EP4020097A1 - Spring for notching system and timepiece notching system - Google Patents

Abstract

Spring (1) for a notching system, the spring comprising:- at least two elastic arms (11, 12), and- a first toothing comprising first notching teeth (11a, 12a) arranged on each of the arms,- the spring being shaped so that, in a position in which one of the arms of the spring is not stressed, said arm is convex seen from the top of the first detent tooth of this arm.

Description

The invention relates to a spring for a notching system. The invention also relates to a notching system comprising such a spring. The invention also relates to a timepiece case or a timepiece movement comprising such a spring or such a notching system. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a case or such a movement or such a notching system or such a spring.

The horological literature mentions numerous notching devices, in particular notched or angularly indexed rotating bezels.

For example, the document EP2624076 discloses a unidirectional rotating bezel whose angular indexing is implemented by means of a single first notching element in the form of a pawl returned by a return spring against an edge toothing in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of said bezel. This spring is presented here in the form of a helical spring.

The document EP0686897 discloses, meanwhile, a bidirectional rotating bezel whose angular indexing is implemented by a wire spring in the form of a single elastic arm. This is articulated at a first end on the annular seat of a middle part, while its free end forms a single first notching element provided to cooperate with an internal toothing formed on the bezel. The angular indexing of the bezel is thus operated by a single first notching element formed on the spring. The wire spring described in the document EP0686897 has the particularity of being shaped so as to generate substantially equal torques regardless of the direction of rotation of the bezel. To do this, this has in particular a concave or substantially concave shape when it is seen from the axis of rotation of the bezel.

The device described in the document EP1431845 further proposes to improve such a bidirectional notched rotating bezel by ensuring that the forces are balanced with respect to the axis of rotation of said bezel, which contributes to the pleasant feeling that one experiences when handling it. To do this, this device implements a spring in the form of a closed loop centered on the axis of rotation of the bezel. The spring comprises elastic arms each provided with a first notching element intended to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring. This spring comprises first connecting means shaped and arranged at each of the first notching means so that the latter can move radially relative to the axis of rotation of the bezel and thus cooperate with the second notching means.

The document EP3543800 also discloses a spring in the form of a closed loop taking part in a notching system for a uni- or bidirectional rotating bezel. This spring has the particularity of comprising elastic arms each interconnected at their longitudinal ends by first connecting means in the form of indentations. Furthermore, each elastic arm comprises a first notching element arranged equidistant from two notches, which is shaped so as to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring. The first and second notching means here specifically take the form of teeth. In the context of a preferred variant of this device, the spring is embedded in the bezel at the level of its indentations, the latter cooperating with lugs arranged on said bezel. Thus, the arms of the spring are caused to deform elastically opposite these embedding connections. More particularly, these arms are caused to deform elastically simultaneously and in synchrony. To do this, the teeth of each of the elastic arms cooperate in a coordinated fashion with the teeth of the notching ring. More particularly, in a first bezel indexing configuration, the teeth of the elastic arms are all located between two teeth of the notching ring. In a second bezel configuration, the teeth of the elastic arms are all located on the tops of the teeth of the notching ring. Nevertheless, the elastic deformation of a given elastic arm is independent of the deformation of the elastic arms which adjoin it, the latter being solely defined by the conformation, in particular the section, of said arm. Furthermore, this spring has an annular shape when at rest. In particular, each elastic arm has, at rest, the shape of a portion of a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the bezel. Thus, each arm has a concave shape seen from the axis of rotation of the bezel. When the bezel passes from the first to the second configuration, each of the elastic arms is flexed, which induces a reduction in the radius of curvature of each of the arms.

The document EP3608730 discloses a rotating bezel comprising a notching system implementing a spring such as that described in the document EP3543800 . This notching system is shaped so that the arms of the spring do not deform simultaneously. To do this, the spring and the notching ring are arranged and shaped so that a single tooth of a given elastic arm is located at the bottom of the teeth of the notching ring. There too, the elastic deformation of a given elastic arm is independent of the deformation of the elastic arms which adjoin it. Such an embodiment makes it possible to maximize the number of notches of the bezel. Nevertheless, this implies a minimization of the size of the teeth of the notching ring, which can generate a risk of premature wear of the notching system.

We know, moreover, the document EP1544691 which discloses a notching mobile comprising a closed-loop spring, formed by two symmetrical arms, and a notching ring, each of which is centered on said mobile. Two first notching means of the spring cooperate with second notching means formed on the notching ring. To do this, first means for connecting the spring (on a wheel of the mobile) are arranged at the level of the two first notching means, so that the latter can be translated opposite the second notching means, and as well as the arms of the spring can deform elastically.

The document EP3379342 has a notching system whose structure is equivalent to that of the device of the document EP1544691 , with a spring which has the specificity of being made of an amorphous metal alloy. The first means for connecting the spring (on a wheel of the mobile) are also arranged at the level of the first two means for notching the spring.

The document CH454375 discloses a notching mobile whose closed-loop spring comprises a first notching element in the form of a tooth provided to cooperate with a notching ring. This spring has the particularity of being fixed to a wheel of the mobile at the level of a bore formed on said spring, this bore being disposed at a different location from the tooth of said spring. More particularly, the bore and the tooth of the spring are arranged on either side of the axis of the mobile. This spring has an annular shape at rest. It therefore has a concave shape seen from the axis of rotation of the mobile, and which is centered on the axis of rotation of the mobile. When the spring tooth moves up a tooth of the detent ring, the spring is flexed causing the spring to change from a ring shape to a substantially elliptical shape. The radius of curvature of the spring at or in the region of the tooth is therefore reduced.

The object of the invention is to provide a detent spring and a detent system making it possible to improve the detent springs and the detent systems known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a particularly compact spring and a particularly reliable notching system, which make it possible to obtain a varied and large number of notches.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a spring according to the invention is defined by claim 1.

Different embodiments of the spring are defined by claims 2 to 11.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a notching system according to the invention is defined by claim 12.

Different embodiments of the notching system are defined by claims 13 and 14.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a horological device according to the invention is defined by claim 15.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a timepiece case according to the invention is defined by claim 16.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 17.

