EP3264200B1 - Timepiece comprising a switching device of a clockwork mechanism - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

More particularly, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising, on the one hand, a clock mechanism capable of switching between a first determined state and a second state and, on the other hand, a switching device arranged to switch on command the watch mechanism between its first and second states. This switching device comprises a movable switching member and a rotary control member which is arranged to be driven step by step in a given direction of rotation, so as to successively occupy a plurality of angular positions around an axis of rotation of this control member. The switching device is arranged so that a step-by-step rotation of the rotary control member causes an alternating movement of the movable switching member, substantially in a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation, so that at least a part of this movable switching member moves between two radial positions for which the clock mechanism is respectively in its first state and its second state.

PRIOR ART

We already know a large number of timepieces that correspond to the field of the invention. In particular, the document EP 2,602,675 describes a watch movement that includes a column wheel chronograph mechanism, the latter forming a rotary member for controlling the chronograph mechanism which has two functional states, namely "running" and "stopped". The watch movement described in this prior document therefore comprises a column wheel and a clutch lever arranged to cooperate with the column wheel in order to start or stop the chronograph mechanism. The column wheel is driven on command in step-by-step rotation in a single given direction of rotation while the clutch lever undergoes an alternating movement between two determined radial positions for which the chronograph mechanism is respectively in the two states mentioned above.

More generally, whether chronograph watches or other timepieces, known switching devices generally comprise a rotary control member constituted by a cam or a column wheel, and a movable switching member taking the form of a cam follower of one type or another and more specifically constituted by a rocker or a lever. A disadvantage of such switching devices is that they all in principle require the use of preloaded springs to return and hold the movable switching member against the cam or the column wheel. Watch springs are bulky and delicate. They are subject to aging which gradually makes them lose efficiency. This aging is also considerably accelerated by the shocks that the timepiece can undergo. On the other hand, by always bringing the movable switching member back into abutment against the cam, the springs accelerate the wear of these two components. Finally, watch springs with their small dimensions are quite sensitive to tolerances, which is an additional problem.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been described. The invention achieves this object by providing a timepiece in accordance with claim 1 appended hereto.

According to the invention, the switching device comprises a movable switching member and a rotary control member carrying respectively a first magnetic structure and a second magnetic structure arranged so as to present between them a magnetic interaction which makes it possible to switch on command the clock mechanism between a first state and a second state. 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 and capable of interacting successively with the first magnetic pole. The first and second magnetic structures are arranged so that, in a first angular position of the rotary control member, a first magnetic force, generated by a magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic poles, acts on the switching member so as to bring the latter into one of its two stable radial positions, and that, in a second angular position of the rotary control member, a second magnetic force, generated by a magnetic interaction between the first and third magnetic poles and thus opposite direction to the first magnetic force, acts on the switching member so as to return the latter to the other of its two stable radial positions.

It will be noted that, in particular in the case of a rocker pivoting about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotary control member, the two stable radial positions relate more specifically to an end part of the member of commutation. In the context of a sliding switching member, it is the whole of this member which undergoes a translational movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation between two stable radial positions of its center of mass.

It will be understood that, thanks to these characteristics, it is not necessary to provide a spring to permanently return the switching member towards one of the two stable radial positions. Thus, this results in a reduction of mechanical stresses and a saving of mechanical energy. Such a magnetic system has the advantage of being a contactless system capable of alternately exerting two forces with opposite directions on the switching member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en plan de dessus d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention qui est constitué par un premier dispositif stop sonnerie particulier, la figure 1 montrant ce dispositif en position désengagée alors que la figure 2 le montre dans sa position engagée dans laquelle il bloque la sonnerie;
• la figure 3A est une vue partielle en perspective du dispositif stop sonnerie des figures 1 et 2 montrant le dispositif de commutation dans une configuration correspondant à la position engagée représentée à la figure 2;

