EP3264198B1 - Timepiece comprising a device for switching a mechanism of said timepiece - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for switching a clock mechanism between two functional states.

• un mécanisme horloger pouvant commuter entre un premier état et un deuxième état déterminés;
• un dispositif de commutation agencé pour pouvoir commuter le mécanisme horloger entre les premier et deuxième états, ce dispositif de commutation comprenant un organe de commande, qui s'étend dans un plan général dans lequel il est susceptible de subir un mouvement sous l'action d'un dispositif d'actionnement de cet organe de commande, et un organe de commutation dont au moins une partie est agencée de manière à pouvoir subir un mouvement ayant une composante orthogonale au plan général.

More particularly, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising:

• a clock mechanism capable of switching between a first determined state and a second determined state;
• a switching device arranged to be able to switch the clock mechanism between the first and second states, this switching device comprising a control member, which extends in a general plane in which it is liable to undergo a movement under the action of 'A device for actuating this control member, and a switching member at least part of which is arranged so as to be able to undergo a movement having a component orthogonal to the general plane.

The switching device is of the bistable type. It is arranged so that said at least part of the switching member is capable of passing on command from a first stable axial position to a second stable axial position, to generate a first switching of the clock mechanism between its first state and its second state, and from the second stable axial position to the first stable axial position to generate a second switching of the clock mechanism between its second state and its first state.

The clock mechanism can have several different functions for which the switching device defines a bistable switch, alternately enabling or disabling the function or alternately engaging and disengaging this function.

Invention background

A bistable vertical clutch device described in the document EP 2,015,145 meets the definition of the device given in the field of the invention. This device is designed to alternately start and stop a chronograph mechanism. To this end, it includes a switching mechanism comprising a clutch wheel permanently coupled to an output wheel, a clutch cone associated with a control member, a spring exerting an axial force between the first wheel and a plate forming a stop, a central tube for securing the plate with the assembly formed by the clutch wheel and the clutch cone, and finally a seal allowing friction coupling of said assembly with an input wheel.

The switching mechanism is actuated axially (i.e. perpendicular to the respective planes of the input wheel and the output wheel) by a control mechanism which includes a clamp with two fingers, carrying at their free ends respective parts each having an oblique surface for pressing laterally on the clutch cone (which in fact defines a clutch clutch cone), and a column wheel which is driven step by step in a plurality of angular positions by means an actuating device, in particular a pusher which can be actuated by the user of the timepiece. This column wheel activates, in collaboration with a leaf spring, the clamp so as to alternately lift the assembly formed by the clutch wheel and the clutch cone against the axial force of the spring to disengage the mechanism. chronograph and remove side pressure on this assembly to effect a clutch of the chronograph mechanism, this clutch being produced by the spring and the friction joint.

As is apparent from the above discussion, the vertical clutch device of the document EP 2,015,145 is relatively complex. First, it requires a spring incorporated in the switching mechanism. Then, it is bulky in the general plane of the movement and has a fairly large height due to the superposition of several elements, in particular the clutch cone, the spring and the stop plate. Finally, the control mechanism is not easy to manufacture and then to assemble in the watch movement.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to provide a switching device, in particular a bistable clutch device, of a new type relative to that of the prior art described above to respond in particular to the drawbacks of this prior art.

• l'organe de commande est agencé pivotant autour d'un axe de rotation qui est perpendiculaire à son plan général, de manière à pouvoir être entraîné pas-à-pas, dans un sens de rotation donné, successivement dans une pluralité de positions angulaires distinctes;
• l'organe de commande et l'organe de commutation comprennent respectivement une première structure magnétique et une deuxième structure magnétique agencées de manière à présenter entre elles une interaction magnétique;
• l'une des première et deuxième structures magnétiques comprend au moins un premier pôle magnétique et l'autre de ces deux structures magnétiques comprend au moins un deuxième pôle magnétique et un troisième pôle magnétique avec des polarités opposées, les première et deuxième structures magnétiques étant agencées de manière que, dans une première position angulaire de l'organe de commande parmi ladite pluralité de positions angulaires distinctes, le premier pôle magnétique présente principalement une première interaction magnétique avec l'un des deuxième et troisième pôles magnétiques et que, dans une deuxième position angulaire de cet organe de commande parmi la pluralité de positions angulaires distinctes, ce premier pôle magnétique présente principalement une deuxième interaction magnétique avec l'autre de ces deuxième et troisième pôles magnétiques, les première et deuxième interactions magnétiques engendrant sur l'organe de commutation respectivement une première force magnétique et une deuxième force magnétique, toutes deux principalement orientées selon ledit axe de rotation avec des sens opposés, permettant de déplacer ladite au moins une partie de cet organe de commutation de la première position axiale stable à la deuxième position axiale stable et inversement;
• ladite au moins une partie de l'organe de commutation subit un mouvement alternatif entre ses première et deuxième positions axiales stables lorsque la deuxième structure magnétique est entrainée en rotation pas-à-pas dans ledit sens de rotation donné.

