EP3373080A1 - Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions - Google Patents

Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3373080A1
EP3373080A1 EP17159361.9A EP17159361A EP3373080A1 EP 3373080 A1 EP3373080 A1 EP 3373080A1 EP 17159361 A EP17159361 A EP 17159361A EP 3373080 A1 EP3373080 A1 EP 3373080A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
magnetic
rocker
torque
ring
axis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17159361.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3373080B1 (en
Inventor
Davide Sarchi
Deirdré LENOIR
Benoît LÉGERET
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Montres Breguet SA
Original Assignee
Montres Breguet SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montres Breguet SA filed Critical Montres Breguet SA
Priority to EP17159361.9A priority Critical patent/EP3373080B1/en
Priority to US15/905,859 priority patent/US10488823B2/en
Priority to JP2018036238A priority patent/JP6457675B2/en
Priority to CN201810182832.8A priority patent/CN108535995B/en
Publication of EP3373080A1 publication Critical patent/EP3373080A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3373080B1 publication Critical patent/EP3373080B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/24—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars
    • G04B19/243—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator
    • G04B19/247—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator disc-shaped
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/24—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars
    • G04B19/243—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator
    • G04B19/247—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator disc-shaped
    • G04B19/253—Driving or releasing mechanisms
    • G04B19/25333—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/24—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars
    • G04B19/243—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator
    • G04B19/247—Clocks or watches with date or week-day indicators, i.e. calendar clocks or watches; Clockwork calendars characterised by the shape of the date indicator disc-shaped
    • G04B19/253—Driving or releasing mechanisms
    • G04B19/25333—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement
    • G04B19/25353—Driving or releasing mechanisms wherein the date indicators are driven or released mechanically by a clockwork movement driven or released stepwise by the clockwork movement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece provided with a device for positioning a movable element in a plurality of discrete positions.
  • the invention relates to a device for positioning a date ring in a plurality of display positions.
  • the disks or rings for displaying calendar data are held in any position of the plurality of display positions by a jumper (also called spring-jumper).
  • This jumper continually press against a toothing of the disc or the ring in question.
  • the jumper deviates from the toothing by being rotated in a direction opposite to the restoring force exerted by the spring of the jumper.
  • the toothing is configured so that the torque exerted on the jumper by its spring is minimal in the display positions and that when driving the disc or the ring, the jumper passes through a peak torque .
  • the dimensioning of the disks or calendar rings, in particular the rings of the dates, in the watch movements is difficult because of the trade-off between securing the positioning function and minimizing the energy consumption of the system when switching from one display position to another.
  • the spring can not be too flexible because it is necessary to ensure the immobilization of the disk or the ring, but it can not be excessively rigid because it would generate then a very important couple to provide by a mechanism of the watch movement. In the latter case, the drive mechanism of the disk or the ring can be bulky and there is a significant loss of energy for the energy source incorporated in the watch movement during the drive of this disc or this ring.
  • the object of the present invention is to solve the problems related to conventional jumpers and to propose a device for positioning a mobile element, capable of successively occupying a plurality of discrete stable positions, which is safe, relatively compact and relatively demanding. little energy to the watch movement to move from one discrete stable position to another.
  • the present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a movable element, which is capable of being driven along an axis of displacement and of being immobilized momentarily along this displacement axis successively in a plurality of discrete stable positions, and a device for positioning said movable member in any one of the plurality of discrete stable positions.
  • the positioning device comprises a rocker and a magnetic system formed of a first magnet, a second magnet secured to the rocker and a magnetic structure integral with the movable element, this magnetic structure being made of a plastic material.
  • the first and second magnets are arranged so that their magnetic axes have opposite directions, in projection on a reference axis passing substantially through the respective centers of these first and second magnets, and respectively on one side and the other of the magnetic structure so that when the movable member is driven along its axis of movement from any stable position to a next stable position, the magnetic structure passes between the first and second magnets.
  • the magnetic system is furthermore arranged so that, when the moving element is driven along its axis of displacement from any stable position to a next stable position, a first magnetic torque exerted on the rocker carrying the second magnet presents a first direction on a first section and a second direction, opposite the first direction, on a second section of the corresponding distance, the first direction corresponding to a return torque towards the mobile element for a contact portion of said scale , while the second direction tends to separate this contact portion of the movable member.
  • the magnetic structure is arranged along the axis of displacement so that for each position of the plurality of discrete stable positions, the first magnetic torque is applied in the aforementioned first sense.
  • the magnetic system generates a second magnetic torque which is exerted directly on the magnetic structure and thus on the movable element.
  • this second magnetic torque has a zero value, corresponding to a stable magnetic equilibrium position for the movable element, while the first magnetic torque is applied to the latch in the first direction.
  • the rocker is associated with a spring which exerts an elastic force on this rocker so as to generate a mechanical torque which pushes the contact part of this rocker towards a toothing that presents the mobile element and in which contact portion penetrates to mechanically position the movable member.
  • the mobile element forms a display medium for a calendar data item.
  • the mobile element is a ring of dates.
  • the magnetic system 2 comprises a first fixed magnet 4, a high magnetic permeability element 6 and a second magnet 8 which is movable along an axis of displacement here confused with the alignment axis 10 of these three magnetic elements, relative to the assembly formed by the first magnet 4 and the element 6.
  • the element 6 is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet, close to the first magnet and in a specific position relative thereto.
  • the distance between the element 6 and the magnet 4 is less than or substantially equal to one-tenth of the length of this magnet along its axis of magnetization.
  • the element 6 is constituted for example of a carbon steel, tungsten carbide, nickel, FeSi or FeNi, or other alloys with cobalt as the Vacozet ® (CoFeNi) or Vacoflux ® (CoFe).
  • this element with high magnetic permeability consists of a metal glass based on iron or cobalt.
  • Element 6 is characterized by a field saturation Bs and permeability ⁇ .
  • the magnets 4 and 8 are for example ferrite, FeCo or PtCo, rare earths such as NdFeB or SmCo. These magnets are characterized by their remanent field Br1 and Br2.
  • the element with high magnetic permeability 6 has a central axis which is preferably substantially coincidental with the magnetization axis of the first magnet 4 and also with the magnetization axis of the second magnet 8, this central axis being here confused with the alignment axis 10.
  • the respective magnetization directions of the magnets 4 and 8 are opposite. These first and second magnets therefore have opposite polarities and they are likely to undergo relative movement between them over a certain relative distance.
  • the distance D between the element 6 and the movable magnet 8 indicates the distance of this movable magnet relative to the assembly formed by the two other elements of the magnetic system. Note that the axis 10 is provided here linear, but this is a non-limiting variant.
  • the axis of displacement can also be curved, as in the embodiments that will be described later.
  • the central axis of the element 6 is preferably approximately tangent to the curved displacement axis of the moving magnet and thus the behavior of such a magnetic system is, in a first approximation, similar to that of the magnetic system described here. This is all the more true as the radius of curvature is large relative to the maximum possible distance between the element 6 and the movable magnet 8.
  • the element 6 has dimensions in a plane orthogonal to the central axis 10 which are greater than those of the first magnet 4 and those of the second magnet 8 in projection in this orthogonal plane.
  • the second magnet advantageously comprises a cured surface or a thin layer of hard material on its surface.
  • the two magnets 4 and 8 are arranged in magnetic repulsion so that, in the absence of the element with high magnetic permeability 6, a Magnetic repulsion force tends to move these two magnets away from each other. Surprisingly, however, the arrangement between these two magnets of the element 6 reverses the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet when the distance between this movable magnet and the element 6 is sufficiently small, so that the moving magnet then undergoes a magnetic attraction force.
  • Curve 12 of the Figure 2 represents the magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet 8 by the magnetic system 2 as a function of the distance D between the movable magnet and the element with high magnetic permeability.
  • the moving magnet undergoes, on a first range D1 of the distance D, generally a magnetic attraction force which tends to keep the movable magnet against the element 6 or to bring it back to it in case of distance, this global force of attraction resulting from the presence of the element with high magnetic permeability (in particular ferromagnetic) between the two magnets, which allows a reversal of the magnetic force between two magnets arranged in magnetic repulsion, whereas this mobile magnet undergoes, on a second range D2 of the distance D, globally a magnetic repulsion force.
  • This second range corresponds to distances between the element 6 and the magnet 8 which are greater than the distances corresponding to the first range of the distance D.
  • the second range is practically limited to a maximum distance D max which is generally defined by a stop limiting the distance of the moving magnet.
  • the magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet is a continuous function of the distance D and therefore has a value of zero at the distance D inv for which this magnetic force is inverted ( Figure 2 ).
  • the inversion distance D inv is determined by the geometry of the three magnetic parts forming the magnetic system and by their magnetic properties. This inversion distance can therefore be selected, to a certain extent, by the physical parameters of the three magnetic elements of the magnetic system 2 and by the distance separating the fixed magnet from the element. 6.
  • the watch movement 20 comprises a date ring 22, which is capable of being rotated in the clockwise direction, along a circular displacement axis 24, and of being immobilized momentarily along this displacement axis successively in a plurality discrete stable positions.
  • the watch movement comprises a device for positioning the date ring in any one of the angular positions of the plurality of discrete stable positions, this positioning device being formed of two complementary systems which are associated, namely a mechanical system, formed by a rocker 30 associated with a spring 32 and by a toothing 26 comprising a plurality of recesses or notches 28 in which is successively inserted an end portion 31 of the rocker (which defines a contact portion with the toothing) when the ring is successively positioned in the angular positions of said plurality of discrete stable positions, and a magnetic system formed of a first fixed magnet 34, a second magnet 36 integral with the rocker and a magnetic structure 38 integral of the ring 22.
  • the magnetic structure 38 is made of a material with high magnetic permeability and has, relative to the axis of displacement of the ring 22, a transverse dimension which periodically varies by defining a plurality of angular periods ⁇ P which correspond, for the mobile ring at the angular distances that it must travel between its display positions (plurality of discrete stable positions). More particularly, in the variant described in Figures 3 and 4 , the dimension transverse magnetic structure periodically varies between a maximum distance L1 and a minimum distance L2.
  • This magnetic structure forms a ring with internal projections 40 (magnetic teeth) and outer projections 44 which are radially aligned with the projecting portions 40.
  • each pair of projecting portions 40 and 44 arranged on a same radius of the ring defines the maximum width L1 of the magnetic structure while intermediate portions 42 define the minimum width L2.
  • the pairs of projecting portions are aligned radially with the notches 28 of the toothing 26.
  • Each pair of projections and the respective notch define a radial axis corresponding to a stable display position P n (where n is a natural number) of the 22.
  • Each angular period ⁇ P is between two successive maximum widths L1.
  • the toothing may be formed by the inner profile of the magnetic structure.
  • the first magnet 34 and the second magnet 36 are respectively arranged on one side and the other of the magnetic structure 38 with their magnetic axes substantially aligned on a reference axis A REF that they define (this axis passing substantially through their respective centers).
  • the magnetic axes of the two magnets have opposite directions (magnets with their opposite polarities). Then, these first and second magnets, and consequently the flip-flop 30, are arranged so that, when the date ring is driven along its axis of displacement 24, the magnetic structure passes between these two magnets.
  • display P n discrete stable positions
  • the magnetic torque described above forms a first magnetic positioning torque of the ring 22 via the rocker fixedly holding the magnet 36, this rocker also forming a mechanical positioning system of the ring dates.
  • the magnetic system of the positioning device of the invention also generates a second magnetic torque on the ring 22 thanks to a magnetic force exerted by the magnetic system directly on the magnetic structure 38, this second magnetic torque strengthens the first one.
  • magnetic torque since the magnetic structure (the magnetic toothing) is arranged so that the second magnetic torque is relatively low, preferably almost zero, when the ring is in any of its angular positions of display, and that it increases relatively quickly on both sides of each position display so as to oppose in a first time a movement of the ring out of the display position that it occupies, by returning the ring to this display position.
  • the evolution of the second magnetic torque is represented at Figure 6 .
  • this second magnetic pair has a conservative character, that is to say that the energy required, during the drive of the ring over a first half-period, to overcome the restoring torque exerted on the magnetic structure is substantially restored to the ring on the second half-period since the second magnetic torque then has the same direction (positive direction) than the drive torque on this second half-period.
  • the residual field of each of the two magnets is 1.35 T and the saturation field of the magnetic structure in ferromagnetic material (Vacoflux ®) is 2.2 T.
