EP3671370B1 - Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device - Google Patents

Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3671370B1
EP3671370B1 EP18214687.8A EP18214687A EP3671370B1 EP 3671370 B1 EP3671370 B1 EP 3671370B1 EP 18214687 A EP18214687 A EP 18214687A EP 3671370 B1 EP3671370 B1 EP 3671370B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wheel
clutch
chronograph
pivot
moving parts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18214687.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3671370A1 (en
Inventor
Anthony Krüttli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Patek Philippe SA Geneve
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Publication date
Application filed by Patek Philippe SA Geneve filed Critical Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Priority to EP18214687.8A priority Critical patent/EP3671370B1/en
Publication of EP3671370A1 publication Critical patent/EP3671370A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3671370B1 publication Critical patent/EP3671370B1/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
    • G04F7/0823—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with couplings between the chronograph mechanism and the base movement
    • G04F7/0828—Watches or clocks with stop devices, e.g. chronograph with couplings between the chronograph mechanism and the base movement acting in the plane of the movement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B11/00—Click devices; Stop clicks; Clutches
    • G04B11/001—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power
    • G04B11/003—Clutch mechanism between two rotating members with transfer of movement in both directions, possibly with limitation on the transfer of power with friction member, e.g. with spring action

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a friction clutch device comprising a clutch control member and a clutch spring capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel to a second wheel so that they can pivot together along an axis A, l one of the first and second wheels being a driving wheel and the other being a driven wheel, said wheels being intended for a timepiece.
  • the present invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device.
  • the movement of the seconds wheel in the base movement is transmitted to the chronograph wheel carrying the chronograph second hand through a clutch device arranged to couple the seconds wheel to the chronograph wheel and allow the latter to be driven as well as to separate the two wheels and stop the chronograph mechanism.
  • the main drawback encountered with the horizontal clutch and the oscillating clutch is that, during the engagement, that is to say when the intermediate wheel or the oscillating pinion comes into mesh with the chronograph wheel, the penetration the toothing of the intermediate wheel or of the pinion oscillating in that of the chronograph wheel can cause an untimely jump of the chronograph wheel and therefore of the chronograph hand, causing a shift in the information.
  • the disadvantage of a vertical clutch is that it requires a certain height to allow the lifting of the clutch disc.
  • the clutch clamps have in-plane movement to give out-of-plane movement to the clutch disc. This involves high operating forces at the clutch clamps, which can cause operating problems.
  • the clutch device further comprises a friction spring connecting the clutch disc and the clutch spring to the chronograph shaft, in particular to allow the reset of the chronograph hand.
  • This friction spring is sensitive and delicate to size correctly to ensure its effectiveness in this complex construction.
  • this clutch device occupies a large space both in height and in width, due to the isolation wheel and its insulator.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a clutch device making it possible to engage the chronograph without shifting the information during engagement, and in particular without inadvertent jump of the chronograph hand.
  • the present invention also aims to provide a compact clutch device allowing easy triggering of the chronograph.
  • the present invention relates to a friction clutch device comprising a clutch control member and a clutch spring capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel to a second wheel so that they can pivot together according to a axis A, one of the first and second wheels being a driving wheel and the other being a driven wheel intended for a timepiece.
  • the clutch spring comprises a hub mounted to rotate freely along the axis A and a set of moving parts connected respectively to the hub by elastic elements, each of said moving parts comprising a clutch element intended to s 'press on the second wheel and being mounted to pivot in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel in order to be able to switch between an engaged position in which its clutch element is kept pressed on the second wheel under the effect of its elastic element, and a disengaged position in which its clutch element is not in contact with the second wheel, each of said moving parts being arranged so that all of said moving parts define substantially the periphery of said clutch spring.
  • the clutch control member comprises a radial support element arranged to come to bear radially on at least one of the movable parts of the clutch spring to switch said movable part from its engaged position to its disengaged position. , causing the hub to rotate, in turn causing the tilting of the other moving parts into their disengaged position, in order to disconnect the second wheel from the first wheel.
  • the clutch device makes it possible to produce a horizontal friction clutch, and therefore without shifting the information during the clutch, and of small size and easy to release.
  • the present invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device, in which one of the first and second wheels is the drive wheel which is integral with a drive shaft of a cog of a watch movement and the Another of the first and second wheels is the driven wheel which is integral with a chronograph shaft carrying a chronograph display member, the motor shaft and the chronograph shaft being mounted to pivot about the axis A.
  • the present invention also relates to a chronograph comprising such a chronograph mechanism.
  • the present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a clutch device as defined above.
  • a clutch device 1 comprises a clutch control member 2 and a clutch spring 3 capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel 4 to a second wheel 5 so that they can pivot together along an axis A.
  • the clutch device 1 is implemented in an autonomous chronograph mechanism having its own watch movement with its own oscillating regulator or in a chronograph mechanism linked to a basic movement but comprising a mechanism for stopping the motor shaft linked to the chronograph when the latter is not in operation.
  • the first wheel 4 is a drive wheel, integral with a drive shaft 6 of the autonomous chronograph movement or kinematically linked to the base movement, mounted to pivot around the axis A in bearings 7.
  • the drive shaft 6 is for example the shaft of the second mobile or a shaft kinematically linked to the second mobile but which can be locked in rotation independently when the chronograph is not in use.
  • the first wheel 4 thus constitutes the chronograph driving wheel.
  • the second wheel 5 is a driven wheel, here integral with a chronograph shaft 8 carrying a chronograph display member, such as a chronograph hand (not shown).
  • the second wheel 5 thus constitutes the chronograph wheel.
  • the chronograph shaft 8 is mounted to pivot around the axis A.
  • it comprises a base 8a fixed integrally to the second wheel 5, which is mounted pivoting around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6.
  • the second wheel 5 could be fixedly attached to the base of the chronograph shaft, said base being mounted to pivot around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6.
  • the chronograph shaft 8 carries a heart 9 on which a hammer (not shown) rests to reset the chronograph hand to zero.
  • the clutch spring 3 comprises a hub 10 mounted to rotate freely along the axis A around the motor shaft 6 and a set of moving parts 12 respectively connected to the hub 10 by elastic elements 14, each of said movable parts 12 comprising a clutch element 16 intended to rest on the second wheel 5, and being mounted pivotably in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel 4 in order to be able to switch between an engaged position in in which its clutch element 16 is kept pressed on the second wheel 5 under the effect of its elastic element 14, and a disengaged position in which its clutch element 16 is not in contact with the second wheel 5, each said moving parts 12 being arranged so that all of said moving parts 12 generally define substantially the periphery of the clutch spring 3.
  • each movable part 12 comprises a middle part 12a, a first arm 12b in the form of an arc of a circle defining a portion of the periphery of the clutch spring 8, said first arm 12b being integral with one end of the middle part 12a, and a second arm 12c mounted to pivot on the first wheel 4, integral with the other end of the middle part 12a, said second arm 12c carrying the clutch element 16 (cf. figures 1 and 2 ) and being connected to the hub 10 by the elastic element 14.
  • the first arm 12b is tapered on the side of its free end and its length corresponds substantially to the perimeter of the clutch spring 3 divided by the number of moving parts 12 minus the necessary clearances provided on each side of the first arms 12b to allow the tilting of the moving parts 12 in the disengaged position.
  • the moving parts 12 are arranged concentrically around the hub 10, nested one inside the other so that the set of the first arms 12b in the form of an arc of a circle makes it possible to reconstitute a circle generally defining the periphery of the clutch spring 3 , each of the first arms 12b constituting a lever on which the control member 2 will be able to come to press to control the clutch device as will be described below.
  • the curvature of the circular arc of each first arm 12b is chosen so that the first arms 12b have the axis A as their construction axis when the moving parts 12 tilt so as to maintain the circular shape of the periphery of the clutch spring whatever the position of the moving parts 12.
  • the number of moving parts 12 is here six, but a different number of moving parts 12 can be provided. It is for example possible to provide a clutch spring comprising from two to ten moving parts, and preferably from five to seven moving parts.
  • the middle part 12a as well as the first arm 12b and the second arm 12c are configured so that, when the moving parts 12 are in the engaged position, not stressed by the control member 2, the middle part 12a of said movable part 12 is substantially concentric with the first arm 12b of the preceding movable part 12 (by ordering the movable parts 12 in a clockwise direction) and with the second arm 12c of the following movable part 12, the clearances necessary to allow tilting moving parts 12 in the disengaged position and their mutual positioning being provided between each moving part 12. Clearances are also provided for the manufacture of the moving parts made in one piece, these clearances also depending on the tools used to machine the moving parts.
  • the second arm 12c of a movable part 12 is substantially integrated into the space formed under the middle part 12a of the preceding movable part 12
  • the middle part 12a of said movable part 12 is substantially integrated into the space formed under the first arm 12b of the preceding movable part 12
  • the second arm 12c of said movable part 12 covers the middle part 12a of the following movable part 12.
  • Each moving part 12 is mounted on the first wheel 4 by means of a pivoting system.
  • the pivot system comprises a pivot pin 20 (cf. Figure 1 ) mounted on the first wheel 4 and arranged to constitute the pivot axis of the movable part 12 on said first wheel 4, as will be described below.
  • the second arm 12c of the movable part 12 comprises, on the side of its end connected to the median part 12a, a first orifice 18, passing through, and intended to receive said pivot pin 20.
  • the system of pivoting may comprise a flexible pivot on the one hand connected to the movable part 12 and on the other hand fixed to the first wheel 4 by a fastening element driven into said first wheel 4.
  • the second arm 12c of the movable part 12 also comprises, on the side of its end linked to the middle part 12a, the elastic element 14 connecting said movable part 12 to the hub 10.
  • the elastic element 14 is for example a blade. elastic positioned on the edge, advantageously having at least one bend at the level of the connection with the second arm 12c and at the level of the connection with the hub 10. It is obvious that other forms of elastic blade can be provided.
  • the elastic blade could be straight, without elbow, substantially collinear to the right passing through the center of rotation of the hub 10 and the center of rotation of the moving part 12.
  • the hub 10 preferably has a generally polygonal shape, the number of sides of the hub 10 corresponding to the number of moving parts 12.
  • Each elastic element 14 is linked to a vertex of the polygonal hub 10.
  • the second arm 12c of the movable part 12 comprises a second orifice 22 intended to receive the clutch element 16 of the movable part 12.
  • the clutch element 16 is therefore positioned on the second arm. 12c of the movable part 12 on the side opposite to the first arm 12b relative to the pivot axis of said movable part 12 defined by the pivot pin 20.
  • This clutch element 16 is a stud secured to its movable part 12 extending parallel to the axis A, and projecting in the direction of the second wheel 5 and of the chronograph shaft 8, the sides of the stud being arranged in order to be able to rest on said second wheel 5.
  • the stud can be attached or formed integrally with the movable part 12.
  • the stud preferably has a cylindrical shape but can also be of planar, concave or convex shape.
  • the clutch elements 16 are positioned on the second arm 12c so that, when the clutch spring 3 is unassembled, the circle tangentially inscribed in the clutch elements 16 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second wheel 5.
  • each moving part 12 will switch when the clutch elements 16 come into contact with the outer peripheral wall 5a of the second wheel 5 in order to be able to insert. said second wheel 5 between said clutch elements 16, which will have the effect of deforming the elastic elements 14 and therefore of constraining the system.
  • Each elastic element 14 is then pre-armed to be able to maintain the clutch element 16 on the second wheel 5 in the engaged position.
  • the second arm 12c is configured so that, in the engaged position, the clutch element 16 can rest on the outer peripheral wall 5a (cf. Figure 1 ) of the second wheel 5. It is obvious that the second arm 12c can be configured so that, in the engaged position, the clutch element 16 can rest on an inner peripheral wall provided on the second wheel 5.
  • the clutch spring 3 can be made of a metallic material such as steel, or of any other suitable material, such as silicon, a ceramic, a metallic glass, according to suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art. It can advantageously be produced in one piece.
  • the first wheel 4 comprises a board 24 having holes 26 arranged to be placed opposite the orifices 18 provided on the second arms 12c of the moving parts 12 when the clutch spring 3 is mounted on the first wheel 4.
  • the tenons of pivoting 20 of the moving parts 12 are mounted in said holes 26 to allow free rotation of the moving parts 12 in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel 4 so that they can switch between their engaged position and their disengaged position .
  • the pivot pins 12 are also arranged to prevent any movement along the axis A of the clutch spring 3.
  • the hole 26 is arranged to receive the fixing element of said flexible pivot on the first wheel 4.
  • the board 24 of the first wheel 4 is hollowed out so that the first wheel comprises a hub 28, a rim 30 and arms 32 connecting the hub 28 to the rim 30, this making it possible to reduce the friction between the first wheel 4 and the clutch spring 3.
  • the rim 30 has the holes 26 receiving the pivot pins 20.
  • the hub 28 and the arms 32 are particularly configured to reduce the surfaces that may be in contact with the clutch spring 3.
  • the arms 32 of the first wheel 4 may include ribs 34.
  • the first wheel 4 can have a peripheral annular plate 36 to facilitate its handling.
  • the plate 36 is arranged in a plane different from that of the plate 24 so as not to generate friction with the clutch spring 3.
