EP1708052B1 - Clockwork - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a watch movement, in particular the constituent parts of its time setting mechanism.

State of the art

In watch movements used in watches, and more particularly in wristwatches, the time is set by means of a time setting rod. The latter is held in place by a puller which ensures, moreover, the displacement of other component parts of the mechanism that allow setting the time of the watch when the rod is in the pulled position.

For these functions to be carried out safely, it is necessary that the rod is well guided in the frame of the movement and that the zipper has a good seat, which ensures the good behavior of the rod by the zipper.

In certain types of movements, such as that described in the patent CH 623,192, issued May 29, 1981 in the name of the Applicant, the solution described above can not be applied, because of construction constraints that prevent good guidance of the rod and sufficient seating of a possible pull. This movement is rod-shaped having three narrow bridges, in the form of bars, superimposed and assembled by screws arranged through their ends. There is not enough room to perform the functions mentioned above. That is why this movement is equipped with a time setting mechanism whose rod is arranged in the bottom of the box, so that its axis is parallel to those of the needles. This solution necessarily implies that the watch must be removed from the arm to reassemble and set the time.

Moreover, the patent US 1,481,022, issued January 15, 1924 in the name of the Phinney Walker Company, describes a watch movement in which the pull tab is arranged with good stability, because it is pivotally mounted on the frame of the movement by two bearings arranged on either side of the board zipper.

Disclosure of the invention

The main object of the present invention is to propose an alternative to the abovementioned prior art by providing a movement for a timepiece having a reduced bulk, at least in a direction other than its thickness, and comprising a setting ring. accessible time while the watch is worn on the wrist.

For this purpose, the present invention relates in particular to such a movement, preferably rod type, wherein the time setting rod is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the movement and has a relatively short portion within the movement. Thus, when the movement is mounted in a watch case, the time setting ring is arranged on one side of the box and is, therefore, accessible while the watch is worn on the wrist.

A further object of the present invention is to ensure good stability of the elements of the time setting mechanism despite the small dimensions of the frame elements, such as the plate or the bridges.

In particular, it is important to have a high accuracy in the movements of moving parts of the time setting mechanism, as well as in the positioning of parts whose function is to guide or actuate these moving parts, such as this is the case of the time-setting rod and its zipper.

Conventionally, the pull tab comprises a board resting mainly on the plate, dial side, and is held in place by a pivot member, typically a pull screw disposed through the plate, its head being located on the bridge side. The foot of the screw carries a thread cooperating with a tapped hole in a hole of the drawbar, the screw defining a pivot axis of the pull tab. A first end of the pull tab comprises a stud engaged in a groove of the winding stem to maintain it in place in the movement. The second end of the pull tab acts on a rocker controlling the displacement of a sliding pinion.

In its pushed position, the winding stem makes it possible to raise a mainspring by a rotational movement. When drawn, the Winding stem drives the first end of the pull tab that pivots on the drawbar screw and acts on the rocker to move the sliding pinion. The winding stem can then be manipulated to set the time of movement.

However, this conventional structure is poorly suited to maintaining the components of the time setting mechanism, particularly when the plate has reduced dimensions and offers only a small surface for the support of the setting rod. hour or zipper.

Thus, the present invention more specifically relates to a watch movement of the type described above, comprising a first and a second support elements separate from the plate, integral with the frame and between which is arranged a winding pinion integral in rotation with the rod of setting the time, the first and second support members respectively defining first and second pivots for the assembly formed of the winding pinion and the time setting rod.

Thanks to this characteristic, the positioning and guidance of the time-setting rod are improved, making it possible to guarantee the reliability of the passage between the functions of reassembly of the movement and of setting the time during the movements of the rod of winding in its axial direction.

