EP2560054A1 - Winding of a clock mechanism by pressing or pulling - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism (1) has a winding-button (2) driving a winding rod (3). The rod drives a winding driving unit (4) in rotation or/and translation, and is returned to a longitudinal initial position (TO) by an elastic return unit (5). The driving unit comprises a driving part (26) for driving an intermediate winding mechanism. The driving part comprises a disconnectable intermediate winding wheel for driving a winding train of the intermediate winding mechanism. The intermediate winding wheel moves along a travel direction parallel to that of the rod and remains permanently meshed with the rod. The elastic return unit is formed by a flexible winding lever.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a said winding mechanism for recharging an energy accumulator for a timepiece or a clockwork movement through an intermediate winding mechanism, said winding mechanism comprising a so-called crown of winding arranged to drive at least in translation a said winding stem may occupy at least a longitudinal initial position for said energy recharge.

The invention also relates to a watch movement equipped with such a winding mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece equipped with such a movement or such a winding mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to portable timepieces, such as wristwatches, pocket watches, or the like.

Background of the invention

In a conventional construction, manual winding is done in a particular position of the rod by rotation.

• l'existence de deux dentures Breguet, coûteuses, sur le pignon coulant et le pignon de remontoir ;
• un engrènement à 90 degrés entre le pignon de remontoir et la roue de couronne ;
• une commande faisant engrener alternativement un pignon coulant avec la mise à l'heure et le pignon de remontoir ;
• une hauteur du système assez élevée, en raison du grand diamètre du pignon de remontoir (diamètre supérieur à celui du pignon coulant) qui engrène sur la roue de couronne ;
• des pièces découpées et embouties à plusieurs étages ;
• des composants nombreux.

The main disadvantages of the prior art are related to the size, complexity and cost of conventional constructions of winding mechanisms, in particular:

• the existence of two expensive Breguet toothing on the sliding pinion and the winding pinion;
• a meshing at 90 degrees between the winding pinion and the crown wheel;
• a command alternately meshing with a sliding pinion with the time setting and the winding pinion;
• a fairly high system height, because of the large diameter of the winding pinion (diameter greater than that of the sliding pinion) which meshes with the crown wheel;
• parts cut and stamped with several stages;
• many components.

Various improvements are known to traditional winding mechanisms by key or by the crown. But few patent documents relate to other types of winding than conventional winding or automatic winding related to many improvements.

Some documents have exploited the axial movement of the rod, in addition to the adjustment functions, to implement torque limiting mechanisms to prevent any degradation of movement during reassembly.

A patent CH 241 962, on behalf of Breitling , discloses a crown barrel carrying a winding stem which is in two sections coupled to each other by hooks, and which are permanently integral in rotation, while being able to move axially with respect to the other of the pusher stroke. This axial displacement is made under the effect of an axial pressure on the crown, which encloses a return spring to bring it back to the rest position, and the crown pushes a sleeve, in which are adjusted the two rod sections, in support on the rocking of the movement, setting the time conventionally in position drawn from the crown.

Variant CH 241963 in the name of Breitling replaces these two rod sections by a rod pinned to a sliding sleeve having two opposite slots in which a connecting pin runs. The lower end of this sleeve similarly presses on the rocker.

A similar configuration of two-piece rod, cooperating with a spring integrated in the crown, is also readable in the document FR 923 922 in the name of Buechler , in which the winding position is the neutral position of the crown, while the pushed position corresponds to another function, which consists in resetting a second hand by the winding stem.

Such a mechanism is perfected by a document WO 2005/038538 in the name of Richemont , and is intended to protect the movement against too high stresses under the action of the spring, and for this purpose comprises a second compensating spring. The support on the crown pushes a tube on the organ of command, controlling a chronograph or spindle function, while the winding function remains linked to a particular position of the crown.

A document US 6,711,099 Watch-U-License describes an ultra-flat mechanism with discs of axes parallel to each other perpendicular to the direction of the rod, in which a flat spring is carrying some mobile, whose pressure on the rod allows meshing or dishing with other mobiles.

A document WO 2008/114 071 in the name of Lutolf discloses energy storage in the form of a helical spring, the arming is performed, or by a rack, or directly by an ad hoc gear. This motor unit can in particular be used to wind the spiral of a conventional barrel.

Various elastic pushbutton devices, generally designed as arming limiters, and including a disengaging mechanism incorporating a spring in the direction of the rod, are still known.