• la figure 3B est une vue partielle en perspective du dispositif stop sonnerie des figures 1 et 2 montrant le dispositif de commutation dans une configuration correspondant à la position désengagée représentée dans la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en plan d'une came bistable solidaire de l'organe de commande du premier mode de réalisation;
• les figures 5A, 5B et 5C sont des vues en plan de dessus semblables aux figures 1 et 2, et qui correspondent à trois instantanés successifs montrant la transition accompagnant l'arrêt automatique de la sonnerie;
• la figure 6 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui est constitué par un deuxième dispositif stop sonnerie particulier;
• la figure 7 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui est constitué par un troisième dispositif stop sonnerie particulier;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'une pièce d'horlogerie comportant une lunette tournante et un mécanisme de verrouillage de la lunette, et correspondant à un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• la figure 9 est une vue partielle en plan de dessus montrant plus particulièrement le mécanisme de verrouillage de la lunette de la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 8;
• la figure 10 est une vue partielle en perspective, depuis le côté fond de la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 8, montrant la lunette tournante et son mécanisme de verrouillage;
• la figure 11A est une vue partielle en plan de dessous montrant le mécanisme de verrouillage de la lunette de la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 8 en position désengagée;
• la figure 11B est vue partielle en plan de dessous montrant la lunette tournante de la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 8 bloquée par son mécanisme de verrouillage.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting examples, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the Figures 1 and 2 are top plan views of a first embodiment of the invention which is constituted by a first particular ringing stop device, the figure 1 showing this device in the disengaged position while the figure 2 shows it in its engaged position in which it blocks the ringing;
• the figure 3A is a partial perspective view of the ringing stop device of the Figures 1 and 2 showing the switching device in a configuration corresponding to the engaged position shown in the figure 2 ;

• the figure 3B is a partial perspective view of the ringing stop device of the Figures 1 and 2 showing the switching device in a configuration corresponding to the disengaged position shown in the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a bistable cam secured to the control member of the first embodiment;
• the Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are top plan views similar to Figures 1 and 2 , and which correspond to three successive snapshots showing the transition accompanying the automatic stopping of the ringing;
• the figure 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention which is constituted by a second particular ringing stop device;
• the figure 7 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the invention which is constituted by a third particular ringing stop device;
• the figure 8 is a perspective view of a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel and a bezel locking mechanism, and corresponding to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 9 is a partial top plan view showing more particularly the locking mechanism of the bezel of the timepiece of the figure 8 ;
• the figure 10 is a partial perspective view, from the back side of the timepiece of the figure 8 , showing the rotating bezel and its locking mechanism;
• the figure 11A is a partial plan view from below showing the mechanism for locking the bezel of the timepiece of the figure 8 in the disengaged position;
• the figure 11B is a partial plan view from below showing the rotating bezel of the timepiece of the figure 8 blocked by its locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The appended figures 1 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention which is constituted by a timepiece comprising a striking mechanism capable of switching between a first state in which the striking is activated and a second state in which the striking is stopped , and further comprising a ringing stop device provided for switching the ringing mechanism between the activated state and the stopped state. This device therefore defines a switch.

The Figures 1 to 5 are partial views which do not show the timepiece as a whole, but only the components of its ringing stop device and the few elements of the ringing mechanism which interact directly with the ringing stop device. The Figures 1 and 2 are top plan views which show the ringing stop device respectively in its disengaged position and in its engaged position. Now considering these figures in more detail, we can first see three mobiles that are part of the cog in the striking mechanism. It is a first mobile consisting of a wheel referenced 11, a second mobile constituted by a wheel 15 secured to a pinion 13, and finally by a third mobile which is constituted by a speed regulator generally referenced 17 We can see on the Figures 1 and 2 that the wheel 11 engages with the pinion 13 so as to drive the second mobile, and that the wheel 15 of the second mobile engages with a peripheral toothing (not referenced) of the regulator 17.

We know that striking timepieces generally include a striking mechanism associated with an energy source constituted by a barrel in which is wound a motor spring called a barrel spring. If the barrel was simply connected to the ring, the progressive disarming of the spring would result in a slowing down of the rhythm of the melody as it was executed. This is the reason why we are used to correcting this phenomenon by integrating a regulator into the train which controls the ringing. Neither the barrel nor the striking mechanism itself is shown in the figures. However, it will be understood that the barrel is arranged to drive the striking train through the wheel 11, and that the striking ring itself is arranged downstream of the regulator 17, so as to be driven via the latter.