  • a first curve 50 giving the magnetic torque exerted on the rocker when the latter is in an open position (corresponding to a position for which the end portion 31 is located outside the toothing 26) and that the ring is driven over an angular period ⁇ P between two successive display positions (i.e., from any display position to a next display position); a second curve 52 giving the magnetic torque exerted on the rocker when the latter is in a closed position (corresponding to a position for which the end portion 31 is located at the bottom of the toothing 26, that is to say in a notch 28); and a third curve 54 representing approximately the functional magnetic torque applied to the rocker over each angular period, this functional magnetic pair defining the first magnetic torque.
  • the curve 52 is theoretical since the latch does not can not be maintained in a closed position during an angular displacement of the ring over a distance corresponding to an angular period in the presence of the ring with its toothing 26.
  • a curve can be observed by taking a ring of test having a profile in its general plane corresponding to that of the magnetic structure.
  • the curve 54 of the functional pair is an approximation of the real behavior since the position of the rocker does not depend only on the first magnetic torque but also the profile of the toothing 26, the profile of the end portion 31 of this rocker and the torque mechanical mechanism generated by the spring in the first embodiment (It will be noted that the functional torque represented corresponds in fact to an embodiment without spring and without toothing).
  • the notches have a profile intended to mechanically position the ring with a small clearance and hold it correctly in the display positions.
  • the curve 54 joins the curve 52 only in the angular areas close to the stable display positions P n .
  • the functional magnetic torque substantially corresponds to that of the curve 52 for each of the display positions P n .
  • the first magnetic torque exerted by the first magnet and the magnetic structure on the rocker 30 carrying the second magnet, as a function of the angular position of the ring 22 (and thus of the magnetic structure 38) over an angular period between two positions of display of the ring, has a first meaning (negative direction to the Figure 5 ) on a first section (formed of two parts TR1a, TR1b for an angular period corresponding to an angular displacement of the ring between two stable magnetic positions) and a second direction, opposite to the first direction, on a second section TR2 of this period angular.
  • the first direction corresponds to a restoring torque in the direction of the mobile ring for the contact part of the rocker, while the second direction tends to move this contact part away from the ring and in particular from its toothing 26.
  • magnetic structure 38 is arranged along the axis of displacement 24 of so that for each position P n of the plurality of discrete stable positions (display positions), the first magnetic torque is exerted in the aforementioned first sense.
  • the end portion 31 of the rocker 30 bears against the toothing 26 of the ring 22 at least when the first magnetic torque is applied to this rocker in the first direction.
  • the toothing and the rocker are arranged so that the end portion 31 is located at the bottom of this toothing for each discrete display position P n .
  • the first magnetic torque is applied in the first direction on continuous sections each formed of a first part TR1a and a second part TR1b located respectively on both sides of a stable position P n .
  • the first magnetic torque (functional torque 54) has a maximum negative value (that is to say maximum in absolute value) for an angular position P CM close to each discrete stable position P n . In an advantageous variant, this maximum negative value is reached substantially at each discrete stable position P n .
  • the end portion 31 of the rocker that presses against the toothing here comprises the second magnet 36.
  • the non-magnetic support forming this end portion and carrying the second magnet is in abutment. against the toothing 26 so that the second magnet can approach the magnetic teeth 40 without coming into contact with the ring.
  • the second magnet has a contact surface with the toothing, this contact surface being hardened by appropriate treatment.
  • the part of the second magnet situated on the side of the toothing is protected by a protective layer deposited on the second magnet, this protective layer being in contact with the toothing.
  • the second magnetic torque has a substantially zero value at the position P n defining the beginning of an angular period between two display positions.
  • the magnetic structure and consequently the ring 22 are in a stable magnetic position because the negative slope of the curve 60 at this position P n indicates that the second magnetic torque tends to to bring the ring towards this position when it deviates from it (positive direction of the angle of rotation is the clockwise direction).
  • the ring and the rocker are arranged so that each position P n of the plurality of discrete stable positions corresponds to a stable magnetic position, as is the case in the first embodiment.
  • the first magnetic torque is applied to the rocker in the first direction when the ring is in a any stable magnetic equilibrium position.
  • the maximum negative value of the first magnetic torque is reached for angular positions close to stable magnetic equilibrium positions.
  • the first magnetic torque exerted on the rocker has a value close to the maximum value of this first magnetic torque in the first section where the first magnetic torque is exerted in the first meaning.
  • the rocker and the magnetic system are arranged such that said maximum value is substantially reached for each stable magnetic position, which corresponds to a display position of the date ring.
  • the second magnetic pair 60 has in each angular period a negative value on a first section TR3 and a positive value on a second section TR4. Each of these two sections extends substantially over half a period. It will be noted that this second magnetic torque has a zero value between these two sections, this position corresponding to a position of unstable magnetic equilibrium. In this position, the reference axis A REF substantially passes between two magnetic teeth 40 and therefore between two notches or recesses 28 of the toothing 26, these notches or recesses being aligned radially with the magnetic teeth 40.
  • the spring 32 pressing on the rocker generates a mechanical torque applied by the rocker to the ring 22.
  • this mechanical torque can be relatively low given the first and second magnetic couples generated by the magnetic system which are exerted on the ring in the same direction as this mechanical torque when the ring is in any position of the plurality of display positions.
  • the mechanical torque may be greater than the first magnetic torque applied in the second direction, that is to say its value. positive maximum on the second section TR2, so that the portion 31 of the flip-flop remains continuously in abutment against the toothing 26 of this flip-flop.
  • the mechanical torque is less than this maximum positive value over a certain angular distance of pivoting of the rocker.
  • the rigidity of the spring is advantageously selected so that this limit spring, in the second section TR2, the distance of the magnet 36, carried by the end portion 31 of the rocker, relative to the magnetic structure 38. If this is not the case, then an element of the watch movement must have a stop function for the rocker when the part 31 moves away from the toothing, so as to limit its distance from this toothing in the second section TR2 of each period.
  • the two magnetic forces which are exerted respectively on the rocker via the magnet that it carries and on the ring via the magnetic structure which it carries or of which it is formed, are vectors which each have a certain variable intensity and also a variable direction in the general plane of the ring and the rocker. These two parameters (intensity and direction) are involved in the first magnetic torque and in the second magnetic torque.
  • the first magnetic torque is defined relative to the pivot axis of the rocker while the second magnetic torque is defined relative to the axis of geometric rotation of the ring.
  • Figures 7A to 7E on the one hand, respectively, the force vectors 62a to 62e exerted on the rocker 30 for various angular positions of the date ring during a drive of this ring in the clockwise direction and, on the other hand, respectively the force vectors 64a to 64e acting on the magnetic structure 38, carried by the ring, for these various angular positions.
  • the Figure 7A corresponds to a display position of the ring where the force vector 64a is oriented radially, which corresponds to a zero value of the second magnetic torque and a stable equilibrium position.
  • the first magnetic torque is substantially maximum in the positive direction (meaning for which the free end of the rocker press against the ring). This first magnetic torque is added here to the mechanical torque exerted by a spring (not shown) on the rocker.
  • a situation is observed in which the first magnetic torque is always positive (clockwise), but strongly decreased, and the second magnetic torque is negative (counterclockwise).
  • the second magnetic torque here opposes the angular displacement of the ring clockwise (drive direction).
  • the first magnetic torque has become negative and the second magnetic torque remains negative.
  • the force vector 62d has a direction substantially opposite to the force vector 62a of the Figure 7A these two vectors being approximately oriented radially.
  • the force vector 64d has become positive at this Figure 7D , the ring being thus also driven by the second magnetic torque in its angular displacement.
  • the first magnetic torque is positive again before the next display position is reached, the rocker pressing again against the ring, while the second magnetic torque still causes the ring to the next display position.
  • FIG 8 To the Figure 8 is represented an embodiment variant which differs from that of Figures 3 and 4 in that the magnetic structure 38A integral with the date ring 22A has a circular profile on the side of the fixed outer magnet 34.
  • the distance between the magnetic structure and the outside magnet is constant.
  • the width variation of the magnetic structure is thus obtained here only by the internal magnetic toothing formed of the teeth 40 of this structure.
  • the behavior of the magnetic system of this watch movement 70 is essentially similar to that of the variant described above.
  • a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9 .
  • References already described and the operation of the magnetic system will not be described again here in detail. Note that this operation is essentially similar to that of the first embodiment.
  • the second embodiment of a watch movement 80 according to the invention is distinguished from the first mode by the shape of the magnetic structure. While in the first mode, the magnetic structure extends continuously along the movable element along its axis of displacement, the magnetic structure 84, carried by the date ring 82, is formed of a plurality of elements. These magnetic elements are radially aligned respectively to the plurality of notches 28 of the toothing 26 of the ring 82. The alignment of each of them on the reference axis A REF defines a discrete stable position.
  • the magnetic structure 84 is thus formed of a plurality of distinct magnetic elements 86 made of a material with high magnetic permeability, in particular of a ferromagnetic material. These magnetic elements 86 are arranged along the ring along the axis of displacement 24 with a space without material with high magnetic permeability between any two successive discrete elements.
  • the first and second magnetic couples act constructively with the mechanical torque generated by the spring 32 to position the ring in any position of the plurality of display positions and to maintain it in this position. position in the absence of a drive of the ring by its drive mechanism arranged in the watch movement (mechanism known to those skilled in the art).
  • the drive mechanism must therefore overcoming the first and second magnetic couples as well as the mechanical torque to drive the ring from a stable display position to a next stable display position.
  • the second magnetic pair is substantially conservative.
  • the first magnetic torque and the mechanical torque can restore some energy to the ring in the second half of the displacement between two stable display positions. This also depends on the profile of the teeth and of course the friction force of the rocker on the toothing of the ring.
  • the positioning device according to the invention is remarkable in that the first magnetic torque which is exerted on the rocker decreases rapidly as soon as the end portion 31 of the latch begins to emerge from one of the notches 28 and then changes sign when the ring is driven further to move from one display position to another.
  • the magnetic torque decreases as soon as the flip-flop is moved away from the ring by means of its toothing, which therefore rapidly reduces the magnetic positioning torque as soon as one moves away from a stable position discreet.
  • the rocker deviates from the toothing, the first magnetic torque strongly decreases and is even reversed, so that the passage of a tooth is greatly facilitated and thus requires little energy.
  • the magnetic elements 86 have an oblong shape with the two frustoconical ends. In a variant, these magnetic elements simply have a rectangular shape.
  • the magnetic system is arranged in such a way that the magnet carried by the rocker undergoes a pulling force in the direction of the toothing of the ring when a magnetic element is inserted between this movable magnet 36 and the fixed magnet 34
  • the magnet 36 undergoes a repulsive force oriented substantially towards the center of rotation of the ring.
  • FIG. Figure 10 a third embodiment of a watch movement 90 according to the invention is shown in FIG. Figure 10 .
  • This third mode differs from the two previous modes in that no mechanical torque is generated by the positioning device.
  • no spring is associated here with the latch 30.
  • a stop 92 is provided to limit the rotation of the latch in the clockwise direction (positive direction in the present description) when the first magnetic torque becomes positive and for prevent the rocker is in an angular position where the magnetic torque exerted on it in the open position no longer allows a return towards the toothing 26 when the end portion 31 is again facing the a notch 28 of the toothing.
  • the first magnetic torque remains negative at approximately discrete stable positions P n when the flip-flop moves from a closed position to an open position.
  • the dimensioning of the elements of the magnetic system and their spatial arrangement as well as the arrangement of the rocker, in particular its axis of pivoting, are provided so that the magnetic torque in the open position of the rocker is sufficient to drive its end portion. at the bottom of the teeth from the open position, namely here at the bottom of a notch when the latter is presented opposite the end portion.
  • the sizing of the magnets and their magnetic characteristics make it possible to adjust in particular the first magnetic torque.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Le mouvement horloger comprend un anneau des quantièmes (22), présentant une pluralité de positions d'affichage, et un dispositif de positionnement de cet anneau dans l'une quelconque des positions d'affichage. Le dispositif de positionnement comprend une bascule (30) et un système magnétique formé d'un premier aimant fixe (34), d'un deuxième aimant (36) solidaire de la bascule et d'une structure magnétique (38) solidaire de l'anneau et passant entre les deux aimants, cette structure magnétique étant constituée d'un matériau à haute perméabilité magnétique et présentant une dimension radiale qui varie périodiquement de manière à définir une pluralité de périodes qui correspondent aux distances entre les positions d'affichage. Les deux aimants ont leurs axes magnétiques sensiblement alignés et leurs polarités respectives opposées. Lors de l'entraînement de l'anneau, le couple magnétique qui est appliqué à la bascule varie de manière qu'elle est pressée contre l'anneau dans les positions d'affichage mais tend à s'écarter de l'anneau sur une partie du déplacement angulaire entre ces positions d'affichage.