1. 1. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* comprenant :
   • un ressort 1 ; 1' ; 1* incluant une première denture comprenant n premières dents 11a, 12a; 11a', 12a' ; 11a*, 12a*, et
   • un premier organe 2; 2'; 2* incluant une deuxième denture comprenant m deuxièmes dents 22a, 22b ; 22a', 22b' ; 22a*, 22b*,
   • un deuxième organe 3 ; 3' ; 3* monté mobile, notamment monté mobile en rotation, par rapport au premier organe 2 ; 2' ; 2*,
     les première et deuxième dentures étant agencées de sorte que, par leurs interactions, elles définissent p crans ou positions indexées,
   le ressort 1 ; 1' ; 1* comprenant :
   • au moins deux bras élastiques 11, 12 ; 11', 12' ; 11*, 12*, et
   • au moins un premier élément de liaison pivot 1b ; 1b' ; 1b* entre lesdits deux bras élastiques 11, 12 ; 11', 12' ; 11*, 12*,
   le deuxième organe comprenant au moins un deuxième élément de liaison pivot 3b; 3b' ; 3b* coopérant avec l'au moins un premier élément de liaison pivot 1b ; 1b' ; 1b* pour créer au moins une liaison pivot entre le ressort 1 ; 1' ; 1* et le deuxième organe 3 ; 3' ; 3*.
2. 2. Système de crantage 100; 100'; 100* selon la proposition 1, caractérisé en ce que p=mxn/k, avec k un nombre entier naturel, par exemple k=1 ou k=2 ou k=3 ou k=4, en particulier :
   • p=24 et n=8 et m=6, ou
   • p=30 et n=6 et m=5, ou
   • p=60 et n=10 et m=12, ou
   • p=60 et n=12 et m=15, ou
   • p=60 et n=12 et m=20, ou
   • p= 120 et n=8 et m=15.
3. 3. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les premières dents du ressort se situent entre deux liaisons pivot, notamment au milieu de chacun des bras élastiques.
4. 4. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le ressort est conformé de sorte que, lorsque l'un des bras du ressort n'est pas sollicité, ledit bras est convexe vu depuis le sommet de la première dent dudit bras.
5. 5. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le ressort présente une forme de boucle fermée et/ou en ce que le système comprend n bras élastiques et/ou n liaisons pivot avec n≥2.
6. 6. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le ressort présente sensiblement une forme polygonale, notamment une forme de polygone régulier, et/ou en ce que des segments liant les axes des premiers éléments de liaison pivot 1b; 1b'; 1b* constituent une forme polygonale, notamment une forme de polygone régulier.
7. 7. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 6, caractérisé en que les bras élastiques présentent, lorsqu'ils ne sont pas sollicités, des formes en arc de cercle dont les centres se situent préférentiellement sur un même premier cercle coaxial (C10 ; C10' ; C10*) au ressort et dont le rayon est non nul, en particulier de rayon supérieur à 0.2 fois le rayon du ressort, voire supérieur à 0.3 fois le rayon du ressort, voire supérieur à 0.4 fois le rayon du ressort.
8. 8. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' selon la proposition 7, caractérisé en ce que le premier cercle (C10 ; C10') présente un rayon supérieur à 1.5 fois le rayon du ressort, voire supérieur à 1.8 fois le rayon du ressort, voire supérieur à 2 fois le rayon du ressort.
9. 9. Système de crantage 100' selon l'une des propositions 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que chacune des premières dents 11a', 12a' comprend un premier élément de butée 111a', 121a'.
10. 10. Système de crantage 100' selon l'une des propositions 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que chacun des bras élastiques 11', 12' comprend un premier élément de reprise d'effort de butée 11b', 12b', le premier élément de reprise d'effort de butée étant par exemple disposé au milieu de chaque bras élastique.
11. 11. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le premier organe est une bague et/ou en ce que les deuxièmes dents 22a, 22b ; 22a', 22b' ; 22a*, 22b* sont chacune séparées par un creux ou une portion 21a, 21b ; 21a', 21b' ; 21a*, 21b*.
12. 12. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que les première et deuxième dentures sont agencées de sorte qu'à un instant donné, notamment à tout instant, une première dent exerce une première action mécanique sur une deuxième dent au niveau d'une première zone de contact et une première dent différente de la précédente exerce une deuxième action mécanique sur une deuxième dent différente de la précédente au niveau d'une deuxième zone de contact, les première et deuxième actions mécaniques ayant des intensités différentes et/ou des directions différentes.
13. 13. Système de crantage 100; 100'; 100* selon la proposition 12, caractérisé en ce qu'à l'instant donné, notamment à tout instant, une autre première dent exerce une troisième action mécanique sur une portion ou un creux du deuxième organe.
14. 14. Système de crantage 100 ; 100' ; 100* selon l'une des propositions 12 et 13, caractérisé en ce que les première et deuxième dentures sont agencées de sorte qu'une position indexée du premier organe relativement au deuxième organe est définie par la première action mécanique et par la deuxième action mécanique, les première et deuxième actions mécaniques induisant des couples opposés d'entraînement du premier organe relativement au deuxième organe.
15. 15. Dispositif horloger 110 ; 110' ;110*, notamment :
    • lunette tournante 110 ; 110' ;110*, ou
    • réhaut tournant, ou
    • fond orientable, ou
    • couronne orientable, ou
    • dispositif d'affichage, typiquement dispositif d'affichage d'un fuseau horaire ou dispositif d'affichage d'un affichage programmable,
    le dispositif comprenant un système de crantage selon l'une des propositions 1 à 14.
16. 16. Boîte de pièce d'horlogerie 10 ; 10' ; 10* comprenant un système de crantage selon l'une des propositions 1 à 14 et/ou un dispositif horloger selon la proposition 15.
17. 17. Pièce d'horlogerie 200; 200' ; 200* comprenant un système de crantage selon l'une des propositions 1 à 14 et/ou un dispositif selon la proposition 15 et/ou une boîte selon la proposition 16.

According to a second aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions.