Still referring to the same figures, one can still see a switching device (generally referenced 1) which comprises a rotary control member 21 and a movable switching member 23. The switching member 23 comprises a rocker 25 pivotally mounted about a pivot axis. The rocker 25 has two arms extending from the pivot axis. A first arm of the rocker carries at its end a hook 29 and the second arm carries a bipolar magnet 31 whose direction of magnetization is substantially parallel to the pivot plane of the rocker 25. The switching device further includes a stop 28 arranged to cooperate with the second arm of the rocker so as to limit the stroke of the latter.

Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B , we can see the rotary control member 21 shown in more detail. The organ of control of the illustrated embodiment is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation 22. This member comprises a bipolar magnet 33 whose direction of magnetization is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22 of the control member, and which is substantially centered on this axis of rotation. The rotary control member also comprises a coaxial toothing 35 and a bistable cam 37 which may for example have the shape illustrated in the figure 4 . The eight-shaped bistable cam is further arranged to cooperate with a jumper spring 39. According to the invention, the rotary control member 21 is arranged to be driven step by step in a given direction of rotation of so as to successively occupy a plurality of distinct angular positions around its axis of rotation. It will be understood that in the present example, the control member 21 is designed to occupy exactly two distinct stable positions which are separated from each other by an angular step of 180 °. The eight-shaped cam 37 and the jumper spring 39 are arranged in such a way that one of the two poles of the magnet 33 is always substantially opposite the magnet 31 when the rotary member of control 21 is in one or other of its two stable positions.

The switching device 1 shown in the Figures 1 and 2 further includes a push-button actuation mechanism. This mechanism comprises a pusher 41, a control lever 43 and an intermediate mobile 45. The control lever 43 has a spout 47 which is designed to cooperate with a star 49 of the intermediate mobile 45. The intermediate mobile also has concentric teeth 50 which engages with the toothing 35 of the rotary control member. In the example illustrated, the star 49 has six branches. It will therefore be understood that the gear ratio between the teeth 50 and 35 is three in this example.

According to the invention, the switching device is arranged so that a step-by-step rotation of the rotary control member 21 causes an alternating movement of the movable switching member 23 substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22 of the control member, between a first stable radial position and a second stable radial position. The figure 1 shows the rotary control member 21 in a first stable angular position in which the south pole of the magnet 33 is opposite the north pole of the magnet 31. Under these conditions, the magnet 31 of the switching member 23 is attracted towards the control member so that the switching member comes to rest in abutment against the stop 28, the movable switching member then being in its first stable radial position in which the hook 29 is released from the regulator 17, so that the latter is free to rotate. Under these conditions, when a user of the timepiece actuates the pusher 41, the latter pushes the control lever 43 which pivots about its axis (not referenced) so as to pass into the position which is referenced 43 * and which is represented by broken lines in the figure 1 . During the pivoting movement of the lever 43, the spout 47 (47 *) of the lever advances and repels a branch of the star 49, so that the intermediate mobile 45 pivots about one sixth of a turn. By pivoting, the teeth 50 of the intermediate mobile drive the control member 21 which then takes a step of 180 °, so that the north pole of the magnet 33 finally occupies the position opposite the north pole of the magnet 31 , like at figure 3B . The control member thus passes to its second stable angular position. Note that it is the interaction between the bistable cam 37 and the jumper spring 39 which ensures that the length of the steps taken by the rotary control member 21 is precisely 180 °.

In the configuration of the figure 3B , the magnetic force generated by the interaction between the magnets 31 and 33 repels the magnet 31 so that the lever 25 pivots and moves away from the stop 28. This pivoting movement causes the hook 29 to drop against an external toothing of the regulator 17. When the user of the timepiece releases then the pressure on the pusher 41, the lever 43 and the pusher are both returned to their rest position by springs not shown. From this moment, the switching device is in the configuration illustrated by the figure 2 where the switching member 23 is now in its second radial position in which the hook 29 is engaged in an external toothing of the regulator 17, so that the latter is immobilized and the ringing train as a whole is blocked.