Preferably, the present invention also provides a pivot member having first and second pivots disposed on either side of the pull tab and engaged in the frame, to ensure good stability of the pull.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente une vue éclatée simplifiée d'une partie du mouvement horloger, montré côté ponts, selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessus simplifiée de la partie du mouvement représentée sur la figure 1, lorsque ses éléments constitutifs sont assemblés;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus, du côté cadran, du mouvement de la figure 1, lorsqu'il est complet;
• la figure 4a est une vue en coupe transversale simplifiée d'un premier détail de construction du mouvement représenté sur les figures précédentes, réalisée suivant la ligne L1 de la figure 1;
• la figure 4b est une vue en coupe transversale simplifiée d'un second détail de construction du mouvement représenté sur les figures précédentes, réalisée suivant la ligne L2 de la figure 2, et
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe transversale simplifiée d'un troisième détail de construction du mouvement représenté sur les figures précédentes, selon une variante préférée de réalisation, la coupe étant réalisée suivant la ligne L3 de la figure 2.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

• the figure 1 represents a simplified exploded view of a part of the watch movement, shown on the bridge side, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• the figure 2 represents a simplified top view of the part of the movement represented on the figure 1 when its constituent elements are assembled;
• the figure 3 is a top view, on the dial side, of the movement of the figure 1 when it is complete;
• the figure 4a is a simplified cross-sectional view of a first construction detail of the movement shown in the preceding figures, taken along line L1 of FIG. figure 1 ;
• the figure 4b is a simplified cross-sectional view of a second construction detail of the movement shown in the preceding figures, taken along the line L2 of FIG. figure 2 , and
• the figure 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a third constructional detail of the movement shown in the preceding figures, according to a preferred embodiment variant, the section being taken along line L3 of FIG. figure 2 .

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The figure 1 represents, exploded, a part of a watch movement provided with a time-setting mechanism according to the invention. This movement comprises a plate 1 which has a generally elongate shape, a median portion is delimited by a first and a second transverse end portions 2 and 3, whose width corresponds to the width of the assembled movement.

The first end portion 2 comprises two pins 4, 5 intended to assemble elements constituting the mechanism for setting the time of movement.

In particular, the first end portion 2 has a recess 6, between the two pins 4 and 5, in which is arranged a winding puller 7.

The pull tab 7 includes a board formed of a first portion 8 and a second portion 15. The portion 8 carries, at a first free end 9, a first pin 10 winding stem. It has a tapped hole 11 intended to cooperate with a screw threaded portion 12, and a bend 13, at a distance from the first stud 10, followed by a curved tongue 14. The second portion of zipper, of less thickness than that of the first portion, extends in the extension of the tongue 14 to a second free end 16, carrying a second stud 17.

When the pull tab 7 is put in place on the plate, the second stud 17 is engaged in the groove 18 of a rocker 19, located on the dial side of the plate 1 and which will be described in more detail in connection with the figure 3 .

A pull rod 20 is engaged on the post 4 by a first main hole 21. An additional post 22 of the plate 1 is provided to cooperate with a second hole 23 for positioning the pull puller. The pull rod 20 has an elongated and curved shape ending in a spout 24 intended to cooperate with the curved tongue 14 of the pull tab to ensure the positioning of the latter.

A spring 25 is also engaged on the pins 4 and 22, to act through a spout 26, with the barrel ratchet (visible on the figure 3 ).

An intermediate bridge 27 provided in particular with two holes 29 adapted to cooperate with the tenons 4 and 5 is mounted on the plate 1. It comprises a hole 30 of axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the movement, of generally cylindrical shape and opening into its facing the platen (visible on the figure 4a ). The hole 30 is intended to accommodate and position the winding stem 28, with the interposition of a ring 31 slotted over its entire length, of diameter slightly less than the diameter of the hole 30. The rod 28 comprises a cylindrical portion 28a, cooperating with the tube 31, which allows its pivoting and its translation with reference to the bridge 27. The rod 28 has a groove 32 in which the stud 10 of the pull tab 7 is engaged when the winding mechanism is assembled.

