EP2015145A1 - Vertical clutch device for a timepiece - Google Patents

Vertical clutch device for a timepiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2015145A1
EP2015145A1 EP07011353A EP07011353A EP2015145A1 EP 2015145 A1 EP2015145 A1 EP 2015145A1 EP 07011353 A EP07011353 A EP 07011353A EP 07011353 A EP07011353 A EP 07011353A EP 2015145 A1 EP2015145 A1 EP 2015145A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mobile
wheel
clutch device
rotation
clutch
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
EP07011353A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2015145B1 (en
Inventor
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele
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.)
Chopard Manufacture SA
Original Assignee
Chopard Manufacture 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 Chopard Manufacture SA filed Critical Chopard Manufacture SA
Priority to EP07011353.5A priority Critical patent/EP2015145B1/en
Priority to CNA2008101446141A priority patent/CN101324782A/en
Priority to JP2008178426A priority patent/JP5247270B2/en
Priority to US12/136,790 priority patent/US7712953B2/en
Publication of EP2015145A1 publication Critical patent/EP2015145A1/en
Priority to HK09100946.6A priority patent/HK1123368A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2015145B1 publication Critical patent/EP2015145B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
    • G04B11/006—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices)
    • G04B11/008—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in only one direction (free running devices) with friction members, e.g. click springs or jumper
    • 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
    • G04F7/0823—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with couplings between the chronograph mechanism and the base movement
    • G04F7/0833—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with couplings between the chronograph mechanism and the base movement acting perpendicular to the plane of the movement
    • 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
    • G04F7/0842—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with start-stop control mechanisms
    • G04F7/0847—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with start-stop control mechanisms with column wheel
    • 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
    • G04F7/0866—Special arrangements
    • G04F7/0876—Split-time function, e.g. rattrappante