The different lessons do not allow for a compact winding mechanism with economical production cost.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to overcome the problems and limitations of the prior art by proposing a compact winding mechanism and economic production cost, both in terms of its components as mounting costs and adjustment.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a so-called winding mechanism for recharging an energy accumulator for a timepiece or a clockwork movement through an intermediate winding mechanism, said winding mechanism comprising a so-called winding crown arranged to drive at least in translation a so-called winding stem capable of occupying at least one longitudinal initial position for said energy recharging, characterized in that said rod is, over a part of its length, a rod annealed or threaded, arranged to drive in pivoting or / and in translation of the winding drive means, when said rod is moved in a translational movement under the effect of a pressure or a traction of the in a race which is limited between said longitudinal initial position and a limit position of depression or extraction of said rod, said positio n limit being a position unstable, and said rod being returned to said initial position by elastic return means.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said winding drive means comprise means for driving said intermediate winding mechanism, and said drive means comprise, or a disengageable winding gear for driving a gear train. winding, that includes said intermediate winding mechanism, when the recharging of said energy accumulator is performed through a said winding train, or a winding latch of a said barrel ratchet, that includes said intermediate mechanism of winding, when the recharging said energy accumulator is performed through a said barrel ratchet.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said winding crown is further arranged to pivot said winding stem which is likely to occupy, in addition to said initial position for said energy reload by a translational movement of said rod, at least one other longitudinal adjustment position of a display mechanism by a pivoting movement of said rod.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said rod is arranged to drive at a guide groove, directly or indirectly via at least one first rocker, an arm of a pull tab arranged to directly control or indirectly via at least one second rocker, the displacement of a sliding pinion on translation guiding means that comprises said rod, which sliding pinion has a single degree of freedom in translation relative to said rod and is integral in rotation with it by rotation drive means, for, according to the longitudinal position of said pinion flowing on said rod, or meshing said sliding pinion with a setting wheel for setting the display of a function of said piece or said clockwork movement, or else meshing said sliding pinion with a mobile connected to another function of said piece or said clockwork movement, or else to bringing said sliding pinion into a neutral position in which it has no effect on the functions of said piece or said clockwork movement.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said elastic return means comprise at least one spring integrated with at least one rocker interposed between said rod and an arm of a zipper controlling the movement of a sliding pinion.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said elastic return means comprise at least one spring working both in compression, respectively in traction, to push back, respectively pull, said rod when it is pressed into said timepiece , respectively extracted from said timepiece by the user from said stable longitudinal initial position to said unstable limit position of depression or respectively extraction of said rod, and said elastic return means still constitute an indexing element in longitudinal position of said rod in at least one other stable position than said initial position and cooperating, by at least one notch, with a finger that comprises a pull tab actuated by said rod and controlling the displacement of a sliding pinion.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said rod is arranged to pivotably drive a disengageable return winding drive means driving said intermediate winding mechanism, and said winding gear is movably mounted and able to occupy two positions , a meshing position in which it is meshed with said drive means during a translation of said rod in a first winding direction under the effect of a pressure or respectively a traction of the user against said elastic return means, and the other position of disengagement in which it is dégrené said drive means during a translation of said rod in a second return direction opposite to said first winding direction under l effect of said elastic return means.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said winding return comprises a cylindrical bore guided on a shaft of almond section allowing it to occupy said meshing position when said bore is on a first surface of said shaft, and said position of disengagement when said bore is on a second surface opposite said first surface.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said winding return comprises a movable axis in an oblong of a bridge or a plate, between two stops; allowing it to occupy said meshing position when said axis is on a first said abutment of said oblong, and said disengagement position when said axis is on a second said abutment of said oblong.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said rod is arranged to pivotally drive a winding latch which is adapted to occupy two positions, the meshing position in which it is meshing with a winding train or with said ratchet cylinder during a translation of said rod in a first winding direction under the effect of pressure or traction of the user against said elastic return means, and the other position of disengagement in which it is dégrenée said winding train or said ratchet during a translation of said rod in a second return direction opposite said first winding direction under the effect of said elastic return means.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, said elastic return means are constituted by said flip-flop which is a flip-flop.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said winding rocker comprises a first oblong slot, substantially parallel to said rod, with which cooperates a first pin of a bridge or a plate, and a second substantially triangular light with which cooperates a second pin of a bridge or plate, said second light providing said winding latch a slight angular displacement relative to the direction of said rod, and the combination of relative movements between said winding rocker and said first pin on the one hand, and with said second pin on the other hand, allows the entry of an end tooth that includes said winding rocker in cooperation with a toothing that includes said barrel ratchet in a first direction of translation of said rod for reassembly, and the output of said end tooth of said toothing in the second direction of translation of said rod oppo audit first sense.

The invention thus solves the problems of the prior art, and presents an originality of design due to the replacement of rotational movements by translational movements.