In accordance with the first three embodiments of the invention which are the subject of the present description, the switching device 1 is also suitable for automatically switching the ringing mechanism, so as to function as a ringing time limiter. This second operating mode of the switching device 1 will now be described with reference to the Figures 5A, 5B and 5C . As shown in these figures, the plate of the wheel 11 carries a pin 51 arranged at the periphery close to the teeth. It will be understood that the pin 51 travels a circular path during each revolution of the wheel 11. In addition, the star 49 of the intermediate mobile 45 is placed on the path of the pin. As we have seen, the wheel 11 is part of the striking train which is a multiplier train. We can see in the figures that the gear ratio is quite high. Under these conditions, when the bell is actuated, the wheel 11 rotates relatively slowly.

Top view, as illustrated in figures 1, 2 , 5A, 5B and 5C , the wheel 11 rotates counterclockwise when the buzzer is working. The figure 5A illustrates the switching device at the moment when the pin 51 abuts against a branch of the star 49. The pin 51 then continues on its way by pushing the branch of the star in front of it. In the figure 5B , the advancement of the pin causes the star 49 to rotate about 1/12 ^th of a turn. In the figure 5C , the pin has passed the star by completely pushing back the branch that extended across its path. The star 49 then pivoted by a sixth of a turn, thus advancing the rotary control member by one step 21. The accomplishment of successive steps by the rotary control member has the effect of switching the mechanism. ring alternately between its two radial positions. In this case, the switching stops the ringing and at the same time immobilizes the train of the ringing mechanism. The wheel 11 is therefore stopped in the position it occupies at the figure 5C . It can therefore be understood that the ringing is interrupted automatically after a duration which corresponds approximately to the time necessary for the wheel 11 to complete a revolution after a first engagement of the ringing via the push-button 41.

The figure 6 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention which, like the first embodiment, is in the form of a ringing stop device. This second model of ringing stop device shares several characteristics with the first ringing stop device described in the preceding pages. To facilitate reading, the elements of the second ringing stop device which have already been described in relation to the first ringing stop device are designated in the figure 6 by the same reference numbers.

By comparing the figure 6 to the figure 1 , we realize that the essential difference between the first and the second embodiment concerns the rotary control member which, in the figure 6 , is referenced globally 121. This rotary control member is arranged to perform steps each corresponding to a pivoting of angle π / N , with N> 1 , so that the rotary control member and the magnetic structure which it carries are caused to successively occupy 2N distinct angular positions around their axis of rotation. In the example illustrated, N = 4. The control member 121 has the general shape of a disc pivoted in its center around an axis of rotation (not referenced). The disc carries 2N bipolar magnets (each referenced 133a or 133b), that is to say eight magnets, which are distributed regularly along the periphery of the disc and which have their direction of magnetization oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the control unit. Four magnets, referenced 133a, have their north pole facing outward, and the other four magnets (referenced 133b) have their south pole facing outward. The rotary control member 121 also includes a star with 2N branches 149 which is mounted under the disc carrying the magnets. According to the invention, the rotary control member 121 is arranged to be driven step by step in a given direction of rotation so as to successively occupy a plurality of distinct angular positions around its axis of rotation. In the present example, the control member 121 is designed to occupy exactly 2N distinct stable positions which are regularly spaced by angular steps of 45 °. The jumper spring 39 is arranged to cooperate with the eight-pointed star 149, and its two elements are arranged, one relative to the other, so that one of the magnets 133a or 133b is always located substantially opposite with respect to the magnet 31 of the switching member 23 when the rotary control member 121 is in any one of its stable positions. In the configuration illustrated in figure 6 , it is the south pole of one of the magnets 133b which is positioned opposite the magnet 31. Under these conditions, the magnet 31 of the switching member 23 is attracted in the direction of the control member 121 so that the switching member is immobilized in abutment against the stop 28 and the hook 29 is released from the regulator 17, so that the latter is thus free to rotate.

