EP3582029A1 - Fly-back hand mechanism and chronograph comprising such a mechanism - Google Patents

Fly-back hand mechanism and chronograph comprising such a mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3582029A1
EP3582029A1 EP18177764.0A EP18177764A EP3582029A1 EP 3582029 A1 EP3582029 A1 EP 3582029A1 EP 18177764 A EP18177764 A EP 18177764A EP 3582029 A1 EP3582029 A1 EP 3582029A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
split
transverse arm
wheel
elastic
branches
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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
EP18177764.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3582029B1 (en
Inventor
Didier VUILLEMIN
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Priority to EP18177764.0A priority Critical patent/EP3582029B1/en
Publication of EP3582029A1 publication Critical patent/EP3582029A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3582029B1 publication Critical patent/EP3582029B1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F7/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means
    • G04F7/04—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by non-electric means using a mechanical oscillator
    • G04F7/08—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph
    • G04F7/0866—Special arrangements
    • G04F7/0876—Split-time function, e.g. rattrappante

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a split-seconds mechanism for a chronograph comprising a control device comprising a manually controlled mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph and at least one moving part arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations and to switch alternately from one to the other of the two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism, and comprising a split-second clamp actuated by said at least one movable part and the two branches of which are arranged to cooperate with a wheel co-axial split-seconds wheel with a chronograph wheel, so as to alternately release and immobilize the split-seconds wheel by switching the control device so as to alternately open and close the split-second pliers.
  • the present invention also relates to a chronograph equipped with such a split-seconds mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a catch-up mechanism of the prior art.
  • This mechanism includes a control device comprising a column wheel A formed by a ratchet with sixteen teeth surmounted by eight columns (not referenced), a jumper D, a rocker C intended to be actuated from the outside of a chronograph, and a hook B articulated on one of the ends of the rocker C.
  • the hook B is returned by a spring (not shown) against the ratchet of the column wheel.
  • the column wheel A can be actuated in rotation by a pusher via the rocker C and the hook D which cooperates with the ratchet.
  • the column wheel thus advances step by step clockwise, and the jumper D ensures that the angular value of each step corresponds to that of a ratchet tooth.
  • the split-second mechanism of the figure 1 also comprises a split-second wheel G intended to be mounted idle coaxially with the chronograph wheel, a lever J pivoted on the split of the split-second wheel, a lever spring K fixed by one of its ends to the twill of the split-second, and a heart (not visible) fixedly mounted on the chronograph wheel in the coaxial position.
  • the lever J is arranged so as to be returned by the spring K against the heart.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated comprises a split-second clamp which includes two rockers E and F and a double spring H.
  • the first arms both end with a spout arranged to cooperate with the columns of the column wheel A, while the second arms constitute the two branches of the split-second clamp.
  • the two elastic blades of the double spring H are arranged so as to recall the two branches, one towards the other, so as to tend to close the clamp around the split-back wheel G.
  • the column wheel having eight columns, it must advance twice the angular value of a ratchet tooth for a column to take the place of the previous one. It will therefore be understood that, when the column wheel advances step by step, the spouts of the two rockers E and F are alternately lifted by a column, then released in the space between this column and the next, so that the advance of the column wheel A causes a succession of openings and closings of the split-second gripper, so as to release and alternately immobilize the split-second wheel. To immobilize the split-second wheel G precisely, it is important that the two arms of the clamp come into contact with the wheel at the same time.
  • An object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been explained.
  • the present invention achieves this and other objects by providing a catch-up mechanism according to claim 1 appended hereto.
  • the split-second gripper comes in one piece which comprises the following parts: two branches and an elastic transverse arm deformable in bending which connects the two branches to one another and which is provided with its ends of two pivoting members arranged to rotate about two parallel axes.
  • the elastic and deformable nature in bending of the transverse arm gives the possibility of making the two arms of the split-second clamp move apart and come closer by applying a stress on the transverse arm so as to deform it in bending.
  • the elastic transverse arm extends between the two pivoting members.
  • the distance which separates the two pivoting members is less than the non-deformed length of the elastic transverse arm.
  • the elastic transverse arm undergoes stresses which make its non-deformed configuration unstable.
  • the elastic transverse arm adopts a buckled shape (or in other words, bent by deformation in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the two parallel axes around which the two pivoting members are arranged to rotate).
  • the expression "stable configuration” means a configuration which is associated with a shape to which the elastic transverse arm always returns if it is moved away by a request of sufficiently low amplitude.
  • the movable part is arranged to cooperate with the elastic transverse arm so that, when the control device is switched, the passage of the movable part from one of its two configurations to the other or preset positions changes the curvature of the elastic transverse arm, so as to alternately open and close the split-second clamp.
  • the curvature due to buckling can constitute a deformation in one direction or the other of the transverse arm, so that the elastic transverse arm, and by extension the split-second clamp, has two stable configurations towards which they tend to return when they are removed by a request of sufficiently low amplitude.
  • the split-seconds mechanism comprises a split-second wheel intended to be arranged coaxially with the chronograph wheel of the chronograph.
  • the two branches of the overtaking clamp are arranged to cooperate with the overtaking wheel so that the overtaking wheel is immobilized or free to rotate depending on whether the overtaking clamp is respectively closed or open.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a first particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the split-seconds mechanism shown is intended to equip a chronograph mechanism which may be of conventional design.
  • a chronograph mechanism notably comprises a chronograph wheel and a chronograph hand connected by a chronograph axis.
  • the axis of the chronograph wheel still carries a heart which is part of the split-seconds mechanism.
  • the heart of split-seconds, nor the chronograph components which have just been listed will not be described in more detail. Those skilled in the art will however understand that these elements, which do not appear either in the figures, can be produced in the traditional way.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated comprises a split-wheel 3 which is designed to be mounted idle coaxially with the chronograph wheel and whose axis (not shown) is designed to be arranged concentrically with the chronograph axis and to carry in a conventional manner a split-second needle (not shown).
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated also comprises a split-column wheel 5 and a control rocker 7.
  • the control rocker 7 is pivoted about an axis 9 and it has a spout 11 which is biased against the columns of the wheel at split-second columns by a spring 13.
  • the spring 13 comes integrally with the control rocker 7.
  • the split-column column wheel 5 is itself controlled using a manual control mechanism (not shown) accessible from outside the chronograph watch. the manually operated mechanism can, in the traditional way, be actuated using a push button.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated also includes a split-second clamp 19 made of a single bent piece. As illustrated, this bent piece is formed of two branches 21a and 21b arranged to pass on either side of the split-second wheel 3, of an elastic transverse arm 23 which connects the two branches to each other, and of two pivoting members 25a and 25b each formed at the junction between one of the two branches 21a, 21b and the corresponding end of the elastic transverse arm 23.
  • the two pivoting members 25a, 25b are free to rotate around two parallel axes (not shown) which are oriented perpendicular to the drawing plane.
  • the split-second clamp 19 is arranged to be controlled by the split-column wheel 5 by by means of the control lever 7.
  • control lever 7 also includes a control arm 15 which ends in a head which, in the example illustrated, carries two parallel pins 17a and 17b which are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • a control arm 15 which ends in a head which, in the example illustrated, carries two parallel pins 17a and 17b which are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • the distance which separates the two parallel axes around which the two pivoting members 25a and 25b rotate is less than the undeformed length of the elastic transverse arm 23.
  • the elastic transverse arm undergoes stresses which make its non-deformed configuration unstable.
  • the elastic transverse arm 23 adopts a buckled shape (or in other words, curved by deformation in a direction parallel to the plane of the drawing).
  • stable configuration is meant a configuration which is associated with a shape to which the elastic transverse arm always returns if it is moved away by a stress of sufficiently low amplitude.
  • the elastic transverse arm 23 has been shown in the two figures, giving it a domed shape to the left of the drawing.
  • the elastic transverse arm is curved, and the concavity of this curve is on the right in the drawing, that is to say open in the direction of the split-second wheel.
  • the concavity of the elastic transverse arm is more marked in the figure 2B that in the figure 2A .
  • the configuration illustrated in figure 2B corresponds to the stable configuration of the catch-up clip 19 and more generally of the whole catch-up mechanism of the present embodiment.
  • the figure 2A illustrates a configuration of the split-second gripper which is unstable. In other words, the elastic transverse arm 23 cannot remain in the position illustrated by the figure 2A that as long as the pin 17a of the control arm 15 retains it, preventing it from flaming completely.
  • the transverse arm 23 of the clamp 19 is elastic, or more precisely, the elasticity of the branches 21a, 21b and of the pivoting members 25a, 25b of the split-second clamp can be considered negligible in comparison with that of the transverse arm.
  • the angle which each of the branches 21a, 21b of the clamp 19 makes with the elastic transverse arm 23, at the level of the pivoting member 25a or 25b which connects them does not change when the elastic transverse arm deformed.
  • the more the shape of the elastic transverse arm 23 is curved to the left (in the drawing) the more the branches of the split-second clamp 19 are brought together.
  • the presence of the flamed elastic transverse arm therefore offers the possibility of causing the two branches 21a, 21b to move apart and towards each other by varying the curvature of the elastic transverse arm 23.