The invention also relates to a watch movement equipped with such a winding mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such winding mechanism or such a movement.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, sous forme d'un schéma-blocs, une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mouvement, un accumulateur d'énergie, et un mécanisme de remontage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de face, un mécanisme de remontage selon l'invention, dans une première variante d'exécution où une tige de remontoir comporte une partie filetée, dans une position initiale autorisant un remontage par pression sur une couronne fixée à la tige ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 2, le même mécanisme dans une première position de traction de la tige correspondant à une position de réglage de quantième et dans laquelle le remontage par pression est impossible ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 2, le même mécanisme dans une deuxième position de traction de la tige correspondant à une position de réglage de minuterie et dans laquelle le remontage par pression est impossible ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle et en vue de face, un mécanisme de remontage selon l'invention, dans une autre variante d'exécution où une tige de remontoir comporte une partie annelée, dans une position initiale autorisant un remontage par pression sur une couronne fixée à la tige ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 5, le même mécanisme au cours d'un enfoncement de la tige depuis cette position initiale dans un premier sens de manoeuvre ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 5, le même mécanisme au cours du retour de la tige depuis une position enfoncée obtenue selon la manoeuvre de la figure 6, vers la position initiale, sous l'action de moyens de rappel élastique, dans un second sens de manoeuvre opposé au premier;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 5, le même mécanisme dans une première position de traction de la tige correspondant à une position de réglage de quantième et dans laquelle le remontage par pression est impossible ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon analogue à la figure 5, le même mécanisme dans une deuxième position de traction de la tige correspondant à une position de réglage de minuterie et dans laquelle le remontage par pression est impossible ;
• les figures 10A, 10B, 10C, représentent de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un mécanisme permettant l'embrayage ou le débrayage de la tige par rapport à un mécanisme intermédiaire de remontoir, dans la variante des figures 5 à 9 ;
• les figures 11 A, 11 B, 11C, 11 D représentent de façon schématisée, partielle, en coupe pour la figure 11A et en vue de face pour les autres, un détail d'un mécanisme permettant l'embrayage ou le débrayage de la tige par rapport à un mécanisme intermédiaire de remontoir, dans la variante des figures 2 à 4 ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un ressort constituant des moyens de rappel élastique de la tige utilisable dans les différentes variantes d'exécution ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un autre ressort constituant des moyens de rappel élastique de la tige utilisable dans les différentes variantes d'exécution ;
• la figure 14 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un mécanisme selon l'invention dans lequel la tige manoeuvre en translation une bascule de remontage pour entraîner un mécanisme intermédiaire de remontoir;
• la figure 15 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un mécanisme selon l'invention dans lequel la tige manoeuvre en rotation une autre variante de bascule de remontage pour entraîner un mécanisme intermédiaire de remontoir;
• la figure 16 représente, de façon schématisée, un pignon coulant incorporé dans les variantes de réalisation de l'invention illustrées aux figures 2 à9;
• la figure 17 représente, de façon schématisée partielle, et en vue de face, un détail d'un mécanisme selon l'invention dans lequel la tige manoeuvre en translation pure une bascule de remontage pour entraîner un mécanisme intermédiaire de remontoir.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, in the form of a block diagram, a timepiece comprising a movement, an energy accumulator, and a winding mechanism according to the invention;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, partially and in front view, a winding mechanism according to the invention, in a first embodiment where a winding stem has a threaded portion, in an initial position allowing a reassembly by pressure on a crown attached to the stem;
• the figure 3 represents, in a similar way to figure 2 , the same mechanism in a first pulling position of the rod corresponding to a date setting position and in which the winding by pressure is impossible;
• the figure 4 represents, in a similar way to figure 2 the same mechanism in a second pulling position of the rod corresponding to a timer setting position and in which rewinding is impossible;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically, partially and in front view, a winding mechanism according to the invention, in another embodiment where a winding stem has a ringed portion, in an initial position allowing a reassembly by pressure on a crown attached to the stem;
• the figure 6 represents, in a similar way to figure 5 the same mechanism during a depression of the rod from this initial position in a first direction of maneuver;
• the figure 7 represents, in a similar way to figure 5 , the same mechanism during the return of the rod from a depressed position obtained according to the maneuver of the figure 6 towards the initial position, under the action of elastic return means, in a second operating direction opposite to the first;
• the figure 8 represents, in a similar way to figure 5 , the same mechanism in a first pulling position of the rod corresponding to a date setting position and in which the winding by pressure is impossible;
• the figure 9 represents, in a similar way to figure 5 the same mechanism in a second pulling position of the rod corresponding to a timer setting position and in which rewinding is impossible;
• the FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C , show schematically, partially, and in front view, a detail of a mechanism for clutching or disengaging the rod relative to an intermediate winding mechanism, in the variant of Figures 5 to 9 ;
• the FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D represent schematically, partially, in section for the figure 11A and in front view for the others, a detail of a mechanism allowing the clutch or disengagement of the rod with respect to an intermediate mechanism of winding, in the variant of Figures 2 to 4 ;
• the figure 12 represents, schematically, partially, and in front view, a detail of a spring constituting resilient return means of the rod used in the various embodiments;
• the figure 13 represents, schematically, partially, and in front view, a detail of another spring constituting elastic return means of the rod used in the various embodiments;
• the figure 14 represents, schematically, partially, and in front view, a detail of a mechanism according to the invention wherein the rod actuates in translation a winding rocker to drive an intermediate winding mechanism;
• the figure 15 shows, schematically, partially, and in front view, a detail of a mechanism according to the invention wherein the rod rotates another variant of winding latch to drive an intermediate winding mechanism;
• the figure 16 schematically represents a sliding pinion incorporated in the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 A9;
• the figure 17 represents, in a partial schematic manner, and in front view, a detail of a mechanism according to the invention wherein the rod actuates in pure translation a winding rocker to drive an intermediate winding mechanism.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to portable timepieces, such as wristwatches, pocket watches, or the like.

The invention relates more particularly to a so-called winding mechanism 1 for recharging an energy accumulator 20 for a timepiece 100 or a clockwork movement 10 through an intermediate winding mechanism 25, such as visible on the block diagram of the figure 1 . Such an intermediate mechanism of winding 25 preferably comprises a winding gear 21 or a barrel ratchet 22.

The invention is particularly illustrated in the case where this energy accumulator 20 is a cylinder 220 for a timepiece 100 reassembled by such a barrel ratchet 22.

The winding mechanism 1 comprises a so-called winding crown 2, which is arranged to drive at least in translation a so-called winding stem 3. This rod 3 is capable of occupying at least one longitudinal initial position T0 for energy recharging.

According to the invention, the rod 3 is, over part of its length, an annular shaft 32, as visible on the Figures 5 to 9 , or a threaded rod 31, as visible on the Figures 2 to 4 and is arranged to pivotally or / and translationally drive winding means 4, when the rod 3 is moved in a translation movement, in a direction D, under the effect of a pressure or respectively of a traction of the user, in a race which is limited between the longitudinal initial position T0 and a limit position TL of depression or respectively extraction of the rod 3. This limit position TL is an unstable position. The rod 3 is returned to the initial position T0 by elastic return means 5.

The invention is described here with the preferred application of a rectilinear longitudinal movement of the rod 3 in a longitudinal direction D, but naturally it can also be applied to a curvilinear rod 3 moving in a curved contour, in particular circular . The translational movement is then replaced by a pivoting movement.

The invention is also described and illustrated only in the preferred configuration where the winding means are driven under the effect of pressure from the user. The reverse case of a traction energy supply, although possible, is less convenient for the user, and changes the sequence of positions that will be described below.

• dans le cas où le rechargement de l'accumulateur d'énergie 20 est effectué au travers d'un tel rouage de remontoir 21, ces moyens d'entraînement 26 comportent un renvoi de remontage 41 débrayable pour l'entraînement de ce rouage de remontoir 21 ;
• ou bien, dans le cas où le rechargement de l'accumulateur d'énergie 20 est effectué au travers d'une bascule ou d'un tel rochet de barillet 22, ces moyens d'entraînement 26 comportent une bascule de remontage 42 pour l'entraînement de ce rochet de barillet 22.

According to the invention, these winding drive means 4 comprise drive means 26 of the intermediate winding mechanism 25. Different cases may occur:

• in the case where the recharging of the energy accumulator 20 is performed through such a winding gear 21, these drive means 26 comprise a winding return 41 disengageable for driving this winding gear 21 ;
• or, in the case where the recharging of the energy accumulator 20 is carried out through a rocker or such a barrel ratchet 22, these drive means 26 comprise a winding lever 42 for the driving this barrel ratchet 22.

