EP1738229A1 - Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device - Google Patents

Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device

Info

Publication number
EP1738229A1
EP1738229A1 EP05731227A EP05731227A EP1738229A1 EP 1738229 A1 EP1738229 A1 EP 1738229A1 EP 05731227 A EP05731227 A EP 05731227A EP 05731227 A EP05731227 A EP 05731227A EP 1738229 A1 EP1738229 A1 EP 1738229A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crown
deformable
barrel
crown according
arms
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP05731227A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1738229B1 (en
Inventor
Georges Zimmermann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meco SA
Original Assignee
Meco SA Grenchen
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meco SA Grenchen filed Critical Meco SA Grenchen
Priority to EP05731227A priority Critical patent/EP1738229B1/en
Publication of EP1738229A1 publication Critical patent/EP1738229A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1738229B1 publication Critical patent/EP1738229B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/06—Keys or the like with means preventing overwinding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a crown for a timepiece comprising a housing with an X1 axis inside of which are in particular a barrel comprising, in the region of a first end, means for fixing a winding stem.
  • the housing also comprises at least a first element, elastically deformable, cooperating by friction in a rotational movement relative to the axis X1, at least in a first direction of rotation, with a rigid element of suitable shape, as long as the torque transmitted by one of these elements to the other remains below a predefined value. Beyond the predefined value, the first deformable element is liable to deform to involve a sliding connection between it and the rigid element.
  • crowns of the type comprising a declutching device are known from the prior art. We know of such devices implemented, for example, to avoid damaging the mechanism of a timepiece when the winding stem is driven by the user to arm the barrel spring, the latter being fully armed.
  • US Patent 2,637,987 describes several embodiments of a crown of the type mentioned above. All the embodiments described provide that the crown comprises a cylindrical housing inside which the disengaging device is arranged.
  • the housing comprises, at its periphery, a leaf spring secured to the crown and intended to cooperate with one end of the winding stem disposed inside the housing.
  • the end of the winding stem has a particular shape, specific to each of the embodiments described, adapted to the shape of the corresponding leaf spring.
  • the cooperation between the leaf spring and the winding stem is effective as long as the torque to be transmitted to the winding stem from a rotation of the crown, via the leaf spring, does not exceed a predefined value.
  • a predefined value which can be the case for example when the barrel spring is fully cocked, the leaf spring deforms and ceases to cooperate with the winding stem.
  • any subsequent rotational movement of the crown under these conditions is no longer transmitted to the winding stem.
  • the device described in this American patent however has a certain number of drawbacks. Indeed, the structure described and shown is complex both from the point of view of manufacture and of assembly, in particular because of the dimensions to be considered in the field of crowns intended for watchmaking.
  • the main object of the present invention therefore is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a device for the crown, making it possible to avoid causing damage to the movement of a timepiece, this device having a simple structure and allowing easy mounting with respect to the devices of the prior art.
  • the present invention relates to a crown of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the elastically deformable element is integral with the barrel while the rigid element is integral with the crown. Thanks to these characteristics, the device according to the invention has a relatively simple structure obtained by an equally simple assembly.
  • the fact that the elastic element is disposed on the barrel receiving the winding stem does not impose on the manufacturer any particular structure of the end of the winding stem disposed in the crown.
  • the deformable element is produced in the form of a spring comprising a central base from which extend at least two deformable arms, preferably four.
  • the rigid element is produced in the form of a ring comprising a plurality of notches arranged on its internal periphery and intended to cooperate with surface regions of the deformable arms. Thanks to such a structure, the deformable element can be mounted in the housing of the crown without being prestressed, which greatly simplifies the mounting thereof relative to the device of the above-mentioned prior art.
  • the cooperation between the spring and the ring is permanent in a first direction of rotation, that is to say that it does not depend on the value of the torque transmitted by one of the elements to the other, while a declutching threshold is provided in the second direction of rotation.
  • two stages are provided, each of which comprises a spring and notched ring assembly, each of the two stages being intended to allow disengagement of the device in a predefined direction.
  • the crown is capable of being moved along its axis X1 relative to the winding stem to activate one stage or the other.
  • the deformable element and the rigid element are respectively made of materials whose respective hardnesses are close, such a characteristic making it possible to guarantee good longevity of the device according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of the crown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention making it possible to demonstrate the simplicity of the corresponding structure as well as the simplicity of the assembly of the various components with each other.
  • the various constituent elements of the crown according to the invention are represented in an order schematizing the sequences of their assembly in FIG. 1.
  • the reference numeral 1 designates the crown as such, the latter having an axis rotation symmetry X1 and being hollow so as to define a housing (visible in FIG. 2) for arranging the following constituents there.
  • a hollow support element 2 whose dimensions are adjusted to the dimensions of the housing of the crown has the shape of a cylinder, closed on one side for illustrative purposes, by a bottom 3.
  • Each of the springs 4 is of the flat spring type comprising a central base 5, of general shape close to the shape of a square, from which extend four arms 6 elastically deformable.
  • Each of the arms 6 comprises two successive portions, a first short portion 7 extending from the central base 5 in a substantially radial direction before having an elbow 8, substantially at right angles, extended by a second portion 9, substantially rectilinear .
  • each of the springs 4 has a hole 10 centered with respect to the axis X1 and of substantially square shape in the example shown.
  • the operation of the springs 4 will be explained in more detail in relation to FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 1 there is a barrel 11 intended to receive one end of a winding stem (not shown).
  • the barrel 11 has a main part 12 of cylindrical shape, surmounted by a head 13 in the form of a disc with a diameter greater than the diameter of the main part.
  • the head 13 is itself surmounted by a portion 14 of smaller transverse dimensions than those of the head, arranged projecting relative to the latter and centered on the axis X1.
  • the protruding portion 14 has a contour of shape complementary, here substantially square, to that of the holes 10 of the springs and intended to cooperate with these. Any other non-circular shape can be provided for the opening 10 and the protruding portion 14, such as for example polygonal, without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as a drive in rotation of the protruding portion 14 by the springs 4 is possible because of their cooperation.
  • the height of the projecting portion 14 is greater than the thickness of the two springs 4 joined together.
  • a rigid element 15 in the form of a ring or washer, the central opening of which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel as well as a periphery having notches 16.
  • the ring 15 is intended to be positioned near the bottom 3 of the support element so that the notches 16 are located opposite the arms 6 of the springs 4, as is better apparent from FIG. 3.
  • An additional washer 17 then comes to support the ring 15 and the barrel 11.
  • the washer 17 has an external diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the ring 15 as well as a central opening 18 of diameter less than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel.
  • the washer 17 further comprises an annular shoulder 19 of internal diameter greater than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel and of external diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the ring 15.
  • the washer 17 is produced so that the thickness of its shoulder annular 19 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the head 13 of the barrel, the shoulder thus ensuring the function of a spacer.
  • the remaining constituents are closing elements of the device to seal it without making any other contribution to the declutching device according to the present invention.
  • a reduction washer 20 whose external diameter is substantially less than the internal diameter of the support element 2 and against which an annular seal 21 of the O-ring type of diameter at rest is disposed. substantially greater than the internal diameter of the support element 2.
  • a flat washer 22 is then provided to close the housing of the crown 1.
  • a tube 23, or socket, is arranged through the central openings of the flat washer 22, of the annular seal 21 and of the reduction washer 20, the main function of the tube 23 being to connect the crown 1 to the input of the case (not shown) of the timepiece implementing the device according to the present invention, more precisely to the middle.
  • the tube 23 also has an external diameter substantially greater than the internal diameter of the annular seal 21 at rest.
  • Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a cross-sectional view of the crown according to the present invention, the constituent elements being assembled, and a perspective view showing in detail the nature of the cooperation implemented between the deformable and rigid elements. These figures make it possible to make clear the interactions existing between the various elements which have just been described in relation to their assembly.
  • the springs 4 are obtained by a conventional manufacturing process, for example by passing metal sheets through a press.
  • the barrel 11 for fixing the winding stem is of the conventional type.