Figure imgaf001
The watch movement comprises a date ring (22) having a plurality of display positions and a device for positioning the ring in any one of the display positions. The positioning device comprises a rocker (30) and a magnetic system formed of a first fixed magnet (34), a second magnet (36) integral with the rocker and a magnetic structure (38) integral with the ring and passing between the two magnets, this magnetic structure being made of a material with high magnetic permeability and having a radial dimension which varies periodically so as to define a plurality of periods which correspond to the distances between the display positions. Both magnets have their magnetic axes substantially aligned and their respective polarities opposite. When driving the ring, the magnetic torque that is applied to the rocker varies so that it is pressed against the ring in the display positions but tends to deviate from the ring on a part angular displacement between these display positions.
Figure imgaf001

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

La présente invention concerne une pièce d'horlogerie munie d'un dispositif de positionnement d'un élément mobile dans une pluralité de positions discrètes. En particulier, l'invention concerne un dispositif de positionnement d'un anneau des quantièmes dans une pluralité de positions d'affichage.The present invention relates to a timepiece provided with a device for positioning a movable element in a plurality of discrete positions. In particular, the invention relates to a device for positioning a date ring in a plurality of display positions.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

De manière classique, les disques ou anneaux servant à l'affichage d'une donnée de calendrier (quantième, jour de la semaine, mois, etc.) sont maintenus dans l'une quelconque position de la pluralité de positions d'affichage par un sautoir (aussi nommé ressort-sautoir). Ce sautoir presse continument contre une denture du disque ou de l'anneau en question. Lors du passage d'une position d'affichage à une autre, le sautoir s'écarte de la denture en subissant un mouvement de rotation dans un sens opposé à la force de rappel exercée par le ressort du sautoir. Ainsi, la denture est configurée de sorte que le couple exercé sur le sautoir par son ressort soit minimal dans les positions d'affichage et que, lors de l'entraînement du disque ou de l'anneau, le sautoir passe par un pic de couple. Si on veut assurer le positionnement en cas de choc, il faut dimensionner la denture et le sautoir, en particulier la rigidité du ressort, de manière que le pic de couple susmentionné (couple maximal à vaincre pour changer l'affichage) soit relativement important. Ainsi, le dimensionnement des disques ou anneaux de calendrier, en particulier des anneaux des quantièmes, dans les mouvements horlogers est difficile à cause du compromis à trouver entre garantir la fonction de positionnement et minimiser la consommation énergétique du système lors du passage d'une position d'affichage à une autre. En effet, le ressort ne peut pas être trop flexible parce qu'il faut assurer l'immobilisation du disque ou de l'anneau, mais il ne peut pas être excessivement rigide parce qu'il engendrerait alors un couple très important à fournir par un mécanisme du mouvement horloger. Dans ce dernier cas, le mécanisme d'entrainement du disque ou de l'anneau peut être encombrant et on a une perte d'énergie importante pour la source d'énergie incorporée dans le mouvement horloger lors de l'entraînement de ce disque ou de cet anneau.Conventionally, the disks or rings for displaying calendar data (calendar, day of the week, month, etc.) are held in any position of the plurality of display positions by a jumper (also called spring-jumper). This jumper continually press against a toothing of the disc or the ring in question. When passing from one display position to another, the jumper deviates from the toothing by being rotated in a direction opposite to the restoring force exerted by the spring of the jumper. Thus, the toothing is configured so that the torque exerted on the jumper by its spring is minimal in the display positions and that when driving the disc or the ring, the jumper passes through a peak torque . If one wants to ensure the positioning in case of impact, it is necessary to size the teeth and the jumper, in particular the rigidity of the spring, so that the torque peak mentioned above (maximum torque to overcome to change the display) is relatively important. Thus, the dimensioning of the disks or calendar rings, in particular the rings of the dates, in the watch movements is difficult because of the trade-off between securing the positioning function and minimizing the energy consumption of the system when switching from one display position to another. Indeed, the spring can not be too flexible because it is necessary to ensure the immobilization of the disk or the ring, but it can not be excessively rigid because it would generate then a very important couple to provide by a mechanism of the watch movement. In the latter case, the drive mechanism of the disk or the ring can be bulky and there is a significant loss of energy for the energy source incorporated in the watch movement during the drive of this disc or this ring.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention a pour objectif de résoudre les problèmes liés aux sautoirs classiques et de proposer un dispositif de positionnement d'un élément mobile, susceptible d'occuper successivement une pluralité de positions stables discrètes, qui soit sûr, relativement peu encombrant et qui demande relativement peu d'énergie au mouvement horloger pour passer d'une position stable discrète à une autre.The object of the present invention is to solve the problems related to conventional jumpers and to propose a device for positioning a mobile element, capable of successively occupying a plurality of discrete stable positions, which is safe, relatively compact and relatively demanding. little energy to the watch movement to move from one discrete stable position to another.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un mouvement horloger comprenant un élément mobile, lequel est susceptible d'être entraîné selon un axe de déplacement et d'être immobilisé momentanément le long de cet axe de déplacement successivement dans une pluralité de positions stables discrètes, et un dispositif de positionnement de cet élément mobile dans une quelconque des positions de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes. Le dispositif de positionnement comprend une bascule et un système magnétique formé d'un premier aimant, d'un deuxième aimant solidaire de la bascule et d'une structure magnétique solidaire de l'élément mobile, cette structure magnétique étant constituée d'un matériau à haute perméabilité magnétique et présentant, relativement à l'axe de déplacement, une dimension transversale qui varie périodiquement de manière à définir une pluralité de périodes qui correspondent, pour l'élément mobile, respectivement aux distances à parcourir entre les positions de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes. Les premier et deuxième aimants sont agencés de manière que leurs axes magnétiques ont des sens opposés, en projection sur un axe de référence passant sensiblement par les centres respectifs de ces premier et deuxième aimants, et respectivement d'un côté et de l'autre de la structure magnétique pour que, lorsque l'élément mobile est entraîné le long de son axe de déplacement d'une quelconque position stable à une position stable suivante, la structure magnétique passe entre les premier et deuxième aimants. Le système magnétique est en outre agencé de manière que, lorsque l'élément mobile est entraîné le long de son axe de déplacement d'une quelconque position stable à une position stable suivante, un premier couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule portant le deuxième aimant présente un premier sens sur un premier tronçon et un deuxième sens, opposé au premier sens, sur un deuxième tronçon de la distance correspondante, le premier sens correspondant à un couple de rappel en direction de l'élément mobile pour une partie de contact de ladite bascule, alors que le deuxième sens tend à écarter cette partie de contact de l'élément mobile. La structure magnétique est agencée le long de l'axe de déplacement de manière que, pour chaque position de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes, le premier couple magnétique est appliqué dans le premier sens susmentionné.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a movable element, which is capable of being driven along an axis of displacement and of being immobilized momentarily along this displacement axis successively in a plurality of discrete stable positions, and a device for positioning said movable member in any one of the plurality of discrete stable positions. The positioning device comprises a rocker and a magnetic system formed of a first magnet, a second magnet secured to the rocker and a magnetic structure integral with the movable element, this magnetic structure being made of a plastic material. high magnetic permeability and having, relative to the axis of displacement, a transverse dimension which varies periodically so as to define a plurality of periods which correspond, for the movable element, respectively to the distances to be traveled between the positions of the plurality of discrete stable positions. The first and second magnets are arranged so that their magnetic axes have opposite directions, in projection on a reference axis passing substantially through the respective centers of these first and second magnets, and respectively on one side and the other of the magnetic structure so that when the movable member is driven along its axis of movement from any stable position to a next stable position, the magnetic structure passes between the first and second magnets. The magnetic system is furthermore arranged so that, when the moving element is driven along its axis of displacement from any stable position to a next stable position, a first magnetic torque exerted on the rocker carrying the second magnet presents a first direction on a first section and a second direction, opposite the first direction, on a second section of the corresponding distance, the first direction corresponding to a return torque towards the mobile element for a contact portion of said scale , while the second direction tends to separate this contact portion of the movable member. The magnetic structure is arranged along the axis of displacement so that for each position of the plurality of discrete stable positions, the first magnetic torque is applied in the aforementioned first sense.

Le système magnétique engendre un deuxième couple magnétique qui s'exerce directement sur la structure magnétique et ainsi sur l'élément mobile. Selon une variante principale, ce deuxième couple magnétique a une valeur nulle, correspondant à une position d'équilibre magnétique stable pour l'élément mobile, alors que le premier couple magnétique est appliqué à la bascule dans le premier sens.The magnetic system generates a second magnetic torque which is exerted directly on the magnetic structure and thus on the movable element. According to a main variant, this second magnetic torque has a zero value, corresponding to a stable magnetic equilibrium position for the movable element, while the first magnetic torque is applied to the latch in the first direction.

Selon une variante avantageuse, la bascule est associée à un ressort qui exerce une force élastique sur cette bascule de manière à engendrer un couple mécanique qui pousse la partie de contact de cette bascule en direction d'une denture que présente l'élément mobile et dans laquelle cette partie de contact pénètre pour positionner mécaniquement l'élément mobile.According to an advantageous variant, the rocker is associated with a spring which exerts an elastic force on this rocker so as to generate a mechanical torque which pushes the contact part of this rocker towards a toothing that presents the mobile element and in which contact portion penetrates to mechanically position the movable member.

Selon une application principale, l'élément mobile forme un support d'affichage d'une donnée de calendrier. En particulier, l'élément mobile est un anneau des quantièmes.According to a main application, the mobile element forms a display medium for a calendar data item. In particular, the mobile element is a ring of dates.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera décrite en détails ci-après à l'aide de dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • La Figure 1 montre schématiquement un système magnétique dont le fonctionnement particulier est utilisé avec profit dans l'invention;
  • La Figure 2 représente un graphe de la force magnétique subie par un aimant mobile du système magnétique de la Figure 1 en fonction de sa distance d'éloignement relativement à un élément à haute perméabilité magnétique formant une partie du système magnétique;
  • La Figure 3 est une vue en plan d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger selon l'invention comprenant un anneau des quantièmes et un dispositif de positionnement ce celui-ci;
  • La Figure 4 est une vue partielle et agrandie de la Figure 3;
  • La Figure 5 représente graphiquement le couple magnétique exercé par le système magnétique, prévu dans le premier mode de réalisation, sur la bascule du dispositif de positionnement de l'anneau des quantièmes;
  • La Figure 6 représente graphiquement le couple magnétique exercé par le système magnétique du dispositif de positionnement sur la structure magnétique de l'anneau des quantièmes;
  • Les Figures 7A à 7E montrent successivement l'orientation des forces qui s'exercent sur la bascule et sur l'anneau des quantièmes lors de l'entraînement de ce dernier sur une période entre deux positions d'affichage stables;
  • La Figure 8 est une vue en plan d'une variante du premier mode de réalisation;
  • La Figure 9 est une vue en plan d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger selon l'invention; et
  • La Figure 10 est une vue en plan d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger selon l'invention.
The invention will be described in detail hereinafter with the aid of annexed drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
  • The Figure 1 shows schematically a magnetic system whose particular operation is used with advantage in the invention;
  • The Figure 2 represents a graph of the magnetic force experienced by a moving magnet of the magnetic system of the Figure 1 as a function of its distance from a relatively high magnetic permeability element forming part of the magnetic system;
  • The Figure 3 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a watch movement according to the invention comprising a date ring and a positioning device thereof;
  • The Figure 4 is a partial and enlarged view of the Figure 3 ;
  • The Figure 5 graphically represents the magnetic torque exerted by the magnetic system, provided in the first embodiment, on the latch of the date ring positioning device;
  • The Figure 6 graphically represents the magnetic torque exerted by the magnetic system of the positioning device on the magnetic structure of the date ring;
  • The Figures 7A to 7E successively show the orientation of the forces exerted on the rocker and on the date ring during the training of the latter during a period between two stable display positions;
  • The Figure 8 is a plan view of a variant of the first embodiment;
  • The Figure 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a watch movement according to the invention; and
  • The Figure 10 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a watch movement according to the invention.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

On commencera par décrire à l'aide des Figures 1 et 2 un système magnétique dont tire ingénieusement profit la présente invention pour réaliser un dispositif de positionnement d'un élément mobile dans une pluralité de positions stables discrètes.We will begin by describing with the help of Figures 1 and 2 a magnetic system from which the present invention advantageously draws to realize a device for positioning a movable element in a plurality of discrete stable positions.

Le système magnétique 2 comprend un premier aimant fixe 4, un élément à haute perméabilité magnétique 6 et un deuxième aimant 8 qui est mobile, selon un axe de déplacement confondu ici à l'axe d'alignement 10 de ces trois éléments magnétiques, relativement à l'ensemble formé par le premier aimant 4 et l'élément 6. L'élément 6 est agencé entre le premier aimant et le deuxième aimant, proche du premier aimant et dans une position déterminée relativement à celui-ci. Dans une variante particulière, la distance entre l'élément 6 et l'aimant 4 est inférieure ou sensiblement égale à un dixième de la longueur de cet aimant selon son axe d'aimantation. L'élément 6 est constitué par exemples d'un acier au carbone, de carbure tungstène, de nickel, de FeSi ou FeNi, ou d'autres alliages avec du cobalt comme le Vacozet® (CoFeNi) ou le Vacoflux® (CoFe). Dans une variante avantageuse, cet élément à haute perméabilité magnétique est constitué d'un verre métallique à base de fer ou cobalt. L'élément 6 est caractérisé par un champ de saturation Bs et une perméabilité µ. Les aimants 4 et 8 sont par exemples en ferrite, en FeCo ou PtCo, en terres rares comme NdFeB ou SmCo. Ces aimants sont caractérisés par leur champ rémanent Br1 et Br2.The magnetic system 2 comprises a first fixed magnet 4, a high magnetic permeability element 6 and a second magnet 8 which is movable along an axis of displacement here confused with the alignment axis 10 of these three magnetic elements, relative to the assembly formed by the first magnet 4 and the element 6. The element 6 is arranged between the first magnet and the second magnet, close to the first magnet and in a specific position relative thereto. In a particular variant, the distance between the element 6 and the magnet 4 is less than or substantially equal to one-tenth of the length of this magnet along its axis of magnetization. The element 6 is constituted for example of a carbon steel, tungsten carbide, nickel, FeSi or FeNi, or other alloys with cobalt as the Vacozet ® (CoFeNi) or Vacoflux ® (CoFe). In an advantageous variant, this element with high magnetic permeability consists of a metal glass based on iron or cobalt. Element 6 is characterized by a field saturation Bs and permeability μ. The magnets 4 and 8 are for example ferrite, FeCo or PtCo, rare earths such as NdFeB or SmCo. These magnets are characterized by their remanent field Br1 and Br2.

