EP1960848B1 - Timepiece hammer - Google Patents

Timepiece hammer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1960848B1
EP1960848B1 EP06819642A EP06819642A EP1960848B1 EP 1960848 B1 EP1960848 B1 EP 1960848B1 EP 06819642 A EP06819642 A EP 06819642A EP 06819642 A EP06819642 A EP 06819642A EP 1960848 B1 EP1960848 B1 EP 1960848B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hammer
parts
lever
movement
reset
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.)
Active
Application number
EP06819642A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1960848A2 (en
Inventor
Laurent Perret
François Trifoni
Stephen Forsey
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.)
Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier SA
Complitime SA
Original Assignee
Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier SA
Complitime SA
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 Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier SA, Complitime SA filed Critical Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier SA
Priority to EP06819642A priority Critical patent/EP1960848B1/en
Publication of EP1960848A2 publication Critical patent/EP1960848A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1960848B1 publication Critical patent/EP1960848B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
    • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
    • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
    • G04F7/0804—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with reset mechanisms
    • G04F7/0814—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with reset mechanisms with double hammer, i.e. one hammer acts on two counters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
    • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
    • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a watch movement hammer intended to cooperate with at least a first and a second movement core having respective axes of rotation located at a distance from one another.
  • the hammer comprises in particular at least two parts, a first is intended to be mounted on the movement so as to be movable relative to the latter.
  • the second part comprises at least two bearing surfaces intended to cooperate respectively with the first and second cores.
  • the first and second parts of the hammer are bonded to each other so as to allow limited movement of one part relative to the other.
  • this type of hammer is used in chronograph movements to reset the indicating organs of the measured times.
  • the first part of the hammer is held on the platen of the movement by a span screw allowing the hammer to rotate to fulfill its reset function.
  • the chronograph movement comprises in principle one or more hearts, integral with chronograph mobiles bearing themselves measured time indication organs. These cores are intended to be struck by the hammer launched in a rotational or translational motion under spring pressure in response to activation of an external reset control member.
  • the hammer comprises bearing surfaces intended to come into contact with the periphery of the corresponding cores to drive them in rotation, and then maintain them in a predefined position when the time indication members measured are returned to their positions. respective initials.
  • the patent US 3,796,041 also describes a chronograph movement with a two-part reset hammer.
  • a first part is pivotally mounted on the plate being operable by a lever controlled from an external control member.
  • This first part carries the second part, through a pin around which the two parts are free to rotate relative to each other.
  • an additional pin secured to the second portion and engaged in a hole in the first portion, to limit the amplitude of the relative rotations between the two parts while providing a clearance between them.
  • the described structure however has a substantial size in its thickness because the two parts must be at least partially superimposed to allow their connection. In addition, this congestion occurs in the immediate vicinity of the bearing surfaces intended to cooperate with the reset hearts, which gives rise to constraints for the manufacturer in the arrangement of chronograph counters.
  • the main object of the present invention is to simplify the known structures of the prior art. Additional objects of the present invention are to improve the reliability of devices of the prior art and, in particular, to improve the behavior over time and use.
  • the present invention relates to a reset hammer of the type mentioned above, characterized in that at least one member of the first part of the hammer is connected to an organ of the second part of the hammer by a ball-type connection formed, on the one hand, by a protuberance having a disk-shaped main portion and provided on one of the hammer parts and, on the other hand, by a clearance formed in the other part of the hammer and substantially complementary shape to that of the protuberance.
  • a ball-type connection advantageously allows the second part of the hammer to pivot to a certain extent with respect to the first part, so as to promote a simultaneous reset of all the cores.
  • the specific structure of a ball advantageously performs a function of retaining the second part of the hammer in contact with the first part. Thus, it is not essential to provide additional means for returning the second part of the hammer when the first part moves relative to the movement to release the hearts.
  • the ball is arranged between the bearing surfaces of the second part of the hammer in the longitudinal direction of the latter.
  • a first of the bearing surfaces is provided at a first end of the second part of the hammer, while its second end is engaged within a complementary shape clearance provided in the first part of the hammer.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified elevational view of the chronograph movement resetting members according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reset hammer being shown in its home position;
  • the figure 2 represents a view similar to that of the figure 1 , the hammer performing its function of resetting the chronograph counters.
  • the figure 1 is a simplified elevational view of a chronograph movement having a reset hammer 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Only the elements of the chronograph movement essential to the proper understanding of the invention have been represented.
  • the position of certain components is sometimes defined with reference to a time. This position corresponds to the position of the index displaying the given time on a conventional dial.
  • the reset lever 3 is arranged to be actuated by an external control member (not shown), shown schematically by an axis line bearing the reference R in the figures. More specifically, the lever 3 has a pivot-type connection with the plate 2 and is rotated relative to the plate 2 in response to a pressure exerted on the external control member.
  • the pivot-type connection is provided by an axis or pin 4 which can be driven into a hole (not shown) of the plate, of corresponding dimensions.
  • the position of a time-setting member or rod (not shown) has also been shown schematically by a center line bearing the reference T.
  • T the position of a time-setting member or rod
  • a lever 5 of the reset hammer 1 is mounted integral with the reset lever 3, by its base 6, so as to be moved in response to an action on the external reset control member.
  • the nature of the displacement of the hammer lever 5 is not directly related to the present invention and can be of any type suitable for the implementation of the latter.
  • the lever 5 is pivotally arranged with respect to the turntable 2 of the watch movement, as is the reset lever 3.
  • the base 6 of the hammer lever 5 has an opening 7 inside which is disposed the pin 4, the latter thus constituting an axis of rotation also for the hammer 1.
  • the two levers 3 and 5 can be made integral by any suitable means to ensure the transmission of a rotation of the reset lever 3 to the hammer lever 5 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the base 6 of the lever 5 it is possible for the base 6 of the lever 5 to be welded to the face of the resetting lever 3 against which it rests, or alternatively that the reset lever 3 and the hammer 1 are formed in one piece. .
  • the two levers 3 and 5 can also be made in the form of two parts independent of one another and arranged so as to pivot around the post 4. It is then possible to provide an element of the reset device arranged to act. simultaneously on the two levers in response to an activation of the external control member and cause their simultaneous rotation.
  • the reset lever 3 is provided with a pin 8 driven into a hole (not referenced) formed in the region of the lever 3 located in superposition relative to the base 6 of the lever 5.
  • the base 6 also has a hole adapted to accommodate the pin 8 and thus make the hammer lever 5 secured to the reset lever 3 during rotational movements.
  • the reset lever 3 comprises an additional pin 9 in its part remote from the pin 4 intended to serve as a support for the end of a spring (not shown) exerting on the lever 3 a force, schematized by an arrow referenced by F, tending to maintain it in its rest position, that is to say in the position shown on the figure 1 .
  • a notch provided in conventional manner on the spring is provided to allow rapid action of the reset control.
  • the hammer lever 5 extends in a first step, from its base 6, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reset lever 3, in other words in the direction of the center line R.
  • the lever 5 then has a division, in its longitudinal direction, between a main portion 10 which extends longitudinally by marking a bend and a secondary portion forming a projection 11 on the periphery of the hammer lever 5 oriented towards the center of the watch movement.
  • the junction between the main portion 10 and the projection 11 defines a clearance 12 shaped substantially in an arc. The association of the main portion 10, the projection 11 and the clearance 12 forms a lip whose function will be explained later.
  • the main portion 10 ends with a thin end 13 rounded near which is formed a protrusion 14 oriented towards the center of the watch movement.
  • the protuberance 14 has a first substantially rectilinear portion 15 followed by a second portion 16 in the general shape of a disc of diameter greater than the width of the first portion 15.
  • the hammer 1 has a second main portion 17 partially nested in the first part, that is to say in the hammer lever 5.
  • the second part 17 of the hammer 1 carries bearing surfaces 18 and 19, two in number in the embodiment shown in the figures in a nonlimiting manner, intended to be moved in contact with hearts 20 and 21 during the reset operation of the chronograph counters.
  • the second portion 17 of the hammer has a generally elongated shape and comprises a first end 22 shaped in language whose dimensions substantially correspond to the dimensions of the lip defined by the main portion 10 and the projection 11 of the hammer lever 5.
  • the second portion 17 of the hammer widens and has a clearance 24 open on the periphery side of the movement and generally circular in shape, a narrowing 25 being provided in the region of the opening.
  • the diameter of the clearance 24 is very slightly greater than the diameter of the protuberance 14 of the hammer lever 5.
  • the width of the narrowing 25 is very slightly greater than that of the first portion of the protuberance.
  • the second part 17 of the hammer 1 then has a reduced width compared to that of the region of the clearance 24 to end in a second arm 26 of the hammer carrying the second flat bearing surface 19, whose normal is also oriented on the side from the center of the watch movement.
  • Hearts 20 and 21 have been schematically represented to the extent that they are conventional and do not present any particular difficulty for those skilled in the art. Each of the hearts is mounted on a chronograph counter wheel (not shown for clarity) carrying an indication hand of a timed unit of time.
  • a pointer 27 for indicating the timed second and a pointer 28 for indicating the minute being timed have been schematized in the figures.
  • the needles 27 and 28 have been shown in any respective positions on the figure 1 , which corresponds to a situation of activity of the chronograph function, the hammer 1 being raised to allow the rotation of the cores 20, 21 of the chronograph mobiles with respect to their respective axes of rotation 29 and 30.
  • timed second mobile is commonly placed in the center of the watch movement, the indication of the second being timed by a large second hand centered on the chronograph dial.
  • the axis of rotation 29 intersects the watch movement at its center.
  • the maintenance of the reset lever 3 and the hammer 1, in a direction parallel to that of its axis of rotation can be carried out in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • it can be provided as a guide that a plate (not shown) covering the base 6 of the hammer and the reset lever 3 is screwed into the plate to ensure axial retention.
  • the pin 9 of the reset lever 3 has a length such that it is flush with the surface of the wafer located on the side of the plate to contribute to the stability of the lever 3.
  • the movement The watchmaker may also be arranged so that the hammer is inserted at least partially between regions of the barrel bridge, on the one hand, and regions of the chronograph bridge, on the other hand. Therefore, the hammer 1 is free to move within a plane coincident with its median plane.
  • the chronograph mobiles are kept motionless in any position which may be that of the figure 1 , for example.
  • a brake system or any other suitable system known to the man of the profession, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the first contact is established with a curved portion 31, 32 of the periphery of each of the cores to the extent that none of the timed time counters is at zero.
  • the pressure of the hammer undergone by each of the cores causes its rotation until each bearing surface is in contact with a clearance 33, 34 of the periphery of the corresponding core.
  • the clearance 33, 34 of each core has a shape to improve the accuracy and stability of the positioning of the cores relative to the zero position, in a known manner.
  • the bearing surfaces 18 and 19 do not necessarily come into contact with the corresponding core simultaneously.
  • the structure of the hammer 1 according to the present invention advantageously allows the second part 17 of the hammer to pivot relative to the hammer lever 5, at the level of the ball-type connection defined above. In addition, such a rotation is possible because of the small clearance formed between the tongue 22 of the second hammer portion 17, on the one hand, and the lip formed around the clearance 12 of the lever 5, on the other hand.
  • the bearing surface which has a delay in establishing contact with the cores is driven in a rotational movement to bring it closer to the corresponding heart.
  • the rotational movement of the second part of the hammer causes a decrease in the pressure exerted by the bearing surface in advance on the corresponding core, while decreasing slightly the speed of rotation.
  • the second portion 17 of the hammer pivots in reverse to allow a rebalancing of the pressures respectively applied by the first and by the second bearing surface on the cores 20 and 21.
  • a precise adjustment of the constituent elements of the ball-type connection is provided so that the amplitudes of the rotation of the latter are defined directly by the relative dimensions of the first portion 15 of the protuberance 14 and the narrowing 25 of the second part of hammer.
  • the edges of the clearance 24 thus define stops to limit the rotational movements of the first portion 15 of the protuberance.
  • the respective regions 35 and 36 of the lever 5 and the second part 17 of the hammer situated between the ball and the lip have complementary shapes.
  • the respective dimensions of the components of the ball are adjusted so that a small clearance is provided between the regions 35 and 36.
  • the skilled person can define the value of this game, without departing from the scope of the present invention and alternatively or complementary to the solution of the preceding paragraph, so that the region 35 at least partially fulfills the function of a stop for the region 36 during the rotational movements of the second portion 17 relative to the lever 5 of the hammer.
  • the particular form of the ball-type connection allows a good distribution of the traction forces exerted by the lever 5 on the second part 17 of the hammer, under the effect of a spring.
  • the two cores 20 and 21 can be released simultaneously.
  • the structure of the hammer according to the present invention has, in addition to great simplicity, a small footprint in particular near the bearing surface 19 furthest from the axis of rotation 4. This feature is particularly advantageous in the extent that this part of the hammer is located in the center region of the watch movement. Thus, a large size of the hammer in this region can be problematic for the manufacturer of watch movement that will take into account to have other components of the movement.
  • the ball is arranged, by traversing the hammer along its longitudinal direction from the pin 4, either before the first bearing surface 18 or after the second bearing surface.
  • the respective shapes of the first and second parts of the hammer must be adapted accordingly during manufacture, without the person skilled in the art encountering any particular difficulty. .