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a clutch device for a timepiece, more particularly for a chronograph.
  • the chronograph wheel carrying the chronograph hand is connected to the seconds wheel by means of a clutch.
  • the clutch can occupy an engaged position, corresponding to the chronograph running position, where the chronograph wheel is driven by the seconds wheel, and a disengaged position, corresponding to the stop position of the chronograph, where the wheel of Chronograph is not driven by the seconds wheel and is immobilized by a brake.
  • the present invention relates to a particularly preferred type of clutch, namely vertical clutches. Unlike horizontal clutches, vertical clutches do not cause the chronograph hand to jump when the chronograph is turned on.
  • a vertical clutch generally comprises, on the same axis, a first mobile comprising a toothed wheel and a second mobile comprising another gear and a clutch cone.
  • the toothed wheel of the first moving wheel is engaged with the seconds wheel.
  • the toothed wheel of the second mobile is in engagement with the chronograph wheel.
  • the clutch cone cooperates with a clamp whose openings and closures are controlled by a column wheel.
  • a closure of the clamp moves the mobile against each other against the action of a spring while an opening of the clamp brings the movable contact with each other under the action of the spring.
  • the present invention aims to provide a vertical clutch device that allows the use of a lower force spring and does not require the use of the aforementioned greases.
  • a clutch device for a timepiece particularly for a chronograph, comprising coaxial first and second rotatable mobiles that can assume an engaged axial axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile causes rotation of the second mobile. and a disengaged relative axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile does not cause rotation of the second mobile, characterized in that it further comprises a friction member of a viscoelastic material interposed between the mobiles to transmit the rotation of the first mobile to the second mobile in the engaged position.
  • the present invention also provides a chronograph mechanism as defined in appended claim 8.
  • a vertical chronograph clutch device comprises a lower rotatable mobile 1 and an upper rotary mobile 2 mounted on a clutch axis 3 pivoted in two bearings 4, 5.
  • the lower mobile 1 is constituted by a wheel toothed which is rotatable about the axis 3 and which rests on a flange 6 of the axis 3.
  • This lower mobile 1 meshes permanently with the seconds wheel 7 of the movement, which rotates at a rate of revolution per minute.
  • the upper mobile 2 is mounted movably about the axis 3, more precisely around a tube 8 driven on the axis 3.
  • the upper mobile 2 consists of several coaxial elements rigidly assembled together, namely a so-called toothed wheel upper clutch wheel 9, a clutch cone 10 and a clutch tube 11.
  • the clutch tube 11 surrounds the tube 8, in a manner that is mobile in rotation and in translation, and comprises at its periphery bearing surfaces 12, 13 on which are driven respectively the upper clutch wheel 9 and the clutch cone 10.
  • the clutch cone 10 is located between the upper clutch wheel 9 and the lower mobile 1 and is in contact, by its surface upper annular plane, with the lower annular flat surface of the upper clutch wheel 9.
  • the upper clutch wheel 9 meshes permanently with the chronograph wheel 14, whose axis carries the chronograph hand, it is to say the needle of comp seconds.
  • the spring 16 has an annular central portion 17 which surrounds the tube 8 and a number of blades 18, for example six, which start from the part 17 and one of which is supported on the upper clutch wheel 9 and the other bearing on the washer 15. Aux Figures 1 and 2 only two blades 18 are visible.
  • the spring 16 holds the washer 15 axially in abutment against an annular shoulder 19 of the tube 8 and tends to move the upper mobile 2 of the washer 15, and thus to bring the upper mobile 2 of the lower mobile 1.
  • the upper mobile 2 is movable in axial translation on the tube 8 between an engaged position shown in FIG. figure 1 , where the upper mobile 2 is pressed against the lower mobile 1, and a disengaged position shown in FIG. figure 2 where the mobiles 1, 2 are distant from each other.
  • the lower mobile 1 drives the upper mobile 2 by friction which transmits the movement of the seconds wheel 7 to the chronograph wheel 14.
  • the friction between the tube 8, the upper mobile 2, the spring 16 and the washer 15 causes the elements 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 to rotate together in the engaged position.
  • the disengaged position the lower mobile 1 rotates without driving the upper mobile 2 and therefore does not transmit the movement of the seconds wheel 7 to the chronograph wheel 14.
  • the axial displacement of the upper mobile 2 is controlled by a clamp 20 which can be closed to come into contact with the clutch cone 10 and lift it against the action of the spring 16 ( figures 2 and 4 ) or open to let the spring 16 press the upper mobile 2 against the lower mobile 1 ( figures 1 and 3 ).
  • a clamp 20 which can be closed to come into contact with the clutch cone 10 and lift it against the action of the spring 16 ( figures 2 and 4 ) or open to let the spring 16 press the upper mobile 2 against the lower mobile 1 ( figures 1 and 3 ).
  • one 21 of the two branches 21, 22 of the clamp 20 controls the other branch 22 and cooperates with a column wheel 23 by a spout 24.
  • the column wheel 23 is controlled by a push-button on / off (not shown) of the chronograph. Each press of the push button rotates the column wheel 23 one step, which closes or opens the clamp 20 according to the position of the nozzle 24 relative to the columns.
  • the spout 24 In an angular position on two of the column wheel 23 ( figure 4 ), the spout 24 is supported on a column 25 of the wheel 23 against the action of a return spring 26 of the clamp 20, which maintains the clip 20 in its closed position. In the other angular positions of the column wheel 23 ( figure 3 ), the spout 24 is between two columns 25 and the action of the return spring 26 holds the clamp 20 in its open position.
  • the clamp 20 plates the upper mobile 2 against the washer 15, with the spring 16 between them, which makes the whole assembly 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 until a shoulder 27 of the axis 3 bears against the upper bearing 4.
  • the friction between the axis 3 and the bearing 4, between the tube 8, the upper mobile 2 , the washer 15 and the spring 16, and between the clamp 20 and the clutch cone 10 cause the assembly 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 to stop rotating, which stops the chronograph wheel 14. No specific brake is therefore necessary to stop the chronograph wheel 14.
  • the lower mobile 1, it rotates about the axis 3 in this disengaged position.
  • a hammer strikes a heart-shaped cam which rotates the chronograph wheel 14 to the zero position of the chronograph hand .
  • This rotation of the chronograph wheel 14 causes a rotation of the upper mobile 2.
  • the washer 15 and the spring 16 are driven in this rotation by friction with the upper mobile 2, the assembly 2, 15, 16 rotating about the axis 3 and tube 8.
  • the chronograph may include a so-called “flying back” function enabling the chronograph to be reset while the chronograph is running.
  • a lever (not shown) closes the clamp 20 under the action of a reset button to stop the chronograph and the reset hammer is then actuated.
  • the mobiles 1, 2 are not pressed directly against each other but via a seal 30 made of a viscoelastic material.
  • This seal 30 has an annular shape, typically toric, coaxial with the axis 3, and is housed in a annular housing 31 defined by the clutch tube 11 and the clutch cone 10 and open downwards, that is to say towards the lower mobile 1. A portion of the seal 30 protrudes from the housing 31 so that in the engaged position of the clutch, the seal 30 is clamped between the bottom of the housing 31 and the lower mobile 1 by the action of the spring 16 without the lower and upper mobile 1, 2 touch.
  • the seal 30 has an inside diameter that is smaller than the minimum inside diameter of the housing 31 so that the seal 30 is inserted and held in the housing 31 by being radially stretched therein.
  • the assembly of the elements of the upper mobile 2 is done by first placing the seal 30 around the clutch tube 11, then by driving the clutch cone 10 around the clutch tube 11 and the seal 30.
  • the viscoelastic material forming the seal 30 is for example natural rubber or synthetic rubber such as neoprene, polybutadiene, polyurethane, silicone, etc.
  • the lower and upper mobiles 1, 2 can themselves be made of any suitable material, typically a metallic material.
  • the seal 30 could be housed in the lower mobile 1 rather than in the upper mobile 2.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)

Abstract

The clutch device has an upper and lower coaxial rotary mobile portion able to take up relative axial coupled position in which rotation of lower mobile portion give rise to rotation of upper mobile portion and a relative axial uncoupled position in which rotation of lower mobile portion does not give rise to rotation of upper mobile portion. A friction element made of viscoelastic material is intercalated between the upper and lower mobile portion (1) to transmit the rotation of lower mobile portion to upper mobile portion in the coupled position.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'embrayage pour une pièce d'horlogerie, plus particulièrement pour un chronographe.The present invention relates to a clutch device for a timepiece, more particularly for a chronograph.