  • the first wheel 4 can be made of brass, copper, nickel silver, CuBe, or any other suitable material.
  • the clutch control member 2 is in the form of a rocker mounted pivotably on the frame of the movement by means of a pivot 38 and controlled for example by a column wheel (not shown) actuated by manual control means, or actuated by a spring, in a manner known per se.
  • the clutch control member 2 comprises, at its free end, a radial bearing element 40 arranged to come to bear radially on at least one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 to tilt said moving part 12. from its engaged position to its disengaged position, causing the rotation of the hub 10, in turn causing the tilting of the other moving parts 12 into their disengaged position, in order to disconnect the second wheel 5 from the first wheel 4.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged at the periphery of the clutch spring 3 in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A, and is arranged to tilt in said radial plane in one direction so that its support element 40 comes to rest on the first arm 12b of one of the moving parts 1 on which it exerts a force sufficient to overcome the force of the elastic element 14 so as to cause said movable part 12 to tilt into the disengaged position, and to switch in the other direction so that its support element 40 moves away from the clutch spring 3, so as to allow said movable part 12 to return to the engaged position under the effect of its elastic element 14.
  • the support element 40 is arranged substantially in the same plane as the first arms 12b so that, in the engaged position, the side of the support element 40 is in contact with the outer peripheral side wall 42 of said first arm 12b.
  • the operation of the clutch device according to the invention is as follows:
  • the clutch device 1 being placed in an autonomous chronograph mechanism, the cog of the chronograph movement is stopped when the chronograph is not in use so that the motor shaft 6 does not turn.
  • the user starts the stopwatch by pressing the START button.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged to be in raised position, without contact with clutch spring 3, as shown in figure 5 .
  • the hammer (not shown) for resetting is also in the raised position.
  • the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph drive wheel constituted by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14.
  • the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the chronograph movement.
  • the clutch spring 3 driven by the first wheel 4 driven in rotation by its drive shaft 6 causes the rotation of the second wheel 5 and therefore of the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.
  • the user presses the STOP command to stop the cog of the chronograph movement, and in particular the chronograph drive wheel or first wheel 4 so that the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 integral with the Chronograph shaft 8 with the chronograph hand also stops.
  • the user can read the measured time indicated by the chronograph hand.
  • the user presses the RESET command (reset) arranged to control the clutch control member 2 and drop it on one of the moving parts 12.
  • clutch spring 3 as shown in figure 6 . Thanks to the set of movable parts 12 which constitute the periphery of the clutch spring 3 while being movable independently of each other due to their articulation on the first wheel 4, an external radial support of the element d 'support 40 on any movable part 12 will cause said movable part 12 to tilt into its disengaged position causing the other movable parts 12 to tilt into their disengaged position to release the second wheel 5, whatever the angular position of the clutch spring 3 when the chronograph is stopped.
  • the support element 40 presses on the outer peripheral side wall 42 of the first arm 12b which is located in front of it, independently of the angular position of the clutch spring 3, so that the movable part 12 carrying said first arm 12b swings on the first wheel 4 around its pivot pin 20 in the clockwise direction so as to disengage its clutch element 16 from the wall 5a of the second wheel 5.
  • the tilting of the movable part 12 biased by the support element 40 causes the displacement of its second arm 12c and therefore of its elastic element 14, causing the hub 10 to pivot counterclockwise around the Axis A.
  • this rotation of the hub 10 causes the movement of the elastic elements 14 of all the other moving parts 12 which in turn tilt around their pivot pin 20 in the clockwise direction in the disengaged position.
  • all of the clutch elements 16 are disengaged from the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 so that the second wheel 5 carrying the shaft and the chronograph hand is disengaged and is no longer linked to the movement of chronograph.
  • the hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero.
  • the clutch control member 2 can return to its raised position. It is also possible to leave the clutch control member 2 resting on the clutch spring 3 as well as the hammer on the reset core 9 while waiting for the next time measurement by pressing again on the START button. In this case, the clutch control member 2 and the hammer are arranged to rise simultaneously when the START button is pressed again.
  • the clutch control member 2 returns to its raised position, either after resetting or when the START button is pressed again, the moving part 12 which had been requested by the support element 40 swings counterclockwise and is returned to its engaged position by its elastic element 14 which had been more constrained when tilting to the disengaged position.
  • this movable part 12 causes the displacement of its second arm 12c and therefore of its elastic element 14, causing the hub 10 to pivot clockwise around the axis A.
  • this rotation of the hub 10 causes the displacement of the elastic elements 14 of all the other moving parts 12 which in turn swing around their pivot pin 20 in the anti-clockwise direction in the engaged position.
  • all of the clutch elements 16 bear on the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 so that the second wheel 5 integral with the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is again linked to the gear train. of the autonomous chronograph movement allowing a new measurement.
  • the figures 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the invention in which the configuration of the first embodiment has been reversed, the first wheel 4 this time being the driven wheel and the second wheel 5 being the driving wheel.
  • the same references are used to designate the same elements.
  • the second wheel 5 is integral with the motor shaft 6 of the chronograph movement mounted to pivot about the axis A, which constitutes the shaft of the second wheel set, so that the second wheel 5 constitutes the driving wheel of the second wheel.
  • chronograph The first wheel 4 is integral with the chronograph shaft 8 which carries the chronograph hand, the first wheel 4 constituting in this second embodiment the chronograph wheel.
  • the base 8a of the chronograph shaft is fixedly attached to the first wheel 4, which is mounted to pivot around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6 comprising a stone fixed in a kitten 43.
  • the first wheel 4 as well as the clutch spring 3 are positioned around the axis A so that the bottom of the plate 24 of the first wheel 4 is turned towards the side of the chronograph shaft 8 and that the elements d 'clutch 16 moving parts 12 extend coaxially with the axis A, projecting in the direction of the second wheel 5 and of the motor shaft 6.
  • This clutch device can be implemented in an autonomous chronograph movement or linked to a basic movement but comprising a mechanism for stopping the motor shaft when the chronograph is not in operation, as in the first embodiment. described above. Its operation is then identical to that described above.
  • This clutch device can also be implemented in a chronograph movement associated with a basic horological movement in which the finishing train rotates continuously so that the motor shaft 6 also rotates continuously, including when the shifting mechanism. chronograph is in the STOP position.
  • a locking member 44 as shown in the figures 7 and 8 , arranged to be able to hold in place the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4, when it is disengaged and the chronograph is stopped, in order to prevent its rotation in particular when no time measurement or no resetting of the chronograph hand is performed.
  • the locking member is for example a rocker mounted to pivot on the frame and arranged to have a side wall 44a intended to come to rest on the outer peripheral wall of the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4.
  • the locking member 44 is arranged to be controlled for example by the column wheel or by the clutch control member 2 or any other part of the chronograph mechanism itself controlled by the column wheel.
  • the clutch control member 2 comprises a roller constituting the support element 40, arranged to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 when the moving parts 12 are in the disengaged position, in particular when of resetting the chronograph hand.
  • roller The dimensions of the roller are chosen so that it can roll constantly around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 without being disturbed by the spaces provided between the outer peripheral side walls 42 of the first arms 12b of the moving parts 12.
  • this clutch device used in a chronograph movement associated with a basic movement where the motor shaft rotates continuously is as follows: when the chronograph is engaged by pressing the START position, the control member of clutch 2, the locking member 44, and the hammer are in the raised position.
  • the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph wheel formed by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph driving wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14.
  • the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the base movement.
  • the clutch spring 3 then driven in rotation by the second wheel 5 driven by its drive shaft 6 drives the first wheel 4 and therefore the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 in order to tilt all the moving parts 12 into their disengaged position. as described above to disengage the first wheel 4 from the second wheel 5.
  • the latter continues to rotate, its drive shaft being linked to the basic watch movement.
  • the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is no longer linked to the basic watch movement.
  • the locking member 44 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4, so that the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is held in place. on the measured time to read. The hammer is still raised.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged to remain pressed on the clutch spring 3 so as to hold the first wheel 4 and the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand disengaged from the basic movement.
  • the locking member 44 is arranged to disengage from the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4 when pressing the reset command in order to release said first wheel 4 constituting the chronograph wheel.
  • the hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero.
  • the roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 rolls around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 which, integral with the chronograph shaft 8, rotates with him.
  • the clutch control member 2 remains in place so as to keep the first wheel 4 and the chronograph shaft 8 disengaged from the second wheel 5 which continues to rotate.
  • the chronograph hand is held at the zero of the chronograph by the hammer.
  • the clutch device according to the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 6 could be set up in a chronograph movement associated with a basic watch movement in which the finishing gear constantly rotates so that the motor shaft 6 also rotates continuously, including when the chronograph mechanism is in the STOP position.
  • a locking member 44 as shown in the figures.
  • figures 7 and 8 arranged to be able to hold in place the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5, when it is disengaged and the chronograph is stopped, in order to prevent its rotation, in particular outside of any time measurement or of resetting the machine to zero. chronograph hand.
  • the clutch control member 2 comprises a roller constituting the support element 40, arranged to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 when the moving parts 12 are in position. disengaged, and that the clutch spring 3 rotates continuously, driven by the motor shaft 6.
  • this clutch device used in a chronograph movement associated with a basic movement where the motor shaft rotates continuously is as follows: when the chronograph is engaged by pressing the START position, the control member of clutch 2, the locking member 44, and the hammer are in the raised position.
  • the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph drive wheel constituted by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14.
  • the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the base movement.
  • the clutch spring 3 then driven by the first wheel 4 driven by its motor shaft 6 rotates the second wheel 5 and therefore the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 in order to tilt all the moving parts 12 into their disengaged position. as described above to disengage the second wheel 5 from the first wheel 4.
  • the latter continues to rotate, its drive shaft 6 being linked to the basic watch movement, so that the clutch spring 3 also continues to rotate.
  • the roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 rolls around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 to maintain the disengaged position.
  • the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is no longer linked to the basic watch movement.
  • the locking member 44 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5, so that the chronograph shaft 8 bearing the chronograph hand is held in place over the measured time to be read. The hammer is still raised.
  • the clutch control member 2 is arranged to remain pressed on the clutch spring 3 so as to hold the second wheel 5 and the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand disengaged from the basic movement.
  • the locking member 44 is arranged to disengage from the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5 when pressing the reset command in order to release said second wheel 5 constituting the chronograph wheel.
  • the hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero.
  • the roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 continues to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 which, driven by the first wheel 4 and the motor shaft 6, rotates with them.
  • the clutch control member 2 remains in place so as to keep the second wheel 5 and the chronograph shaft 8 disengaged from the first wheel 4 which continues to rotate.
  • the chronograph hand is held at the zero of the chronograph by the hammer.
  • the clutch device makes it possible to disengage the driving wheel from the driven wheel regardless of the angular position of the clutch spring.
  • the external radial support element as well as the distribution of the first arms 12b of the moving parts 12 around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 make it possible to be able to effectively actuate the clutch spring 3 at any point, independently. of its angular position.
  • the friction clutch device of the invention makes it possible to avoid any shift in the information during the clutch.
  • the radial actuation of the clutch spring enables a compact and easy to release clutch mechanism. Low trigger force results in high friction torque.
  • the clutch device is preferably used in a chronograph mechanism, but it is obvious that it can be used in any other watch mechanism requiring a clutch mechanism, for example an alarm triggering mechanism.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'embrayage par friction comprenant un organe de commande d'embrayage et un ressort d'embrayage apte à coupler par friction une première roue à une seconde roue pour qu'elles puissent pivoter ensemble selon un axe A, l'une des première et seconde roues étant une roue motrice et l'autre étant une roue entrainée, lesdites roues étant destinées à une pièce d'horlogerie.The present invention relates to a friction clutch device comprising a clutch control member and a clutch spring capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel to a second wheel so that they can pivot together along an axis A, l one of the first and second wheels being a driving wheel and the other being a driven wheel, said wheels being intended for a timepiece.