Abstract

The invention relates to a clockwork movement hammer (1) which is used for interacting with heart-shaped cams (20, 21) provided with corresponding axes of rotation (29, 30) which are positioned remotely to each other. More precisely, said hearts (20, 21) are connected to a chronograph timer, whereas the hammer belongs to the resetting mechanism of the chronograph timers. The inventive hammer (1) comprises at least one first part (5) movably mounted on the clockwork bottom plate (2) and one second part (17) bearing supporting surfaces (18, 19) which can be bring into contact with said hearts (20, 21). The two parts (5, 17) of the hammer (1) are connected to each other by at least one swivel-type connection (14, 24) for making it possible to adjust the corresponding positions of the supporting surfaces (18, 19) while a resetting process. Due to particular characteristics thereof, the structural design of the hammer (1) is simple and small-sized.

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne un marteau pour mouvement horloger destiné à coopérer avec au moins un premier et un deuxième coeurs du mouvement présentant des axes de rotation respectifs situés à distance l'un de l'autre. Le marteau comporte en particulier au moins deux parties dont une première est destinée à être montée sur le mouvement de manière à être mobile par rapport à ce dernier. La deuxième partie comprend au moins deux surfaces d'appui destinées à coopérer respectivement avec les premier et deuxième coeurs. Les première et deuxième parties du marteau sont liées l'une à l'autre de façon à permettre un déplacement limité de l'une des parties par rapport à l'autre.The present invention relates to a watch movement hammer intended to cooperate with at least a first and a second movement core having respective axes of rotation located at a distance from one another. The hammer comprises in particular at least two parts, a first is intended to be mounted on the movement so as to be movable relative to the latter. The second part comprises at least two bearing surfaces intended to cooperate respectively with the first and second cores. The first and second parts of the hammer are bonded to each other so as to allow limited movement of one part relative to the other.

