EP2058714B1 - Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism - Google Patents

Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2058714B1
EP2058714B1 EP07120279A EP07120279A EP2058714B1 EP 2058714 B1 EP2058714 B1 EP 2058714B1 EP 07120279 A EP07120279 A EP 07120279A EP 07120279 A EP07120279 A EP 07120279A EP 2058714 B1 EP2058714 B1 EP 2058714B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elastically deformable
crown
centring
ring
drive ring
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
EP07120279A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2058714A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre-Jean Bonnet
Georges Zimmermann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meco SA
Original Assignee
Meco SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meco SA filed Critical Meco SA
Priority to EP07120279A priority Critical patent/EP2058714B1/en
Priority to AT07120279T priority patent/ATE437388T1/en
Priority to DE602007001696T priority patent/DE602007001696D1/en
Priority to TW097138973A priority patent/TW200931211A/en
Priority to US12/249,074 priority patent/US7959352B2/en
Priority to SG200807790-1A priority patent/SG152179A1/en
Priority to KR1020080107851A priority patent/KR101451990B1/en
Priority to JP2008286255A priority patent/JP5363784B2/en
Priority to CN2008101745783A priority patent/CN101430539B/en
Publication of EP2058714A1 publication Critical patent/EP2058714A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2058714B1 publication Critical patent/EP2058714B1/en
Priority to HK09110111.4A priority patent/HK1132557A1/en
Priority to US13/071,314 priority patent/US8142070B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/06—Keys or the like with means preventing overwinding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism. More precisely, the present invention relates to such a crown comprising a mechanism intended to prevent the user from damaging the movement of the timepiece, in particular when he arms the mainspring.
  • a crown of the kind mentioned above is known, for example, from the European patent application EP 1 586 960 in the name of the Claimant.
  • Such a crown essentially comprises a cap delimited downwards by a circular skirt provided on its outer surface with a plurality of grooves for facilitating the operation of the crown by the user.
  • This circular skirt delimits a hollow inner housing in which is housed the disengaging mechanism.
  • This clutch mechanism comprises among others a rigid ring having on its inner periphery a plurality of notches intended to cooperate with one or more spring elements of generally circular shape to perform the disengaging function. Indeed, the notched ring is secured to the ring while the spring elements are fixed on a barrel on which is screwed a winding stem which acts on the winding mechanism of the mainspring.
  • the resisting torque opposed by the spring elements is less than a predetermined value, they are rotated by the rigid ring under the effect of the actuation of the crown by the user.
  • the spring elements drive the barrel on which they are mounted and therefore the winding stem.
  • the resistant torque opposed by the elements springs becomes greater than the predetermined value because the barrel spring is fully armed, said spring elements will deform elastically in response to the actuation of the rigid ring and will escape the latter by sliding.
  • the user-operated crown will turn in a vacuum.
  • the barrel spring is thus protected against any excessive winding which could damage it.
  • the barrel has at its upper end a protruding portion of shape for example square and fits in a hole, also square, made in the springs by which said springs are made integral with said barrel.
  • the crown described above has presented a problem.
  • the springs rigidly coupled with said barrel, are no longer properly centered with respect to the notched rigid ring.
  • the springs can then, when the notched ring is rotated, move from their normal elastic deformation regime to a regime of plastic deformation in which they undergo irreversible damage.
  • There is then a significant decrease in the value of the threshold torque which determines the transition between the state in which the notched ring drives the springs in rotation and the state in which this notched ring slides on said springs without driving them, which As a result, the user is no longer able to remount the cylinder spring optimally.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the problems of resistance of the abovementioned materials, tribological problems as well as others by providing a new type of disengaging mechanism for a timepiece winding crown whose value of the torque that marks the disengagement between the notched rigid ring and the spring elements remains stable over time.
  • the present invention relates to a winding crown for a timepiece, this ring comprising a disengaging mechanism comprising a rigid drive ring secured to the ring and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element integral with a a barrel at one end of which is fixed a winding stem, the rigid ring driving the elastic element deformable in at least one direction of rotation until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element exceeds a threshold value beyond this elastic element is deformed so as to interrupt its driving connection with the rigid ring, the ring being characterized in that the elastically deformable element comprises means which allow its centering relative to the rigid drive ring .
  • the present invention provides a crown for a timepiece whose elastically deformable element of the disengaging mechanism comprises its own centering means relative to the rigid drive ring secured to the crown.
  • Axial misalignment between the barrel whose elastically deformable element is integral and the crown therefore has no effect on the centering of this deformable element relative to the drive ring. Therefore, in the case where such misalignment is observed, the deformable element will remain in a state where it deforms elastically under the effect of the stresses exerted by the rigid ring and will not enter a field of plastic deformation in which it could deteriorate irreversibly.
  • the operating characteristics of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention will be retained over time. In particular, there is no noticeable drop in the value of the couple marking the passage between the state where the rigid ring is engaged with the deformable element and the state where the rigid ring is disengaged from the deformable element.
  • the elastically deformable element is of circular shape and the centering means are arranged at least diametrically opposite on the perimeter of said elastically deformable element.
  • the centering means are provided in three places distributed at regular intervals on the perimeter of the elastically deformable element.
  • the forces exerted on the elastically deformable element are distributed optimally in the case where the barrel is not perfectly aligned axially with the crown.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of providing a crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism for protecting the movement of the timepiece against excessive winding of the mainspring, this disengaging mechanism comprising an elastically deformable element which has means ensuring its perfect centering with respect to the rigid ring; training.
  • this disengaging mechanism comprising an elastically deformable element which has means ensuring its perfect centering with respect to the rigid ring; training.
  • FIG. 1 A first example of a disengaging mechanism according to the invention is shown in connection with the figure 1 .
  • this disengaging mechanism comprises an elastically deformable element 2 and a rigid drive ring 4.
  • the elastically deformable element 2 is typically an element of generally circular shape. It comprises a base 6 also substantially circular and pierced at its center with a hole 8 of shape for example square by which it is fixed on a projecting portion 10 of complementary shape to that of the hole 8 of a barrel 12 (see figure 3 ) at the end of which is fixed a winding stem (not shown).
  • the spring element 2 comprises means which make it possible to ensure its centering with respect to the rigid driving ring 4.
  • these centering means are in the form of three Y-shaped arms 14, 16 and 18 which extend radially from the base 6 and which are regularly spaced angularly from each other.
  • the spring element 2 also comprises means which allow its temporary coupling with the rigid drive ring 4.