  • the split-second mechanism comprises a control device comprising a manually-operated mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph case and at least one moving part arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations and to alternate between 'one of the other two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism.
  • the manually controlled mechanism is preferably constituted by a push mechanism (not shown) arranged to rotate the column wheel 5 step by step clockwise, and the control rocker 7 fulfills the moving part function arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations or positions.
  • the control lever 7 is in fact arranged to switch alternately in one direction and in the other between two predefined angular positions when the column wheel 5 is incremented step by step.
  • the transverse arm elastic 23 is guided between the two pins 17a, 17b of the rocker 7, it is forced to accompany the movements of the control arm 15 of the control rocker 7 by bending, so that its curvature varies.
  • the column wheel 5 changes from the configuration illustrated in the figure 2B to that illustrated in the figure 2A , the spout 11 of the control rocker 7 is raised by a column, which makes the rocker rotate counterclockwise.
  • the pivoting of the rocker 7 causes the control arm 15 and the two pins 17a, 17b to move.
  • the pin 17a thus abuts against the flexible transverse arm 23 which it constrains to deform by pushing it in the direction of the split-second wheel 3 (to the right in the drawing).
  • the elastic transverse arm 23 thus adopts a less strongly curved shape to the left (in the drawing), which has the effect of causing the branches 21a, 21b to separate from the split-second clamp 19 from one another.
  • the spout 11 of the control lever 7 is found between two columns of the column wheel.
  • the spout 11 is then free to lower itself into the space between the columns under the action in particular of the return spring 13, so that the control rocker 7 pivots clockwise.
  • the pivoting of the control lever 7 clockwise has the effect of returning the pins 17a, 17b to their starting point. In doing so, the pin 17a ceases to retain the elastic transverse arm which is thus free to return in the direction of its equilibrium configuration by deforming to the left (in the drawing).
  • the elastic transverse arm 23 thus resumes its more strongly curved shape to the left (in the drawing), so that the branches 21a, 21b of the split-second clamp 19 close on the split-wheel 3.
  • the split-second clamp is capable of spontaneously returning from the configuration of the figure 2A to that of the figure 2B . Under these conditions, when the transverse arm 23 is deformed, it pushes the pin 17a and therefore the rocker 7 in the direction of the column wheel.
  • FIGS 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated has many characteristics in common with the split-back mechanism of the Figures 2A and 2B . This is the reason why, the description which follows will be limited to describing the characteristics of the second embodiment which have not already been described in relation to the first embodiment.
  • the elements of the catch-up mechanism illustrated in the Figures 3A and 3B which are identical or equivalent to elements of the split-back mechanism illustrated in the Figures 2A and 2B , are designated by the same reference numbers plus one hundred.
  • the elastic transverse arm 123 has been shown by giving it a curved shape to the right in the figure 3A and curved to the left in the figure 3B . It will be understood that the embodiment of the Figures 3A and 3B takes advantage of the ability of the elastic transverse arm to adopt either a flamed shape in one direction or the other (or in other words, a shape bent by deformation in one direction or the other parallel to the plane of the drawing) . Indeed, the elastic transverse arm 123, associated with the two pivoting members 125a, 125b which hold its ends, constitutes a bistable device, or in other words, a device which can adopt one or the other of two stable configurations.
  • the elastic transverse arm 123 is guided between two pins 117a, 117b of the control arm 115 of the rocker 107.
  • the elastic transverse arm is therefore forced to accompany the movements of the control arm 115 by deforming in a direction which is perpendicular to a plane containing the two parallel pivot axes.
  • the column wheel 105 When pivoting the angular value of a step, the column wheel 105 changes from the configuration illustrated in the figure 3B to that illustrated in the figure 3A , the spout 111 of the control rocker 107 is raised by a column, which makes the rocker pivot counterclockwise.
  • the pivoting of the rocker 107 causes the control arm 115 and the two pins 117a, 117b to move.
  • the pin 117a thus abuts against the elastic transverse arm 123 which it forces to deform by pushing it in the direction of the split-back wheel 103 (to the right in the drawing).
  • the elastic transverse arm 123 has two stable configurations; a first configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is flamed to the left ( Figure 3B ) and a second configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is buckled to the right ( Figure 3A ).
  • a first configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is flamed to the left ( Figure 3B )
  • a second configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is buckled to the right ( Figure 3A ).
  • the control lever 115 pivots from one of its two predefined configurations to the other, the amplitude of movement of the control arm 115 and of the two pins 117a, 117b is sufficient to completely switch the elastic transverse arm from its first to its second stable configuration.
  • the transverse arm 123 When the pin 117a pushes the elastic transverse arm 123 in the direction of the split-second wheel 103, the transverse arm 123 is deformed so as to move away from the first stable configuration and to approach the second.
  • the transverse arm being elastic, its deformation also generates a reaction force which, initially, opposes the deformation of the transverse arm and therefore tends to recall it in the first stable configuration.
  • the direction of the reaction force reverses, so that 'from this point reversal, the reaction force no longer opposes the pin 117a, but instead drives the elastic transverse arm 123 towards the second stable configuration.
  • the elastic transverse arm 123 can be tilted from its first to its second stable configuration by incrementing the column wheel by one step.
  • the elastic transverse arm 123 then deforms to adopt a curved shape to the right in accordance with what the figure 3A .
  • This passage of the elastic transverse arm from a configuration flamed to the left to a configuration flamed to the right also has the effect of causing the branches 121a, 121b to separate from the split-second clamp 119 from one another.
  • the spout 111 of the control rocker 107 is found between two columns of the column wheel. Under the action of the return spring 113, the spout 111 then lowers in the space between the columns, so that the control rocker 107 pivots clockwise. Pivoting the control lever 107 clockwise has the effect of causing the pins 117a, 117b to return towards their starting point. In doing so, the pin 117b abuts against the elastic transverse arm 123 which it forces to deform so as to move away from the second stable configuration.
  • the deformation of the transverse arm 123 generates a reaction force which, at first, opposes the deformation of the arm and therefore tends to recall the latter in the second stable configuration.
  • the spring 113 in order to pivot the rocker 107 clockwise, the spring 113 must be strong enough to overcome the reaction force which, at first, tends to return the elastic transverse arm to its second stable configuration.
  • the pin 117b causes the elastic transverse arm 123 to tilt from its second to its first stable configuration. The latter therefore uses the configuration of the figure 3B .
  • This passage of the elastic transverse arm 123 from a configuration flamed towards the right to a configuration flamed towards the left also has the effect of closing the branches 121a, 121b of the split-second clamp 119 on the split-back wheel 103.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated has many characteristics in common with the two split-back mechanisms already described. This is the reason why, the description which follows will be limited to describing those of the characteristics of the third embodiment which distinguish it from the first two embodiments.
  • the elements of the catch-up mechanism illustrated in the Figures 4A and 4B which are identical or equivalent to elements of the split-back mechanism illustrated in the Figures 2A and 2B , are designated by the same reference numbers plus two hundred.
  • the split-back mechanism illustrated differs from the two previous examples in particular by the fact that it does not include a control lever, and that the column wheel 205 is arranged to directly control the split-second clamp 219.
  • the split-second mechanism comprises a control device comprising a manual mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph box and at least one part mobile arranged to be selectively in two predefined configurations and to switch alternately from one to the other of the two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism.
  • the column wheel 205 is formed of an eight-tooth ratchet surmounted by four columns together forming a cross cam (referenced 207) which has a rotation symmetry of order 4.
  • the column wheel 205 is rotated by the angular value of a ratchet tooth (in the example illustrated, this pivoting appears to be accomplished clockwise when the wheel is columns and top view).
  • This rotation of an eighth of a turn effected by the column wheel 205 has the effect of changing the angular position of the cross cam 207 so as to pass the cross cam from a first configuration to a second configuration.
  • the column wheel 205 is a two-stroke column wheel. Under these conditions, if the manually controlled mechanism is actuated a second time, this new rotation of the column wheel, in the same direction as the previous one, has the effect of causing the cross cam 207 to pass again from its second configuration to its first configuration.
  • the first configuration is the configuration shown in the figure 4A . In the first configuration, the end of one of the branches is turned in the direction of the flexible transverse arm 223 of the split-second clamp 219, so that it presses against the flexible transverse arm.
  • the second configuration is represented in the figure 4B . In the second configuration, no branch of the cross is turned in the direction of the flexible transverse arm 223.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)

Abstract

La pince (119) du mécanisme de rattrapante est formée d'une seule pièce qui comprend deux branches (121a, 121b), un bras transversal élastique (123) et deux organes de pivotement (125a, 125b) fixés chacun à une extrémité du bras transversal élastique et libres de tourner autour de deux axes parallèles. Le bras transversal élastique (123) relie les deux branches (121a, 121b) l'une à l'autre de manière permettre d'écarter et de rapprocher les deux branches en déformant élastiquement le bras transversal (123), et la distance séparant les deux axes parallèles est telle que le bras transversal élastique (123) est maintenu flambé entre les deux organes de pivotement (125a, 125b).The clip (119) of the split-seconds mechanism is formed in one piece which comprises two branches (121a, 121b), a resilient transverse arm (123) and two pivot members (125a, 125b) each fixed to one end of the arm. transverse elastic and free to rotate around two parallel axes. The elastic transverse arm (123) connects the two branches (121a, 121b) to one another so as to allow the two branches to be separated and brought together by elastically deforming the transverse arm (123), and the distance separating the two branches. two parallel axes is such that the elastic transverse arm (123) is kept buckled between the two pivot members (125a, 125b).