Typiquement, ce type de marteau est employé dans des mouvements de chronographe pour effectuer la remise à zéro des organes d'indication des temps mesurés. Généralement, la première partie du marteau est maintenue sur la platine du mouvement par une vis à portée permettant au marteau de pivoter pour remplir sa fonction de remise à zéro. En effet, le mouvement de chronographe comprend en principe un ou plusieurs coeurs, solidaires de mobiles de chronographe portant eux-mêmes des organes d'indication de temps mesurés. Ces coeurs sont destinés à être frappés par le marteau lancé dans un mouvement de rotation ou de translation, sous la pression d'un ressort, en réponse à l'activation d'un organe de commande externe de remise à zéro. Dans ce but, le marteau comprend des surfaces d'appui destinées à entrer en contact avec la périphérie des coeurs correspondants pour les entraîner en rotation, puis les maintenir dans une position prédéfinie lorsque les organes d'indication de temps mesurés sont ramenés à leurs positions initiales respectives. Il est indispensable que ces surfaces d'appui soient agencées précisément l'une par rapport à l'autre, d'une part, et chacune par rapport au coeur correspondant, d'autre part, de sorte que les organes d'indication reprennent leurs positions initiales avec une bonne précision et de manière simultanée. Pour parvenir à ce résultat, il est parfois nécessaire de procéder à un ajustement ou à des retouches du marteau.Typically, this type of hammer is used in chronograph movements to reset the indicating organs of the measured times. Generally, the first part of the hammer is held on the platen of the movement by a span screw allowing the hammer to rotate to fulfill its reset function. Indeed, the chronograph movement comprises in principle one or more hearts, integral with chronograph mobiles bearing themselves measured time indication organs. These cores are intended to be struck by the hammer launched in a rotational or translational motion under spring pressure in response to activation of an external reset control member. For this purpose, the hammer comprises bearing surfaces intended to come into contact with the periphery of the corresponding cores to drive them in rotation, and then maintain them in a predefined position when the time indication members measured are returned to their positions. respective initials. It is essential that these support surfaces are arranged precisely with respect to each other, on the one hand, and each relative to the corresponding heart, on the other hand, so that the indication organs resume their initial positions with good accuracy and simultaneously. To achieve this result, it is sometimes necessary to adjust or retouch the hammer.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Diverses solutions ont été proposées pour répondre aux exigences susmentionnées, notamment des structures de marteau comportant plusieurs parties constitutives dont les positions ou orientations relatives sont ajustables, par exemple, au moyen d'excentriques.Various solutions have been proposed to meet the aforementioned requirements, including hammer structures having a plurality of component parts whose relative positions or orientations are adjustable, for example by means of eccentrics.

Plus particulièrement, des mouvements de chronographe pourvus de marteaux de remise à zéro répondant à la définition donnée ci-dessus ont déjà été décrits dans l'art antérieur.More particularly, chronograph movements provided with reset hammers as defined above have already been described in the prior art.

En effet, le brevet US 3,643,422 (EBAUCHES BETTLACH SA) décrit un mouvement de chronographe comprenant un marteau de remise à zéro réalisé en deux parties principales, liées l'une à l'autre de façon à permettre un déplacement limité de l'une des parties par rapport à l'autre. Une première partie de ce marteau, le corps, est monté à rotation sur la platine du mouvement, tandis que la seconde partie, le levier, comporte deux bossages destinés à coopérer avec deux coeurs du mouvement.Indeed, the patent US 3,643,422 (EBAUCHES BETTLACH SA) discloses a chronograph movement comprising a reset hammer made in two main parts, connected to each other so as to allow limited movement of one of the parts relative to the other . A first part of this hammer, the body, is rotatably mounted on the plate of the movement, while the second part, the lever, has two bosses intended to cooperate with two hearts of the movement.

Du point de vue de leur liaison, il est prévu de ménager une saillie de forme générale triangulaire, dans l'un des bords du levier de marteau, dont le sommet est disposé en appui contre un bord du corps de marteau pour définir un point de pivotement du levier par rapport au corps. D'autre part, le levier de marteau est engagé entre deux languettes du corps de marteau qui s'étendent de part et d'autre des extrémités du levier de façon à empêcher ce dernier de se déplacer dans la direction de sa longueur. En outre, chacune de ces languettes présente un rebord rentrant, les deux rebords rendant solidaire le levier de marteau du corps. La solution proposée dans ce brevet américain présente toutefois un inconvénient important du fait des moyens mis en oeuvre pour retenir le levier au contact du corps de marteau, à savoir un encombrement du marteau relativement important dans les régions situées autour des plans d'appui du levier. Un tel encombrement peut se révéler incompatible avec les exigences actuelles de la haute horlogerie qui tend à développer des mouvements aux complications croissantes tout en essayant de préserver des dimensions acceptables pour les boîtes logeant ces mouvements.From the point of view of their connection, it is intended to provide a protrusion of generally triangular shape, in one of the edges of the hammer lever, whose top is disposed in abutment against an edge of the hammer body to define a point of pivoting of the lever relative to the body. On the other hand, the hammer lever is engaged between two tongues of the hammer body which extend on either side of the ends of the lever so as to prevent the latter from moving in the direction of its length. In addition, each of these tabs has a recessed rim, the two edges making the hammer lever integral with the body. However, the solution proposed in this US patent has a significant disadvantage because of the means used to retain the lever in contact with the hammer body, namely a relatively large size of the hammer in the regions around the support planes of the lever . Such clutter may be incompatible with the current requirements of Haute Horlogerie which tends to develop movements with increasing complications while trying to preserve acceptable dimensions for the boxes housing these movements.

Le brevet US 3,796,041 (Smiths Industries Limited) décrit également un mouvement de chronographe comportant un marteau de remise à zéro en deux parties. Une première partie est montée pivotante sur la platine en étant actionnable par un levier commandé à partir d'un organe de commande extérieur. Cette première partie porte la seconde partie, par l'intermédiaire d'une goupille autour de laquelle les deux parties sont libres de tourner l'une par rapport à l'autre. En outre, il est prévu une goupille supplémentaire, solidaire de la seconde partie et engagée dans un trou ménagé dans la première partie, pour limiter l'amplitude des rotations relatives entre les deux parties tout en ménageant un certain jeu entre elles. La structure décrite présente toutefois un encombrement conséquent dans son épaisseur du fait que les deux parties doivent être au moins partiellement superposées pour permettre leur liaison. En outre, cet encombrement intervient à proximité immédiate des surfaces d'appui destinées à coopérer avec les coeurs de remise à zéro, ce qui donne lieu à des contraintes pour le constructeur dans l'agencement des compteurs de chronographes.The patent US 3,796,041 (Smiths Industries Limited) also describes a chronograph movement with a two-part reset hammer. A first part is pivotally mounted on the plate being operable by a lever controlled from an external control member. This first part carries the second part, through a pin around which the two parts are free to rotate relative to each other. In addition, there is provided an additional pin secured to the second portion and engaged in a hole in the first portion, to limit the amplitude of the relative rotations between the two parts while providing a clearance between them. The described structure however has a substantial size in its thickness because the two parts must be at least partially superimposed to allow their connection. In addition, this congestion occurs in the immediate vicinity of the bearing surfaces intended to cooperate with the reset hearts, which gives rise to constraints for the manufacturer in the arrangement of chronograph counters.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

La présente invention a pour but principal de simplifier les structures connues de l'art antérieur. Des buts supplémentaires de la présente invention visent à améliorer la fiabilité des dispositifs de l'art antérieur et, notamment, d'en améliorer la tenue dans le temps et à l'usage.The main object of the present invention is to simplify the known structures of the prior art. Additional objects of the present invention are to improve the reliability of devices of the prior art and, in particular, to improve the behavior over time and use.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un marteau de remise à zéro du type mentionné plus haut, caractérisé par le fait qu'au moins un organe de la première partie du marteau est liée à un organe de la deuxième partie du marteau par une liaison du type rotule formée, d'une part, par une protubérance présentant une portion principale en forme de disque et ménagée sur l'une des parties du marteau et, d'autre part, par un dégagement ménagé dans l'autre partie du marteau et de forme sensiblement complémentaire à celle de la protubérance.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a reset hammer of the type mentioned above, characterized in that at least one member of the first part of the hammer is connected to an organ of the second part of the hammer by a ball-type connection formed, on the one hand, by a protuberance having a disk-shaped main portion and provided on one of the hammer parts and, on the other hand, by a clearance formed in the other part of the hammer and substantially complementary shape to that of the protuberance.