The winding crown 2 is, preferably, still arranged to pivot the winding stem 3 which is likely to occupy, in addition to the initial position T0 for reloading energy by a translational movement of the rod, to least another longitudinal position T1, T2, ..., of setting a display mechanism by a pivoting movement of the rod 3.

The invention is illustrated here, without limitation, for a rod 3 occupying three positions T0, T1, T2. Naturally the same rod 3 could occupy other positions for the control of ancillary functions.

In a particular application, the winding crown 2 is mounted integral with the winding stem 3. It can also be removable, or indirectly drive the rod 3.

In another particular application, not illustrated in the figures, the movement 10 comprises two rods, one for the adjustment functions, in particular hour and date, and the other just for reassembly, the latter being able to be constituted by a pusher . With such a configuration with two rods, one can have a rod performing only the reassembly in a single position T0.

The rod 3 is arranged to drive, at a guide groove 11, directly or indirectly via at least one first rocker, a first arm 12 of a zipper 13. This pull tab 13 is arranged to control directly or indirectly via at least one second latch 14, and in particular by an arm 14A of this second latch 14, the displacement of a sliding pinion 15 on translation guiding means 16 that includes the rod 3.

This sliding pinion 15 cooperates with the arm 14A at a groove 151 that it comprises, and has a single degree of freedom in translation relative to the rod 3, and is integral in rotation with it by drive means in rotation 17, for, depending on the longitudinal position of the sliding pinion 15 on the rod 3, or else meshing the sliding pinion 15 with an adjusting wheel 18 for adjusting the display of a function of the timepiece 100 or of the movement 10, or else to mesh the sliding pinion 15 with a mobile connected to another function of the timepiece 100 or of the movement 10, or else to bring the sliding pinion 15 into a neutral position in which it is without action on the functions of the timepiece 100 or the movement 10.

The rotational drive means 17 may be constituted by a female groove cooperating with a male groove of the rod 3, or the like.

The figures illustrate the usual drive configuration by a square of the rod 3.

Preferably, at least one setting wheel 18 is a timer wheel 18A for setting a timepiece 100 or a watch movement 10.

In a particular embodiment, not shown in the figures, the sliding pinion 15 is arranged to cooperate, in one of its longitudinal positions other than that corresponding to the winding in the initial position T0, with another winding train driving directly or indirectly another barrel ratchet. A variant of the invention may thus provide for the reassembly of several different accumulation members, for example a first movement drive cylinder and a second drive cylinder of a striking mechanism, by different actions of the user on the crown: reassembly of one of the energy accumulators by pressure or traction when the rod is in the initial position T0, and reassembly of another accumulator when the rod 3 is in another position Ti in which it is maneuvered in rotation by the user. It will be noted that this reassembly of another accumulator can also be done when the rod 3 is in position T0.

In a particular embodiment, the elastic return means 5 comprise at least one spring 8. This embodiment is not exclusive, and the elastic return means 5 can take other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

• intégré à la deuxième bascule 14, tel que visible sur les figures 2 à 4, où ce ressort 8 est un ressort de tirette 133 qui est fixé sur un pivot principal 8A, qui, dans cette version non limitative, est aussi le pivot de la tirette 13, et qui est encore fixé sur un pivot secondaire 8B, autour duquel pivote la bascule. Dans cette configuration préférée, le ressort de tirette 8 ne pivote pas ;
• le ressort 8 est partie intégrante d'une bascule de remontage 42, ou est couplé avec elle, tel que visible sur les figures 14 et 15 ;
• le ressort 8 est fixé à une platine 67 et précontraint par une butée 8C, il coopère avec un épaulement de la tige 3, tel que visible sur la figure 13 :

Such a spring 8 can be arranged in different ways, and in particular, without limitation, according to the following arrangements:

• integrated in the second latch 14, as visible on the Figures 2 to 4 , where this spring 8 is a pull spring 133 which is fixed on a main pivot 8A, which, in this non-limiting version, is also the pivot of the pull tab 13, and which is still fixed on a secondary pivot 8B, around which swings the rocker. In this preferred configuration, the pull spring 8 does not pivot;
• the spring 8 is an integral part of a winding lever 42, or is coupled with it, as visible on the Figures 14 and 15 ;
• the spring 8 is fixed to a plate 67 and prestressed by a stop 8C, it cooperates with a shoulder of the rod 3, as visible on the figure 13 :

In yet another variant, the spring 8 can be integrated in the second rocker 14, or hinged to the second rocker 14, and pivot both around such a main pivot 8A, and around such a secondary pivot 8B mounted integral with the second flip-flop 14.

In a preferred variant, the elastic return means 5 comprise at least one spring 8 working both in compression, respectively in traction, to push back, respectively pull, the rod 3 when it is depressed in the timepiece 100 or the movement 10 respectively extracted from the timepiece 100 or the movement 10 by the user from the longitudinal initial position T0 stable toward the unstable insertion limit or extraction limit position TL of the rod 3. And the elastic return means 5 still constitute an indexing element in longitudinal position of the rod 3 in at least one other stable position that the initial position T0 and cooperating, by at least one notch 9, with a 131 which has the pull rod 13 actuated by the rod 3 and controlling the displacement of a sliding pinion 15. The Figures 2 to 4 and 12 illustrate such a spring 8, which has notches 9A, 9B, 9C, which are arranged to cooperate with the finger 131 of the pull tab 13 to immobilize the rod 3 in a stable position respectively in positions T0, T1, and T2. A ramp 136 serves to return the rod 3. Advantageously, this ramp 136 is arranged to prohibit overtraining under the effect of excessive effort of the user.

In a particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rod 3 is arranged to pivotally drive a disengaging winding 6 disengageable drive means 26 of the intermediate winding mechanism 25. And the winding return 6 is mounted mobile and able to occupy two positions P1; P2: a meshing position P1 in which it is in mesh with the drive means 26 during a translation of the rod 3 in a first winding direction S1 under the effect of a pressure or a traction respectively of the user against the elastic return means 5, and a disengagement position P2 in which it is dégrené drive means 26 during a translation of the rod 3 in a second direction S2 return opposite the first direction S1 winding under the effect of the elastic return means 5.