Description

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme de rattrapante pour chronographe comprenant un dispositif de commande comportant un mécanisme à commande manuelle accessible de l'extérieur du chronographe et au moins une pièce mobile agencée pour occuper sélectivement deux configurations prédéfinies et pour passer alternativement de l'une à l'autre des deux configurations prédéfinies lorsque le dispositif de commande est commuté à l'aide du mécanisme à commande manuelle, et comportant une pince de rattrapante actionnée par ladite au moins une pièce mobile et dont les deux branches sont agencées pour coopérer avec une roue de rattrapante coaxiale avec une roue de chronographe, de manière à permettre alternativement de libérer et d'immobiliser la roue de rattrapante en commutant le dispositif de commande de façon à faire alternativement s'ouvrir et se refermer la pince de rattrapante. La présente invention concerne également un chronographe équipé d'un tel mécanisme de rattrapante.The present invention relates to a split-seconds mechanism for a chronograph comprising a control device comprising a manually controlled mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph and at least one moving part arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations and to switch alternately from one to the other of the two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism, and comprising a split-second clamp actuated by said at least one movable part and the two branches of which are arranged to cooperate with a wheel co-axial split-seconds wheel with a chronograph wheel, so as to alternately release and immobilize the split-seconds wheel by switching the control device so as to alternately open and close the split-second pliers. The present invention also relates to a chronograph equipped with such a split-seconds mechanism.

ART ANTERIEURPRIOR ART

On connait déjà des mécanismes de rattrapante qui correspondent à la définition ci-dessus. La figure 1 annexée est tirée de http//www.horlogerie-suisse.com. Elle illustre un mécanisme de rattrapante de l'art antérieur. Ce mécanisme comporte un dispositif de commande comprenant une roue à colonnes A formée d'un rochet à seize dents surmonté de huit colonnes (non référencées), un sautoir D, une bascule C prévue pour être actionnée depuis l'extérieur d'un chronographe, et un crochet B articulé sur une des extrémités de la bascule C. Le crochet B est rappelé par un ressort (non représenté) contre le rochet de la roue à colonnes. On comprendra que la roue à colonnes A peut être actionnée en rotation par un poussoir via la bascule C et le crochet D qui coopère avec le rochet. La roue à colonnes avance ainsi pas à pas dans le sens horaire, et le sautoir D assure que la valeur angulaire de chaque pas corresponde à celle d'une dent du rochet.We already know catch-up mechanisms which correspond to the definition above. The figure 1 attached is taken from http // www.horlogerie-suisse.com. It illustrates a catch-up mechanism of the prior art. This mechanism includes a control device comprising a column wheel A formed by a ratchet with sixteen teeth surmounted by eight columns (not referenced), a jumper D, a rocker C intended to be actuated from the outside of a chronograph, and a hook B articulated on one of the ends of the rocker C. The hook B is returned by a spring (not shown) against the ratchet of the column wheel. It will be understood that the column wheel A can be actuated in rotation by a pusher via the rocker C and the hook D which cooperates with the ratchet. The column wheel thus advances step by step clockwise, and the jumper D ensures that the angular value of each step corresponds to that of a ratchet tooth.

Le mécanisme de rattrapante de la figure 1 comporte également une roue de rattrapante G prévue pour être montée folle coaxialement à la roue de chronographe, un levier J pivoté sur la serge de la roue de rattrapante, un ressort de levier K fixé par une de ses extrémités à la serge de la roue de rattrapante, et un coeur (non visible) monté fixe sur la roue de chronographe en position coaxiale. Le levier J est agencé de manière à être rappelé par le ressort K contre le coeur. Enfin, le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré comporte une pince de rattrapante qui comprend deux bascules E et F et un double ressort H. En se référant encore à la figure 1, on peut voir que les deux bascules sont agencées symétriquement et sont formées chacune d'un premier et d'un deuxième bras. Les premiers bras se terminent tous les deux par un bec agencé pour coopérer avec les colonnes de la roue à colonnes A, alors que les deuxièmes bras constituent les deux branches de la pince de rattrapante. Enfin, les deux lames élastiques du double ressort H sont agencées de manière à rappeler les deux branches, l'une en direction de l'autre, de manière à tendre à refermer la pince autour de la roue de rattrapante G.The split-second mechanism of the figure 1 also comprises a split-second wheel G intended to be mounted idle coaxially with the chronograph wheel, a lever J pivoted on the split of the split-second wheel, a lever spring K fixed by one of its ends to the twill of the split-second, and a heart (not visible) fixedly mounted on the chronograph wheel in the coaxial position. The lever J is arranged so as to be returned by the spring K against the heart. Finally, the split-back mechanism illustrated comprises a split-second clamp which includes two rockers E and F and a double spring H. With further reference to the figure 1 , we can see that the two scales are arranged symmetrically and are each formed of a first and a second arm. The first arms both end with a spout arranged to cooperate with the columns of the column wheel A, while the second arms constitute the two branches of the split-second clamp. Finally, the two elastic blades of the double spring H are arranged so as to recall the two branches, one towards the other, so as to tend to close the clamp around the split-back wheel G.

La roue à colonnes comptant huit colonnes, il faut qu'elle avance deux fois de la valeur angulaire d'une dent du rochet pour qu'une colonne prenne la place de la précédente. On comprendra donc que, lorsque la roue à colonnes avance pas à pas, les becs des deux bascules E et F sont alternativement soulevés par une colonne, puis relâchés dans l'espace entre cette colonne et la suivante, de sorte que l'avance de la roue à colonnes A provoque une succession d'ouvertures et de fermetures de la pince de rattrapante, de manière à libérer et à immobiliser alternativement la roue de rattrapante. Pour immobiliser la roue de rattrapante G avec précision, il est important que les deux branches de la pince viennent en contact avec la roue au même instant. Avec une construction comme celle montrée dans la figure 1, les tolérances d'usinage rendent difficile d'assurer une parfaite synchronisation entre les deux bascules E et F. Dans la pratique, il est souvent nécessaire qu'un horloger retouche les bascules et les lames-ressorts à la main pour égaliser l'action des deux branches de la pince.The column wheel having eight columns, it must advance twice the angular value of a ratchet tooth for a column to take the place of the previous one. It will therefore be understood that, when the column wheel advances step by step, the spouts of the two rockers E and F are alternately lifted by a column, then released in the space between this column and the next, so that the advance of the column wheel A causes a succession of openings and closings of the split-second gripper, so as to release and alternately immobilize the split-second wheel. To immobilize the split-second wheel G precisely, it is important that the two arms of the clamp come into contact with the wheel at the same time. With a construction like that shown in the figure 1 , the machining tolerances make it difficult to ensure perfect synchronization between the two scales E and F. In practice, it is often necessary for a watchmaker to touch up the scales and the leaf springs by hand to equalize the action of the two arms of the clamp.

BREF EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Un but de la présente invention est de remédier aux inconvénients de l'art antérieur qui viennent d'être expliqués. La présente invention atteint ce but ainsi que d'autres en fournissant un mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à la revendication 1 annexée.An object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been explained. The present invention achieves this and other objects by providing a catch-up mechanism according to claim 1 appended hereto.

Conformément à l'invention, la pince de rattrapante vient d'une seule pièce qui comprend les parties suivantes : deux branches et un bras transversal élastique déformable en flexion qui relie les deux branches l'une à l'autre et qui est muni à ses extrémités de deux organes de pivotement agencés pour tourner autour de deux axes parallèles. On comprendra notamment que le caractère élastique et déformable en flexion du bras transversal donne la possibilité de faire s'écarter et se rapprocher les deux branches de la pince de rattrapante en appliquant une contrainte sur le bras transversal de manière à le déformer en flexion.According to the invention, the split-second gripper comes in one piece which comprises the following parts: two branches and an elastic transverse arm deformable in bending which connects the two branches to one another and which is provided with its ends of two pivoting members arranged to rotate about two parallel axes. It will be understood in particular that the elastic and deformable nature in bending of the transverse arm gives the possibility of making the two arms of the split-second clamp move apart and come closer by applying a stress on the transverse arm so as to deform it in bending.

Comme on l'a vu, le bras transversal élastique s'étend entre les deux organes de pivotement. De plus, conformément à l'invention, la distance qui sépare les deux organes de pivotement est inférieure à la longueur non-déformée du bras transversal élastique. Dans ces conditions, de façon connue en soi, le bras transversal élastique subit des contraintes qui rendent instable sa configuration non déformée. Dans ces conditions, pour retrouver une configuration stable dans laquelle les contraintes sont réduites, le bras transversal élastique adopte une forme flambée (ou autrement dit, courbée par déformation dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan contenant les deux axes parallèles autour desquels les deux organes de pivotement sont agencés pour tourner). On précisera qu'on entend par l'expression « configuration stable », une configuration qui est associée à une forme vers laquelle le bras transversal élastique revient toujours si on l'en écarte par une sollicitation de suffisamment faible amplitude.As we have seen, the elastic transverse arm extends between the two pivoting members. In addition, in accordance with the invention, the distance which separates the two pivoting members is less than the non-deformed length of the elastic transverse arm. Under these conditions, in a manner known per se, the elastic transverse arm undergoes stresses which make its non-deformed configuration unstable. Under these conditions, to find a stable configuration in which the stresses are reduced, the elastic transverse arm adopts a buckled shape (or in other words, bent by deformation in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the two parallel axes around which the two pivoting members are arranged to rotate). It should be noted that the expression "stable configuration" means a configuration which is associated with a shape to which the elastic transverse arm always returns if it is moved away by a request of sufficiently low amplitude.

