dans une position initiale. Ainsi, elle pourrait être utilisée par exemple dans d'autres mécanismes de compteurs.The analysis of the foregoing prior art applies to the gear mechanisms used in timepieces such as chronographs. However, the invention is not limited to this type of application. On the contrary, it can be used with profit in other applications, whenever it is a question of bringing a set of rotary mobiles back to an initial position. Thus, it could be used for example in other counter mechanisms.

En conséquence, l'invention concerne un mécanisme d'engrenage comprenant :

  • un premier mobile susceptible de tourner autour d'un premier axe de rotation,
  • un deuxième mobile susceptible de tourner autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation,
  • une came solidaire en rotation dudit premier mobile, cette came étant essentiellement plane et ayant un profil présentant sensiblement la forme générale d'un coeur, et
  • des moyens pour ramener ledit premier mobile dans une position initiale, en coopération avec ladite came;

ce mécanisme d'engrenage étant caractérisé en ce que ladite came présente un profil particulier, selon la direction dudit premier axe de rotation, permettant de ramener ledit premier mobile dans ladite position initiale et également d'entraîner en rotation ledit deuxième mobile pour le faire tourner avec un rapport de réduction prédéterminé relativement à la rotation dudit premier mobile.Consequently, the invention relates to a gear mechanism comprising:
  • a first mobile capable of turning around a first axis of rotation,
  • a second mobile capable of turning around a second axis of rotation,
  • a cam integral in rotation with said first mobile, this cam being essentially planar and having a profile having substantially the general shape of a heart, and
  • means for returning said first mobile to an initial position, in cooperation with said cam;

this gear mechanism being characterized in that said cam has a particular profile, in the direction of said first axis of rotation, making it possible to return said first mobile to said initial position and also to rotate said second mobile to rotate it with a predetermined reduction ratio relative to the rotation of said first mobile.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques de l'invention et de par sa forme même, le coeur lui-même a deux fonctions, à savoir la fonction de remise à zéro classique et également la fonction d'entraînement d'autres mobiles d'engrenage. Ainsi, on simplifie la construction du mécanisme en diminuant le nombre de pièces nécessaires pour obtenir les mêmes fonctions et, de plus, on gagne de la place en hauteur étant donné qu'aucun doigt d'entraînement se trouvant hors du plan de la came n'est nécessaire. Cette dernière propriété conférée par l'invention est particulièrement avantageuse dans son application à un mécanisme de chronographe dont on cherche toujours à réduire autant que possible la hauteur.Thanks to these characteristics of the invention and by its very shape, the heart itself has two functions, namely the classic reset function and also the function of driving other gear mobiles. Thus, the construction of the mechanism is simplified by reducing the number of parts necessary to obtain the same functions and, moreover, space is gained in height since no drive finger being outside the plane of the cam n 'is necessary. This last property conferred by the invention is particularly advantageous in its application to a chronograph mechanism, the height of which is always sought to be reduced as much as possible.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description suivante d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif et complétée par les dessins joints dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 et 2 sont des schémas illustrant les contours des cames en forme de coeur de l'art antérieur, selon deux modes de réalisation,
  • les figures 3a à 3d sont des schémas illustrant les étapes successives classiques de la remise à zéro d'une roue de compteur grâce à la came en forme de coeur,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'une partie d'un mécanisme d'engrenage prévu dans un chronographe de l'art antérieur,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de la came selon l'invention engrenant avec d'autres roues du mécanisme d'engrenage,
  • la figure 6 est un schéma comparatif illustrant les contours d'une came de l'art antérieur et d'une came selon l'invention,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe d'une partie d'un mécanisme d'engrenage et de la came selon l'invention, selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 5,
  • les figures 8 et 9 sont des schémas illustrant les diverses possibilités d'action d'un marteau sur la came selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 10 est une vue de détail d'un second mode de réalisation de la pointe de la came en forme de coeur.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and supplemented by the accompanying drawings in which:
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the contours of the heart-shaped cams of the prior art, according to two embodiments,
  • FIGS. 3a to 3d are diagrams illustrating the successive conventional steps for resetting a counter wheel to zero by means of the heart-shaped cam,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of part of a gear mechanism provided in a chronograph of the prior art,
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the cam according to the invention meshing with other wheels of the gear mechanism,
  • FIG. 6 is a comparative diagram illustrating the contours of a cam of the prior art and of a cam according to the invention,
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of part of a gear mechanism and of the cam according to the invention, along the line VII-VII of FIG. 5,
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the various possibilities of action of a hammer on the cam according to the invention, and
  • Figure 10 is a detail view of a second embodiment of the tip of the heart-shaped cam.