The switching device shown in the figure 6 includes a push-button actuation mechanism which is practically identical to that of the first example. This mechanism comprises a pusher 41, a control lever 43 and an intermediate mobile 45. However, as shown in the figure 6 , the spout 47 of the control lever 43 is arranged to cooperate directly with the star 149 of the rotary control member 121. As the star 149 has eight branches, it is understood that a pressure on the pusher 41 has the effect to advance the rotary control member by a step of 45 °. Once this step has been accomplished, it is the north pole of one of the magnets 133a which will occupy the position with respect to the north pole of the magnet 31. In this situation, the magnetic force generated by the interaction between the magnets 31 and 133a push back the magnet 31 so that the rocker 25 pivots and moves away from the stop 28. This pivoting movement causes the hook 29 to drop against an external toothing of the regulator 17, which then stops this regulator .

The figure 7 is a top plan view of a third embodiment of the invention which, like the first two embodiments, is in the form of a ringing stop device. This third model of ringing stop device shares many characteristics with the second embodiment. To facilitate reading, the elements of the third ringing stop device which have already been described in relation to the first or the second device are designated in the figure 7 by the same reference numbers.

By comparing the figure 7 to the figure 6 , we realize that the differences between the second and third examples of ringing device concern the two magnetic structures respectively forming the rotary control member 221 and the movable member switching 223. Indeed, although the rotary control member illustrated in the figure 7 includes a star 149 which has eight branches as in the previous example, the control member 221 has only four bipolar magnets (each referenced 133b). The latter all have their direction of magnetization oriented radially with their south pole facing outwards (their north pole being turned towards the axis of rotation). On the other hand, the flip-flop 125 of the mobile switching member 223 carries two bipolar magnets (referenced 131a and 131b). These two magnets have their magnetization directions substantially parallel to each other, but in opposite directions, so that the south pole of the magnet 131a and the north pole of the magnet 131b are turned in the direction of the control member 221. It will be noted that the two magnets 131a and 131b are preferably oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation of the control member and angularly offset by an angular pitch of the control member.

According to the invention, the rotary control member 221 is arranged to be driven step by step in a given direction of rotation so as to successively occupy a plurality of distinct angular positions around its axis of rotation. It will be understood that in the present example, the control member 221 is designed to occupy exactly eight distinct stable positions which are regularly spaced by angular steps of 45 °. It will further be understood that the eight-pointed star 149 and the jumper 39 are arranged, one relative to the other, so that at each step, only one of the magnets 133b comes to rest substantially opposite either from the south pole of magnet 131a, or from the north pole of magnet 131b. Always referring to the figure 7 , it can be seen that in the illustrated configuration, the south pole of a magnet 133b is positioned substantially opposite the north pole of the magnet 131b. Under these conditions, the magnet 131b of the switching member 223 is attracted by direction of the control member 221 so that the switching member bears against the stop 28, the movable switching member then being in a first stable position in which the hook 29 is released from the regulator 17, so that the latter is free to rotate.

The switching device shown in the figure 7 includes a push-button actuation mechanism which is identical to that shown in the figure 6 . Like star 149 of the figure 7 also comprises eight branches, it is understood that a pressure on the pusher 41 has the effect of advancing the rotary control member by a step of 45 ° in the counterclockwise direction. Once this step has been completed, the magnet 133b which was opposite the magnet 131b is moved away from it, but another magnet 133b is now positioned facing the south pole of the magnet 131a. In this situation, the magnetic force generated by the interaction between the magnets 133b and 131a pushes the arm of the rocker 125 so that the latter pivots and moves away from the stop 28. This pivoting movement causes the hook to be lowered 29 against an external toothing of the regulator 17, which stops it.

The appended figures 8 to 11 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention which consists of a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel and a mechanism for locking the bezel. We know that diving watches are most often equipped with a rotating bezel. The main function of this bezel is to mark the position where the minute hand was at the start of the dive. The diver can then know at any time how long he has been underwater by observing the distance traveled by the minute hand from the position indexed by the rotating bezel. In order to avoid any accidental modification of the angular position of the rotating bezel during diving, we are used to fitting the rotating bezel with a locking mechanism.