  • the springs 4 are preferably threaded, or even driven out, on the projecting portion 14 of the barrel, that is to say at the level of the end of the barrel opposite the end by which the winding rod is intended to be fixed.
  • the springs are also welded to the projecting portion 14, optionally by means of a laser beam, on a plurality of contact points situated at the interface between the opening 10 of the central base 5 and the contour of the protruding portion 14. It may be noted that the springs 4 are self-centered due to their cooperation with the protruding portion 14.
  • the ring 15 and the washer 17 are also joined together, preferably by laser welding, before the main portion 12 of the barrel 11 is threaded through the opening 18 of the washer 17.
  • the head 13 of the barrel is then placed in abutment on the flat surface 24 of the washer 17, while the two springs 4 are arranged facing the ring 15, more particularly facing the notches 16.
  • the assembly thus formed of the barrel 11 carrying the springs 4 with the ring 15 and the washer 17 are ens then driven inside the support element 2.
  • laser welding is also applied to the interface between the support element 2 and the external periphery of the washer 17 to guarantee better resistance in time of the assembly defined above inside the support element. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the bottom 3 of the support element fulfills the function of a stop during the operation during which the above assembly is driven into the support element 2.
  • the thickness of the two springs 4 joined together is less than the thickness of the ring 15 so that the springs can rotate relative to the axis X1 without undergoing friction against the bottom 3 of the support element 2
  • the support element 2 comprises a shoulder 25 facing the outside of the crown 1 and dividing the interior of the support element into two portions of different internal diameters.
  • a first portion 26 located between the bottom 3 and the shoulder 25 has a first diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the ring 15 and the washer 17, while a second portion 27 extending between the shoulder 25 and l the end of the support element situated on the side of its opening has a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
  • the reduction washer 20 is then threaded into the support element 2 so as to be disposed in abutment against the shoulder 25.
  • the annular seal 21 is force-fitted into the support element 2, bearing against the reduction washer 20.
  • the annular seal is slightly prestressed when it is in place.
  • Such a measure which is conventional, makes it possible to guarantee good contact of the annular seal against the internal wall of the support element and therefore a good quality of the seal between these two surfaces. All the components thus mounted with each other are then expelled inside the cover 1, the latter comprising a housing 28 of generally cylindrical shape and of dimensions slightly greater than the external dimensions of the support element 2.
  • the cover 1 has an annular groove 30 inside which the flat washer 22 is arranged, a small annular shoulder 31 of internal diameter less than the external diameter of the flat washer 22 being provided to retain it in the annular groove 30.
  • the flat washer 22 is disposed against a shoulder, corresponding to the side of the groove 30 facing outwards, prior to a crimping operation serving to form the shoulder 31.
  • the central region of the flat washer 22 is then placed in abutment against the annular seal 21 and assu re in particular its positioning in the direction of the axis X1.
  • the tube 23 is then threaded inside the central space of the housing 28 left empty by sliding against the annular seal.
  • the external diameter of the tube 23 is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the annular seal 21 so as to compress the latter in a radial direction and strengthen the seal between the annular seal and the support element 2, in addition to guaranteeing the seal between the annular seal and the tube 23.
  • the internal diameter of the tube 23 is slightly greater than the external diameter of the barrel 11 to allow the free rotation of the latter. It may be noted that during the mounting of the device on a timepiece, the tube 23 is, prior to its mounting in the crown 1, driven into the middle of the timepiece to the level of its shoulder, particularly visible in Figure 2. We see in Figure 2 that the barrel 11 has been shown in partial section for clarity.
  • FIG. 3 shows the detail of the relative positioning of the springs 4 with the ring 15 and, more particularly, with the notches 16.
  • the shape of the springs 4 shown in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment illustrated without limitation. It is indeed more clearly visible in FIG. 3 that the springs each have a curved shape contributing to its properties in terms of elasticity.
  • a recess 34 is formed partially in the material of the central base 5 and inside the elbow 8, that is to say in the region which undergoes the most important stresses at the moment when the spring undergoes a deformation.
  • the recesses 34 according to the present preferred embodiment have a partially circular outline.
  • the second portions 9 of the arms 6 have curved external surfaces to improve the quality of the contacts with the ring 15 during the rotational movements. More specifically, these external surfaces comprise surface regions 35 which are in contact with long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15.
  • the long portions 36 have a direction substantially tangential with respect to the axis X1 of the crown and are separated by short portions 37 forming the notches 16, oriented in substantially radial directions.
  • the long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15 have a slight curvature, complementary to the curvature presented by the surface regions 35 of the arms 6.
  • the ends 38 of the arms 6 are rounded to limit their friction with the notches 16 when the declutching device is activated.
  • Figure 3 shows a part of the declutching device according to the present invention in a configuration in which it is not activated.
  • the arms 6 of the springs are shown in their configuration at rest in which they are in contact with the long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15 without being deformed or to a negligible extent. It is understood from the representation of Figure 3 and from the above description in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2 that, when the crown 1 is rotated counterclockwise, it drives the ring 15 and the washer 17 in the same direction. It is obvious in this case that the notches 16 then exert a pressing force on the ends 38 of the spring arms with which they are engaged, thereby causing a rotational movement of the barrel 11 in the same direction and, consequently, of the winding stem (not shown).
  • an important advantage of the device according to the present invention lies in its simplicity of manufacture and assembly, in particular when it is considered that the components used have relatively small dimensions, the crown generally having a diameter of less than 5 -6 millimeters.
  • the structure of the device according to the present invention advantageously allows the use of conventional winding stems for the establishment of the crown.
  • this structure also makes it possible to very simply modify the aesthetic appearance of the crown, in order to meet the requirements of various customers, while limiting the number of components which must be modified in response to the diversity of these requirements. Indeed, a modification of the external appearance of the crown is generally sufficient to obtain the desired aesthetic appearance, without it being necessary to modify any of the other constituent elements of the device according to the present invention.
  • the embodiment described provides for two identical springs 4, which makes it possible to obtain a certain rigidity, adapted to the desired value of predefined torque.
  • Those skilled in the art can modify the number of springs used to adapt it to their own needs without departing from the scope of the present invention, by arranging more springs to increase the rigidity.
  • a choice of materials for producing the spring 4 and the rigid ring 15 respectively so that the corresponding hardnesses are close together makes it possible to guarantee a better longevity of the declutching device according to the present invention.
  • the device according to the present invention an additional advantage in that the manufacturer can use the same components to implement the invention in one direction of rotation or the other.
  • the shape described for the springs 4 is not limiting and any other neighboring shape making it possible to obtain the same technical effect can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the number of arms 6 of springs described and shown is not limiting insofar as it constitutes an additional parameter making it possible to adjust the rigidity of the springs used. Indeed, due to the self-centering resulting from the cooperation of the opening 10 of the spring with the projecting portion 14 of the barrel, a single arm 6 may be sufficient to provide the function necessary for the device according to the present invention in relation to the ring 15.
  • the springs and notches 16 of the ring 15 according to which the behavior of the spring is identical in the two directions of rotation.
  • the notches are made in the form of small recesses made in the internal periphery of the ring 15, the deformable arms of the springs then extending in substantially radial directions, in other words they do not would not include elbow 8, to react similarly to tangential forces applied at their ends, in one direction of rotation or the other.
  • Another possible variant would be to provide two superposed stages, each of which would comprise a rigid ring and at least one spring cooperating with notches of the corresponding ring, the respective directions of rotation of the two stages being reversed.
  • the crown 1 could take two axial positions relative to the winding stem, a single stage being operational in each of the two positions.
  • Such a device would make it possible to obtain the declutching function of the present invention in two different directions of rotation, each direction corresponding to a given axial position of the crown.
  • the applications of the present invention are not limited to winding stems but extend to any other use of a crown stem presenting risks of damaging components of the movement of a timepiece.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The crown (1) has two springs (4), deformable in elastic manner, cooperating in rotation around an axis (X1), in a rotational direction, with a rigid ring (15). The springs are integrated with an hour wheel (11) without depending on value of turning torque while the ring is fixed with respect to the crown. Each spring has a central base (5) from which arms (6) extend, and the ring has steps (16) disposed opposite to the arms. An independent claim is also included for a timepiece comprising a crown.

