EP3185090B1 - Device for counting and displaying a fraction of a time unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for counting a number of unit time fractions or a number of unit displacement units. It also relates to a watch movement comprising such a device. It also relates to a timepiece, including a wristwatch, including such a device or such a movement.

The patent application EP1024416 relates to a device that allows the display of fractions of seconds of a timed time only when the chronograph is stopped. This system uses a oscillator beating at a rate of 2.5 Hz, and a star-shaped spiral, which is secured to a pinion pivoting at a predetermined speed. In the embodiment illustrated in the booklet, the spiral swivels at a speed of one turn in ten seconds, and has ten arms which are each equipped with five steps. An arm thus corresponds to an angular offset traveled in one second and that of a step in a fifth of a second. The time information is displayed by means of a rotated rake which is engaged with a fractional second display member, and which is likely to be in contact with one of the rungs formed on one of the spiral arm. When the chronograph is stopped, a probe of the rake is recalled in contact with one of the spiral arms and is thus positioned by one of the rungs so as to display the time information. The display precision of the fractions of a second is thus given by the number of steps of each of the spiral arms to be chosen according to the frequency of the pendulum. For example, for a display tenths of a second, and for an oscillator with a frequency of 5 Hz, the booklet teaches that the arms of the spiral can be each with ten steps. Such a configuration is not optimal in view of the geometric complexity of such a cam, manufacturing and assembly accuracies it requires, and its inertia which is likely to degrade the performance of a particular oscillating oscillator at the rate of 5 Hz.

The patent application EP1475681 discloses a mechanism similar to that of the aforementioned document. On-demand display of fifths of seconds is also given by a single single spiral cam, which is distinguished here by six arms which are each equipped with ten steps. For this purpose, the spiral swivels at a speed of one revolution in six seconds under the effect of an oscillator beating at a rate of 2.5 Hz. The time information is also displayed by means of a rotated rake which is taken with a display unit fractions of a second, and which is likely to be recalled in contact with one of the rungs formed on one of the spiral arms.

The patent application CH704775 discloses an indicator of thousandths of a second based on the same principle. The on-demand display of thousandths of a second is also given by a single single spiral cam which is kinematically linked to a hundredths of a second counter. In this embodiment, the spiral is endowed with ten arms which are each equipped with ten steps. The time information is also displayed by means of a pivoted rake which is engaged with a fractional second display member, and which is capable of being recalled in contact with one of the steps formed on the one of the arms of the spiral.

Such devices are implemented by means of a lever engaged with a display member, which is provided to cooperate with a cam kinematically linked to the gear wheel carrying the time information or derived from time. Such a construction is not without problem, especially when there is a high gear ratio between the gear train and the display member, for example in the context of a display of fractions of seconds where the information is communicated through a second wheel of a finishing line of a basic movement, or counting of a chronograph mechanism. In this case, the cam may in fact have a particularly complex profile with excessively tight dimensional tolerancing. Its dimensions, in particular its external diameter, may also be too large compared to the volume available for the realization of such a device. Its inertia may also degrade the chronometric performance of the basic movement, especially for an oscillator with a frequency equal to or greater than 4 Hz.

In each of these devices, the lever, and in particular the lever probe, is provided to allow the display of the fractions of a second by cooperating with a cam, in particular by cooperating by contact with a cam. Thus, in a first counting state of such devices, the lever probe is in contact with the cam, in particular in contact with one of the arms of the cam, in particular in contact with one of the steps of an arm of the cam. In a second state of non-counting of such devices, the lever probe is out of reach of the cam and is not intended to cooperate with any other element.

In each of these devices, the lever, and in particular the lever probe, provided to allow the display of fractions of a second in cooperation with the cam, is pivoted along a single pivot axis. There are levers whose probe has at least one degree of freedom relative to the lever. More particularly, there are levers whose probe is mounted in rotation along at least two axes pivoting. For example, the patent application EP2784603 discloses such a rotatable lever on which is rotated a spiral cam probe whose angular positioning is defined by a return spring integrally with the lever. This probe is intended to cooperate with a spiral cam. However, the pivoting of the probe along its axis of rotation is induced by the rotation of the spiral cam, and not by the rotation of the lever. EP1777598 shows a timepiece provided with a mechanism for measuring adjustable predetermined durations, comprising a first counter, means for connecting it selectively to the timepiece's work train, a second counter, a synchronous connection between the first and the second counter and means for returning to the starting position of said counters.