Dans un chronographe, la roue de chronographe qui porte l'aiguille de chronographe est reliée à la roue de secondes par l'intermédiaire d'un embrayage. L'embrayage peut occuper une position embrayée, correspondant à la position de marche du chronographe, où la roue de chronographe est entraînée par la roue de secondes, et une position débrayée, correspondant à la position d'arrêt du chronographe, où la roue de chronographe n'est pas entraînée par la roue de secondes et est immobilisée par un frein.In a chronograph, the chronograph wheel carrying the chronograph hand is connected to the seconds wheel by means of a clutch. The clutch can occupy an engaged position, corresponding to the chronograph running position, where the chronograph wheel is driven by the seconds wheel, and a disengaged position, corresponding to the stop position of the chronograph, where the wheel of Chronograph is not driven by the seconds wheel and is immobilized by a brake.

La présente invention concerne un type particulièrement apprécié d'embrayage, à savoir les embrayages verticaux. A la différence des embrayages horizontaux, les embrayages verticaux ne provoquent pas de saut de l'aiguille de chronographe lors de la mise en marche du chronographe.The present invention relates to a particularly preferred type of clutch, namely vertical clutches. Unlike horizontal clutches, vertical clutches do not cause the chronograph hand to jump when the chronograph is turned on.

Un embrayage vertical comprend généralement, sur un même axe, un premier mobile comprenant une roue dentée et un second mobile comprenant une autre roue dentée et un cône d'embrayage. La roue dentée du premier mobile est en prise avec la roue de secondes. La roue dentée du second mobile est, elle, en prise avec la roue de chronographe. Le cône d'embrayage coopère avec une pince dont les ouvertures et fermetures sont commandées par une roue à colonnes. Une fermeture de la pince éloigne les mobiles l'un de l'autre contre l'action d'un ressort alors qu'une ouverture de la pince amène les mobiles en contact l'un avec l'autre sous l'action du ressort. Lorsque la pince est ouverte (position embrayée) les mobiles sont maintenus en contact par le ressort et le premier mobile entraîne le second mobile par friction. Lorsque la pince est fermée (position débrayée), le second mobile n'est pas en contact avec le premier mobile et n'est donc pas entraîné.A vertical clutch generally comprises, on the same axis, a first mobile comprising a toothed wheel and a second mobile comprising another gear and a clutch cone. The toothed wheel of the first moving wheel is engaged with the seconds wheel. The toothed wheel of the second mobile is in engagement with the chronograph wheel. The clutch cone cooperates with a clamp whose openings and closures are controlled by a column wheel. A closure of the clamp moves the mobile against each other against the action of a spring while an opening of the clamp brings the movable contact with each other under the action of the spring. When the clamp is open (engaged position) the mobiles are held in contact by the spring and the first mobile causes the second mobile friction. When the clamp is closed (disengaged position), the second mobile is not in contact with the first mobile and is not driven.

Pour que la friction entre les mobiles soit suffisante en position embrayée, le ressort qui maintient les mobiles en contact doit avoir une grande force. De plus, des graisses sont généralement utilisées qui apportent de l'adhérence au contact métal contre métal des mobiles. Ces graisses se dégradent assez rapidement dans le temps et ont donc besoin d'être remplacées régulièrement. Ces graisses ne restent en outre pas bien en place et, en se déplaçant dans le mécanisme du chronographe, peuvent l'endommager ou au moins perturber son fonctionnement.For the friction between the mobile is sufficient in the engaged position, the spring that keeps the mobile in contact must have great strength. In addition, greases are generally used which provide adhesion to the metal-to-metal contact of the mobiles. These fats degrade fairly quickly over time and therefore need to be replaced regularly. These greases do not remain well in place and, moving in the mechanism of the chronograph, can damage or at least disrupt its operation.

La présente invention vise à proposer un dispositif d'embrayage vertical qui permette l'utilisation d'un ressort de moindre force et qui ne nécessite pas l'usage des graisses précitées.The present invention aims to provide a vertical clutch device that allows the use of a lower force spring and does not require the use of the aforementioned greases.

A cette fin, il est prévu un dispositif d'embrayage pour pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour chronographe, comprenant des premier et second mobiles rotatifs coaxiaux pouvant prendre une position axiale relative embrayée dans laquelle une rotation du premier mobile entraîne une rotation du second mobile et une position axiale relative débrayée dans laquelle une rotation du premier mobile n'entraîne pas de rotation du second mobile, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un organe de friction en une matière viscoélastique interposé entre les mobiles pour transmettre la rotation du premier mobile au second mobile dans la position embrayée.To this end, there is provided a clutch device for a timepiece, particularly for a chronograph, comprising coaxial first and second rotatable mobiles that can assume an engaged axial axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile causes rotation of the second mobile. and a disengaged relative axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile does not cause rotation of the second mobile, characterized in that it further comprises a friction member of a viscoelastic material interposed between the mobiles to transmit the rotation of the first mobile to the second mobile in the engaged position.