  • these coupling means are in the form of parts in the form of ⁇ . These parts 20 are three in number, each disposed between two successive centering arms.
  • Each coupling piece 20 comprises a head 22 and two legs 24 which define an open surface towards the inside of the spring element 2.
  • the coupling arms 14-18 each comprise a section 14a-18a which extends radially from the base 6 of the spring element 2 and which separates into two symmetrical branches 14b-18b which go into position. 'apart from each other.
  • the two branches 14b-18b of each arm 14-18 are joined together by a centering portion 14c-18c in the shape of a circular arc which is extended at its free ends by connecting portions 26 which allow the arms to be connected. centering 14-18 at the feet 24 of the temporary coupling parts 20.
  • the rigid drive ring 4 has on its inner perimeter an uninterrupted succession of bumps 28 and recesses 30 which respectively define first and second inner diameters D1 and D2, the inner diameter D1 being smaller than the inner diameter D2 .
  • the centering portions 14c-18c in an arc of the arms 14-18 define a first outer radius R'1 of the spring element 2 which corresponds to a diameter equal to the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid drive ring 4.
  • the length of the centering portions 14c-18c is such that these portions 14c-18c always rest on two bumps 28 of the inner perimeter of the drive ring 4, it will be understood that the position of these centering portions 14c-18c relative to the drive ring 4 will remain unchanged regardless of the angular position of said drive ring 4.
  • the bumps 28 of the drive ring 4 thus constitute for the spring element 2 a raceway along which move the centering portions 14c-18c.
  • the spring element 2 is thus perfectly positioned relative to the center of the rigid drive ring 4, so that any axial misalignment of the barrel 12 on which is fixed said spring element 2 with respect to the ring 32 of which said ring rigid 4 is integral does not affect the relative positioning this spring element 2 and this rigid ring 4.
  • the spring element 2 therefore does not risk entering a zone of plastic deformation in which it would suffer irreversible damage which could cause a decrease in the value of the threshold torque which marks the passage between the state where the rigid ring 4 drives the spring element 2 and the state where the spring element 2 deforms elastically to escape the grip of the rigid ring 4 by loss of adherent
  • the drive of the spring element 2 by the rigid ring 4 is ensured by the cooperation between the coupling parts 20 and the bumps 28.
  • the top of the heads 22 of the coupling parts 20 defines a second radius outside R'2 of the spring element 2 which corresponds to a diameter greater than the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid ring 4.
  • the rigid ring 4 has no longer taken on the spring element 2 and the ring 32 turn in the void.
  • the coupling parts 20 work partly in compression along a radius in which the spring element 2 fits and not only in a direction tangential to the perimeter of said spring element 2, which makes it possible to limit the fatigue of said elements. coupling parts 20 and also to increase their resistance to wear.
  • FIG. figure 2 A second embodiment of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . It comprises an elastically deformable element 200 and a rigid drive ring 400.
  • the rigid drive ring 400 has the same shape and structure as the rigid ring 4 described in connection with the figure 1 . It comprises an uninterrupted succession of bumps 280 and recesses 300 which respectively define a first and a second internal diameter D1 and D2, the inner diameter D1 being smaller than the inner diameter D2.
  • the elastically deformable element 200 is of the spring type and is generally circular in shape. It comprises a base 600 also substantially circular and pierced at its center with a square hole 800 through which it is fixed on the protruding portion 10 of square outline of the barrel 12 (see figure 3 ) at the end of which is fixed the winding stem (not shown).
  • the base 600 of the spring element 200 is extended by two bent portions 210 and 220 diametrically opposed, which continue by arms 230 and 240 of shape close to that of a circular arc. As can be seen from the examination of the figure 2 the arms 230, 240 both develop counterclockwise. Of course, it would be quite possible for the arms 230, 240 to extend in the same clockwise direction.
  • each of the two arms 230 and 240 comprises a centering portion 230a, 240a and a coupling portion 230b, 240b.
  • the centering portions 230a, 240a have an arcuate shape and define a first outer diameter D'1 of the spring member 200 which is equal to the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid drive ring 400.
  • the length of the centering portions 230a, 240a is such that these centering portions 230a, 240a always rest on two successive bumps 280 of the inner perimeter of the rigid drive ring 400 and whatever the relative position of said ring 400 with respect to the spring element 200.
  • the coupling portions 230b, 240b of the arms 230, 240 are progressively closer to the center of the spring element 200 and have towards their free end a protuberance 230c, 240c whose point the higher defines a second outer diameter D'2 of the spring member 200 which is greater than the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid ring 400.
  • the rigid ring 400 when the rigid ring 400 is rotated, it in turn drives the spring element 200 abutting by its bumps 280 against the protuberances 230c, 240c of the coupling portions 230b, 240b of the arms 230, 240 of the spring element 200.
  • FIG. figure 3 An example of integration of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention in a winding crown 32 is illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .
  • the ring 32 In its hollow inner housing, the ring 32 has a circular shoulder 34 which delimits firstly a bearing surface 36 for a cover 38 mounted with the interposition of a seal 40 in an opening 42 formed in said ring 32, and on the other hand a stop surface 44 for the rigid drive ring 4, 400 and for one, and preferably two spring elements 2, 200 mounted superimposed.
  • the barrel 12 has a main portion 46 of cylindrical shape in which is made a threaded hole 48 for mounting a winding stem (not shown).
  • the main part 46 of the barrel 12 is surmounted by a disk-shaped head 50 whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the main portion 46.
  • the head 50 is itself surmounted by the projecting portion 10 on which are positioned the two spring elements 2, 200.
  • the two spring elements 2, 200 are partially supported on the head 50 of the barrel 12 and partly on a sleeve 52 which is mounted in the inner volume of the ring 32 by any suitable means such as driving, welding, gluing or other.
  • the crown 32 with its disengaging mechanism is mounted on the middle part of a timepiece via a tube 54 fixed on said case middle for example by driving.
  • the sleeve has two circular grooves 56 and 58 in which are housed two seals 60 and 62 to seal between the ring 32 and the sleeve 52 on the one hand, and between the sleeve 52 and the tube 54 of somewhere else.
  • a screw 64 is screwed into the protruding portion 10 so that the springs 2, 200 are held between the head 66 of the screw and the head 50 of the barrel 12.
  • the rigid drive ring 4, 400 is integral with the ring 32 while the spring elements 2, 200 are integral with the barrel 12.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various simple modifications and variants may be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention such that defined by the appended claims.
  • the spring elements comprise coupling parts deforming in a direction parallel to the tangent to the circle in which said spring elements are inscribed.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Lubrication Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
  • One-Way And Automatic Clutches, And Combinations Of Different Clutches (AREA)
  • Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)

Abstract

The crown has a disengaging mechanism (1) with a rigid driving ring (4) integrated to the crown and cooperating with an elastically deformable element (2) e.g. spring. The ring drives the element in a rotation direction until resisting torque opposed by the element exceeds a threshold value. The element is deformed to interrupt its driving connection with the ring, when the torque exceeds the threshold value. The element has coupling pieces (20) temporarily coupling the element with the ring, and arms (14, 16, 18) centering the element with respect to the ring.