A square 33 is formed following the cylindrical portion 28a, the latter extending to the end of the rod 28 located in the movement. A winding pinion 34 having a hole 34a, adapted to cooperate with the square 33 of the winding stem, is disposed adjacent to the intermediate bridge 27 by being mounted on the winding stem 28. More precisely, the square 33 and the hole 34a are arranged in such a way that a rotation of the rod 28 rotates the pinion 34, while allowing a translation of one relative to the other.

An additional element, adjacent to the intermediate bridge 27, is provided to ensure that the stem 28 and the winding pinion 34 are held in their respective positions. It comprises a hole 36 inside which engages the square 33. The winding pinion 34 is held axially in the space between the bridge 27 and the element 35. The latter also has ears 37 intended for partially cover the intermediate bridge 27, these carrying tubes 38 extending towards the plate 1 to engage in the holes 29 of the intermediate bridge 27 and surround the pins 4 and 5. The tubes 38 can guarantee the good positioning of the additional element 35 both with respect to the intermediate bridge 27 and with respect to the plate 1, through the pins 4 and 5.

Two screws 39 are inserted into the tubes 38 of the additional element 35, to cooperate with threads formed inside the pins 4 and 5, and assemble the elements just described.

The drawbar screw 12 is housed inside a hole 40 formed in the intermediate bridge 27. It defines the axis of rotation of the pull tab 7. It is provided with a thread 41 intended to cooperate with the hole 11 of the zipper, in known manner.

It furthermore has a free end 42 extending beyond the thread 41 and intended to be inserted inside a hole 43 made in the plate 1, as will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG. the Figures 4a and 4b .

Furthermore, the plate 1 has, between its two ends 2 and 3, a plurality of locations, holes and bearings intended to carry conventional components of watch movement which will not be described in detail in the present description to the extent that they do not directly concern the heart of the invention.

The figure 2 represents a view from above of the part of the movement represented on the figure 1 when its constituent elements are assembled.

It is distinguished that the plate 1 comprises a hole 50 intended to house the barrel of movement and arranged near its first end 2.

The rocker 19 carries a first reference 51 of time setting, engaged, in the position shown in this figure, with a second reference 52, itself engaged with a third reference 53. The second and third references 52, 53 are arranged at the bottom of the barrel core 50.

A plate 54 for positioning the spring 25 has also been shown, which makes it possible to maintain the spring 25 in the direction of the thickness of the movement.

We also see on the figure 2 that the rocker 19 carries a winding reference 55, intended to mesh with the ratchet of the barrel (visible on the figure 3 ) during winding operations of the mainspring.

A tube 56, of which only one end is visible in this figure, is arranged through the plate 1 to define a pivot for the rocker 19.

The figure 3 represents a top view of the dial side of the complete movement according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

This figure, from the second end 3 of the plate 1 and towards the first end 2, distinguishes the balance 60, with its spring 61, the escape wheel 62, the timer wheel 63, a reduction mobile 64, the hour wheel 65, the medium wheel 66, the barrel 67 and the barrel ratchet 68.

On the other hand, the structure and operation of the rocker 19 appear more clearly in this figure, in connection with the description of the organs arranged dial side.

A crown wheel 69, coaxial with the tube 56 on which the rocker pivots, is arranged in permanent engagement with the winding pinion 34. Furthermore, it meshes permanently with a first clocking wheel 70, which causes a second hour-setting wheel 71. The second intermediate hour-setting wheel 71 is mounted coaxially and secured to the first time-setting reference 51, the latter being disposed on the bridge side of the rocker, as previously mentioned in relation to the figure 3 .

The crown wheel 69 meshes, moreover, permanently with an intermediate wheel 72, coaxially mounted and secured to the winding return 55, the latter being located on the bridge side of the rocker.

The rocker 19 has two arms 73, spaced from its pivot axis and on either side thereof, extending to the first end 2 of the plate 1. Each of the free ends (not visible) arms 73 is held in a groove (not visible) of the plate 1 by plates 74, in order to improve the stability and guidance of the rocker 19, in particular when it is in one or the other setting and winding positions.