Description

COURONNE POUR P I ÈCE D'HORLOGERI E AVEC DI SPOSITI F DE DÉBRAYAGE CROWN FOR WATCHMAKING P I CE WITH CLUTCH DI SPOSITI F
DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA
La présente invention concerne une couronne pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant un logement d'axe X1 à l'intérieur duquel sont notamment disposés un canon comportant, dans la région d'une première extrémité, des moyens de fixation d'une tige de remontoir. Le logement comprend également au moins un premier élément, déformable de manière élastique, coopérant par frottements dans un mouvement de rotation par rapport à l'axe X1 , au moins dans un premier sens de rotation, avec un élément rigide de forme adaptée, tant que le couple de rotation transmis par l'un de ces éléments à l'autre reste inférieur à une valeur prédéfinie. Au- delà de la valeur prédéfinie, le premier élément déformable est susceptible de se déformer pour faire intervenir une liaison par glissement entre lui et l'élément rigide.The present invention relates to a crown for a timepiece comprising a housing with an X1 axis inside of which are in particular a barrel comprising, in the region of a first end, means for fixing a winding stem. The housing also comprises at least a first element, elastically deformable, cooperating by friction in a rotational movement relative to the axis X1, at least in a first direction of rotation, with a rigid element of suitable shape, as long as the torque transmitted by one of these elements to the other remains below a predefined value. Beyond the predefined value, the first deformable element is liable to deform to involve a sliding connection between it and the rigid element.
ARRIÈRE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
De telles couronnes du type comprenant un dispositif de débrayage sont connues de l'art antérieur. On connaît de tels dispositifs mis en oeuvre, par exemple, pour éviter d'endommager le mécanisme d'une pièce d'horlogerie lorsque la tige de remontoir est entraînée par l'utilisateur pour armer le ressort de barillet, ce dernier étant complètement armé. Le brevet US 2,637,987 décrit plusieurs modes de réalisation d'une couronne du type mentionné plus haut. Tous les modes de réalisation décrits prévoient que la couronne comporte un logement cylindrique à l'intérieur duquel est agencé le dispositif de débrayage. En particulier, le logement comporte, au niveau de sa périphérie, un ressort lame solidaire de la couronne et destiné à coopérer avec une extrémité de la tige de remontoir disposée à l'intérieur du logement. Dans ce but, l'extrémité de la tige de remontoir présente une forme particulière, propre à chacun des modes de réalisation décrits, adaptée à la forme du ressort lame correspondant. La coopération entre le ressort lame et la tige de remontoir est effective tant que le couple de rotation à transmettre à la tige de remontoir depuis une rotation de la couronne, via le ressort lame, ne dépasse pas une valeur prédéfinie. Lorsque cette valeur prédéfinie est atteinte, ce qui peut être le cas par exemple lorsque le ressort de barillet est complètement armé, le ressort lame se déforme et cesse sa coopération avec la tige de remontoir. Ainsi, tout mouvement de rotation ultérieur de la couronne dans ces conditions n'est plus transmis à la tige de remontoir. Le dispositif décrit dans ce brevet américain présente toutefois un certain nombre d'inconvénients. En effet, la structure décrite et représentée est complexe tant du point de vue de la fabrication que du montage, en particulier du fait des dimensions à considérer dans le domaine des couronnes destinées à l'horlogerie. La fabrication des différents ressorts mis en jeu est délicate, d'une part, du fait de leur forme et, d'autre part, du fait qu'ils sont montés précontraints, ce qui en rend leur montage dans la couronne délicat. Un autre inconvénient du dispositif décrit dans le brevet US 2,637,987 provient de la nécessité de prévoir une forme particulière pour l'extrémité de la tige de remontoir disposée à l'intérieur de la couronne, de sorte qu'elle puisse coopérer avec la forme particulière retenue pour le ressort. Une telle contrainte oblige le fabricant à prévoir différents procédés de fabrication pour les différentes formes de tige de remontoir à utiliser, représentant ainsi une source de surcoût. RÉSUMÉ DE L'INVENTIONSuch crowns of the type comprising a declutching device are known from the prior art. We know of such devices implemented, for example, to avoid damaging the mechanism of a timepiece when the winding stem is driven by the user to arm the barrel spring, the latter being fully armed. US Patent 2,637,987 describes several embodiments of a crown of the type mentioned above. All the embodiments described provide that the crown comprises a cylindrical housing inside which the disengaging device is arranged. In particular, the housing comprises, at its periphery, a leaf spring secured to the crown and intended to cooperate with one end of the winding stem disposed inside the housing. For this purpose, the end of the winding stem has a particular shape, specific to each of the embodiments described, adapted to the shape of the corresponding leaf spring. The cooperation between the leaf spring and the winding stem is effective as long as the torque to be transmitted to the winding stem from a rotation of the crown, via the leaf spring, does not exceed a predefined value. When this predefined value is reached, which can be the case for example when the barrel spring is fully cocked, the leaf spring deforms and ceases to cooperate with the winding stem. Thus, any subsequent rotational movement of the crown under these conditions is no longer transmitted to the winding stem. The device described in this American patent however has a certain number of drawbacks. Indeed, the structure described and shown is complex both from the point of view of manufacture and of assembly, in particular because of the dimensions to be considered in the field of crowns intended for watchmaking. The manufacture of the various springs involved is delicate, on the one hand, because of their shape and, on the other hand, because they are mounted prestressed, which makes their mounting in the crown delicate. Another drawback of the device described in US Pat. No. 2,637,987 stems from the need to provide a particular shape for the end of the winding stem arranged inside the crown, so that it can cooperate with the particular shape retained. for the spring. Such a constraint obliges the manufacturer to provide different manufacturing processes for the different forms of winding stem to be used, thus representing a source of additional cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
La présente invention a donc pour but principal de pallier les inconvénients susmentionnés de l'art antérieur en fournissant un dispositif pour couronne, permettant d'éviter de causer des dommages au mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie, ce dispositif ayant une structure simple et permettant un montage aisé par rapport aux dispositifs de l'art antérieur. A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet une couronne du type mentionné plus haut, caractérisée par le fait que l'élément déformable de manière élastique est solidaire du canon tandis que l'élément rigide est solidaire de la couronne. Grâce à ces caractéristiques, le dispositif selon l'invention présente une structure relativement simple obtenue par un montage également simple. En outre, le fait que l'élément élastique est disposé sur le canon recevant la tige de remontoir n'impose pas au fabricant de structure particulière de l'extrémité de la tige de remontoir disposée dans la couronne. Une telle particularité permet au fabricant de se limiter à une seule structure de tige de remontoir, quelle que soit la variante de réalisation de la présente invention mise en oeuvre. Dans un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, l'élément déformable est réalisé sous la forme d'un ressort comportant une base centrale à partir de laquelle s'étendent au moins deux bras déformables, préférablement quatre. Dans ce cas, l'élément rigide est réalisé sous la forme d'un anneau comportant une pluralité de crans arrangés sur sa périphérie interne et destinés à coopérer avec des régions surfaciques des bras déformables. Grâce à une telle structure, l'élément déformable peut être monté dans le logement de la couronne sans être précontraint, ce qui en simplifie grandement le montage par rapport au dispositif de l'art antérieur susmentionné. De manière préférée non limitative, la coopération entre le ressort et l'anneau est permanente dans un premier sens de rotation, c'est-à-dire qu'elle ne dépend pas de la valeur du couple transmis par l'un des éléments à l'autre, tandis qu'un seuil de débrayage est prévu dans le second sens de rotation. De manière alternative, on prévoit deux étages dont chacun comprend un ensemble ressort et anneau cranté, chacun des deux étages étant destiné à permettre un débrayage du dispositif dans un sens prédéfini. Dans ce cas, la couronne est capable d'être déplacée suivant son axe X1 par rapport à la tige de remontoir pour mettre en fonction un étage ou l'autre. Préférablement, l'élément déformable et l'élément rigide sont respectivement réalisés en des matériaux dont les duretés respectives sont voisines, une telle caractéristique permettant de garantir une bonne longévité au dispositif selon la présente invention.The main object of the present invention therefore is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a device for the crown, making it possible to avoid causing damage to the movement of a timepiece, this device having a simple structure and allowing easy mounting with respect to the devices of the prior art. To this end, the present invention relates to a crown of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the elastically deformable element is integral with the barrel while the rigid element is integral with the crown. Thanks to these characteristics, the device according to the invention has a relatively simple structure obtained by an equally simple assembly. In addition, the fact that the elastic element is disposed on the barrel receiving the winding stem does not impose on the manufacturer any particular structure of the end of the winding stem disposed in the crown. Such a feature allows the manufacturer to limit himself to a single winding stem structure, whatever the variant embodiment of the present invention implemented. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deformable element is produced in the form of a spring comprising a central base from which extend at least two deformable arms, preferably four. In this case, the rigid element is produced in the form of a ring comprising a plurality of notches arranged on its internal periphery and intended to cooperate with surface regions of the deformable arms. Thanks to such a structure, the deformable element can be mounted in the housing of the crown without being prestressed, which greatly simplifies the mounting thereof relative to the device of the above-mentioned prior art. Preferably without limitation, the cooperation between the spring and the ring is permanent in a first direction of rotation, that is to say that it does not depend on the value of the torque transmitted by one of the elements to the other, while a declutching threshold is provided in the second direction of rotation. Alternatively, two stages are provided, each of which comprises a spring and notched ring assembly, each of the two stages being intended to allow disengagement of the device in a predefined direction. In this case, the crown is capable of being moved along its axis X1 relative to the winding stem to activate one stage or the other. Preferably, the deformable element and the rigid element are respectively made of materials whose respective hardnesses are close, such a characteristic making it possible to guarantee good longevity of the device according to the present invention.