The figure 8 is a perspective view of a timepiece comprising a rotating bezel (referenced 300) and a mechanism for locking the bezel controlled by a push button 341. It will be understood that, in accordance with the invention, the rotating bezel 300 is a clockwork mechanism which can be either in the locked state or in the unlocked state. In addition, the locking mechanism constitutes an example of switching device 301 arranged to switch the rotating bezel between a locked state and an unlocked state.

With particular reference to the figure 10 , it can be seen that the rotating bezel 300 has a crenellated underside and that the locking mechanism comprises a rotary control member which is formed by a shaft 350 mounted to pivot around an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bezel 300. The shaft 350 can for example be pivoted by its two ends between the watch case (not shown) and a casing ring (not shown). The shaft 350 is further provided with a coaxial pinion 335 and a bipolar magnet 333. As will be seen in more detail below, the direction of magnetization of the bipolar magnet 333 is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 350 and the magnet is substantially centered on this axis of rotation. The shaft 350 also has a non-cylindrical section which has two notches in diametrically opposite positions (a notch visible on the figure 10 is referenced 337). This non-cylindrical section is arranged to cooperate with a jumper spring 339. It plays the same role as the bistable cam 37 of the first embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device also comprises two movable switching members (respectively referenced 323a and 323b) which are arranged symmetrically on either side of the shaft 350. Each of the movable switching members comprises a rocker (respectively referenced 325a and 325b) pivotally mounted about an axis (respectively referenced 327a and 327b). The scales each have two arms extending from the pivot axis. A first arm is extended by a spout (respectively referenced 329a and 329b) and the second arm carries a bipolar magnet (respectively referenced 331a and 331b). The magnetization direction of the magnets is substantially parallel to the pivot plane of the rocker. A more detailed examination ( Figures 11A and 11B ) also shows that the magnet 331a is oriented with its south pole facing the rotary control member and that the magnet 331b is oriented with its north pole facing the control member.

As already mentioned, the switching device 301 shown in the figures 8 to 11 also includes a push-button actuation mechanism. This mechanism comprises a pusher 341, a rack 343 having a toothing with triangular teeth, a helical spring 345 and a jumper spring 347. As the figures show, the rack 343 is biased against the pinion 335 by the jumper spring 347. In these conditions, when the wearer of the watch presses the pusher 341, the triangular teeth of the rack 343 cooperate with the teeth of the pinion 335 to rotate the rotary control member. When the wearer of the watch then releases his pressure on the pusher, the helical spring 345 pushes the rack 343 towards the pusher. The triangular shape of the teeth allows the rack to go back by sliding on the teeth of the pinion 335 without rotating the latter. It will therefore be understood that, in accordance with the invention, the rotary control member is arranged to be driven step by step in a given direction of rotation so as to successively occupy a plurality of distinct angular positions around its axis of rotation. In the present example, the control member is designed to occupy exactly two distinct stable positions which are separated from each other by an angular step of 180 °. In addition, the non-cylindrical section of the shaft 350 and the jumper spring 339 are arranged so that the direction of magnetization of the magnet 333 is substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry between the two movable switching members. 323a and 323b when the control member is in one or the other of its two stable angular positions.