The Figures 4a and 4b , showing sectional views of construction details of the movement that has just been described, provide a better understanding of how the pivoting of the rocker 19 is controlled thanks to the particular structure of the pull tab 7.

The figure 4a represents a cross-sectional view, taken along a plane perpendicular to the mean plane of the plate 1 and containing the line referenced L1 on the figure 1 . The first portion 8 of the pull tab 7 is particularly apparent in this figure. The drawbar screw 12 is here represented in its operative position, that is to say when it is inserted into the hole 40 of the intermediate bridge 27, and then screwed into the hole 11 of the pull-rod 7. The screwing of the screw in the pull tab is performed until the pull tab is in abutment against the cylindrical portion 75 of the screw housed in the intermediate bridge 27. In this configuration, the pull tab is positioned in a direction substantially parallel to the average plane of the plate 1, defining a clearance between it and the recess 6 of the plate. As a result, the first portion 8 of the pull tab is not supported by the turntable when the pull tab is in its operative position. On the other hand, when the screwing is complete, the stud 10 of the pull tab is in place, inside the groove 32 of the winding stem 28. Thus, in known manner, the pull tab is driven by the movements of the winding stem in its axial direction, which causes the pivoting of the zipper on the screw 12 zipper. As mentioned previously in relation to the description of the figure 1 , the screw 12 of puller has a free end 42 extending beyond the thread 41 and housed in a hole 43 of the plate 1 to form a pivot. This particular characteristic of the screw 12 of zipper according to the present invention, makes it possible, with respect to the known structures of the prior art, to improve its maintenance, as well as the stability and positioning of the zipper 7 with reference to the plate 1.

Such a characteristic is even more advantageous when it is used in a movement of the type described in the present description. Indeed, the plate 1, having a small footprint, does not support a large part of the board of the zipper as is the case in conventional movements. Thus, the improvement in the stability of the drawbar screw 12 compensates for the failure to hold the pull tab 7 by the plate 1.

We see on the figure 4a a bridge 76 is mounted on the intermediate bridge 27, this bridge extending between the first and second ends 2 and 3 of the plate 1, similarly to that described in the patent CH 623 192 supra. The bridge 76 is secured to the intermediate bridge by two screws 77, only one of which is visible on the figure 4a .

The bridge 76 has a hole 78 for access to the head of the pull screw 12 having two successive portions, of different diameters, defining between them a shoulder 79 inside the hole 78. The head of the screw 12 of The pull tab comprises two successive portions, of which a first end 80, with a first diameter and a second 81, of a second diameter greater than the diameter of the first portion and the diameter of the shoulder 79. Therefore, when the bridge 76 is put in place on the intermediate bridge 27, the screw 12 zipper can not be removed from its location. However, the head of the screw zipper 12 is accessible from the upper face 82 of the bridge 76, to allow to unscrew the zipper screw and release the winding stem, in a conventional manner, to proceed to dislodge the movement. During such an operation, the unscrewing of the zipper screw 12 causes the zipper to be translated into the clearance, in the direction of the plate 1, since the screw 12 remains in its axial position of service in which it is maintained by the bridge 76.

The fact that the screw 12 zipper can not be removed from its location, when the bridge 76 is in place, prevents it from being lost by performing a clearing operation.

The figure 4b represents a cross-sectional view of the pull tab 7, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the figure 2 and containing the line referenced L2, making more visible the support defect offered by the plate 1 to the pull tab 7, as well as the interaction of the latter with the rocker 19.

Whereas, generally the zipper rests almost entirely on the plate, one can see, on the figure 4b , that the entire second portion 15 of the pull tab 7 does not rest on the plate 1, nor on any other fixed part of the movement. However, thanks to the characteristics according to the present invention, in particular those described in connection with the figure 4a , stability and positioning of the zipper 7 are provided to enable it to fulfill its main function, namely to control the pivoting movements of the rocker 19. For this purpose, the zipper 7 is in connection with the throat 18 of the rocker 19 by its stud 17.