Conformément à l'invention toujours, la pièce mobile est agencée pour coopérer avec le bras transversal élastique de façon que, lorsque le dispositif de commande est commuté, le passage de la pièce mobile de l'une à l'autre de ses deux configurations ou positions prédéfinies fait changer la courbure du bras transversal élastique, de manière à faire alternativement s'ouvrir et se refermer la pince de rattrapante.Still in accordance with the invention, the movable part is arranged to cooperate with the elastic transverse arm so that, when the control device is switched, the passage of the movable part from one of its two configurations to the other or preset positions changes the curvature of the elastic transverse arm, so as to alternately open and close the split-second clamp.

La courbure due au flambage peut constituer une déformation dans un sens ou dans l'autre du bras transversal, de sorte que le bras transversal élastique, et par extension la pince de rattrapante dans son ensemble, possède deux configurations stables vers lesquelles ils tendent à revenir lorsqu'on les en écarte par une sollicitation de suffisamment faible amplitude.The curvature due to buckling can constitute a deformation in one direction or the other of the transverse arm, so that the elastic transverse arm, and by extension the split-second clamp, has two stable configurations towards which they tend to return when they are removed by a request of sufficiently low amplitude.

Conformément à l'invention, le mécanisme de rattrapante comprend une roue de rattrapante prévue pour être agencée coaxialement à la roue de chronographe du chronographe. Les deux branches de la pince de rattrapante sont agencées pour coopérer avec la roue de rattrapante de façon que la roue de rattrapante soit immobilisée ou libre de tourner selon que la pince de rattrapante est respectivement fermée ou ouverte.According to the invention, the split-seconds mechanism comprises a split-second wheel intended to be arranged coaxially with the chronograph wheel of the chronograph. The two branches of the overtaking clamp are arranged to cooperate with the overtaking wheel so that the overtaking wheel is immobilized or free to rotate depending on whether the overtaking clamp is respectively closed or open.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schĂ©matique en plan d'un mĂ©canisme de rattrapante de l'art antĂ©rieur ;
  • la figure 2A est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus d'un mĂ©canisme de rattrapante conforme Ă  un premier mode de rĂ©alisation particulier de l'invention, le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante Ă©tant montrĂ© avec la pince de rattrapante ouverte ;
  • la figure 2B est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus du mĂ©canisme de rattrapante de la figure 2A, la figure 2B montrant le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante avec la pince de rattrapante refermĂ©e sur la roue de rattrapante ;
  • la figure 3A est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus d'un mĂ©canisme de rattrapante conforme Ă  un deuxième mode de rĂ©alisation particulier de l'invention, le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante Ă©tant montrĂ© avec la pince de rattrapante ouverte ;
  • la figure 3B est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus du mĂ©canisme de rattrapante de la figure 3A, la figure 3B montrant le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante avec la pince de rattrapante refermĂ©e sur la roue de rattrapante ;
  • la figure 4A est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus d'un mĂ©canisme de rattrapante conforme Ă  un troisième mode de rĂ©alisation particulier de l'invention, le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante Ă©tant montrĂ© avec la pince de rattrapante ouverte ;
  • la figure 4B est une vue schĂ©matique en plan de dessus du mĂ©canisme de rattrapante de la figure 4A, la figure 4B montrant le mĂ©canisme de rattrapante avec la pince de rattrapante refermĂ©e sur la roue de rattrapante.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a split-second mechanism of the prior art;
  • the figure 2A is a schematic plan view from above of a split-second mechanism according to a first particular embodiment of the invention, the catch-up mechanism being shown with the catch-up clamp open;
  • the figure 2B is a schematic top plan view of the split-second mechanism of the figure 2A , the figure 2B showing the catch-up mechanism with the catch-up clamp closed on the catch-up wheel;
  • the figure 3A is a schematic plan view from above of a split-back mechanism according to a second particular embodiment of the invention, the split-back mechanism being shown with the split-catch clamp open;
  • the figure 3B is a schematic top plan view of the split-second mechanism of the figure 3A , the figure 3B showing the catch-up mechanism with the catch-up clamp closed on the catch-up wheel;
  • the figure 4A is a schematic plan view from above of a split-back mechanism according to a third particular embodiment of the invention, the split-back mechanism being shown with the split-catch clamp open;
  • the figure 4B is a schematic top plan view of the split-second mechanism of the figure 4A , the figure 4B showing the split-second mechanism with the split-second clamp closed on the split-wheel.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE MODES DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à un premier mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention. Le mécanisme de rattrapante représenté est destiné à équiper un mécanisme de chronographe qui peut être de conception classique. De manière connue, un tel mécanisme de chronographe comprend notamment une roue de chronographe et une aiguille de chronographe reliées par un axe de chronographe. Dans le présent exemple, l'axe de le la roue de chronographe porte encore un coeur qui fait partie du mécanisme de rattrapante. Ni le coeur de rattrapante, ni les composants de chronographe qui viennent d'être énumérés, ne sera décrit plus en détail. L'homme du métier comprendra toutefois que ces éléments, qui n'apparaissent pas non plus dans les figures, peuvent être réalisés de manière traditionnelle.The Figures 2A and 2B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a first particular embodiment of the invention. The split-seconds mechanism shown is intended to equip a chronograph mechanism which may be of conventional design. In known manner, such a chronograph mechanism notably comprises a chronograph wheel and a chronograph hand connected by a chronograph axis. In the present example, the axis of the chronograph wheel still carries a heart which is part of the split-seconds mechanism. Nor the heart of split-seconds, nor the chronograph components which have just been listed, will not be described in more detail. Those skilled in the art will however understand that these elements, which do not appear either in the figures, can be produced in the traditional way.

En se référant à nouveau aux figures 2A et 2B, on peut voir que le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré comprend une roue de rattrapante 3 qui est prévue pour être montée folle coaxialement à la roue de chronographe et dont l'axe (non représenté) est prévu pour être agencé concentriquement à l'axe de chronographe et pour porter de manière classique une aiguille de rattrapante (non représentée). Le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré comprend encore une roue à colonnes de rattrapante 5 et une bascule de commande 7. La bascule de commande 7 est pivotée autour d'un axe 9 et elle comporte un bec 11 qui est rappelé contre les colonnes de la roue à colonnes de rattrapante par un ressort 13. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré, on peut voir que le ressort 13 vient de matière avec la bascule de commande 7. La roue à colonnes de rattrapante 5 est elle-même commandée à l'aide d'un mécanisme à commande manuelle (non représenté) accessible depuis l'extérieur de la montre-chronographe. le mécanisme à commande manuelle peut, de manière traditionnelle, être actionné à l'aide d'un bouton-poussoir.Referring again to Figures 2A and 2B , it can be seen that the split-back mechanism illustrated comprises a split-wheel 3 which is designed to be mounted idle coaxially with the chronograph wheel and whose axis (not shown) is designed to be arranged concentrically with the chronograph axis and to carry in a conventional manner a split-second needle (not shown). The split-back mechanism illustrated also comprises a split-column wheel 5 and a control rocker 7. The control rocker 7 is pivoted about an axis 9 and it has a spout 11 which is biased against the columns of the wheel at split-second columns by a spring 13. In the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the spring 13 comes integrally with the control rocker 7. The split-column column wheel 5 is itself controlled using a manual control mechanism (not shown) accessible from outside the chronograph watch. the manually operated mechanism can, in the traditional way, be actuated using a push button.

Le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré comprend encore une pince de rattrapante 19 faite d'une seule pièce coudée. Comme illustré, cette pièce coudée est formée de deux branches 21a et 21b agencées pour passer de part et d'autre de la roue de rattrapante 3, d'un bras transversal élastique 23 qui relie les deux branches l'une à l'autre, et de deux organes de pivotement 25a et 25b formés chacun à la jonction entre une des deux branches 21a, 21b et l'extrémité correspondante du bras transversal élastique 23. Les deux organes de pivotement 25a, 25b sont libres de tourner autour de deux axes parallèles (non représentés) qui sont orientés perpendiculairement au plan du dessin. La pince de rattrapante 19 est agencée pour être commandée par la roue à colonnes de rattrapante 5 par l'intermédiaire de la bascule de commande 7. A cet effet, la bascule de commande 7 (déjà mentionnée) comporte encore un bras de commande 15 qui se termine par une tête qui, dans l'exemple illustré, porte deux goupilles parallèles 17a et 17b qui sont orientées perpendiculairement au plan du dessin. On peut voir sur les figures 2A et 2B que le bras transversal élastique 23 passe entre les deux goupilles.The split-back mechanism illustrated also includes a split-second clamp 19 made of a single bent piece. As illustrated, this bent piece is formed of two branches 21a and 21b arranged to pass on either side of the split-second wheel 3, of an elastic transverse arm 23 which connects the two branches to each other, and of two pivoting members 25a and 25b each formed at the junction between one of the two branches 21a, 21b and the corresponding end of the elastic transverse arm 23. The two pivoting members 25a, 25b are free to rotate around two parallel axes (not shown) which are oriented perpendicular to the drawing plane. The split-second clamp 19 is arranged to be controlled by the split-column wheel 5 by by means of the control lever 7. For this purpose, the control lever 7 (already mentioned) also includes a control arm 15 which ends in a head which, in the example illustrated, carries two parallel pins 17a and 17b which are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. We can see on the Figures 2A and 2B that the elastic transverse arm 23 passes between the two pins.