Une liaison du type rotule permet avantageusement à la deuxième partie du marteau de pivoter dans une certaine mesure par rapport à la première partie, de manière à favoriser une remise à zéro simultanée de tous les coeurs. D'autre part, la structure spécifique d'une rotule remplit avantageusement une fonction de retenue de la deuxième partie du marteau au contact de la première partie. Ainsi, il n'est pas indispensable de prévoir des moyens supplémentaires de rappel de la deuxième partie du marteau lorsque la première partie se déplace par rapport au mouvement pour libérer les coeurs.A ball-type connection advantageously allows the second part of the hammer to pivot to a certain extent with respect to the first part, so as to promote a simultaneous reset of all the cores. On the other hand, the specific structure of a ball advantageously performs a function of retaining the second part of the hammer in contact with the first part. Thus, it is not essential to provide additional means for returning the second part of the hammer when the first part moves relative to the movement to release the hearts.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, la rotule est agencée entre les surfaces d'appui de la deuxième partie du marteau suivant la direction longitudinale de cette dernière.According to a preferred embodiment, the ball is arranged between the bearing surfaces of the second part of the hammer in the longitudinal direction of the latter.

En outre, on peut avantageusement prévoir qu'une première des surfaces d'appui est ménagée au niveau d'une première extrémité de la deuxième partie du marteau, tandis que sa seconde extrémité est engagée à l'intérieur d'un dégagement de forme complémentaire prévu dans la première partie du marteau. Cette dernière liaison permet d'améliorer encore la stabilité de la connexion mécanique ménagée entre les première et deuxième parties du marteau.In addition, it can advantageously be provided that a first of the bearing surfaces is provided at a first end of the second part of the hammer, while its second end is engaged within a complementary shape clearance provided in the first part of the hammer. This last connection makes it possible to further improve the stability of the mechanical connection formed between the first and second parts of the hammer.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés présentés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et dans lesquels:Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings presented by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

- la figure 1 représente une vue en élévation simplifiée des organes de remise à zéro pour mouvement de chronographe selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, le marteau de remise à zéro étant représenté dans sa position de repos;- the figure 1 is a simplified elevational view of the chronograph movement resetting members according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reset hammer being shown in its home position;

- la figure 2 représente une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1, le marteau remplissant sa fonction de remise à zéro des compteurs de chronographe.- the figure 2 represents a view similar to that of the figure 1 , the hammer performing its function of resetting the chronograph counters.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

La figure 1 représente une vue en élévation simplifiée d'un mouvement de chronographe comportant un marteau de remise à zéro 1 selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention. Seuls les éléments du mouvement de chronographe essentiels à la bonne compréhension de l'invention ont été représentés.The figure 1 is a simplified elevational view of a chronograph movement having a reset hammer 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Only the elements of the chronograph movement essential to the proper understanding of the invention have been represented.

D'autre part, dans la description qui suit, la position de certains composants est parfois définie en référence à une heure. Cette position correspond à celle qu'occupe, sur un cadran conventionnel, l'index affichant l'heure donnée.On the other hand, in the following description, the position of certain components is sometimes defined with reference to a time. This position corresponds to the position of the index displaying the given time on a conventional dial.

Une petite portion périphérique de la platine 2 du mouvement a été représentée dans la région de la commande de remise à zéro dont le levier 3 est apparent sur le dessin. Le levier 3 de remise à zéro est agencé pour être actionné par un organe de commande extérieur (non représenté), schématisé par un trait d'axe portant la référence R sur les figures. Plus précisément, le levier 3 présente une liaison de type pivot avec la platine 2 et subit un mouvement de rotation par rapport à la platine 2 en réponse à une pression exercée sur l'organe de commande extérieur. La liaison de type pivot est assurée par un axe ou tenon 4 qui peut être chassé dans un trou (non représenté) de la platine, de dimensions correspondantes. De manière alternative, on peut prévoir d'utiliser une vis à portée vissée dans la platine 2 dont la portée permet en outre de garantir un bon maintien du levier 3 dans la direction de son axe de rotation.A small peripheral portion of the plate 2 of the movement has been shown in the region of the reset control whose lever 3 is apparent in the drawing. The reset lever 3 is arranged to be actuated by an external control member (not shown), shown schematically by an axis line bearing the reference R in the figures. More specifically, the lever 3 has a pivot-type connection with the plate 2 and is rotated relative to the plate 2 in response to a pressure exerted on the external control member. The pivot-type connection is provided by an axis or pin 4 which can be driven into a hole (not shown) of the plate, of corresponding dimensions. In an alternative manner, it is possible to use a screw having a range screwed into the plate 2, the range of which also makes it possible to ensure that the lever 3 is held in the direction of its axis of rotation.

D'autre part, la position d'un organe ou tige de mise à l'heure (non représenté) a également été schématisée par un trait d'axe portant la référence T. A titre indicatif non limitatif, on peut noter que, lorsque le mouvement horloger est monté dans une boîte pour assembler une pièce d'horlogerie, l'axe R est positionné à quatre heures tandis que l'axe T est positionné à trois heures.On the other hand, the position of a time-setting member or rod (not shown) has also been shown schematically by a center line bearing the reference T. As a non-limiting indication, it can be noted that, when the clock movement is mounted in a box to assemble a timepiece, the R axis is positioned at four o'clock while the T axis is positioned at three o'clock.

Un levier 5 du marteau de remise à zéro 1 est monté solidaire du levier 3 de remise à zéro, par sa base 6, de manière à être déplacé en réponse à une action sur l'organe de commande extérieur de remise à zéro.A lever 5 of the reset hammer 1 is mounted integral with the reset lever 3, by its base 6, so as to be moved in response to an action on the external reset control member.

La nature du déplacement du levier 5 de marteau n'est pas directement liée à la présente invention et peut être de tout type adapté à la mise en oeuvre de cette dernière. Ainsi, dans le présent mode de réalisation, le levier 5 est agencé de façon à pouvoir pivoter par rapport à la platine 2 du mouvement horloger, de même que le levier 3 de remise à zéro. On constate en particulier, sur la figure 1, que la base 6 du levier de marteau 5 comporte une ouverture 7 à l'intérieur de laquelle est disposé le tenon 4, celui-ci constituant ainsi un axe de rotation également pour le marteau 1.The nature of the displacement of the hammer lever 5 is not directly related to the present invention and can be of any type suitable for the implementation of the latter. Thus, in the present embodiment, the lever 5 is pivotally arranged with respect to the turntable 2 of the watch movement, as is the reset lever 3. In particular, on the figure 1 , that the base 6 of the hammer lever 5 has an opening 7 inside which is disposed the pin 4, the latter thus constituting an axis of rotation also for the hammer 1.

Les deux leviers 3 et 5 peuvent être rendus solidaires par tout moyen adapté permettant de garantir la transmission d'une rotation du levier 3 de remise à zéro au levier 5 de marteau sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention. On peut par exemple prévoir que la base 6 du levier 5 est soudée sur la face du levier 3 de remise à zéro contre laquelle elle repose, ou alternativement que le levier 3 de remise à zéro et le marteau 1 sont formés d'une seule pièce.The two levers 3 and 5 can be made integral by any suitable means to ensure the transmission of a rotation of the reset lever 3 to the hammer lever 5 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, it is possible for the base 6 of the lever 5 to be welded to the face of the resetting lever 3 against which it rests, or alternatively that the reset lever 3 and the hammer 1 are formed in one piece. .

Les deux leviers 3 et 5 peuvent également être réalisés sous la forme de deux pièces indépendantes l'une de l'autre et disposées de manière à pivoter autour du tenon 4. On peut alors prévoir un élément du dispositif de remise à zéro agencé pour agir simultanément sur les deux leviers en réponse à une activation de l'organe de commande extérieur et entraîner leur rotation simultanée.The two levers 3 and 5 can also be made in the form of two parts independent of one another and arranged so as to pivot around the post 4. It is then possible to provide an element of the reset device arranged to act. simultaneously on the two levers in response to an activation of the external control member and cause their simultaneous rotation.