In general and in relation to all the figures, it is understood that depending on the position of the winding stem 28, the zipper can also take two extreme positions, one winding, the other setting time. The particular shape of the groove 18 defines stops corresponding to the extreme positions of the pull tab.

When the pull tab 7 is moved to its winding position, its second portion 15 is removed from the plate 1 by exerting a traction force in this direction on the groove 18 of the rocker 19. The part of the rocker 19 in which the throat 18 is thus also spaced apart from the plate 1. Thus, in this position, the first reference 51 is also remote from the plate and is therefore not engaged with the second reference 52. On the other hand, the other side of the rocker is close to the plate 1 and allows the gear of the winding return 55 with the barrel ratchet 68.

In this position of the winding stem 28, and therefore of the rocker 19, any rotational movement of the winding stem causes a rotation of the barrel ratchet 68 to raise the spring of the barrel 67. More specifically, it is preferably provided to in known manner, a snap between the intermediate wheel 72 and the return 55. Thus, the barrel ratchet 68 is driven only during the rotational movements of the winding stem clockwise, under the combined effect of the action of the spring 25 on the barrel ratchet 68 and the snap (not shown).

When the winding stem 28 is pulled, it drives the stud 10 of the pull tab 7, via the groove 32. The pull rod then pivots on the screw 12 pull, bringing its second portion 15 of the plate 1.

During the pivoting of the pull tab 7, the stud 17 exerts a force on the groove 18 of the rocker 19 causing a pivoting thereof around the tube 56. In this pivoting movement, the first return 51 is close to the plate 1 while that the winding return 55 departs from it. The first reference 51 comes into contact with the second reference 52 for setting the time, while the reference 55 is separated from the barrel ratchet 68.

In this position, the rotational movements of the winding stem 28, in one direction or the other, cause the rotation of the roadway, by the two references 52 and 53, and therefore the hour wheel 65, to perform setting the timepiece of the timepiece in which the movement is implemented. Of course, in this case also, a friction, preferably provided at the level of the medium wheel 66, avoids damage that could be caused to the drive train during the time setting operations.

The figure 5 represents a preferred variant of the movement according to the present invention in a cross-sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the figure 2 and containing line L3.

According to this variant, the winding pinion 34 comprises a barrel 34b coaxial with the hole 34a and oriented towards the inside of the movement. The outer diameter of the barrel 34b is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole 36 of the additional member 35, inside which it is inserted. With this advantageous feature, the barrel 34b helps stabilize the winding pinion 34 relative to the plate.

The internal section of the barrel 34b is identical to the section of the hole 34a, so that the inner shape of the barrel 34b is substantially complementary to that of the square 33 of the winding stem 28. The respective dimensions of the barrel 34b and the square 33 are such as a light game is preferably arranged between them.

Moreover, we also see on the figure 5 that the tube 56 has a tapped central hole cooperating with the foot of a bearing screw 83, engaged in the plate 1 from its dial side.

A post 84 is arranged around the tube 56, being interposed between the head of the screw 83 and the plate 1 in order to ensure the positioning of the screw relative to the plate. Since the head of the screw 83 is relatively wide relative to its foot, the portion between the two seats makes it possible to reinforce its rigidity. On the other hand, it is found that the tenon 84 has two spans between which is disposed the rocker 19, free in rotation, to ensure a maintenance of the latter in the axial direction.

In addition, the pin 84 has a bearing surface 85 against which is mounted the ring gear 69 is free to rotate relative to the axis of the tube 56. The axial retention of the crown wheel 69 is also provided by the head of the screw at range 83, while its centering is provided by the stud 84.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that the characteristics of the movement according to the present invention make it possible to guarantee proper positioning and guidance of certain moving elements, fulfilling functions essential to the proper functioning of the movement, and more particularly of the rod. time and the zipper, even though the dimensions of the support elements of the movement are exceptionally reduced.