La figure 7 illustre un mécanisme d'engrenage selon l'invention appliqué dans un mécanisme de chronographe. Dans ce cas, le mécanisme d'engrenage est monté entre une platine 20 et un pont 22. Le mécanisme comprend un premier mobile 24 formant dans ce cas le compteur de secondes et qui comprend un axe 26 monté à rotation dans un canon 28 fixé dans le pont 22. Sur l'axe 26 est montée une roue dentée 30 à laquelle on peut appliquer une force motrice provenant d'un mécanisme d'horlogerie non représenté, de façon à entraîner le premier mobile 24. Ainsi, on amène ce dernier depuis une position initiale jusqu'à une position finale. Une came 32 en forme de coeur est solidaire en rotation de la roue 30. Le mécanisme comporte également un deuxième mobile 34 qui, comme on l'expliquera ci-après, est couplé au premier mobile 24 avec un rapport de réduction prédéterminée. Le mécanisme d'engrenage comprend également des moyens 36 coopérant avec ladite came 32 pour ramener le premier mobile 24 dans sa position initiale. Dans ce cas particulier, ces moyens 36 comprennent un marteau, articulé sur la platine 20 à un endroit non visible sur la figure 7.FIG. 7 illustrates a gear mechanism according to the invention applied in a chronograph mechanism. In this case, the gear mechanism is mounted between a plate 20 and a bridge 22. The mechanism comprises a first mobile 24 forming in this case the seconds counter and which comprises an axis 26 rotatably mounted in a barrel 28 fixed in the bridge 22. On the axis 26 is mounted a toothed wheel 30 to which one can apply a motive force coming from a clockwork mechanism not shown, so as to drive the first mobile 24. Thus, the latter is brought from an initial position to a final position. A heart-shaped cam 32 is integral in rotation with the wheel 30. The mechanism also includes a second mobile 34 which, as will be explained below, is coupled to the first mobile 24 with a predetermined reduction ratio. The gear mechanism also includes means 36 cooperating with said cam 32 to return the first mobile 24 to its initial position. In this particular case, these means 36 comprise a hammer, articulated on the plate 20 at a location not visible in FIG. 7.

La figure 6 illustre la comparaison entre le profil d'un coeur classique 1, symétrique, représenté en traits mixtes et le profil du coeur 32 selon l'invention, asymétrique. Le coeur 32 présente une pointe 38, et deux épaules 40 et 42. Le coeur 32 selon l'invention étant asymétrique, il présente une moitié gauche 44G et une moitié droite 44D de courbure différente de celle de la moitié gauche 44G. De même, on observe que la pointe 38 est différente de celle du coeur classique 1, car elle présente un bord rectiligne 46 à gauche et un bord concave 48 à droite.FIG. 6 illustrates the comparison between the profile of a conventional core 1, symmetrical, represented in dashed lines and the profile of the core 32 according to the invention, asymmetrical. The heart 32 has a point 38, and two shoulders 40 and 42. The heart 32 according to the invention being asymmetrical, it has a left half 44G and a right half 44D with a curvature different from that of the left half 44G. Similarly, it is observed that the tip 38 is different from that of the conventional core 1, since it has a straight edge 46 on the left and a concave edge 48 on the right.

Il est à noter que les termes droite et gauche, sont utilisés en référence à la figure 6, dans laquelle la came 32 tourne dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre sous l'action de la force motrice précitée. En conséquence, le bord concave 48 se trouve en avant lors du mouvement de rotation du premier mobile 24 et le bord rectiligne 46 se trouve vers l'arrière.It should be noted that the terms right and left are used with reference to FIG. 6, in which the cam 32 rotates clockwise under the action of the aforementioned motive force. Consequently, the concave edge 48 is located in front during the rotational movement of the first mobile 24 and the straight edge 46 is located towards the rear.

Comme illustré en figure 5, la pointe 38 du coeur 32 engrène avec la denture du second mobile 34, qui est ici une roue intermédiaire. En d'autres termes, cette pointe 38 fait partie du profil de la came 32 et sert de moyen d'engrènement pour faire avancer le second mobile 34.As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tip 38 of the heart 32 meshes with the teeth of the second mobile 34, which here is an intermediate wheel. In other words, this tip 38 is part of the profile of the cam 32 and serves as a meshing means for advancing the second mobile 34.