The object of the invention is to provide a counting device for overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above and to improve the counting devices known from the prior art. In particular, the invention provides a device for counting a number of unit time fractions or a number of moving unit unit fractions that is simple and reliable.

A counting device according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the counting device are defined by dependent claims 2 to 12.

A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 13.

A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 14.

The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of examples, several embodiments of a timepiece according to the invention.

The Figures 1 to 9 represent a first embodiment of a counting device according to the invention and a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention.

The figure 10 represents a third embodiment of a counting device according to the invention and a third embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention.

A first embodiment of a timepiece 120 is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 9 . The timepiece is for example a wristwatch. The timepiece comprises a first embodiment of a movement 110 according to the invention. The movement is preferably a mechanical movement. The movement preferably comprises a module for displaying a stored or timed time information. The module is for example a chronograph module. In the example shown, the module is configured to allow the counting of a time information to the tenth of a second and to allow the display of the time information to the tenth of a second. In the example described, the time information is a time timed to the tenth of a second by the chronograph module when the latter is in the state of memorization of the timed time.

To do this, the movement comprises a first embodiment of a device 100 for counting a number of time unit fractions or a number of displacement unit fractions of a movable member. Advantageously, the device 100 also makes it possible to display the number of time unit fractions or the number of displacement unit fractions of a mobile member.

The device 100 allows the counting of a number of unit time fractions, by counting a number of unit of displacement fractions. of a movable member 1, 6, A2. In the first embodiment described, the movable member is for example a second mobile 6 of the chronograph module or a second seconds indicator second assistant seconds mobile, as a seconds hand. The movable member may also be advantageously a member 1 meshing with the mobile seconds.

In the first embodiment, the member is a first cam 1 provided with a first surface 10.

• une deuxième surface 20 de butée ;
• un support mobile 4 rappelé élastiquement par un ressort R4 ;
• un cliquet mobile 3 monté sur le support 4 et rappelé élastiquement par un ressort R3 vers la première surface 10, le cliquet 3 étant agencé de sorte à coopérer avec l'une ou l'autre des première et deuxième surfaces 10, 20 selon la position du support 4 ; et
• un système 80 de commande agencé de sorte à maintenir, dans un premier état de non-comptage du système de commande, le support dans une première position et pour autoriser, dans un deuxième état de comptage du système de commande, le déplacement du support.

The counting device comprises this first cam 1. It further comprises:

• a second abutment surface;
• a movable support 4 resiliently biased by a spring R4;
• a movable pawl 3 mounted on the support 4 and resiliently biased by a spring R3 to the first surface 10, the pawl 3 being arranged to cooperate with one or the other of the first and second surfaces 10, 20 according to the position support 4; and
• a control system 80 arranged to maintain, in a first non-count state of the control system, the support in a first position and to allow, in a second count state of the control system, the displacement of the support.

The module for storing a time information comprises for example a seconds wheel 6 rotated about an axis C1 on a frame 99. An indicator A2, for example a needle, is preferably fixed on this second wheel. The indicator cooperates optionally with an unrepresented blade to indicate a second information.

The seconds wheel 6 has a toothing allowing it to mesh with a pinion 5. This pinion 5 is integral or fixed to the first cam 1. The pinion and the first cam are pivoted on the frame 99 about an axis C2. The mobile support 4 is also pivoted on the frame 99 around the axis C2. The mobile support 4 is thus pivoted coaxially with the first cam 1. However, the support 4 can rotate around the axis C2 independently of the pinion 5 and the first cam 1. The support 4 is returned to a rest position by a R4 spring.

A second cam 2 is fixed on the frame.

The pawl is pivoted on the support around a C5 axis. A return spring R3 recalls the pawl against the first and second cams.