L'élément à haute perméabilité magnétique 6 présente un axe central qui est de préférence sensiblement confondu avec l'axe d'aimantation du premier aimant 4 et également avec l'axe d'aimantation du deuxième aimant 8, cet axe central étant ici confondu avec l'axe d'alignement 10. Les sens d'aimantation respectifs des aimants 4 et 8 sont opposés. Ces premier et deuxième aimants ont donc des polarités opposées et ils sont susceptibles de subir entre eux un mouvement relatif sur une certaine distance relative. La distance D entre l'élément 6 et l'aimant mobile 8 indique l'éloignement de cet aimant mobile relativement à l'ensemble formé des deux autres éléments du système magnétique. On notera que l'axe 10 est prévu ici linéaire, mais ceci est une variante non limitative. En effet, l'axe de déplacement peut aussi être courbe, comme dans les réalisations qui seront décrits par la suite. Dans ce dernier cas, l'axe central de l'élément 6 est de préférence approximativement tangent à l'axe de déplacement courbe de l'aimant mobile et ainsi le comportement d'un tel système magnétique est, en première approximation, semblable à celui du système magnétique décrit ici. Ceci est d'autant plus vrai que le rayon de courbure est grand relativement à la distance maximale possible entre l'élément 6 et l'aimant mobile 8. Dans une variante préférée, comme représentée à la Figure 1, l'élément 6 présente des dimensions dans un plan orthogonal à l'axe central 10 qui sont supérieures à celles du premier aimant 4 et à celles du deuxième aimant 8 en projection dans ce plan orthogonal. On notera que, dans le cas où le deuxième aimant mobile vient buter en fin de course contre l'élément à haute perméabilité magnétique, ce deuxième aimant comprend avantageusement une surface durcie ou une fine couche en matériau dur à sa surface.The element with high magnetic permeability 6 has a central axis which is preferably substantially coincidental with the magnetization axis of the first magnet 4 and also with the magnetization axis of the second magnet 8, this central axis being here confused with the alignment axis 10. The respective magnetization directions of the magnets 4 and 8 are opposite. These first and second magnets therefore have opposite polarities and they are likely to undergo relative movement between them over a certain relative distance. The distance D between the element 6 and the movable magnet 8 indicates the distance of this movable magnet relative to the assembly formed by the two other elements of the magnetic system. Note that the axis 10 is provided here linear, but this is a non-limiting variant. Indeed, the axis of displacement can also be curved, as in the embodiments that will be described later. In the latter case, the central axis of the element 6 is preferably approximately tangent to the curved displacement axis of the moving magnet and thus the behavior of such a magnetic system is, in a first approximation, similar to that of the magnetic system described here. This is all the more true as the radius of curvature is large relative to the maximum possible distance between the element 6 and the movable magnet 8. In a preferred variant, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , the element 6 has dimensions in a plane orthogonal to the central axis 10 which are greater than those of the first magnet 4 and those of the second magnet 8 in projection in this orthogonal plane. Note that, in the case where the second movable magnet abuts end of stroke against the high magnetic permeability element, the second magnet advantageously comprises a cured surface or a thin layer of hard material on its surface.

Les deux aimants 4 et 8 sont agencés en répulsion magnétique de sorte que, en l'absence de l'élément à haute perméabilité magnétique 6, une force de répulsion magnétique tend à éloigner ces deux aimants l'un de l'autre. Cependant, de manière surprenante, l'agencement entre ces deux aimants de l'élément 6 inverse le sens de la force magnétique exercée sur l'aimant mobile lorsque la distance entre cet aimant mobile et l'élément 6 est suffisamment petite, de sorte que l'aimant mobile subit alors une force d'attraction magnétique. La courbe 12 de la Figure 2 représente la force magnétique exercée sur l'aimant mobile 8 par le système magnétique 2 en fonction de la distance D entre l'aimant mobile et l'élément à haute perméabilité magnétique. On remarque que l'aimant mobile subit, sur une première plage D1 de la distance D, globalement une force d'attraction magnétique qui tend à maintenir l'aimant mobile contre l'élément 6 ou à le ramener vers celui-ci en cas d'éloignement, cette force d'attraction globale résultant de la présence de l'élément à haute perméabilité magnétique (notamment ferromagnétique) entre les deux aimants, ce qui permet une inversion de la force magnétique entre deux aimants agencés en répulsion magnétique, alors que cet aimant mobile subit, sur une deuxième plage D2 de la distance D, globalement une force de répulsion magnétique. Cette deuxième plage correspond à des distances entre l'élément 6 et l'aimant 8 qui sont supérieures aux distances correspondant à la première plage de la distance D. La deuxième plage est pratiquement limitée à une distance maximale Dmax qui est définie généralement par une butée limitant l'éloignement de l'aimant mobile.The two magnets 4 and 8 are arranged in magnetic repulsion so that, in the absence of the element with high magnetic permeability 6, a Magnetic repulsion force tends to move these two magnets away from each other. Surprisingly, however, the arrangement between these two magnets of the element 6 reverses the direction of the magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet when the distance between this movable magnet and the element 6 is sufficiently small, so that the moving magnet then undergoes a magnetic attraction force. Curve 12 of the Figure 2 represents the magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet 8 by the magnetic system 2 as a function of the distance D between the movable magnet and the element with high magnetic permeability. Note that the moving magnet undergoes, on a first range D1 of the distance D, generally a magnetic attraction force which tends to keep the movable magnet against the element 6 or to bring it back to it in case of distance, this global force of attraction resulting from the presence of the element with high magnetic permeability (in particular ferromagnetic) between the two magnets, which allows a reversal of the magnetic force between two magnets arranged in magnetic repulsion, whereas this mobile magnet undergoes, on a second range D2 of the distance D, globally a magnetic repulsion force. This second range corresponds to distances between the element 6 and the magnet 8 which are greater than the distances corresponding to the first range of the distance D. The second range is practically limited to a maximum distance D max which is generally defined by a stop limiting the distance of the moving magnet.

La force magnétique exercée sur l'aimant mobile est une fonction continue de la distance D et elle a donc une valeur nulle à la distance Dinv pour laquelle il y a inversion de cette force magnétique (Figure 2). Ceci est un fonctionnement remarquable du système magnétique 2. La distance d'inversion Dinv est déterminée par la géométrie des trois pièces magnétiques formant le système magnétique et par leurs propriétés magnétiques. Cette distance d'inversion peut donc être sélectionnée, dans une certaine mesure, par les paramètres physiques des trois éléments magnétiques du système magnétique 2 et par la distance séparant l'aimant fixe de l'élément ferromagnétique 6. Il en va de même pour l'évolution de la pente de la courbe 12, la variation de cette pente et en particulier l'intensité de la force d'attraction lorsque l'aimant mobile se rapproche de l'élément ferromagnétique pouvant ainsi être ajustées.The magnetic force exerted on the moving magnet is a continuous function of the distance D and therefore has a value of zero at the distance D inv for which this magnetic force is inverted ( Figure 2 ). This is a remarkable operation of the magnetic system 2. The inversion distance D inv is determined by the geometry of the three magnetic parts forming the magnetic system and by their magnetic properties. This inversion distance can therefore be selected, to a certain extent, by the physical parameters of the three magnetic elements of the magnetic system 2 and by the distance separating the fixed magnet from the element. 6. The same applies to the evolution of the slope of the curve 12, the variation of this slope and in particular the intensity of the force of attraction when the moving magnet approaches the ferromagnetic element which can so be adjusted.

En référence aux Figures 3 à 6 et 7A à 7E, on décrira ci-après un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.With reference to Figures 3 to 6 and 7A to 7E , hereinafter will be described a first embodiment of the invention.

Le mouvement horloger 20 comprend un anneau des quantièmes 22, qui est susceptible d'être entraîné en rotation dans le sens horaire, selon un axe de déplacement circulaire 24, et d'être immobilisé momentanément le long de cet axe de déplacement successivement dans une pluralité de positions stables discrètes. Le mouvement horloger comprend un dispositif de positionnement de l'anneau des quantièmes dans l'une quelconque des positions angulaires de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes, ce dispositif de positionnement étant formé de deux systèmes complémentaires qui sont associés, à savoir un système mécanique, formé par une bascule 30 associée à un ressort 32 et par une denture 26 comprenant une pluralité de creux ou encoches 28 dans lesquels vient s'insérer successivement une partie d'extrémité 31 de la bascule (laquelle définit une partie de contact avec la denture) lorsque l'anneau est successivement positionné dans les positions angulaires de ladite pluralité de positions stables discrètes, et un système magnétique formé d'un premier aimant fixe 34, d'un deuxième aimant 36 solidaire de la bascule et d'une structure magnétique 38 solidaire de l'anneau 22.The watch movement 20 comprises a date ring 22, which is capable of being rotated in the clockwise direction, along a circular displacement axis 24, and of being immobilized momentarily along this displacement axis successively in a plurality discrete stable positions. The watch movement comprises a device for positioning the date ring in any one of the angular positions of the plurality of discrete stable positions, this positioning device being formed of two complementary systems which are associated, namely a mechanical system, formed by a rocker 30 associated with a spring 32 and by a toothing 26 comprising a plurality of recesses or notches 28 in which is successively inserted an end portion 31 of the rocker (which defines a contact portion with the toothing) when the ring is successively positioned in the angular positions of said plurality of discrete stable positions, and a magnetic system formed of a first fixed magnet 34, a second magnet 36 integral with the rocker and a magnetic structure 38 integral of the ring 22.

La structure magnétique 38 est constituée d'un matériau à haute perméabilité magnétique et présente, relativement à l'axe de déplacement de l'anneau 22, une dimension transversale qui varie périodiquement en définissant une pluralité de périodes angulaires θP qui correspondent, pour l'anneau mobile, aux distances angulaires qu'il doit parcourir entre ses positions d'affichage (pluralité de positions stables discrètes). Plus particulièrement, dans la variante décrite aux Figures 3 et 4, la dimension transversale de la structure magnétique varie périodiquement entre une distance maximale L1 et une distance minimale L2. Cette structure magnétique forme une couronne avec des parties saillantes intérieures 40 (dents magnétiques) et des parties saillantes extérieures 44 qui sont radialement alignées sur les parties saillantes 40. Ainsi, chaque paire de parties saillantes 40 et 44 agencées sur un même rayon de l'anneau définit la largeur maximale L1 de la structure magnétique alors que des parties intermédiaires 42 définissent la largeur minimale L2. Les paires de parties saillantes sont alignées radialement avec les encoches 28 de la denture 26. Chaque paire de parties saillantes et l'encoche respective définissent un axe radial correspondant à une position d'affichage stable Pn (n étant un nombre naturel) de l'anneau 22. Chaque période angulaire θP est comprise entre deux largeurs maximales L1 successives. Dans une variante, la denture peut être formée par le profil intérieur de la structure magnétique.The magnetic structure 38 is made of a material with high magnetic permeability and has, relative to the axis of displacement of the ring 22, a transverse dimension which periodically varies by defining a plurality of angular periods θ P which correspond, for the mobile ring at the angular distances that it must travel between its display positions (plurality of discrete stable positions). More particularly, in the variant described in Figures 3 and 4 , the dimension transverse magnetic structure periodically varies between a maximum distance L1 and a minimum distance L2. This magnetic structure forms a ring with internal projections 40 (magnetic teeth) and outer projections 44 which are radially aligned with the projecting portions 40. Thus, each pair of projecting portions 40 and 44 arranged on a same radius of the ring defines the maximum width L1 of the magnetic structure while intermediate portions 42 define the minimum width L2. The pairs of projecting portions are aligned radially with the notches 28 of the toothing 26. Each pair of projections and the respective notch define a radial axis corresponding to a stable display position P n (where n is a natural number) of the 22. Each angular period θ P is between two successive maximum widths L1. Alternatively, the toothing may be formed by the inner profile of the magnetic structure.