Suivant une variante de réalisation préférée de la présente invention, tel qu'apparent de la figure 1, le levier 3 de remise à zéro est muni d'une goupille 8 chassée dans un trou (non référencé) ménagé dans la région du levier 3 située en superposition par rapport à la base 6 du levier 5. La base 6 comporte également un trou adapté pour loger la goupille 8 et rendre ainsi le levier 5 de marteau solidaire du levier 3 de remise à zéro lors des mouvements de rotation.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as appears from the figure 1 , the reset lever 3 is provided with a pin 8 driven into a hole (not referenced) formed in the region of the lever 3 located in superposition relative to the base 6 of the lever 5. The base 6 also has a hole adapted to accommodate the pin 8 and thus make the hammer lever 5 secured to the reset lever 3 during rotational movements.

Le levier 3 de remise à zéro comporte une goupille 9 supplémentaire dans sa partie éloignée du tenon 4 destinée à servir d'appui pour l'extrémité d'un ressort (non représenté) exerçant sur le levier 3 une force, schématisée par une flèche référencée par F, tendant à le maintenir dans sa position de repos, c'est-à-dire dans la position représentée sur la figure 1. On prévoit préférablement un crantage réalisé de manière conventionnelle sur le ressort pour permettre une action rapide de la commande de remise à zéro.The reset lever 3 comprises an additional pin 9 in its part remote from the pin 4 intended to serve as a support for the end of a spring (not shown) exerting on the lever 3 a force, schematized by an arrow referenced by F, tending to maintain it in its rest position, that is to say in the position shown on the figure 1 . Preferably, a notch provided in conventional manner on the spring is provided to allow rapid action of the reset control.

Le levier 5 de marteau s'étend dans un premier temps, depuis sa base 6, dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale du levier 3 de remise à zéro, autrement dit dans la direction du trait d'axe R. Le levier 5 présente ensuite une division, dans sa direction longitudinale, entre une portion principale 10 qui s'étend longitudinalement en marquant un coude et une portion secondaire formant une saillie 11 sur la périphérie du levier 5 de marteau orientée vers le centre du mouvement horloger. La jonction entre la portion principale 10 et la saillie 11 définit un dégagement 12 conformé sensiblement en un arc de cercle. L'association de la portion principale 10, de la saillie 11 et du dégagement 12 forme une lèvre dont la fonction sera exposée plus loin.The hammer lever 5 extends in a first step, from its base 6, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reset lever 3, in other words in the direction of the center line R. The lever 5 then has a division, in its longitudinal direction, between a main portion 10 which extends longitudinally by marking a bend and a secondary portion forming a projection 11 on the periphery of the hammer lever 5 oriented towards the center of the watch movement. The junction between the main portion 10 and the projection 11 defines a clearance 12 shaped substantially in an arc. The association of the main portion 10, the projection 11 and the clearance 12 forms a lip whose function will be explained later.

La portion principale 10 se termine par une extrémité 13 fine et arrondie à proximité de laquelle est ménagée une protubérance 14 orientée en direction du centre du mouvement horloger. La protubérance 14 présente une première portion 15 sensiblement rectiligne suivie d'une seconde portion 16 en forme générale de disque de diamètre supérieur à la largeur de la première portion 15.The main portion 10 ends with a thin end 13 rounded near which is formed a protrusion 14 oriented towards the center of the watch movement. The protuberance 14 has a first substantially rectilinear portion 15 followed by a second portion 16 in the general shape of a disc of diameter greater than the width of the first portion 15.

Le marteau 1 comporte une deuxième partie principale 17 partiellement emboîtée dans la première partie, c'est-à-dire dans le levier 5 de marteau. La deuxième partie 17 du marteau 1 porte des surfaces d'appui 18 et 19, au nombre de deux dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures de manière non limitative, destinées à être déplacées au contact de coeurs 20 et 21 lors de l'opération de remise à zéro des compteurs de chronographe.The hammer 1 has a second main portion 17 partially nested in the first part, that is to say in the hammer lever 5. The second part 17 of the hammer 1 carries bearing surfaces 18 and 19, two in number in the embodiment shown in the figures in a nonlimiting manner, intended to be moved in contact with hearts 20 and 21 during the reset operation of the chronograph counters.

La deuxième partie 17 du marteau présente une forme générale allongée et comprend une première extrémité 22 conformée en langue dont les dimensions correspondent sensiblement aux dimensions de la lèvre définie par la portion principale 10 et la saillie 11 du levier 5 de marteau.The second portion 17 of the hammer has a generally elongated shape and comprises a first end 22 shaped in language whose dimensions substantially correspond to the dimensions of the lip defined by the main portion 10 and the projection 11 of the hammer lever 5.

A partir de l'extrémité 22 et dans la direction longitudinale de la deuxième partie 17 du marteau, on trouve une première surface d'appui 18 plane et dont la normale est orientée du côté du centre du mouvement horloger, la surface d'appui 18 étant agencée à l'extrémité d'un premier bras 23 court. Plus loin dans la même direction, la deuxième partie 17 du marteau s'élargit et comporte un dégagement 24 ouvert du côté de la périphérie du mouvement et de forme générale circulaire, un rétrécissement 25 étant prévu dans la région de l'ouverture. Le diamètre du dégagement 24 est très légèrement supérieur au diamètre de la protubérance 14 du levier 5 de marteau. De même, la largeur du rétrécissement 25 est très légèrement supérieure à celle de la première partie 15 de la protubérance.From the end 22 and in the longitudinal direction of the second part 17 of the hammer, there is a first flat bearing surface 18 and whose normal is oriented towards the center of the watch movement, the bearing surface 18 being arranged at the end of a first short arm 23. Further in the same direction, the second portion 17 of the hammer widens and has a clearance 24 open on the periphery side of the movement and generally circular in shape, a narrowing 25 being provided in the region of the opening. The diameter of the clearance 24 is very slightly greater than the diameter of the protuberance 14 of the hammer lever 5. Likewise, the width of the narrowing 25 is very slightly greater than that of the first portion of the protuberance.

La deuxième partie 17 du marteau 1 présente ensuite une largeur réduite par rapport à celle de la région du dégagement 24 pour se terminer en un second bras 26 de marteau portant la seconde surface d'appui 19 plane, dont la normale est également orientée du côté du centre du mouvement horloger.The second part 17 of the hammer 1 then has a reduced width compared to that of the region of the clearance 24 to end in a second arm 26 of the hammer carrying the second flat bearing surface 19, whose normal is also oriented on the side from the center of the watch movement.

On constate sur la figure 1 que, tandis que la langue 22 est disposée à l'intérieur de la lèvre du levier 5 de marteau, le dégagement 24 coopère avec la protubérance 14 de manière à définir une liaison mécanique du type rotule entre les première et deuxième parties de marteau.We see on the figure 1 whereas, while the tongue 22 is disposed inside the lip of the hammer lever 5, the clearance 24 cooperates with the protuberance 14 so as to define a mechanical connection of the ball joint type between the first and second hammer parts.

Les coeurs 20 et 21 ont été représentés de manière schématique dans la mesure où ils sont conventionnels et ne présentent pas de difficulté particulière pour l'homme du métier. Chacun des coeurs est monté sur un mobile de compteur de chronographe (non représentés pour plus de clarté) portant une aiguille d'indication d'une unité de temps chronométré.Hearts 20 and 21 have been schematically represented to the extent that they are conventional and do not present any particular difficulty for those skilled in the art. Each of the hearts is mounted on a chronograph counter wheel (not shown for clarity) carrying an indication hand of a timed unit of time.