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemple non limitatifs et dans lesquels: - la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective éclatée de la couronne pour pièce d'horlogerie selon un mode préféré de la présente invention; - la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe transversale de la couronne représentée sur la figure 1 lorsque ces composants sont assemblés, et - la figure 3 représente une vue en perspective montrant en détail la nature de la coopération mise en œuvre entre les éléments déformable et rigide. DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉEBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which: - Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the crown for a timepiece according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the crown shown in Figure 1 when these components are assembled, and - Figure 3 shows a perspective view showing in detail the nature of the cooperation implemented between the deformable elements and rigid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective éclatée de la couronne selon un mode préféré de la présente invention permettant de mettre en évidence la simplicité de la structure correspondante ainsi que la simplicité du montage des différents composants les uns avec les autres. Les différents éléments constitutifs de la couronne selon l'invention sont représentés dans un ordre schématisant les séquences de leur montage sur la figure 1. La référence numérique 1 désigne la couronne en tant que telle, celle-ci présentant une symétrie de rotation d'axe X1 et étant creuse de sorte à définir un logement (visible sur la figure 2) pour y arranger les constituants suivants. Un élément de support 2 creux et dont les dimensions sont ajustées aux dimensions du logement de la couronne présente la forme d'un cylindre, fermé d'un côté à titre illustratif, par un fond 3. On trouve ensuite deux ressorts 4 identiques destinés à être disposés à proximité du fond 3 de l'élément de support 2. On prévoit ici deux ressorts 4 identiques du fait de l'épaisseur de matière nécessaire à l'obtention de la rigidité souhaitée dans un but de simplification du procédé d'usinage de ces ressorts. Chacun des ressorts 4 est du type ressort plat comprenant une base centrale 5, de forme générale proche de la forme d'un carré, à partir de laquelle s'étendent quatre bras 6 déformables de manière élastique. Chacun des bras 6 comprend deux portions successives, une première portion courte 7 s'étendant à partir de la base centrale 5 suivant une direction sensiblement radiale avant de présenter un coude 8, sensiblement à angle droit, prolongé par une seconde portion 9, sensiblement rectiligne. On constate en outre que la base centrale 5 de chacun des ressorts 4 présente un trou 10 centré par rapport à l'axe X1 et de forme sensiblement carrée dans l'exemple représenté. Le fonctionnement des ressorts 4 sera exposé plus en détail en relation avec la figure 3. On trouve ensuite, sur la figure 1 , un canon 11 destiné à recevoir une extrémité d'une tige de remontoir (non représentée). Le canon 11 présente une partie principale 12 de forme cylindrique, surmontée par une tête 13 en forme de disque de diamètre supérieur au diamètre de la partie principale. La tête 13 est elle-même surmontée d'une portion 14 de dimensions transversales plus faibles que celles de la tête, agencée en saillie par rapport à cette dernière et centrée sur l'axe X1. La portion en saillie 14 présente un contour de forme complémentaire, ici sensiblement carrée, à celle des trous 10 des ressorts et destiné à coopérer avec ceux-ci. On peut prévoir tout autre forme non circulaire pour l'ouverture 10 et la portion en saillie 14, comme par exemple polygonale, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tant qu'un entraînement en rotation de la portion en saillie 14 par les ressorts 4 est possible du fait de leur coopération. Ainsi, comme cela ressort plus clairement de la figure 2, la hauteur de la portion en saillie 14 est supérieure à l'épaisseur des deux ressorts 4 réunis. II est prévu ensuite un élément rigide 15 en forme d'anneau ou de rondelle, dont l'ouverture centrale présente un diamètre supérieur au diamètre de la tête 13 du canon ainsi qu'une périphérie présentant des crans 16. L'anneau 15 est destiné à être positionné à proximité du fond 3 de l'élément de support de telle manière que les crans 16 se trouvent situés en regard des bras 6 des ressorts 4, comme cela est mieux apparent de la figure 3. Une rondelle 17 supplémentaire vient ensuite pour supporter l'anneau 15 et le canon 11. Dans ce but, la rondelle 17 présente un diamètre externe sensiblement égal au diamètre de l'anneau 15 ainsi qu'une ouverture centrale 18 de diamètre inférieur au diamètre de la tête 13 du canon. La rondelle 17 comprend en outre un épaulement annulaire 19 de diamètre interne supérieur au diamètre de la tête 13 du canon et de diamètre externe sensiblement égal au diamètre de l'anneau 15. La rondelle 17 est réalisée de sorte que l'épaisseur de son épaulement annulaire 19 est égale ou supérieure à l'épaisseur de la tête 13 du canon, l'épaulement assurant ainsi la fonction d'une entretoise. Les constituants restant sont des éléments de fermeture du dispositif pour en assurer l'étanchéité sans apporter d'autre contribution au dispositif de débrayage selon la présente invention. Dans ce but, il est prévu d'utiliser une rondelle 20 de réduction dont le diamètre externe est sensiblement inférieur au diamètre interne de l'élément de support 2 et contre laquelle est disposé un joint annulaire 21 du type O-ring de diamètre au repos sensiblement supérieur au diamètre interne de l'élément de support 2. Une rondelle 22 plate est ensuite prévue pour fermer le logement de la couronne 1. Un tube 23, ou douille, est agencé au travers des ouvertures centrales de la rondelle plate 22, du joint annulaire 21 et de la rondelle de réduction 20, la fonction principale du tube 23 étant de relier la couronne 1 à l'entrée de la boîte (non représentée) de la pièce d'horlogerie mettant en œuvre le dispositif selon la présente invention, plus précisément à la carrure. Le tube 23 présente en outre un diamètre externe sensiblement supérieur au diamètre interne du joint annulaire 21 au repos. Les figures 2 et 3 représentent respectivement une vue en coupe transversale de la couronne selon la présente invention, les éléments constitutifs étant assemblés, et une vue en perspective montrant en détail la nature de la coopération mise en œuvre entre les éléments déformable et rigide. Ces figures permettent de rendre plus claires les interactions existant entre les différents éléments qui viennent d'être décrits en relation avec leur assemblage. Les ressorts 4 sont obtenus par un procédé de fabrication conventionnel, par exemple par passage sous presse de feuilles métalliques. De même, le canon 11 de fixation de la tige de remontoir est de type conventionnel. Les ressorts 4 sont préférablement enfilés, voire chassés, sur la portion en saillie 14 du canon, c'est-à- dire au niveau de l'extrémité du canon opposée à l'extrémité par laquelle la tige de remontoir est destinée à lui être fixée. Préférablement, pour garantir une bonne longévité au dispositif, les ressorts sont en outre soudés sur la portion en saillie 14, éventuellement au moyen d'un faisceau laser, sur une pluralité de points de contact situés à l'interface entre l'ouverture 10 de la base centrale 5 et du contour de la portion en saillie 14. On peut noter que les ressorts 4 sont autocentrés du fait de leur coopération avec la portion en saillie 14. D'autre part, l'anneau 15 et la rondelle 17 sont également rendus solidaires, préférablement par un soudage au laser, avant que la portion principale 12 du canon 11 ne soit enfilée au travers de l'ouverture 18 de la rondelle 17. La tête 13 du canon se trouve alors disposée en appui sur la sur ace plane 24 de la rondelle 17, tandis que les deux ressorts 4 se trouvent disposés en regard de l'anneau 15, plus particulièrement en regard des crans 16. L'ensemble ainsi formé du canon 11 portant les ressorts 4 avec l'anneau 15 et la rondelle 17 sont ensuite chassés à l'intérieur de l'élément de support 2. De manière préférée non limitative, un soudage laser est également appliqué à l'interface entre l'élément de support 2 et la périphérie externe de la rondelle 17 pour garantir une meilleure tenue dans le temps de l'ensemble défini ci-dessus à l'intérieur de l'élément de support. On constate sur la figure 2 que le fond 3 de l'élément de support remplit la fonction d'une butée lors de l'opération au cours de laquelle l'ensemble ci-dessus est chassé dans l'élément de support 2. Tel que mentionné précédemment, l'épaisseur des deux ressorts 4 réunis est inférieure à l'épaisseur de l'anneau 15 pour que les ressorts puissent tourner par rapport à l'axe X1 sans subir de frottement contre le fond 3 de l'élément de support 2. L'élément de support 2 comporte un épaulement 25 faisant face à l'extérieur de la couronne 1 et séparant l'intérieur de l'élément de support en deux portions de diamètres internes différents. Une première portion 26 située entre le fond 3 et l'epaulement 25 présente un premier diamètre sensiblement supérieur au diamètre de l'anneau 15 et de la rondelle 17, tandis qu'une seconde portion 27 s'étendant entre l'epaulement 25 et l'extrémité de l'élément de support situé du côté de son ouverture présente un second diamètre supérieur au premier diamètre. La rondelle de réduction 20 est alors enfilée dans l'élément de support 2 de manière à être disposée en butée contre l'epaulement 25. De même, le joint annulaire 21 est enfilé à force dans l'élément de support 2, en appui contre la rondelle de réduction 20. Dans la mesure où le diamètre externe au repos du joint annulaire 21 est légèrement inférieur au second diamètre interne de l'élément de support 2, le joint annulaire se trouve légèrement précontraint lorsqu'il se trouve en place. Une telle mesure, qui est conventionnelle, permet de garantir un bon contact du joint annulaire contre la paroi interne de l'élément de support et donc une bonne qualité de l'étanchéité entre ces deux surfaces. L'ensemble des constituants ainsi montés les uns avec les autres est alors chassé à l'intérieur du couvercle 1 , ce dernier comportant un logement 28 de forme générale cylindrique et de dimensions légèrement supérieures aux dimensions externes de l'élément de support 2. Dans la région de son ouverture 29, le couvercle 1 comporte une gorge annulaire 30 à l'intérieur de laquelle la rondelle plate 22 est arrangée, un petit épaulement annulaire 31 de diamètre interne inférieur au diamètre externe de la rondelle plate 22 étant prévu pour la retenir dans la gorge annulaire 30. Du point de vue du procédé de fabrication, on peut noter que la rondelle plate 22 est disposée contre un épaulement, correspondant au côté de la gorge 30 faisant face à l'extérieur, préalablement à une opération de sertissage servant à former l'epaulement 31. Par ailleurs, la région centrale de la rondelle plate 22 se trouve alors disposée en appui contre le joint annulaire 21 et assure notamment son positionnement dans la direction de l'axe X1. Le tube 23 est alors enfilé à l'intérieur de l'espace central du logement 28 laissé vide en glissant contre le joint annulaire. En effet, le diamètre externe du tube 23 est légèrement supérieur au diamètre interne du joint annulaire 21 de façon à comprimer ce dernier suivant une direction radiale et renforcer l'étanchéité entre le joint annulaire et l'élément de support 2, en plus de garantir l'étanchéité entre le joint annulaire et le tube 23. D'autre part, le diamètre interne du tube 23 est légèrement supérieur au diamètre externe du canon 11 pour permettre la libre rotation de ce dernier. On peut noter qu'au cours du montage du dispositif sur une pièce d'horlogerie, le tube 23 est, préalablement à son montage dans la couronne 1 , chassé dans la carrure de la pièce d'horlogerie jusqu'au niveau de son épaulement, particulièrement visible sur la figure 2. On constate sur la figure 2 que le canon 11 a été représenté en coupe partielle pour plus de clarté. En effet, il est apparent de cette figure que le canon comporte une ouverture au niveau de son extrémité faisant face à l'extérieur de la couronne 1 , pour agencer une extrémité de tige de remontoir, tel qu'exposé précédemment. Dans ce but, le canon 11 comporte un alésage 32 central présentant un filetage 33 permettant de rendre une tige de remontoir solidaire du canon par vissage, de manière conventionnelle. La figure 3 représente le détail du positionnement relatif des ressorts 4 avec l'anneau 15 et, plus particulièrement, avec les crans 16. La forme des ressorts 4 représentés sur les figures correspond à une forme de réalisation préférée illustrée à titre non limitatif. Il est en effet plus clairement visible sur la figure 3 que les ressorts présentent chacun une forme galbée contribuant à ses propriétés en terme d'élasticité. En particulier, on peut noter, qu'au niveau de chacun des bras 6, un évidement 34 est ménagé partiellement dans la matière de la base centrale 5 et à l'intérieur du coude 8, c'est-à-dire dans la région qui subit les contraintes les plus importantes au moment où le ressort subit une déformation. Les évidements 34 selon le présent mode de réalisation préféré présentent un contour partiellement circulaire. En outre, les secondes portions 9 des bras 6 présentent des surfaces externes incurvées pour améliorer la qualité des contacts avec l'anneau 15 pendant les mouvements de rotation. Plus précisément, ces surfaces externes comportent des régions surfaciques 35 qui sont au contact de portions longues 36 de la périphérie interne de l'anneau 15. Les portions longues 36 présentent une direction sensiblement tangentielle par rapport à l'axe X1 de la couronne et sont séparées par des portions courtes 37 formant les crans 16, orientées dans des directions sensiblement radiales. Les portions longues 36 de la périphérie interne de l'anneau 15 présentent une légère courbure, complémentaire de la courbure que présentent les régions surfaciques 35 des bras 6. De même, les extrémités 38 des bras 6 sont arrondies pour limiter leurs frottements avec les crans 16 lorsque le dispositif de débrayage est activé. La figure 3 montre une partie du dispositif de débrayage selon la présente invention dans une configuration suivant laquelle il n'est pas activé. En effet, les bras 6 des ressorts sont représentés dans leur configuration au repos dans laquelle ils sont en contact avec les portions longues 36 de la périphérie interne de l'anneau 15 sans être déformés ou dans une mesure négligeable. On comprend d'après la représentation de la figure 3 et d'après la description qui précède en relation avec les figures 1 et 2 que, lorsque la couronne 1 est entraînée en rotation dans le