La présente invention concerne également un mécanisme de chronographe comprenant un tel dispositif d'embrayage.The present invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device.

Dans les chronographes traditionnels, le mouvement de la roue des secondes dans le mouvement de base est transmis à la roue de chronographe portant l'aiguille trotteuse de chronographe par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif d'embrayage agencé pour coupler la roue des secondes à la roue de chronographe et permettre l'entrainement de cette dernière ainsi que pour séparer les deux roues et stopper le mécanisme de chronographe.In traditional chronographs, the movement of the seconds wheel in the base movement is transmitted to the chronograph wheel carrying the chronograph second hand through a clutch device arranged to couple the seconds wheel to the chronograph wheel and allow the latter to be driven as well as to separate the two wheels and stop the chronograph mechanism.

Les dispositifs d'embrayage peuvent être de trois types :

  • embrayage radial (ou horizontal) dans lequel une bascule d'embrayage porte une roue d'embrayage intermédiaire dentée engrenant continuellement avec une roue de champ solidaire de la roue des secondes et engrenant avec la roue de chronographe dentée lorsque la bascule d'embrayage, commandée à partir d'une roue à colonnes, a pivoté pour embrayer la roue de champ et la roue de chronographe
  • embrayage vertical dans lequel un disque d'embrayage est soulevé verticalement au moyen de pinces d'embrayage pour embrayer et débrayer la roue des secondes et la roue de chronographe
  • embrayage oscillant, variante de l'embrayage horizontal dans laquelle la roue sur champ et la roue intermédiaire sont remplacées par un pignon qui engrène avec la roue des secondes et qui peut légèrement osciller sur son axe sous l'action d'une bascule commandée à partir de la roue à colonnes, et ainsi engrener avec la roue de chronographe.
Clutch devices can be of three types:
  • radial (or horizontal) clutch in which a clutch rocker carries an intermediate toothed clutch wheel meshing continuously with a field wheel integral with the seconds wheel and meshing with the toothed chronograph wheel when the clutch rocker is controlled from a column wheel, rotated to engage the field wheel and the chronograph wheel
  • vertical clutch in which a clutch disc is lifted vertically by means of clutch clamps to engage and disengage the seconds wheel and the chronograph wheel
  • oscillating clutch, variant of the horizontal clutch in which the field wheel and the intermediate wheel are replaced by a pinion which meshes with the seconds wheel and which can oscillate slightly on its axis under the action of a rocker controlled from the column wheel, and thus mesh with the chronograph wheel.

Le principal inconvénient rencontré avec l'embrayage horizontal et l'embrayage oscillant consiste en ce que, lors de l'embrayage, c'est-à-dire lorsque la roue intermédiaire ou le pignon oscillant vient engrener avec la roue de chronographe, la pénétration de la denture de la roue intermédiaire ou du pignon oscillant dans celle de la roue de chronographe peut provoquer un saut intempestif de la roue de chronographe et donc de l'aiguille de chronographe, entrainant un décalage de l'information.The main drawback encountered with the horizontal clutch and the oscillating clutch is that, during the engagement, that is to say when the intermediate wheel or the oscillating pinion comes into mesh with the chronograph wheel, the penetration the toothing of the intermediate wheel or of the pinion oscillating in that of the chronograph wheel can cause an untimely jump of the chronograph wheel and therefore of the chronograph hand, causing a shift in the information.

L'inconvénient d'un embrayage vertical est qu'il nécessite une certaine hauteur pour permettre le soulèvement du disque d'embrayage. En outre, les pinces d'embrayage ont un mouvement dans le plan pour donner un mouvement hors plan au disque d'embrayage. Cela implique au niveau des pinces d'embrayage des forces en fonctionnement élevées, ce qui peut engendrer des problèmes de fonctionnement.The disadvantage of a vertical clutch is that it requires a certain height to allow the lifting of the clutch disc. In addition, the clutch clamps have in-plane movement to give out-of-plane movement to the clutch disc. This involves high operating forces at the clutch clamps, which can cause operating problems.

Une solution a été proposée dans le brevet EP 2 085 832 . Ce document décrit un dispositif de chronographe avec embrayage à friction comprenant un plateau d'entrainement rotatif sur un arbre de chronographe et entrainé en rotation continue par un mouvement horloger, et un ressort d'embrayage lié en rotation à l'arbre de chronographe par l'intermédiaire d'un disque d'embrayage, ledit ressort d'embrayage comprenant des bras flexibles pouvant se déformer pour appuyer leur extrémités respectives sur le plateau d'entrainement afin d'embrayer le plateau d'entrainement et l'arbre de chronographe. Le dispositif d'embrayage comprend également une roue d'isolation pour coopérer avec les bras flexibles du ressort d'embrayage et commandée par un isolateur pour faire avancer ou reculer la roue d'isolation afin d'écarter ou rapprocher lesdits bras flexibles du plateau d'entrainement. Le disque d'embrayage, l'arbre de chronographe et la roue d'isolation embarquée sur le ressort d'embrayage étant maintenus en position d'arrêt lorsque le chronographe est arrêté, le dispositif d'embrayage comprend en outre un ressort de friction liant le disque d'embrayage et le ressort d'embrayage à l'arbre de chronographe, notamment pour permettre la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe. Ce ressort à friction est sensible et délicat à dimensionner correctement pour garantir son efficacité dans cette construction complexe. De plus, ce dispositif d'embrayage occupe un espace important tant en hauteur qu'en largeur, du fait de la roue d'isolation et de son isolateur.A solution has been proposed in the patent EP 2,085,832 . This document describes a chronograph device with a friction clutch comprising a rotary drive plate on a chronograph shaft and driven in continuous rotation by a watch movement, and a clutch spring connected in rotation to the chronograph shaft by the 'Intermediate of a clutch disc, said clutch spring comprising flexible arms capable of being deformed to support their respective ends on the drive plate in order to engage the drive plate and the chronograph shaft. The clutch device also comprises an isolation wheel to cooperate with the flexible arms of the clutch spring and controlled by an isolator to move the isolation wheel forward or back in order to move said flexible arms away from or nearer to the plate d. 'coaching. The clutch disc, the chronograph shaft and the isolation wheel mounted on the clutch spring being held in position stop when the chronograph is stopped, the clutch device further comprises a friction spring connecting the clutch disc and the clutch spring to the chronograph shaft, in particular to allow the reset of the chronograph hand. This friction spring is sensitive and delicate to size correctly to ensure its effectiveness in this complex construction. In addition, this clutch device occupies a large space both in height and in width, due to the isolation wheel and its insulator.

La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant un dispositif d'embrayage permettant d'enclencher le chronographe sans décalage de l'information lors de l'embrayage, et notamment sans saut intempestif de l'aiguille de chronographe.The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a clutch device making it possible to engage the chronograph without shifting the information during engagement, and in particular without inadvertent jump of the chronograph hand.

La présente invention vise également à proposer un dispositif d'embrayage de faible encombrement et permettant un déclenchement aisé du chronographe.The present invention also aims to provide a compact clutch device allowing easy triggering of the chronograph.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un dispositif d'embrayage par friction comprenant un organe de commande d'embrayage et un ressort d'embrayage apte à coupler par friction une première roue à une seconde roue pour qu'elles puissent pivoter ensemble selon un axe A, l'une des première et seconde roues étant une roue motrice et l'autre étant une roue entrainée destinées à une pièce d'horlogerie.To this end, the present invention relates to a friction clutch device comprising a clutch control member and a clutch spring capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel to a second wheel so that they can pivot together according to a axis A, one of the first and second wheels being a driving wheel and the other being a driven wheel intended for a timepiece.

Selon l'invention, le ressort d'embrayage comprend un moyeu monté libre en rotation selon l'axe A et un ensemble de pièces mobiles reliées respectivement au moyeu par des éléments élastiques, chacune desdites pièces mobiles comprenant un élément d'embrayage destiné à s'appuyer sur la seconde roue et étant montée pivotante dans un plan radial perpendiculaire à l'axe A sur la première roue pour pouvoir basculer entre une position embrayée dans laquelle son élément d'embrayage est maintenu appuyé sur la seconde roue sous l'effet de son élément élastique, et une position débrayée dans laquelle son élément d'embrayage n'est pas au contact de la seconde roue, chacune desdites pièces mobiles étant agencée pour que l'ensemble desdites pièces mobiles définisse sensiblement le pourtour dudit ressort d'embrayage. En outre, l'organe de commande d'embrayage comprend un élément d'appui radial agencé pour venir appuyer radialement sur au moins l'une des pièces mobiles du ressort d'embrayage pour basculer ladite pièce mobile de sa position embrayée à sa position débrayée, entrainant la rotation du moyeu entrainant à son tour le basculement des autres pièces mobiles dans leur position débrayée, afin de désaccoupler la seconde roue de la première roue.According to the invention, the clutch spring comprises a hub mounted to rotate freely along the axis A and a set of moving parts connected respectively to the hub by elastic elements, each of said moving parts comprising a clutch element intended to s 'press on the second wheel and being mounted to pivot in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel in order to be able to switch between an engaged position in which its clutch element is kept pressed on the second wheel under the effect of its elastic element, and a disengaged position in which its clutch element is not in contact with the second wheel, each of said moving parts being arranged so that all of said moving parts define substantially the periphery of said clutch spring. In addition, the clutch control member comprises a radial support element arranged to come to bear radially on at least one of the movable parts of the clutch spring to switch said movable part from its engaged position to its disengaged position. , causing the hub to rotate, in turn causing the tilting of the other moving parts into their disengaged position, in order to disconnect the second wheel from the first wheel.

Ainsi, le dispositif d'embrayage selon l'invention permet de réaliser un embrayage horizontal à friction, et donc sans décalage de l'information lors de l'embrayage, et de faible encombrement et à déclenchement aisé.Thus, the clutch device according to the invention makes it possible to produce a horizontal friction clutch, and therefore without shifting the information during the clutch, and of small size and easy to release.