In an alternative embodiment, this winding return 6 cooperates only with a winding train or with the ratchet 22, and it comprises a single toothing, which is arranged to cooperate with both a rod 3, corrugated rod 32 or threaded rod 31 on the one hand, and with this ratchet on the other hand. This winding return 6 has no Breguet toothing, and does not cooperate with the sliding pinion 5. The axis of this winding return 6 is perpendicular to a bridge or plate 67 of the movement 10.

Preferably, the stroke in which is a translation of the rod 3 in a first direction S1 winding under the effect of a pressure of the user against the elastic return means 5, is performed between the position initial T0 stable depressed, and another unstable position TL in which the rod 3 is further sunk into the timepiece 100.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the winding return 6 is arranged to cooperate in the engaged position a drive return 7 of the intermediate winding mechanism 25, in particular a drive return 7 of a barrel ratchet 22 equipped to reassemble a cylinder 220.

In the embodiment variant illustrated on the Figures 5 to 9 and 10A at 10C , the winding gear 6 has a cylindrical bore 61 guided on a shaft of almond section 62 enabling it to occupy the engagement position P1 when the bore 61 bears on a first surface 63 of the shaft 62, and to occupy the position of disengagement P2 when the bore 61 bears on a second surface 64 opposite to the first surface 63. During the return of the rod 3 under the action of the elastic return means 5, in particular a spring 8, the return winding 6 is supported on an inner portion of the almond shaft 62, which has the effect of the outgrowth of the attack of the ratchet.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the stroke of the winding return 6 with respect to the almond section shaft 62 is less than half the radius of the cylindrical bore 61.

In another variant illustrated by the Figures 2 to 4 and 11A to 11D , the winding gear 6 comprises an axis 65 movable in an oblong 66 of a bridge or plate 67, between two stops 68 and 69, allowing it to occupy the meshing position P1 when the axis 65 carries on a first stop 68 of this oblong 66, and the position of disengagement P2 when the axis 65 bears on a second stop 69 of the oblong 66.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the stroke of the winding gear 6 with respect to this oblong 66 is less than half the radius of the axis 65 of the winding gear 6.

In a particular embodiment, as visible on the Figures 5 to 9 , in a version where the rod 3 is a corrugated rod 32, the winding gear 6 cooperates with a winding gear 21 which has a first toothing 71 arranged to cooperate with this gear 6, and a second toothing 72 arranged to cooperate with the intermediate winding mechanism 25, in particular with an attacking return of the barrel ratchet 22.

In another particular embodiment, the winding return 6 comprises a single toothing arranged to cooperate, on the one hand with the annular shaft 3, and on the other hand with this attacking return of the barrel ratchet 22.

According to a particular and preferred embodiment of the invention, the only connection between the winding gear 6 and the sliding pinion 5 is of indirect nature, and this connection is provided by the rod 3, which on the one hand carries the sliding pinion 5 and causes it to rotate when it is driven by a rotational movement, and which, on the other hand, causes the winding gear 6, or a winding lever 42, to pivot when it is driven by a translational movement .

Preferably, the winding return 6 is pivotally movable about an axis perpendicular to a bridge or plate 67, which this mechanism 1 comprises.

In another particular embodiment, as visible on the Figures 14 and 15 , the rod 3 is arranged to drive pivotally or / and in translation a winding lever 42. This winding lever 42 is able to occupy two positions P1; P2: a meshing position P1 in which it is meshed, under the effect of the movement, directly or indirectly, with a barrel ratchet 22 during a translation of the rod 3 in a first winding direction S1 under the effect of a pressure or a traction of the user against the elastic return means 5, and a position of disengagement P2 in which it is dégrenée the ratchet of attack of the ratchet during a translation of the rod in a second direction S2 return opposite the first winding direction S1 under the effect of the elastic return means 5.

The figure 15 illustrates a variant in which the rod 3 drives in pure pivoting the winding lever 42.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic return means 5 are integrated with the winding lever 42 itself. In a particular variant, the winding lever 42 is a flexible rocker.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, this flexible rocker 42 cooperates with the barrel ratchet 22. In a particular embodiment, it comprises an end tooth 81 making ratchet, this pawl being arranged to cooperate with the barrel ratchet 22.

In the embodiment variant illustrated on the figure 14 , and corresponding to a kinematics essentially in translation, the winding lever 42 comprises an end tooth 81. The winding lever 42 further comprises a first oblong slot 82, substantially parallel to the rod 3, with which a first pin 83 cooperates a bridge or a plate 67, and a second substantially triangular light 84 with which cooperates a second pin 85 of a bridge or a plate. This second light 85 provides the winding lever 42 a slight angular displacement, of the order of 0 to 10 °, relative to the direction D of the rod 3, and the combination of relative movements between the winding lever 42 and the first pin 83 on the one hand, and with the second pin 85 on the other hand, allows the entry of the end tooth 81 in cooperation with a toothing that includes the barrel ratchet 22 in a first direction S1 of translation the rod for reassembly, and the output of the end tooth 81 in the second translation direction S2 of the rod 3 opposite the first direction S1. In this variant of the figure 14 , the kinematics between the rod 3 and the winding latch 42 is essentially in translation, the pivoting component serving only to degrade on the return of the race.

The figure 17 illustrates a variant with a kinematics in pure translation. The spring 8 is guided by two lumens 82 parallel to each other on two pins 83 of a bridge or a plate 67, and it comprises a spout 81. This spring 8 is rigid buckling, in the first direction S1 of translation of the rod for reassembly, and it is flexible in traction in the second direction of translation S2 of the rod 3 opposite the first direction S1, which then allows its disengagement of the ratchet 22.