The support 4 has a toothing, in particular a toothed sector, enabling it to mesh with a wheel or a rake 7 pivoted on the frame 99 about an axis C3. An indicator A1, for example a needle, is preferably attached to this wheel or rake. The indicator A1 cooperates preferentially with a limb to indicate information tenths of a second.

The control system 80 comprises a control member 8 pivoted on the frame 99 about an axis C4 and a lever 14 pivoted on the frame 99 about an axis C6. A first end of the lever 14 is arranged to cooperate with the support 4 and a second end 14a of the lever 14 is arranged to cooperate with the control member 8. The control system further comprises a control lever 81 and a jumper 82 indexing of the control member.

The first cam 1 has a first cam surface. This first surface is generally cylindrical of revolution. This surface however has n first recesses 10a arranged to cooperate with the pawl 3 when the device, in particular the control system, is in a counting state. The first recesses have, for example, U-shaped or V-shaped sections.

Advantageously, the first n recesses 10a are regularly distributed over the first surface 10.

The first n recesses 10a are arranged so that one of the recesses allows, during the counting state, the positioning of a ratchet spout at a radius smaller than the outer radius of the first surface 10 of the ratchet. the first cam 1. Thus, in this configuration, the pawl 3 allows, in cooperation with another element, stopping in position of the mobile support 4.

It is found that the geometry of the cam 1 is particularly simple. The recesses or notches 10a are here only intended to apprehend the relative angular positioning between the pinion 5 and the mobile 6. Thus, the cam 1 is particularly compact, easy to manufacture and assemble in tolerances compatible with industrial means. Preferably, the first cam 1 may be manufactured by electroforming, for example a Ni alloy or a NiP alloy.

The second cam 2, stationary relative to the frame 99 of the movement, can for example be made of material with a rough movement, such as a platinum or a chronograph bridge.

The second cam 2 is provided with m second recesses 20a arranged to cooperate, in particular to cooperate by contact with the pawl 3 during the counting state of the device or the control system. The m second recesses 20a of the second cam 2 may constitute a toothing 2, in particular a portion of toothing 2, whose teeth may, for example, have a triangular or substantially triangular profile. The profile may in particular be asymmetrical and have a first steep flank and a second flank having a slope substantially different from that of the first flank. Thus, the profile may for example be a Breguet tooth profile.

In a counting state of the device, the pawl is moved to cooperate by contact with one of the second recesses. In particular, the cooperation is preferably carried out by contacting the pawl, in particular a ratchet nose, against an abrupt flank of a second recess. This ratchet contact configuration with one of the second recesses determines a particular position of the support relative to the frame 99.

The second recess 20a with which the pawl cooperates is defined by a first recess 10a. Indeed, it is a first recess 10a which allows the pawl to cooperate with one or the other of the second recesses. Thus, the geometry of the first recesses 10a does not intervene in any case in the precise positioning of the support relative to the frame, this role being in charge of the recesses 20a of the second cam 2.

Advantageously, the first cam 1 and the second cam 2 are coaxial. The first surface 10 may be an outer surface 10 of the first cam and the radius R10 of the first surface 10 may be greater than or equal to the total outer radius R20 of the toothing 2. Alternatively, the first surface may be an inner surface of the first cam and the inner radius of the first surface may be less than or equal to the total inner radius of the toothing.

In addition, the device comprises a second abutment surface 20. This second abutment surface 20 is advantageously constituted by a portion of the second cam. In a state of non-counting of the device, the pawl, in particular the pawl 30, rests against this second abutment surface. Thus, the pawl is prevented from cooperating with the first surface and in particular the first recesses. The stop thus makes it possible to keep the pawl at a distance from the first recesses.

Advantageously, the first cam 1 and the second surface 20 are coaxial. The first surface 10 may be an outer surface of the first cam and the radius R10 of the first surface 10 may be smaller than the outer radius R200 of the second surface 20. Alternatively, the first surface may be an inner surface of the first cam and the inner radius of the first surface may be greater than the inner radius of the second surface.