La présente invention concerne également un mécanisme de chronographe comprenant un tel dispositif d'embrayage, dans lequel l'une des première et seconde roues est la roue motrice qui est solidaire d'un arbre moteur d'un rouage d'un mouvement horloger et l'autre des première et seconde roues est la roue entrainée qui est solidaire d'un arbre de chronographe portant un organe d'affichage de chronographe, l'arbre moteur et l'arbre de chronographe étant montés pivotants autour de l'axe A.The present invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device, in which one of the first and second wheels is the drive wheel which is integral with a drive shaft of a cog of a watch movement and the Another of the first and second wheels is the driven wheel which is integral with a chronograph shaft carrying a chronograph display member, the motor shaft and the chronograph shaft being mounted to pivot about the axis A.

La présente invention concerne également un chronographe comprenant un tel mécanisme de chronographe.The present invention also relates to a chronograph comprising such a chronograph mechanism.

La présente invention concerne également une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un dispositif d'embrayage tel que défini ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a clutch device as defined above.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante de différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe A de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du ressort d'embrayage ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la première roue ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du dispositif d'embrayage selon le premier mode de réalisation en position embrayée ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du dispositif d'embrayage selon le premier mode de réalisation en position débrayée ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe A de la figure 7.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view along the axis A of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a perspective view of the clutch spring;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the first wheel;
  • the figure 5 is a top view of the clutch device according to the first embodiment in the engaged position;
  • the figure 6 is a top view of the clutch device according to the first embodiment in the disengaged position;
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; and
  • the figure 8 is a sectional view along the axis A of the figure 7 .

En référence aux figures 1 et 2, un dispositif d'embrayage 1 selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention comprend un organe de commande d'embrayage 2 et un ressort d'embrayage 3 apte à coupler par friction une première roue 4 à une seconde roue 5 pour qu'elles puissent pivoter ensemble selon un axe A. Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, le dispositif d'embrayage 1 est mis en oeuvre dans un mécanisme de chronographe autonome possédant son propre mouvement horloger avec son propre régulateur oscillant ou dans un mécanisme de chronographe lié à un mouvement de base mais comprenant un mécanisme pour stopper l'arbre moteur lié au chronographe lorsque celui-ci n'est pas en fonction. La première roue 4 est une roue motrice, solidaire d'un arbre moteur 6 du mouvement de chronographe autonome ou lié cinématiquement au mouvement de base, monté pivotant autour de l'axe A dans des paliers 7. L'arbre moteur 6 est par exemple l'arbre du mobile de seconde ou un arbre lié cinématiquement au mobile de seconde mais pouvant être bloqué en rotation de manière indépendante lorsque le chronographe n'est pas utilisé. La première roue 4 constitue ainsi la roue entraineuse de chronographe. La seconde roue 5 est une roue entrainée, ici solidaire d'un arbre de chronographe 8 portant un organe d'affichage de chronographe, tel qu'une aiguille de chronographe (non représentée). La seconde roue 5 constitue ainsi la roue de chronographe. L'arbre de chronographe 8 est monté pivotant autour de l'axe A. Pour cela, il comprend une base 8a fixée de manière solidaire à la seconde roue 5, laquelle est montée pivotante autour du palier supérieur 7 de l'arbre moteur 6. Il est bien évident que d'autres constructions équivalentes sont possibles. Par exemple, la seconde roue 5 pourrait être fixée de manière solidaire à la base de l'arbre de chronographe, ladite base étant montée pivotante autour du palier supérieur 7 de l'arbre moteur 6.With reference to figures 1 and 2 , a clutch device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention comprises a clutch control member 2 and a clutch spring 3 capable of frictionally coupling a first wheel 4 to a second wheel 5 so that they can pivot together along an axis A. In this first embodiment, the clutch device 1 is implemented in an autonomous chronograph mechanism having its own watch movement with its own oscillating regulator or in a chronograph mechanism linked to a basic movement but comprising a mechanism for stopping the motor shaft linked to the chronograph when the latter is not in operation. The first wheel 4 is a drive wheel, integral with a drive shaft 6 of the autonomous chronograph movement or kinematically linked to the base movement, mounted to pivot around the axis A in bearings 7. The drive shaft 6 is for example the shaft of the second mobile or a shaft kinematically linked to the second mobile but which can be locked in rotation independently when the chronograph is not in use. The first wheel 4 thus constitutes the chronograph driving wheel. The second wheel 5 is a driven wheel, here integral with a chronograph shaft 8 carrying a chronograph display member, such as a chronograph hand (not shown). The second wheel 5 thus constitutes the chronograph wheel. The chronograph shaft 8 is mounted to pivot around the axis A. For this, it comprises a base 8a fixed integrally to the second wheel 5, which is mounted pivoting around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6. It is obvious that other equivalent constructions are possible. For example, the second wheel 5 could be fixedly attached to the base of the chronograph shaft, said base being mounted to pivot around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6.

D'une manière connue, l'arbre de chronographe 8 porte un cœur 9 sur lequel appuie un marteau (non représenté) pour la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe.In a known manner, the chronograph shaft 8 carries a heart 9 on which a hammer (not shown) rests to reset the chronograph hand to zero.

Conformément à l'invention, le ressort d'embrayage 3 comprend un moyeu 10 monté libre en rotation selon l'axe A autour de l'arbre moteur 6 et un ensemble de pièces mobiles 12 reliées respectivement au moyeu 10 par des éléments élastiques 14, chacune desdites pièces mobiles 12 comprenant un élément d'embrayage 16 destiné à s'appuyer sur la seconde roue 5, et étant montée pivotante dans un plan radial perpendiculaire à l'axe A sur la première roue 4 pour pouvoir basculer entre une position embrayée dans laquelle son élément d'embrayage 16 est maintenu appuyé sur la seconde roue 5 sous l'effet de son élément élastique 14, et une position débrayée dans laquelle son élément d'embrayage 16 n'est pas au contact de la seconde roue 5, chacune desdites pièces mobiles 12 étant agencée pour que l'ensemble desdites pièces mobiles 12 définisse globalement sensiblement le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3.According to the invention, the clutch spring 3 comprises a hub 10 mounted to rotate freely along the axis A around the motor shaft 6 and a set of moving parts 12 respectively connected to the hub 10 by elastic elements 14, each of said movable parts 12 comprising a clutch element 16 intended to rest on the second wheel 5, and being mounted pivotably in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel 4 in order to be able to switch between an engaged position in in which its clutch element 16 is kept pressed on the second wheel 5 under the effect of its elastic element 14, and a disengaged position in which its clutch element 16 is not in contact with the second wheel 5, each said moving parts 12 being arranged so that all of said moving parts 12 generally define substantially the periphery of the clutch spring 3.

En référence plus particulièrement à la figure 3, chaque pièce mobile 12 comprend une partie médiane 12a, un premier bras 12b en forme d'arc de cercle définissant une portion du pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 8, ledit premier bras 12b étant solidaire d'une extrémité de la partie médiane 12a, et un second bras 12c monté pivotant sur la première roue 4, solidaire de l'autre extrémité de la partie médiane 12a, ledit second bras 12c portant l'élément d'embrayage 16 (cf. figures 1 et 2) et étant relié au moyeu 10 par l'élément élastique 14.With particular reference to the figure 3 , each movable part 12 comprises a middle part 12a, a first arm 12b in the form of an arc of a circle defining a portion of the periphery of the clutch spring 8, said first arm 12b being integral with one end of the middle part 12a, and a second arm 12c mounted to pivot on the first wheel 4, integral with the other end of the middle part 12a, said second arm 12c carrying the clutch element 16 (cf. figures 1 and 2 ) and being connected to the hub 10 by the elastic element 14.

Le premier bras 12b est effilé du côté de son extrémité libre et sa longueur correspond sensiblement au périmètre du ressort d'embrayage 3 divisé par le nombre de pièces mobiles 12 moins les jeux nécessaires prévus de chaque côté des premiers bras 12b pour permettre le basculement des pièces mobiles 12 en position débrayée.The first arm 12b is tapered on the side of its free end and its length corresponds substantially to the perimeter of the clutch spring 3 divided by the number of moving parts 12 minus the necessary clearances provided on each side of the first arms 12b to allow the tilting of the moving parts 12 in the disengaged position.

Les pièces mobiles 12 sont disposées concentriquement autour du moyeu 10, imbriquées les unes dans les autres de sorte que l'ensemble des premiers bras 12b en forme d'arc de cercle permet de reconstituer un cercle définissant globalement le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3, chacun des premiers bras 12b constituant un levier sur lequel l'organe de commande 2 va pouvoir venir appuyer pour commander le dispositif d'embrayage comme cela sera décrit ci-dessous. La courbure de l'arc de cercle de chaque premier bras 12b est choisie pour que les premiers bras 12b aient comme axe de construction l'axe A lorsque les pièces mobiles 12 basculent de manière à conserver la forme circulaire du pourtour du ressort d'embrayage quelle que soit la position des pièces mobiles 12. Le nombre de pièces mobiles 12 est ici de six, mais un nombre différent de pièces mobiles 12 peut être prévu. On peut par exemple prévoir un ressort d'embrayage comprenant de deux à dix pièces mobiles, et de préférence de cinq à sept pièces mobiles.The moving parts 12 are arranged concentrically around the hub 10, nested one inside the other so that the set of the first arms 12b in the form of an arc of a circle makes it possible to reconstitute a circle generally defining the periphery of the clutch spring 3 , each of the first arms 12b constituting a lever on which the control member 2 will be able to come to press to control the clutch device as will be described below. The curvature of the circular arc of each first arm 12b is chosen so that the first arms 12b have the axis A as their construction axis when the moving parts 12 tilt so as to maintain the circular shape of the periphery of the clutch spring whatever the position of the moving parts 12. The number of moving parts 12 is here six, but a different number of moving parts 12 can be provided. It is for example possible to provide a clutch spring comprising from two to ten moving parts, and preferably from five to seven moving parts.

Pour chaque pièce mobile 12, la partie médiane 12a ainsi que le premier bras 12b et le second bras 12c sont configurés de sorte que, lorsque les pièces mobiles 12 sont en position embrayée, non sollicitées par l'organe de commande 2, la partie médiane 12a de ladite pièce mobile 12 est sensiblement concentrique au premier bras 12b de la pièce mobile 12 précédente (en ordonnant les pièces mobiles 12 dans le sens horaire) et au second bras 12c de la pièce mobile 12 suivante, des jeux nécessaires pour permettre le basculement des pièces mobiles 12 en position débrayée et leur positionnement mutuel étant prévus entre chaque pièce mobile 12. Des jeux sont aussi prévus pour la fabrication des pièces mobiles réalisées de manière monobloc, ces jeux dépendant également des outils utilisés pour usiner les pièces mobiles. Ainsi, comme le montre la figure 3, le second bras 12c d'une pièce mobile 12 s'intègre sensiblement dans l'espace formé sous la partie médiane 12a de la pièce mobile 12 précédente, la partie médiane 12a de ladite pièce mobile 12 s'intègre sensiblement dans l'espace formé sous le premier bras 12b de la pièce mobile 12 précédente, et le second bras 12c de ladite pièce mobile 12 recouvre la partie médiane 12a de la pièce mobile 12 suivante.For each moving part 12, the middle part 12a as well as the first arm 12b and the second arm 12c are configured so that, when the moving parts 12 are in the engaged position, not stressed by the control member 2, the middle part 12a of said movable part 12 is substantially concentric with the first arm 12b of the preceding movable part 12 (by ordering the movable parts 12 in a clockwise direction) and with the second arm 12c of the following movable part 12, the clearances necessary to allow tilting moving parts 12 in the disengaged position and their mutual positioning being provided between each moving part 12. Clearances are also provided for the manufacture of the moving parts made in one piece, these clearances also depending on the tools used to machine the moving parts. Thus, as shown in the figure 3 , the second arm 12c of a movable part 12 is substantially integrated into the space formed under the middle part 12a of the preceding movable part 12, the middle part 12a of said movable part 12 is substantially integrated into the space formed under the first arm 12b of the preceding movable part 12, and the second arm 12c of said movable part 12 covers the middle part 12a of the following movable part 12.