In a manner peculiar to the invention, the rod 3 is annealed or threaded over part of its length to cause the winding return 6, or the winding latch 42, as the case may be, when the rod is in the initial position T0 stable , preferably corresponding to a depressed position of the rod 3, and preferably the rod 3 is disengaged over another part of its length so as to remain at a distance from the winding gear 6, or respectively the winding lever 42, on a portion of its stroke when the rod 3 is in another stable position T1, T2, preferably pulled relative to the initial position T0 stable depressed, as visible on the Figures 8 and 9 . On these Figures 8 and 9 the cylindrical bore 61 occupies the position of disengagement P2 where the bore 61 door on the second surface 64, as visible on the Figure 10C . The winding return 41 is then unsheathed from the winding train.

In a conventional execution, one of the positions T1, T2, corresponds to the setting of the timer 18A, and the other to the setting of the date 156. Usually the position T1 is assigned to the setting of the date, and the position T2 to the setting on time. In each of these stable positions, the pivoting direction of the rod 3 may correspond to a different setting; and other stable longitudinal positions can be envisaged. Thus it is possible to make additional settings display the day of the week, moon phase, time zone, time of the day AM / PM, or other, depending on the complications that is equipped with the room. watchmaking 100.

In a particular arrangement, the threaded rod 31 comprises a threaded portion in the form of a worm, arranged to cooperate with a star or toothing that includes the winding gear 6, or that includes an intermediate gear cooperating with the winding return 6 .

In a variant where the rod 3 controls the displacement of the sliding pinion 5 by the combination of the pull tab 13 and a second rocker 14, this second rocker control lever 14 for translational movement of the sliding pinion 15 comprises, as visible on the Figs 2 to 4, a track 141 having a plurality of stop positions 141A, 141B, 141C. These stop positions are each arranged to cooperate with a finger 132, and that includes the zipper 13 or a rocker hinged to this zipper 13. Each of these stop positions corresponds to a stable position of the rod 3, one of these positions 141A corresponds to the initial position T0 of the rod 3 in which the winding is possible, and the other position 141 B, or the other positions 141 B, 141C, ..., corresponds to or corresponds to one or more stable positions T1, T2, ..., of the rod 3, in which or in which reassembly is impossible and at least a setting is allowed. The winding range corresponds to the course of a track 141 R as visible on the Figures 6 and 7 .

In a particular embodiment, this second control rocker 14 translational movement of the sliding pinion 5 comprises a secondary pivot 8B for the attachment of a pull spring 133 constituting the spring 8 of the elastic return means 5. This zipper spring 133 has several notches 9A, 9B, 9C, and is hooked by a main pivot 8A to this pull tab 13, or to a In this particular configuration, the pull-out spring 8 does not pivot, and the pivots 8A and 8B constitute, as regards the spring 8, simple locking pins.

This pull tab 13, or this rocker articulated to this zipper 3, comprises a pin or a finger 131 arranged to cooperate with one of the notches 9A, 9B, 9C, of the zipper spring 133. Each of the cooperation positions of this pin or finger with one of these notches 9A, 9B, 9C, corresponding to a stable position of the rod 3, one of these positions 9A corresponds to the initial position T0 stable of the rod 3 in which reassembly is possible, and the other position, or the other positions, corresponds or correspond to one or more stable positions T1, T2, ..., of the rod 3, in which or in which reassembly is impossible and at least one adjustment is allowed.

In a preferred embodiment, this pull spring 133 has, beyond these notches 9A, 9B, 9C, a ramp 136 to exert a restoring force, or to allow movement.

In a particular embodiment visible to the figure 13 , the mechanism 1 comprises, as elastic return means 5, at least one rod spring 8 arranged to oppose a pressure of the user on the rod 1 during reassembly, the rod spring 8 being under prestressing performed by a stop 8C that includes a bridge or plate 67 of the mechanism 1 or the movement 10 or the timepiece 100.

In an advantageous embodiment for a movement 10 comprising a date display, the sliding pinion 15 comprises, on either side of a groove 151 for cooperation with the second control rocker 14 for moving the sliding pinion 15, with a part of a front toothing 152 to cooperate with a timer 18A, and secondly an inclined portion or a portion of helical ramp 153, a protruding end 154 is arranged to cooperate with an internal toothing 155 of a date indicator ring 156 , unidirectionally only.

Advantageously, the sliding pinion 15 is made of synthetic material or plastic.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the winding mechanism 1 is contained between two parallel planes spaced from the value of the maximum diameter of the sliding pinion 15.

The advantage of the invention is to devote the strong thrust effort that can provide the user to the function that requires the most torque.

It will be understood that the invention relates in fact to any energy accumulator 20 that can be used in a timepiece 100, whether it is a cylinder 220 for driving a movement 10 as illustrated by the figures, or a barrel for driving a striking mechanism, or other.

It is equally possible to envisage, by application of the principle of the invention, the charging of an accumulator of electrical energy, for the illumination of a dial or a display of a luminous watch.

In the same way, the effect of a pressure or traction movement can be used, by an adequate transformation using a mechanism 1 according to the invention, for the modification or the creation of an electric and / or magnetic field.

It is therefore appropriate to understand, by "reassembly", any energy reloading of an energy accumulator.

The mechanism with pressure winding on the stem overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, and, moreover, offers an original alternative to the conventional winding mechanism.

• première position initiale T0, en cas de mouvement de rotation de la couronne: neutre, c'est-à-dire absence d'effet tant sur le remontage que sur la mise à l'heure ou sur la mise à la date ;
• première position initiale T0 en cas de mouvement de pression, ou de traction selon le cas, sur la couronne: action de remontage, et absence d'effet sur la mise à l'heure ou sur la mise à la date ;
• deuxième position T1, en cas de mouvement de rotation de la couronne: correction de l'heure ou respectivement de la date, et absence d'effet sur le remontage;
• deuxième position T1 en cas de mouvement de pression sur la couronne: la partie annelée ou filetée de la tige n'est plus en prise avec le renvoi ou la bascule de remontage, absence d'effet sur la mise à l'heure ou à la date. Dans une version où la tige 3 est une tige annelée 32, il ya également absence d'effet de remontage. En revanche, si la tige 3 est une tige filetée 31, en cas de rotation dans le sens de vissage il peut y avoir effet sur le remontage.
• troisième position T2 en cas de mouvement de rotation de la couronne: correction de la date ou respectivement de l'heure, et absence d'effet sur le remontage si la tige 3 est une tige annelée 32;
• troisième position T2 en cas de mouvement de pression sur la couronne: la partie annelée ou filetée de la tige n'est plus en prise avec le renvoi ou la bascule de remontage, absence d'effet de remontage, et absence d'effet sur la mise à l'heure ou à la date.