Le premier aimant 34 et le deuxième aimant 36 sont agencés respectivement d'un côté et de l'autre de la structure magnétique 38 avec leurs axes magnétiques sensiblement alignés sur un axe de référence AREF qu'ils définissent (cet axe passant sensiblement par leurs centres respectifs). Les axes magnétiques des deux aimants présentent des sens opposés (aimants avec leurs polarités opposées). Ensuite, ces premier et deuxième aimants, et par conséquent la bascule 30, sont agencés de sorte que, lorsque l'anneau des quantièmes est entraîné le long de son axe de déplacement 24, la structure magnétique passe entre ces deux aimants. On utilise le phénomène physique du système magnétique décrit aux Figures 1 et 2 non en variant l'éloignement le long de l'axe de référence AREF d'un des deux aimants relativement à une structure magnétique solidaire de l'un ou l'autre des aimants, mais par un déplacement sensiblement orthogonal de la structure magnétique 38 relativement à l'axe de référence, cette structure magnétique ayant une largeur variable le long de l'axe de déplacement de l'anneau pour que la force magnétique exercée par le système magnétique sur l'aimant porté par la bascule, respectivement le couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule par le système magnétique varient en fonction de la position angulaire de l'anneau 22, et ceci de manière qu'il y a une inversion du sens de cette force magnétique (en projection sur l'axe de référence), respectivement du sens de ce couple magnétique lors d'un déplacement de l'anneau sur une distance correspondant à une période angulaire θP.The first magnet 34 and the second magnet 36 are respectively arranged on one side and the other of the magnetic structure 38 with their magnetic axes substantially aligned on a reference axis A REF that they define (this axis passing substantially through their respective centers). The magnetic axes of the two magnets have opposite directions (magnets with their opposite polarities). Then, these first and second magnets, and consequently the flip-flop 30, are arranged so that, when the date ring is driven along its axis of displacement 24, the magnetic structure passes between these two magnets. The physical phenomenon of the magnetic system described in Figures 1 and 2 not by varying the distance along the reference axis A REF of one of the two magnets relative to a magnetic structure integral with one or the other of the magnets, but by a substantially orthogonal displacement of the magnetic structure 38 relative to the reference axis, this magnetic structure having a variable width along the axis of movement of the ring so that the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic system on the magnet carried by the rocker respectively the magnetic torque exerted on the rocker by the magnetic system vary according to the angular position of the ring 22, and this so that there is a reversal of the direction of this magnetic force (in projection on the reference axis), respectively the direction of this magnetic torque during a movement of the ring over a distance corresponding to an angular period θ P.

La Figure 5 montre l'évolution du couple magnétique appliqué à la bascule en fonction de la position angulaire de l'anneau sur une période angulaire θP. Il est prévu que ce couple magnétique soit sensiblement maximal dans un premier sens (sens négatif = sens antihoraire) qui presse la partie 31 de la bascule contre la denture 26 de cet anneau lorsque ce dernier est dans l'une quelconque de ses positions angulaires d'affichage Pn (positions stables discrètes) et qu'il diminue entre ces positions angulaires d'affichage, progressivement en s'éloignant de celles-ci, pour finalement subir une inversion sur une plage angulaire intermédiaire de sorte que le couple magnétique présente alors dans cette plage intermédiaire un deuxième sens (sens positif) qui tend à écarter la partie d'extrémité 31 de la denture de l'anneau. On notera que le couple magnétique décrit ci-dessus forme un premier couple de positionnement magnétique de l'anneau 22 par l'intermédiaire de la bascule portant fixement l'aimant 36, cette bascule formant par ailleurs un système de positionnement mécanique de l'anneau des quantièmes.The Figure 5 shows the evolution of the magnetic torque applied to the rocker as a function of the angular position of the ring over an angular period θ P. It is expected that this magnetic torque is substantially maximum in a first direction (negative direction = counterclockwise direction) which presses the portion 31 of the rocker against the toothing 26 of this ring when the latter is in any of its angular positions. display P n (discrete stable positions) and that it decreases between these angular display positions, progressively away from them, to finally undergo an inversion on an intermediate angular range so that the magnetic torque then present in this intermediate range a second direction (positive direction) which tends to move the end portion 31 of the toothing of the ring. Note that the magnetic torque described above forms a first magnetic positioning torque of the ring 22 via the rocker fixedly holding the magnet 36, this rocker also forming a mechanical positioning system of the ring dates.

De plus, le système magnétique du dispositif de positionnement de l'invention engendre en outre un deuxième couple magnétique sur l'anneau 22 grâce à une force magnétique exercée par le système magnétique directement sur la structure magnétique 38, ce deuxième couple magnétique renforce le premier couple magnétique puisque la structure magnétique (la denture magnétique) est agencée de manière que le deuxième couple magnétique est relativement faible, de préférence quasi nul, lorsque l'anneau est dans l'une quelconque de ses positions angulaires d'affichage, et qu'il augmente relativement rapidement de part et d'autre de chaque position d'affichage de manière à s'opposer dans un premier temps à un déplacement de l'anneau hors de la position d'affichage qu'il occupe, en rappelant l'anneau vers cette position d'affichage. L'évolution du deuxième couple magnétique est représentée à la Figure 6. Après un entraînement de l'anneau sur une certaine distance angulaire depuis une position d'affichage Pn, le deuxième couple magnétique diminue pour finalement s'annuler sensiblement à la moitié de la période angulaire et présenter ensuite une inversion de son sens. On remarquera que ce deuxième couple magnétique présente un caractère conservatif, c'est-à-dire que l'énergie nécessaire, lors de l'entraînement de l'anneau sur une première demi-période, pour vaincre le couple de rappel exercé sur la structure magnétique est sensiblement redonnée à l'anneau sur la deuxième demi-période puisque le deuxième couple magnétique présente alors un même sens (sens positif) que le couple d'entraînement sur cette deuxième demi-période. Pour les diverses courbes de couple magnétique représentées aux Figures 5 et 6, le champ rémanent de chacun des deux aimants (Néodyme - Fer - Bore) vaut 1.35 T et le champ de saturation de la structure magnétique en matériau ferromagnétique (Vacoflux ®) vaut 2.2 T.In addition, the magnetic system of the positioning device of the invention also generates a second magnetic torque on the ring 22 thanks to a magnetic force exerted by the magnetic system directly on the magnetic structure 38, this second magnetic torque strengthens the first one. magnetic torque since the magnetic structure (the magnetic toothing) is arranged so that the second magnetic torque is relatively low, preferably almost zero, when the ring is in any of its angular positions of display, and that it increases relatively quickly on both sides of each position display so as to oppose in a first time a movement of the ring out of the display position that it occupies, by returning the ring to this display position. The evolution of the second magnetic torque is represented at Figure 6 . After a drive of the ring over a certain angular distance from a display position P n , the second magnetic torque decreases to finally cancel substantially at half the angular period and then have a reversal of its direction. It will be noted that this second magnetic pair has a conservative character, that is to say that the energy required, during the drive of the ring over a first half-period, to overcome the restoring torque exerted on the magnetic structure is substantially restored to the ring on the second half-period since the second magnetic torque then has the same direction (positive direction) than the drive torque on this second half-period. For the various magnetic torque curves represented at Figures 5 and 6 , the residual field of each of the two magnets (Neodymium - Iron - Boron) is 1.35 T and the saturation field of the magnetic structure in ferromagnetic material (Vacoflux ®) is 2.2 T.

Sur le graphe de la Figure 5 ont été représentées : - une première courbe 50 donnant le couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule lorsque cette dernière est dans une position ouverte (correspondant à une position pour laquelle la partie d'extrémité 31 est située hors de la denture 26) et que l'anneau est entraîné sur une période angulaire θP entre deux positions d'affichage successives (c'est-à-dire d'une quelconque position d'affichage à une position d'affichage suivante); - une deuxième courbe 52 donnant le couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule lorsque cette dernière est dans une position fermée (correspondant à une position pour laquelle la partie d'extrémité 31 est située au fond de la denture 26, c'est-à-dire dans une encoche 28) ; et - une troisième courbe 54 représentant approximativement le couple magnétique fonctionnel appliqué à la bascule sur chaque période angulaire, ce couple magnétique fonctionnel définissant le premier couple magnétique. On notera que la courbe 52 est théorique puisque la bascule ne peut pas être maintenue dans une position fermée lors d'un déplacement angulaire de l'anneau sur une distance correspondant à une période angulaire en présence de l'anneau avec sa denture 26. Toutefois, une telle courbe peut être observée en prenant un anneau de test ayant un profil dans son plan général correspondant à celui de la structure magnétique. La courbe 54 du couple fonctionnel est une approximation du comportement réel puisque la position de la bascule ne dépend pas seulement du premier couple magnétique mais aussi du profil de la denture 26, du profil de la partie d'extrémité 31 de cette bascule et du couple mécanique engendré par le ressort dans le premier mode de réalisation (On notera que le couple fonctionnel représenté correspond de fait à une réalisation sans ressort et sans denture). Dans la variante représentée aux Figures 3 et 4, on remarque que les encoches présentent un profil prévu pour positionner mécaniquement l'anneau avec un faible jeu et le maintenir correctement dans les positions d'affichage. Ainsi, dans ce cas, la courbe 54 ne rejoint la courbe 52 que dans les zones angulaires proches des positions d'affichage stables Pn. Quoiqu'il en soit, le couple magnétique fonctionnel correspond sensiblement à celui de la courbe 52 pour chacune des positions d'affichage Pn.On the graph of the Figure 5 have been shown: a first curve 50 giving the magnetic torque exerted on the rocker when the latter is in an open position (corresponding to a position for which the end portion 31 is located outside the toothing 26) and that the ring is driven over an angular period θ P between two successive display positions (i.e., from any display position to a next display position); a second curve 52 giving the magnetic torque exerted on the rocker when the latter is in a closed position (corresponding to a position for which the end portion 31 is located at the bottom of the toothing 26, that is to say in a notch 28); and a third curve 54 representing approximately the functional magnetic torque applied to the rocker over each angular period, this functional magnetic pair defining the first magnetic torque. It will be noted that the curve 52 is theoretical since the latch does not can not be maintained in a closed position during an angular displacement of the ring over a distance corresponding to an angular period in the presence of the ring with its toothing 26. However, such a curve can be observed by taking a ring of test having a profile in its general plane corresponding to that of the magnetic structure. The curve 54 of the functional pair is an approximation of the real behavior since the position of the rocker does not depend only on the first magnetic torque but also the profile of the toothing 26, the profile of the end portion 31 of this rocker and the torque mechanical mechanism generated by the spring in the first embodiment (It will be noted that the functional torque represented corresponds in fact to an embodiment without spring and without toothing). In the variant shown in Figures 3 and 4 it is noted that the notches have a profile intended to mechanically position the ring with a small clearance and hold it correctly in the display positions. Thus, in this case, the curve 54 joins the curve 52 only in the angular areas close to the stable display positions P n . Whatever the case, the functional magnetic torque substantially corresponds to that of the curve 52 for each of the display positions P n .

Le premier couple magnétique exercé par le premier aimant et la structure magnétique sur la bascule 30 portant le deuxième aimant, en fonction de la position angulaire de l'anneau 22 (et donc de la structure magnétique 38) sur une période angulaire entre deux positions d'affichage de l'anneau, présente un premier sens (sens négatif à la Figure 5) sur un premier tronçon (formé de deux parties TR1a, TR1b pour une période angulaire correspondant à un déplacement angulaire de l'anneau entre deux positions magnétiques stables) et un deuxième sens, opposé au premier sens, sur un deuxième tronçon TR2 de cette période angulaire. Le premier sens correspond à un couple de rappel en direction de l'anneau mobile pour la partie de contact de la bascule, alors que le deuxième sens tend à écarter cette partie de contact de l'anneau et en particulier de sa denture 26. La structure magnétique 38 est agencée le long de l'axe de déplacement 24 de manière que, pour chaque position Pn de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes (positions d'affichage), le premier couple magnétique est exercé dans le premier sens susmentionné. La partie d'extrémité 31 de la bascule 30 est en appui contre la denture 26 de l'anneau 22 au moins lorsque le premier couple magnétique est appliqué à cette bascule dans le premier sens. En particulier, la denture et la bascule sont agencées de manière que la partie d'extrémité 31 est située au fond de cette denture pour chaque position d'affichage discrète Pn.The first magnetic torque exerted by the first magnet and the magnetic structure on the rocker 30 carrying the second magnet, as a function of the angular position of the ring 22 (and thus of the magnetic structure 38) over an angular period between two positions of display of the ring, has a first meaning (negative direction to the Figure 5 ) on a first section (formed of two parts TR1a, TR1b for an angular period corresponding to an angular displacement of the ring between two stable magnetic positions) and a second direction, opposite to the first direction, on a second section TR2 of this period angular. The first direction corresponds to a restoring torque in the direction of the mobile ring for the contact part of the rocker, while the second direction tends to move this contact part away from the ring and in particular from its toothing 26. magnetic structure 38 is arranged along the axis of displacement 24 of so that for each position P n of the plurality of discrete stable positions (display positions), the first magnetic torque is exerted in the aforementioned first sense. The end portion 31 of the rocker 30 bears against the toothing 26 of the ring 22 at least when the first magnetic torque is applied to this rocker in the first direction. In particular, the toothing and the rocker are arranged so that the end portion 31 is located at the bottom of this toothing for each discrete display position P n .

On observe que la première partie TR1a du premier tronçon d'une période donnée suit directement la deuxième partie TR1 b du premier tronçon de la période qui précède cette période donnée. Ainsi, entre les deuxièmes tronçons TR2, le premier couple magnétique est appliqué dans le premier sens sur des tronçons continus formés chacun d'une première partie TR1 a et d'une deuxième partie TR1 b situées respectivement des deux côtés d'une position stable Pn. De préférence, le premier couple magnétique (couple fonctionnel 54) présente une valeur négative maximale (c'est-à-dire maximale en valeur absolue) pour une position angulaire PCM proche de chaque position stable discrète Pn. Dans une variante avantageuse, cette valeur négative maximale est atteinte sensiblement à chaque position stable discrète Pn.It is observed that the first part TR1a of the first section of a given period directly follows the second part TR1b of the first section of the period preceding this given period. Thus, between the second sections TR2, the first magnetic torque is applied in the first direction on continuous sections each formed of a first part TR1a and a second part TR1b located respectively on both sides of a stable position P n . Preferably, the first magnetic torque (functional torque 54) has a maximum negative value (that is to say maximum in absolute value) for an angular position P CM close to each discrete stable position P n . In an advantageous variant, this maximum negative value is reached substantially at each discrete stable position P n .