Ainsi, une aiguille 27 d'indication de la seconde chronométrée et une aiguille 28 d'indication de la minute chronométrée ont été schématisées sur les figures. Les aiguilles 27 et 28 ont été représentées dans des positions respectives quelconques sur la figure 1, ce qui correspond à une situation d'activité de la fonction chronographe, le marteau 1 étant relevé pour permettre la rotation des coeurs 20, 21 des mobiles de chronographe par rapport à leurs axes de rotation respectifs 29 et 30.Thus, a pointer 27 for indicating the timed second and a pointer 28 for indicating the minute being timed have been schematized in the figures. The needles 27 and 28 have been shown in any respective positions on the figure 1 , which corresponds to a situation of activity of the chronograph function, the hammer 1 being raised to allow the rotation of the cores 20, 21 of the chronograph mobiles with respect to their respective axes of rotation 29 and 30.

On peut noter que le mobile de seconde chronométrée est, de manière courante, disposé au centre du mouvement horloger, l'indication de la seconde chronométrée étant réalisée par une grande aiguille de seconde centrée sur le cadran du chronographe. Dans ce cas, qui correspond au mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures, l'axe de rotation 29 coupe le mouvement horloger en son centre.It may be noted that the timed second mobile is commonly placed in the center of the watch movement, the indication of the second being timed by a large second hand centered on the chronograph dial. In this case, which corresponds to the embodiment shown in the figures, the axis of rotation 29 intersects the watch movement at its center.

On peut également noter, par ailleurs, que le maintien du levier 3 de remise à zéro et du marteau 1, suivant une direction parallèle à celle de son axe de rotation, peut être effectué de diverses manières sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention. En particulier, on peut prévoir à titre indicatif qu'une plaquette (non représentée) recouvrant la base 6 du marteau et le levier 3 de remise à zéro est vissée dans la platine pour assurer un maintien axial. Dans ce cas, on peut prévoir que la goupille 9 du levier 3 de remise à zéro présente une longueur telle qu'elle affleure la surface de la plaquette située du côté de la platine pour contribuer à la stabilité du levier 3. Préférablement, le mouvement horloger peut en outre être agencé de manière que le marteau est intercalé au moins partiellement entre des régions du pont de barillet, d'une part, et des régions du pont de chronographe, d'autre part. Par conséquent, le marteau 1 n'est libre de se déplacer qu'à l'intérieur d'un plan confondu avec son plan médian.It may also be noted, moreover, that the maintenance of the reset lever 3 and the hammer 1, in a direction parallel to that of its axis of rotation, can be carried out in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, it can be provided as a guide that a plate (not shown) covering the base 6 of the hammer and the reset lever 3 is screwed into the plate to ensure axial retention. In this case, it can be provided that the pin 9 of the reset lever 3 has a length such that it is flush with the surface of the wafer located on the side of the plate to contribute to the stability of the lever 3. Preferably, the movement The watchmaker may also be arranged so that the hammer is inserted at least partially between regions of the barrel bridge, on the one hand, and regions of the chronograph bridge, on the other hand. Therefore, the hammer 1 is free to move within a plane coincident with its median plane.

Du point de vue du fonctionnement, lorsque la fonction chronographe est stoppée, de manière conventionnelle, c'est-à-dire généralement à l'aide d'un organe de commande (non représenté) agencé à deux heures, les mobiles de chronographe sont maintenus immobiles dans une position quelconque qui peut être celle de la figure 1, par exemple. Pour la mise en oeuvre de la fonction d'arrêt du chronographe, en particulier pour le blocage des mobiles de chronographes permettant la lecture des temps mesurés, on peut recourir à un système de frein, ou tout autre système adapté connu de l'homme du métier, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.From the point of view of operation, when the chronograph function is stopped, in a conventional manner, that is to say generally with the aid of a control device (not shown) arranged at two o'clock, the chronograph mobiles are kept motionless in any position which may be that of the figure 1 , for example. For the implementation of the stop function of the chronograph, in particular for the locking of chronograph mobiles for reading the measured times, it is possible to use a brake system, or any other suitable system known to the man of the profession, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A partir de cet état, lorsque le levier 3 de remise à zéro est actionné, le marteau 1 de remise à zéro est abaissé de telle manière que les surfaces d'appui 18 et 19 sont déplacées jusqu'à venir au contact des coeurs 20 et 21. Comme mentionné précédemment, il est préférable de mettre en oeuvre un crantage au niveau du ressort de rappel du levier 3 de remise à zéro de sorte que le mouvement du marteau 1 est suffisamment rapide lors de l'activation de la remise à zéro.From this state, when the reset lever 3 is actuated, the reset hammer 1 is lowered so that the surfaces 18 and 19 are displaced until coming into contact with the cores 20 and 21. As mentioned above, it is preferable to implement a detent at the return spring of the reset lever 3 so that the hammer 1 movement is fast enough when activating the reset.

Lorsque les surfaces d'appui 18 et 19 entrent respectivement au contact des coeurs 20 et 21, le premier contact est établi avec une partie incurvée 31, 32 de là périphérie de chacun des coeurs dans la mesure où aucun des compteurs de temps chronométrés n'est à zéro. La pression du marteau subie par chacun des coeurs entraîne sa rotation jusqu'à ce que chaque surface d'appui soit au contact d'un dégagement 33, 34 de la périphérie du coeur correspondant.When the bearing surfaces 18 and 19 respectively contact the cores 20 and 21, the first contact is established with a curved portion 31, 32 of the periphery of each of the cores to the extent that none of the timed time counters is at zero. The pressure of the hammer undergone by each of the cores causes its rotation until each bearing surface is in contact with a clearance 33, 34 of the periphery of the corresponding core.

Cette dernière situation est représentée sur la figure 2, l'opération de remise à zéro étant achevée. Le dégagement 33, 34 de chaque coeur présente une forme permettant d'améliorer la précision et la stabilité du positionnement des coeurs par rapport à la position zéro, de manière connue.This latter situation is represented on the figure 2 , the reset operation being completed. The clearance 33, 34 of each core has a shape to improve the accuracy and stability of the positioning of the cores relative to the zero position, in a known manner.

Lorsque l'opération de remise à zéro est activée, suivant les orientations respectives des coeurs 20 et 21, les surfaces d'appui 18 et 19 n'entrent pas forcément en contact avec le coeur correspondant de manière simultané. La structure du marteau 1 selon la présente invention permet avantageusement à la deuxième partie 17 de marteau de pivoter par rapport au levier de marteau 5, au niveau de la liaison de type rotule définie plus haut. En outre, une telle rotation est possible du fait du faible jeu ménagé entre la langue 22 de la deuxième partie de marteau 17, d'une part, et la lèvre formée autour du dégagement 12 du levier 5, d'autre part.When the reset operation is activated, according to the respective orientations of the cores 20 and 21, the bearing surfaces 18 and 19 do not necessarily come into contact with the corresponding core simultaneously. The structure of the hammer 1 according to the present invention advantageously allows the second part 17 of the hammer to pivot relative to the hammer lever 5, at the level of the ball-type connection defined above. In addition, such a rotation is possible because of the small clearance formed between the tongue 22 of the second hammer portion 17, on the one hand, and the lip formed around the clearance 12 of the lever 5, on the other hand.

Grâce à un tel pivotement, la surface d'appui qui présente un retard lors de l'établissement du contact avec les coeurs est entraînée dans un mouvement de rotation permettant de la rapprocher plus rapidement du coeur correspondant. Dans un même temps, le mouvement de rotation de la deuxième partie du marteau provoque une diminution de la pression exercée par la surface d'appui en avance sur le coeur correspondant, en en diminuant très légèrement la vitesse de rotation. Lorsque la surface d'appui initialement en retard contacte le coeur correspondant, la deuxième partie 17 du marteau pivote en sens inverse pour permettre un rééquilibrage des pressions respectivement appliquées par la première et par la deuxième surface d'appui sur les coeurs 20 et 21.With such a pivoting, the bearing surface which has a delay in establishing contact with the cores is driven in a rotational movement to bring it closer to the corresponding heart. At the same time, the rotational movement of the second part of the hammer causes a decrease in the pressure exerted by the bearing surface in advance on the corresponding core, while decreasing slightly the speed of rotation. When the surface initially delayed contact contact the corresponding core, the second portion 17 of the hammer pivots in reverse to allow a rebalancing of the pressures respectively applied by the first and by the second bearing surface on the cores 20 and 21.