To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece as defined in the main claim of the attached set of claims. Thus, the invention relates to a timepiece generally defined in the field of the invention and which is characterized in that:

• the control member is arranged pivoting about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to its general plane, so that it can be driven step by step, in a given direction of rotation, successively in a plurality of distinct angular positions ;
• the control member and the switching member respectively comprise a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure arranged so as to present between them a magnetic interaction;
• one of the first and second magnetic structures comprises at least a first magnetic pole and the other of these two magnetic structures comprises at least a second magnetic pole and a third magnetic pole with opposite polarities, the first and second magnetic structures being arranged so that, in a first angular position of the control member among said plurality of distinct angular positions, the first magnetic pole mainly has a first magnetic interaction with one of the second and third magnetic poles and that, in a second position angular of this control member among the plurality of distinct angular positions, this first magnetic pole mainly presents a second magnetic interaction with the other of these second and third magnetic poles, the first and second magnetic interactions generating on the switching member respectively a first magnetic force and a second magnetic force, both mainly oriented along said axis of rotation with opposite directions, making it possible to move said at least part of this switching member from the first stable axial position to the second stable axial position and vice versa;
• said at least part of the switching member undergoes a reciprocating movement between its first and second stable axial positions when the second magnetic structure is driven in step-by-step rotation in said given direction of rotation.

Thanks to the features of the invention, the switching member can switch alternately between its two stable axial positions by virtue of a magnetic force generated alternately in the two directions of the axial direction by the two magnetic structures, respectively forming the control member. and the switching member, when the control member is driven step by step successively in a plurality of predefined angular positions. Other particular advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the invention which follows.

Various embodiments and variants are the subject of the secondary claims of the appended set of claims. Thus, in particular, in a particular embodiment, the switching member comprises an axial guide arranged so as to allow axial translation in both directions of this switching member during actuation in rotation of the control member and to prevent this switching member from being rotated during such an actuation. In a particular application, the switching device forms a clutch-disengaging device. The switching member carries a clutch element arranged free to rotate at least in one axial position, among the first and second stable axial positions, corresponding to a engaged state of the switching device and therefore of the associated clock mechanism, the element clutch being integral with the switching member in axial translation.

Brief description of the drawings

• La Figure 1 est une vue partielle, en coupe, d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• La Figure 2 est une vue partielle, de dessus, de la pièce d'horlogerie de la Figure 1 ;
• La Figure 3 est une vue en perspective, depuis le dessous, du dispositif de commutation de la pièce d'horlogerie de la Figure 1 ;
• La Figure 4 est une vue partielle, en coupe, d'une variante du premier mode de réalisation;
• La Figure 5 est une vue partielle, en coupe, d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention; et
• La Figure 6 est une vue partielle, en coupe, d'une pièce d'horlogerie selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The invention will be described below with the aid of appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

• The Figure 1 is a partial view, in section, of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• The Figure 2 is a partial view, from above, of the timepiece of the Figure 1 ;
• The Figure 3 is a perspective view, from below, of the switching device of the timepiece of the Figure 1 ;
• The Figure 4 is a partial view, in section, of a variant of the first embodiment;
• The Figure 5 is a partial view, in section, of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
• The Figure 6 is a partial view, in section, of a timepiece according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