Conformément à l'invention, la distance qui sépare les deux axes parallèles autour desquels tournent les deux organes de pivotement 25a et 25b est inférieure à la longueur non-déformée du bras transversal élastique 23. Dans ces conditions, de façon connue en soi, le bras transversal élastique subit des contraintes qui rendent instable sa configuration non déformée. Pour retrouver une configuration stable dans laquelle les contraintes sont réduites, le bras transversal élastique 23 adopte une forme flambée (ou autrement dit, courbée par déformation dans une direction parallèle au plan du dessin). Par l'expression « configuration stable » on entend une configuration qui est associée à une forme vers laquelle le bras transversal élastique revient toujours si on l'en écarte par une sollicitation de suffisamment faible amplitude.According to the invention, the distance which separates the two parallel axes around which the two pivoting members 25a and 25b rotate is less than the undeformed length of the elastic transverse arm 23. Under these conditions, in a manner known per se, the elastic transverse arm undergoes stresses which make its non-deformed configuration unstable. To find a stable configuration in which the stresses are reduced, the elastic transverse arm 23 adopts a buckled shape (or in other words, curved by deformation in a direction parallel to the plane of the drawing). By the expression “stable configuration” is meant a configuration which is associated with a shape to which the elastic transverse arm always returns if it is moved away by a stress of sufficiently low amplitude.

En se référant toujours aux figures 2A et 2B, on peut voir qu'on a représenté le bras transversal élastique 23 sur les deux figures en lui donnant une forme bombée vers la gauche du dessin. Autrement dit, le bras transversal élastique est courbe, et la concavité de cette courbe est à droite sur le dessin, c'est à dire ouverte en direction de la roue de rattrapante. On remarquera de plus que la concavité du bras transversal élastique est plus marquée dans la figure 2B que dans la figure 2A. On peut préciser encore que la configuration illustrée dans figure 2B correspond à la configuration stable de la pince de rattrapante 19 et plus généralement de tout le mécanisme de rattrapante du présent mode de réalisation. En revanche, la figure 2A illustre une configuration de la pince de rattrapante qui est instable. Autrement dit, le bras transversal élastique 23 ne peut demeurer dans la position illustrée par la figure 2A qu'aussi longtemps que la goupille 17a du bras de commande 15 la retient, l'empêchant de flamber complètement.Always referring to Figures 2A and 2B , it can be seen that the elastic transverse arm 23 has been shown in the two figures, giving it a domed shape to the left of the drawing. In other words, the elastic transverse arm is curved, and the concavity of this curve is on the right in the drawing, that is to say open in the direction of the split-second wheel. It will also be noted that the concavity of the elastic transverse arm is more marked in the figure 2B that in the figure 2A . We can also specify that the configuration illustrated in figure 2B corresponds to the stable configuration of the catch-up clip 19 and more generally of the whole catch-up mechanism of the present embodiment. However, the figure 2A illustrates a configuration of the split-second gripper which is unstable. In other words, the elastic transverse arm 23 cannot remain in the position illustrated by the figure 2A that as long as the pin 17a of the control arm 15 retains it, preventing it from flaming completely.

On notera enfin que, dans le présent mode de réalisation, seul le bras transversal 23 de la pince 19 est élastique, ou plus précisément, l'élasticité des branches 21a, 21b et des organes de pivotement 25a, 25b de la pince de rattrapante peut être considérée comme négligeable en comparaison avec celle du bras transversal. Dans ces conditions, l'angle que fait chacune des branches 21a, 21b de la pince 19 avec le bras transversal élastique 23, au niveau de l'organe de pivotement 25a ou 25b qui les relie, ne change pas lorsque le bras transversal élastique se déforme. Dans ces conditions, on comprendra que plus la forme du bras transversal élastique 23 est bombée vers la gauche (sur le dessin), plus les branches de la pince de rattrapante 19 sont rapprochées l'une de l'autre. La présence du bras transversal élastique flambé offre donc la possibilité de faire s'écarter et se rapprocher les deux branches 21a, 21b en faisant varier la courbure du bras transversal élastique 23.Finally, it will be noted that, in the present embodiment, only the transverse arm 23 of the clamp 19 is elastic, or more precisely, the elasticity of the branches 21a, 21b and of the pivoting members 25a, 25b of the split-second clamp can be considered negligible in comparison with that of the transverse arm. Under these conditions, the angle which each of the branches 21a, 21b of the clamp 19 makes with the elastic transverse arm 23, at the level of the pivoting member 25a or 25b which connects them, does not change when the elastic transverse arm deformed. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the more the shape of the elastic transverse arm 23 is curved to the left (in the drawing), the more the branches of the split-second clamp 19 are brought together. The presence of the flamed elastic transverse arm therefore offers the possibility of causing the two branches 21a, 21b to move apart and towards each other by varying the curvature of the elastic transverse arm 23.

Conformément à l'invention, le mécanisme de rattrapante comprend un dispositif de commande comportant un mécanisme à commande manuelle accessible de l'extérieur de la boîte du chronographe et au moins une pièce mobile agencée pour occuper sélectivement deux configurations prédéfinies et pour passer alternativement de l'une à l'autre des deux configurations prédéfinies lorsque le dispositif de commande est commuté à l'aide du mécanisme à commande manuelle. Dans le présent exemple, le mécanisme à commande manuelle est de préférence constitué par un mécanisme à poussoir (non représenté) agencé pour faire tourner la roue à colonnes 5 pas-à-pas dans le sens horaire, et la bascule de commande 7 remplit la fonction de pièce mobile agencée pour occuper sélectivement deux configurations ou positions prédéfinies. La bascule de commande 7 est en effet agencée pour commuter alternativement dans un sens et dans l'autre entre deux positions angulaires prédéfinies lorsque la roue à colonnes 5 est incrémentée pas-à-pas. De plus, comme le bras transversal élastique 23 est guidé entre les deux goupilles 17a, 17b de la bascule 7, il est forcé d'accompagner les mouvements du bras de commande 15 de la bascule de commande 7 en fléchissant, de sorte que sa courbure varie.According to the invention, the split-second mechanism comprises a control device comprising a manually-operated mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph case and at least one moving part arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations and to alternate between 'one of the other two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism. In the present example, the manually controlled mechanism is preferably constituted by a push mechanism (not shown) arranged to rotate the column wheel 5 step by step clockwise, and the control rocker 7 fulfills the moving part function arranged to selectively occupy two predefined configurations or positions. The control lever 7 is in fact arranged to switch alternately in one direction and in the other between two predefined angular positions when the column wheel 5 is incremented step by step. In addition, like the transverse arm elastic 23 is guided between the two pins 17a, 17b of the rocker 7, it is forced to accompany the movements of the control arm 15 of the control rocker 7 by bending, so that its curvature varies.

Lorsqu'en pivotant de la valeur angulaire d'un pas, la roue à colonnes 5 passe de la configuration illustrée dans la figure 2B à celle illustrée dans la figure 2A, le bec 11 de la bascule de commande 7 est soulevé par une colonne, ce qui fait pivoter la bascule dans le sens antihoraire. Le pivotement de la bascule 7 provoque le déplacement du bras de commande 15 et des deux goupilles 17a, 17b. La goupille 17a vient ainsi buter contre le bras transversal flexible 23 qu'elle contraint à se déformer en le repoussant en direction de la roue de rattrapante 3 (vers la droite sur le dessin). Le bras transversal élastique 23 adopte ainsi une forme moins fortement bombée vers la gauche (sur le dessin), ce qui a pour effet de faire s'écarter les branches 21a, 21b de la pince de rattrapante 19 l'une de l'autre.When pivoting the angular value of a step, the column wheel 5 changes from the configuration illustrated in the figure 2B to that illustrated in the figure 2A , the spout 11 of the control rocker 7 is raised by a column, which makes the rocker rotate counterclockwise. The pivoting of the rocker 7 causes the control arm 15 and the two pins 17a, 17b to move. The pin 17a thus abuts against the flexible transverse arm 23 which it constrains to deform by pushing it in the direction of the split-second wheel 3 (to the right in the drawing). The elastic transverse arm 23 thus adopts a less strongly curved shape to the left (in the drawing), which has the effect of causing the branches 21a, 21b to separate from the split-second clamp 19 from one another.