De manière préférée, on prévoit un ajustement précis des éléments constitutifs de la liaison de type rotule pour que les amplitudes de la rotation de cette dernière soient définies directement par les dimensions relatives de la première partie 15 de la protubérance 14 et du rétrécissement 25 de la deuxième partie de marteau. Les bords du dégagement 24 définissent ainsi des butées pour limiter les mouvements de rotation de la première partie 15 de la protubérance.Preferably, a precise adjustment of the constituent elements of the ball-type connection is provided so that the amplitudes of the rotation of the latter are defined directly by the relative dimensions of the first portion 15 of the protuberance 14 and the narrowing 25 of the second part of hammer. The edges of the clearance 24 thus define stops to limit the rotational movements of the first portion 15 of the protuberance.

Par ailleurs, on constate sur les figures que les régions respectives 35 et 36 du levier 5 et de la deuxième partie 17 du marteau situées entre la rotule et la lèvre présentent des formes complémentaires. Les dimensions respectives des éléments constitutifs de la rotule sont ajustées pour qu'un faible jeu soit ménagé entre les régions 35 et 36. Ainsi, l'homme du métier pourra définir la valeur de ce jeu, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention et de façon alternative ou complémentaire à la solution du paragraphe précédent, pour que la région 35 remplisse au moins partiellement la fonction d'une butée pour la région 36 lors des mouvements de rotation de la deuxième partie 17 par rapport au levier 5 du marteau.Moreover, it can be seen from the figures that the respective regions 35 and 36 of the lever 5 and the second part 17 of the hammer situated between the ball and the lip have complementary shapes. The respective dimensions of the components of the ball are adjusted so that a small clearance is provided between the regions 35 and 36. Thus, the skilled person can define the value of this game, without departing from the scope of the present invention and alternatively or complementary to the solution of the preceding paragraph, so that the region 35 at least partially fulfills the function of a stop for the region 36 during the rotational movements of the second portion 17 relative to the lever 5 of the hammer.

D'un point de vue dynamique, le mouvement de rotation de la deuxième partie 17 du marteau par rapport au levier 5 de marteau équilibre les courses des deux surfaces d'appui 18 et 19 pour synchroniser la remise à zéro des deux compteurs de temps chronométrés.From a dynamic point of view, the rotational movement of the second part 17 of the hammer relative to the hammer lever 5 balances the strokes of the two bearing surfaces 18 and 19 to synchronize the reset of the two timed time counters. .

A l'inverse, lorsque le marteau est relevé, comme ça peut être le cas si la fonction de chronographe est activée à partir de la situation visible sur la figure 2, la forme particulière de la liaison de type rotule permet une bonne répartition des forces de traction exercées par le levier 5 sur la deuxième partie 17 du marteau, sous l'effet d'un ressort. Ainsi, les deux coeurs 20 et 21 peuvent être libérés de manière simultanée.Conversely, when the hammer is raised, as may be the case if the chronograph function is activated from the situation visible on the figure 2 , the particular form of the ball-type connection allows a good distribution of the traction forces exerted by the lever 5 on the second part 17 of the hammer, under the effect of a spring. Thus, the two cores 20 and 21 can be released simultaneously.

L'homme du métier, à savoir ici le fabricant de mouvements horlogers, ne rencontrera pas de difficulté particulière pour adapter, à la fabrication, les formes respectives du levier 5 et de la deuxième partie 17 du marteau en fonction de ses propres besoins, pour obtenir les effets décrits ci-dessus, sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Those skilled in the art, namely here the manufacturer of watch movements, will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting, to manufacture, the respective shapes of the lever 5 and the second part 17 of the hammer according to its own needs, for obtain the effects described above, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Il ressort des figures que la structure du marteau selon la présente invention présente, outre une grande simplicité, un encombrement réduit notamment à proximité de la surface d'appui 19 la plus éloignée de l'axe de rotation 4. Cette caractéristique est particulièrement avantageuse dans la mesure où cette partie du marteau est située dans la région du centre du mouvement horloger. Ainsi, un encombrement important du marteau dans cette région peut s'avérer problématique pour le constructeur de mouvement horloger qui devra en tenir compte pour y disposer d'autres composants du mouvement.It is apparent from the figures that the structure of the hammer according to the present invention has, in addition to great simplicity, a small footprint in particular near the bearing surface 19 furthest from the axis of rotation 4. This feature is particularly advantageous in the extent that this part of the hammer is located in the center region of the watch movement. Thus, a large size of the hammer in this region can be problematic for the manufacturer of watch movement that will take into account to have other components of the movement.

Bien entendu, la description qui précède correspond à un mode de réalisation préféré décrit à titre non limitatif, en particulier pour les formes représentées et décrites des première 5 et deuxième 17 parties du marteau 1. On peut en effet prévoir, de manière alternative, que les emplacements respectifs de la protubérance 14 et du dégagement 24 sont inversés, c'est-à-dire que la protubérance est ménagée sur la deuxième partie 17 et le dégagement dans le levier 5 du marteau.Of course, the foregoing description corresponds to a preferred embodiment described in a non-limiting manner, in particular for the forms shown and described of the first 5 and second 17 parts of the hammer 1. It may in fact be provided, alternatively, that the respective locations of the protrusion 14 and the clearance 24 are reversed, that is to say that the protuberance is formed on the second portion 17 and the clearance in the lever 5 of the hammer.

D'autre part, on peut également prévoir de manière alternative que la rotule est arrangée, en parcourant le marteau suivant sa direction longitudinale à partir du tenon 4, soit avant la première surface d'appui 18, soit après la seconde surface d'appui 19. Bien entendu, dans l'un ou l'autre de ces deux cas, les formes respectives des première et deuxième parties du marteau doivent être adaptées en conséquence lors de la fabrication, sans que l'homme du métier ne rencontre de difficulté particulière.On the other hand, it is also possible to alternatively provide that the ball is arranged, by traversing the hammer along its longitudinal direction from the pin 4, either before the first bearing surface 18 or after the second bearing surface. Of course, in either of these two cases, the respective shapes of the first and second parts of the hammer must be adapted accordingly during manufacture, without the person skilled in the art encountering any particular difficulty. .

On peut toutefois noter que, même si ces deux dernières alternatives présentent une simplicité structurelle équivalente à celle des deux premières variantes ci-dessus, ces dernières restent sensiblement plus avantageuses du point de vue de l'encombrement à proximité de la seconde surface d'appui 19.It can be noted, however, that even if these last two alternatives have a structural simplicity equivalent to that of the first two variants above, these last remain substantially more advantageous from the point of view of the space in the vicinity of the second bearing surface 19.

On notera également que les moyens d'actionnement du marteau peuvent être réalisés de toute manière compatible avec la présente invention sans sortir du cadre de cette dernière.It will also be noted that the means for actuating the hammer can be made in any manner compatible with the present invention without departing from the scope of the latter.