Description

La présente invention concerne une couronne pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme de débrayage. Plus précisément, la présente invention concerne une telle couronne comprenant un mécanisme destiné à éviter que l'utilisateur n'endommage le mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie en particulier lorsqu'il arme le ressort de barillet.The present invention relates to a crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism. More precisely, the present invention relates to such a crown comprising a mechanism intended to prevent the user from damaging the movement of the timepiece, in particular when he arms the mainspring.

Une couronne du genre mentionné ci-dessus est connue, par exemple, de la demande de brevet européen EP 1 586 960 au nom de la Demanderesse. Une telle couronne comprend pour l'essentiel une coiffe délimitée vers le bas par une jupe circulaire pourvue sur sa surface externe d'une pluralité de cannelures destinées à faciliter la manoeuvre de la couronne par l'utilisateur. Cette jupe circulaire délimite un logement intérieur creux dans lequel est logé le mécanisme de débrayage. Ce mécanisme de débrayage comprend entre autres un anneau rigide présentant sur sa périphérie intérieure une pluralité de crans destinés à coopérer avec un ou plusieurs éléments ressorts de forme générale circulaire pour réaliser la fonction de débrayage. En effet, l'anneau cranté est solidaire de la couronne tandis que les éléments ressorts sont fixés sur un canon sur lequel est vissée une tige de remontoir qui agit sur le mécanisme d'armage du ressort de barillet. Aussi longtemps que le couple résistant opposé par les éléments ressorts est inférieur à une valeur prédéterminée, ceux-ci sont entraînés en rotation par l'anneau rigide sous l'effet de l'actionnement de la couronne par l'utilisateur. A leur tour, les éléments ressorts entraînent le canon sur lequel ils sont montés et donc la tige de remontoir. Lorsque le couple résistant opposé par les éléments ressorts devient supérieur à la valeur prédéterminée du fait que le ressort de barillet est complètement armé, lesdits éléments ressorts vont se déformer élastiquement en réponse à l'actionnement de l'anneau rigide et vont échapper à ce dernier par glissement. Ceci a pour résultat que la couronne actionnée par l'utilisateur va tourner dans le vide. Le ressort de barillet est ainsi protégé contre tout remontage excessif qui pourrait l'endommager.A crown of the kind mentioned above is known, for example, from the European patent application EP 1 586 960 in the name of the Claimant. Such a crown essentially comprises a cap delimited downwards by a circular skirt provided on its outer surface with a plurality of grooves for facilitating the operation of the crown by the user. This circular skirt delimits a hollow inner housing in which is housed the disengaging mechanism. This clutch mechanism comprises among others a rigid ring having on its inner periphery a plurality of notches intended to cooperate with one or more spring elements of generally circular shape to perform the disengaging function. Indeed, the notched ring is secured to the ring while the spring elements are fixed on a barrel on which is screwed a winding stem which acts on the winding mechanism of the mainspring. As long as the resisting torque opposed by the spring elements is less than a predetermined value, they are rotated by the rigid ring under the effect of the actuation of the crown by the user. In turn, the spring elements drive the barrel on which they are mounted and therefore the winding stem. When the resistant torque opposed by the elements springs becomes greater than the predetermined value because the barrel spring is fully armed, said spring elements will deform elastically in response to the actuation of the rigid ring and will escape the latter by sliding. As a result, the user-operated crown will turn in a vacuum. The barrel spring is thus protected against any excessive winding which could damage it.

Le canon présente à son extrémité supérieure une portion saillante de forme par exemple carrée et s'inscrit dans un trou, également carré, pratiqué dans les ressorts par lequel lesdits ressorts sont rendus solidaires dudit canon. Ainsi, lorsqu'un mouvement de rotation est imprimé aux ressorts, ceux-ci entraînent à leur tour le canon en rotation via sa partie en saillie.The barrel has at its upper end a protruding portion of shape for example square and fits in a hole, also square, made in the springs by which said springs are made integral with said barrel. Thus, when a rotational movement is imparted to the springs, these in turn drive the barrel in rotation via its protruding portion.

A l'usage, la couronne décrite ci-dessus a présenté un problème. Lorsque le canon n'est pas parfaitement aligné axialement avec la couronne et qu'apparaît donc un jeu entre ces deux pièces, les ressorts, couplés rigidement avec ledit canon, ne sont plus convenablement centrés par rapport à l'anneau rigide cranté. Les ressorts peuvent alors, lorsque l'anneau cranté est entraîné en rotation, passer de leur régime de déformation élastique normal à un régime de déformation plastique dans lequel ils subissent des dégâts irréversibles. On observe alors une baisse sensible de la valeur du couple seuil qui détermine la transition entre l'état dans lequel l'anneau cranté entraîne les ressorts en rotation et l'état dans lequel cet anneau cranté glisse sur lesdits ressorts sans les entraîner, ce qui a pour conséquence que l'utilisateur n'est plus en mesure de remonter le ressort de barillet de manière optimale.In use, the crown described above has presented a problem. When the barrel is not perfectly aligned axially with the crown and therefore appears a clearance between these two parts, the springs, rigidly coupled with said barrel, are no longer properly centered with respect to the notched rigid ring. The springs can then, when the notched ring is rotated, move from their normal elastic deformation regime to a regime of plastic deformation in which they undergo irreversible damage. There is then a significant decrease in the value of the threshold torque which determines the transition between the state in which the notched ring drives the springs in rotation and the state in which this notched ring slides on said springs without driving them, which As a result, the user is no longer able to remount the cylinder spring optimally.