Chaque pièce mobile 12 est montée sur la première roue 4 au moyen d'un système de pivotement. Dans l'exemple représenté ici, le système de pivotement comprend un tenon de pivotement 20 (cf. Figure 1) monté sur la première roue 4 et agencé pour constituer l'axe de pivotement de la pièce mobile 12 sur ladite première roue 4, comme cela sera décrit ci-après. Le second bras 12c de la pièce mobile 12 comporte, du côté de son extrémité liée à la partie médiane 12a, un premier orifice 18, traversant, et destiné à recevoir ledit tenon de pivotement 20. Dans une autre variante non représentée, le système de pivotement peut comprendre un pivot flexible d'une part relié à la pièce mobile 12 et d'autre part fixé à la première roue 4 par un élément de fixation chassé dans ladite première roue 4.Each moving part 12 is mounted on the first wheel 4 by means of a pivoting system. In the example shown here, the pivot system comprises a pivot pin 20 (cf. Figure 1 ) mounted on the first wheel 4 and arranged to constitute the pivot axis of the movable part 12 on said first wheel 4, as will be described below. The second arm 12c of the movable part 12 comprises, on the side of its end connected to the median part 12a, a first orifice 18, passing through, and intended to receive said pivot pin 20. In another variant not shown, the system of pivoting may comprise a flexible pivot on the one hand connected to the movable part 12 and on the other hand fixed to the first wheel 4 by a fastening element driven into said first wheel 4.

Le second bras 12c de la pièce mobile 12 comporte également du côté de son extrémité liée à la partie médiane 12a, l'élément élastique 14 reliant ladite pièce mobile 12 au moyeu 10. De préférence, l'élément élastique 14 est par exemple une lame élastique positionnée sur la tranche, présentant avantageusement au moins un coude au niveau de la liaison avec le second bras 12c et au niveau de la liaison avec le moyeu 10. Il est bien évident que d'autres formes de lame élastique peuvent être prévues. Par exemple, la lame élastique pourrait être droite, sans coude, sensiblement colinéaire à la droite passant par le centre de rotation du moyeu 10 et le centre de rotation de la pièce mobile 12.The second arm 12c of the movable part 12 also comprises, on the side of its end linked to the middle part 12a, the elastic element 14 connecting said movable part 12 to the hub 10. Preferably, the elastic element 14 is for example a blade. elastic positioned on the edge, advantageously having at least one bend at the level of the connection with the second arm 12c and at the level of the connection with the hub 10. It is obvious that other forms of elastic blade can be provided. For example, the elastic blade could be straight, without elbow, substantially collinear to the right passing through the center of rotation of the hub 10 and the center of rotation of the moving part 12.

Le moyeu 10 présente de préférence globalement une forme polygonale, le nombre de côtés du moyeu 10 correspondant au nombre de pièces mobiles 12. Chaque élément élastique 14 est lié à un sommet du moyeu polygonal 10.The hub 10 preferably has a generally polygonal shape, the number of sides of the hub 10 corresponding to the number of moving parts 12. Each elastic element 14 is linked to a vertex of the polygonal hub 10.

A son extrémité libre, le second bras 12c de la pièce mobile 12 comporte un second orifice 22 destiné à recevoir l'élément d'embrayage 16 de la pièce mobile 12. L'élément d'embrayage 16 se trouve donc positionné sur le second bras 12c de la pièce mobile 12 du côté opposé au premier bras 12b par rapport à l'axe de pivotement de ladite pièce mobile 12 défini par le tenon de pivotement 20.At its free end, the second arm 12c of the movable part 12 comprises a second orifice 22 intended to receive the clutch element 16 of the movable part 12. The clutch element 16 is therefore positioned on the second arm. 12c of the movable part 12 on the side opposite to the first arm 12b relative to the pivot axis of said movable part 12 defined by the pivot pin 20.

Cet élément d'embrayage 16 est un plot solidaire de sa pièce mobile 12 s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe A, et faisant saillie en direction de la seconde roue 5 et de l'arbre de chronographe 8, les flancs du plot étant agencés pour pouvoir s'appuyer sur ladite seconde roue 5. Le plot peut être rapporté ou formé d'une seule pièce avec la pièce mobile 12. Le plot a de préférence une forme cylindrique mais peut être également de forme plane, concave ou convexe.This clutch element 16 is a stud secured to its movable part 12 extending parallel to the axis A, and projecting in the direction of the second wheel 5 and of the chronograph shaft 8, the sides of the stud being arranged in order to be able to rest on said second wheel 5. The stud can be attached or formed integrally with the movable part 12. The stud preferably has a cylindrical shape but can also be of planar, concave or convex shape.

Les éléments d'embrayage 16 sont positionnés sur le second bras 12c de sorte que, lorsque le ressort d'embrayage 3 est non monté, le cercle inscrit par tangence dans les éléments d'embrayage 16 a un diamètre inférieur au diamètre de la seconde roue 5. Ainsi, au moment du montage du ressort d'embrayage 3 à la seconde roue 5, chaque pièce mobile 12 va basculer lorsque les éléments d'embrayage 16 seront au contact de la paroi périphérique extérieure 5a de la seconde roue 5 pour pouvoir insérer ladite seconde roue 5 entre lesdits éléments d'embrayage 16, ce qui aura pour effet de déformer les éléments élastiques 14 et donc de contraindre le système. Chaque élément élastique 14 est alors préarmé pour pouvoir assurer le maintien de l'élément d'embrayage 16 sur la seconde roue 5 en position embrayée.The clutch elements 16 are positioned on the second arm 12c so that, when the clutch spring 3 is unassembled, the circle tangentially inscribed in the clutch elements 16 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the second wheel 5. Thus, when fitting the clutch spring 3 to the second wheel 5, each moving part 12 will switch when the clutch elements 16 come into contact with the outer peripheral wall 5a of the second wheel 5 in order to be able to insert. said second wheel 5 between said clutch elements 16, which will have the effect of deforming the elastic elements 14 and therefore of constraining the system. Each elastic element 14 is then pre-armed to be able to maintain the clutch element 16 on the second wheel 5 in the engaged position.

Dans les exemples représentés, le second bras 12c est configuré pour que, en position embrayée, l'élément d'embrayage 16 puisse s'appuyer sur la paroi périphérique extérieure 5a (cf. Figure 1) de la seconde roue 5. Il est bien évident que le second bras 12c peut être configuré pour que, en position embrayée, l'élément d'embrayage 16 puisse s'appuyer sur une paroi périphérique intérieure prévue sur la seconde roue 5.In the examples shown, the second arm 12c is configured so that, in the engaged position, the clutch element 16 can rest on the outer peripheral wall 5a (cf. Figure 1 ) of the second wheel 5. It is obvious that the second arm 12c can be configured so that, in the engaged position, the clutch element 16 can rest on an inner peripheral wall provided on the second wheel 5.

Le ressort d'embrayage 3 peut être réalisé en matériau métallique tel que l'acier, ou en tout autre matériau approprié, tel que le silicium, une céramique, un verre métallique, selon les techniques adéquates connues de l'homme du métier. Il peut avantageusement être réalisé d'une seule pièce.The clutch spring 3 can be made of a metallic material such as steel, or of any other suitable material, such as silicon, a ceramic, a metallic glass, according to suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art. It can advantageously be produced in one piece.

En référence à la figure 4, la première roue 4 comprend une planche 24 présentant des trous 26 agencés pour être disposés en regard des orifices 18 prévus sur les seconds bras 12c des pièces mobiles 12 lorsque le ressort d'embrayage 3 est monté sur la première roue 4. Les tenons de pivotement 20 des pièces mobiles 12 sont montés dans lesdits trous 26 pour permettre la libre rotation des pièces mobiles 12 dans un plan radial perpendiculaire à l'axe A sur la première roue 4 pour qu'elles puissent basculer entre leur position embrayée et leur position débrayée. Les tenons de pivotement 12 sont également agencés pour empêcher tout déplacement selon l'axe A du ressort d'embrayage 3. Dans la variante non représentée décrite ci-dessus dans laquelle le système de pivotement comprend un pivot flexible, le trou 26 est agencé pour recevoir l'élément de fixation dudit pivot flexible sur la première roue 4.With reference to the figure 4 , the first wheel 4 comprises a board 24 having holes 26 arranged to be placed opposite the orifices 18 provided on the second arms 12c of the moving parts 12 when the clutch spring 3 is mounted on the first wheel 4. The tenons of pivoting 20 of the moving parts 12 are mounted in said holes 26 to allow free rotation of the moving parts 12 in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel 4 so that they can switch between their engaged position and their disengaged position . The pivot pins 12 are also arranged to prevent any movement along the axis A of the clutch spring 3. In the variant not shown described above in which the pivot system comprises a flexible pivot, the hole 26 is arranged to receive the fixing element of said flexible pivot on the first wheel 4.

Avantageusement, la planche 24 de première roue 4 est évidée de sorte que la première roue comprend un moyeu 28, une serge 30 et des bras 32 reliant le moyeu 28 à la serge 30, ceci permettant de réduire les frottements entre la première roue 4 et le ressort d'embrayage 3. La serge 30 comporte les trous 26 recevant les tenons de pivotement 20. Le moyeu 28 ainsi que les bras 32 sont particulièrement configurés pour réduire les surfaces pouvant être au contact du ressort d'embrayage 3. Ainsi, les bras 32 de la première roue 4 peuvent comprendre des nervures 34.Advantageously, the board 24 of the first wheel 4 is hollowed out so that the first wheel comprises a hub 28, a rim 30 and arms 32 connecting the hub 28 to the rim 30, this making it possible to reduce the friction between the first wheel 4 and the clutch spring 3. The rim 30 has the holes 26 receiving the pivot pins 20. The hub 28 and the arms 32 are particularly configured to reduce the surfaces that may be in contact with the clutch spring 3. Thus, the arms 32 of the first wheel 4 may include ribs 34.

En outre, la première roue 4 peut présenter un plateau annulaire périphérique 36 pour faciliter sa manipulation. De préférence, le plateau 36 est disposé dans un plan différent de celui de la planche 24 afin de ne pas générer de frottement avec le ressort d'embrayage 3.In addition, the first wheel 4 can have a peripheral annular plate 36 to facilitate its handling. Preferably, the plate 36 is arranged in a plane different from that of the plate 24 so as not to generate friction with the clutch spring 3.

La première roue 4 peut être réalisée en laiton, cuivre, maillechort, CuBe, ou tout autre matériau approprié.The first wheel 4 can be made of brass, copper, nickel silver, CuBe, or any other suitable material.

De nouveau en référence aux figures 1 et 2, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 se présente sous la forme d'une bascule montée pivotante sur le bâti du mouvement au moyen d'un pivot 38 et commandée par exemple par une roue à colonne (non représentée) actionnée par des moyens de commande manuel, ou actionnée par un ressort, d'une manière connue en soi.Again with reference to figures 1 and 2 , the clutch control member 2 is in the form of a rocker mounted pivotably on the frame of the movement by means of a pivot 38 and controlled for example by a column wheel (not shown) actuated by manual control means, or actuated by a spring, in a manner known per se.