Lorsque la roue à colonnes 5 est ensuite incrémentée d'un pas de plus, et qu'elle repasse de la configuration illustrée dans la figure 2A à celle illustrée dans la figure 2B, le bec 11 de la bascule de commande 7 se retrouve entre deux colonnes de la roue à colonnes. Le bec 11 est alors libre de s'abaisser dans l'espace entre les colonnes sous l'action notamment du ressort de rappel 13, de sorte que la bascule de commande 7 pivote dans le sens horaire. Le pivotement de la bascule de commande 7 dans le sens horaire a pour effet de faire revenir les goupilles 17a, 17b à leur point de départ. Ce faisant, la goupille 17a cesse de retenir le bras transversal élastique qui est ainsi libre de revenir en direction de sa configuration d'équilibre en se déformant vers la gauche (sur le dessin). Le bras transversal élastique 23 reprend ainsi sa forme plus fortement bombée vers la gauche (sur le dessin), de sorte que les branches 21a, 21b de la pince de rattrapante 19 se referment sur la roue de rattrapante 3. L'homme du métier comprendra enfin que, selon une variante de ce premier mode de réalisation, il est possible de se dispenser du ressort de rappel 13. En effet, on a vu que la pince de rattrapante est capable de revenir spontanément de la configuration de la figure 2A à celle de la figure 2B. Dans ces conditions, lorsque le bras transversal 23 se déforme, il repousse la goupille 17a et donc la bascule 7 en direction de la roue à colonnes.When the column wheel 5 is then incremented by one more step, and when it returns to the configuration illustrated in the figure 2A to that illustrated in the figure 2B , the spout 11 of the control lever 7 is found between two columns of the column wheel. The spout 11 is then free to lower itself into the space between the columns under the action in particular of the return spring 13, so that the control rocker 7 pivots clockwise. The pivoting of the control lever 7 clockwise has the effect of returning the pins 17a, 17b to their starting point. In doing so, the pin 17a ceases to retain the elastic transverse arm which is thus free to return in the direction of its equilibrium configuration by deforming to the left (in the drawing). The elastic transverse arm 23 thus resumes its more strongly curved shape to the left (in the drawing), so that the branches 21a, 21b of the split-second clamp 19 close on the split-wheel 3. The skilled person will understand finally that, according to a variant of this first embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the return spring 13. Indeed, we have since the split-second clamp is capable of spontaneously returning from the configuration of the figure 2A to that of the figure 2B . Under these conditions, when the transverse arm 23 is deformed, it pushes the pin 17a and therefore the rocker 7 in the direction of the column wheel.

Les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à un deuxième mode de réalisation exemplaire de l'invention. Comme le montrent ces figures, le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré possède de nombreuses caractéristiques en commun avec le mécanisme de rattrapante des figures 2A et 2B. C'est la raison pour laquelle, la description qui va suivre se bornera à décrire les caractéristiques du deuxième mode de réalisation qui n'ont pas déjà été décrites en relation avec le premier mode de réalisation. On notera de plus que les éléments du mécanisme de rattrapante illustré dans les figures 3A et 3B, qui sont identiques ou équivalents à des éléments du mécanisme de rattrapante illustré dans les figures 2A et 2B, sont désignés par les mêmes numéros de référence additionnés de cent.The Figures 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. As these figures show, the split-back mechanism illustrated has many characteristics in common with the split-back mechanism of the Figures 2A and 2B . This is the reason why, the description which follows will be limited to describing the characteristics of the second embodiment which have not already been described in relation to the first embodiment. It will also be noted that the elements of the catch-up mechanism illustrated in the Figures 3A and 3B , which are identical or equivalent to elements of the split-back mechanism illustrated in the Figures 2A and 2B , are designated by the same reference numbers plus one hundred.

En se référant aux figures 3A et 3B, on peut voir notamment qu'on a représenté le bras transversal élastique 123 en lui donnant une forme bombée vers la droite dans la figure 3A et bombée vers la gauche dans la figure 3B. On comprendra que le mode de réalisation des figures 3A et 3B met à profit la capacité que possède le bras transversal élastique d'adopter indifféremment une forme flambée dans un sens ou dans l'autre (ou autrement dit, une forme courbée par déformation dans un sens ou dans l'autre parallèlement au plan du dessin). En effet, le bras transversal élastique 123, associé aux deux organes de pivotement 125a, 125b qui maintiennent ses extrémités, constitue un dispositif bistable, ou autrement dit, un dispositif pouvant adopter l'une ou l'autre de deux configurations stables.Referring to Figures 3A and 3B , we can see in particular that the elastic transverse arm 123 has been shown by giving it a curved shape to the right in the figure 3A and curved to the left in the figure 3B . It will be understood that the embodiment of the Figures 3A and 3B takes advantage of the ability of the elastic transverse arm to adopt either a flamed shape in one direction or the other (or in other words, a shape bent by deformation in one direction or the other parallel to the plane of the drawing) . Indeed, the elastic transverse arm 123, associated with the two pivoting members 125a, 125b which hold its ends, constitutes a bistable device, or in other words, a device which can adopt one or the other of two stable configurations.

Comme s'était déjà le cas dans le premier mode de réalisation, le bras transversal élastique 123 est guidé entre deux goupilles 117a, 117b du bras de commande 115 de la bascule 107. Le bras transversal élastique est donc forcé d'accompagner les mouvements du bras de commande 115 en se déformant dans une direction qui est perpendiculaire à un plan contenant les deux axes de pivotement parallèles.As was already the case in the first embodiment, the elastic transverse arm 123 is guided between two pins 117a, 117b of the control arm 115 of the rocker 107. The elastic transverse arm is therefore forced to accompany the movements of the control arm 115 by deforming in a direction which is perpendicular to a plane containing the two parallel pivot axes.

Lorsqu'en pivotant de la valeur angulaire d'un pas, la roue à colonnes 105 passe de la configuration illustrée dans la figure 3B à celle illustrée dans la figure 3A, le bec 111 de la bascule de commande 107 est soulevé par une colonne, ce qui fait pivoter la bascule dans le sens antihoraire. Le pivotement de la bascule 107 provoque le déplacement du bras de commande 115 et des deux goupilles 117a, 117b. La goupille 117a vient ainsi buter contre le bras transversal élastique 123 qu'elle force à se déformer en le repoussant en direction de la roue de rattrapante 103 (vers la droite sur le dessin). Comme déjà mentionné, le bras transversal élastique 123 possède deux configurations stables; une première configuration dans laquelle le bras transversal 123 est flambé vers la gauche (Figure 3B) et une seconde configuration dans laquelle le bras transversal 123 est flambé vers la droite (Figure 3A). Conformément au mode de réalisation de l'invention qui fait l'objet du présent exemple, lorsque le levier de commande 115 pivote de l'une à l'autre de ses deux configurations prédéfinies, l'amplitude du déplacement du bras de commande 115 et des deux goupilles 117a, 117b est suffisante pour faire complètement basculer le bras transversal élastique de sa première à sa seconde configuration stable.When pivoting the angular value of a step, the column wheel 105 changes from the configuration illustrated in the figure 3B to that illustrated in the figure 3A , the spout 111 of the control rocker 107 is raised by a column, which makes the rocker pivot counterclockwise. The pivoting of the rocker 107 causes the control arm 115 and the two pins 117a, 117b to move. The pin 117a thus abuts against the elastic transverse arm 123 which it forces to deform by pushing it in the direction of the split-back wheel 103 (to the right in the drawing). As already mentioned, the elastic transverse arm 123 has two stable configurations; a first configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is flamed to the left ( Figure 3B ) and a second configuration in which the transverse arm 123 is buckled to the right ( Figure 3A ). In accordance with the embodiment of the invention which is the subject of this example, when the control lever 115 pivots from one of its two predefined configurations to the other, the amplitude of movement of the control arm 115 and of the two pins 117a, 117b is sufficient to completely switch the elastic transverse arm from its first to its second stable configuration.

Lorsque la goupille 117a repousse le bras transversal élastique 123 en direction de la roue de rattrapante 103, le bras transversal 123 se déforme de manière à s'écarter de la première configuration stable et à se rapprocher de la seconde. Le bras transversal étant élastique, sa déformation engendre également une force de réaction qui, dans un premier temps, s'oppose à la déformation du bras transversal et tend donc à le rappeler dans la première configuration stable. Toutefois, une fois que la goupille 117a a amené le bras transversal 123 au-delà d'un point qui est tout aussi proche de la seconde configuration stable que de la première, le sens de la force de réaction s'inverse, de sorte qu'à partir de ce point d'inversion, la force de réaction ne s'oppose plus à la goupille 117a, mais entraîne au contraire le bras transversal élastique 123 en direction de la seconde configuration stable. L'homme du métier comprendra que l'existence d'un point d'inversion, au niveau duquel le sens de la force de réaction exercée par le bras transversal élastique s'inverse, découle du caractère bistable du dispositif constitué par le bras transversal élastique 123 et les deux organes de pivotement 125a, 125b qui lui sont associés.When the pin 117a pushes the elastic transverse arm 123 in the direction of the split-second wheel 103, the transverse arm 123 is deformed so as to move away from the first stable configuration and to approach the second. The transverse arm being elastic, its deformation also generates a reaction force which, initially, opposes the deformation of the transverse arm and therefore tends to recall it in the first stable configuration. However, once the pin 117a has brought the transverse arm 123 past a point which is just as close to the second stable configuration as to the first, the direction of the reaction force reverses, so that 'from this point reversal, the reaction force no longer opposes the pin 117a, but instead drives the elastic transverse arm 123 towards the second stable configuration. A person skilled in the art will understand that the existence of an inversion point, at which the direction of the reaction force exerted by the elastic transverse arm reverses, results from the bistable nature of the device constituted by the elastic transverse arm. 123 and the two pivoting members 125a, 125b which are associated with it.