On remarquera que la partie d'extrémité 31 de la bascule qui presse contre la denture comprend ici le deuxième aimant 36. Dans la variante représentée, il est prévu que le support amagnétique formant cette partie d'extrémité et portant le deuxième aimant soit en butée contre la denture 26 de manière que ce deuxième aimant puisse s'approcher des dents magnétiques 40 sans toutefois entrer en contact avec l'anneau. Dans une variante, le deuxième aimant présente une surface de contact avec la denture, cette surface de contact étant durcie par un traitement approprié. Dans une autre variante, la partie du deuxième aimant située du côté de la denture est protégée par une couche de protection déposée sur le deuxième aimant, cette couche de protection étant en contact avec la denture.It will be noted that the end portion 31 of the rocker that presses against the toothing here comprises the second magnet 36. In the variant shown, it is provided that the non-magnetic support forming this end portion and carrying the second magnet is in abutment. against the toothing 26 so that the second magnet can approach the magnetic teeth 40 without coming into contact with the ring. In a variant, the second magnet has a contact surface with the toothing, this contact surface being hardened by appropriate treatment. In another variant, the part of the second magnet situated on the side of the toothing is protected by a protective layer deposited on the second magnet, this protective layer being in contact with the toothing.

Sur le graphe de la Figure 6 ont été représentées : - une première courbe 56 donnant le couple magnétique appliqué à la structure magnétique, et donc directement à l'anneau lorsque la bascule est dans une position ouverte et que l'anneau est entraîné sur une période angulaire θP ; - une deuxième courbe 58 donnant le couple magnétique appliqué à la structure magnétique lorsque la bascule est dans une position fermée ; et - une troisième courbe 60 représentant approximativement le couple magnétique fonctionnel appliqué à la structure magnétique sur chaque période angulaire, ce couple magnétique fonctionnel définissant un deuxième couple magnétique intervenant dans le dispositif de positionnement de l'invention. On notera à nouveau que la courbe 58 est théorique, puisque la bascule ne peut pas être maintenue dans une position fermée lors d'un entraînement de l'anneau sur toute une période angulaire à cause de la denture 26, et que la courbe 60 du couple fonctionnel est une approximation du comportement réel puisque la position de la bascule dépend en particulier du profil de la denture 26 et du profil de la partie d'extrémité 31 de cette bascule.On the graph of the Figure 6 have been shown: - a first curve 56 giving the magnetic torque applied to the magnetic structure, and therefore directly to the ring when the rocker is in an open position and the ring is driven over an angular period θ P ; a second curve 58 giving the magnetic torque applied to the magnetic structure when the rocker is in a closed position; and a third curve 60 representing approximately the functional magnetic torque applied to the magnetic structure on each angular period, this functional magnetic pair defining a second magnetic pair occurring in the positioning device of the invention. Note again that the curve 58 is theoretical, since the rocker can not be maintained in a closed position during a drive of the ring over a whole angular period because of the toothing 26, and that the curve 60 of the functional torque is an approximation of the actual behavior since the position of the rocker depends in particular on the profile of the toothing 26 and the profile of the end portion 31 of this rocker.

Le deuxième couple magnétique présente une valeur sensiblement nulle à la position Pn définissant le début d'une période angulaire entre deux positions d'affichage. A chaque position Pn (n étant un nombre naturel), la structure magnétique et par conséquent l'anneau 22 se trouvent dans une position magnétique stable car la pente négative de la courbe 60 à cette position Pn indique que le deuxième couple magnétique tend à ramener l'anneau vers cette position lorsqu'il s'en écarte (sens positif de l'angle de rotation est le sens horaire). De préférence, l'anneau et la bascule sont agencés de manière que chaque position Pn de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes correspond à une position magnétique stable, comme c'est le cas dans le premier mode de réalisation. Le premier couple magnétique est appliqué à la bascule dans le premier sens lorsque l'anneau est dans une quelconque position d'équilibre magnétique stable. Dans une variante avantageuse représentée aux Figures 5 et 6, la valeur négative maximale du premier couple magnétique est atteinte pour des positions angulaires proches des positions d'équilibre magnétique stable. Ainsi, pour chaque position magnétique stable de l'anneau des quantièmes, le premier couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule a une valeur proche de la valeur maximale de ce premier couple magnétique dans le premier tronçon où le premier couple magnétique s'exerce dans le premier sens. Dans une variante préférée, la bascule et le système magnétique sont agencés de sorte que ladite valeur maximale est sensiblement atteinte pour chaque position magnétique stable, laquelle correspond à une position d'affichage de l'anneau des quantièmes.The second magnetic torque has a substantially zero value at the position P n defining the beginning of an angular period between two display positions. At each position P n (n being a natural number), the magnetic structure and consequently the ring 22 are in a stable magnetic position because the negative slope of the curve 60 at this position P n indicates that the second magnetic torque tends to to bring the ring towards this position when it deviates from it (positive direction of the angle of rotation is the clockwise direction). Preferably, the ring and the rocker are arranged so that each position P n of the plurality of discrete stable positions corresponds to a stable magnetic position, as is the case in the first embodiment. The first magnetic torque is applied to the rocker in the first direction when the ring is in a any stable magnetic equilibrium position. In an advantageous variant represented in Figures 5 and 6 the maximum negative value of the first magnetic torque is reached for angular positions close to stable magnetic equilibrium positions. Thus, for each stable magnetic position of the date ring, the first magnetic torque exerted on the rocker has a value close to the maximum value of this first magnetic torque in the first section where the first magnetic torque is exerted in the first meaning. In a preferred embodiment, the rocker and the magnetic system are arranged such that said maximum value is substantially reached for each stable magnetic position, which corresponds to a display position of the date ring.

Le deuxième couple magnétique 60 présente dans chaque période angulaire une valeur négative sur un premier tronçon TR3 et une valeur positive sur un deuxième tronçon TR4. Chacun de ces deux tronçons s'étend sensiblement sur une demi-période. On remarquera que ce deuxième couple magnétique présente une valeur nulle entre ces deux tronçons, cette position correspondant à une position d'équilibre magnétique instable. Dans cette position, l'axe de référence AREF passe sensiblement entre deux dents magnétiques 40 et par conséquent entre deux encoches ou creux 28 de la denture 26, ces encoches ou creux étant alignés radialement avec les dents magnétiques 40.The second magnetic pair 60 has in each angular period a negative value on a first section TR3 and a positive value on a second section TR4. Each of these two sections extends substantially over half a period. It will be noted that this second magnetic torque has a zero value between these two sections, this position corresponding to a position of unstable magnetic equilibrium. In this position, the reference axis A REF substantially passes between two magnetic teeth 40 and therefore between two notches or recesses 28 of the toothing 26, these notches or recesses being aligned radially with the magnetic teeth 40.

Le ressort 32 pressant sur la bascule engendre un couple mécanique appliqué par la bascule à l'anneau 22. On remarquera que ce couple mécanique peut être relativement faible étant donné les premier et deuxième couples magnétiques engendrés par le système magnétique qui s'exercent sur l'anneau dans un même sens que ce couple mécanique lorsque l'anneau est dans l'une quelconque position de la pluralité de positions d'affichage. On remarquera encore que le couple mécanique peut être supérieur au premier couple magnétique appliqué dans le deuxième sens, c'est-à-dire à sa valeur positive maximale sur le deuxième tronçon TR2, de sorte que la partie 31 de la bascule reste continument en appui contre la denture 26 de cette bascule. Cependant, dans une autre variante, le couple mécanique est inférieur à cette valeur positive maximale sur une certaine distance angulaire de pivotement de la bascule. Toutefois, dans ce dernier cas, la rigidité du ressort est avantageusement sélectionnée pour que ce ressort limite, dans le deuxième tronçon TR2, l'éloignement de l'aimant 36, porté par la partie d'extrémité 31 de la bascule, relativement à la structure magnétique 38. Si tel n'est pas le cas, alors un élément du mouvement horloger doit présenter une fonction de butée pour la bascule lorsque la partie 31 s'éloigne de la denture, de manière à limiter son éloignement de cette denture dans le deuxième tronçon TR2 de chaque période.The spring 32 pressing on the rocker generates a mechanical torque applied by the rocker to the ring 22. It will be noted that this mechanical torque can be relatively low given the first and second magnetic couples generated by the magnetic system which are exerted on the ring in the same direction as this mechanical torque when the ring is in any position of the plurality of display positions. It will again be noted that the mechanical torque may be greater than the first magnetic torque applied in the second direction, that is to say its value. positive maximum on the second section TR2, so that the portion 31 of the flip-flop remains continuously in abutment against the toothing 26 of this flip-flop. However, in another variant, the mechanical torque is less than this maximum positive value over a certain angular distance of pivoting of the rocker. However, in the latter case, the rigidity of the spring is advantageously selected so that this limit spring, in the second section TR2, the distance of the magnet 36, carried by the end portion 31 of the rocker, relative to the magnetic structure 38. If this is not the case, then an element of the watch movement must have a stop function for the rocker when the part 31 moves away from the toothing, so as to limit its distance from this toothing in the second section TR2 of each period.

On remarquera que les deux forces magnétiques, qui s'exercent respectivement sur la bascule via l'aimant qu'elle porte et sur l'anneau via la structure magnétique qu'il porte ou dont il est formé, sont des vecteurs qui ont chacun une certaine intensité variable et également une direction variable dans le plan général de l'anneau et de la bascule. Ces deux paramètres (intensité et direction) interviennent dans le premier couple magnétique et dans le deuxième couple magnétique. Le premier couple magnétique est défini relativement à l'axe de pivotement de la bascule alors que le deuxième couple magnétique est défini relativement à l'axe de rotation géométrique de l'anneau.It will be noted that the two magnetic forces, which are exerted respectively on the rocker via the magnet that it carries and on the ring via the magnetic structure which it carries or of which it is formed, are vectors which each have a certain variable intensity and also a variable direction in the general plane of the ring and the rocker. These two parameters (intensity and direction) are involved in the first magnetic torque and in the second magnetic torque. The first magnetic torque is defined relative to the pivot axis of the rocker while the second magnetic torque is defined relative to the axis of geometric rotation of the ring.

Dans le cadre d'une variante de réalisation, avec une bascule agencée symétriquement à la bascule représentée aux Figures 3 et 4 (ce qui inverse les signes à la Figure 5 pour les couples qui s'exercent sur la bascule), on a représenté aux Figures 7A à 7E, d'une part, respectivement les vecteurs force 62a à 62e s'exerçant sur la bascule 30 pour diverses positions angulaires de l'anneau des quantièmes lors d'un entraînement de cet anneau dans le sens horaire et, d'autre part, respectivement les vecteurs force 64a à 64e s'exerçant sur la structure magnétique 38, portée par l'anneau, pour ces diverses positions angulaires. La Figure 7A correspond à une position d'affichage de l'anneau où le vecteur force 64a est orienté radialement, ce qui correspond à une valeur nulle du deuxième couple magnétique et à une position d'équilibre stable. Le premier couple magnétique est sensiblement maximal dans le sens positif (sens pour lequel l'extrémité libre de la bascule presse contre l'anneau). Ce premier couple magnétique s'ajoute ici au couple mécanique exercé par un ressort (non représenté) sur la bascule. A la Figure 7B, on observe une situation dans laquelle le premier couple magnétique est toujours positif (sens horaire), mais fortement diminué, et le deuxième couple magnétique est négatif (sens antihoraire). Le deuxième couple magnétique s'oppose ici au déplacement angulaire de l'anneau dans le sens horaire (sens d'entraînement). A la Figure 7C, le premier couple magnétique est devenu négatif et le deuxième couple magnétique demeure négatif. A la Figure 7D, le vecteur force 62d présente un sens sensiblement opposé au vecteur force 62a de la Figure 7A, ces deux vecteurs étant approximativement orientés radialement. On a donc une inversion de la force magnétique exercée sur l'aimant mobile 36 lors d'un entrainement de l'anneau d'une position donnée à la Figure 7A jusqu'à une position donnée à la Figure 7D. On remarque que le vecteur force 64d est devenu positif à cette Figure 7D, l'anneau étant ainsi entraîné aussi par le deuxième couple magnétique dans son déplacement angulaire. A la Figure 7E, le premier couple magnétique est redevenu positif avant que la position d'affichage suivante soit atteinte, la bascule pressant ainsi à nouveau contre l'anneau, alors que le deuxième couple magnétique entraîne encore l'anneau vers la position d'affichage suivante.In the context of an alternative embodiment, with a flip-flop arranged symmetrically with the flip-flop shown in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 (which reverses the signs to the Figure 5 for couples exercising on the rocker), Figures 7A to 7E on the one hand, respectively, the force vectors 62a to 62e exerted on the rocker 30 for various angular positions of the date ring during a drive of this ring in the clockwise direction and, on the other hand, respectively the force vectors 64a to 64e acting on the magnetic structure 38, carried by the ring, for these various angular positions. The Figure 7A corresponds to a display position of the ring where the force vector 64a is oriented radially, which corresponds to a zero value of the second magnetic torque and a stable equilibrium position. The first magnetic torque is substantially maximum in the positive direction (meaning for which the free end of the rocker press against the ring). This first magnetic torque is added here to the mechanical torque exerted by a spring (not shown) on the rocker. To the Figure 7B a situation is observed in which the first magnetic torque is always positive (clockwise), but strongly decreased, and the second magnetic torque is negative (counterclockwise). The second magnetic torque here opposes the angular displacement of the ring clockwise (drive direction). To the Figure 7C , the first magnetic torque has become negative and the second magnetic torque remains negative. To the Figure 7D the force vector 62d has a direction substantially opposite to the force vector 62a of the Figure 7A these two vectors being approximately oriented radially. We therefore have an inversion of the magnetic force exerted on the movable magnet 36 during a drive of the ring from a given position to the Figure 7A up to a given position at the Figure 7D . Note that the force vector 64d has become positive at this Figure 7D , the ring being thus also driven by the second magnetic torque in its angular displacement. To the Figure 7E , the first magnetic torque is positive again before the next display position is reached, the rocker pressing again against the ring, while the second magnetic torque still causes the ring to the next display position.

