EP3502803B1 - Adjustable timepiece assembly - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an adjustable timepiece assembly, comprising a base bridge and at least one adjustable bridge, the position of which is adjustable relative to said base bridge, parallel to a reference plane.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such adjustable assembly.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a timepiece movement, or / and at least one such adjustable assembly.

The invention relates to the field of clockwork mechanisms.

Background of the invention

Certain watch mobiles require great precision in the alignment of their two pivot points. When these pivot in two plates or bridges separated by several bridges, the addition of manufacturing tolerances can create a significant misalignment.

The document EP3144741 in the name of Vaucher provides a solution for adjusting the position of a pivot point of a bridge. This adjustable bridge comprises a mounting element secured to a frame element of a movement. It also comprises a first movable element linked to the previous one by a first set of flexible articulations allowing it to move along a first axis relative to the mounting element, and a second movable element linked to the first movable element by via a second set of flexible joints allowing the second movable element to move substantially along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, relative to the first movable element, this second movable element supporting a timepiece element. The first movable element comprises a first elongated slot perpendicular to the first axis and in which takes place a head of a first eccentric mounted in rotation with greasy friction on a frame element of the movement. The second movable element comprises a second elongated slot perpendicular to the second axis and in which takes place a head of a second eccentric mounted in rotation with high friction on a frame element of the watch movement. The geometry of the bridge is complex and therefore difficult to achieve.

The document CH706267 in the name of ETA describes a horological mechanism comprising a reference watch mobile defining a reference axis, and an adjustable watch mobile, one end of which comprising a guide surface is adjusted in position with respect to this reference axis by means of a micrometric displacement mechanism which comprises a guide element for receiving this guide surface, and micrometric displacement means arranged to micrometrically move this guide element relative to the reference axis, and which are controlled by means adjustment offset relative to the reference axis and relative to the guide element.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to solve the problem of alignment of two pivot points by adjusting a bridge. We want the solution to be simple and that the bridge can keep a traditional aesthetic appearance.

To this end, the invention relates to an adjustable timepiece assembly, according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such adjustable assembly.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a timepiece movement, or / and at least one such adjustable assembly.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un premier niveau d'un ensemble réglable selon l'invention, comportant une première pièce goupillée sur un pont de base et réglable angulairement par rapport à sa goupille unique au moyen de la coopération d'un premier pignon de réglage chassé dans le pont de base et d'un premier secteur denté que comporte cette première pièce ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, l'ensemble réglable complet, qui comporte au niveau supérieur et par-dessus la première pièce de la figure 1, un pont réglable, qui est goupillé sur cette première pièce par une autre goupille unique, et qui est lui aussi réglable angulairement par rapport à sa goupille unique au moyen de la coopération d'un deuxième pignon de réglage chassé dans la première pièce et d'un deuxième secteur denté que comporte ce pont réglable ;
• la figure 3 est une section de détail, selon le repère B-B de la figure 2, de la liaison directe entre le pont de réglage et le pont de base;
• la figure 4 est une section, selon le repère A-A de la figure 2, de l'ensemble réglable selon l'invention ;
• la figure 5 est un schéma-blocs représentant une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mouvement qui comporte lui-même un tel ensemble réglable.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• the figure 1 shows, schematically and in plan view, a first level of an adjustable assembly according to the invention, comprising a first part pinned to a base bridge and adjustable angularly with respect to its single pin by means of the cooperation of a first adjustment pinion driven into the base bridge and a first toothed sector that this first part comprises;
• the figure 2 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , the complete adjustable set, which comprises on the upper level and over the first part of the figure 1 , an adjustable bridge, which is pinned to this first part by another single pin, and which is also angularly adjustable with respect to its single pin by means of the cooperation of a second adjusting pinion driven into the first part and a second toothed sector that this adjustable bridge comprises;
• the figure 3 is a detail section, according to the BB mark of the figure 2 , the direct link between the adjustment bridge and the base bridge;
• the figure 4 is a section, according to the reference AA of the figure 2 , of the adjustable assembly according to the invention;
• the figure 5 is a block diagram showing a timepiece comprising a movement which itself comprises such an adjustable assembly.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The invention relates to an adjustable timepiece assembly 50, comprising a base bridge 1 and at least one adjustable bridge 20, the position of which is adjustable relative to this base bridge 1 parallel to a reference plane.

More particularly, the base bridge 1 and the adjustable bridge 20 are substantially planar, and are arranged substantially parallel to one another, and the adjustment concerns their relative positioning with respect to one another, in projection on a such reference plane parallel to which the base bridge 1 extends.