sens anti-horaire, elle entraîne l'anneau 15 et la rondelle 17 dans le même sens. Il est évident dans ce cas que les crans 16 exercent alors une force de pression sur les extrémités 38 des bras de ressorts avec lesquels ils sont en prise, entraînant de ce fait un mouvement de rotation du canon 11 dans le même sens et, par conséquent de la tige de remontoir (non représentée). Lorsque les bras 6 des ressorts subissent une force de pression dans ce sens via leurs extrémités respectives, ils ne peuvent pratiquement pas se déformer, en tout cas tant que le couple de rotation transmis par l'anneau 15 reste compris à l'intérieur d'un domaine correspondant à une utilisation normale de la pièce d'horlogerie. D'autre part, lorsque la couronne 1 est entraînée en rotation dans le sens horaire, elle entraîne également l'anneau 15 et la rondelle 17 dans le même sens. Dans ce cas, le couple de rotation est transmis dans le sens horaire depuis l'anneau 15 vers les ressorts 4 via les régions surfaciques 35. Il apparaît alors que, du point de vue mécanique, lorsque la résistance opposée par la tige de remontoir, via le canon 11 , atteint une certaine valeur prédéfinie, les régions surfaciques 35 peuvent commencer à glisser par rapport aux portions longues 36 de l'anneau 15, du fait d'un début de déformation des bras 6 de ressorts. Aussi, lorsque la valeur du couple à transmettre aux ressorts 4 pour pouvoir les entraîner dans le sens horaire dépasse une valeur prédéfinie par construction, les portions longues 36 de l'anneau glissent sur les régions surfaciques 35 des ressorts 4 déformés, ces derniers n'étant par conséquent plus entraînés en rotation par le mouvement de rotation de la couronne 1. Comme cela a déjà été mentionné, une telle mesure permet d'éviter, par exemple, d'endommager le mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie dans laquelle le ressort de barillet est rechargé par la rotation de la couronne, une fois que celui-ci est arrivé à pleine charge. Grâce au dispositif selon la présente invention, la tige de remontoir n'est plus entraînée dans un tel cas de figure, ce qui permet de préserver le mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie. On peut noter qu'un intérêt important du dispositif selon la présente invention réside dans sa simplicité de fabrication et de montage, en particulier lorsque l'on considère que les composants employés présentent des dimensions relativement faibles, la couronne présentant généralement un diamètre inférieur à 5-6 millimètres. Par ailleurs, la structure du dispositif selon la présente invention permet avantageusement d'utiliser des tiges de remontoir conventionnelles pour la mise en place de la couronne. En outre, cette structure permet également de modifier de manière très simple l'aspect esthétique de la couronne, pour répondre à des exigences de clients divers, tout en limitant le nombre de constituants qui doivent être modifiés en réponse à la diversité de ces exigences. En effet, une modification de l'aspect extérieur de la couronne est généralement suffisante pour obtenir l'aspect esthétique recherché, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de modifier aucun des autres éléments constitutifs du dispositif selon la présente invention. D'autre part, on peut noter que le mode de réalisation décrit prévoit deux ressorts 4 identiques, ce qui permet d'obtenir une certaine rigidité, adaptée à la valeur de couple de rotation prédéfinie souhaitée. L'homme du métier pourra modifier le nombre de ressorts utilisés pour l'adapter à ses propres besoins sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention, en arrangeant davantage de ressorts pour augmenter la rigidité. Comme cela a déjà été mentionné, un choix de matériaux pour la réalisation respectivement du ressort 4 et de l'anneau rigide 15 de sorte que les duretés correspondantes sont voisines permet de garantir une meilleure longévité au dispositif de débrayage selon la présente invention. A titre d'exemple, on pourra utiliser des aciers de type conventionnel, pour ces deux éléments, dont les duretés respectives sont de l'ordre de 500 à 600 HV, pour trouver un compromis entre la rigidité du ressort et l'usure par frottement des deux éléments. La description qui précède correspond à un mode de réalisation particulier et ne saurait en aucun cas être considérée comme limitative, en ce qui concerne plus particulièrement la forme décrite et représentée pour les ressorts et les crans avec lesquels ils coopèrent. En particulier, on constate aisément d'après la figure 3 qu'en retournant les ressorts 4 et l'anneau 15 par une symétrie par rapport au plan de cette figure, on obtient la fonction de débrayage pour le sens de rotation inverse de celui décrit. Cette caractéristique particulière confère au dispositif selon la présente invention un avantage supplémentaire du fait que le fabricant peut utiliser les mêmes constituants pour mettre en œuvre l'invention dans un sens de rotation ou dans l'autre. De même, la forme décrite pour les ressorts 4 n'est pas limitative et toute autre forme voisine permettant d'obtenir le même effet technique peut être mise en œuvre sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention. Plus particulièrement, le nombre de bras 6 de ressorts décrits et représentés n'est pas limitatif dans la mesure où il constitue un paramètre supplémentaire permettant d'ajuster la rigidité des ressorts employés. En effet, du fait de l'auto centrage issu de la coopération de l'ouverture 10 du ressort avec la portion en saillie 14 du canon, un seul bras 6 peut suffire à assurer la fonction nécessaire au dispositif selon la présente invention en relation avec l'anneau 15. En outre, il est possible de prévoir des variantes de réalisation des ressorts et des crans 16 de l'anneau 15 selon lesquelles le comportement du ressort est identique dans les deux sens de rotation. Dans ce cas, on peut par exemple prévoir que les crans sont réalisés sous la forme de petits évidements pratiqués dans la périphérie interne de l'anneau 15, les bras déformables des ressorts s'étendant alors dans des directions sensiblement radiales, autrement dit ils ne comporteraient pas de coude 8, pour réagir de manière similaire à des forces tangentielles appliquées à leurs extrémités, dans un sens de rotation ou dans l'autre. Une autre variante possible consisterait à prévoir deux étages superposés dont chacun comporterait un anneau rigide et au moins un ressort coopérant avec des crans de l'anneau correspondant, les sens de rotation respectifs des deux étages étant inversés. Dans ce cas, la couronne 1 pourrait prendre deux positions axiales par rapport à la tige de remontoir, un seul étage étant opérationnel dans chacune des deux positions. Un tel dispositif permettrait d'obtenir la fonction de débrayage de la présente invention dans deux sens différents de rotation, chaque sens correspondant à une position axiale donnée de la couronne. Bien entendu, les applications de la présente invention ne sont pas limitées aux tiges de remontoir mais s'étendent à tout autre utilisation d'une tige-couronne présentant des risques d'endommagement de composants du mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie. FIG. 1 represents an exploded perspective view of the crown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention making it possible to demonstrate the simplicity of the corresponding structure as well as the simplicity of the assembly of the various components with each other. The various constituent elements of the crown according to the invention are represented in an order schematizing the sequences of their assembly in FIG. 1. The reference numeral 1 designates the crown as such, the latter having an axis rotation symmetry X1 and being hollow so as to define a housing (visible in FIG. 2) for arranging the following constituents there. A hollow support element 2 whose dimensions are adjusted to the dimensions of the housing of the crown has the shape of a cylinder, closed on one side for illustrative purposes, by a bottom 3. There are then two identical springs 4 intended for be arranged near the bottom 3 of the support element 2. Two identical springs 4 are provided here because of the thickness of material necessary for obtaining the desired rigidity in order to simplify the machining process. these springs. Each of the springs 4 is of the flat spring type comprising a central base 5, of general shape close to the shape of a square, from which extend four arms 6 elastically deformable. Each of the arms 6 comprises two successive portions, a first short portion 7 extending from the central base 5 in a substantially radial direction before having an elbow 8, substantially at right angles, extended by a second portion 9, substantially rectilinear . It can also be seen that the central base 5 of each of the springs 4 has a hole 10 centered with respect to the axis X1 and of substantially square shape in the example shown. The operation of the springs 4 will be explained in more detail in relation to FIG. 3. Next, in FIG. 1, there is a barrel 11 intended to receive one end of a winding stem (not shown). The barrel 11 has a main part 12 of cylindrical shape, surmounted by a head 13 in the form of a disc with a diameter greater than the diameter of the main part. The head 13 is itself surmounted by a portion 14 of smaller transverse dimensions than those of the head, arranged projecting relative to the latter and centered on the axis X1. The protruding portion 14 has a contour of shape complementary, here substantially square, to that of the holes 10 of the springs and intended to cooperate with these. Any other non-circular shape can be provided for the opening 10 and the protruding portion 14, such as for example polygonal, without departing from the scope of the present invention as long as a drive in rotation of the protruding portion 14 by the springs 4 is possible because of their cooperation. Thus, as can be seen more clearly from FIG. 2, the height of the projecting portion 14 is greater than the thickness of the two springs 4 joined together. There is then provided a rigid element 15 in the form of a ring or washer, the central opening of which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel as well as a periphery having notches 16. The ring 15 is intended to be positioned near the bottom 3 of the support element so that the notches 16 are located opposite the arms 6 of the springs 4, as is better apparent from FIG. 3. An additional washer 17 then comes to support the ring 15 and the barrel 11. For this purpose, the washer 17 has an external diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the ring 15 as well as a central opening 18 of diameter less than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel. The washer 17 further comprises an annular shoulder 19 of internal diameter greater than the diameter of the head 13 of the barrel and of external diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the ring 15. The washer 17 is produced so that the thickness of its shoulder annular 19 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the head 13 of the barrel, the shoulder thus ensuring the function of a spacer. The remaining constituents are closing elements of the device to seal it without making any other contribution to the declutching device according to the present invention. For this purpose, provision is made to use a reduction washer 20 whose external diameter is substantially less than the internal diameter of the support element 2 and against which an annular seal 21 of the O-ring type of diameter at rest is disposed. substantially greater than the internal diameter of the support element 2. A flat washer 22 is then provided to close the housing of the crown 1. A tube 23, or socket, is arranged through the central openings of the flat washer 22, of the annular seal 21 and of the reduction washer 20, the main function of the tube 23 being to connect the crown 1 to the input of the case (not shown) of the timepiece implementing the device according to the present invention, more precisely to the middle. The tube 23 also has an external diameter substantially greater than the internal diameter of the annular seal 21 at rest. Figures 2 and 3 respectively show a cross-sectional view of the crown according to the present invention, the constituent elements being assembled, and a perspective view showing in detail the nature of the cooperation implemented between the deformable and rigid elements. These figures make it possible to make clear the interactions existing between the various elements which have just been described in relation to their assembly. The springs 4 are obtained by a conventional manufacturing process, for example by passing metal sheets through a press. Similarly, the barrel 11 for fixing the winding stem is of the conventional type. The springs 4 are preferably threaded, or even driven out, on the projecting portion 14 of the barrel, that is to say at the level of the end of the barrel opposite the end by which the winding rod is intended to be fixed. Preferably, to guarantee good longevity to the device, the springs are also welded to the projecting portion 14, optionally by means of a laser beam, on a plurality of contact points situated at the interface between the opening 10 of the central base 5 and the contour of the protruding portion 14. It may be noted that the springs 4 are self-centered due to their cooperation with the protruding portion 14. On the other hand, the ring 15 and the washer 17 are also joined together, preferably by laser welding, before the main portion 12 of the barrel 11 is threaded through the opening 18 of the washer 17. The head 13 of the barrel is then placed in abutment on the flat surface 24 of the washer 17, while the two springs 4 are arranged facing the ring 15, more particularly facing the notches 16. The assembly thus formed of the barrel 11 carrying the springs 4 with the ring 15 and the washer 17 are ens then driven inside the support element 2. Preferably without limitation, laser welding is also applied to the interface between the support element 2 and the external periphery of the washer 17 to guarantee better resistance in time of the assembly defined above inside the support element. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the bottom 3 of the support element fulfills the function of a stop during the operation during which the above assembly is driven into the support element 2. As mentioned previously, the thickness of the two springs 4 joined together is less than the thickness of the ring 15 so that the springs can rotate relative to the axis X1 without undergoing friction against the bottom 3 of the support element 2 The support element 2 comprises a shoulder 25 facing the outside of the crown 1 and dividing the interior of the support element into two portions of different internal diameters. A first portion 26 located between the bottom 3 and the shoulder 25 has a first diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the ring 15 and the washer 17, while a second portion 27 extending between the shoulder 25 and l the end of the support element situated on the side of its opening has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The reduction washer 20 is then threaded into the support element 2 so as to be disposed in abutment against the shoulder 25. Likewise, the annular seal 21 is force-fitted into the support element 2, bearing against the reduction washer 20. Insofar as the external diameter at rest of the annular seal 21 is slightly less than the second internal diameter of the support element 2, the annular seal is slightly prestressed when it is in place. Such a measure, which is conventional, makes it possible to guarantee good contact of the annular seal against the internal wall of the support element and therefore a good quality of the seal between these two surfaces. All the components thus mounted with each other are then expelled inside the cover 1, the latter comprising a housing 28 of generally cylindrical shape and of dimensions slightly greater than the external dimensions of the support element 2. In the region of its opening 29, the cover 1 has an annular groove 30 inside which the flat washer 22 is arranged, a small annular shoulder 31 of internal diameter less than the external diameter of the flat washer 22 being provided to retain it in the annular groove 30. From the point of view of the manufacturing process, it can be noted that the flat washer 22 is disposed against a shoulder, corresponding to the side of the groove 30 facing outwards, prior to a crimping operation serving to form the shoulder 31. Furthermore, the central region of the flat washer 22 is then placed in abutment against the annular seal 21 and assu re in particular its positioning in the direction of the axis X1. The tube 23 is then threaded inside the central space of the housing 28 left empty by sliding against the annular seal. Indeed, the external diameter of the tube 23 is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the annular seal 21 so as to compress the latter in a radial direction and strengthen the seal between the annular seal and the support element 2, in addition to guaranteeing the seal between the annular seal and the tube 23. On the other hand, the internal diameter of the tube 23 is slightly greater than the external diameter of the barrel 11 to allow the free rotation of the latter. It may be noted that during the mounting of the device on a timepiece, the tube 23 is, prior to its mounting in the crown 1, driven into the middle of the timepiece to the level of its shoulder, particularly visible in Figure 2. We see in Figure 2 that the barrel 11 has been shown in partial section for clarity. Indeed, it is apparent from this figure that the barrel has an opening at its end facing the outside of the crown 1, to arrange one end of the winding stem, as explained above. In this goal, the barrel 11 has a central bore 32 having a thread 33 making it possible to make a winding stem secured to the barrel by screwing, in a conventional manner. Figure 3 shows the detail of the relative positioning of the springs 4 with the ring 15 and, more particularly, with the notches 16. The shape of the springs 4 shown in the figures corresponds to a preferred embodiment illustrated without limitation. It is indeed more clearly visible in FIG. 3 that the springs each have a curved shape contributing to its properties in terms of elasticity. In particular, it can be noted that at each of the arms 6, a recess 34 is formed partially in the material of the central base 5 and inside the elbow 8, that is to say in the region which undergoes the most important stresses at the moment when the spring undergoes a deformation. The recesses 34 according to the present preferred embodiment have a partially circular outline. In addition, the second portions 9 of the arms 6 have curved external surfaces to improve the quality of the contacts with the ring 15 during the rotational movements. More specifically, these external surfaces comprise surface regions 35 which are in contact with long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15. The long portions 36 have a direction substantially tangential with respect to the axis X1 of the crown and are separated by short portions 37 forming the notches 16, oriented in substantially radial directions. The long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15 have a slight curvature, complementary to the curvature presented by the surface regions 35 of the arms 6. Similarly, the ends 38 of the arms 6 are rounded to limit their friction with the notches 16 when the declutching device is activated. Figure 3 shows a part of the declutching device according to the present invention in a configuration in which it is not activated. Indeed, the arms 6 of the springs are shown in their configuration at rest in which they are in contact with the long portions 36 of the internal periphery of the ring 15 without being deformed or to a negligible extent. It is understood from the representation of Figure 3 and from the above description in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2 that, when the crown 1 is rotated counterclockwise, it drives the ring 15 and the washer 17 in the same direction. It is obvious in this case that the notches 16 then exert a pressing force on the ends 38 of the spring arms with which they are engaged, thereby causing a rotational movement of the barrel 11 in the same direction and, consequently, of the winding stem (not shown). When the arms 6 of the springs undergo a pressing force in this direction via their respective ends, they practically cannot deform, in any case as long as the torque transmitted by the ring 15 remains included inside an area corresponding to normal use of the timepiece. On the other hand, when the crown 1 is rotated clockwise, it also drives the ring 15 and the washer 17 in the same direction. In this case, the torque is transmitted clockwise from the ring 15 to the springs 4 via the surface regions 35. It then appears that, from the mechanical point of view, when the resistance opposed by the winding stem, via the barrel 11, reached a certain predefined value, the surface regions 35 can begin to slide relative to the long portions 36 of the ring 15, due to the beginning of deformation of the arms 6 of springs. Also, when the value of the torque to be transmitted to the springs 4 in order to be able to drive them clockwise exceeds a predefined value by construction, the long portions 36 of the ring slide over the surface regions 35 of the deformed springs 4, the latter n ' therefore being more rotationally driven by the rotational movement of the crown 1. As already mentioned, such a measure makes it possible to avoid, for example, damaging the movement of a timepiece in which the barrel spring is recharged by rotation of the crown, once it has reached full load. Thanks to the device according to the present invention, the winding stem is no longer driven in such a case, which allows the movement of the timepiece to be preserved. It may be noted that an important advantage of the device according to the present invention lies in its simplicity of manufacture and assembly, in particular when it is considered that the components used have relatively small dimensions, the crown generally having a diameter of less than 5 -6 millimeters. Furthermore, the structure of the device according to the present invention advantageously allows the use of conventional winding stems for the establishment of the crown. In addition, this structure also makes it possible to very simply modify the aesthetic appearance of the crown, in order to meet the requirements of various customers, while limiting the number of components which must be modified in response to the diversity of these requirements. Indeed, a modification of the external appearance of the crown is generally sufficient to obtain the desired aesthetic appearance, without it being necessary to modify any of the other constituent elements of the device according to the present invention. On the other hand, it can be noted that the embodiment described provides for two identical springs 4, which makes it possible to obtain a certain rigidity, adapted to the desired value of predefined torque. Those skilled in the art can modify the number of springs used to adapt it to their own needs without departing from the scope of the present invention, by arranging more springs to increase the rigidity. As has already been mentioned, a choice of materials for producing the spring 4 and the rigid ring 15 respectively so that the corresponding hardnesses are close together makes it possible to guarantee a better longevity of the declutching device according to the present invention. By way of example, it is possible to use steels of conventional type, for these two elements, the respective hardnesses of which are of the order of 500 to 600 HV, in order to find a compromise between the stiffness of the spring and the wear by friction. of the two elements. The foregoing description corresponds to a particular embodiment and can in no way be considered as limiting, with regard more particularly to the shape described and shown for the springs and the notches with which they cooperate. In particular, it can easily be seen from FIG. 3 that by turning the springs 4 and the ring 15 by a symmetry with respect to the plane of this figure, the clutch function is obtained for the opposite direction of rotation from that described. . This particular characteristic gives the device according to the present invention an additional advantage in that the manufacturer can use the same components to implement the invention in one direction of rotation or the other. Likewise, the shape described for the springs 4 is not limiting and any other neighboring shape making it possible to obtain the same technical effect can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. More particularly, the number of arms 6 of springs described and shown is not limiting insofar as it constitutes an additional parameter making it possible to adjust the rigidity of the springs used. Indeed, due to the self-centering resulting from the cooperation of the opening 10 of the spring with the projecting portion 14 of the barrel, a single arm 6 may be sufficient to provide the function necessary for the device according to the present invention in relation to the ring 15. In addition, it is possible to provide alternative embodiments of the springs and notches 16 of the ring 15 according to which the behavior of the spring is identical in the two directions of rotation. In this case, one can for example provide that the notches are made in the form of small recesses made in the internal periphery of the ring 15, the deformable arms of the springs then extending in substantially radial directions, in other words they do not would not include elbow 8, to react similarly to tangential forces applied at their ends, in one direction of rotation or the other. Another possible variant would be to provide two superposed stages, each of which would comprise a rigid ring and at least one spring cooperating with notches of the corresponding ring, the respective directions of rotation of the two stages being reversed. In this case, the crown 1 could take two axial positions relative to the winding stem, a single stage being operational in each of the two positions. Such a device would make it possible to obtain the declutching function of the present invention in two different directions of rotation, each direction corresponding to a given axial position of the crown. Of course, the applications of the present invention are not limited to winding stems but extend to any other use of a crown stem presenting risks of damaging components of the movement of a timepiece.