A la Figure 8 est représentée une variante de réalisation qui se distingue de celle des Figures 3 et 4 en ce que la structure magnétique 38A solidaire de l'anneau des quantièmes 22A présente un profil circulaire du côté de l'aimant extérieur fixe 34. Ainsi, quelle que soit la position angulaire de l'anneau, la distance entre la structure magnétique et l'aimant extérieur est constante. La variation de largeur de la structure magnétique est donc obtenue ici seulement par la denture magnétique intérieure formée des dents 40 de cette structure. Le comportement du système magnétique de ce mouvement horloger 70 est essentiellement semblable à celui de la variante décrite précédemment.To the Figure 8 is represented an embodiment variant which differs from that of Figures 3 and 4 in that the magnetic structure 38A integral with the date ring 22A has a circular profile on the side of the fixed outer magnet 34. Thus, whatever the angular position of the ring, the distance between the magnetic structure and the outside magnet is constant. The width variation of the magnetic structure is thus obtained here only by the internal magnetic toothing formed of the teeth 40 of this structure. The behavior of the magnetic system of this watch movement 70 is essentially similar to that of the variant described above.

Un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention est représenté à la Figure 9. Les références déjà décrites et le fonctionnement du système magnétique ne seront pas à nouveau décrits ici en détails. On notera que ce fonctionnement est essentiellement semblable à celui du premier mode de réalisation. Le deuxième mode de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger 80 selon l'invention se distingue du premier mode par la forme de la structure magnétique. Alors que dans le premier mode, la structure magnétique s'étend continument le long de l'élément mobile selon son axe de déplacement, la structure magnétique 84, portée par l'anneau des quantièmes 82, est formée d'une pluralité d'éléments magnétiques distincts 86. Ces éléments magnétiques sont radialement alignés respectivement sur la pluralité d'encoches 28 de la denture 26 de l'anneau 82. L'alignement de chacun d'entre eux sur l'axe de référence AREF définit une position stable discrète différente pour l'anneau et donc une position d'affichage différente. La structure magnétique 84 est donc formée d'une pluralité d'éléments magnétiques distincts 86 constitués d'un matériau à haute perméabilité magnétique, en particulier d'un matériau ferromagnétique. Ces éléments magnétiques 86 sont agencés le long de l'anneau selon l'axe de déplacement 24 avec un espace sans matière à haute perméabilité magnétique entre deux éléments distincts successifs quelconques.A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 9 . References already described and the operation of the magnetic system will not be described again here in detail. Note that this operation is essentially similar to that of the first embodiment. The second embodiment of a watch movement 80 according to the invention is distinguished from the first mode by the shape of the magnetic structure. While in the first mode, the magnetic structure extends continuously along the movable element along its axis of displacement, the magnetic structure 84, carried by the date ring 82, is formed of a plurality of elements. These magnetic elements are radially aligned respectively to the plurality of notches 28 of the toothing 26 of the ring 82. The alignment of each of them on the reference axis A REF defines a discrete stable position. different for the ring and therefore a different display position. The magnetic structure 84 is thus formed of a plurality of distinct magnetic elements 86 made of a material with high magnetic permeability, in particular of a ferromagnetic material. These magnetic elements 86 are arranged along the ring along the axis of displacement 24 with a space without material with high magnetic permeability between any two successive discrete elements.

Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, les premier et deuxième couples magnétiques agissent constructivement avec le couple mécanique engendré par le ressort 32 pour positionner l'anneau dans l'une quelconque position de la pluralité de positions d'affichage et pour le maintenir dans cette position en l'absence d'un entraînement de l'anneau par son mécanisme d'entraînement agencé dans le mouvement horloger (mécanisme connu de l'homme du métier). On notera que le mécanisme d'entraînement doit donc vaincre les premier et deuxième couples magnétiques ainsi que le couple mécanique pour entraîner l'anneau d'une position d'affichage stable à une position d'affichage stable suivante. Toutefois, comme déjà évoqué, le deuxième couple magnétique est substantiellement conservateur. De même, le premier couple magnétique ainsi que le couple mécanique peuvent redonner une certaine énergie à l'anneau dans la deuxième moitié du déplacement entre deux positions d'affichage stables. Ceci dépend aussi du profil de la denture et bien sûr de la force de frottement de la bascule sur la denture de l'anneau.As in the first embodiment, the first and second magnetic couples act constructively with the mechanical torque generated by the spring 32 to position the ring in any position of the plurality of display positions and to maintain it in this position. position in the absence of a drive of the ring by its drive mechanism arranged in the watch movement (mechanism known to those skilled in the art). It should be noted that the drive mechanism must therefore overcoming the first and second magnetic couples as well as the mechanical torque to drive the ring from a stable display position to a next stable display position. However, as already mentioned, the second magnetic pair is substantially conservative. Similarly, the first magnetic torque and the mechanical torque can restore some energy to the ring in the second half of the displacement between two stable display positions. This also depends on the profile of the teeth and of course the friction force of the rocker on the toothing of the ring.

Outre les deux couples magnétiques qui agissent de concert sur l'anneau pour le positionner et le stabiliser, le dispositif de positionnement selon l'invention est remarquable par le fait que le premier couple magnétique qui s'exerce sur la bascule diminue rapidement dès que la partie d'extrémité 31 de la bascule commence à sortir d'une des encoches 28 et change ensuite de signe lorsque l'anneau est entraîné plus avant pour passer d'une position d'affichage à une autre. En d'autres termes, le couple magnétique diminue dès que la bascule est éloignée de l'anneau par l'intermédiaire de sa denture, ce qui diminue donc rapidement le couple de positionnement magnétique dès qu'on s'éloigne d'une position stable discrète. En effet, lorsque la bascule s'écarte de la denture, le premier couple magnétique diminue fortement et s'inverse même, de sorte que le passage d'une dent est grandement facilité et demande ainsi peu d'énergie. On remarquera que ce comportement est à l'inverse du couple mécanique exercé par le ressort sur la bascule, la force mécanique de rappel en direction de l'anneau augmentant lorsque la partie d'extrémité de la bascule sort d'une encoche ou plus généralement lorsqu'elle s'écarte pour permettre le passage d'une dent de la denture de positionnement (laquelle peut aussi servir à l'entraînement de l'anneau).In addition to the two magnetic couples which act in concert on the ring to position and stabilize it, the positioning device according to the invention is remarkable in that the first magnetic torque which is exerted on the rocker decreases rapidly as soon as the end portion 31 of the latch begins to emerge from one of the notches 28 and then changes sign when the ring is driven further to move from one display position to another. In other words, the magnetic torque decreases as soon as the flip-flop is moved away from the ring by means of its toothing, which therefore rapidly reduces the magnetic positioning torque as soon as one moves away from a stable position discreet. Indeed, when the rocker deviates from the toothing, the first magnetic torque strongly decreases and is even reversed, so that the passage of a tooth is greatly facilitated and thus requires little energy. Note that this behavior is the opposite of the mechanical torque exerted by the spring on the rocker, the mechanical force of return towards the ring increasing when the end portion of the rocker out of a notch or more generally when it deviates to allow the passage of a tooth of the set of teeth (which can also be used to drive the ring).

Les éléments magnétiques 86 ont une forme oblongue avec les deux extrémités tronconiques. Dans une variante, ces éléments magnétiques ont simplement une forme rectangulaire. En référence aux Figures 1 et 2, on comprend que le système magnétique est agencé de manière que l'aimant porté par la bascule subit une force d'attraction en direction de la denture de l'anneau lorsqu'un élément magnétique est inséré entre cet aimant mobile 36 et l'aimant fixe 34. Par contre, lorsque l'axe de référence passe entre deux éléments magnétiques adjacents, en particulier au milieu de ces deux éléments, l'aimant 36 subit une force de répulsion orientée sensiblement en direction du centre de rotation de l'anneau.The magnetic elements 86 have an oblong shape with the two frustoconical ends. In a variant, these magnetic elements simply have a rectangular shape. With reference to Figures 1 and 2 , we it is understood that the magnetic system is arranged in such a way that the magnet carried by the rocker undergoes a pulling force in the direction of the toothing of the ring when a magnetic element is inserted between this movable magnet 36 and the fixed magnet 34 On the other hand, when the reference axis passes between two adjacent magnetic elements, in particular in the middle of these two elements, the magnet 36 undergoes a repulsive force oriented substantially towards the center of rotation of the ring.

Finalement, un troisième mode de réalisation d'un mouvement horloger 90 selon l'invention est montré à la Figure 10. Ce troisième mode se distingue des deux modes précédents par le fait qu'aucun couple mécanique n'est engendré par le dispositif de positionnement. Ainsi, aucun ressort n'est associé ici à la bascule 30. Par contre, une butée 92 est prévue pour limiter la rotation de la bascule dans le sens horaire (sens positif dans la présente description) lorsque le premier couple magnétique devient positif et pour empêcher que la bascule se trouve dans une position angulaire où le couple magnétique qui s'exerce sur elle dans la position ouverte ne permette plus un retour en direction de la denture 26 lorsque la partie d'extrémité 31 se présente à nouveau en regard d'une encoche 28 de la denture. En effet, il faut que le système magnétique puisse à lui seul ramener la bascule contre la denture. Si on se réfère à la Figure 5, on voit que le premier couple magnétique reste négatif aux environ des positions stables discrètes Pn lorsque la bascule passe d'une position fermée à une position ouverte. Ceci est important pour ce troisième mode de réalisation. Ainsi, lors du passage d'une position d'affichage à une suivante, dès que la partie d'extrémité de la bascule se trouve approximativement en regard de l'encoche suivante, le couple magnétique qui lui est appliqué permet de l'entraîner dans cette encoche et donc vers sa position fermée. Le dimensionnement des éléments du système magnétique et leur agencement spatial ainsi que l'agencement de la bascule, en particulier son axe de pivotement, sont prévus pour que le couple magnétique dans la position ouverte de la bascule soit suffisant pour entraîner sa partie d'extrémité en fond de denture depuis la position ouverte, à savoir ici au fond d'une encoche lorsque cette dernière se présente en regard de la partie d'extrémité. En particulier, le dimensionnement des aimants et leurs caractéristiques magnétiques permettent d'ajuster notamment le premier couple magnétique.Finally, a third embodiment of a watch movement 90 according to the invention is shown in FIG. Figure 10 . This third mode differs from the two previous modes in that no mechanical torque is generated by the positioning device. Thus, no spring is associated here with the latch 30. By against a stop 92 is provided to limit the rotation of the latch in the clockwise direction (positive direction in the present description) when the first magnetic torque becomes positive and for prevent the rocker is in an angular position where the magnetic torque exerted on it in the open position no longer allows a return towards the toothing 26 when the end portion 31 is again facing the a notch 28 of the toothing. Indeed, it is necessary that the magnetic system alone can bring the rocker against the toothing. If we refer to the Figure 5 it will be seen that the first magnetic torque remains negative at approximately discrete stable positions P n when the flip-flop moves from a closed position to an open position. This is important for this third embodiment. Thus, when changing from a display position to a next, as soon as the end portion of the rocker is approximately next to the next notch, the magnetic torque applied to it can be dragged into this notch and therefore to its closed position. The dimensioning of the elements of the magnetic system and their spatial arrangement as well as the arrangement of the rocker, in particular its axis of pivoting, are provided so that the magnetic torque in the open position of the rocker is sufficient to drive its end portion. at the bottom of the teeth from the open position, namely here at the bottom of a notch when the latter is presented opposite the end portion. In particular, the sizing of the magnets and their magnetic characteristics make it possible to adjust in particular the first magnetic torque.