Des modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention sont définis dans les revendications dépendantes annexées 2 à 7.Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the appended dependent claims 2-7.

La présente invention prévoit également un mécanisme de chronographe tel que défini dans la revendication annexée 8.The present invention also provides a chronograph mechanism as defined in appended claim 8.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale d'un embrayage selon l'invention dans un état embrayé ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe axiale de l'embrayage selon l'invention dans un état débrayé ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue plane de dessus de l'embrayage selon l'invention dans l'état embrayé ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue plane de dessus de l'embrayage selon l'invention dans l'état débrayé ;
Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a clutch according to the invention in an engaged state;
  • the figure 2 is an axial sectional view of the clutch according to the invention in a disengaged state;
  • the figure 3 is a plan view from above of the clutch according to the invention in the engaged state;
  • the figure 4 is a plan view from above of the clutch according to the invention in the disengaged state;

En référence aux figures 1 à 4, un dispositif d'embrayage vertical pour chronographe selon l'invention comprend un mobile rotatif inférieur 1 et un mobile rotatif supérieur 2 montés sur un axe d'embrayage 3 pivoté dans deux paliers 4, 5. Le mobile inférieur 1 est constitué par une roue dentée qui est mobile en rotation autour de l'axe 3 et qui s'appuie sur une collerette 6 de l'axe 3. Ce mobile inférieur 1 engrène en permanence avec la roue de secondes 7 du mouvement, qui tourne à raison d'un tour par minute. Le mobile supérieur 2 est monté mobile autour de l'axe 3, plus précisément autour d'un tube 8 chassé sur l'axe 3. Le mobile supérieur 2 est constitué de plusieurs éléments coaxiaux assemblés rigidement entre eux, à savoir une roue dentée dite roue d'embrayage supérieure 9, un cône d'embrayage 10 et un tube d'embrayage 11. Le tube d'embrayage 11 entoure le tube 8, de manière mobile en rotation et en translation, et comporte à sa périphérie des portées 12, 13 sur lesquelles sont chassés respectivement la roue d'embrayage supérieure 9 et le cône d'embrayage 10. Le cône d'embrayage 10 est situé entre la roue d'embrayage supérieure 9 et le mobile inférieur 1 et est en contact, par sa surface plane annulaire supérieure, avec la surface plane annulaire inférieure de la roue d'embrayage supérieure 9. La roue d'embrayage supérieure 9 engrène en permanence avec la roue de chronographe 14, dont l'axe porte l'aiguille de chronographe, c'est-à-dire l'aiguille du compteur de secondes.With reference to Figures 1 to 4 , a vertical chronograph clutch device according to the invention comprises a lower rotatable mobile 1 and an upper rotary mobile 2 mounted on a clutch axis 3 pivoted in two bearings 4, 5. The lower mobile 1 is constituted by a wheel toothed which is rotatable about the axis 3 and which rests on a flange 6 of the axis 3. This lower mobile 1 meshes permanently with the seconds wheel 7 of the movement, which rotates at a rate of revolution per minute. The upper mobile 2 is mounted movably about the axis 3, more precisely around a tube 8 driven on the axis 3. The upper mobile 2 consists of several coaxial elements rigidly assembled together, namely a so-called toothed wheel upper clutch wheel 9, a clutch cone 10 and a clutch tube 11. The clutch tube 11 surrounds the tube 8, in a manner that is mobile in rotation and in translation, and comprises at its periphery bearing surfaces 12, 13 on which are driven respectively the upper clutch wheel 9 and the clutch cone 10. The clutch cone 10 is located between the upper clutch wheel 9 and the lower mobile 1 and is in contact, by its surface upper annular plane, with the lower annular flat surface of the upper clutch wheel 9. The upper clutch wheel 9 meshes permanently with the chronograph wheel 14, whose axis carries the chronograph hand, it is to say the needle of comp seconds.

Une rondelle 15 montée mobile en rotation autour du tube 8, au-dessus du mobile supérieur 2, est séparée de la roue d'embrayage supérieure 9 par un ressort 16. Le ressort 16 comporte une partie centrale annulaire 17 qui entoure le tube 8 et un certain nombre de lames 18, par exemple six, qui partent de la partie centrale 17 et dont une sur deux est en appui sur la roue d'embrayage supérieure 9 et les autres en appui sur la rondelle 15. Aux figures 1 et 2, seules deux lames 18 sont visibles. Le ressort 16 maintient la rondelle 15 axialement en butée contre un épaulement annulaire 19 du tube 8 et tend à éloigner le mobile supérieur 2 de la rondelle 15, et donc à rapprocher le mobile supérieur 2 du mobile inférieur 1.A washer 15 mounted to rotate about the tube 8, above the upper mobile 2, is separated from the upper clutch wheel 9 by a spring 16. The spring 16 has an annular central portion 17 which surrounds the tube 8 and a number of blades 18, for example six, which start from the part 17 and one of which is supported on the upper clutch wheel 9 and the other bearing on the washer 15. Aux Figures 1 and 2 only two blades 18 are visible. The spring 16 holds the washer 15 axially in abutment against an annular shoulder 19 of the tube 8 and tends to move the upper mobile 2 of the washer 15, and thus to bring the upper mobile 2 of the lower mobile 1.