Ainsi, lorsque la roue à colonnes de rattrapante 105 se trouve dans la configuration de la figure 3B, on peut provoquer le basculement du bras transversal élastique 123 de sa première à sa seconde configuration stable en incrémentant la roue à colonnes d'un pas. Le bras transversal élastique 123 se déforme alors pour adopter une forme bombée vers la droite conformément à ce qu'illustre la figure 3A. Ce passage du bras transversal élastique d'une configuration flambée vers la gauche à une configuration flambée vers la droite a en outre pour effet de faire s'écarter les branches 121a, 121b de la pince de rattrapante 119 l'une de l'autre.Thus, when the split-column wheel 105 is in the configuration of the figure 3B , the elastic transverse arm 123 can be tilted from its first to its second stable configuration by incrementing the column wheel by one step. The elastic transverse arm 123 then deforms to adopt a curved shape to the right in accordance with what the figure 3A . This passage of the elastic transverse arm from a configuration flamed to the left to a configuration flamed to the right also has the effect of causing the branches 121a, 121b to separate from the split-second clamp 119 from one another.

Lorsque la roue à colonnes 105 est ensuite incrémentée d'un pas de plus, et qu'elle repasse de la configuration illustrée dans la figure 3A à celle illustrée dans la figure 3B, le bec 111 de la bascule de commande 107 se retrouve entre deux colonnes de la roue à colonnes. Sous l'action du ressort de rappel 113, le bec 111 s'abaisse alors dans l'espace entre les colonnes, de sorte que la bascule de commande 107 pivote dans le sens horaire. Le pivotement de la bascule de commande 107 dans le sens horaire a pour effet de faire revenir les goupilles 117a, 117b en direction de leur point de départ. Ce faisant, la goupille 117b vient buter contre le bras transversal élastique 123 qu'elle force à se déformer de manière à s'écarter de la seconde configuration stable. De façon semblable à ce qui a déjà été expliqué plus haut, la déformation du bras transversal 123 engendre une force de réaction qui, dans un premier temps, s'oppose à la déformation du bras et tend donc à rappeler ce dernier dans la seconde configuration stable. On comprendra que pour faire pivoter la bascule 107 dans le sens horaire, il faut que le ressort 113 soit suffisamment fort pour vaincre la force de réaction qui, dans un premier temps, tend à rappeler le bras transversal élastique dans sa seconde configuration stable. Ainsi, pour autant que le ressort 113 soit suffisamment fort, la goupille 117b provoque le basculement du bras transversal élastique 123 de sa seconde à sa première configuration stable. Ce dernier reprend donc la configuration de la figure 3B. Ce passage du bras transversal élastique 123 d'une configuration flambée vers la droite à une configuration flambée vers la gauche a en outre pour effet de faire se refermer les branches 121a, 121b de la pince de rattrapante 119 sur la roue de rattrapante 103.When the column wheel 105 is then incremented by one more step, and when it returns to the configuration illustrated in the figure 3A to that illustrated in the figure 3B , the spout 111 of the control rocker 107 is found between two columns of the column wheel. Under the action of the return spring 113, the spout 111 then lowers in the space between the columns, so that the control rocker 107 pivots clockwise. Pivoting the control lever 107 clockwise has the effect of causing the pins 117a, 117b to return towards their starting point. In doing so, the pin 117b abuts against the elastic transverse arm 123 which it forces to deform so as to move away from the second stable configuration. Similarly to what has already been explained above, the deformation of the transverse arm 123 generates a reaction force which, at first, opposes the deformation of the arm and therefore tends to recall the latter in the second stable configuration. It will be understood that in order to pivot the rocker 107 clockwise, the spring 113 must be strong enough to overcome the reaction force which, at first, tends to return the elastic transverse arm to its second stable configuration. Thus, provided that the spring 113 is strong enough, the pin 117b causes the elastic transverse arm 123 to tilt from its second to its first stable configuration. The latter therefore uses the configuration of the figure 3B . This passage of the elastic transverse arm 123 from a configuration flamed towards the right to a configuration flamed towards the left also has the effect of closing the branches 121a, 121b of the split-second clamp 119 on the split-back wheel 103.

Les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation exemplaire de l'invention. Comme le montrent ces figures, le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré possède de nombreuses caractéristiques en commun avec les deux mécanismes de rattrapante déjà décrits. C'est la raison pour laquelle, la description qui va suivre se bornera à décrire celles des caractéristiques du troisième mode de réalisation qui le distinguent des deux premiers modes de réalisation. On notera de plus que les éléments du mécanisme de rattrapante illustré dans les figures 4A et 4B, qui sont identiques ou équivalents à des éléments du mécanisme de rattrapante illustré dans les figures 2A et 2B, sont désignés par les mêmes numéros de référence additionnés de deux cent.The Figures 4A and 4B are schematic plan views of a split-second mechanism according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. As these figures show, the split-back mechanism illustrated has many characteristics in common with the two split-back mechanisms already described. This is the reason why, the description which follows will be limited to describing those of the characteristics of the third embodiment which distinguish it from the first two embodiments. It will also be noted that the elements of the catch-up mechanism illustrated in the Figures 4A and 4B , which are identical or equivalent to elements of the split-back mechanism illustrated in the Figures 2A and 2B , are designated by the same reference numbers plus two hundred.

En se référant aux figures 4A et 4B, on peut voir notamment que le mécanisme de rattrapante illustré se distingue des deux exemples précédents notamment par le fait qu'il ne comporte pas de bascule de commande, et que la roue à colonnes 205 est agencée pour commander directement la pince de rattrapante 219. Conformément à l'invention, le mécanisme de rattrapante comporte un dispositif de commande comprenant un mécanisme manuel accessible de l'extérieur de la boîte du chronographe et au moins une pièce mobile agencée pour se trouver sélectivement dans deux configurations prédéfinies et pour passer alternativement de l'une à l'autre des deux configurations prédéfinies lorsque le dispositif de commande est commuté à l'aide du mécanisme à commande manuelle.Referring to Figures 4A and 4B , it can be seen in particular that the split-back mechanism illustrated differs from the two previous examples in particular by the fact that it does not include a control lever, and that the column wheel 205 is arranged to directly control the split-second clamp 219. According to the invention, the split-second mechanism comprises a control device comprising a manual mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph box and at least one part mobile arranged to be selectively in two predefined configurations and to switch alternately from one to the other of the two predefined configurations when the control device is switched using the manual control mechanism.

En se référant toujours aux figures 4A et 4B, on peut voir que la roue à colonnes 205 est formée d'un rochet à huit dents surmonté de quatre colonnes formant ensemble une came en croix (référencée 207) qui présente une symétrie de rotation d'ordre 4. De manière tout à fait classique, lorsqu'on actionne le mécanisme à commande manuelle, on fait pivoter la roue à colonnes 205 de la valeur angulaire d'une dent du rochet (dans l'exemple illustré, ce pivotement apparaît s'accomplir dans le sens horaire lorsque la roue à colonnes et vue de dessus). Cette rotation d'un huitième de tour effectuée par la roue à colonnes 205 a pour effet de changer la position angulaire de la came en croix 207 de manière à faire passer la came en croix d'une première configuration à une seconde configuration.Always referring to Figures 4A and 4B , it can be seen that the column wheel 205 is formed of an eight-tooth ratchet surmounted by four columns together forming a cross cam (referenced 207) which has a rotation symmetry of order 4. In a completely conventional manner , when the manually operated mechanism is actuated, the column wheel 205 is rotated by the angular value of a ratchet tooth (in the example illustrated, this pivoting appears to be accomplished clockwise when the wheel is columns and top view). This rotation of an eighth of a turn effected by the column wheel 205 has the effect of changing the angular position of the cross cam 207 so as to pass the cross cam from a first configuration to a second configuration.

On aura noté par ailleurs que la roue à colonnes 205 est une roue à colonnes à deux temps. Dans ces conditions, si on actionne le mécanisme à commande manuelle une deuxième fois, cette nouvelle rotation de la roue à colonnes, dans le même sens que la précédente, a pour effet de refaire passer la came en croix 207 de sa seconde configuration à sa première configuration. La première configuration est la configuration représentée dans la figure 4A. Dans la première configuration, l'extrémité d'une des branches est tournée en direction du bras transversal flexible 223 de la pince de rattrapante 219, de sorte qu'elle presse contre le bras transversal flexible. La seconde configuration est représentée dans la figure 4B. Dans la seconde configuration, aucune branche de la croix n'est tournée en direction du bras transversal flexible 223.It will also have been noted that the column wheel 205 is a two-stroke column wheel. Under these conditions, if the manually controlled mechanism is actuated a second time, this new rotation of the column wheel, in the same direction as the previous one, has the effect of causing the cross cam 207 to pass again from its second configuration to its first configuration. The first configuration is the configuration shown in the figure 4A . In the first configuration, the end of one of the branches is turned in the direction of the flexible transverse arm 223 of the split-second clamp 219, so that it presses against the flexible transverse arm. The second configuration is represented in the figure 4B . In the second configuration, no branch of the cross is turned in the direction of the flexible transverse arm 223.