We will describe using Figures 1 to 3 a first embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. This timepiece 2 is partially shown in the figures which essentially show a switching device 4 for this timepiece as well as a pinion 6 and a wheel 8 of a timepiece mechanism which can functionally be in a first state where the pinion and the wheel are not mechanically coupled and a second state where this pinion and this wheel are mechanically coupled by a clutch wheel 10 associated with the switching device. The clutch wheel comprises a central shaft 26 and is arranged free to rotate at least in one of its first and second stable axial positions which corresponds to a engaged state of the switching device, this clutch wheel being integral with the member. switching in axial translation. The switching device here defines a vertical clutch-declutching device because the switching member 12, carrying the clutch wheel, undergoes with the latter a vertical translational movement in both directions, that is to say perpendicular to the general plane 18 of the base 14 on which the control member 16 is mounted and parallel to the respective axes of rotation of the pinion 6 and the wheel 8. In the first embodiment described here, part of the shaft 26, located on the side opposite the switching member relative to the toothing 10A of the clutch wheel, is arranged sliding in a pierced stone 28 forming a bearing mounted in a bridge 30 integral with the base 14.

The switching device 4 is arranged to be able to switch the clock mechanism between its first and second states. To this end, it comprises the control member 16, which extends in a general plane 18 in which it is liable to undergo pivoting (rotation about itself) under the action of an actuating device ( partially represented at the Figure 3 ), and the switching member 12 arranged so as to be able to undergo a translational movement substantially in an orthogonal direction in general 18. The control member can be driven in rotation about its central axis of rotation 36, step by step in a direction of rotation given successively in a plurality of distinct angular positions which are predetermined. To do this, in the variant shown in Figure 3 , the control member comprises a star 20 associated with a jumper 22 which successively stabilizes the control member in the angular positions of the plurality of distinct angular positions. The star is rotated successively in said angular positions by an actuating device comprising a lever or finger 24 acting successively on the branches of the star, which comprises a number of branches equal to the number of these angular positions. This number is equal to eight in the variant described. The lever or finger can be actuated in various ways either by a user or by another mechanism of the timepiece. In particular, it can be actuated by a pusher arranged in a watch case. Thanks to the magnetic system which will be described later, the switching member is capable of passing on command from a first stable axial position to a second stable axial position, to generate a first switching of the timepiece mechanism between its first state, shown to the Figure 1 , and its second state, and from the second stable axial position to the first stable axial position to generate a second switching of the clock mechanism between its second state and its first state.

According to the invention, the control member and the switching member respectively comprise a first magnetic structure 32 and a second magnetic structure 34 having a magnetic interaction between them. Generally, one of the first and second magnetic structures comprises at least a first magnetic pole and the other of these two magnetic structures comprises at least a second magnetic pole and a third magnetic pole with opposite polarities. The first and second magnetic structures are arranged so that, in a first angular position of the control member among the plurality of its distinct angular positions, the first magnetic pole mainly presents a first magnetic interaction with one of the second and third magnetic poles and that, in a second angular position of this control member among the plurality of distinct angular positions, this first magnetic pole mainly presents a second magnetic interaction with the other of these second and third magnetic poles. The first and second magnetic interactions generate on the switching member respectively a first magnetic force and a second magnetic force, both oriented along the axis of rotation 36 of the control member with opposite directions, which makes it possible to move this switching member from its first stable axial position to its second stable axial position and vice versa. More particularly, the first and second magnetic structures are arranged so that the switching member undergoes an alternating movement between its first and second stable axial positions when the second magnetic structure, integral with the control member, is rotated not -in step in said given direction of rotation, which thus makes it possible to generate, on command, switches of the clock mechanism between its first and second states.

The rotary control member is arranged to perform steps each corresponding to a pivoting angle π / N, with N> 0, so that the first magnetic structure 32 is caused to successively occupy 2N distinct angular positions around the axis of rotation 36. Generally in such a case, one of the first and second magnetic structures comprises N first active magnetic poles, substantially axially oriented and when N> 1 regularly distributed around the axis of rotation 36, while the other of these two magnetic structures comprises N second active magnetic poles and N third active magnetic poles substantially axially oriented and regularly distributed around the axis of rotation and substantially the same distance from this axis of rotation as the first magnetic poles. The second and third magnetic poles are arranged alternately so that each second magnetic pole is interposed between two third magnetic poles. In addition, in each of the distinct angular positions of the control member, the N first magnetic poles are located substantially opposite the N second magnetic poles or the N third magnetic poles. In the variant shown in the figures, N is equal to four (N = 4). By active magnetic pole is understood a magnetic pole participating in the magnetic interaction provided in the magnetic system generating axial translations in both directions of the switching member.