The operation of the switching device 301 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 11A and 11B . According to the invention, the switching device is arranged so that a step-by-step rotation of the rotary control member causes an alternating movement of each of the two movable switching members 323a and 323b substantially in a perpendicular plane to the shaft 350 between two radial positions. In the configuration of the switching device illustrated in the figure 11A , the rotary control member is rotated so that the south pole of the magnet 333 (not visible in the figure) is oriented towards a first 323b of the two movable switching members. Under these conditions, the magnet 331b of the switching member 323b is drawn towards the shaft 350 of the rotary control member, so that the switching member 323b comes to a stop in a first radial position. in which its beak 329b is released from the slots formed on the underside of the rotating bezel 300. The figure 11A shows the rotary control member rotated so that the south pole of the magnet 333 (not visible in the figure) is oriented towards the movable switching member 323b. The north pole of the magnet 333 is therefore turned in the direction of the other mobile switching member 323a. As the magnet 331a of the organ of switching 323a is oriented with its south pole opposite the rotary member, it is also attracted towards the shaft 350 of the rotary control member, so that the second switching member comes to a stop in its first radial position in which the spout 329a is also released from the slots formed on the underside of the rotating bezel 300. The rotating bezel is therefore free to rotate. Under these conditions, when a user of the timepiece actuates the pusher 341, the latter pushes the rack 343, so that the triangular teeth of the latter drive the pinion 335 in rotation. As already indicated, the non-cylindrical section of the shaft 350 and the jumper spring 339 are arranged so that the control member advances in angular steps of 180 °. The actuation of the push-button 341 by the wearer of the watch therefore has the effect of causing the rotary control member to make a U-turn, so that the orientation of the magnet 333 is reversed, the south pole is then being oriented towards the movable switching member 323a and the north pole toward the switching member 323b. As the magnet 331a of the switching member 323a is oriented with its south pole opposite the rotary member, it is repelled by the magnet of the rotary control member, so that the switching member 323a pivots and comes to rest in a second radial position in which the spout 329a cooperates with one of the slots formed on the underside of the rotating bezel 300 as illustrated in the figure 11B . In addition, the magnet 331b of the switching member 323b is oriented with its north pole opposite the rotary member, it is therefore also repelled by the magnet of the rotary control member. The switching member 323b therefore also comes to be placed in a second radial position in which the spout 329b cooperates with one of the slots formed on the underside of the rotating bezel 300 as illustrated in the figure 11B . The rotating bezel 300 is then locked.

Variants of this fourth embodiment correspond to arrangements with several bipolar magnets on the control member or on the switching member, similarly to the second and third embodiments.

It will be noted that in the various embodiments with control members comprising at least four magnetic poles interacting with the switching member, the control member may advantageously include, instead of a plurality of bipolar magnets, a radial multipolar magnet. In a particular variant, the radial multipolar magnet, of circular or annular shape, has 2N external magnetic poles (that is to say oriented towards the outside of this multipolar magnet), N> 1, which have alternating polarities (that is to say alternately south and north), the axis of rotation of the control member passing through the center of the multipolar magnet.

It will be noted that other horological applications are provided within the framework of the invention, in particular a lateral clutch device, making it possible to transmit momentarily a torque, or a device for switching a chronograph mechanism of the type described previously in the section relating to the prior art, in which the column wheel and the associated cam (s) are replaced by a switching device according to the invention. It will be noted that the present invention applies to embodiments with several switching members associated with the same control member.

In the embodiments described, the control member is actuated by a user via an actuation device such as a pusher. Other actuation devices known to those skilled in the art can be envisaged. These actuation mechanisms can be actuated by a user or, in other modes of embodiment, be automatically and in particular periodically actuated by the timepiece, that is to say by another mechanism of this timepiece which cooperates with the switched mechanism according to the invention.

Finally, the invention has been described in the context of entirely mechanical timepieces. However, the invention can also advantageously be applied to timepieces having electromechanical parts. Thus, the actuating device of the control member can comprise an electromechanical motor.

Claims (10)

1. Timepiece comprising:

   - a timekeeping mechanism able to switch between a first determined state and a second determined state;