La figure 7 montre que ce second mobile peut se déplacer axialement pour pouvoir être amené hors du plan de la came 32 sous l'action d'une lame 50 qui peut le soulever pendant que le marteau 36 agit sur la came 32. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le second mobile 34 engrène à son tour avec un troisième mobile 52 comportant un axe 54 sur lequel sont calés une roue 56 et une came 58. On trouvera dans la demande de brevet EP-A-0 451 660 de la demanderesse une description plus précise de ces éléments.FIG. 7 shows that this second mobile can move axially so that it can be brought out of the plane of the cam 32 under the action of a blade 50 which can lift it while the hammer 36 acts on the cam 32. In this mode embodiment, the second mobile 34 in turn meshes with a third mobile 52 comprising an axis 54 on which are wedged a wheel 56 and a cam 58. In the patent application EP-A-0 451 660 of the applicant, more precise description of these elements.

Dans le cas où le mécanisme décrit est utilisé dans un chronographe, le premier mobile 24 est par exemple un compteur de secondes, tandis que le troisième mobile 52 est un compteur de minutes. Le rapport de réduction entre les deux compteurs est alors de 60 : 1.In the case where the mechanism described is used in a chronograph, the first mobile 24 is for example a seconds counter, while the third mobile 52 is a minutes counter. The reduction ratio between the two counters is then 60: 1.

Le fonctionnement du mécanisme va maintenant être décrit en référence aux figures 5 et 7.The operation of the mechanism will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7.

Lorsque la force motrice est appliquée à la roue 30, celle-ci tourne dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre (flèche F′), entraînant l'aiguille 59 (représentée uniquement en figure 5) qui est couplée à l'axe 26. La roue 30 entraîne également en rotation le second mobile 34.When the motive force is applied to the wheel 30, the latter rotates clockwise (arrow F ′), driving the needle 59 (shown only in FIG. 5) which is coupled to the axis 26 The wheel 30 also rotates the second mobile 34.

Afin de faciliter la description, deux des dents 60 du second mobile 34 ont été référencées 60a et 60b. A chaque tour du premier mobile 24, le bord d'attaque concave 48 de la pointe 38 vient en prise avec l'une des dents 60 du second mobile 34, par exemple et comme représenté en figure 5, la dent 60a. La pointe 38 du coeur 32 fait donc avancer la dent 60a d'un demi-pas dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre jusqu'à une position située entre les positions d'origine des dents 60a et 60b (représentée en traits pointillés).In order to facilitate the description, two of the teeth 60 of the second mobile 34 have been referenced 60a and 60b. At each revolution of the first mobile 24, the concave leading edge 48 of the tip 38 engages with one of the teeth 60 of the second mobile 34, for example and as shown in FIG. 5, the tooth 60a. The tip 38 of the heart 32 therefore advances the tooth 60a by half a step in the anticlockwise direction to a position located between the original positions of the teeth 60a and 60b (represented in dotted lines). ).

Lors du mouvement du second mobile 34, le troisième mobile 52 est également entraîné en rotation et la roue 56 se déplace d'un demi-pas dans le sens de la flèche F′. Or cette roue 56 est positionnée par un sautoir 57 qui se trouve en position stable uniquement lorsque son extrémité est placée entre deux dents, de ladite roue dentée 56. Ce sautoir 57 se trouvant alors en position instable va donc entraîner le déplacement de la roue 56 d'un demi-pas supplémentaire dans le sens F′ pour revenir à sa position stable. Cette rotation de la roue 56 entraîne également le déplacement d'un demi- pas du mobile 34. La dent 60a prend alors la position initiale de la dent 60b.During the movement of the second mobile 34, the third mobile 52 is also driven in rotation and the wheel 56 moves half a step in the direction of the arrow F ′. Now this wheel 56 is positioned by a jumper 57 which is in a stable position only when its end is placed between two teeth, of said toothed wheel 56. This jumper 57 then being in an unstable position will therefore cause the wheel 56 to move half a additional step in direction F ′ to return to its stable position. This rotation of the wheel 56 also causes the displacement of a half step of the mobile 34. The tooth 60a then takes the initial position of the tooth 60b.