In the variant shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the magnetic structure comprising the N first active magnetic poles further comprises N fourth active magnetic poles of opposite polarity to those of the N first active magnetic poles, the first and fourth magnetic poles being regularly distributed around the axis of rotation 36 and arranged alternately so that each fourth magnetic pole is interposed between two first magnetic poles. Thus, the first and second magnetic structures are similar and have materially planar symmetry between them in the various stable angular positions of the control member (depending on the stable angular position of the control member, the polarities of the active poles in screw opposite can be either opposite or identical).

In a main variant, shown in Figures 1 to 3 , each of the first and second magnetic structures comprises 2N bipolar magnets 42, 44 respectively oriented axially and regularly distributed around the axis of rotation 36, these bipolar magnets being magnetically alternately oriented in one direction and in the other (this is that is, the magnetic axes of two adjacent bipolar magnets have meanings opposite). It will be noted that, in a variant (not shown) in which the magnetic structure carrying the N first active magnetic poles does not comprise fourth active magnetic poles, this magnetic structure then comprises N axially oriented bipolar magnets, with their respective magnetic axes having the same direction, and distributed regularly around the axis of rotation.

In a variant not shown, at least the magnetic structure carrying the second and third magnetic poles is constituted by a multipolar magnet comprising 2N active poles which are alternated and oriented axially. It will be noted that the other magnetic structure can also be constituted by a multipolar magnet with its poles oriented axially, in particular when it also has 2N alternating active poles.

The switching member comprises an axial guide arranged so as to allow an axial translation in both directions of this switching member when the control member is actuated in rotation and to prevent this switching member from being driven in rotation during such actuation. In the first embodiment, the switching member 12 is guided in axial translation (along the axis of rotation 36) by at least one first column 46 located at the periphery of the control member and sliding in an opening of the base 14. Preferably, a second column 48 is also provided here for axial guidance, the first and second columns advantageously being diametrically opposite relative to the axis of rotation, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 . On the other hand, the control member 16 is arranged so as to be able to pivot, as already explained, but not to be able to undergo substantially axial translation. To this end, the control member has a part having an outer side wall which is circular, this part being arranged in a circular recess of the base 14 which has an axial stop for this part in a first direction oriented towards the magnetic structure. 34 of the switching member. Then the controller is pivoted in a plate 50 which also forms an axial stop for this control member, in a second direction opposite to the first direction. To limit friction, it is advantageous to arrange in the plate 50 a bearing with a pierced stone and a counter-pivot stone, the latter being positioned in height so that the pivot presses against it while a certain slot remains between the body of the control member and the upper surface of the plate.

It follows from the arrangement of the switching device according to the invention that, when the control member 16 is driven step by step in the plurality of distinct and stable angular positions (2N positions), the switching member 12 is subjected to an axial magnetic force alternately in both directions of the direction defined by the axis of rotation 36. When the pairs of bipolar magnets 42 and 44, located one opposite the other, have their two magnets oriented magnetically in the same direction, the magnetic force is a magnetic force of attraction and the switching member is then attracted to the control member. On the other hand, when these pairs of bipolar magnets 42 and 44 have their two magnets oriented magnetically in an opposite direction, the magnetic force is a magnetic repelling force and the switching member is then pushed back from the control member.

In order to limit the possible translation for the switching member in both directions, the timepiece further comprises at least a first stop 52 and at least a second stop 54 arranged to define respectively two stable axial positions of the member. switching, this switching member being in abutment against one or the other of these first and second stops respectively in its two stable axial positions under the action of the magnetic force generated between the first and second magnetic structures. The two stable axial positions of the switching member respectively define a disengaging position and a clutch position in which the mechanism associated watchmaker is respectively in a disengaged state and a engaged state. In the case shown in the figures, the clutch wheel 10 is engaged with the pinion 6 in the clutch position of the switching member, while in its disengaged position, this clutch wheel is no longer in engagement with the pinion (no more meshing relationship between them). To best adjust the clutch position, the stop 54 is adjustable in height. In the variant shown, this stop is formed by at least one screw in a threaded hole in the bridge 30.