L'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 comprend, à son extrémité libre, un élément d'appui radial 40 agencé pour venir appuyer radialement sur au moins l'une des pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 pour basculer ladite pièce mobile 12 de sa position embrayée à sa position débrayée, entrainant la rotation du moyeu 10 entrainant à son tour le basculement des autres pièces mobiles 12 dans leur position débrayée, afin de désaccoupler la seconde roue 5 de la première roue 4.The clutch control member 2 comprises, at its free end, a radial bearing element 40 arranged to come to bear radially on at least one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 to tilt said moving part 12. from its engaged position to its disengaged position, causing the rotation of the hub 10, in turn causing the tilting of the other moving parts 12 into their disengaged position, in order to disconnect the second wheel 5 from the first wheel 4.

L'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est disposé à la périphérie du ressort d'embrayage 3 dans un plan radial perpendiculaire à l'axe A, et est agencé pour basculer dans ledit plan radial dans un sens pour que son élément d'appui 40 vienne en appui sur le premier bras 12b d'une des pièces mobiles 1 sur lequel il exerce une force suffisante pour vaincre la force de l'élément élastique 14 de manière à faire basculer ladite pièce mobile 12 en position débrayée, et pour basculer dans l'autre sens pour que son élément d'appui 40 s'écarte du ressort d'embrayage 3, de manière à laisser ladite pièce mobile 12 revenir en position embrayée sous l'effet de son élément élastique 14. L'élément d'appui 40 est disposé sensiblement dans un même plan que les premiers bras 12b de sorte que, en position embrayée, le flanc de l'élément d'appui 40 est au contact de la paroi latérale périphérique extérieure 42 dudit premier bras 12b.The clutch control member 2 is arranged at the periphery of the clutch spring 3 in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A, and is arranged to tilt in said radial plane in one direction so that its support element 40 comes to rest on the first arm 12b of one of the moving parts 1 on which it exerts a force sufficient to overcome the force of the elastic element 14 so as to cause said movable part 12 to tilt into the disengaged position, and to switch in the other direction so that its support element 40 moves away from the clutch spring 3, so as to allow said movable part 12 to return to the engaged position under the effect of its elastic element 14. The support element 40 is arranged substantially in the same plane as the first arms 12b so that, in the engaged position, the side of the support element 40 is in contact with the outer peripheral side wall 42 of said first arm 12b.

En référence aux figures 5 et 6, le fonctionnement du dispositif d'embrayage selon l'invention est le suivant :
Dans cet exemple, le dispositif d'embrayage 1 étant mis en place dans un mécanisme de chronographe autonome, le rouage du mouvement de chronographe est arrêté quand le chronographe n'est pas utilisé de sorte que l'arbre moteur 6 ne tourne pas. Lorsqu'un temps doit être chronométré, l'utilisateur déclenche le chronomètre en appuyant sur le bouton START. Dans cette configuration, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est agencé pour être en position levée, sans contact avec le ressort d'embrayage 3, comme le montre la figure 5. Le marteau (non représenté) pour la remise à zéro est également en position levée. Les pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 montées articulées sur la roue entraineuse de chronographe constituée par la première roue 4 sont en position embrayée, leurs éléments d'embrayages 16 étant maintenus appuyés sur la paroi périphérique extérieure 5a de la roue de chronographe constituée par la seconde roue 5 sous l'effet de leurs éléments élastiques 14 respectifs. L'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe est alors lié au mouvement du chronographe. Le ressort d'embrayage 3 emmené par la première roue 4 entrainée en rotation par son arbre moteur 6 entraine la rotation de la seconde roue 5 et donc de l'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe pour la mesure du temps demandée.With reference to figures 5 and 6 , the operation of the clutch device according to the invention is as follows:
In this example, the clutch device 1 being placed in an autonomous chronograph mechanism, the cog of the chronograph movement is stopped when the chronograph is not in use so that the motor shaft 6 does not turn. When a time needs to be measured, the user starts the stopwatch by pressing the START button. In this configuration, the clutch control member 2 is arranged to be in raised position, without contact with clutch spring 3, as shown in figure 5 . The hammer (not shown) for resetting is also in the raised position. The moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph drive wheel constituted by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14. The chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the chronograph movement. The clutch spring 3 driven by the first wheel 4 driven in rotation by its drive shaft 6 causes the rotation of the second wheel 5 and therefore of the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.

Pour terminer la mesure du temps, l'utilisateur appuie sur la commande STOP pour arrêter le rouage du mouvement du chronographe, et notamment la roue entraineuse de chronographe ou première roue 4 de sorte que la roue de chronographe ou seconde roue 5 solidaire de l'arbre de chronographe 8 avec l'aiguille de chronographe s'arrête également. L'utilisateur peut lire le temps chronométré indiqué par l'aiguille de chronographe.To complete the time measurement, the user presses the STOP command to stop the cog of the chronograph movement, and in particular the chronograph drive wheel or first wheel 4 so that the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 integral with the Chronograph shaft 8 with the chronograph hand also stops. The user can read the measured time indicated by the chronograph hand.

Pour effectuer la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe, l'utilisateur appuie sur la commande RAZ (remise à zéro) agencée pour commander l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 et le faire tomber sur l'une des pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 comme représenté sur la figure 6. Grâce à l'ensemble des pièces mobiles 12 qui constituent le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 tout en étant mobiles de manière indépendante les unes des autres du fait de leur articulation sur la première roue 4, un appui radial extérieur de l'élément d'appui 40 sur n'importe quelle pièce mobile 12 va faire basculer ladite pièce mobile 12 dans sa position débrayée entrainant le basculement des autres pièces mobiles 12 dans leur position débrayée pour libérer la seconde roue 5, quelle que soit la position angulaire du ressort d'embrayage 3 lors de l'arrêt du chronographe. En effet, lorsqu'il tombe sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3, l'élément d'appui 40 appuie sur la paroi latérale périphérique extérieure 42 du premier bras 12b qui se trouve en face de lui, indépendamment de la position angulaire du ressort d'embrayage 3, de sorte que la pièce mobile 12 portant ledit premier bras 12b bascule sur la première roue 4 autour de son tenon de pivotement 20 dans le sens horaire de manière à dégager son élément d'embrayage 16 de la paroi 5a de la seconde roue 5. Le basculement de la pièce mobile 12 sollicitée par l'élément d'appui 40 entraine le déplacement de son second bras 12c et donc de son élément élastique 14, entrainant le pivotement du moyeu 10 dans le sens antihoraire autour de l'axe A. A son tour cette rotation du moyeu 10 entraine le déplacement des éléments élastiques 14 de toutes les autres pièces mobiles 12 qui basculent à leur tour autour de leur tenon de pivotement 20 dans le sens horaire en position débrayée. Ainsi, l'ensemble des éléments d'embrayage 16 est dégagé de la roue de chronographe ou seconde roue 5 de sorte que la seconde roue 5 portant l'arbre et l'aiguille de chronographe est débrayée et n'est plus liée au mouvement de chronographe. Le marteau peut alors tomber sur le cœur 9 pour effectuer la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe.To reset the chronograph hand, the user presses the RESET command (reset) arranged to control the clutch control member 2 and drop it on one of the moving parts 12. clutch spring 3 as shown in figure 6 . Thanks to the set of movable parts 12 which constitute the periphery of the clutch spring 3 while being movable independently of each other due to their articulation on the first wheel 4, an external radial support of the element d 'support 40 on any movable part 12 will cause said movable part 12 to tilt into its disengaged position causing the other movable parts 12 to tilt into their disengaged position to release the second wheel 5, whatever the angular position of the clutch spring 3 when the chronograph is stopped. Indeed, when it falls on the periphery of the clutch spring 3, the support element 40 presses on the outer peripheral side wall 42 of the first arm 12b which is located in front of it, independently of the angular position of the clutch spring 3, so that the movable part 12 carrying said first arm 12b swings on the first wheel 4 around its pivot pin 20 in the clockwise direction so as to disengage its clutch element 16 from the wall 5a of the second wheel 5. The tilting of the movable part 12 biased by the support element 40 causes the displacement of its second arm 12c and therefore of its elastic element 14, causing the hub 10 to pivot counterclockwise around the Axis A. In turn, this rotation of the hub 10 causes the movement of the elastic elements 14 of all the other moving parts 12 which in turn tilt around their pivot pin 20 in the clockwise direction in the disengaged position. Thus, all of the clutch elements 16 are disengaged from the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 so that the second wheel 5 carrying the shaft and the chronograph hand is disengaged and is no longer linked to the movement of chronograph. The hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero.

Une fois la remise à zéro effectuée, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 peut revenir dans sa position levée. Il est aussi possible de laisser l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 en appui sur le ressort d'embrayage 3 ainsi que le marteau sur le cœur 9 de remise à zéro en attente de la prochaine mesure de temps par un nouvel appui sur le bouton START. Dans ce cas, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 et le marteau sont agencés pour se lever simultanément lors d'un nouvel appui sur le bouton START. Lorsque l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 revient dans sa position levée, soit après la remise à zéro soit lors d'un nouvel appui sur le bouton START, la pièce mobile 12 qui avait été sollicitée par l'élément d'appui 40 bascule dans le sens antihoraire et est ramenée dans sa position embrayée par son élément élastique 14 qui avait été davantage contraint lors du basculement en position débrayée. Le basculement de cette pièce mobile 12 entraine le déplacement de son second bras 12c et donc de son élément élastique 14, entrainant le pivotement du moyeu 10 dans le sens horaire autour de l'axe A. A son tour cette rotation du moyeu 10 entraine le déplacement des éléments élastiques 14 de toutes les autres pièces mobiles 12 qui basculent à leur tour autour de leur tenon de pivotement 20 dans le sens antihoraire en position embrayée. Ainsi, l'ensemble des éléments d'embrayage 16 est en appui sur la roue de chronographe ou seconde roue 5 de sorte que la seconde roue 5 solidaire de l'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe est de nouveau liée au rouage du mouvement du chronographe autonome permettant une nouvelle mesure.Once the reset has been carried out, the clutch control member 2 can return to its raised position. It is also possible to leave the clutch control member 2 resting on the clutch spring 3 as well as the hammer on the reset core 9 while waiting for the next time measurement by pressing again on the START button. In this case, the clutch control member 2 and the hammer are arranged to rise simultaneously when the START button is pressed again. When the clutch control member 2 returns to its raised position, either after resetting or when the START button is pressed again, the moving part 12 which had been requested by the support element 40 swings counterclockwise and is returned to its engaged position by its elastic element 14 which had been more constrained when tilting to the disengaged position. The tilting of this movable part 12 causes the displacement of its second arm 12c and therefore of its elastic element 14, causing the hub 10 to pivot clockwise around the axis A. In turn, this rotation of the hub 10 causes the displacement of the elastic elements 14 of all the other moving parts 12 which in turn swing around their pivot pin 20 in the anti-clockwise direction in the engaged position. Thus, all of the clutch elements 16 bear on the chronograph wheel or second wheel 5 so that the second wheel 5 integral with the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is again linked to the gear train. of the autonomous chronograph movement allowing a new measurement.

Les figures 7 et 8 représentent un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel la configuration du premier mode de réalisation a été inversée, la première roue 4 étant cette fois la roue entrainée et la seconde roue 5 étant la roue motrice. Les mêmes références sont utilisées pour désigner les mêmes éléments.The figures 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the invention in which the configuration of the first embodiment has been reversed, the first wheel 4 this time being the driven wheel and the second wheel 5 being the driving wheel. The same references are used to designate the same elements.