   - a switching device (1; 301) arranged to switch the timekeeping mechanism between said first state and said second state, this switching device comprising a movable switching organ (23; 223; 323a, 323b) and a rotary control organ (21; 121; 221), the rotary control organ being arranged to be stepwise driven in a given direction of rotation in order to successively occupy a plurality of distinct angular positions about an axis of rotation (22; 350), the switching device being arranged so that a stepwise rotation of the rotary control organ (21; 121; 221) in said direction of rotation causes a reciprocating movement of the movable switching organ (23; 223; 323a, 323b) substantially in a plane perpendicular to said axis of rotation between two stable radial positions for at least one part of this movable switching organ, said organ being transferred from a first to a second of the two stable radial positions, in order to trigger a first switching of the timekeeping mechanism, when the rotary control organ is placed in a first angular position from among the plurality of distinct angular positions, and the movable switching organ being returned to the first of the two stable radial positions, in order to trigger a second switching of the timekeeping mechanism, when the rotary control organ is placed in a second angular position from among the plurality of distinct angular positions,

   characterised in that the movable switching organ (23; 223; 323a, 323b) and the rotary control organ (21; 121; 221) respectively support a first magnetic structure (31; 131a, 131b; 331a, 331b) and a second magnetic structure (33; 133a, 133b; 333) arranged in order to have a mutual magnetic interaction that allows the timekeeping mechanism to be switched between said first and second states on command, one of the first and second magnetic structures comprising at least one first magnetic pole and the other of the two magnetic structures comprising at least one second magnetic pole and a third magnetic pole with opposite polarities and being able to successively interact with the first magnetic pole, the first and second magnetic structures being arranged so that, in the first angular position of the rotary control organ, a first magnetic force, which is generated by a magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic poles, acts on the switching organ in order to transfer said organ to the second of said two stable radial positions and so that, in the second angular position of the rotary control organ, a second magnetic force, which is generated by a magnetic interaction between the first and third magnetic poles and is in the opposite direction to the first magnetic force, acts on the switching organ in order to return said organ to the first of said two stable radial positions.
2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that said first magnetic pole forms part of said first magnetic structure, whereas said second and third magnetic poles form part of said second magnetic structure.
3. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotary control organ (21) is arranged to complete steps that each correspond to pivoting by 180°, so that the second magnetic structure is caused to alternately occupy two distinct angular positions about said axis of rotation, said second magnetic structure being formed by a bipolar magnet (33; 333), the two poles of which form the second and third magnetic poles, said axis of rotation passing between these second and third magnetic poles.
4. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotary control organ (121) is arranged to complete steps each corresponding to pivoting by an angle π/N, with N > 1, so that the second magnetic structure is caused to successively occupy 2N distinct angular positions about said axis of rotation, said second magnetic structure comprising N second magnetic poles and N third magnetic poles radially oriented outwards and evenly distributed about said axis of rotation, the second and third magnetic poles being alternately arranged so that each second magnetic pole is interposed between two third magnetic poles.
5. Timepiece according to claim 4, characterised in that the second magnetic structure is made up of a radial multipolar magnet comprising 2N alternated external poles, said axis of rotation substantially passing through the centre of the multipolar magnet.
6. Timepiece according to claim 4, characterised in that the second magnetic structure comprises 2N bipolar magnets (133a, 133b) radially oriented and evenly distributed about said axis of rotation, the bipolar magnets being alternately magnetically oriented in one direction and in the other direction.
7. Timepiece according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first magnetic structure is made up of a bipolar magnet (31; 331a, 331b), one of the two poles of which forms said first magnetic pole.
8. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterised in that said first magnetic pole forms part of said second magnetic structure belonging to the rotary control organ (221), whereas said second and third magnetic poles with opposite polarities form part of said first magnetic structure belonging to the movable switching organ (223).
9. Timepiece according to claim 8, characterised in that the rotary control organ (221) is arranged to complete steps each corresponding to pivoting by an angle π/N, with N > 1, so that the second magnetic structure is caused to successively occupy 2N distinct angular positions about said axis of rotation, in that said second and third magnetic poles are arranged on the movable switching organ (223) on the periphery of the rotary control organ (221) and, as seen from said axis of rotation of the control organ, they are angularly spaced apart by approximately π/N, and in that the second magnetic structure comprises N bipolar magnets (133b) radially oriented in the same direction and evenly distributed about said axis of rotation.
10. Timepiece according to either claim 8 or claim 9, characterised in that the first magnetic structure is made up of a pair of bipolar magnets (131a, 131b) arranged substantially radially relative to said axis of rotation of the control organ and with their polarities inverted.

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