En d'autres termes on peut considérer que chaque rotation d'un tour du premier mobile 24 entraîne une rotation du second mobile 34 de deux demi-pas, le déplacement d'un premier demi-pas étant effectué par le coeur 32 et celui du second demi-pas par l'intermédiaire du sautoir 57. On notera que le profil de la pointe 38 de la came 32 s'adapte parfaitement à celui de l'extrémité de la dent 60, garantissant ainsi un bon entraînement.In other words, it can be considered that each rotation of a revolution of the first mobile 24 causes a rotation of the second mobile 34 by two half-steps, the movement of a first half-step being effected by the core 32 and that of the second half-step via the jumper 57. It will be noted that the profile of the tip 38 of the cam 32 adapts perfectly to that of the end of the tooth 60, thus guaranteeing good training.

Quand la position finale des mobiles est atteinte (dans le cas des chronographes, quand le temps à mesurer est écoulé) les mouvements décrits ci-dessus sont arrêtés et l'aiguille 59 indiquant la position du premier mobile 24 permet de lire le temps écoulé depuis la mise en marche.When the final position of the mobiles is reached (in the case of chronographs, when the time to be measured has elapsed) the movements described above are stopped and the needle 59 indicating the position of the first mobile 24 makes it possible to read the time elapsed since start up.

On procéde alors à la remise à la position initiale du premier mobile 24, grâce au marteau 36, comme décrit précédemment à propos des figures 3a à 3d. On notera toutefois que le premier mobile 24 peut être ramené dans sa position initiale aussi bien par une rotation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre que par une rotation dans le sens inverse.The first mobile 24 is then returned to the initial position, using the hammer 36, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3d. Note however that the first mobile 24 can be returned to its initial position as well by a rotation in the clockwise direction as by a rotation in the opposite direction.

La figure 8 illustre la remise à la position initiale dans le cas particulier où le marteau 36 et plus particulièrement sa pointe avant 62, rencontre le bord concave 48 de la pointe 38 du coeur 32.FIG. 8 illustrates the return to the initial position in the particular case where the hammer 36 and more particularly its front tip 62, meets the concave edge 48 of the tip 38 of the heart 32.

Si l'on considère que F₁ représente la force appliquée par le marteau 36 perpendiculairement à la surface du bord concave 48 et que d₁ est la distance de l'axe 64 de rotation du mobile 24 à la normale de F₁, le moment M₁ exercé par le marteau 36 sur le coeur 32 est égale à F₁ x d₁. De même, si l'on admet que F₂ représente la force exercée par le marteau 36 perpendiculairement au bord de la pointe d'un coeur classique 1 (représenté en traits mixtes) et que d₂ est la distance de l'axe 64 à la normale de F₂, on constate que le moment M₂ égal à F₂ x d₂ est inférieur au moment M₁.If we consider that F₁ represents the force applied by the hammer 36 perpendicular to the surface of the concave edge 48 and that d₁ is the distance from the axis 64 of rotation of the mobile 24 to the normal of F₁, the moment M₁ exerted by the hammer 36 on the core 32 is equal to F₁ x d₁. Similarly, if we admit that F₂ represents the force exerted by the hammer 36 perpendicular to the edge of the tip of a conventional core 1 (shown in dashed lines) and that d₂ is the distance from the axis 64 to the normal of F₂, we note that the moment M₂ equal to F₂ x d₂ is less than the moment M₁.

La forme particulière de la pointe 38 du coeur 32, améliore donc la remise à la position initiale du mobile. On notera que ce dernier pivote alors dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre (sens flèche F˝).The particular shape of the tip 38 of the heart 32 therefore improves the return to the initial position of the mobile. It will be noted that the latter then pivots counterclockwise (arrow direction F˝).

La figure 9 illustre le cas particulier où le marteau 36 rencontre la pointe 38 du coeur 32. Dans ce cas, le moment M₁ est seulement légèrement supérieur au moment M₂ mais il en résulte néanmoins une légère amélioration de la remise à la position initiale. On notera que dans ce cas le mobile 24 est entraîné dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre (sens F′).FIG. 9 illustrates the particular case where the hammer 36 meets the tip 38 of the heart 32. In this case, the moment M₁ is only slightly greater than the moment M₂ but this nevertheless results in a slight improvement in the return to the initial position. It will be noted that in this case the mobile 24 is driven clockwise (direction F ′).