On the one hand, means are provided for substantially securing the clutch wheel to the switching member in the axial direction, so that this wheel follows the axial translational movement of this switching member. In the variant shown, two curved fingers 56 and 58 projecting from the plate of the switching member form therewith two C-shaped elements around the teeth 10A of the clutch wheel. Thus, this clutch wheel has a very limited axial travel in both directions relative to the switching member. On the other hand, by way of improvement, means are provided to allow optimum rotation of the clutch wheel in the clutch position of the switching member. To this end, to guide the clutch wheel on the side of the plate of the switching member, the shaft 26 of this wheel has a pivot 60 arranged in a lower bearing 62. Then, the upper bearing comprises a kitten 64 in which are inserted the pierced stone 28 and a counter-pivot stone 66 at a certain distance from the pierced stone, this distance being provided so as not to impede the sliding of the shaft 26 through the pierced stone when the member switch is pushed into its clutch position by a magnetic repelling force.

Various variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art. Thus, although the teeth of the pinion 6 are shown to be cylindrical in a variant with teeth oriented axially, the teeth of the clutch wheel 10, of the pinion 6 and of the wheel 8 can advantageously be conical in a first variant and planar, in the form of a ring, in a second variant. In the latter case, the teeth can be of the Breguet type, either sawtooth ensuring reliable drive in a given direction of rotation, or in the form of an isosceles triangle allowing drive in both directions of rotation of the clutch wheel. . It is therefore understood that a coaxial system between the clutch wheel and an input wheel or an output wheel, of the type presented in the prior art, can be provided, with friction coupling or coupling with teeth. annular planes. Various variants are also possible in such a case. In particular, it will be noted that the bridge 30 and the bearing which it carries (in particular the pierced stone 28) are not essential, the clutch wheel being able to be guided in rotation by other means. By way of example, such rotational guiding can be done by elements acting on circular lateral surfaces of the clutch wheel, whether at its teeth, with a lower pivot in a lower bearing (c 'that is to say on the side of the magnetic structure 34) or of an annular part intermediate between the plate comprising the coupling teeth (or possibly a friction joint) and a lower pivot.

The pivoting can be achieved by a device of the 'ball bearing' type also ensuring an axial connection (that is to say during axial translations) of the clutch wheel with the switching member. It will also be indicated that, although the clutch wheel is provided in the figures for coupling two mobiles in the engaged state of the mechanism in question, it is also possible that the clutch wheel carries an indicator or a cam which is actuated depending on whether the clutch wheel is engaged or not with a movable input element as a function of the angular position of the control member. Finally, it will be noted that guiding in rotation only on the lower side of the clutch wheel as well as an axial connection can be achieved by a lower magnetic bearing of the type described in the variant presented below.

The Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment. The elements already described previously will not be described again here. Timepiece 72 differs from timepiece 2 firstly by the arrangement, in the switching device 4A, of a lower magnetic bearing 74 instead of a traditional bearing with pierced stone and counter-pivot . This magnetic bearing comprises a magnet 76 mounted in the plate of the switching member 12A and surmounted by a ferromagnetic element 78 for central conduction of the magnetic flux of this magnet so as to center the shaft 26A of the wheel. clutch 10A, this shaft also being at least partially made of ferromagnetic material so that the magnetic bearing is functional. The arrangement of such a magnetic bearing has various advantages. In particular, the attraction force generated by the magnetic bearing on the shaft of the clutch wheel makes it possible to secure this wheel with the switching member 12A without having to resort to mechanical means as in the variant of the Figure 1 . In other words, the magnetic bearing is arranged in the switching member to pivot one end of this shaft, this magnetic bearing further ensuring an axial movement of the clutch wheel synchronous with the switching member in the two meaning. One can also do without the counter-pivot stone in the upper landing arranged in the bridge 30.

In the variant of the Figure 4 , limiting the axial translation of the switching member 12A, in the configuration where the magnetic structures 32 and 34 have a repelling force between them, and the stable axial clutch position for this switching member (in the example considered) are obtained by two screws 80 (only one may suffice) freely passing through corresponding holes in the plate of the switching member and screwed into two threaded holes provided in the base 14. In a variant, the two screws 80 serve also to define the axial guidance of the switching member and the two columns 46 and 48 are eliminated. Thus, the switching member is simply formed by a plate carrying bipolar magnets.