1. 1. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* including:
   • a spring 1; 1'; 1* including a first toothing comprising n first teeth 11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a*, and
   • a first member 2; 2'; 2* including a second toothing comprising m second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*,
   • a second member 3; 3'; 3 * mounted mobile, in particular mounted mobile in rotation, relative to the first member 2; 2'; 2*,
     the first and second gears being arranged so that, through their interactions, they define p notches or indexed positions,
   spring 1; 1'; 1* including:
   • at least two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*, and
   • at least a first pivot connecting element 1b; 1b'; 1b* between said two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*,
   the second member comprising at least one second pivot connecting element 3b; 3b'; 3b* cooperating with the at least one first pivot connecting element 1b; 1b'; 1b* to create at least one pivot connection between the spring 1; 1'; 1* and the second member 3; 3'; 3*.
2. 2. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* according to proposition 1, characterized in that p=mxn/k, with k a natural integer, for example k=1 or k=2 or k=3 or k=4, in particular:
   • p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or
   • p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or
   • p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or
   • p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or
   • p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or
   • p=120 and n=8 and m=15.
3. 3. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 and 2, characterized in that the first teeth of the spring are located between two pivot links, in particular in the middle of each of the elastic arms.
4. 4. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 3, characterized in that the spring is shaped so that, when one of the arms of the spring is not stressed, said arm is convex seen from the top of the first tooth of that arm.
5. 5. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring has the shape of a closed loop and/or in that the system comprises n elastic arms and/or n pivot links with n≥2.
6. 6. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 5, characterized in that the spring has a substantially polygonal shape, in particular the shape of a regular polygon, and/or in that segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connecting elements 1b; 1b'; 1b* constitute a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape.
7. 7. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 6, characterized in that the elastic arms have, when they are not stressed, arcuate shapes whose centers are preferably located on the same first coaxial circle (C10; C10 '; C10*) to the spring and whose radius is non-zero, in particular with a radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 0.4 times the radius of the spring.
8. 8. 100 notch system; 100' according to proposal 7, characterized in that the first circle (C10; C10') has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 2 times the radius of the spring.
9. 9. Notching system 100' according to one of proposals 1 to 8, characterized in that each of the first teeth 11a', 12a' comprises a first stop element 111a', 121a'.
10. 10. Notching system 100′ according to one of proposals 1 to 9, characterized in that each of the elastic arms 11′, 12′ comprises a first abutment force take-up element 11b′, 12b′, the first element abutment force take-up being for example arranged in the middle of each elastic arm.
11. 11. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 10, characterized in that the first member is a ring and/or in that the second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b* are each separated by a hollow or a portion 21a, 21b; 21a', 21b'; 21a*, 21b*.
12. 12. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 1 to 11, characterized in that the first and second toothings are arranged so that at a given instant, in particular at any instant, a first tooth exerts a first mechanical action on a second tooth at the level of a first contact zone and a first tooth different from the previous one exerts a second mechanical action on a second tooth different from the previous one at the level of a second contact zone, the first and second mechanical actions having different intensities and /or different directions.
13. 13. 100 notch system; 100'; 100* according to proposition 12, characterized in that at the given instant, in particular at any instant, another first tooth exerts a third mechanical action on a portion or a hollow of the second member.
14. 14. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 12 and 13, characterized in that the first and second toothings are arranged so that an indexed position of the first member relative to the second member is defined by the first mechanical action and by the second mechanical action , the first and second mechanical actions inducing opposite driving torques of the first member relative to the second member.
15. 15. Clock device 110; 110';110*, in particular:
    • rotating bezel 110; 110';110*, or
    • rotating flange, or
    • adjustable bottom, or
    • adjustable crown, or
    • display device, typically a time zone display device or a programmable display display device,
    the device comprising a notching system according to one of proposals 1 to 14.
16. 16. Timepiece box 10; 10'; 10* comprising a notching system according to one of proposals 1 to 14 and/or a horological device according to proposal 15.
17. 17. Timepiece 200; 200'; 200* comprising a notching system according to one of proposals 1 to 14 and/or a device according to proposal 15 and/or a box according to proposal 16.

According to a third aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions.

• au moins deux bras élastiques 11, 12 ; 11', 12' ; 11*, 12*,
• une première denture comprenant des premières dents de crantage 11a, 12a ; 11a', 12a' ; 11a*, 12a* disposées respectivement sur les bras 11, 12 ; 11', 12' ; 11*, 12*, et
• au moins un premier élément de liaison pivot 1b ; 1b' ; 1b* situé entre lesdits deux bras élastiques 11, 12 ; 11', 12' ; 11*, 12*.

18. Spring 1; 1'; 1* for notching system 100; 100', including:

• at least two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*,
• a first toothing comprising first cogging teeth 11a, 12a; 11a', 12a'; 11a*, 12a* arranged respectively on the arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*, and
• at least a first pivot connecting element 1b; 1b'; 1b* located between said two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12*.

19. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to proposition 18, characterized in that the at least two elastic arms 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12* form a clamp intended to act on a first member 2; 2'; 2* having a second toothing comprising second notching teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b', 22a*, 22b*.

20. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 and 19, characterized in that the spring is shaped so that, in a position in which one of the arms of the spring is not stressed, said arm is convex seen from the top of the first detent tooth of said arm.

21. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 to 20, characterized in that the spring is shaped so that the radius of curvature of any of the arms of the spring increases, or even reverses, when said arm is stressed by the action of second notching teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b* of a first member 2; 2'; 2*.

22. Spring 1' according to one of proposals 18 to 21, characterized in that each of the first teeth 11a', 12a' comprises a first stop element 111a', 121a'.

23. Spring 1′ according to one of proposals 18 to 22, characterized in that each of the elastic arms 11′, 12′ comprises a first abutment force take-up element 11b′, 12b′, the first take-up element abutment force being for example arranged in the middle of each of the elastic arms.

24. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 to 23, characterized in that the spring comprises n elastic arms, with n≥2, and/or has rotational symmetry of order n.

25. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 to 24, characterized in that the spring has a geometry in the form of a closed loop.

26. Spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 to 25, characterized in that the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a shape of a regular polygon and/or in that segments linking the axes of the first pivot connecting elements 1b; 1b'; 1b* constitute a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape.

27. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* comprising a spring 1; 1'; 1* according to one of proposals 18 to 26 and a first member 2; 2'; 2* having a second toothing, the spring and the first member being arranged to act on one another.

28. 100 notching system; 100'; 100* according to proposal 27, characterized in that it comprises a second member 3; 3'; 3 * mounted mobile, in particular mounted mobile in rotation, relative to the first member 2; 2'; 2*, the second member comprising at least one second pivot connecting element 3a, 3b; 3a', 3b'; 3a*, 3b* cooperating with the at least one first pivot connection element to create at least one pivot connection between the spring 1; 1'; 1* and the second member 3; 3'; 3*.

• n=8 et m=6, ou
• n=6 et m=5, ou
• n=10 et m=12, ou
• n=12 et m=15, ou
• n=12 et m=20, ou
• n=8 et m=15.