On comprendra en outre que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour un homme du métier peuvent être apportées au mode de réalisation qui fait l'objet de la présente description sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention définie par les revendications annexées.It will further be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the embodiment which is the subject of this description without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (9)

Mécanisme de rattrapante pour chronographe comprenant un dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 105, 107 ; 205, 207) comportant un mécanisme à commande manuelle accessible de l'extérieur de la boîte du chronographe et au moins une pièce mobile (7 ; 107 ; 207) agencée pour se trouver sélectivement dans deux configurations prédéfinies et pour passer alternativement de l'une à l'autre des deux configurations prédéfinies lorsque le dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 105, 107 ; 205, 207) est commuté à l'aide du mécanisme à commande manuelle, et une pince de rattrapante (19; 119; 219) agencée pour être actionnée par la pièce mobile (7 ; 107 ; 207) et dont les deux branches (21a, 21b ; 121a, 121b; 221a, 221b) sont agencées pour coopérer avec une roue de rattrapante (3 ; 103 ; 203) coaxiale à une roue de chronographe, de manière à permettre alternativement de libérer et d'immobiliser la roue de rattrapante (3 ; 103 ; 203) en commutant le dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 105, 107 ; 205, 207) de façon à faire alternativement s'ouvrir et se refermer la pince de rattrapante (19 ; 119 ; 219) ;
caractérisé en ce que la pince de rattrapante (19 ; 119 ; 219) est formée d'une seule pièce, en ce qu'elle comporte deux branches (21a, 21b ; 121a, 121b ; 221a, 221b), un bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123 ; 223) déformable en flexion, et deux organes de pivotement (25a, 25b ; 125a, 125b ; 225a, 225b) fixés chacun à une extrémité du bras transversal élastique et libres de tourner autour de deux axes parallèles, le bras transversal élastique (23; 123; 223) reliant les deux branches (21a, 21b; 121a, 121b; 221a, 221b) l'une à l'autre de manière permettre d'écarter et de rapprocher les deux branches en déformant élastiquement le bras transversal (23 ; 123 ; 223), et la distance séparant les deux axes parallèles étant telle que le bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123 ; 223) est maintenu flambé (ou autrement dit courbé par déformation dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan contenant les deux axes parallèles) entre les deux organes de pivotement (25a, 25b ; 125a, 125b ; 225a, 225b), et en ce que la pièce mobile (7 ; 107 ; 207) est agencée pour coopérer avec le bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123 ; 223) de façon que, lorsque le dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 105, 107 ; 205, 207) est commuté, le passage de la pièce mobile (7 ; 107 ; 207) de l'une à l'autre de ses deux configurations prédéfinies fait changer la courbure du bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123 ; 223), et donc l'écartement des branches de la pince de rattrapante (19 ; 119 ; 219).Split-seconds mechanism for a chronograph comprising a control device (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) comprising a manually-operated mechanism accessible from the outside of the chronograph box and at least one movable part (7; 107; 207) arranged to be selectively in two predefined configurations and to switch alternately from one to the other of the two predefined configurations when the control device (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) is switched to using the manually controlled mechanism, and a split-second clamp (19; 119; 219) arranged to be actuated by the moving part (7; 107; 207) and the two branches of which (21a, 21b; 121a, 121b; 221a, 221b) are arranged to cooperate with a split-second wheel (3; 103; 203) coaxial with a chronograph wheel, so as to alternately allow the split-second wheel (3; 103; 203) to be released and immobilized by switching the control device (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) so as to alternately open and close the split-second clamp (19; 119; 219);
characterized in that the split-second clamp (19; 119; 219) is formed in one piece, in that it comprises two branches (21a, 21b; 121a, 121b; 221a, 221b), an elastic transverse arm ( 23; 123; 223) deformable in bending, and two pivoting members (25a, 25b; 125a, 125b; 225a, 225b) each fixed to one end of the elastic transverse arm and free to rotate around two parallel axes, the transverse arm elastic (23; 123; 223) connecting the two branches (21a, 21b; 121a, 121b; 221a, 221b) to each other so as to allow the two branches to be moved apart and brought closer by elastically deforming the transverse arm (23; 123; 223), and the distance separating the two parallel axes being such that the elastic transverse arm (23; 123; 223) is kept buckled (or in other words bent by deformation in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the two axes parallel) between the two pivoting members (25a, 25b; 125a, 125b; 225a, 225b), and in that the moving part (7; 107; 207) is arranged to cooperate with the elastic transverse arm (23; 123; 223) so that , when the control device (5, 7; 105, 107; 205, 207) is switched, the passage of the moving part (7; 107; 207) from one of the two of its two predefined configurations changes the curvature of the elastic transverse arm (23; 123; 223), and therefore the spacing of the branches of the split-second clamp (19; 119; 219). Mécanisme de rattrapante selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la pièce mobile (7 ; 107 ; 207) est agencée pour permettre de repousser une partie médiane du bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123 ; 223) en direction de la roue de rattrapante (3 ; 103 ; 203).Split-back mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable part (7; 107; 207) is arranged to allow a central part of the elastic transverse arm (23; 123; 223) to be pushed towards the split-wheel ( 3; 103; 203). Mécanisme de rattrapante selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que la pièce mobile (7 ; 107) est agencée pour permettre de tirer une partie médiane du bras transversal élastique (3 ; 103) dans la direction opposée à celle de la roue de rattrapante (3 ; 103).Split-back mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable part (7; 107) is arranged to allow a middle part of the elastic transverse arm (3; 103) to be pulled in the opposite direction to that of the wheel. split-second (3; 103). Mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 2 et 3, caractérisé en ce que la pièce mobile (7 ; 207) est agencée pour faire changer la courbure du bras transversal élastique (23 ; 223) lorsque le dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 205, 207) est commuté, sans faire changer le sens du flambage de ce dernier.Split-back mechanism according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the moving part (7; 207) is arranged to change the curvature of the elastic transverse arm (23; 223) when the control device (5, 7; 205, 207) is switched, without changing the direction of the buckling of the latter. Mécanisme de rattrapante selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le sens du flambage est tel que la concavité est ouverte en direction de la roue de rattrapante.Split-seconds mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that the direction of buckling is such that the concavity is open in the direction of the split-wheel. Mécanisme de rattrapante conforme aux revendications 2 et 3, caractérisé en ce que la pièce mobile (107) est agencée pour provoquer une inversion du sens du flambage du bras transversal élastique (123) lorsque le dispositif de commande (105, 107) est commuté.Split-back mechanism according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the moving part (107) is arranged to cause a reversal of the direction of buckling of the elastic transverse arm (123) when the control device (105, 107) is switched. Mécanisme de rattrapante selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de commande (5, 7 ; 105, 107) comporte une roue à colonnes (5 ; 105) et un levier de commande (7 ; 107) présentant une extrémité constituée par un bec (11 ; 111) agencé pour être rappelé contre les colonnes de la roue à colonnes (5; 105) et une autre extrémité constituant un élément de couplage (17a, 17b; 117a, 117b) agencé pour coopérer avec le bras transversal élastique (23 ; 123).Split-seconds mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (5, 7; 105, 107) comprises a column wheel (5; 105) and a control lever (7; 107) having one end constituted by a spout (11; 111) arranged to be biased against the columns of the column wheel (5 ; 105) and another end constituting a coupling element (17a, 17b; 117a, 117b) arranged to cooperate with the elastic transverse arm (23; 123). Mécanisme de rattrapante selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de commande (205, 207) comporte une roue à colonnes (205) dont les colonnes jouent ensemble le rôle d'une came (207) agencée pour coopérer avec le bras transversal élastique (223) de manière à repousser une partie médiane de ce dernier.Split-seconds mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (205, 207) comprises a column wheel (205) whose columns together play the role of a cam (207) arranged to cooperate with the transverse arm elastic (223) so as to push a middle part of the latter. Chronographe caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un mécanisme de rattrapante conforme à l'une des revendications précédentes.Chronograph characterized in that it includes a split-seconds mechanism according to one of the preceding claims.
EP18177764.0A 2018-06-14 2018-06-14 Fly-back hand mechanism and chronograph comprising such a mechanism Active EP3582029B1 (en)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023248178A1 (en) * 2022-06-23 2023-12-28 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Bistable timepiece control mechanism
WO2023248177A1 (en) 2022-06-23 2023-12-28 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Bistable timepiece control mechanism

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH337151A (en) * 1958-03-13 1959-03-15 Depraz & Cie Rattrapante needle timepiece
EP0490285A1 (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-06-17 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Timepiece of fly-back hand chronograph type provided with a device for stopping and starting the fly-back hand

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH337151A (en) * 1958-03-13 1959-03-15 Depraz & Cie Rattrapante needle timepiece
EP0490285A1 (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-06-17 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Timepiece of fly-back hand chronograph type provided with a device for stopping and starting the fly-back hand

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023248178A1 (en) * 2022-06-23 2023-12-28 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Bistable timepiece control mechanism
WO2023248177A1 (en) 2022-06-23 2023-12-28 Lvmh Swiss Manufactures Sa Bistable timepiece control mechanism

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