The Figure 5 shows in section a second embodiment of the invention. Again, the elements already described previously will not be described again in detail. The timepiece 82 according to this second embodiment is remarkable in that the switching device 4B comprises a bridge 30B which is integral with the switching member 12B, so that they form together with the wheel. clutch 10B a clutch unit 84 which can undergo an axial movement in one direction and then in the other direction when the control member 16 is driven step by step in two of its stable angular positions which follow one another. This clutch unit is robust and easy to assemble. In particular, the shaft 26B of the clutch wheel 10B is conventionally pivoted in two standard bearings 88 and 90 with a usual play which remains invariable during the operation of the clutch device according to this second embodiment. The bridge 30B is fixed to the switching member by a screw 86 screwed into a threaded hole in this switching member, this hole advantageously being coaxial with a column 48 for axially guiding the clutch unit. It will be noted here that, to precisely align the two bearings 88 and 90 in a vertical direction, means for positioning the bridge 30B can advantageously be provided, in particular two positioning pins or foot-screws for fixing the bridge. The bridge is therefore fixedly mounted on the switching member so as to allow them to accommodate at least a central part of a clutch element, this bridge comprising a bearing in which is arranged one end of the shaft of this clutch element. It will be noted that a column has been omitted relative to the first embodiment, the axial guiding of the switching member being carried out by the screw 80 and the column 48. The screw 80 thus has a second function here.

The Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a timepiece 92 according to the invention. Again, only the differences with the previous embodiments will be exposed. Note that the operation of the magnetic system of the switching device 4C remains identical to that described above and will therefore not be explained here. This third embodiment is distinguished mainly from the first embodiment by the fact that the switching member 12C is guided axially by a central column 94 freely passing through a cylindrical hole 96 of the control member 16C and extends into a hole non-circular 97 of a plate 50C on which the control member is mounted. A plate 14C, defining with the plate a housing for this control member, is fixed to the plate by two screws 98. The column 94 has on at least one lower part 95, sliding in the non-circular hole 97, a non-circular section corresponding to the profile of this non-circular hole, so as to prevent rotation of the switching member, in particular during the rotation drive of the control member 16C to move the switching member between its two axial positions stable, as already explained above. The non-circular section portion 95 is configured so as to allow an axial translation of the switching member between its two stable axial positions.

This third embodiment is advantageous because the switching device 4C is less bulky than the two previous embodiments.

The actuation of the star 20 can be done by a lever or a sliding element through a lateral opening provided in the plate 50C. It will be noted that projecting parts 52C of the switching member 12C, defining the axial disengagement position of this switching member, come to bear against the upper surface of the base 14C forming a stop.

• les deux doigts recourbés 56 et 58, servant à sensiblement solidariser la roue d'embrayage 10 avec l'organe de commutation lors des translations axiales de ce dernier, ne sont pas ici agencés de manière diamétralement opposée, mais de part et d'autre du pignon 6 avec une distance angulaire entre eux inférieure à 180°, par exemple 120°. Ceci assure un non engrènement de la roue 10 avec le pignon 6 dans la position axiale de débrayage de l'organe de commutation et en plus facilite la mise en place de cette roue avec un pivot inférieur de l'arbre 26 dans une pierre percée 62C.
• Les doigts recourbés 56 et 58 ont aussi pour fonction de définir des butées de l'organe de commutation pour définir sa position axiale d'embrayage, ces doigts venant buter contre la surface inférieure de la planche du pont 30C dans cette position.
• Les pierres 28C et 62C, formant respectivement deux paliers pour la roue d'embrayage, présentent des parties annulaires qui font légèrement saillie respectivement de la surface inférieure de la planche du pont 30C et de la surface plane de l'organe de commutation en regard de la roue d'embrayage, de manière à maintenir cette roue à une certaine distance de ces deux surfaces planes dans la position axiale d'embrayage de l'organe de commutation et également des doigts 56 et 58. Ainsi, on limite les frottements sur la roue d'embrayage lorsqu'elle est entrainée en rotation et on diminue donc la perte d'énergie mécanique dans cet état embrayé du mécanisme horloger associé au dispositif de commutation. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, la pierre 28C peut être agencée dans un chaton dont la position axiale est ajustable.