29. Notching system 100; 100'; 100* according to one of proposals 27 and 28, characterized in that the first toothing comprises n first teeth 11, 12; 11', 12'; 11*, 12* and in that the first member 2; 2'; 2* comprises a second toothing comprising m second teeth 22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*, with, for example:

• n=8 and m=6, or
• n=6 and m=5, or
• n=10 and m=12, or
• n=12 and m=15, or
• n=12 and m=20, or
• n=8 and m=15.

• lunette tournante, ou
• réhaut tournant, ou
• fond orientable, ou
• couronne orientable, ou
• dispositif d'affichage, typiquement dispositif d'affichage d'un fuseau horaire ou dispositif d'affichage d'un affichage programmable,

le dispositif comprenant un ressort selon l'une des propositions 18 à 26 et/ou un système de crantage selon l'une des propositions 27 à 29.30. Clock device 110; 110'; 110*, including:

• rotating bezel, or
• rotating flange, or
• adjustable bottom, or
• adjustable crown, or
• display device, typically a time zone display device or a programmable display display device,

the device comprising a spring according to one of the proposals 18 to 26 and/or a notching system according to one of proposals 27 to 29.

31. Timepiece box 10; 10'; 10* comprising a spring according to one of proposals 18 to 26 and/or a notching system according to one of proposals 27 to 29 and/or a horological device according to proposal 30.

32. Timepiece 200; 200'; 200* comprising a spring according to one of proposals 18 to 26 and/or a notching system according to one of proposals 27 to 29 and/or a horological device according to proposal 30 and/or a case according to proposal 31.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions.

• au moins deux bras élastiques 11ʺ, 12ʺ ; 11‴, 12‴, et
• une première denture comprenant des premières dents de crantage 11aʺ, 12aʺ ; 11a‴, 12a‴ disposées sur chacun des bras,

les bras ayant une forme comprenant deux portions concaves 118", 119" ; 118‴, 119‴ vues depuis les sommets des premières dents de crantage.33. 1"spring; 1‴ for 100" notching system; 100‴, the spring including:

• at least two elastic arms 11ʺ, 12ʺ; 11‴, 12‴, and
• a first toothing comprising first notching teeth 11aʺ, 12aʺ; 11a‴, 12a‴ arranged on each of the arms,

the arms having a shape comprising two concave portions 118", 119"; 118‴, 119‴ views from the tops of the first cog teeth.

• au niveau de laquelle les portions concaves ont des tangentes formant un angle βʺ, β‴, par exemple un angle βʺ, β‴ compris entre 60° et 120°, typiquement un angle de 90° ou environ, et
• constituant la première dent.

34. Spring according to proposal 33, characterized in that the two concave portions meet to form an area:

• at which the concave portions have tangents forming an angle βʺ, β‴, for example an angle βʺ, β‴ comprised between 60° and 120°, typically an angle of 90° or approximately, and
• constituting the first tooth.

• présentent un rayon de courbure compris entre 0.05 fois ou 0.1 fois le rayon du cercle C1ʺ, C1‴ et 0.3 fois le rayon du cercle C1ʺ, C1‴, et/ou
• les portions concaves sont tangentes ou sensiblement tangentes au cercle C1ʺ, C1‴ au niveau des extrémités des bras.

35. Spring according to proposal 33 or 34, characterized in that the concave portions:

• have a radius of curvature between 0.05 times or 0.1 times the radius of the circle C1ʺ, C1‴ and 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1ʺ, C1‴, and/or
• the concave portions are tangent or substantially tangent to the circle C1ʺ, C1‴ at the ends of the arms.

Unless otherwise technically or logically incompatible, an object may include any combination of characteristics from the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 2 est une vue d'un ressort et d'un premier organe selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 3 est une vue de détail du ressort selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues de définition de la géométrie du ressort selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 6 est une vue de définition du premier organe selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 7 à 9 sont des vues partielles illustrant un séquencement de fonctionnement de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 10 est une vue schématique d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 11 est une vue d'un ressort et d'un premier organe selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 12 est une vue de détail du ressort selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 13 et 14 sont des vues de définition de la géométrie du ressort selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 15 est une vue de définition du premier organe selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.
• Les figures 16 à 18 sont des vues partielles illustrant un séquencement de fonctionnement de la pièce d'horlogerie selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 19 est une vue schématique d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 20 est une vue d'un ressort selon le troisième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 21 est une vue partielle d'un quatrième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 22 est une vue de détail du ressort selon le quatrième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 23 est une vue partielle d'un cinquième mode de réalisation d'une pièce d'horlogerie.
• La figure 24 est une vue de détail du ressort selon le cinquième mode de réalisation.

The appended drawings represent, by way of examples, three embodiments of a timepiece.

• The figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a timepiece.
• The picture 2 is a view of a spring and a first member according to the first embodiment.
• The picture 3 is a detail view of the spring according to the first embodiment.
• The figure 4 and 5 are views defining the geometry of the spring according to the first embodiment.
• The figure 6 is a definition view of the first member according to the first embodiment.
• The figures 7 to 9 are partial views illustrating an operating sequencing of the timepiece according to the first embodiment.
• The figure 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 11 is a view of a spring and a first member according to the second embodiment.
• The figure 12 is a detail view of the spring according to the second embodiment.
• The figure 13 and 14 are views defining the geometry of the spring according to the second embodiment.
• The figure 15 is a definition view of the first member according to the second embodiment.
• The figures 16 to 18 are partial views illustrating an operating sequencing of the timepiece according to the second embodiment.
• The figure 19 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 20 is a view of a spring according to the third embodiment.
• The figure 21 is a partial view of a fourth embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 22 is a detail view of the spring according to the fourth embodiment.
• The figure 23 is a partial view of a fifth embodiment of a timepiece.
• The figure 24 is a detail view of the spring according to the fifth embodiment.

A first embodiment of a timepiece 200 is described below with reference to the figures 1 to 9 .

The timepiece 200 is for example a watch, in particular a wristwatch.

The timepiece 200 comprises a timepiece movement intended to be mounted in a case or a case 10 of the timepiece in order to protect it from the external environment.

The watch movement can be an electronic movement or a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement.

The timepiece 200, in particular the timepiece case 10, comprises a timepiece device 110. The timepiece device can be a covering device such as a rotating bezel or a rotating flange or an adjustable back or an adjustable crown. Alternatively, the watchmaking device may be a movement device, in particular a device for adjusting a time information display device, typically a time zone display device or a time zone display device. a programmable display, which allows you to move a display member according to a predefined angular pitch by means of such a notching system.

The timepiece 200, in particular the timepiece case 10 or the timepiece device 110, comprises a notching system 100.