Plus spécifiquement, la seconde roue 5 est solidaire de l'arbre moteur 6 du mouvement du chronographe monté pivotant autour de l'axe A, qui constitue l'arbre du mobile de seconde, de sorte que la seconde roue 5 constitue la roue entraineuse de chronographe. La première roue 4 est solidaire de l'arbre de chronographe 8 qui porte l'aiguille de chronographe, la première roue 4 constituant dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation la roue de chronographe. La base 8a de l'arbre de chronographe est fixée de manière solidaire à la première roue 4, laquelle est montée pivotante autour du palier supérieur 7 de l'arbre moteur 6 comprenant une pierre fixée dans un chaton 43.More specifically, the second wheel 5 is integral with the motor shaft 6 of the chronograph movement mounted to pivot about the axis A, which constitutes the shaft of the second wheel set, so that the second wheel 5 constitutes the driving wheel of the second wheel. chronograph. The first wheel 4 is integral with the chronograph shaft 8 which carries the chronograph hand, the first wheel 4 constituting in this second embodiment the chronograph wheel. The base 8a of the chronograph shaft is fixedly attached to the first wheel 4, which is mounted to pivot around the upper bearing 7 of the motor shaft 6 comprising a stone fixed in a kitten 43.

La première roue 4 ainsi que le ressort d'embrayage 3 sont positionnés autour de l'axe A de sorte que le fond de la planche 24 de la première roue 4 est tourné du côté de l'arbre de chronographe 8 et que les éléments d'embrayage 16 des pièces mobiles 12 s'étendent coaxialement à l'axe A, en faisant saillie en direction de la seconde roue 5 et de l'arbre moteur 6.The first wheel 4 as well as the clutch spring 3 are positioned around the axis A so that the bottom of the plate 24 of the first wheel 4 is turned towards the side of the chronograph shaft 8 and that the elements d 'clutch 16 moving parts 12 extend coaxially with the axis A, projecting in the direction of the second wheel 5 and of the motor shaft 6.

Ce dispositif d'embrayage peut être mis en œuvre dans un mouvement de chronographe autonome ou lié à un mouvement de base mais comprenant un mécanisme pour stopper l'arbre moteur lorsque le chronographe n'est pas en fonction, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus. Son fonctionnement est alors est identique à celui décrit ci-dessus.This clutch device can be implemented in an autonomous chronograph movement or linked to a basic movement but comprising a mechanism for stopping the motor shaft when the chronograph is not in operation, as in the first embodiment. described above. Its operation is then identical to that described above.

Ce dispositif d'embrayage peut également être mis en oeuvre dans un mouvement de chronographe associé à un mouvement de base horloger dans lequel le rouage de finissage tourne en permanence de sorte que l'arbre moteur 6 tourne également continuellement, y compris lorsque le mécanisme de chronographe est en position STOP. Dans cette variante, il est prévu un organe de blocage 44, comme représenté sur les figures 7 et 8, agencé pour pouvoir maintenir en place la roue entrainée, ici la première roue 4, lorsqu'elle est débrayée et que le chronographe est arrêté, afin d'empêcher sa rotation notamment lorsqu'aucune mesure de temps ou aucune remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe n'est effectuée. L'organe de blocage est par exemple une bascule montée pivotante sur le bâti et agencée pour présenter une paroi latérale 44a destinée à venir appuyer sur la paroi périphérique extérieure de la roue entrainée, ici la première roue 4. L'organe de blocage 44 est agencé pour être commandé par exemple par la roue à colonnes ou par l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 ou toute autre pièce du mécanisme de chronographe elle-même commandée par la roue à colonnes.This clutch device can also be implemented in a chronograph movement associated with a basic horological movement in which the finishing train rotates continuously so that the motor shaft 6 also rotates continuously, including when the shifting mechanism. chronograph is in the STOP position. In this variant, there is provided a locking member 44, as shown in the figures 7 and 8 , arranged to be able to hold in place the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4, when it is disengaged and the chronograph is stopped, in order to prevent its rotation in particular when no time measurement or no resetting of the chronograph hand is performed. The locking member is for example a rocker mounted to pivot on the frame and arranged to have a side wall 44a intended to come to rest on the outer peripheral wall of the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4. The locking member 44 is arranged to be controlled for example by the column wheel or by the clutch control member 2 or any other part of the chronograph mechanism itself controlled by the column wheel.

Dans cette variante également, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 comprend un galet constituant l'élément d'appui 40, agencé pour rouler sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 lorsque les pièces mobiles 12 sont en position débrayée, notamment lors de la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe.Also in this variant, the clutch control member 2 comprises a roller constituting the support element 40, arranged to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 when the moving parts 12 are in the disengaged position, in particular when of resetting the chronograph hand.

Les dimensions du galet sont choisies pour qu'il puisse rouler constamment sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 sans être perturbé par les espaces prévus entre les parois latérales périphériques extérieures 42 des premiers bras 12b des pièces mobiles 12.The dimensions of the roller are chosen so that it can roll constantly around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 without being disturbed by the spaces provided between the outer peripheral side walls 42 of the first arms 12b of the moving parts 12.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif d'embrayage utilisé dans un mouvement de chronographe associé à un mouvement de base où l'arbre moteur tourne continuellement est le suivant : lorsque le chronographe est enclenché par appui sur la position START, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2, l'organe de blocage 44, et le marteau sont en position levée. Les pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 montées articulées sur la roue de chronographe constituée par la première roue 4 sont en position embrayée, leurs éléments d'embrayages 16 étant maintenus appuyés sur la paroi périphérique extérieure 5a de la roue entraineuse de chronographe constituée par la seconde roue 5 sous l'effet de leurs éléments élastiques 14 respectifs. L'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe est alors lié au mouvement de base. Le ressort d'embrayage 3 alors entrainé en rotation par la seconde roue 5 entrainée par son arbre moteur 6 emmène la première roue 4 et donc l'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe pour la mesure du temps demandée.The operation of this clutch device used in a chronograph movement associated with a basic movement where the motor shaft rotates continuously is as follows: when the chronograph is engaged by pressing the START position, the control member of clutch 2, the locking member 44, and the hammer are in the raised position. The moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph wheel formed by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph driving wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14. The chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the base movement. The clutch spring 3 then driven in rotation by the second wheel 5 driven by its drive shaft 6 drives the first wheel 4 and therefore the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.

Pour terminer la mesure du temps, l'utilisateur appuie sur la commande STOP. L'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est agencé pour qu'un appui sur la commande STOP le fasse tomber sur l'une des pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 afin de faire basculer toutes les pièces mobiles 12 dans leur position débrayée comme décrit ci-dessus pour débrayer la première roue 4 de la seconde roue 5. Celle-ci continue de tourner, son arbre moteur étant lié au mouvement horloger de base. L'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe n'est plus lié au mouvement horloger de base. L'organe de blocage 44 est agencé pour qu'un appui sur la commande STOP le fasse tomber sur la roue entrainée, ici la première roue 4, de sorte que l'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe est maintenu en place sur le temps chronométré à lire. Le marteau est reste levé.To end the time measurement, the user presses the STOP command. The clutch control member 2 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 in order to tilt all the moving parts 12 into their disengaged position. as described above to disengage the first wheel 4 from the second wheel 5. The latter continues to rotate, its drive shaft being linked to the basic watch movement. The chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is no longer linked to the basic watch movement. The locking member 44 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4, so that the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is held in place. on the measured time to read. The hammer is still raised.

Pour la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est agencé pour rester appuyé sur le ressort d'embrayage 3 de manière à maintenir la première roue 4 et l'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe débrayés du mouvement de base. L'organe de blocage 44 est agencé pour se dégager de la roue entrainée, ici la première roue 4 lors de l'appui sur la commande RAZ afin de libérer ladite première roue 4 constituant la roue de chronographe. Le marteau peut alors tomber sur le cœur 9 pour effectuer la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe. Lors de la remise à zéro, le galet constituant l'élément d'appui 40 de l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 roule sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 qui, solidaire de l'arbre de chronographe 8, tourne avec lui.For resetting the chronograph hand, the clutch control member 2 is arranged to remain pressed on the clutch spring 3 so as to hold the first wheel 4 and the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand disengaged from the basic movement. The locking member 44 is arranged to disengage from the driven wheel, here the first wheel 4 when pressing the reset command in order to release said first wheel 4 constituting the chronograph wheel. The hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero. When resetting, the roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 rolls around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 which, integral with the chronograph shaft 8, rotates with him.

Une fois la remise à zéro effectuée, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 reste en place de manière à maintenir la première roue 4 et l'arbre de chronographe 8 débrayés de la seconde roue 5 qui continue à tourner. L'aiguille de chronographe est maintenue sur le zéro du chronographe par le marteau.Once the reset has been carried out, the clutch control member 2 remains in place so as to keep the first wheel 4 and the chronograph shaft 8 disengaged from the second wheel 5 which continues to rotate. The chronograph hand is held at the zero of the chronograph by the hammer.

De même, le dispositif d'embrayage selon le premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 à 6 pourrait être mis en place dans un mouvement de chronographe associé à un mouvement horloger de base dans lequel le rouage de finissage tourne en permanence de sorte que l'arbre moteur 6 tourne également continuellement, y compris lorsque le mécanisme de chronographe est en position STOP. Dans ce cas, et dans cette variante non représentée, il sera également nécessaire de prévoir un organe de blocage 44, comme représenté sur les figures 7 et 8, agencé pour pouvoir maintenir en place la roue entrainée, ici la seconde roue 5, lorsqu'elle est débrayée et que le chronographe est arrêté, afin d'empêcher sa rotation notamment en dehors de toute mesure de temps ou de remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe.Likewise, the clutch device according to the first embodiment of the figures 1 to 6 could be set up in a chronograph movement associated with a basic watch movement in which the finishing gear constantly rotates so that the motor shaft 6 also rotates continuously, including when the chronograph mechanism is in the STOP position. In this case, and in this variant not shown, it will also be necessary to provide a locking member 44, as shown in the figures. figures 7 and 8 , arranged to be able to hold in place the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5, when it is disengaged and the chronograph is stopped, in order to prevent its rotation, in particular outside of any time measurement or of resetting the machine to zero. chronograph hand.

Dans cette variante également, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 comprend un galet constituant l'élément d'appui 40, agencé pour rouler sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 lorsque les pièces mobiles 12 sont en position débrayée, et que le ressort d'embrayage 3 tourne en permanence entrainé par l'arbre moteur 6.Also in this variant, the clutch control member 2 comprises a roller constituting the support element 40, arranged to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 when the moving parts 12 are in position. disengaged, and that the clutch spring 3 rotates continuously, driven by the motor shaft 6.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif d'embrayage utilisé dans un mouvement de chronographe associé à un mouvement de base où l'arbre moteur tourne continuellement est le suivant : lorsque le chronographe est enclenché par appui sur la position START, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2, l'organe de blocage 44, et le marteau sont en position levée. Les pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 montées articulées sur la roue entraineuse de chronographe constituée par la première roue 4 sont en position embrayée, leurs éléments d'embrayages 16 étant maintenus appuyés sur la paroi périphérique extérieure 5a de la roue de chronographe constituée par la seconde roue 5 sous l'effet de leurs éléments élastiques 14 respectifs. L'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe est alors lié au mouvement de base. Le ressort d'embrayage 3 alors emmené par la première roue 4 entrainée par son arbre moteur 6 entraine en rotation la seconde roue 5 et donc l'arbre de chronographe portant l'aiguille de chronographe pour la mesure du temps demandée.The operation of this clutch device used in a chronograph movement associated with a basic movement where the motor shaft rotates continuously is as follows: when the chronograph is engaged by pressing the START position, the control member of clutch 2, the locking member 44, and the hammer are in the raised position. The moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 mounted articulated on the chronograph drive wheel constituted by the first wheel 4 are in the engaged position, their clutch elements 16 being kept pressed on the outer peripheral wall 5a of the chronograph wheel formed. by the second wheel 5 under the effect of their respective elastic elements 14. The chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand is then linked to the base movement. The clutch spring 3 then driven by the first wheel 4 driven by its motor shaft 6 rotates the second wheel 5 and therefore the chronograph shaft carrying the chronograph hand for the requested time measurement.