Claims

REVEN DICATIONS REVEN DICATIONS
1. Couronne (1 ) pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant un logement (28) d'axe X1 à l'intérieur duquel sont notamment disposés un canon (11 ) comportant, dans la région d'une première extrémité, des moyens (33) de fixation d'une tige de remontoir, au moins un premier élément (4), déformable de manière élastique, coopérant en rotation autour dudit axe X1 , dans au moins un premier sens de rotation, avec un élément rigide (15), tant que le couple de rotation transmis par l'un desdits éléments à l'autre est inférieur à une valeur prédéfinie au-delà de laquelle ledit premier élément déformable (4) est susceptible de se déformer pour débrayer la coopération en rotation entre lui et ledit élément rigide (15), caractérisée en ce que ledit élément déformable de manière élastique est solidaire dudit canon (11 ) quelle que soit la valeur du couple de rotation tandis que ledit élément rigide (15) est fixe par rapport à la couronne (1). 1. Crown (1) for a timepiece comprising a housing (28) of axis X1 inside of which are notably arranged a barrel (11) comprising, in the region of a first end, means (33) for fixing a winding stem, at least a first element (4), elastically deformable, cooperating in rotation about said axis X1, in at least a first direction of rotation, with a rigid element (15), as long as the torque transmitted by one of said elements to the other is less than a predefined value beyond which said first deformable element (4) is capable of deforming to disengage the rotational cooperation between it and said rigid element (15), characterized in that said elastically deformable element is integral with said barrel (11) regardless of the value of the torque while said rigid element (15) is fixed relative to the crown (1).
2. Couronne selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que ledit élément déformable est un ressort (4) comportant une base centrale (5) à partir de laquelle s'étendent au moins un bras (6), préférablement au moins deux, déformables de manière élastique, ledit élément rigide (15) comprenant une pluralité de crans (16) disposés en regard desdits bras (6) déformables et destinés à coopérer avec des régions surfaciques (35) respectives desdits bras déformables. 2. Crown according to claim 1, characterized in that said deformable element is a spring (4) comprising a central base (5) from which extend at least one arm (6), preferably at least two, deformable from resiliently, said rigid element (15) comprising a plurality of notches (16) arranged opposite said deformable arms (6) and intended to cooperate with surface regions (35) respective of said deformable arms.
3. Couronne selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que chacun desdits bras (6) comprend deux portions successives, une première portion (7) courte s'étendant à partir de ladite base centrale (5) suivant une direction sensiblement radiale avant de présenter un coude (8) sensiblement à angle droit prolongé par la seconde portion (9), sensiblement rectiligne, portant ladite région surfacique (35) correspondante sur au moins une partie de son bord extérieur. 3. Crown according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said arms (6) comprises two successive portions, a first portion (7) short extending from said central base (5) in a substantially radial direction before presenting a bend (8) substantially at right angles extended by the second portion (9), substantially rectilinear, carrying said corresponding surface region (35) on at least part of its outer edge.
4. Couronne selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que lesdites secondes portions (9) des bras (6) présentent chacune une extrémité libre (38) effilée terminée par un arrondi. 4. Crown according to claim 3, characterized in that said second portions (9) of the arms (6) each have a free end (38) tapered ending in a rounding.
5. Couronne selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément rigide est un anneau (15) arrangé en regard dudit ressort (4) et dont la périphérie interne comporte une alternance de premières portions courtes (37) orientées chacune dans une direction sensiblement radiale, formant lesdits crans (16), et de secondes portions (36) plus longues que lesdites premières portions (37) et orientées chacune dans une direction sensiblement tangentielle par rapport au dit axe X1 , lesdites secondes portions (36) étant susceptibles de coopérer avec lesdites régions surfaciques (35) des bras (6). 5. Crown according to claim 4, characterized in that said rigid element is a ring (15) arranged opposite said spring (4) and whose internal periphery comprises an alternation of first short portions (37) each oriented in a direction substantially radial, forming said notches (16), and second portions (36) longer than said first portions (37) and each oriented in a direction substantially tangential to said axis X1, said second portions (36) being capable of cooperating with said surface regions (35) of the arms (6).
6. Couronne selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que, dans un sens de rotation correspondant au sens d'inclinaison dudit coude (8) par rapport à la direction de ladite première portion (7) correspondante, lesdites extrémités libres (38) des bras (6) coopèrent avec lesdits crans (16) de manière qu'un mouvement de rotation dudit élément rigide entraîne un mouvement de rotation dudit ressort (4) dans le même sens, quelle que soit la valeur du couple de rotation transmis. 6. Crown according to claim 5, characterized in that, in a direction of rotation corresponding to the direction of inclination of said elbow (8) relative to the direction of said corresponding first portion (7), said free ends (38) of arms (6) cooperate with said notches (16) so that a rotational movement of said rigid element causes a rotational movement of said spring (4) in the same direction, regardless of the value of the rotational torque transmitted.
7. Couronne selon l'une des revendications 2 à 6, caractérisée en ce que ledit ressort (4) est agencé dans la région de la seconde extrémité dudit canon (11 ) opposée à ladite première extrémité. 7. Crown according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said spring (4) is arranged in the region of the second end of said barrel (11) opposite to said first end.
8. Couronne selon la revendication 7, caractérisée en ce que ledit canon (11 ) présente, au niveau de ladite seconde extrémité, une portion saillante (14) sensiblement alignée avec ledit axe X1 et dont la périphérie présente une forme autre que circulaire, ladite base centrale (5) dudit ressort (4) présentant un trou (10) sensiblement aligné avec ledit axe X1 et de forme adaptée pour coopérer avec ladite portion saillante (14) dans un mouvement de rotation. 8. Crown according to claim 7, characterized in that said barrel (11) has, at said second end, a projecting portion (14) substantially aligned with said axis X1 and whose periphery has a shape other than circular, said central base (5) of said spring (4) having a hole (10) substantially aligned with said axis X1 and of a shape adapted to cooperate with said projecting portion (14) in a rotational movement.
9. Couronne selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que ladite périphérie de ladite portion saillante (14) présente une forme polygonale, de préférence une forme carrée. 9. Crown according to claim 8, characterized in that said periphery of said projecting portion (14) has a polygonal shape, preferably a square shape.
10. Couronne selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu'il est prévu un élément de support (2) disposé de manière solidaire à l'intérieur dudit logement (28) de la couronne (1) et de forme sensiblement complémentaire à la forme de ce dernier, lesdits éléments déformable (4) et rigide (15) ainsi que ledit canon (11) étant disposés à l'intérieur dudit élément de support (2). 10. Crown according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that there is provided a support element (2) arranged integrally inside said housing (28) of the crown (1) and shape substantially complementary to the shape of the latter, said deformable (4) and rigid (15) elements as well as said barrel (11) being arranged inside said support element (2).
11. Couronne selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément rigide (15) est solidaire dudit élément de support (2) tandis que ledit canon (11 ) comporte un tube (12) et une tête (13) de forme sensiblement plate annulaire, de diamètre supérieur au diamètre dudit tube (12), et agencée dans la région de ladite seconde extrémité du canon (11), un élément annulaire (17) supplémentaire étant agencé solidaire dudit élément de support (2) en appui contre ladite tête (13) du canon pour retenir ce dernier suivant la direction de l'axe X1 tout en permettant un mouvement de rotation relatif de ces deux éléments par rapport à l'axe X1. 11. Crown according to claim 10, characterized in that said rigid element (15) is integral with said support element (2) while said barrel (11) comprises a tube (12) and a head (13) of substantially flat shape annular, of diameter greater than the diameter of said tube (12), and arranged in the region of said second end of the barrel (11), an additional annular element (17) being arranged integral with said support element (2) bearing against said head (13) of the barrel to retain the latter in the direction of the axis X1 while allowing a relative rotational movement of these two elements relative to the axis X1.
12. Couronne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que ledit élément rigide (15) est réalisé en un matériau métallique ou céramique. 12. Crown according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rigid element (15) is made of a metallic or ceramic material.
13. Couronne selon la revendication 12, caractérisée en ce que lesdits éléments déformable (4) et rigide (15) présentent des duretés respectives de valeurs similaires. 13. Crown according to claim 12, characterized in that said deformable (4) and rigid (15) elements have respective hardnesses of similar values.
14. Couronne selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'une pluralité d'éléments déformables (4) identiques sont empilés de manière à coopérer avec ledit élément rigide (15) pour augmenter ladite valeur prédéfinie de couple de rotation. 14. Crown according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of identical deformable elements (4) are stacked so as to cooperate with said rigid element (15) to increase said predefined value of torque.
15. Couronne selon la revendication 8, caractérisée en ce que ladite portion saillante (14) présente une épaisseur au moins égale au double de l'épaisseur dudit élément déformable (4), un second étage comprenant des éléments déformable (4) et rigide (15) supplémentaires étant disposé en superposition par rapport au premier étage en étant agencés en sens inverse, c'est-à-dire pour présenter une fonction similaire à la fonction dudit premier étage dans le sens de rotation opposé, la couronne (1) présentant au moins deux positions axiales par rapport à ladite tige de remontoir, ledit premier étage étant en fonction dans une première position axiale de la couronne tandis que ledit second étage est en fonction dans la seconde position axiale. 15. Crown according to claim 8, characterized in that said projecting portion (14) has a thickness at least equal to twice the thickness of said deformable element (4), a second stage comprising deformable (4) and rigid elements ( 15) additional being arranged in superposition relative to the first stage by being arranged in opposite direction, that is to say to have a function similar to the function of said first stage in the opposite direction of rotation, the crown (1) having at least two axial positions relative to said winding stem, said first stage being in operation in a first axial position of the crown while said second stage is in operation in the second axial position.
16. Pièce d'horlogerie comportant une couronne (1 ) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes. 16. Timepiece comprising a crown (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP05731227A 2004-04-14 2005-04-05 Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device Active EP1738229B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05731227A EP1738229B1 (en) 2004-04-14 2005-04-05 Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04101530A EP1586960A1 (en) 2004-04-14 2004-04-14 Crown for a watch with a disconnecting mechanism
PCT/EP2005/003556 WO2005111741A1 (en) 2004-04-14 2005-04-05 Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device
EP05731227A EP1738229B1 (en) 2004-04-14 2005-04-05 Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1738229A1 true EP1738229A1 (en) 2007-01-03
EP1738229B1 EP1738229B1 (en) 2010-06-23