Le mobile supérieur 2 est mobile en translation axiale sur le tube 8 entre une position embrayée représentée à la figure 1, où le mobile supérieur 2 est plaqué contre le mobile inférieur 1, et une position débrayée représentée à la figure 2, où les mobiles 1, 2 sont éloignés l'un de l'autre. Dans la position embrayée, le mobile inférieur 1 entraîne le mobile supérieur 2 par friction ce qui transmet le mouvement de la roue de secondes 7 à la roue de chronographe 14. Les frictions entre le tube 8, le mobile supérieur 2, le ressort 16 et la rondelle 15 font que les éléments 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 et 16 tournent ensemble dans la position embrayée. Dans la position débrayée, le mobile inférieur 1 tourne sans entraîner le mobile supérieur 2 et ne transmet donc pas le mouvement de la roue de secondes 7 à la roue de chronographe 14.The upper mobile 2 is movable in axial translation on the tube 8 between an engaged position shown in FIG. figure 1 , where the upper mobile 2 is pressed against the lower mobile 1, and a disengaged position shown in FIG. figure 2 where the mobiles 1, 2 are distant from each other. In the engaged position, the lower mobile 1 drives the upper mobile 2 by friction which transmits the movement of the seconds wheel 7 to the chronograph wheel 14. The friction between the tube 8, the upper mobile 2, the spring 16 and the washer 15 causes the elements 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 to rotate together in the engaged position. In the disengaged position, the lower mobile 1 rotates without driving the upper mobile 2 and therefore does not transmit the movement of the seconds wheel 7 to the chronograph wheel 14.

Le déplacement axial du mobile supérieur 2 est commandé par une pince 20 qui peut être fermée pour venir en contact avec le cône d'embrayage 10 et le soulever contre l'action du ressort 16 (figures 2 et 4) ou ouverte pour laisser le ressort 16 plaquer le mobile supérieur 2 contre le mobile inférieur 1 (figures 1 et 3). Comme cela apparaît sur les figures 3 et 4, l'une 21 des deux branches 21, 22 de la pince 20 commande l'autre branche 22 et coopère avec une roue à colonnes 23 par un bec 24. De manière classique, la roue à colonnes 23 est commandée par un bouton-poussoir marche/arrêt (non représenté) du chronographe. Chaque pression sur le bouton-poussoir fait tourner la roue à colonnes 23 d'un pas, ce qui ferme ou ouvre la pince 20 en fonction de la position du bec 24 par rapport aux colonnes. Dans une position angulaire sur deux de la roue à colonnes 23 (figure 4), le bec 24 est en appui sur une colonne 25 de la roue 23 contre l'action d'un ressort de rappel 26 de la pince 20, ce qui maintient la pince 20 dans sa position fermée. Dans les autres positions angulaires de la roue à colonnes 23 (figure 3), le bec 24 se trouve entre deux colonnes 25 et l'action du ressort de rappel 26 maintient la pince 20 dans sa position ouverte.The axial displacement of the upper mobile 2 is controlled by a clamp 20 which can be closed to come into contact with the clutch cone 10 and lift it against the action of the spring 16 ( figures 2 and 4 ) or open to let the spring 16 press the upper mobile 2 against the lower mobile 1 ( figures 1 and 3 ). As it appears on the figures 3 and 4 one 21 of the two branches 21, 22 of the clamp 20 controls the other branch 22 and cooperates with a column wheel 23 by a spout 24. Typically, the column wheel 23 is controlled by a push-button on / off (not shown) of the chronograph. Each press of the push button rotates the column wheel 23 one step, which closes or opens the clamp 20 according to the position of the nozzle 24 relative to the columns. In an angular position on two of the column wheel 23 ( figure 4 ), the spout 24 is supported on a column 25 of the wheel 23 against the action of a return spring 26 of the clamp 20, which maintains the clip 20 in its closed position. In the other angular positions of the column wheel 23 ( figure 3 ), the spout 24 is between two columns 25 and the action of the return spring 26 holds the clamp 20 in its open position.

Pendant le passage de la position embrayée à la position débrayée, la pince 20 plaque le mobile supérieur 2 contre la rondelle 15, avec le ressort 16 entre eux, ce qui fait monter tout l'ensemble 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 et 16 jusqu'à ce qu'un épaulement 27 de l'axe 3 s'appuie contre le palier supérieur 4. Dans la position débrayée, les frictions entre l'axe 3 et le palier 4, entre le tube 8, le mobile supérieur 2, la rondelle 15 et le ressort 16, et entre la pince 20 et le cône d'embrayage 10 font que l'ensemble 2, 3, 8, 15 et 16 s'arrête de tourner, ce qui arrête la roue de chronographe 14. Aucun frein spécifique n'est donc nécessaire pour arrêter la roue de chronographe 14. Le mobile inférieur 1, lui, tourne autour de l'axe 3 dans cette position débrayée.During the passage from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the clamp 20 plates the upper mobile 2 against the washer 15, with the spring 16 between them, which makes the whole assembly 1, 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 until a shoulder 27 of the axis 3 bears against the upper bearing 4. In the disengaged position, the friction between the axis 3 and the bearing 4, between the tube 8, the upper mobile 2 , the washer 15 and the spring 16, and between the clamp 20 and the clutch cone 10 cause the assembly 2, 3, 8, 15 and 16 to stop rotating, which stops the chronograph wheel 14. No specific brake is therefore necessary to stop the chronograph wheel 14. The lower mobile 1, it, rotates about the axis 3 in this disengaged position.