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, la pointe 22 du coeur 20B pourrait avoir deux bords concaves 48 (voir figure 10).According to another embodiment, the tip 22 of the heart 20B could have two concave edges 48 (see FIG. 10).

Claims (10)

1. Gear mechanism comprising :
- a first rotatable wheel (24) which is able to turn about a first rotation axis (26),
- a second rotatable wheel (34) which is able to turn about a second rotation axis,
- a cam (32) fixed rotatably to said first rotatable wheel, this cam being essentially plane and having a profile which has the form of a heart, and
- means (36) cooperating with said cam (32) to return said first rotatable wheel to its initial position;
this gear mechanism being characterized in that said cam (32) has a specific profile which depends on the direction of said first rotation axis and which allows said first rotatable wheel to return to its initial position and which also allows rotational engagement with said second rotatable wheel for rotating said second wheel in a predetermined reduction ratio relative to the rotation of said first rotatable wheel.
Gear mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that said cam (32) comprises a point (38) used to rotatably drive said second rotatable wheel (34) and in that said profile of said cam is arranged in such a manner that it may return said first rotatable wheel (24) to its initial position no matter what the angular position is of said first rotatable wheel (24).
Gear mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that said point (38) of cam (32) has at least one concave edge (48).
Gear mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the concave edge (48) is provided at the side of the point (38) which is the leading side with respect to the movement of the first wheel (24) under the action of a driving force provided to this effect.
Gear mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that said point (38) has a concave edge (48) and a straight edge (46) provided at the side of the point (38) which is trailing with respect to the movement effected by said first wheel (24) under the action of said driving force.
Gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second wheel (34) is mounted in an axially mobile manner outside the plane of the said cam (32) in order to permit disconnection therefrom when said first wheel (24) is returned to its initial position.
Gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a position indicator means is fixed rotatably with said first wheel (24).
Gear mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the position indicator means is a hand (59).
Gear mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the means cooperating with said cam (32) to reset said first wheel into its initial position is a hammer (36).
Horological mechanism, especially a chronograph, incorporating at least one gear mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP91107825A 1990-05-21 1991-05-15 Gear mechanism, in particular for a time-piece Expired - Lifetime EP0458175B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1716/90 1990-05-21
CH1716/90A CH680034B5 (en) 1990-05-21 1990-05-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0458175A1 EP0458175A1 (en) 1991-11-27
EP0458175B1 true EP0458175B1 (en) 1994-12-21

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91107825A Expired - Lifetime EP0458175B1 (en) 1990-05-21 1991-05-15 Gear mechanism, in particular for a time-piece

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US5280460A (en)
EP (1) EP0458175B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH04231893A (en)
CN (1) CN1029430C (en)
CH (1) CH680034B5 (en)
DE (1) DE69106043T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1000148A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0853264A3 (en) 1997-01-10 1999-11-24 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Chronograph watch provided with a mechanism having a reduced height
US6761478B2 (en) * 2001-03-21 2004-07-13 Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH Chronograph with two rotational directions
US7758594B2 (en) * 2005-05-20 2010-07-20 Neotract, Inc. Devices, systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions
US8157815B2 (en) * 2005-05-20 2012-04-17 Neotract, Inc. Integrated handle assembly for anchor delivery system
JP5350774B2 (en) * 2008-12-25 2013-11-27 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Chronograph clock
CN108346230A (en) * 2017-01-23 2018-07-31 深圳市祈飞科技有限公司 It falls cup and falls lid arrangement and beverage vending machine
CN111258202B (en) * 2018-11-30 2023-09-05 天津海鸥表业集团有限公司 Intermittent reciprocating motion mechanism suitable for wrist-watch

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH197349A (en) * 1937-06-07 1938-04-30 Jacot Guyot Henri Timepiece.
CH223717A (en) * 1941-06-13 1942-09-30 Mido Ag Seconds counter on a clock.
CH678911B5 (en) * 1990-04-12 1992-05-29 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69106043D1 (en) 1995-02-02
CN1029430C (en) 1995-08-02
DE69106043T2 (en) 1995-08-03
CH680034GA3 (en) 1992-06-15
CN1056755A (en) 1991-12-04
JPH04231893A (en) 1992-08-20
CH680034B5 (en) 1992-12-15
HK1000148A1 (en) 1997-12-24
US5280460A (en) 1994-01-18
EP0458175A1 (en) 1991-11-27

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