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux problèmes de résistance des matériaux susmentionnés, aux problèmes tribologiques ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en procurant un nouveau type de mécanisme de débrayage pour couronne de remontage de pièce d'horlogerie dont la valeur du couple qui marque le débrayage entre l'anneau rigide cranté et les éléments ressorts reste stable dans le temps.The object of the present invention is to remedy the problems of resistance of the abovementioned materials, tribological problems as well as others by providing a new type of disengaging mechanism for a timepiece winding crown whose value of the torque that marks the disengagement between the notched rigid ring and the spring elements remains stable over time.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne une couronne de remontage pour une pièce d'horlogerie, cette couronne comportant un mécanisme de débrayage comprenant un anneau rigide d'entraînement solidaire de la couronne et coopérant avec au moins un élément élastiquement déformable solidaire d'un canon à une extrémité duquel est fixée une tige de remontoir, l'anneau rigide entraînant l'élément élastique déformable dans au moins un sens de rotation jusqu'à ce que le couple résistant opposé par ledit élément élastique excède une valeur seuil au-delà de laquelle cet élément élastique se déforme de façon à interrompre sa liaison d'entraînement avec l'anneau rigide, la couronne étant caractérisée en ce que l'élément élastiquement déformable comprend des moyens qui permettent son centrage par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a winding crown for a timepiece, this ring comprising a disengaging mechanism comprising a rigid drive ring secured to the ring and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element integral with a a barrel at one end of which is fixed a winding stem, the rigid ring driving the elastic element deformable in at least one direction of rotation until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element exceeds a threshold value beyond this elastic element is deformed so as to interrupt its driving connection with the rigid ring, the ring being characterized in that the elastically deformable element comprises means which allow its centering relative to the rigid drive ring .

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure une couronne pour une pièce d'horlogerie dont l'élément élastiquement déformable du mécanisme de débrayage comprend ses propres moyens de centrage par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement solidaire de la couronne. Un désalignement axial entre le canon dont l'élément élastiquement déformable est solidaire et la couronne est donc sans effet sur le centrage de cet élément déformable par rapport à l'anneau d'entraînement. Par conséquent, dans le cas où un tel désalignement est observé, l'élément déformable va rester dans un état où il se déforme élastiquement sous l'effet des contraintes exercées par l'anneau rigide et n'entrera pas dans un domaine de déformations plastiques dans lequel il pourrait se détériorer de manière irréversible. Ainsi, les caractéristiques de fonctionnement du mécanisme de débrayage selon l'invention seront conservées dans le temps. En particulier, on n'observe pas de baisse notable de la valeur du couple qui marque le passage entre l'état où l'anneau rigide est en prise avec l'élément déformable et l'état où l'anneau rigide est débrayé d'avec l'élément déformable.Thanks to these features, the present invention provides a crown for a timepiece whose elastically deformable element of the disengaging mechanism comprises its own centering means relative to the rigid drive ring secured to the crown. Axial misalignment between the barrel whose elastically deformable element is integral and the crown therefore has no effect on the centering of this deformable element relative to the drive ring. Therefore, in the case where such misalignment is observed, the deformable element will remain in a state where it deforms elastically under the effect of the stresses exerted by the rigid ring and will not enter a field of plastic deformation in which it could deteriorate irreversibly. Thus, the operating characteristics of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention will be retained over time. In particular, there is no noticeable drop in the value of the couple marking the passage between the state where the rigid ring is engaged with the deformable element and the state where the rigid ring is disengaged from the deformable element.

Selon une caractéristique complémentaire de l'invention, l'élément élastiquement déformable est de forme circulaire et les moyens de centrage sont disposés de manière au minimum diamétralement opposée sur le périmètre dudit élément élastiquement déformable.According to a complementary characteristic of the invention, the elastically deformable element is of circular shape and the centering means are arranged at least diametrically opposite on the perimeter of said elastically deformable element.

Grâce à cette caractéristique, on assure un centrage parfaitement symétrique de l'élément élastique déformable par rapport au centre de l'anneau rigide d'entraînement.With this feature, it ensures a perfectly symmetrical centering of the deformable elastic element relative to the center of the rigid drive ring.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution de l'invention, les moyens de centrage sont prévus en trois endroits répartis à intervalles réguliers sur le périmètre de l'élément élastiquement déformable.According to another embodiment of the invention, the centering means are provided in three places distributed at regular intervals on the perimeter of the elastically deformable element.

Grâce à cette variante de réalisation, on répartit de manière optimale les efforts qui s'exercent sur l'élément élastiquement déformable dans le cas où le canon n'est pas parfaitement aligné axialement avec la couronne.With this embodiment variant, the forces exerted on the elastically deformable element are distributed optimally in the case where the barrel is not perfectly aligned axially with the crown.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit de deux modes de réalisation de la couronne selon l'invention, ces exemples étant donnés à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en plan d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'élément élastiquement déformable selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en plan d'un second mode de réalisation de l'élément élastiquement déformable selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une couronne dans lequel est agencé le mécanisme de débrayage selon l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of two embodiments of the ring according to the invention, these examples being given purely by way of illustration and not limiting only with reference to the accompanying drawing. on which :
  • the figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the elastically deformable element according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the elastically deformable element according to the invention, and
  • the figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a ring in which is arranged the release mechanism according to the invention.

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à procurer une couronne pour une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme de débrayage destiné à protéger le mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie contre un remontage excessif du ressort de barillet, ce mécanisme de débrayage comprenant un élément élastiquement déformable qui possède des moyens assurant son parfait centrage par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement. Ainsi, dans le cas où le canon dont l'élément élastique est solidaire n'est pas parfaitement aligné axialement par rapport à la couronne qui porte l'anneau rigide d'entraînement, l'élément élastiquement déformable n'est pas décentré par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement et ne risque donc pas de passer d'un régime de déformation élastique à un régime de déformation plastique dans lequel il subirait des déformations plastiques irréversibles.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of providing a crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism for protecting the movement of the timepiece against excessive winding of the mainspring, this disengaging mechanism comprising an elastically deformable element which has means ensuring its perfect centering with respect to the rigid ring; training. Thus, in the case where the barrel whose elastic element is integral is not perfectly aligned axially with respect to the ring which carries the rigid drive ring, the elastically deformable element is not off-center with respect to the rigid drive ring and therefore not likely to move from an elastic deformation regime to a plastic deformation regime in which it undergoes irreversible plastic deformation.