The figures illustrate a particular and non-limiting application where the adjustable bridge 20 carries a stone 200, the position of which must be precisely adjusted with respect to the base bridge 1.

A first part 10 is guided in rotation around a first pin 11 integral with the base bridge 1. This first part 10 also comprises a first toothed sector 12, which meshes with a first adjustment pinion 13 driven into the base bridge 1 A first return spring 14 forces the first part 10 to take up all the play.

An adjustable bridge 20 is guided in rotation around a second pin 21 integral with the first part 10, and which is distant from the first pin 11. A second toothed sector 22 integral with the adjustable bridge 20 meshes with a second adjusting pinion 23 This second adjustment pinion 23 is distant from the first adjustment pinion 13, and advantageously as far as possible.

The second adjustment pinion 23 is driven into the first part 10. By "driven" is meant here, and in the remainder of the present description, that these components are mounted one inside the other with a slight tightening, ensuring a sufficient friction to prevent any relative pivoting in service under the action of vibrations or a shock, but low enough to allow pivoting under the action of a torque imparted by a tool handled by a watchmaker, such as a screwdriver or the like . The clamping range to the diameter is between 1 micrometers and 20 micrometers. More particularly but not restrictively, the diameter clamping range is between 4 micrometers and 18 micrometers. More particularly still, the diameter clamping range is between 8 micrometers and 16 micrometers. A second return spring 24 forces the adjustable bridge 20 to take up all the play. The adjustable bridge 20 is fixed to the base bridge 1 by at least one screw 25, and in particular two screws 25 in the variant illustrated by the figures. The adjustable bridge 20 rests on the base bridge 1, and not on the first part 10.

A first direction formed by the first pin 11 and the first adjusting pinion 13 intersects a second direction defined by the second pin 21 and the second adjusting pinion 23. Taking into account the size of the clockwork movement and the others components that it contains, the positioning of these pins and these adjustment pinions is not entirely free, it is advisable to get as close as possible to a configuration where this first direction and this second direction are perpendicular, to facilitate the settings. Preferably, these directions form an angle of between 60 ° and 90 ° between them. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by the figures, these directions form an angle of approximately 60 °. The definition of this angle also results from a compromise with another constraint which requires maximizing each of the distances between the first pin 11 and the first adjusting pinion 13 on the one hand, and the second pin 21 and the second adjusting pinion. 23 on the other hand, so as to increase the adjustment sensitivity accordingly.

When the screw or screws 25 of the adjustable bridge 20 are not fully screwed in, it is possible to move the adjustable bridge 20 (and therefore, for example, a stone 200 driven into this adjustable bridge 20) in two circular arcs approaching two perpendicular straight lines, and therefore to adjust the position of the adjustable bridge 20 along two axes. It is advantageous to equip each screw 25 with a friction spring 26, of the foil type or the like, arranged between the adjustable bridge 20 and the base bridge 1 around this screw 25, this friction spring 26 is arranged so to immobilize the adjustable bridge 20 when unscrewing the screw 25 during the adjustment phase. When the two fixing screws 25 are unscrewed to carry out the adjustment, the adjustable bridge 20 does not move, which allows precise adjustment.

With this solution it is easy, once the movement is completely assembled, to align the two pivot points by adjusting the adjustable bridge 20 along two axes.

Thus, the first pin 11 is as far away as possible from the first adjustment pinion 13, so that a very low rotation imparted to a first orientation element 131 of the first adjustment pinion 13, formed by a slot on the figures, results in an even lower rotation of the first part 10 relative to the first pin 11, which ensures a truly micrometric adjustment. The same is true of the second pin 21 and the second adjusting pinion 23, which comprises a second orientation element 231.

• le premier pignon de réglage 13 chassé dans un logement 130, notamment un alésage, du pont de base 1; dans la variante illustrée ce chassage est fait avec un léger serrage, une action de l'horloger sur la fente 131 permet d'effectuer le réglage. Dans une autre variante non illustrée, l'arrêt en position angulaire du premier pignon de réglage est fait par un sautoir ou similaire. Naturellement la position angulaire du premier pignon de réglage peut être graduée pour faciliter le travail de l'horloger ;
• la superposition du pont réglable 20, de la première pièce 10, et du pont de base 1 ;
• une pierre 200 à régler, chassée dans le pont réglable 20 ;
• la superposition du pont réglable 20 muni d'un râteau 220 comportant le deuxième secteur denté 22 et fixé par des éléments de fixation 221 tels que rivets ou vis, ou collage, ou similaire, de la première pièce 10, et du pont de base 1 ;
• l'appui direct du pont réglable 20 sur le pont de base 1 ;
• la coopération du deuxième secteur denté 22 avec le deuxième pignon de réglage 23 chassé dans un logement 230, notamment un alésage, de la première pièce 10, de façon similaire au premier pignon de réglage 13.