Claims (8)

  1. A return-to-zero hammer (1) for clockwork movement designed to cooperate with at least one first (20) and one second (21) heart-piece of said movement having respective axes of rotation (29, 30) located apart from each other, the hammer comprising at least two parts whereof a first (5) is designed to be mounted on said movement so as to be movable relative to the latter, while a second (17) of said parts comprises at least two support surfaces (18, 19) designed to cooperate with said first and second heart-pieces, respectively, said first (5) and second (17) hammer parts being connected to each other so as to allow a limited movement of one of the parts relative to the other, characterized in that at least one first organ (14, 24) of said first part (5) is connected to a first organ (24, 14) of the said second part (17) by a ball and socket joint formed, on one hand, by a protuberance (14) having a disc-shaped principal portion (16) arranged on one of said parts (5, 17) and, on the other hand, by a recess (24) arranged in the other of said parts (5, 17) and having a shape substantially complementary fitting that of said protuberance (14).
  2. The hammer according to claim 1, characterized in that said ball and socket joint (14, 24) is arranged between said support surfaces (18, 19) in the longitudinal direction of said second part (17) of the hammer (1).
  3. The hammer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of said support surfaces (19) is arranged substantially at the level of a first end of said second part (17) of the hammer (1).
  4. The hammer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one of said parts (5) of the hammer (1) has at least one retaining lip (10, 11) arranged away from said ball and socket joint (14, 24) and defining a recess (12) toward the inside of said part (5), the other (17) of said parts of the hammer having a tongue (22) engaged inside said recess (12).
  5. The hammer according to claim 4, characterized in that said tongue (22) has a shape substantially complementary to that of said recess (12).
  6. The hammer according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said tongue (22) is arranged substantially at the level of a second end of said second part (17) of the hammer.
  7. The hammer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said first (5) and second (17) parts of the hammer (1) has a region (35, 36) arranged between said support surfaces (18, 19) in the longitudinal direction of said second part (17), said third respective regions (35, 36) having substantially complementary shapes and being arranged substantially bearing against each other.
  8. A clockwork movement comprising a return-to-zero hammer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP06819642A 2005-11-24 2006-11-21 Timepiece hammer Active EP1960848B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06819642A EP1960848B1 (en) 2005-11-24 2006-11-21 Timepiece hammer

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05111267A EP1791042A1 (en) 2005-11-24 2005-11-24 Hammer for a timepiece
EP06819642A EP1960848B1 (en) 2005-11-24 2006-11-21 Timepiece hammer
PCT/EP2006/068694 WO2007060152A2 (en) 2005-11-24 2006-11-21 Timepiece hammer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1960848A2 EP1960848A2 (en) 2008-08-27
EP1960848B1 true EP1960848B1 (en) 2012-06-13

Family

ID=36973964

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05111267A Withdrawn EP1791042A1 (en) 2005-11-24 2005-11-24 Hammer for a timepiece
EP06819642A Active EP1960848B1 (en) 2005-11-24 2006-11-21 Timepiece hammer

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05111267A Withdrawn EP1791042A1 (en) 2005-11-24 2005-11-24 Hammer for a timepiece

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7553067B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1791042A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4901877B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20080072714A (en)
CN (1) CN101313258B (en)
HK (1) HK1123105A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2402055C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2007060152A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1791038A1 (en) 2005-11-24 2007-05-30 Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier SA Timepiece movement
CH708999A1 (en) * 2013-12-16 2015-06-30 Société Anonyme De La Manufacture D Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Device reset with independent hammers.

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US809196A (en) * 1905-04-21 1906-01-02 Albert C Loker Stop-watch.
US2641899A (en) * 1950-07-31 1953-06-16 Jeanneret & Co R Chronograph setting hammer system
DE1773368C3 (en) * 1967-08-21 1974-07-11 K.K. Daini Seikosha, Tokio Zero setting device for a stop watch
CH514187A (en) 1969-06-10 1970-12-31 Ebauches Bettlach Sa Chronograph movement
GB1405101A (en) * 1971-08-20 1975-09-03 Smiths Industries Ltd Reset mechanisms for use in stopwatches
CH500273A4 (en) * 1973-04-06 1975-05-30
JP3265232B2 (en) * 1997-07-07 2002-03-11 セイコーインスツルメンツ株式会社 Chronograph clock
JP4296019B2 (en) * 2003-03-27 2009-07-15 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Chronograph watch with nulling structure
EP1746471B1 (en) * 2005-07-20 2019-09-18 Breitling AG Return-to-zero device for two time counters

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1960848A2 (en) 2008-08-27
RU2402055C2 (en) 2010-10-20
RU2008125428A (en) 2009-12-27
US7553067B2 (en) 2009-06-30
EP1791042A1 (en) 2007-05-30
WO2007060152A2 (en) 2007-05-31
US20080291785A1 (en) 2008-11-27
CN101313258A (en) 2008-11-26
JP2009517645A (en) 2009-04-30
HK1123105A1 (en) 2009-06-05
WO2007060152A3 (en) 2007-08-30
KR20080072714A (en) 2008-08-06
JP4901877B2 (en) 2012-03-21
CN101313258B (en) 2010-11-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2980658B1 (en) Device for assembling and adjusting a hairspring
EP3754436B1 (en) Timepiece, in particular a pocket watch, equipped with at least one cover
CH706021B1 (en) watch movement type and chronograph timepiece provided with such a movement.
EP1708052B1 (en) Clockwork
EP1960848B1 (en) Timepiece hammer
EP2054780B1 (en) Control device for a timepiece
EP1960843B1 (en) Timepiece movement
CH679823B5 (en)
EP1960846B1 (en) Clockwork movement
EP1562086A1 (en) Power reserve indicator mechanism
EP1710635A1 (en) Command device for a timepiece and a watch provided with such a device
EP3418814B1 (en) Push-crown control device for a compact portable object
EP2010972B1 (en) Timepiece comprising a hand-setting mechanism controlled by a rotating bezel
EP3407142A1 (en) Timepiece movement with stop second function
EP2565726B1 (en) Command device for timepieces
EP4254075A1 (en) Device for remote control of a timepiece movement of a watch and watch comprising said control device
EP4266130A1 (en) Control member of at least one first function of a timepiece movement
CH719563A2 (en) Remote control device for a watch movement of a watch and watch comprising said control device.
EP4270114A1 (en) Device for selecting and controlling functions of a timepiece movement
CH716150B1 (en) Watchmaker's mechanism for blocking a jumping mobile and movement for a chronograph watch including it.
CH718371A2 (en) Watch fitted with a device for locking an external control device.
CH719636A2 (en) Device for selecting and controlling functions of a watch movement
CH715317B1 (en) Timepiece comprising an adjustable friction device.
EP0851320A1 (en) Timepiece driven by mechanical means and with reserve power indicating system
EP1783567A2 (en) Chronograph movement

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: 20080618

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

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

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: PERRET, LAURENT

Inventor name: FORSEY, STEPHEN

Inventor name: TRIFONI, FRANCOIS

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1123105

Country of ref document: HK

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: COMPLITIME S.A.

Owner name: VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER S.A.

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: TRIFONI, FRANCOIS

Inventor name: PERRET, LAURENT

Inventor name: FORSEY, STEPHEN

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
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 LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: COMPLITIME S.A.

Owner name: VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER S.A.

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 562249

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120615

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: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602006030211

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120809

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: GLN S.A.

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

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 562249

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: GR

Ref document number: 1123105

Country of ref document: HK

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

Effective date: 20120613

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: 20120914

Ref country code: LV

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PCAR

Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: AVENUE EDOUARD-DUBOIS 20, 2000 NEUCHATEL (CH)

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20121013

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20120613

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: 20121015

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

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: 20120613

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

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

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: 20120924

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: 20120613

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130314

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER S.A.

Effective date: 20121130

Owner name: COMPLITIME S.A.

Effective date: 20121130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602006030211

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130314

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

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: 20120913

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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: 20121130

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20121121

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: 20121130

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: 20120613

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: 20121121

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: 20061121

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20151127

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20151127

Year of fee payment: 10

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20151117

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: E-PATENT S.A., CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PUEA

Owner name: COMPLITIME SA, CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER S.A., CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006030211

Country of ref document: DE

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

Effective date: 20161121

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20170731

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20161130

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20170601

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20161121

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231201

Year of fee payment: 18