Un premier exemple d'un mécanisme de débrayage selon l'invention est représenté en liaison avec la figure 1. Désigné dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1, ce mécanisme de débrayage comprend un élément élastiquement déformable 2 et un anneau rigide d'entraînement 4.A first example of a disengaging mechanism according to the invention is shown in connection with the figure 1 . Designated as a whole by the general numerical reference 1, this disengaging mechanism comprises an elastically deformable element 2 and a rigid drive ring 4.

L'élément élastiquement déformable 2 est typiquement un élément de forme générale circulaire. Il comprend une base 6 également sensiblement circulaire et percée en son centre d'un trou 8 de forme par exemple carrée par lequel il est fixé sur une portion saillante 10 de forme complémentaire à celle du trou 8 d'un canon 12 (voir figure 3) à l'extrémité duquel est fixée une tige de remontoir (non représentée).The elastically deformable element 2 is typically an element of generally circular shape. It comprises a base 6 also substantially circular and pierced at its center with a hole 8 of shape for example square by which it is fixed on a projecting portion 10 of complementary shape to that of the hole 8 of a barrel 12 (see figure 3 ) at the end of which is fixed a winding stem (not shown).

Conformément à la présente invention, l'élément ressort 2 comprend des moyens qui permettent d'assurer son centrage par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4. Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1, ces moyens de centrage se présentent sous la forme de trois bras 14, 16 et 18 en forme de Y qui s'étendent radialement à partir de la base 6 et qui sont régulièrement espacés angulairement les uns des autres.According to the present invention, the spring element 2 comprises means which make it possible to ensure its centering with respect to the rigid driving ring 4. In the example shown in FIG. figure 1 these centering means are in the form of three Y-shaped arms 14, 16 and 18 which extend radially from the base 6 and which are regularly spaced angularly from each other.

L'élément ressort 2 comprend également des moyens qui permettent son accouplement temporaire avec l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4. Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1, ces moyens d'accouplement se présentent comme des pièces 20 en forme de Ω. Ces pièces 20 sont au nombre de trois, disposées chacune entre deux bras de centrage successifs. Chaque pièce d'accouplement 20 comprend une tête 22 et deux jambes 24 qui définissent une surface ouverte vers l'intérieur de l'élément ressort 2.The spring element 2 also comprises means which allow its temporary coupling with the rigid drive ring 4. the example shown in figure 1 these coupling means are in the form of parts in the form of Ω. These parts 20 are three in number, each disposed between two successive centering arms. Each coupling piece 20 comprises a head 22 and two legs 24 which define an open surface towards the inside of the spring element 2.

Plus précisément, les bras d'accouplement 14-18 comprennent chacun un tronçon 14a-18a qui s'étend radialement à partir de la base 6 de l'élément ressort 2 et qui se sépare en deux branches symétriques 14b-18b qui vont en s'écartant l'une de l'autre. Les deux branches 14b-18b de chaque bras 14-18 sont réunies entre elles par une portion de centrage 14c-18c en forme d'arc de cercle qui se prolonge à ses extrémités libres par des portions de liaison 26 qui permettent de relier les bras de centrage 14-18 aux pieds 24 des pièces d'accouplement temporaire 20.More specifically, the coupling arms 14-18 each comprise a section 14a-18a which extends radially from the base 6 of the spring element 2 and which separates into two symmetrical branches 14b-18b which go into position. 'apart from each other. The two branches 14b-18b of each arm 14-18 are joined together by a centering portion 14c-18c in the shape of a circular arc which is extended at its free ends by connecting portions 26 which allow the arms to be connected. centering 14-18 at the feet 24 of the temporary coupling parts 20.

L'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4 présente quant à lui sur son périmètre intérieur une succession ininterrompue de bosses 28 et de creux 30 qui définissent respectivement un premier et un second diamètres intérieurs D1 et D2, le diamètre intérieur D1 étant inférieur au diamètre intérieur D2.The rigid drive ring 4 has on its inner perimeter an uninterrupted succession of bumps 28 and recesses 30 which respectively define first and second inner diameters D1 and D2, the inner diameter D1 being smaller than the inner diameter D2 .

Comme on peut le constater à l'examen de la figure 1, les portions de centrage 14c-18c en arc de cercle des bras 14-18 définissent un premier rayon extérieur R'1 de l'élément ressort 2 qui correspond à un diamètre égal au premier diamètre intérieur D1 de l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4. Comme de plus la longueur des portions de centrage 14c-18c est telle que ces portions 14c-18c reposent toujours sur deux bosses 28 du périmètre intérieur de l'anneau d'entraînement 4, on comprendra que la position de ces portions de centrage 14c-18c relativement à l'anneau d'entraînement 4 restera inchangée quelle que soit la position angulaire dudit anneau d'entraînement 4. Les bosses 28 de l'anneau d'entraînement 4 constituent ainsi pour l'élément ressort 2 un chemin de roulement le long duquel se déplacent les portions de centrage 14c-18c. L'élément ressort 2 est ainsi parfaitement positionné relativement au centre de l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4, de sorte qu'un éventuel désalignement axial du canon 12 sur lequel est fixé ledit élément ressort 2 par rapport à la couronne 32 dont ledit anneau rigide 4 est solidaire est sans effet sur le positionnement relatif de cet élément ressort 2 et de cet anneau rigide 4. L'élément ressort 2 ne risque donc pas d'entrer dans une zone de déformation plastique dans laquelle il subirait des dommages irréversibles qui pourraient entraîner une diminution de la valeur du couple seuil qui marque le passage entre l'état où l'anneau rigide 4 entraîne l'élément ressort 2 et l'état où l'élément ressort 2 se déforme élastiquement pour échapper à l'emprise de l'anneau rigide 4 par perte d'adhérenteAs can be seen from the examination of the figure 1 , the centering portions 14c-18c in an arc of the arms 14-18 define a first outer radius R'1 of the spring element 2 which corresponds to a diameter equal to the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid drive ring 4. As furthermore the length of the centering portions 14c-18c is such that these portions 14c-18c always rest on two bumps 28 of the inner perimeter of the drive ring 4, it will be understood that the position of these centering portions 14c-18c relative to the drive ring 4 will remain unchanged regardless of the angular position of said drive ring 4. The bumps 28 of the drive ring 4 thus constitute for the spring element 2 a raceway along which move the centering portions 14c-18c. The spring element 2 is thus perfectly positioned relative to the center of the rigid drive ring 4, so that any axial misalignment of the barrel 12 on which is fixed said spring element 2 with respect to the ring 32 of which said ring rigid 4 is integral does not affect the relative positioning this spring element 2 and this rigid ring 4. The spring element 2 therefore does not risk entering a zone of plastic deformation in which it would suffer irreversible damage which could cause a decrease in the value of the threshold torque which marks the passage between the state where the rigid ring 4 drives the spring element 2 and the state where the spring element 2 deforms elastically to escape the grip of the rigid ring 4 by loss of adherent