• un premier organe 2,
• un deuxième organe 3, et
• un ressort 1.

The 100 notching system includes:

• a first member 2,
• a second member 3, and
• a spring 1.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the first member 2 is a middle part of the timepiece case or an element integral with a middle part of the part case. More particularly, the first member 2 can be a ring 2 attached to a middle part 4 of the timepiece case. The ring 2 can be fixed on an annular seat of the middle 4.

For example, the first member may have an annular shape. For example, the second member may have an annular shape.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the second member 3 is a rotating bezel, which is capable of rotating relative to the middle part 4, and therefore relative to the first member 2.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the spring 1 is mechanically linked to the second member 3.

The spring 1 comprises an axis A1. This axis A1 is an axis of symmetry of the spring 1 or of the second member 3, or an axis of rotation of the spring 1 or of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2. Thus, the second member 3 is mounted in a pivot connection relative to the first member 2 around the axis A1.

The first member 2 comprises an axis A2. This axis A2 is an axis of symmetry of the first member 2.

The axes A1 and A2 are coincident or substantially coincident.

The notching system makes it possible to define notches or indexed positions in the movement of the second member relative to the first member.

To do this, the spring 1 comprises first notching elements, in particular first notching teeth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a and the first member 2 comprises second notching elements, in particular second notching teeth 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f.

The spring 1 and the first member 2 are arranged to act one on the other in order to define the different notches or indexed positions or indexing positions. In particular, the first toothing is arranged to act on the second toothing in order to define the various notches or indexed positions or indexing positions of the notching system.

Preferably, the first toothing comprises n teeth, the second toothing comprises m teeth and the first and second toothing are arranged so that, by their interactions, they define p notches or indexed positions or indexing positions, with p=mxn/ k and k a natural number, for example k=1 or k=2 or k=3 or k=4.

• p=24 et n=8 et m=6, ou
• p=30 et n=6 et m=5, ou
• p=60 et n=10 et m=12, ou
• p=60 et n=12 et m=15, ou
• p=60 et n=12 et m=20, ou
• p=120 et n=8 et m=15.

For instance, :

• p=24 and n=8 and m=6, or
• p=30 and n=6 and m=5, or
• p=60 and n=10 and m=12, or
• p=60 and n=12 and m=15, or
• p=60 and n=12 and m=20, or
• p=120 and n=8 and m=15.

Thus, when the second member 3 is moved in rotation relative to the first member 2 over a complete revolution, p notches or indexed positions or indexing positions are felt.

• au moins deux bras élastiques 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 et
• une première denture de crantage comprenant des premiers éléments de crantage, en particulier des premières dents de crantage 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a disposées sur chacun des bras 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Spring 1 includes:

• at least two elastic arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and
• a first cogging toothing comprising first cogging elements, in particular first cogging teeth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a arranged on each of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 , 17, 18.

Preferably, when one of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 is not stressed, it has a convex shape when it is seen from the top of its notching element or the top of its first detent tooth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a.

In particular, one of these arms has a convex shape, seen from the top of the notching element or the top of the first notching tooth of said arm, when said arm is not stressed.

In particular, said arm is convex seen from the axis A1 or the axis A2, if the spring is arranged around or outside the first member 2.

Preferably, the spring comprises n arms with n≥2. In the particular variant of the first embodiment described with reference to the figures 1 to 9 , n=8. Thus, the spring 1 comprises 8 arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 each comprising first notching elements, in particular first notching teeth 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a.

These first notching teeth extend at an angle α12 around the axis A1. These first notching teeth are also spaced apart by an angle α11 around the axis A1. These first notching teeth are preferably arranged periodically with an angle α11+α12 around the axis.

Preferably, the at least two elastic arms of the spring form a clamp intended to act on the first member 2. In other words, the at least two elastic arms, by their conformation and their arrangement, preferentially exert a force against the first member 2. This is made possible in particular by the first and second connecting elements which make it possible in particular to adequately pre-stress the spring 1 against the first member 2.

Advantageously, the notching system 100 is bidirectional. It thus makes it possible to implement a second member 3 "notched" and pivotally mounted on the first member 2, and this in both directions of rotation.

Preferably, the spring has the shape of a closed loop. Preferably, the spring has the shape of a closed loop centered on the axis A1. In other words, the different arms are advantageously mechanically linked to each other by their ends. More exactly, each given arm of the spring is linked at each of its ends to one end of an arm adjacent or neighboring the given arm.

Preferably, the spring 1 comprises at least one first pivot connecting element 1b between the at least two elastic arms 11, 12. The first pivot connecting elements 1b are preferably each located or positioned between two neighboring or consecutive or adjacent elastic arms . Advantageously, the spring 1 comprises as many first pivot connecting elements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h as there are arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, a first element pivot connection located at each end of each of the arms. In other words, the same first pivot connecting element is arranged at the two ends of two adjacent or neighboring arms.

Preferably, the first pivot connecting elements are arranged on the same circle C1 centered on the axis A1. By convention, we will call the radius of this circle C1, the outer radius of the spring or the radius of the spring. Preferably, the first pivot connecting elements are bores with axes parallel to the axes A1 and A2. Preferably, the axes of these bores are arranged on the circle C1.

The segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connecting elements of the spring form a polygon, in particular a regular polygon. Thus, the spring has substantially a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape. This is all the more visible when the spring is not stressed or prestressed, in other words when it is removed from the notching system (the elastic arms then all having the same radius of curvature).

In the variant of this first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , the segments connecting the axes of the first pivot connecting elements of the spring form an octagon O. Thus, the spring has a substantially octagonal shape. In particular, when the spring is not stressed or prestressed, the spring has substantially a star shape due to the convex shape of each of the arms of the spring.

In general, the spring preferably has a symmetry of revolution of order n.

The second member 3 comprises at least one second pivot link element 3b intended to cooperate with the at least one first pivot link element 1b to create the at least one pivot link between the spring 1 and the second member 3 around an axis parallel to axis A1 or A2. Advantageously, the second member 3 comprises as many second pivot connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h as the spring 1 comprises first pivot connecting elements 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h. Preferably, the second pivot connecting elements are pins or pins or projections parallel to the axes A1 and A2.

The first and second pivot connecting elements thus form joints of the spring 1 on the second member 3. Consequently, each elastic arm constitutes a beam held and articulated on the second member at each of its ends.

The first and second connecting elements make it possible in particular to adequately pre-stress the spring 1 against the first member 2 while constituting pivot links of the spring 1 relative to the second member 3.