Family

ID=34928955

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04101530A Withdrawn EP1586960A1 (en) 2004-04-14 2004-04-14 Crown for a watch with a disconnecting mechanism
EP05731227A Active EP1738229B1 (en) 2004-04-14 2005-04-05 Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04101530A Withdrawn EP1586960A1 (en) 2004-04-14 2004-04-14 Crown for a watch with a disconnecting mechanism

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US7384190B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1586960A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4837656B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20070012823A (en)
CN (1) CN1989463B (en)
AT (1) ATE472121T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602005021962D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1106301A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2005111741A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2031468B1 (en) * 2007-08-30 2010-05-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Watch equipped with a function indicator
ATE457073T1 (en) * 2007-11-08 2010-02-15 Meco Sa CROWN FOR WATCH
DE602007001696D1 (en) 2007-11-08 2009-09-03 Meco Sa Winding crown for watch comprising a mechanism with torque coupling
ATE514978T1 (en) * 2008-04-01 2011-07-15 Rado Montres Sa CONTROL DEVICE WITH PUSH PUSHER FOR WATCH
EP2233988B1 (en) 2009-03-23 2012-02-08 Montres Breguet SA Clock movement with tourbillon equipped with a shock-protection device
EP2367075B1 (en) 2010-03-17 2017-07-26 Meco S.A. Winding crown for a clock piece
CH702924B1 (en) 2010-06-03 2011-10-14 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Mobile-way clutch, winding mechanism and a timepiece including said mobile.
JP5411081B2 (en) * 2010-07-30 2014-02-12 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Hand-wound wheel train, watch movement equipped with the train wheel, and watch equipped with the movement
CN102385301A (en) * 2010-08-30 2012-03-21 深圳市飞亚达科技发展有限公司 Watch windup overload protection mechanism and watch with protection mechanism
US9969207B2 (en) 2011-01-27 2018-05-15 Sdi Corporation Reciprocating pencil sharpener
TWI417200B (en) 2011-01-27 2013-12-01 Sdi Corp Reciprocating pencil sharpener
CN103115089B (en) * 2013-02-18 2015-07-22 安徽江淮汽车股份有限公司 Overrunning clutch
EP2871534B1 (en) 2013-11-06 2017-01-04 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece mobile with unidirectional wheels
EP2952977A1 (en) * 2014-06-03 2015-12-09 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Timepiece component made of welded materials
EP3106932A1 (en) * 2015-06-16 2016-12-21 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Manufacturing method comprising a modified mounting step
US10852697B2 (en) 2017-09-11 2020-12-01 Apple Inc. Crown assembly for watches
EP3822710A1 (en) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-19 Patek Philippe SA Genève Moving part with one-way clutch, in particular for timepieces
EP4024137B1 (en) * 2020-12-31 2023-08-23 Meco S.A. Control mechanism for a timepiece
EP4092490A1 (en) * 2021-05-19 2022-11-23 Meco S.A. Device for controlling a timepiece movement with touch return and timepiece, in particular a watch, including such a device
KR20230099616A (en) 2021-12-27 2023-07-04 이태웅 Ceramic wrist watch with waterproof and vibrationproof packing
EP4206827A1 (en) * 2021-12-30 2023-07-05 Meco S.A. Safety valve for a watch
CN114545756B (en) * 2022-02-23 2024-08-16 东阳市华佳电子有限公司 Positioning structure for clamping ring of dual-calendar movement
KR20240110347A (en) 2023-01-06 2024-07-15 이광호 Ceramic wrist watch with waterproof and vibrationproof packing
KR20240131692A (en) 2023-02-24 2024-09-02 이태웅 Ceramic wrist watch

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US680067A (en) * 1901-01-07 1901-08-06 Elwood C Phillips Watchcase-pendant.
GB604034A (en) * 1944-11-27 1948-06-28 Charles Hill Improvements in watch winding device
FR932221A (en) * 1946-08-13 1948-03-16 Winding crown
US2637987A (en) * 1947-02-18 1953-05-12 Hil Jon Safety Crown Corp Overload release coupling
US2563112A (en) * 1947-09-11 1951-08-07 Hill Charles Spring winding device
US2583112A (en) * 1950-12-22 1952-01-22 Rohm & Haas Process for the oxidation of acetals to acids
US2716875A (en) * 1953-03-20 1955-09-06 Hill Charles Watch winding means
US3686883A (en) * 1970-04-09 1972-08-29 Suwa Seikosha Kk Lockable crown for waterproof watch
CH903874A4 (en) * 1974-07-02 1977-05-13
CH608160B (en) * 1976-03-23 Boninchi Sa WATERPROOF WINDING CROWN.
JPS5958380A (en) * 1982-09-29 1984-04-04 Hitachi Ltd Method for measuring beam diameter and current density of charged particle ray
JPS5958380U (en) * 1982-10-08 1984-04-16 リズム時計工業株式会社 Guideline adjustment mechanism of guideline device
JPH0723296U (en) * 1993-09-28 1995-04-25 シチズン時計株式会社 Watch crown structure
EP1676177B1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2012-09-05 Richemont International S.A. Wristwatch push-piece winding button control device
JP4393837B2 (en) * 2003-10-23 2010-01-06 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Cell phone clock
JP2005127816A (en) * 2003-10-23 2005-05-19 Seiko Instruments Inc Watch

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2005111741A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK1106301A1 (en) 2008-03-07
KR20070012823A (en) 2007-01-29
CN1989463A (en) 2007-06-27
US7384190B2 (en) 2008-06-10
JP4837656B2 (en) 2011-12-14
JP2007532894A (en) 2007-11-15
WO2005111741A1 (en) 2005-11-24
EP1586960A1 (en) 2005-10-19
CN1989463B (en) 2010-08-04
EP1738229B1 (en) 2010-06-23
DE602005021962D1 (en) 2010-08-05
US20080008053A1 (en) 2008-01-10
ATE472121T1 (en) 2010-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1738229B1 (en) Crown for timepiece, comprising a disengaging device
EP2859412B1 (en) Rotating bezel system
EP3158402B1 (en) Timepiece wheel
WO2007132306A2 (en) Spiral/collet assembly for a horological movement
EP2682655A2 (en) Flat-core and flat-spring solenoid valve
CH704640B1 (en) pivot member.
EP3543800B1 (en) Annular rotating bezel system comprising a spring ring
EP2058714A1 (en) Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism
CH680322A5 (en)
CH685183A5 (en) piezoelectric motor.
CH706641A2 (en) Body engine for clockwork.
WO2010072629A1 (en) Timepiece including a pivoting member
CH713409B1 (en) Balance wheel for balance-spring of the thermocompensated type, balance-spring of the thermocompensated type, movement and timepiece.
EP2367075A1 (en) Winding crown for a clock piece
EP4194964B1 (en) Balance wheel with inertia adjustment
EP1837717B1 (en) Timepiece and barrel provided with an improved fixation of the barrel cap
CH697924B1 (en) Crown for a timepiece with release device.
EP2087247B1 (en) Maintenance-free linear annular connection and device comprising at least one such connection
CH698876B1 (en) spiral-ring set for clockwork.
FR2797926A1 (en) FRICTION CLUTCH
EP3786720A1 (en) Clock component for receiving an organ by insertion
EP3853649B1 (en) Adaptive optical device of simplified construction and associated manufacturing method
CH706597A2 (en) Middle part for clock element, has gear angularly interdependent of middle part, and springs angularly interdependent of optical device and support element to allow indexing of position of system with regard to middle part
CH707884A2 (en) watch Spiral fragile material.
EP3916489A1 (en) Shock absorber spring, bearing body and bearing for timepiece

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20061114

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MECO S.A.

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602005021962

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100805

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100924

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101023

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101025

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20110324

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602005021962

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20110323

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: MECO S.A.

Effective date: 20110430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110405

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110405

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110405

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100923

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20100623

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101004

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230719

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240501

Year of fee payment: 20