L'entraînement de l'élément ressort 2 par l'anneau rigide 4 est assuré par la coopération entre les pièces d'accouplement 20 et les bosses 28. On remarque que le sommet des têtes 22 des pièces d'accouplement 20 définit un second rayon extérieur R'2 de l'élément ressort 2 qui correspond à un diamètre supérieur au premier diamètre intérieur D1 de l'anneau rigide 4. Ainsi, en tournant la couronne 32, on entraîne en rotation l'anneau rigide 4. A son tour, l'anneau rigide 4 va entraîner en rotation l'élément ressort 2, les bosses 28 dudit anneau rigide 4 venant buter contre les têtes 22 des pièces d'accouplement 20. Ceci est vrai jusqu'à ce que l'élément ressort 2 oppose un couple résistant tel que les pièces d'accouplement 20 vont se déformer élastiquement et que leurs têtes 22 vont passer sous les bosses 28. A ce moment, l'anneau rigide 4 n'a plus prise sur l'élément ressort 2 et la couronne 32 tourne dans le vide. On remarquera que les pièces d'accouplement 20 travaillent pour partie en compression selon un rayon dans lequel s'inscrit l'élément ressort 2 et non pas seulement selon une direction tangentielle au périmètre dudit élément ressort 2, ce qui permet de limiter la fatigue desdites pièces d'accouplement 20 et aussi d'augmenter leur résistance à l'usure.The drive of the spring element 2 by the rigid ring 4 is ensured by the cooperation between the coupling parts 20 and the bumps 28. It is noted that the top of the heads 22 of the coupling parts 20 defines a second radius outside R'2 of the spring element 2 which corresponds to a diameter greater than the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid ring 4. Thus, by rotating the ring 32, is rotated the rigid ring 4. In turn, the rigid ring 4 will rotate the spring element 2, the bumps 28 of said rigid ring 4 abutting against the heads 22 of the coupling parts 20. This is true until the spring element 2 opposes a resistant torque such that the coupling parts 20 will deform elastically and that their heads 22 will pass under the bumps 28. At this time, the rigid ring 4 has no longer taken on the spring element 2 and the ring 32 turn in the void. It will be noted that the coupling parts 20 work partly in compression along a radius in which the spring element 2 fits and not only in a direction tangential to the perimeter of said spring element 2, which makes it possible to limit the fatigue of said elements. coupling parts 20 and also to increase their resistance to wear.

Une seconde forme d'exécution du mécanisme de débrayage selon l'invention est illustrée à la figure 2. Elle comprend un élément élastiquement déformable 200 et un anneau rigide d'entraînement 400.A second embodiment of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . It comprises an elastically deformable element 200 and a rigid drive ring 400.

L'anneau rigide d'entraînement 400 a mêmes forme et structure que l'anneau rigide 4 décrit en liaison avec la figure 1. Il comprend une succession ininterrompue de bosses 280 et de creux 300 qui définissent respectivement un premier et un second diamètres intérieurs D1 et D2, le diamètre intérieur D1 étant inférieur au diamètre intérieur D2.The rigid drive ring 400 has the same shape and structure as the rigid ring 4 described in connection with the figure 1 . It comprises an uninterrupted succession of bumps 280 and recesses 300 which respectively define a first and a second internal diameter D1 and D2, the inner diameter D1 being smaller than the inner diameter D2.

L'élément élastiquement déformable 200 est du type ressort et est de forme générale circulaire. Il comprend une base 600 également sensiblement circulaire et percée en son centre d'un trou 800 de forme carrée par lequel il est fixé sur la portion saillante 10 de contour carré du canon 12 (voir figure 3) à l'extrémité duquel est fixée la tige de remontoir (non représentée).The elastically deformable element 200 is of the spring type and is generally circular in shape. It comprises a base 600 also substantially circular and pierced at its center with a square hole 800 through which it is fixed on the protruding portion 10 of square outline of the barrel 12 (see figure 3 ) at the end of which is fixed the winding stem (not shown).

La base 600 de l'élément ressort 200 est prolongée par deux portions coudées 210 et 220 diamétralement opposées qui se poursuivent par des bras 230 et 240 de forme proche de celle d'un arc de cercle. Comme on peut le voir à l'examen de la figure 2, les bras 230, 240 se développent tous deux dans le sens antihoraire. Bien entendu, il serait tout à fait possible que les bras 230, 240 s'étendent dans le même sens horaire.The base 600 of the spring element 200 is extended by two bent portions 210 and 220 diametrically opposed, which continue by arms 230 and 240 of shape close to that of a circular arc. As can be seen from the examination of the figure 2 the arms 230, 240 both develop counterclockwise. Of course, it would be quite possible for the arms 230, 240 to extend in the same clockwise direction.

Plus précisément, chacun des deux bras 230 et 240 comprend une portion de centrage 230a, 240a et une portion d'accouplement 230b, 240b. Les portions de centrage 230a, 240a ont une forme en arc de cercle et définissent un premier diamètre extérieur D'1 de l'élément ressort 200 qui est égal au premier diamètre intérieur D1 de l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 400. La longueur des portions de centrage 230a, 240a est telle que ces portions de centrage 230a, 240a reposent toujours sur deux bosses successives 280 du périmètre intérieur de l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 400 et ce quelle que soit la position relative dudit anneau 400 par rapport à l'élément ressort 200. Ces portions de centrage 230a, 240a permettent donc de garantir que quelles que soient les circonstances, l'élément ressort 200 sera toujours centré par rapport à l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 400.More specifically, each of the two arms 230 and 240 comprises a centering portion 230a, 240a and a coupling portion 230b, 240b. The centering portions 230a, 240a have an arcuate shape and define a first outer diameter D'1 of the spring member 200 which is equal to the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid drive ring 400. The length of the centering portions 230a, 240a is such that these centering portions 230a, 240a always rest on two successive bumps 280 of the inner perimeter of the rigid drive ring 400 and whatever the relative position of said ring 400 with respect to the spring element 200. These centering portions 230a, 240a thus make it possible to guarantee that whatever the circumstances, the spring element 200 will always be centered with respect to the rigid drive ring 400.