Preferably, as shown in the figure 4 and 5 , the elastic arms have, when they are not stressed, arcuate shapes C11 whose centers A11 are preferably located on the same first circle C10 centered on the axis A1 (namely coaxial with the spring) and of radius non-zero, in particular with a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the circle C1 defined previously (namely the radius of the spring), or even greater than 1.8 times the radius of the circle C1 (namely the radius of the spring), or even greater than 2 times the radius of the circle C1 (namely the radius of the spring). In the variant of the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , the first circle C10 has a radius equal to 2.3 times the radius of the circle C1 or 2.3 times the radius of the spring.

For example, the figure 4 illustrates an arm 11 of spring 1 whose central part matches a portion of circle C11 whose center A11 is located outside of spring 1, in particular outside of circle C1.

Advantageously, the notching system, in particular the spring, is shaped so that the radius of curvature of any of the arms of the spring increases, or even reverses, when this arm is stressed by the action of the first member 2 , in particular by the action of a second notching element. Such a deformation of the arms 14 and 18 is represented on the figure 2 . Advantageously again, in this configuration, the radius of curvature of each of the arms 13, 15 and 11, 17 which respectively adjoin the arms 14 and 18 is smaller than that of the arms 14 and 18.

As seen above, the spring 1 comprises first notching elements 11a, 12a, which can take the form of first notching teeth or projections, forming the first notching teeth. These teeth or projections can be oriented towards the inside of the spring or towards the axis A1 of the spring. These teeth or projections have for example sections of substantially trapezoidal shape in a plane perpendicular to the axes A1 and A2.

Alternatively, these protrusions can be formed by abrupt and localized changes in the direction of the arms, without for as much as the sections of the arms change significantly in these areas.

The second member 2 comprises second notching elements 22a, 22b, such as second notching teeth or projections, forming the second notching teeth. These second teeth or projections have, for example, sections of substantially trapezoidal shape in a plane perpendicular to the axes A1 and A2, and in particular comprise a domed external profile.

Advantageously, each of the first notching elements 11a, 12a is arranged in the middle of each of the elastic arms of the spring, that is to say substantially equidistant from the pivoting elements. More particularly, the first notching element 11a is arranged equidistant from the first pivoting elements 1a and 1b. More particularly, the first notching element 12a is arranged equidistant from the first pivoting elements 1b and 1c. Thus, there are n first notching elements on the spring, as there are n arms forming the spring.

The first member 2 comprises m second notching elements. Preferably, n≠m. For example, in the example of the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , m=6, n=8. Thus, the first member 2 comprises 6 second notching elements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f.

In this example, the notching system generates 24 notches or indexed positions for a complete turn of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2.

On the first member 2, the second notching elements each extend angularly at an angle a22 around the axis A2. Preferably, the second notching elements are evenly distributed around the axis A2. Two neighboring or consecutive or adjacent second notching elements are separated by a hollow or a first portion 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, 21f. Each portion 21 extends angularly at an angle α21 around axis A2.

Preferably, portions 21a to 21f are cylinder portions with axis A2 having a radius r1.

The second notching elements can take the form of lobes 22a to 22f projecting from the portions 21a to 21f. The second notching elements can thus extend from the first radius r1 to a second radius r2, so as to form obstacles to the first notching elements of the spring 1. The ratio r2/r1 participates in particular in the sensation of notching. In this particular example, this ratio is for example of the order of 1.04.

The values α11, α12 and a21, a22 make it possible in particular to define the notching frequency of the notching system. In particular, they make it possible to define the number of notches of the notching system. The number of notches p, for identical angles α12 and α22 respectively on the spring 1 and on the first member 2, can in particular be defined by the following relationship: $$\left(\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="12"\; label="\alpha "\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\alpha </figure-callout>}12+\mathrm{\alpha }22\right)/2=360/\mathrm{p},\mathrm{with}\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="12"\; label="\alpha "\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\alpha </figure-callout>}\mathrm{12}\mathrm{and}\mathrm{\alpha }\mathrm{22}\mathrm{measure}e\mathrm{s}\mathrm{in}\mathrm{degree}e\mathrm{s}.$$

Preferably, the angular extent a21 may be strictly greater than the angular extent a22, or even greater than or equal to 1.5×a22.

In this embodiment, the first notching elements have axial symmetry with respect to a straight line D1 passing through the axis A1 of the spring in a plane P1 passing through the spring (namely perpendicular to the axis A1), as represented on the picture 3 .

In this embodiment, the second notching elements have axial symmetry with respect to a straight line D2 passing through the axis A2 in a plane P2 passing through the first member (namely perpendicular to the axis A2), as represented on the figure 6 .

Preferably, the first member has rotational symmetry of order m.

Advantageously, the notching system, in particular the first and second notching elements are arranged so that at a given instant, in particular at any instant, a first given notching element exerts a first mechanical action on a second given notching element at the level of a first contact zone and a first notching element other than the given first notching element exerts a second mechanical action on a second notching element other than the given second notching element at the level of a second zone of contact, the first and second mechanical actions having different intensities and/or different directions.

Preferably again, at a given instant or at any instant, a first notching element, different from the first two notching elements, exerts a third mechanical action on a portion 21a to 21f of the first member 2.

The notching system, in particular the first and second notching elements are arranged so that an indexed position of the second member relative to the first member is defined by the first mechanical action and by the second mechanical action, the first and second mechanical actions inducing opposite driving torques of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2.

During the relative movement of the first and second members 2 and 3, the at least two elastic arms of the spring 1 have the particularity of moving around their joint or their common pivot connection and of deforming elastically relative to their common joint or their joint. pivot connection under the actuation of the first member 2, in particular under the effect of the second notching elements. Thus, in at least one actuation phase of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2, the arms 11 and 12 oscillate and deform relative to the articulation or to the pivot connection formed by the first and second connecting elements 1b and 3b.

These elastic oscillations and deformations of the arms 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 result from the cooperation of the first notching elements 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a with the second elements notches 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f of the first member 2.

When an arm of the spring 1 is elastically deformed through cooperation between a first notching element and a second notching element, this induces an increase in the radius of curvature of said arm, the latter possibly having a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear conformation. , or even a concave conformation (the radius of curvature decreasing again after passing through an infinite value), when the first notching element is positioned at the top of a second notching element, namely at a radius r2 of the first organ 2. Plus the arm is deformed, the greater the intensity of the mechanical action produced by the arm on the first member 2, via the first notching element of said arm.