The figure 4 illustrates a section according to AA of the figure 2 , and shows, from left to right:

• the first adjusting pinion 13 driven into a housing 130, in particular a bore, of the base bridge 1; in the illustrated variant, this driving-in is done with a slight tightening, an action of the watchmaker on the slot 131 makes it possible to carry out the adjustment. In another variant, not illustrated, the stop in angular position of the first adjustment pinion is effected by a jumper or the like. Naturally, the angular position of the first adjusting pinion can be graduated to facilitate the work of the watchmaker;
• the superposition of the adjustable bridge 20, of the first part 10, and of the base bridge 1;
• a stone 200 to be adjusted, driven into the adjustable bridge 20;
• the superposition of the adjustable bridge 20 provided with a rake 220 comprising the second toothed sector 22 and fixed by fixing elements 221 such as rivets or screws, or gluing, or the like, of the first part 10, and of the base bridge 1 ;
• the direct support of the adjustable bridge 20 on the base bridge 1;
• the cooperation of the second toothed sector 22 with the second adjustment pinion 23 driven into a housing 230, in particular a bore, of the first part 10, in a similar manner to the first adjustment pinion 13.

The figure 4 shows the first part 10 positioned between the base bridge 1 and the adjustable bridge 20. It is understood that it can be either resting on the base bridge 1, or else in a cantilever on its single pin. pivoting 11, at the level of a sufficiently dimensioned support.

In a variant, the first part 10 is above the adjustable bridge 20 which rests on the base bridge 1, the adjustable pinion 23 then being under the first part 10. Likewise, the first part 10 can then , or be resting on the adjustable bridge 20, or be cantilevered on its single pivot pin 11.

Naturally, if the invention is illustrated, in a nonlimiting manner, with a single adjustment stage, it will be understood that it is possible to extrapolate by arranging the adjustable bridge 20 in the manner of the base bridge 1, with a housing pin and an adjustment pinion housing, and constituting a second stage comprising a second part similar to the first part 10, and relative to which is adjustable a second adjustable bridge. The serialization of such adjustable stages is limited only by the total thickness of the movement.

Similarly and advantageously, the same base bridge 1 can serve, on its two faces, as a support with two stages of independent adjustments, one comprising a first upper part and an upper adjustable bridge, and the other comprising a first lower piece and lower adjustable bridge.

The invention also relates to a movement 100 comprising at least one such adjustable assembly 50.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement 100, or / and comprising at least one such adjustable assembly 50.

The invention finds all its interest for any clockwork mechanism requiring great precision between two pivot points, such as a split-seconds watch or similar.

Claims (8)

1. Adjustable timepiece assembly (50), comprising a base bridge (1) and at least one adjustable bridge (20) whose position is adjustable with respect to said base bar (1) parallel to a reference plane, characterized in that said adjustable assembly (50) includes at least a first part (10) which is guided in rotation about a first pin (11) integral with said base bar (1), wherein said first part (10) includes a first toothed sector (12), which meshes with a first adjustment pinion (13) press fit in said base bar (1), and in that said adjustable bar (20) is guided in rotation about a second pin (21) integral with said first part (10), and includes a second toothed sector (22) which meshes with a second adjustment pinion (23) press fit in said first part (10).
2. Adjustable assembly (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first part (10) is subjected to a return torque exerted by a first return spring (14) to take up any play, and in that said adjustable bar (20) is subjected to a return torque exerted by a second return spring (24) to take up any play.
3. Adjustable assembly (50) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first direction formed by said first pin (11) and said first adjustment pinion (13) is secant to a second direction defined by said second pin (21) and said second adjustment pinion (23), and forms therewith an angle comprised between 60° and 90°.
4. Adjustable assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said adjustable bar (20) is secured to said base bar (1) by at least one screw (25), around which a friction spring (26), arranged between said adjustable bar (20) and said first part (10) is arranged to immobilise said adjustable bar (20) when said screw (25) is unscrewed in an adjustment phase.
5. Movement (100) including at least one adjustable assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 4.
6. Timepiece (1000) including at least one movement (100) according to claim 5 and/or including at least one adjustable assembly (50) according to one of claims 1 to 4.
7. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 6, characterized in that the timepiece is a watch.
8. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 7, characterized in that the timepiece is a fly-back chronograph.

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