Pour terminer la mesure du temps, l'utilisateur appuie sur la commande STOP. L'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est agencé pour qu'un appui sur la commande STOP le fasse tomber sur l'une des pièces mobiles 12 du ressort d'embrayage 3 afin de faire basculer toutes les pièces mobiles 12 dans leur position débrayée comme décrit ci-dessus pour débrayer la seconde roue 5 de la première roue 4. Celle-ci continue de tourner, son arbre moteur 6 étant lié au mouvement horloger de base, de sorte que le ressort d'embrayage 3 continue de tourner également. Le galet constituant l'élément d'appui 40 de l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 roule sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 pour maintenir la position débrayée. L'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe n'est plus lié au mouvement horloger de base. L'organe de blocage 44 est agencé pour qu'un appui sur la commande STOP le fasse tomber sur la roue entrainée, ici la seconde roue 5, de sorte que l'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe est maintenu en place sur le temps chronométré à lire. Le marteau est reste levé.To end the time measurement, the user presses the STOP command. The clutch control member 2 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on one of the moving parts 12 of the clutch spring 3 in order to tilt all the moving parts 12 into their disengaged position. as described above to disengage the second wheel 5 from the first wheel 4. The latter continues to rotate, its drive shaft 6 being linked to the basic watch movement, so that the clutch spring 3 also continues to rotate. The roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 rolls around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 to maintain the disengaged position. The chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand is no longer linked to the basic watch movement. The locking member 44 is arranged so that pressing the STOP command causes it to fall on the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5, so that the chronograph shaft 8 bearing the chronograph hand is held in place over the measured time to be read. The hammer is still raised.

Pour la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 est agencé pour rester appuyé sur le ressort d'embrayage 3 de manière à maintenir la seconde roue 5 et l'arbre de chronographe 8 portant l'aiguille de chronographe débrayés du mouvement de base. L'organe de blocage 44 est agencé pour se dégager de la roue entrainée, ici la seconde roue 5 lors de l'appui sur la commande RAZ afin de libérer ladite seconde roue 5 constituant la roue de chronographe. Le marteau peut alors tomber sur le cœur 9 pour effectuer la remise à zéro de l'aiguille de chronographe. Lors de la remise à zéro, le galet constituant l'élément d'appui 40 de l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 continue de rouler sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 qui, emmené par la première roue 4 et l'arbre moteur 6, tourne avec eux.For resetting the chronograph hand, the clutch control member 2 is arranged to remain pressed on the clutch spring 3 so as to hold the second wheel 5 and the chronograph shaft 8 carrying the chronograph hand disengaged from the basic movement. The locking member 44 is arranged to disengage from the driven wheel, here the second wheel 5 when pressing the reset command in order to release said second wheel 5 constituting the chronograph wheel. The hammer can then fall on the heart 9 to reset the chronograph hand to zero. When resetting, the roller constituting the support element 40 of the clutch control member 2 continues to roll around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 which, driven by the first wheel 4 and the motor shaft 6, rotates with them.

Une fois la remise à zéro effectuée, l'organe de commande d'embrayage 2 reste en place de manière à maintenir la seconde roue 5 et l'arbre de chronographe 8 débrayés de la première roue 4 qui continue à tourner. L'aiguille de chronographe est maintenue sur le zéro du chronographe par le marteau.Once the reset has been carried out, the clutch control member 2 remains in place so as to keep the second wheel 5 and the chronograph shaft 8 disengaged from the first wheel 4 which continues to rotate. The chronograph hand is held at the zero of the chronograph by the hammer.

Le dispositif d'embrayage selon l'invention permet de débrayer la roue motrice de la roue entrainée quelle que soit la position angulaire du ressort d'embrayage. En effet, l'élément d'appui radial extérieur ainsi que la répartition des premiers bras 12b des pièces mobiles 12 sur le pourtour du ressort d'embrayage 3 permettent de pouvoir actionner de manière efficace le ressort d'embrayage 3 en tout point, indépendamment de sa position angulaire.The clutch device according to the invention makes it possible to disengage the driving wheel from the driven wheel regardless of the angular position of the clutch spring. Indeed, the external radial support element as well as the distribution of the first arms 12b of the moving parts 12 around the periphery of the clutch spring 3 make it possible to be able to effectively actuate the clutch spring 3 at any point, independently. of its angular position.

De plus, le dispositif d'embrayage à friction de l'invention permet d'éviter tout décalage de l'information lors de l'embrayage. L'actionnement radial du ressort d'embrayage permet de réaliser un mécanisme d'embrayage compact et à déclenchement aisé. Une force de déclenchement faible permet d'obtenir un couple de friction élevé.In addition, the friction clutch device of the invention makes it possible to avoid any shift in the information during the clutch. The radial actuation of the clutch spring enables a compact and easy to release clutch mechanism. Low trigger force results in high friction torque.

Le dispositif d'embrayage est utilisé de préférence dans un mécanisme de chronographe mais il est bien évident qu'il peut être utilisé dans tout autre mécanisme horloger nécessitant un mécanisme d'embrayage, par exemple un mécanisme de déclenchement d'alarme.The clutch device is preferably used in a chronograph mechanism, but it is obvious that it can be used in any other watch mechanism requiring a clutch mechanism, for example an alarm triggering mechanism.

Claims (16)

  1. Friction clutch device (1) comprising a clutch control member (2) and a clutch spring (3) suitable for coupling by friction a first wheel (4) to a second wheel (5) so that they can pivot together about an axis A, one of the first and second wheels (4, 5) being a drive wheel and the other being a driven wheel, which are intended for a timepiece, wherein the clutch spring (3) comprises a hub (10) mounted to rotate freely about the axis A, and an assembly of moving parts (12) respectively connected to the hub (10) by elastic elements (14), each of said moving parts (12) comprising a clutch element (16) intended to bear against the second wheel (5) and being mounted to pivot in a radial plane perpendicular to the axis A on the first wheel (4) in order to be able to switch between an engaged position, in which its clutch element (16) is kept pressed against the second wheel (5) under the effect of its elastic element (14), and a disengaged position, in which its clutch element (16) is not in contact with the second wheel (5), each of said moving parts (12) being arranged so that the assembly of said moving parts (12) substantially defines the perimeter of said clutch spring (3), and wherein the clutch control member (2) comprises a radial bearing element (40) arranged to come to bear radially against at least one of the moving parts (12) of the clutch spring (3) in order to switch said moving part (12) from its engaged position to its disengaged position, causing the rotation of the hub (10) causing, in turn, the switching of the other moving parts (12) to their disengaged position in order to decouple the second wheel (5) from the first wheel (4).
  2. Clutch device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that each moving part (12) comprises a middle part (12a), a first arm (12b) in the form of an arc of a circle defining a portion of the perimeter of the clutch spring (3), fixedly attached to one end of the middle part (12a), and a second arm (12c) mounted to pivot on the first wheel (4), fixedly attached to the other end of the middle part (12a), said second arm (12c) carrying the clutch element (16) and being connected to the hub (10) by the elastic element (14), the first and second arms (12b, 12c) as well as the middle part (12a) being configured so that the middle part (12a) of one moving part (12) is substantially concentric with the first arm (12b) of the preceding moving part (12) and with the second arm (12c) of the following moving part (12), clearances necessary to allow the switching of the moving parts (12) being provided between each moving part (12).
  3. Clutch device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clutch element (16) is a stud fixedly attached to the moving part (12) extending parallel to the axis A, the sides of the stud being arranged to be able to bear against the second wheel (5).
  4. Clutch device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in the elastic element (14) is an elastic strip pre-wound to be able to ensure that the clutch element (16) is kept pressed against the second wheel (5).
  5. Clutch device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each moving part (12) is mounted on the first wheel (4) by means of a pivot system.
  6. Clutch device as claimed in claims 2 and 5, characterised in that the pivot system comprises a pivot tenon (20) mounted on the first wheel (4) and arranged to constitute the pivot axis for the moving part (12) on said first wheel (4), and in that the second arm (12c) of the moving part (12) comprises an orifice (18) intended to receive said pivot tenon (20).
  7. Clutch device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the first wheel (4) has holes (26) disposed opposite orifices (18) provided on the second arms (12c) of the moving parts (12) and in which the pivot tenons (20) of said moving parts (12) are mounted.
  8. Clutch device as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the first wheel (4) comprises a hub (28), a felloe (30) and arms (32) connecting the hub (28) to the felloe (30), said felloe (30) comprising the holes (26) receiving the pivot tenons (20).
  9. Clutch device as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the arms (32) of the first wheel (4) comprise ribs (34) arranged to limit friction between the first wheel (4) and the clutch spring (3).
  10. Clutch device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first wheel (4) has a peripheral annular plate (36) to facilitate handling thereof.
  11. Chronograph mechanism comprising a clutch device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wheel (4) is the drive wheel which is fixedly attached to a drive shaft (6) of a gear train of a timepiece movement, and the second wheel (5) is the driven wheel which is fixedly attached to a chronograph shaft (8) carrying a chronograph display member, the drive shaft (6) and the chronograph shaft (8) being mounted to pivot about the axis A.
  12. Chronograph mechanism comprising a clutch device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first wheel (4) is the driven wheel which is fixedly attached to a chronograph shaft (8) carrying a chronograph display member, and the second wheel (5) is the drive wheel which is fixedly attached to a drive shaft (6) of a gear train of a timepiece movement, the drive shaft (6) and the chronograph shaft (8) being mounted to pivot about the axis A.
  13. Chronograph mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the drive shaft (6) turns continuously, characterised in that it comprises a blocking member (44) arranged to be able to keep the driven wheel (5) in place when it is disengaged.
  14. Chronograph mechanism as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that the clutch control member (2) comprises a roller arranged to roll on the perimeter of the clutch spring (3) when the moving parts (12) are in the disengaged position.
  15. Chronograph comprising a chronograph mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14.
  16. Timepiece comprising a clutch device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.
EP18214687.8A 2018-12-20 2018-12-20 Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device Active EP3671370B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18214687.8A EP3671370B1 (en) 2018-12-20 2018-12-20 Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18214687.8A EP3671370B1 (en) 2018-12-20 2018-12-20 Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device

Publications (2)

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EP3671370A1 EP3671370A1 (en) 2020-06-24
EP3671370B1 true EP3671370B1 (en) 2021-08-04

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EP18214687.8A Active EP3671370B1 (en) 2018-12-20 2018-12-20 Clutch device and chronograph mechanism comprising such a clutch device

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Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4092491A1 (en) * 2021-05-19 2022-11-23 Patek Philippe SA Genève Timepiece movement with clutch
EP4137893A1 (en) * 2021-08-20 2023-02-22 Montres Breguet S.A. Deployment device such as a diaphragm, in particular for timepieces
EP4137892A1 (en) * 2021-08-20 2023-02-22 Montres Breguet S.A. Deployment device such as a diaphragm, in particular for timepieces
CH719048A9 (en) 2021-10-11 2023-06-30 Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa Clockwork clutch mechanism.

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2085832B1 (en) 2008-02-04 2013-04-10 Blancpain SA. Chronograph device with friction coupling

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