Preferably, when an arm of the spring 1 is elastically deformed through the cooperation between a first notching element that it carries and a second notching element of the first member, the first notching element does not move out of the circle C1 passing through the first connection means of the spring 1. This advantageously makes it possible to propose a particularly compact notching system.

The figures 7 to 9 illustrate different configurations of the spring 1 opposite the first member 2, in order to highlight the way in which a notch of the system 100 is generated. For the sake of simplification, the second member 3, on which the spring 1 is articulated, does not is not shown in these figures.

The figure 7 illustrates part of the system in a first configuration, in which a first notching element 11a of the spring 1 is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22a of the first member 2 according to a first direction of rotation of the second member 3, represented by the arrow in bold line, while this same first notching element 11a is in radial support against a first portion 21a of the first member 2. This is a first stable angular configuration of the second member 3 (not shown) facing the first member 2. This first configuration is reached following a pivoting of the second member 3 according to the first direction of rotation, and according to a threshold torque of rotation of the second member 3. In this first configuration, the arm 11 has a convex shape seen from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or the axis A2 of the first member 2. The first latching element 18a of the arm 18, connected to the arm 11 at an articulation 1a, 3a, for its part bears radially against the top of the second notching element 22f, namely against the second notching element 22f at the level of the radius r2 in a middle zone of the second notching element 22f passing through a line D2. In this first configuration, the arm 18 has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. Furthermore, the first notching element 12a of the arm 12, connected to the arm 11 at the level of a joint 1b, 3b, is for its part in radial support against a first portion 21b. In this first configuration, the arm 12 has a convex shape seen from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or the axis A2 of the first member 2.

The crossing of the second notching element 22a by the first notching element 11a, namely the passage from the radius r1 to the radius r2 of the first member 2, requires an increase in the torque of rotation of the second member 3 relative to the first member 2 so as to reach a rotation torque of the second member 3 greater than the drive threshold torque of the second member 3. To do this, the respective joints 1a, 3a and 1b, 3b allow the arm 11 to deform optimally while minimizing the stresses within it. This increase in torque induced at least partially by the cooperation of the elements 11a and 22a characterizes the start of the notch. This increase can be more or less steep or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.

The figure 8 illustrates part of the system in a second configuration, in which the first notching element 11a bears radially against the second notching element 22a, upstream from the top of the second notching element 22a, after having partially crossed said second notching element following rotation of the second member in the first direction of rotation. In this second configuration, arm 11 has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. In this second configuration, the first notching element 12a of the arm 12 remains in radial support against the first portion 21b, and the arm 12 therefore retains a convex shape seen from the axis A1 of the spring 1 or the axis A2 of the first member 2. In this second configuration, the first notching element 18a of the arm 18 remains in radial support against the second notching element 22f, and the arm 18 therefore retains a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. Nevertheless, in this second configuration, the first notching element 18a has crossed the top of the second notching element 22f and the arm 18 is thus ready to restore its accumulated elastic potential energy thanks to its elastic deformation.

Thanks to the arrangement of the first notching element 18a facing the second notching element 22f, the second member 3 can thus be driven in rotation according to the first direction of rotation under the effect of a torque lying below the torque threshold. This reduction in torque induced at least partially by the cooperation of the elements 18a and 22f characterizes the end of the notch. This decrease can be more or less steep or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.

The figure 9 illustrates part of the system after the end of the notch. In this third configuration, the first notching element 18a is in radial support against the portion 21a of the first member, after having crossed the second notching element 22f, while the first notching element 11a is located at the top of the first notching element 22a. The first notching element 12a is for its part in angular abutment against a second notching element 22b of the first member 2, while this same first notching element 12a is in radial support against a first portion 21b of the first member 2.

This third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in the sense that a crossing of the second notching element 22b by the first notching element 12a initiates at least in part the start of a second notch, successive to the first notch previously described. The end of this second notch would then be characterized at least partially by the passage through the first notching element 11a from the second notching element 22a to the portion 21b.

• d'une première coopération entre un premier élément de crantage donné et un deuxième élément de crantage donné, et
• d'une deuxième coopération entre un autre premier élément de crantage donné et un autre deuxième élément de crantage donné, et éventuellement
• d'une troisième coopération entre au moins un autre premier élément de crantage, différent des deux premiers, avec une première portion donnée de premier organe.

This description shows that a given detent is not exclusively defined by a given first detent element cooperating with a given second detent element or by first detent means cooperating simultaneously and synchronized with separate second detent means. In the notching system according to the invention, a notch can be defined by the conjunction:

• of a first cooperation between a first given notching element and a second given notching element, and
• of a second cooperation between another first given notching element and another second given notching element, and optionally
• a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different from the first two, with a given first portion of the first member.

• des intensités différentes (principalement déterminées par les degrés de déformation des bras), et/ou
• des directions différentes (directions déterminées par des angles relativement aux directions radiales selon les axes A1 et A2 aux points de contact du ressort sur le premier organe 2).

More particularly, in the second configuration described above, a first notching element 11a can bear radially against a second notching element 22a upstream of the top of the second notching element 22a, another first notching element 18a can bear radially against a second notching element 22f downstream of the top of the second notching element 22f, while yet another first notching element 12a can bear against a portion 21b. The first notching elements of the spring therefore do not all work simultaneously and synchronized with the second notching elements in the sense that the first notching elements of the spring are not all arranged in the same way opposite the second notching elements of the first member 2, in a given configuration of the notching system. This induces several mechanical actions exerted by the spring, in particular by the first notching elements, on the first member which have:

• different intensities (mainly determined by the degrees of deformation of the arms), and/or
• different directions (directions determined by angles relative to the radial directions along the axes A1 and A2 at the contact points of the spring on the first member 2).

Of course, the start of a notch can be defined by more than one first cooperation between a given first notching element and a given second notching element. There can therefore exist several first cooperations between given first notching elements and given second notching elements, these first cooperations being simultaneous and synchronized, that is to say they simultaneously produce mechanical actions that are equal or substantially identical in intensities and in directions (directions determined by angles relative to the radial directions to the axes A1 and A2 at the points of contact of the spring on the first member 2).

In the embodiment described in figures 1 to 9 , in the first notching system configuration, the first notching element 15a is arranged in angular abutment facing the second notching element 22d in the same way as the first notching element 11a is opposite the second notching element 22a. This is more particularly visible on the figure 2 , which represents the notching system in the aforementioned first configuration.