In the first embodiment shown, the pinion 5 and the cam 1 rotate at the speed of twelve revolutions per minute under the effect of the mobile 6 which rotates at the speed of one revolution per minute. The cam 1 has five notches 10a regularly distributed at the outer periphery 10 of the first cam 1. The second cam 2 comprises ten recesses 20a. Thus, the device shown allows the counting and display of tenths of a second of stored time information.

As will be seen below, the stopping position of the support in the counting state is allowed by the cooperation of a second recess with the ratchet. The second recess which cooperates with the pawl is determined by a first recess which comes opposite the second recess and which thus allows the pawl to cooperate with the second recess. For this purpose, the angular amplitude of a first recess 10a is greater than or equal to the angular amplitude of a second recess 20a, that is to say greater than or equal to the angular amplitude of a step of the teeth 2.

Moreover, the angular amplitude of the toothing 2, that is to say the angular amplitude of the set of second recesses, is equal to or substantially equal to the angular amplitude between two first consecutive recesses.

As seen above, the pawl is pivoted about an axis C5 on the support and is returned to a rest position by a spring R3.

In an alternative embodiment, the pawl can be integral with the spring and / or the support or be integral with the spring and / or the support. Thus, the restoring force of the pawl in its rest position is obtained by elastic deformation of the pawl.

In a non-counting state of the device, the pawl 3, in particular the spout 30 of the pawl 3, is thus biased against the second abutment surface and, in a counting state of the device, the pawl 3, in particular the spout 30 of the pawl 3 is thus recalled towards the first cam 1 and the toothing 2.

The spout 30 of the pawl advantageously has a triangular or substantially triangular profile. The profile may in particular be asymmetrical and have a first steep flank and a second flank having a slope substantially different from that of the first flank. The steep side the spout is preferably arranged to cooperate with an abrupt flank of a second recess. More preferably, the profile of the nozzle 30 and the profile of the second recesses are complementary or substantially complementary.

The device 100 comprises a display member 7, A1 arranged in kinematic connection with the support. The support comprises, for example, a first toothed sector 40 meshing with a second toothed sector 70 of the display member. The display member comprises, for example, an indicator A1. Thus, the displacement of the support relative to the frame involves a displacement of the indicator A1 relative to the frame so as to allow a display tenths of a second.

The indicator A1 is for example a tenths of a second needle cooperating with a limb. The latter can optionally be added to an indicator seconds A2 which is engaged with the mobile 6 seconds.

Preferably, in a non-counting state of the device, as shown in FIG. figure 2 , indicator A1 does not indicate any information. For example, for this purpose, the needle A1 may point outside the limb representing tenths of a second.

Advantageously, the second recesses are arranged so that the A1 indicator of the tenths comes to be positioned exactly opposite the indications of tenths of a second made on the limb. Thus, in the first embodiment described, the indicator A1 can occupy only ten distinct positions. Preferably, the second recesses are arranged so that the device 100 displays X tenths of a second for any memorized time information T expressed in seconds and such that:
Y + X × 0.1-0.05≤T <Y + X × 0.1 + 0.05 with X and Y of natural integers and X∈ [0; 9] and Y the number of whole seconds of the information T.

Alternatively, the second recesses are arranged so that the device 100 displays X tenths of a second for any stored time information T expressed in seconds and such that: Y + X × 0.1≤T <Y + (X + 1) × 0.1 with X and Y natural numbers and X∈ [0; 9] and Y the number of whole seconds of the information T.

As shown on the figure 4 , the control system 80 comprises a lever 14 and a control member 8, in particular a control member comprising a bit pattern 80b.

The control member is for example a column wheel. The control system further comprises a control rocker 81 connected to a push button P and an indexing jumper 82 of the column wheel. The latter is intended to be actuated and driven angularly by the pushbutton P via the control rocker 81 acting on a ratchet toothing 80a of the column wheel. Preferably, the column wheel 8 and the pushbutton P are also provided to actuate the start and stop of the counting chain of the chronograph module. The control of the chronograph and that of the counting device 100 can thus be perfectly synchronized.