Au-delà des portions de centrage 230a, 240a, les portions d'accouplement 230b, 240b des bras 230, 240 se rapprochent progressivement du centre de l'élément ressort 200 et présentent vers leur extrémité libre une protubérance 230c, 240c dont le point le plus haut définit un second diamètre extérieur D'2 de l'élément ressort 200 qui est supérieur au premier diamètre intérieur D1 de l'anneau rigide 400. Ainsi, lorsque l'anneau rigide 400 est entraîné en rotation, il entraîne à son tour l'élément ressort 200 en venant buter par ses bosses 280 contre les protubérances 230c, 240c des portions d'accouplement 230b, 240b des bras 230, 240 de l'élément ressort 200. Ceci est vrai jusqu'à ce que l'élément ressort 200 oppose un couple résistant tel que les bras 230, 240 vont se déformer élastiquement et que leurs protubérances 230c, 240c vont passer sous les bosses 280 de l'anneau rigide 400. A ce moment, l'anneau rigide 400 n'a plus prise sur l'élément ressort 200 et la couronne 32 tourne dans le vide.Beyond the centering portions 230a, 240a, the coupling portions 230b, 240b of the arms 230, 240 are progressively closer to the center of the spring element 200 and have towards their free end a protuberance 230c, 240c whose point the higher defines a second outer diameter D'2 of the spring member 200 which is greater than the first inner diameter D1 of the rigid ring 400. Thus, when the rigid ring 400 is rotated, it in turn drives the spring element 200 abutting by its bumps 280 against the protuberances 230c, 240c of the coupling portions 230b, 240b of the arms 230, 240 of the spring element 200. This is true until the spring element 200 opposes a resistant torque such that the arms 230, 240 will deform elastically and their protuberances 230c, 240c will pass under the bumps 280 of the rigid ring 400. At this time, the rigid ring 400 has no longer taken on the spring element 200 and the ring 32 turns in a vacuum.

Un exemple d'intégration du mécanisme de débrayage selon l'invention dans une couronne de remontoir 32 est illustré à la figure 3. Dans son logement intérieur creux, la couronne 32 présente un épaulement circulaire 34 qui délimite d'une part une surface d'appui 36 pour un couvercle 38 monté avec interposition d'un joint 40 dans une ouverture 42 pratiquée dans ladite couronne 32, et d'autre part une surface de butée 44 pour l'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4, 400 et pour un, et préférentiellement deux éléments ressorts 2, 200 montés superposés.An example of integration of the disengaging mechanism according to the invention in a winding crown 32 is illustrated in FIG. figure 3 . In its hollow inner housing, the ring 32 has a circular shoulder 34 which delimits firstly a bearing surface 36 for a cover 38 mounted with the interposition of a seal 40 in an opening 42 formed in said ring 32, and on the other hand a stop surface 44 for the rigid drive ring 4, 400 and for one, and preferably two spring elements 2, 200 mounted superimposed.

Le canon 12 présente une partie principale 46 de forme cylindrique dans laquelle est pratiqué un trou fileté 48 pour le montage d'une tige de remontoir (non représentée). La partie principale 46 du canon 12 est surmontée par une tête 50 en forme de disque dont le diamètre est supérieur au diamètre de la partie principale 46. La tête 50 est elle-même surmontée par la portion saillante 10 sur laquelle sont positionnés les deux éléments ressorts 2, 200.The barrel 12 has a main portion 46 of cylindrical shape in which is made a threaded hole 48 for mounting a winding stem (not shown). The main part 46 of the barrel 12 is surmounted by a disk-shaped head 50 whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the main portion 46. The head 50 is itself surmounted by the projecting portion 10 on which are positioned the two spring elements 2, 200.

Les deux éléments ressorts 2, 200 prennent appui pour partie sur la tête 50 du canon 12 et pour partie sur une douille 52 qui est montée dans le volume intérieur de la couronne 32 par tout moyen approprié tel que chassage, soudage, collage ou autre.The two spring elements 2, 200 are partially supported on the head 50 of the barrel 12 and partly on a sleeve 52 which is mounted in the inner volume of the ring 32 by any suitable means such as driving, welding, gluing or other.

La couronne 32 avec son mécanisme de débrayage est montée sur la carrure d'une pièce d'horlogerie via un tube 54 fixé sur ladite carrure par exemple par chassage.The crown 32 with its disengaging mechanism is mounted on the middle part of a timepiece via a tube 54 fixed on said case middle for example by driving.

La douille présente deux gorges circulaires 56 et 58 dans lesquelles sont logés deux joints d'étanchéité 60 et 62 pour assurer l'étanchéité entre la couronne 32 et la douille 52 d'une part, et entre la douille 52 et le tube 54 d'autre part.The sleeve has two circular grooves 56 and 58 in which are housed two seals 60 and 62 to seal between the ring 32 and the sleeve 52 on the one hand, and between the sleeve 52 and the tube 54 of somewhere else.

Finalement, une vis 64 est vissée dans la portion saillante 10 de façon que les ressorts 2, 200 soient maintenus entre la tête 66 de la vis et la tête 50 du canon 12.Finally, a screw 64 is screwed into the protruding portion 10 so that the springs 2, 200 are held between the head 66 of the screw and the head 50 of the barrel 12.

L'anneau rigide d'entraînement 4, 400 est solidaire de la couronne 32 tandis que les éléments ressorts 2, 200 sont solidaires du canon 12.The rigid drive ring 4, 400 is integral with the ring 32 while the spring elements 2, 200 are integral with the barrel 12.

Il .va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits et que diverses modifications et variantes simples pourront être envisagées par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, il est tout à fait possible d'envisager que les éléments ressorts comprennent des pièces d'accouplement se déformant selon une direction parallèle à la tangente au cercle dans lequel s'inscrivent lesdits éléments ressorts.It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various simple modifications and variants may be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention such that defined by the appended claims. In particular, it is quite possible to envisage that the spring elements comprise coupling parts deforming in a direction parallel to the tangent to the circle in which said spring elements are inscribed.