In the versions illustrated by the Figures 2 to 9 , the positions of the rod 3 correspond to the following functions:

• first initial position T0, in case of rotational movement of the crown: neutral, that is to say, no effect on both reassembly and time setting or setting date;
• first initial position T0 in the event of pressure movement, or traction as the case may be, on the crown: winding action, and no effect on setting the time or setting the date;
• second position T1, in case of rotational movement of the crown: correction of the time or the date respectively, and no effect on the reassembly;
• second position T1 in the event of pressure movement on the crown: the corrugated or threaded portion of the rod is no longer in contact with the return or the winding scale, no effect on setting the time or the dated. In a version where the rod 3 is a corrugated rod 32, there is also no winding effect. However, if the rod 3 is a threaded rod 31, in case of rotation in the screwing direction there may be effect on the reassembly.
• third position T2 in case of rotational movement of the crown: correction of the date or time respectively, and no effect on the winding if the rod 3 is a corrugated rod 32;
• third position T2 in case of pressure movement on the crown: the corrugated or threaded portion of the rod is no longer in contact with the return or winding latch, no winding effect, and no effect on the set time or date.

The effect on the winding is variable, depending on the rod's operating sequence: there is no winding effect when going from T0 to T1 and then to T2. On the other hand, an effect is possible, depending on the length of the rod, during the transition from T2 to T0, from T2 to T1, from T1 to T0.

The mechanism 1 is designed so as to be completely integrable in a very small volume, and can thus hold on a height corresponding to the diameter of the sliding pinion, including the various referrals to ratchet.

• remplacer la tige classique par une tige annelée ou filetée, comportant une gorge de guidage du bras de tirette, et un carré de guidage pour un pignon coulant;
• remplacer le pignon de remontoir à denture Breguet par un renvoi de remontage, ou par une bascule de remontage ;
• remplacer la roue de couronne usuelle par un renvoi d'attaque du rochet ;
• dans un mode particulier, à remplacer le pignon coulant à denture Breguet usuel par un pignon coulant simplifié, qui comporte, de part et d'autre d'une gorge de coopération avec la bascule, d'une part, dans le cas d'un mécanisme d'affichage de l'heure, une denture frontale pour coopérer avec la minuterie, et d'autre part, dans le cas de réglage d'un quantième, un pan incliné ou une portion de rampe hélicoïdale, dont une extrémité saillante est agencée pour coopérer avec la denture intérieure d'un anneau indicateur de quantième, de façon monodirectionnelle uniquement ;
• intégrer le ressort de bascule à la bascule elle-même ;
• modifier, voire supprimer, le sautoir de tirette usuel;
• dans un mode particulier, à réaliser le nouveau pignon coulant simplifié en matière synthétique par exemple par injection ;
• réaliser la tige par décolletage ;
• réaliser la tirette et la bascule sous forme plane découpée.

In sum, in the non-limiting versions illustrated in the figures, and in a low number of components embodiment, the invention consists in:

• replacing the conventional rod by a ringed or threaded rod, having a guide groove of the pull arm, and a guide square for a sliding pinion;
• replace the Breguet winding gear with a winding gear, or a winding lever;
• replace the usual crown wheel with a ratchet of the ratchet;
• in a particular embodiment, to replace the usual Breguet gear with a simplified sliding pinion, which comprises, on either side of a groove of cooperation with the rocker, on the one hand, in the case of a mechanism for displaying the time, a front toothing for cooperating with the timer, and secondly, in the case of setting a date, an inclined section or a portion of a helical ramp, a projecting end of which is arranged to cooperate with the internal toothing of a date indicator ring, in a monodirectional manner only;
• integrate the rocking spring with the rocker itself;
• modify, or even delete, the usual zipper puller;
• in a particular embodiment, to produce the new simplified sliding pinion made of synthetic material, for example by injection molding;
• make the rod by bar turning;
• make the zipper and the latch in plane cut form.

The invention is then very economical to produce.

The height of the mechanism is then reducible to the diameter of the new sliding pinion, for example 1.5 mm.

Breguet teeth are removed, which represents a significant saving.

The meshing at 90 ° between the winding pinion and the usual crown wheel is eliminated.

The date correction functions in the first intermediate traction and time setting in the second total traction position of the rod are conventionally performed, with a simple mechanism.

The main winding function is only possible in a particular position of the rod, that is to say preferably the depressed rod position, and is preferably provided by the depression of the rod.

The kinematics of the zipper and the rocker are made, in a particular mode of dissociation of functions, so that the sliding pinion remains at a distance from both the timer and the date ring, when the rod is in the position initial T0 in which reassembly is possible.

The translation of the annular parts of the rod causes the new winding return, which, during the depression of the rod, tends to be guided on an outer portion of the almond tree that supports it, causing it to cooperate with the attack of the ratchet.

The rod can, again, be mounted on a spring that tends to bring out the housing.

The complete winding of the barrel is carried out in a few pressures, without significant effort on the part of the user.

Thus, reassembly, time setting and date setting functions are perfectly separated.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 10 equipped with such a winding mechanism 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 100 equipped with such a movement 10 or such a winding mechanism 1.

The mechanism according to the invention is particularly well suited to producing an ultra-thin watch.