• le premier état de non-comptage correspondant à une position prédéfinie du support 4 par rapport au bâti dans laquelle le cliquet 3 coopère avec la deuxième surface 20, notamment repose sur la deuxième surface, et
• le deuxième état de comptage autorisant une position quelconque du support 4 par rapport au bâti et dans laquelle le cliquet 3 coopère par obstacle avec un des deuxièmes évidements.

The lever and the control member are arranged to cooperate together so that the control system has:

• the first non-counting state corresponding to a predefined position of the support 4 relative to the frame in which the ratchet 3 cooperates with the second surface 20, in particular rests on the second surface, and
• the second counting state allowing any position of the support 4 relative to the frame and wherein the pawl 3 cooperates by obstacle with one of the second recesses.

Thus, during the stop of the chronograph module, and therefore during the rotational stopping of the mobiles 5 and 6, the counting device 100 is activated by means of the control system. The control system advantageously makes it possible to simultaneously control the chronograph module and the counting device.

The binary profile 80b of the column wheel makes it possible to define the state or the position of the lever 14.

When the counting device 100 is inoperative, that is to say in the non-counting state, the second end 14a or the probe 14a of the lever 14 bears against one of the columns of the In this configuration, a flank 4b of the support 4 bears against the first end 14b or head 14b of the lever 14. This head determines a predefined position of the support as shown in FIGS. figures 2 and 4 to 6 . The lever 14 thus opposes the displacement of the support which is likely to be generated by the return torque of the spring R4 shown schematically on the Figures 5 and 6 .

When the counting device 100 is in operation, that is to say in the counting state, the second end 14a or the probe 14a of the lever 14 is no longer supported against one of the columns of the profile 80b of the column wheel 8. In this configuration, the head 14b of the lever is retracted by the flank 4b of the support 4 under the effect of the spring R4, as shown in FIGS. Figures 7 to 9 .

The operation of the first embodiment of the device 100 described above is now described in more detail with reference to the Figures 6 to 9 .

It is assumed that the device is initially in the configuration illustrated in FIG. figure 6 that is, the chronograph module is in operation and displays changing time information, chronograph hands including the second hand A2 turning.

The figure 6 illustrates the device 100 just before the actuation of the pushbutton P. In this configuration, the spout 30 of the pawl 3 bears against the second abutment surface 20, so that the spout 30 of the pawl 3 is out of reach of the outer periphery 10 of the first cam 1. This is free to rotate at the rate of the pinion 5 under the effect of the chronograph counting chain, including the mobile 6. When the chronograph mechanism is switched on, the display device fractions of a second is inoperative.

As shown on the figure 7 a rotation of the column wheel 8, under the effect of the pushbutton P, induces the rotation of the lever 14 and the support 4 under the effect of the spring R4. Indeed, in this configuration, the head 14b of the lever is able to retract because the lever 14, in particular the end 14a, is no longer in support against one of the columns 80b of the wheel. 8. It follows that the support 4 is returned to its rest position by the spring R4. The column wheel 8 also simultaneously controls the rotational stopping of the mobiles 5 and 6 under the effect of a disengagement and / or brake mechanism 15 shown schematically on the figures 6 and 7 .

With the support 4 moving, the spout 30 of the pawl 3 leaves the second abutment surface 20 to bear against the first surface 10 of the cam 1 under the effect of the spring R3. The spout moves on the first surface to meet a first recess 10a in which it enters under the effect of the spring R3. The recesses 10a and 20a are dimensioned so that the recess 10a can be superimposed on a single recess 20a. Thus, since the spout 30 of the pawl 3 is opposite a recess 10a, it is inserted into a recess 20a, as shown in FIG. figure 8 , and stops the support in position, the recesses 20a being fixed relative to the frame.

During the displacement of the support, the A1 indicator of tenths of a second also moved until reaching a position defined by the second recess 20a in which the spout 30 has been inserted. In this state, represented on the figure 9 , the device 100 displays the time information stored or timed to the tenth of a second. In the example of the figure 9 , the device displays 55 seconds and 6 tenths of a second.