As particular variants, the following particular characteristics can be listed:

• the two curved fingers 56 and 58, used to substantially secure the clutch wheel 10 with the switching member during the axial translations of the latter, are not here arranged diametrically opposite, but on either side of the pinion 6 with an angular distance between them less than 180 °, for example 120 °. This ensures that the wheel 10 does not mesh with the pinion 6 in the axial disengaging position of the switching member and in addition facilitates the positioning of this wheel with a lower pivot of the shaft 26 in a drilled stone 62C .
• The curved fingers 56 and 58 also have the function of defining stops of the switching member to define its axial clutch position, these fingers abutting against the lower surface of the board of the bridge 30C in this position.
• The stones 28C and 62C, respectively forming two bearings for the clutch wheel, have annular parts which slightly project respectively from the lower surface of the board of the bridge 30C and from the flat surface of the switching member opposite the clutch wheel, so as to maintain this wheel at a certain distance from these two flat surfaces in the axial clutch position of the switching member and also of the fingers 56 and 58. Thus, friction on the clutch wheel when it is rotated and therefore reduces the loss of mechanical energy in this engaged state of the timepiece mechanism associated with the switching device. As in the first embodiment, the stone 28C can be arranged in a kitten whose axial position is adjustable.

It will be noted that the second embodiment can be advantageously implemented in a timepiece according to the third embodiment.

As indicated previously, the control member can be actuated by a user via an actuation device such as a button. Other actuation devices known to those skilled in the art can be envisaged. Thus, in other embodiments, these actuation mechanisms can be actuated automatically and in particular periodically by another mechanism of the timepiece, that is to say by a mechanism for actuating this timepiece. watchmaking which cooperates with the switched mechanism according to the invention. The invention can be applied to mechanical watch movements and also to timepieces having electromechanical parts. Thus, the actuating device of the control member can comprise an electromechanical motor.

Finally, although the various embodiments shown in the figures all relate to switching devices with a switching member formed by a shuttle undergoing generally back and forth movements along a vertical axis, it will be noted that other modes of embodiments can be envisaged in the context of the present invention, in particular switching devices with a switching member formed by a member pivoting about a horizontal axis, that is to say in the general plane of the member control and therefore orthogonal to its axis of rotation. By way of example, this pivoting element is a lever or a rocker part of which, on one side of its pivot axis, carries the second magnetic structure. The pivoting element is arranged so that the second magnetic structure, formed in particular by a bipolar magnet, undergoes a movement along an arc of a circle whose vertical dimension is greater than its horizontal dimension. Thus, the part carrying the second magnetic structure undergoes, according to the present invention, a translation in both directions between two stable axial positions when the control member is driven step by step in rotation in its distinct angular positions.

Claims (16)

1. Timepiece including:

   - a timepiece mechanism (6, 8, 10) capable of switching between a specific first state and a specific second state;

   - a switching device (4; 4A; 4B; 4C) arranged to be able to switch the timepiece mechanism between said first and second states, said switching device including a control member (16; 16C), which extends in a general plane in which it is subjectable to a movement under the action of an actuation device (22, 24) of said control member, and a switching member (12; 12A; 12B; 12C) at least one part of which is arranged to be subjectable to a movement having a component orthogonal to said general plane;