Claims (12)

Mouvement horloger comprenant un élément mobile (22, 22A, 82), lequel est susceptible d'être entraîné selon un axe de déplacement (24) et d'être immobilisé momentanément dans une quelconque position stable parmi une pluralité de positions stables discrètes, et un dispositif de positionnement de cet élément mobile dans la pluralité de positions stables discrètes, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de positionnement comprend une bascule (30) et un système magnétique formé d'un premier aimant (34), d'un deuxième aimant (36) solidaire de la bascule et d'une structure magnétique (38, 38A, 84) solidaire de l'élément mobile, cette structure magnétique étant constituée d'un matériau à haute perméabilité magnétique et présentant, relativement audit axe de déplacement, une dimension transversale qui varie périodiquement de manière à définir une pluralité de périodes correspondant respectivement aux distances à parcourir pour l'élément mobile entre les positions de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes; en ce que les premier et deuxième aimants sont agencés de manière que leurs axes magnétiques ont des sens opposés, en projection sur un axe de référence (AREF) passant sensiblement par les centres respectifs de ces premier et deuxième aimants, et respectivement d'un côté et de l'autre de la structure magnétique pour que, lorsque l'élément mobile est entraîné le long de son axe de déplacement d'une quelconque position stable à une position stable suivante, la structure magnétique passe entre les premier et deuxième aimants, le système magnétique étant en outre agencé de manière que, lorsque l'élément mobile est entraîné le long de son axe de déplacement d'une quelconque position stable à une position stable suivante, un premier couple magnétique exercé sur la bascule portant le deuxième aimant présente un premier sens sur un premier tronçon (TR1a,TR1b) et un deuxième sens, opposé au premier sens, sur un deuxième tronçon (TR2) de la distance correspondante, ledit premier sens correspondant à un couple de rappel en direction de l'élément mobile pour une partie de contact de ladite bascule ; et en ce que la structure magnétique est agencée le long dudit axe de déplacement de manière que, pour chaque position de la pluralité de positions stables discrètes, ledit premier couple magnétique est appliqué dans ledit premier sens.A watch movement comprising a movable member (22, 22A, 82), which is drivable along an axis of movement (24) and momentarily immobilized in any stable position among a plurality of discrete stable positions, and a device for positioning this mobile element in the plurality of discrete stable positions, characterized in that the positioning device comprises a rocker (30) and a magnetic system formed of a first magnet (34), a second magnet (36), ) integral with the rocker and a magnetic structure (38, 38A, 84) integral with the movable element, this magnetic structure being made of a material with high magnetic permeability and having, relative to said axis of displacement, a transverse dimension which varies periodically so as to define a plurality of periods respectively corresponding to the distances to be traveled for the mobile element between the positions of the plurality of discrete stable positions; in that the first and second magnets are arranged so that their magnetic axes have opposite directions, in projection on a reference axis (A REF ) passing substantially through the respective centers of these first and second magnets, and respectively of a side and side of the magnetic structure so that when the movable member is driven along its axis of movement from any stable position to a next stable position, the magnetic structure passes between the first and second magnets, the magnetic system being furthermore arranged so that, when the moving element is driven along its axis of displacement from any stable position to a following stable position, a first magnetic torque exerted on the rocker carrying the second magnet presents a first direction on a first section (TR1a, TR1b) and a second direction, opposite to the first direction, on a second section (TR2) of the corresponding distance spondante, said first direction corresponding to a restoring torque towards the moving element for a contact portion of said flip-flop; and in that the magnetic structure is arranged along said displacement axis so that for each position of the plurality of discrete stable positions, said first magnetic torque is applied in said first direction. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit axe de référence est sensiblement orthogonal audit axe de déplacement (24) ; et en ce que les premier et deuxième aimants sont agencés de manière que leurs axes magnétiques sont sensiblement alignés sur ledit axe de référence (AREF).Clock movement according to claim 1, characterized in that said reference axis is substantially orthogonal to said axis of displacement (24); and in that the first and second magnets are arranged so that their magnetic axes are substantially aligned on said reference axis (A REF ). Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le système magnétique engendre un deuxième couple magnétique qui s'exerce directement sur la structure magnétique (38, 38A, 84) et ainsi sur l'élément mobile, ce deuxième couple magnétique ayant une valeur nulle, correspondant à une position d'équilibre magnétique stable pour l'élément mobile, alors que le premier couple magnétique est appliqué dans ledit premier sens à ladite bascule.Clock movement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic system generates a second magnetic torque which is exerted directly on the magnetic structure (38, 38A, 84) and thus on the movable element, this second magnetic pair having a zero value, corresponding to a stable magnetic equilibrium position for the movable element, while the first magnetic torque is applied in said first direction to said flip-flop. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément mobile et ladite bascule sont agencés de manière que chaque position de ladite pluralité de positions stables discrètes correspond sensiblement à une position magnétique stable.Clock movement according to claim 3, characterized in that said movable element and said rocker are arranged such that each position of said plurality of discrete stable positions substantially corresponds to a stable magnetic position. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que, pour chaque position magnétique stable de l'élément mobile, le premier couple magnétique appliqué à la bascule a une valeur proche de ou sensiblement égale à la valeur maximale de ce premier couple magnétique dans ledit premier tronçon.Clock movement according to claim 4, characterized in that , for each stable magnetic position of the movable element, the first magnetic torque applied to the latch has a value close to or substantially equal to the maximum value of this first magnetic torque in said first section. Mouvement horloger selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile ou la structure magnétique comprend une denture (26) contre laquelle vient s'appuyer ladite partie de contact (31) de la bascule au moins lorsque ledit premier couple magnétique est appliqué dans ledit premier sens à cette bascule, la denture et la bascule étant agencées de manière que ladite partie de contact est située au fond de cette denture pour chaque position de ladite pluralité de positions stables discrètes.Watchmaking movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable element or the magnetic structure comprises a set of teeth (26) against which said contact part (31) of the rocker bears at least when said first magnetic torque is applied in said first direction to this rocker, the toothing and the latch being arranged so that said contact portion is located at the bottom of this toothing for each of said plurality of discrete stable positions. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite bascule est associée à un ressort (32) qui exerce une force élastique sur cette bascule de manière à engendrer un couple mécanique sur ladite partie de contact qui la pousse en direction de ladite denture.Clock movement according to claim 6, characterized in that said rocker is associated with a spring (32) which exerts an elastic force on the rocker so as to generate a mechanical torque on said contact portion which pushes it towards said toothing. Mouvement horloger selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ladite structure magnétique (38, 38A) s'étend continument le long de l'élément mobile selon ledit axe de déplacement (24).Clock movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said magnetic structure (38, 38A) extends continuously along the movable element along said axis of displacement (24). Mouvement horloger selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite structure magnétique (84) est formée d'une pluralité d'éléments magnétiques distincts (86) agencés le long de l'élément mobile selon ledit axe de déplacement (24) de manière à définir ladite pluralité de périodes et avec un espace sans matière à haute perméabilité magnétique entre deux éléments magnétiques successifs quelconques.Clock movement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said magnetic structure (84) is formed of a plurality of distinct magnetic elements (86) arranged along the movable element along said axis of displacement (24) so as to define said plurality of periods and with a space without material with high magnetic permeability between any two successive magnetic elements. Mouvement horloger selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément mobile présente une forme annulaire, cet élément mobile étant agencé pour tourner sur lui-même de sorte que ledit axe de déplacement est un axe circulaire.Clock movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movable element has an annular shape, said movable element being arranged to turn on itself so that said axis of displacement is a circular axis. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile forme un support d'affichage d'une donnée de calendrier.Clock movement according to claim 10, characterized in that the movable element forms a display medium for a calendar data item. Mouvement horloger selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que l'élément mobile est un anneau des quantièmes.Clock movement according to claim 11, characterized in that the movable element is a date ring.
EP17159361.9A 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions Active EP3373080B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17159361.9A EP3373080B1 (en) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions
US15/905,859 US10488823B2 (en) 2017-03-06 2018-02-27 Timepiece movement provided with a device for positioning a movable element in a plurality of discrete positions
JP2018036238A JP6457675B2 (en) 2017-03-06 2018-03-01 Timepiece movement with a device for positioning the movable element in a plurality of discrete positions
CN201810182832.8A CN108535995B (en) 2017-03-06 2018-03-06 timepiece movement provided with a positioning device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17159361.9A EP3373080B1 (en) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3373080A1 true EP3373080A1 (en) 2018-09-12
EP3373080B1 EP3373080B1 (en) 2021-05-05

Family

ID=58231514

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17159361.9A Active EP3373080B1 (en) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10488823B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3373080B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6457675B2 (en)
CN (1) CN108535995B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112433458B (en) * 2020-11-23 2021-09-03 深圳市精准时计科技有限公司 Timepiece movement provided with a positioning device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4409576A (en) * 1982-02-03 1983-10-11 Polaroid Corporation Method and apparatus which change magnetic forces of a linear motor
EP1959319A1 (en) * 2005-11-25 2008-08-20 Aniceto Jimenez Pita Magnetically-regulated watch
EP2998801A1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2016-03-23 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Magnetic clock escapement and device for controlling the operation of a clock movement
EP2998799A1 (en) * 2014-09-18 2016-03-23 Montres Breguet SA Contactless notching

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1673676B1 (en) * 1967-05-03 1972-05-31 Walter Dr Nissen DATE DISPLAY DEVICE
CH187071A4 (en) * 1971-02-09 1975-12-15
CH592908B5 (en) * 1975-09-09 1977-11-15 Ebauches Sa
JPS54113368A (en) * 1978-02-23 1979-09-04 Seiko Epson Corp Watch
JPS5567677A (en) * 1978-11-17 1980-05-21 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Calendar set for watch
IT225277Z2 (en) * 1991-03-27 1996-10-24 ALARM CLOCK, WALL OR INSERTED IN BACKPACKS OR SIMILAR, MODULAR
CN1208699C (en) * 1999-03-08 2005-06-29 精工爱普生株式会社 Starting device for electromagnetic converter, and timepiece device
CH705782A2 (en) * 2011-11-17 2013-05-31 Blancpain Sa Mechanical state change indicating device for e.g. instantaneous or semi-instantaneous jump hour display mechanism of watch, has state change indicator driven towards elastic return unit by driving unit in indirect and discontinuous manner

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4409576A (en) * 1982-02-03 1983-10-11 Polaroid Corporation Method and apparatus which change magnetic forces of a linear motor
EP1959319A1 (en) * 2005-11-25 2008-08-20 Aniceto Jimenez Pita Magnetically-regulated watch
EP2998799A1 (en) * 2014-09-18 2016-03-23 Montres Breguet SA Contactless notching
EP2998801A1 (en) * 2014-09-19 2016-03-23 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd. Magnetic clock escapement and device for controlling the operation of a clock movement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP6457675B2 (en) 2019-01-23
CN108535995A (en) 2018-09-14
US20180253061A1 (en) 2018-09-06
US10488823B2 (en) 2019-11-26
JP2018146577A (en) 2018-09-20
EP3373080B1 (en) 2021-05-05
CN108535995B (en) 2019-12-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2891930B1 (en) Device for regulating the angular speed of a mobile in a clock movement comprising a magnetic escapement
EP3087435B1 (en) Device intended to control the angular speed of a train in a timepiece movement and including a magnetic escapement
EP3327518B1 (en) Timepiece comprising a switching device of a clockwork mechanism
EP3185080B1 (en) Timepiece mechanism comprising a pivoting member provided with magnetic return means
CH709508A2 (en) Watch movement with a drive mechanism of an analogue indicator with periodic or intermittent movement.
EP3106933B1 (en) Magnetic pivoting device for an arbour in a clock movement
EP4009115A1 (en) Hairspring for timepiece resonator mechanism provided with a means for adjusting rigidity
EP3246764B1 (en) Shock-absorber device for a clock movement
EP3373080B1 (en) Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions
EP1637940A2 (en) Collet for timepieces
EP3185083B1 (en) Mechanical timepiece mechanism with anchor escapement
CH698081B1 (en) Ferrule watch together spiral-ring and spring balance.
EP3109712B1 (en) Magnetic device for pivoting an arbor in a clock movement
EP3182225B1 (en) Timepiece sequencer mecanism with recess wheel having a reduced mechanical friction
CH713543A2 (en) Watch movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile element in a plurality of discrete positions.
EP3373081B1 (en) Clock movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile member in a plurality of discrete positions
EP3707565B1 (en) Device for guiding the rotation of a mobile component
WO2016041772A1 (en) Non-contact notching
EP2650735B1 (en) Winding device of a self-winding watch
CH713544A2 (en) Watch movement provided with a device for positioning a mobile element in a plurality of discrete positions.
EP3185082B1 (en) Clock movement comprising an element for positioning a movable portion of said clock movement
CH711889A2 (en) Clock mechanism comprising a device exerting a switchable magnetic force on a moving part.
CH713160A2 (en) Timepiece comprising a switching device of a watch mechanism, such as a chronograph mechanism.
CH710128A2 (en) Clockwork mechanism comprising a contactless notch between two components.
CH711965A2 (en) Mechanical watch movement with an anchor escapement.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190312

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210120

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1390574

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017037906

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1390574

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210805

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210905

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210806

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210805

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210906

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017037906

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210905

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220306

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220306

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220331

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230222

Year of fee payment: 7

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230401

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20170306

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210505

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240220

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240221

Year of fee payment: 8