Pressing the pushbutton P again turns the column wheel to position it in the state shown on the figure 6 . The column wheel acts on the lever 14 to reposition it in its illustrated position on the figure 6 . This movement of the lever causes an action of the head of the lever against the support to reposition it in its position illustrated on the figure 6 acting against the return spring R4. During this step, the pawl 30 is extracted from the recesses, brought against a cylindrical portion of the first surface and positioned in contact with the second abutment surface. During this step, the displacement of the support also implies that of the indicator A1 which finds its position illustrated on the figure 6 . Preferably, this new pressure can reset the chronograph module by means of the mechanism 15.

When the chronograph module is engaged, the passage from a first recess 10a to another first recess 10a consecutive opposite the spout 30 of the pawl 3 requires a second. When activating the display device tenths of a second, the nozzle 30 of the pawl 3 is housed in one of the second recesses 20a through the presence of one of the five recesses 10a provided on the first surface of the first cam 1. The device 100 has the particularity of being provided with two separate cams 1 and 2 which are each provided to cooperate with the pawl fixed on the movable support 4 forming, for example, a rake.

In a second embodiment not shown, the counting device does not include second recesses. Thus, the stop of the support which is displaced by the action of the return spring is achieved by the cooperation of the pawl nose with a first recess, in particular by the contacting engagement of the ratchet nose with a flank of a first recess. In such an embodiment, it is essential that the braking torque of the seconds mobile is sufficient to overcome the torque created by the spring of the support and the return spring of the pawl. Furthermore, the games in the teeth of gear wheels 5 and 6 can be minimized in order to limit the slackness of indicator A1 in a display state of the stored time information.

With such an embodiment, the indicator A1 tenths of a second can not take only ten predefined positions as in the first embodiment, but can take any position on the limb, in particular a position between two time indications.

The embodiments described above may of course be generalized to any type of display provided to indicate on demand a fraction of any time indication or derived from the time that has been stored. In particular, as a function of the frequency chosen for the oscillator of the basic movement, such a device 100 may, for example, display the hundredths of a second.

The number j of first recesses 10a of the first cam 1 is given by the speed v (in revolutions per minute) of rotation of the pinion 5. The display accuracy p (in seconds) is given by the number i of second recesses 20a. of the second cam 2 which is chosen as a function of the frequency f (in Hertz) of the oscillator. The table below shows some examples of embodiment, including the first embodiment * described above. p f v i j 0125 4 12 8 5 * 0.1 5 12 10 5 0.1 5 15 10 4 0.1 5 20 10 3 0.01 50 120 100 5 0.01 50 150 100 4 0.01 50 200 100 3

In the first embodiment, the spout 30 of the pawl 3 is staggered on two distinct levels corresponding to the respective level of each of the first and second cams 1, 2. In a third embodiment illustrated by FIG. figure 10 cams 1 and 2 could be arranged in the same plane. For this purpose, the pawl 3 could be in the form of a pivoting rocker having two distinct nozzles disposed on either side of its pivot axis C5 made on the support 4. Each of the beaks of the ratchet would then be specifically provided to cooperate with one or the other of the first and second cams 1 and 2. Preferably, the pawl 3 could be integral with the support 4 and connected to the rest of the support by the kiss of flexible arms.

In the first and third embodiments, the counting device is provided with two separate cams each of which are provided to cooperate with the same pawl. The first cam is kinematically linked to the gear train carrying the time information, while the second cam is fixed relative to the frame of the timepiece.

In the various embodiments described, the first cam is rotatable and has the shape of a wheel. However, the first cam could be movable in another motion, for example in translation and could have another shape.

The device allows the counting of a number of time unit fractions, by counting a number of moving unit fractions of a moving member. It is indeed possible to consider the counting of a number of moving unit units of a moving member to count a number of unit time fractions by making a correlation assumption of the two measurements, in particular when movable member moves at a constant speed.

In this application, one understands "fraction" in the broad mathematical sense so that the fraction of a unit can be greater than unity. Alternatively, a fraction of a unit is a part of the unit, therefore less than unity.

The invention also relates to a method of operating a counting device 100 previously described or a movement 110 previously described or a timepiece 120 described above.