Claims (15)

Winding mechanism (1) for recharging an energy accumulator (20) for a timepiece (100) or a clockwork movement (10) through an intermediate winding mechanism (25) , said winding mechanism (1) comprising a so-called winding crown (2) arranged to drive at least in translation a so-called winding stem (3) capable of occupying at least one longitudinal initial position (T0) for said energy reloading , characterized in that said rod (3) is, over part of its length, an annular shaft (32) or a threaded rod (31), arranged to drive pivotally or / and in translation winding drive means (4), when said rod (3) is moved in translation under the effect of a pressure or a traction of the user, in a race which is limited between said longitudinal initial position (T0 ) and a limit position (TL) of depression or respectiveme extraction of said rod (3), said limit position (TL) being an unstable position, and said rod (3) being returned to said initial position (T0) by elastic return means (5). Winding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that said winding drive means (4) comprise driving means (26) for said intermediate winding mechanism (25), and in that which drive means ( 26) include, or a winding return (41) disengageable driving a winding gear (21), that includes said intermediate winding mechanism (25), when the recharging said energy accumulator (20) is performed through a said winding train (21), or a winding latch (42) of a barrel ratchet (22), which includes the said intermediate winding mechanism (25), when the recharging of said accumulator d energy (20) is performed through a said barrel ratchet (22). Winding mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said winding crown (2) is further arranged to pivotably drive said winding stem (3) which is likely to occupy, in addition to said position initial (T0) for said energy recharging by a translational movement of said rod, at least one other position longitudinal (T1; T2) adjustment of a display mechanism by a pivoting movement of said rod (3). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rod (3) is arranged to drive at a guide groove (11), directly or indirectly via at least one a first rocker, a first arm (12) of a pull rod (13) arranged to directly or indirectly control via at least one second rocker (14), the displacement of a sliding pinion (15) on translation guiding means (16) that comprises said rod (3), which sliding pinion (15) has a single degree of freedom in translation relative to said rod (3) and is integral in rotation with it by means of rotary drive (17), for, according to the longitudinal position of said sliding pinion (15) on said rod (3), or meshing said sliding pinion (15) with an adjusting wheel (18) for setting the display a function of said timepiece (100) or said watchmaker movement ie (10), or meshing said sliding pinion (15) with a mobile connected to another function of said timepiece (100) or said clockwork movement (10), or for bringing said sliding pinion (15) ) in a neutral position in which it is without action on the functions of said timepiece (100) or said clockwork (10). Winding mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a said mobile setting (18) is a timer mobile (18A) for setting the time of a said timepiece (100) or of a said watch movement (10). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic return means (5) comprise at least one spring (8) integrated with at least one rocker interposed between said rod (3) and an arm a pull rod (13) controlling the displacement of a sliding pinion (15). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic return means (5) comprise at least one spring (8) working both in compression, respectively in tension, to push back, respectively pull , said rod (3) when pressed into said timepiece (100), respectively extracted from said timepiece (100) by the user from said stable initial longitudinal position (T0) to said unstable limit position (TL) of depression or extraction of said rod (3), and in that said elastic return means (5) still constitute an indexing element in longitudinal position of said rod (3) in at least one other stable position than said initial position (T0) and cooperating, by at least one notch (9), with a finger (131) that comprises a pull (13) actuated by said rod (3) and controlling the displacement of a sliding pinion (15). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rod (3) is arranged to pivotally drive a winding return (6) disengageable driving means (26) for driving said mechanism intermediate winding (25), and that said winding return (6) is movably mounted and adapted to occupy two positions (P1; P2), the meshing position (P1) in which it is meshing with said means drive (26) during a translation of said rod (3) in a first winding direction (S1) under the effect of a pressure or a traction of the user against said means of elastic return (5), and the other position of disengagement (P2) in which it is dégrené said drive means (26) during a translation of said rod (3) in a second direction (S2) return opposite in the first direction (S1) of reassembly under the effect of said elastic return means (5). Winding mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said winding return (6) comprises a cylindrical bore (61) guided on a shaft of almond section (62) allowing it to occupy said meshing position (P1) when said bore (61) bears on a first surface (63) of said shaft (62), and said disengagement position (P2) when said bore (61) bears on a second surface (64) opposite said first surface (63). Winding mechanism (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said winding return (6) comprises an axis (65) movable in an oblong (66) of a bridge or a plate (67), between two abutments (68; 69) enabling it to occupy said meshing position (P1) when said axis (65) bears on a first said abutment (68) of said oblong (66), and said detent position (P2) when said axis (65) bears on a second said stop (69) of said oblong (66). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said rod (3) is arranged to pivotally drive a winding rocker (42) which is capable of occupying two positions (P1; P2) , a meshing position (P1) in which it is meshing with a winding train or with said barrel ratchet (22) during a translation of said rod (3) in a first winding direction (S1) under the effect of pressure or traction of the user against said elastic return means (5), and the other position of disengagement (P2) in which it is dégrenée said a winding train or said ratchet during a translation of said rod in a second direction (S2) of return opposite to the first winding direction (S1) under the effect of said elastic return means (5). Winding mechanism (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said elastic return means (5) are integrated with said winding latch (42). Winding mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said rod (3) is arranged to drive a winding latch (42) which comprises a first oblong slot (82) substantially parallel to said rod (3), with which cooperates a first pin (83) of a bridge or a plate (67), and a second substantially triangular light (84) with which cooperates a second pin (85) of a bridge or a platen, said second light (85) providing said flip-flop (42) a slight angular displacement relative to the direction of said rod (3), and further characterized in that the combination of relative movements between said flip-flop for winding (42) and said first pin (83) on the one hand, and with said second pin (85) on the other hand, allows the entry of an end tooth (81) that includes said winding rocker (42) in cooperation with a toothing that includes said ratchet ba rillet (22) in a first direction (S1) of translation of said rod for reassembly, and the output of said end tooth (81) of said toothing in the second direction of translation (S2) of said rod (3) opposite to the first sense (S1). Clockwork movement (10) comprising at least one winding mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Timepiece (100) comprising at least one winding mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and / or at least one movement (10) according to claim 14.

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