Lors de la remise à zéro du chronographe, après un arrêt de ce dernier, un marteau (non représenté) frappe une came en forme de coeur ce qui fait tourner la roue de chronographe 14 jusqu'à la position zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe. Cette rotation de la roue de chronographe 14 entraîne une rotation du mobile supérieur 2. La rondelle 15 et le ressort 16 sont entraînés dans cette rotation par friction avec le mobile supérieur 2, l'ensemble 2, 15, 16 tournant autour de l'axe 3 et du tube 8.When resetting the chronograph, after a stop of the latter, a hammer (not shown) strikes a heart-shaped cam which rotates the chronograph wheel 14 to the zero position of the chronograph hand . This rotation of the chronograph wheel 14 causes a rotation of the upper mobile 2. The washer 15 and the spring 16 are driven in this rotation by friction with the upper mobile 2, the assembly 2, 15, 16 rotating about the axis 3 and tube 8.

Le chronographe peut comprendre une fonction dite de « retour en vol » permettant la remise à zéro du chronographe alors que ce dernier est en marche. Dans ce cas, un levier (non représenté) ferme la pince 20 sous l'action d'un bouton-poussoir de remise à zéro pour arrêter le chronographe et le marteau de remise à zéro est ensuite actionné.The chronograph may include a so-called "flying back" function enabling the chronograph to be reset while the chronograph is running. In this case, a lever (not shown) closes the clamp 20 under the action of a reset button to stop the chronograph and the reset hammer is then actuated.

Conformément à l'invention, dans la position embrayée de l'embrayage, les mobiles 1, 2 ne sont pas plaqués directement l'un contre l'autre mais par l'intermédiaire d'un joint 30 fait en une matière viscoélastique. Ce joint 30 a une forme annulaire, typiquement torique, coaxiale avec l'axe 3, et est logé dans un logement annulaire 31 défini par le tube d'embrayage 11 et le cône d'embrayage 10 et ouvert vers le bas, c'est-à-dire vers le mobile inférieur 1. Une partie du joint 30 dépasse du logement 31 de sorte que dans la position embrayée de l'embrayage, le joint 30 est serré entre le fond du logement 31 et le mobile inférieur 1 par l'action du ressort 16 sans que les mobiles inférieur et supérieur 1, 2 se touchent. Dans cette position embrayée, la friction qui se produit entre le joint 30 et le mobile inférieur 1, d'une part, et entre le joint 30 et le mobile supérieur 2, d'autre part, empêche tout glissement du mobile supérieur 2 par rapport au mobile inférieur 1 et rend donc ces deux mobiles 1, 2 solidaires l'un de l'autre en rotation. Dans la position débrayée de l'embrayage, le joint 30 ne touche plus le mobile inférieur 1 ce qui déconnecte le mobile supérieur 2 du mobile inférieur 1.According to the invention, in the engaged position of the clutch, the mobiles 1, 2 are not pressed directly against each other but via a seal 30 made of a viscoelastic material. This seal 30 has an annular shape, typically toric, coaxial with the axis 3, and is housed in a annular housing 31 defined by the clutch tube 11 and the clutch cone 10 and open downwards, that is to say towards the lower mobile 1. A portion of the seal 30 protrudes from the housing 31 so that in the engaged position of the clutch, the seal 30 is clamped between the bottom of the housing 31 and the lower mobile 1 by the action of the spring 16 without the lower and upper mobile 1, 2 touch. In this engaged position, the friction that occurs between the seal 30 and the lower mobile 1, on the one hand, and between the seal 30 and the upper mobile 2, on the other hand, prevents any sliding of the upper mobile 2 relative to to the lower mobile 1 and thus makes these two mobiles 1, 2 integral with each other in rotation. In the disengaged position of the clutch, the seal 30 no longer touches the lower mobile 1 which disconnects the upper mobile 2 of the lower mobile 1.

En pratique, le joint 30 a un diamètre intérieur qui est inférieur au diamètre intérieur minimum du logement 31 de sorte que le joint 30 est introduit et maintenu dans le logement 31 en y étant étiré radialement. L'assemblage des éléments du mobile supérieur 2 se fait en plaçant d'abord le joint 30 autour du tube d'embrayage 11, puis en chassant le cône d'embrayage 10 autour du tube d'embrayage 11 et du joint 30.In practice, the seal 30 has an inside diameter that is smaller than the minimum inside diameter of the housing 31 so that the seal 30 is inserted and held in the housing 31 by being radially stretched therein. The assembly of the elements of the upper mobile 2 is done by first placing the seal 30 around the clutch tube 11, then by driving the clutch cone 10 around the clutch tube 11 and the seal 30.