• immobiliser la première came 1 ;
• escamoter un levier 14 ou une butée maintenant en position le support 4 dans une position prédéterminée ;
• déplacer le support 4 depuis une première position prédéfinie vers une position de repos relativement au bâti jusqu'à ce que le cliquet butte au niveau d'un premier évidement 10a, par exemple butte contre un flanc du premier évidement ou butte contre un flanc d'un deuxième évidement 20a.

The method comprises, in a first phase of operation, the following steps:

• immobilize the first cam 1;
• retracting a lever 14 or an abutment now in position the support 4 in a predetermined position;
• moving the support 4 from a first predefined position to a rest position relative to the frame until the pawl abuts at a first recess 10a, for example butts against a sidewall of the first recess or butte against a sidewall. a second recess 20a.

• agir sur le levier 14 ou sur la butée de sorte à ramener le support dans sa première position prédéfinie.

The method may comprise, in a second phase of operation, the following step:

• act on the lever 14 or on the stop so as to bring the support back to its first predefined position.

This action can be achieved through the energy of a user action on the device, especially through the energy of the pressure exerted by the user on the push button.

The first phase and / or the second phase is advantageously triggered by an action on the control system, in particular by pressing the pushbutton.

Claims (14)

1. A device (100) for counting a number of time unit fractions or a number of movement unit fractions of a mobile member (1; 6; A2), the device comprising:

   - a first cam (1) having a first surface (10);

   - a second abutment surface (20);

   - a mobile support (4) urged by a spring (R4);

   - a mobile pawl (3) mounted on the support (4) and urged by a spring (R3) toward the first surface, the pawl (3) being adapted to cooperate with one or the other of the first and second surfaces (10, 20) according to the position of the support (4);

   - a control system (80) adapted, in a first non-counting state of the control system, to maintain the support in a first position and, in a second counting state of the control system, to allow the movement of the support; and

   - a second cam (2), notably a second cam (2) fixed relative to a frame (99), including second recesses (20a) adapted to cooperate, notably to cooperate through contact, with the pawl (3) in the counting state of the control system.
2. A device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the first surface (10) of the cam (1) includes n first recesses (10a) adapted to cooperate with the pawl (3) in the counting state of the control system.
3. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cam (2) includes a toothset (2), in particular a toothed portion (2), the teeth of which define the second recesses (20a).
4. A device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the first cam (1) and the toothset (2) are coaxial and/or the first surface (10) is an external surface (10) of the first cam and the radius of the first surface (10) is greater than or equal to the total outside radius of the toothset (2) and/or the first surface (10) is an inside surface of the first cam and the inside radius of the first surface is less than or equal to the total inside radius of the toothset.
5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first recesses (10a) are adapted, in the counting state of the control system, to allow the immobilization of the mobile support (4), notably through the cooperation by contact of the pawl (3) with a second recess (20a) aligned with a first recess (10a).
6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cam (1) is a wheel (1) pivoted on the frame (99).
7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile support (4) pivots on the frame (99), notably coaxially with the first cam (1).
8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam (2) includes the second surface (20), the second surface being circular or substantially circular, for example.
9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (10) and the second surface (20) are coaxial and/or the first surface (10) is an outside surface (10) of the first cam and the radius of the first surface (10) is less than the outside radius of the second surface (20) and/or the first surface is an inside surface of the first cam and the inside radius of the first surface is greater than the inside radius of the second surface.
10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle subtended by a first recess (10a) is greater than or equal to the angle subtended by a second recess (20a) defined by the pitch of the toothset (2).
11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system includes a lever (14) and a control member (8), notably a control member having a binary profile (80b) like a column wheel, the lever and the control member being adapted to cooperate with one another in order for the lever to be in the first non-counting state corresponding to a predefined position of the support (4) in which the pawl (3) cooperates with the second surface (20) and the second counting state allowing any position of the support (4) in which the pawl (3) cooperates obstacle-wise with one of the first or second recesses.
12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a display member (7, A1) kinematically linked to the support, the support including for example a first toothed sector (40) meshing with a second toothed sector (70) on the display member, the display member including for example a pointer cooperating with a limb.
13. A timepiece movement (110) including a device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. A timepiece (120), in particular a wristwatch, including a device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 or a movement (110) as claimed in the preceding claim.

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