Claims (13)

  1. Winding crown for a timepiece, said crown (32) including an uncoupling mechanism (1) comprising a rigid drive ring (4, 400) secured to the crown (32) and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element (2; 200) secured to a pipe (12) one end of which is intended to be secured to a winding stem is secured, the rigid ring (4; 400) driving the deformable elastic element (2; 200) in at least one rotational direction until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element (2; 200) exceeds a threshold value beyond which said elastic element (2; 200) is deformed so as to interrupt the drive connection thereof with the rigid ring (4; 400), the elastically deformable element (2; 200) therefore having means for temporary coupling said element to said rigid drive ring (4; 400), the crown (32) being characterized in that the elastically deformable element (2; 200) includes means cooperating with the rigid drive ring (4; 400) for centring said element relative to the rigid drive ring (4; 400).
  2. Crown according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastically deformable element (2; 200) is of substantially circular shape.
  3. Crown according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner periphery of the rigid drive ring (4; 400) has an uninterrupted series of bumps (28; 280) and hollows (30; 300) which respectively define first and second diameters (D1 and D2), the first inner diameter (D1) being smaller than the second inner diameter (D2).
  4. Crown according to claim 3, characterized in that the centring means are arranged diametrically opposite to each other on the perimeter of said elastically deformable element (200).
  5. Crown according to claim 3, characterized in that the centring means are provided at three regularly spaced places on the perimeter of said elastically deformable element (2).
  6. Crown according to claim 4, characterized in that the centring means include two arms (230, 240) each having one centring portion (230a, 240a) and one coupling portion (230b, 240b).
  7. Crown according to claim 6, characterized in that the centring portions (230a, 240a) have the shape of an arc of a circle which defines a first external diameter (D'1) of the elastically deformable element (200) equal to the first inner diameter (D1) of the rigid drive ring (400), the length of said centring portions (230a, 240a) being such that said centring portions (230a, 240a) always rest on two successive bumps (280) on the inner perimeter of the rigid drive ring (400), and in that the coupling portions (230b, 240b) have protruding portions (230c, 240c) the tip of which defines a second external diameter (D'2) of the spring element (200) which is larger than the first inner diameter (D1) of the rigid drive ring (400).
  8. Crown according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastically deformable element (200) includes a base (600) of substantially circular shape pierced at the centre thereof with a hole (800) via which said elastically deformable element (200) is secured to a projecting portion (10) of the pipe (12), the base (600) being extended by two diametrically opposite bent portions (210, 220) which are followed by the arms (230, 240), said arms (230, 240) developing circularly in the same direction.
  9. Crown according to claim 5, characterized in that the centring means take the form of three Y-shaped arms (14, 16, 18) and in that the coupling means take the form of three Ω-shaped parts each inserted between two successive arms (14, 16, 18), each coupling part (20) including a head (22) and two legs (24), which define a surface open towards the inside of the spring element (2).
  10. Crown according to claim 9, characterized in that the coupling arms (14, 16, 18) each include a section (14a, 16a, 18a), which extends radially from the centre of the elastically deformable element (2) and which separates into two symmetrical branches (14b, 16b, 18b) which get progressively further apart, the two branches (14b, 16b, 18b) of each arm (14, 16, 18) being joined to each other by a centring portion (14c, 16c, 18c) in the shape of an arc of a circle which defines a first external radius (R'1) of the elastically deformable element (2), which corresponds to a diameter equal to the first inner diameter (D1) of the rigid drive ring (4), the length of said centring portions (14c, 16c, 18c) being such that said centring portions (14c, 16c, 18c) always rest on two successive bumps (28) on the inner perimeter of the drive ring (4), and in that the tip of the coupling parts (20) defines a second external radius (R'2) of the spring element (2), which is larger than the first inner diameter (D1) of the rigid drive ring (4).
  11. Crown according to claim 10, characterized in that the centring portions (14c, 16c, 18c) are extended at the free ends thereof by connecting portions (26), which connect the centring arms (14, 16, 18) to the feet (24) of the coupling parts (20).
  12. Crown according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the elastically deformable elements (2; 200) are spring elements.
  13. Crown according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coupling means work partly in radial compression.
EP07120279A 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism Active EP2058714B1 (en)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07120279A EP2058714B1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism
AT07120279T ATE437388T1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 WINDING CROWN FOR WATCH COMPRISING A MECHANISM WITH TORQUE CLUTCH
DE602007001696T DE602007001696D1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Winding crown for watch comprising a mechanism with torque coupling
TW097138973A TW200931211A (en) 2007-11-08 2008-10-09 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism
US12/249,074 US7959352B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2008-10-10 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism
SG200807790-1A SG152179A1 (en) 2007-11-08 2008-10-15 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism
KR1020080107851A KR101451990B1 (en) 2007-11-08 2008-10-31 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism
JP2008286255A JP5363784B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2008-11-07 Clock crown including release mechanism
CN2008101745783A CN101430539B (en) 2007-11-08 2008-11-10 Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism
HK09110111.4A HK1132557A1 (en) 2007-11-08 2009-10-29 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism
US13/071,314 US8142070B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2011-03-24 Timepiece crown including an uncoupling mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07120279A EP2058714B1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2058714A1 EP2058714A1 (en) 2009-05-13
EP2058714B1 true EP2058714B1 (en) 2009-07-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07120279A Active EP2058714B1 (en) 2007-11-08 2007-11-08 Crown for a timepiece comprising a disengaging mechanism

Country Status (10)

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US (2) US7959352B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2058714B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5363784B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101451990B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101430539B (en)
AT (1) ATE437388T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602007001696D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1132557A1 (en)
SG (1) SG152179A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200931211A (en)

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DE602007001696D1 (en) 2009-09-03
JP5363784B2 (en) 2013-12-11
HK1132557A1 (en) 2010-02-26
CN101430539B (en) 2012-06-06
JP2009115800A (en) 2009-05-28
CN101430539A (en) 2009-05-13
TW200931211A (en) 2009-07-16
ATE437388T1 (en) 2009-08-15
KR101451990B1 (en) 2014-10-21
US20090122657A1 (en) 2009-05-14
US8142070B2 (en) 2012-03-27
US7959352B2 (en) 2011-06-14
SG152179A1 (en) 2009-05-29
KR20090048326A (en) 2009-05-13
EP2058714A1 (en) 2009-05-13
US20110176394A1 (en) 2011-07-21

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