Grâce au joint 30, une forte friction est obtenue entre les mobiles inférieur et supérieur 1, 2 dans la position embrayée de sorte que le ressort 16 n'a pas besoin d'être fort, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'a pas besoin d'être très tendu. Le risque de déformation permanente ou de rupture du ressort 16 est donc limité. L'usage de graisse de friction n'est, de plus, pas nécessaire.Thanks to the seal 30, a high friction is obtained between the lower and upper movable 1, 2 in the engaged position so that the spring 16 does not need to be strong, that is to say that it do not need to be very tense. The risk of permanent deformation or rupture of the spring 16 is therefore limited. The use of friction grease is, moreover, not necessary.

La matière viscoélastique formant le joint 30 est par exemple du caoutchouc naturel ou du caoutchouc synthétique tel que le néoprène, le polybutadiène, le polyuréthane, le silicone, etc. Les mobiles inférieur et supérieur 1, 2 peuvent, eux, être faits dans toute matière appropriée, typiquement une matière métallique.The viscoelastic material forming the seal 30 is for example natural rubber or synthetic rubber such as neoprene, polybutadiene, polyurethane, silicone, etc. The lower and upper mobiles 1, 2 can themselves be made of any suitable material, typically a metallic material.

Dans une variante de réalisation, le joint 30 pourrait être logé dans le mobile inférieur 1 plutôt que dans le mobile supérieur 2.In an alternative embodiment, the seal 30 could be housed in the lower mobile 1 rather than in the upper mobile 2.

Claims (8)

Dispositif d'embrayage pour pièce d'horlogerie, comprenant des premier et second mobiles rotatifs coaxiaux (1, 2) pouvant prendre une position axiale relative embrayée dans laquelle une rotation du premier mobile (1) entraîne une rotation du second mobile (2) et une position axiale relative débrayée dans laquelle une rotation du premier mobile (1) n'entraîne pas de rotation du second mobile (2), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre un organe de friction en une matière viscoélastique (30) interposé entre les mobiles (1, 2) pour transmettre la rotation du premier mobile (1) au second mobile (2) dans la position embrayée.Clutch device for a timepiece, comprising coaxial first and second rotatable mobiles (1, 2) that can assume an engaged axial axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile (1) causes a rotation of the second mobile (2) and a disengaged relative axial position in which a rotation of the first mobile (1) does not cause rotation of the second mobile (2), characterized in that it further comprises a friction member of a viscoelastic material (30) interposed between the mobiles (1, 2) for transmitting the rotation of the first mobile (1) to the second mobile (2) in the engaged position. Dispositif d'embrayage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite matière viscoélastique comprend du caoutchouc naturel ou synthétique.Clutch device according to claim 1, characterized in that said viscoelastic material comprises natural or synthetic rubber. Dispositif d'embrayage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de friction (30) a une forme annulaire et est coaxial avec les mobiles (1, 2).Clutch device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the friction member (30) has an annular shape and is coaxial with the mobiles (1, 2). Dispositif d'embrayage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de friction (30) est logé en partie dans l'un des premier et second mobiles (1, 2).Clutch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the friction member (30) is housed in part in one of the first and second mobiles (1, 2). Dispositif d'embrayage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de friction (30) est logé en partie dans le second mobile (2).Clutch device according to claim 4, characterized in that the friction member (30) is partially housed in the second mobile (2). Dispositif d'embrayage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre une pince (20) pouvant être fermée pour coopérer avec un cône (10) du second mobile (2) et faire passer les mobiles (1, 2) de leur position axiale relative embrayée à leur position axiale relative débrayée et pouvant être ouverte pour laisser un ressort (16) plaquer le second mobile (2) contre le premier mobile (1) par l'intermédiaire de l'organe de friction (30) pour faire passer les mobiles (1, 2) de leur position axiale relative débrayée à leur position axiale relative embrayée.Clutch device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a clip (20) which can be closed to cooperate with a cone (10) of the second movable (2) and move the movable (1, 2) from their relative axial position engaged to their relative axial position disengaged and can be opened to let a spring (16) plate the second mobile (2) against the first mobile (1) via the friction member (30) to move the movable (1, 2) from their disengaged relative axial position to their relative axial position engaged. Dispositif d'embrayage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que les mobiles (1, 2) comprennent chacun une roue dentée (1, 9).Clutch device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mobiles (1, 2) each comprise a toothed wheel (1, 9). Mécanisme de chronographe caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif d'embrayage selon la revendication 7, une roue de secondes (7) en prise avec la roue dentée (1) du premier mobile (1) et une roue de chronographe (14) en prise avec la roue dentée (9) du second mobile (2).Chronograph mechanism characterized in that it comprises a clutch device according to claim 7, a second wheel (7) in engagement with the toothed wheel (1) of the first wheel (1) and a chronograph wheel (14) engaged with the toothed wheel (9) of the second wheel (2).
EP07011353.5A 2007-06-11 2007-06-11 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece Active EP2015145B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07011353.5A EP2015145B1 (en) 2007-06-11 2007-06-11 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece
CNA2008101446141A CN101324782A (en) 2007-06-11 2008-06-06 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece
JP2008178426A JP5247270B2 (en) 2007-06-11 2008-06-11 Clock vertical clutch device
US12/136,790 US7712953B2 (en) 2007-06-11 2008-06-11 Vertical clutch device for timepiece
HK09100946.6A HK1123368A1 (en) 2007-06-11 2009-02-03 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07011353.5A EP2015145B1 (en) 2007-06-11 2007-06-11 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece

Publications (2)

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EP2015145A1 true EP2015145A1 (en) 2009-01-14
EP2015145B1 EP2015145B1 (en) 2013-05-01

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EP07011353.5A Active EP2015145B1 (en) 2007-06-11 2007-06-11 Vertical clutch device for a timepiece

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US (1) US7712953B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2015145B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5247270B2 (en)
CN (1) CN101324782A (en)
HK (1) HK1123368A1 (en)

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EP2463986A1 (en) 2010-12-10 2012-06-13 Celsius X Vi Ii Portable electronic apparatus
EP3185081A1 (en) * 2015-12-23 2017-06-28 Rolex Sa Timepiece module
EP3264198A1 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-01-03 Montres Breguet S.A. Timepiece comprising a device for switching a mechanism of said timepiece
EP3407143A1 (en) 2017-05-24 2018-11-28 Rolex Sa Mechanical linking device
CH717701A1 (en) * 2020-07-30 2022-01-31 Montres Breguet Sa Nice set of clocks.
EP4202577A1 (en) 2021-12-21 2023-06-28 Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet SA Lever device for a timepiece movement
CH720479A1 (en) * 2023-02-06 2024-08-15 Richemont Int Sa Vertical clutch device, chronograph mechanism, watch movement and timepiece
EP4451068A1 (en) * 2023-04-21 2024-10-23 Greubel Forsey S.A. Clutch for a chronograph

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EP3123251B1 (en) * 2014-03-26 2021-04-28 The Swatch Group Management Services AG Timepiece comprising a turning collar
EP3002636B1 (en) * 2014-10-02 2017-08-09 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Disengaging coaxial wheels of a watch movement
DE102015122629B3 (en) * 2015-12-22 2017-03-16 Lange Uhren Gmbh Adjustment device of a clock
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CN106896693A (en) * 2016-12-16 2017-06-27 惠贯有限公司 A kind of vertical clutch structure of wrist-watch
EP3547045B1 (en) * 2018-03-26 2022-05-04 Montres Breguet S.A. Timepiece transmission mechanism having reduced clutching effort
EP3839658A1 (en) 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Blancpain SA Display changing mechanism
EP3869278B1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2023-03-08 Montres Breguet S.A. Vertical clutch device for a timepiece
EP4270116A1 (en) * 2022-04-29 2023-11-01 Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH Switchable display mechanism for a timepiece
DE102023107564B3 (en) 2023-03-24 2024-07-11 Lange Uhren Gmbh Coupling device of a clock

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012010392A3 (en) * 2010-07-21 2012-04-26 Blancpain Sa Dual display timepiece
EP2463986A1 (en) 2010-12-10 2012-06-13 Celsius X Vi Ii Portable electronic apparatus
US11042123B2 (en) 2015-12-23 2021-06-22 Rolex Sa Clockwork module
EP3185081A1 (en) * 2015-12-23 2017-06-28 Rolex Sa Timepiece module
EP3264198A1 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-01-03 Montres Breguet S.A. Timepiece comprising a device for switching a mechanism of said timepiece
US10078310B2 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-09-18 Montres Breguet S.A. Timepiece comprising a device for switching a mechanism of said timepiece
EP3407143A1 (en) 2017-05-24 2018-11-28 Rolex Sa Mechanical linking device
US11262707B2 (en) 2017-05-24 2022-03-01 Rolex Sa Mechanical connection device
CH717701A1 (en) * 2020-07-30 2022-01-31 Montres Breguet Sa Nice set of clocks.
EP4202577A1 (en) 2021-12-21 2023-06-28 Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet SA Lever device for a timepiece movement
WO2023119079A1 (en) 2021-12-21 2023-06-29 Manufacture D' Horlogerie Audemars Piguet Sa Lever device of a clock mechanism
CH720479A1 (en) * 2023-02-06 2024-08-15 Richemont Int Sa Vertical clutch device, chronograph mechanism, watch movement and timepiece
EP4451068A1 (en) * 2023-04-21 2024-10-23 Greubel Forsey S.A. Clutch for a chronograph
WO2024218183A1 (en) * 2023-04-21 2024-10-24 Greubel Forsey S.A. Coupling for chronograph

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HK1123368A1 (en) 2009-06-12
JP5247270B2 (en) 2013-07-24
CN101324782A (en) 2008-12-17
US20080304370A1 (en) 2008-12-11
JP2008304469A (en) 2008-12-18
US7712953B2 (en) 2010-05-11
EP2015145B1 (en) 2013-05-01

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