   the switching device being arranged such that said at least one part of the switching member is capable of passing on demand from a first stable axial position to a second stable axial position, to cause a first switch of the timepiece mechanism between the first state and second state thereof, and from the second stable axial position to the first stable axial position to cause a second switch of the timepiece mechanism between the second state and the first state thereof;
   characterized in that the control member is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation (36) which is perpendicular to said general plane (18), so as to be drivable step-by-step in a given direction of rotation, successively into a plurality of distinct angular positions; in that the control member and the switching member respectively include a first magnetic structure (32) and a second magnetic structure (34) arranged to exhibit a magnet interaction therebetween; in that one of the first and second magnetic structures includes at least a first magnetic pole and the other of said two magnetic structures includes at least a second magnetic pole and a third magnetic pole with opposite polarities, the first and second magnetic structures being arranged such that, in a first angular position of the control member of said plurality of distinct angular positions, the first magnetic pole mainly exhibits a first magnetic interaction with one of the second and third magnetic poles, and such that, in a second angular position of this control member of the plurality of distinct angular positions, this first magnetic pole mainly exhibits a second magnetic interaction with the other of the second and third magnetic poles, the first and second magnetic interactions producing on the switching member a first magnetic force and a second magnetic force respectively, both mainly oriented along said axis of rotation in opposite directions, allowing said at least one part of said switching member to be moved from the first stable axial position to the second stable axial position and vice versa; and in that said at least one part of the switching member is subjected to an alternate movement between the first and second stable axial positions thereof when the second magnetic structure is driven in rotation step-by-step in said given direction of rotation.
2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the control member is arranged to make steps each corresponding to a pivoting motion of angle π/N, where N > 0, such that the first magnetic structure is made to occupy in succession 2N distinct angular positions about said axis of rotation when driven step-by-step, said one of the first and second magnetic structures including N first magnetic poles which are substantially axially oriented and, when N > 1, regularly distributed about said axis of rotation, and said other of said two magnetic structures including N second magnetic poles and N third magnetic poles which are substantially axially oriented and regularly distributed about the axis of rotation and at substantially the same distance from said axis of rotation as the first magnetic poles, the second and third magnetic poles being arranged alternately, such that each second magnetic pole is inserted between two third magnetic poles; and in that, in each of the distinct angular positions of the control member, the N first magnetic poles are located substantially facing the N second magnetic poles or N third magnetic poles.
3. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that said one of the first and second magnetic structures further includes N fourth magnetic poles of opposite polarity to those of the N first magnetic poles, the first and fourth magnetic poles being regularly distributed about said axis of rotation and arranged alternately such that each fourth magnetic pole is inserted between two first magnetic poles.
4. Timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that said one of the first and second magnetic structures is formed by a multipolar magnetic comprising 2N alternate and axially oriented poles.
5. Timepiece according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said other of the first and second magnetic structures is formed by a multipolar magnet including 2N alternate and axially oriented poles.
6. Timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that said one of the first and second magnetic structures includes 2N bipolar magnets (42, 44 respectively), axially oriented and regularly distributed about said axis of rotation, said bipolar magnets being alternately magnetically oriented in one sense and then the other.
7. Timepiece according to any of claims 2, 3 and 6, characterized in that said other of the first and second magnetic structures includes 2N bipolar magnets (44, 42 respectively), axially oriented and regularly distributed about said axis of rotation, said bipolar magnets being alternately magnetically oriented in one sense and then the other.
8. Timepiece according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said switching member includes axial guiding (46, 48; 94) arranged to allow an axial translation in both directions of said switching member when said control member is actuated in rotation and to prevent said switching member being driven in rotation upon such actuation.
9. Timepiece according to claim 8, characterized in that the timepiece further includes a first stop (52; 14C) and a second stop (54; 80; 30C) arranged to define respectively the two stable axial positions of the switching member, said switching member abutting against one or other of said first and second stops in the two respective stable axial positions thereof under the action of the magnetic force produced between the first and second magnetic structures.
10. Timepiece according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said switching device forms a coupling/uncoupling device, and in that said switching member carries a coupling element (10; 10A; 10B) including a central arbor (26; 26A; 26B) and arranged to rotate freely in at least one axial position of said first and second stable axial positions, corresponding to the coupled position of the switching device, the coupling element being substantially integral with the switching member in axial translation.
11. Timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that the arbor (26A) of said coupling element is at least partly formed of a ferromagnetic material, and in that a magnetic bearing is arranged inside said switching member to pivot one end of said arbor, said magnetic bearing further ensuring an axial movement of the coupling wheel which is synchronous with that of the switching member in both directions.
12. Timepiece according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that one part of said arbor, located on the opposite side to the switching member, is arranged to slide in a jewel hole (28), said jewel hole forming a bearing mounted in a bar (30; 30C) or a plate integral with a base (14; 14C) on which is mounted the control member, the coupling element being located at least partly between the bar or the plate and the base.
13. Timepiece according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a bar (30B) is fixedly mounted on the switching member (12B) to allow at least a central part of said coupling element (10B) to be housed between said bar and member, the bar including a bearing (90) in which is arranged one end of the arbor (26B) of said coupling element.
14. Timepiece according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said switching member is guided in axial translation by at least one column (46, 48) located at the periphery of said control member.
15. Timepiece according to any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said switching member is guided in axial translation by a central column (94) which traverses a central circular hole (96) in said control member and extends into a non-circular hole (97) in a plate (50C) on which is mounted said control member, said column having, on at least one portion sliding into the non-circular hole, a non-circular cross-section (95) corresponding to the profile of said non-circular hole.
16. Timepiece according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the control member includes a star (20) associated with an element (24) for driving said control member in rotation step-by-step and with a jumper (22) for stabilising the control member successively in the angular positions of said plurality of distinct angular positions, the star including a number of branches equal to the number of said angular positions.

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