The foregoing description corresponds to a preferred embodiment of the invention described in a non-limiting manner. In particular, the shapes shown and described for the various elements constituting the movement are not limiting.

For example, the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to implement alternative means to the arms 73, to ensure good stability of the latch, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

On the other hand, the screw 12 could be replaced by a rod driven into the pull tab 7, and held axially by the bridge 76, while a spring pressing against the pull rod would maintain the stud 10 engaged in the groove 32. A pressure on the rod then deform the spring and would clear the rod 28 of the zipper.

Claims (9)

1. Timepiece movement including
   a frame (1, 27, 35, 76) comprising, in particular, a bottom plate,
   means for allowing the time to be displayed, and
   a hand-setting mechanism comprising a hand-setting stem (28) mounted movably on the frame (27), in translation along a first axis, between at least two axial positions, and in rotation about said axis, said stem being capable of being connected kinematically to said means for allowing the time to be displayed,
   characterized in that it includes a first and a second support elements (27, 35) distinct from said bottom plate, secured to said frame and between which there is a crown pinion (34) integral in rotation with said hand-setting stem (28), said first and second support elements (27, 35) defining, respectively, first and second pivots (30, 36) for the assembly formed by said crown pinion (34) and said hand-setting stem (28).
2. Timepiece movement according to claim 1, characterized in that said crown pinion (34) includes a tube (34b) engaged in rotation with a square (33) of said hand-setting stem (28), said tube also being arranged in order to pivot in said second support element (35), said hand-setting stem (28) having a bead (28a) pivoting in said first support element (27).
3. Timepiece movement according to claim 1 or 2, including a pull-out piece (7) mounted pivotably on said frame (1) and comprising
   a plate (8, 14, 15), which carries a pivoting member (12) interacting with said frame,
   a linking member (10) designed to interact with said hand-setting stem (28) in order to limit its translational movement and arranged in order to allow the pivoting of the pull-out piece (7) when said hand-setting stem (28) is displaced in translation,
   characterized in that said pivoting member (12) includes first and second pivots (75, 42) arranged on either side of said plate and engaged in said frame (1, 27).
4. Timepiece movement according to claim 3, characterized in that said pivoting member is a pull-out screw (12) of which a first cylindrical portion (75), arranged on a first side of said pull-out piece (7) plate, forms said first pivot, said pull-out screw also comprising a threaded portion (41) screwed into said plate, followed by a cylindrical second portion (42) arranged on a second side of the plate, forming said second pivot.
5. Timepiece movement according to any one of the preceding claims, also including means (68) for winding a barrel (67) mainspring, characterized in that said hand-setting mechanism comprises a rocker (19) mounted pivotably on said frame (1), between a first and a second positions, said rocker being controlled by said pull-out piece (7) in order, alternately, to actuate hand-setting means and said winding means.
6. Timepiece movement according to claim 5, characterized in that said linking member is a first stud (10) arranged near a first end (9) of said pull-out piece (7), the latter comprising a second stud (17) arranged near to a second end (16) of said pull-out piece while being engaged in a groove (18) of said rocker (19) in order to control the latter.
7. Movement according to claim 6, characterized in that said first stud (10) is arranged on a first side of said pull-out plate (8) while said second stud (17) is arranged on a second side of said plate.
8. Timepiece movement according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said rocker (19) is maintained secured to said frame (1), in the direction of its axis of pivoting, by at least one arm (73) partially engaged in a region of said frame while being free to move in directions perpendicular to said axis of pivoting only.
9. Timepiece part including a case closed by a glass and in which is housed a movement according to any one of the preceding claims, said movement being arranged in such a manner that its frame (1) has a median portion, supporting the finishing-works assembly and also time-display means and, delimited by two end portions (2, 3) connected to said case, said median portion having a length oriented on a six o'clock/midday axis which is at least three times as large as its width, a hand-setting crown being arranged at one end of the hand-setting stem (28) located either at six o'clock or at midday.

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