Thus, the beginning of the notch is determined more particularly by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperation between the elements 11a and 22a, and 15a and 22d respectively. Furthermore, the end of the notch is determined by the simultaneous and synchronized cooperation between the elements 18a and 22f, and 14a and 22c respectively.

In the embodiment described in figures 1 to 9 , the notching system is bidirectional, that is to say it is possible to define a notch according to a first direction of rotation of the second member 3 as has been described above, but it is also possible to define a notch in a second direction of rotation of the second member 3 using the same elements or equivalent elements of the notching system.

A second embodiment of a timepiece 200' is described below with reference to the figures 10 to 18 .

Preferably, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only by the characteristics which are described below.

Thus, the references of elements of the second embodiment are deduced from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of an apostrophe "'".

Mainly, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the notching system 100' is unidirectional. It thus makes it possible to implement a second "notched"3' member and pivoted around the first member 2 ', and this in a single and unique direction of rotation.

In the particular variant of the second embodiment described below with reference to the figures 10 to 18 , the notching system generates 120 notches or indexed positions for one complete turn of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2'.

In this particular variant, the first member comprises m second notching elements, with m=15. Thus, the first member 2' here comprises 15 second notching elements 22a', 22b', 22c', 22d', 22e', 22f', 22g', 22h', 22i', 22j', 22k', 22l', 22m', 22n', 22o'. Like spring 1 according to the first mode, spring 1' here comprises eight arms 11', 12', 13', 14', 15', 16', 17', 18' each comprising first notching elements , in particular the first notching teeth 11a', 12a', 13a', 14a', 15a', 16a', 17a', 18a'.

To perform a unidirectional rotation function of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2', the notching system 100' has the particularity of comprising first angular stop elements and second angular stop means to avoid any untimely rotation of the second member 3' relative to the first member 2'.

• chaque premier élément de crantage 11a', 12a', 13a', 14a', 15a', 16a', 17a', 18a' peut comprendre un premier élément de butée 111a', 121a', 131a', 141a', 151a', 161a', 171a', 181a' comme un premier flanc, dont une direction normale est orthoradiale ou sensiblement orthoradiale relativement à l'axe A1, et
• chaque deuxième élément de crantage 22a' à 22o' peut comprendre un deuxième élément de butée, comme un deuxième flanc, dont une direction normale est sensiblement orthoradiale relativement à l'axe A1.

More specifically:

• each first notching element 11a', 12a', 13a', 14a', 15a', 16a', 17a', 18a' can comprise a first abutment element 111a', 121a', 131a', 141a', 151a', 161a', 171a', 181a' as a first flank, one normal direction of which is orthoradial or substantially orthoradial relative to axis A1, and
• each second notching element 22a' to 22o' can comprise a second abutment element, like a second flank, one normal direction of which is substantially orthoradial relative to axis A1.

These first and second abutment elements cooperate by obstacle to prevent the rotation of the second member 3 'relative to the first member 2' in a determined direction of rotation.

The first notching elements therefore have the particularity of being asymmetrical. More particularly, there is no straight line passing through a plane P1' of the spring and passing through the axis A1' of the spring with which a first notching element has axial symmetry.

The second notching elements also have the particularity of being asymmetrical. More particularly, there is no straight line passing through the plane P2' of the first member and passing through the axis A2' of the first member with which a second notching element 22' has axial symmetry.

Preferably, each elastic arm 11', 12', 13', 14', 15', 16', 17', 18' comprises a first abutment force take-up element 11b', 12b', 13b', 14b ', 15b', 16b', 17b', 18b', the first abutment force-absorbing element being for example arranged in the middle of each elastic arm. This abutment force take-up element is provided to cooperate with an abutment surface 31b', 32b', 33b', 34'b', 35b', 36b', 37b', 38b' when the first and second elements of abutment cooperate by obstacle to prevent rotation of the second member 3 'relative to the first member 2' in a determined direction of rotation.

Preferably, the first notching elements are provided on one face of the spring 1', in particular an internal face of the spring 1', and the first abutment force take-up elements are provided on another face of the spring 1', in particular an opposite face of the spring 1', in particular an outer face of the spring 1'.

Thus, due to the conformation of the first notching elements of the spring 1' and of the second notching elements of the first member 2', the notching system 100' is unidirectional. The second member 3' is therefore pivotally mounted in a single and unique direction of rotation facing the first member 2' and therefore facing the middle part 4'. This direction of rotation corresponds to the direction of rotation represented by the dotted arrows of the figures 16 to 18 .

Incidentally, the pivot connections between the spring 1' and the second member 3' are here made by notches 1a' to 1h' (acting as first pivot connection elements) provided on the spring 1' to cooperate with protrusions 3a' at 3 o'clock (acting as second pivot connecting elements) provided on the second member 3'. Of course, it would be quite possible to substitute the indentations by bores, and the protuberances by pins or pins.

The first and second connecting elements make it possible in particular to adequately pre-stress the spring 1′ against the first member 2′ while constituting pivot connections of the spring 1′ relative to the second member 3′, in particular pivot connections connecting two successive elastic arms.

In the example shown in figures 10 to 18 , the second member 2' also comprises fifteen first annular portions 21a' to 21o' arranged on a first radius r1 of the first member 2'. The second notching elements 22a' to 22o' for their part comprise vertices arranged on a second radius r2 of the first member 2', as illustrated on the figure 15 . The r2/r1 ratio participates in particular in the sensation of notching. In this particular example, this ratio is of the order of 1.02.

In the example shown in figures 10 to 18 , the angular extent α21' of a first portion 21', measured from the axis A2' of the first member 2', is here of the order of 3 times the angular extent a22' of a second notching element 22' measured from the same axis A2'. The values α21' and a22' make it possible in particular to define the notching frequency.

The figures 16 to 18 illustrate different configurations of the spring 1' opposite the first member 2', in order to highlight the way in which a notch of the device 100' is generated. For the sake of simplification, the second member 3', on which the spring 1' is hinged, is not shown in these figures.

The figure 16 illustrates part of the notching system in a first configuration, in which a first notching element 11a' of the spring 1 is in angular abutment against a second notching element 22a' of the first member 2' in the direction of rotation of the second member 3', represented by the dotted arrow, while this same first notching element 11a' is in radial support against a first portion 21b' of the first member 2'. This is a first stable angular configuration of the second member 3' facing the first member 2'. This first configuration is reached following pivoting of the second member 3' according to its determined direction of rotation, and according to a threshold torque of rotation of the second member 3'. In this first configuration, the arm 11' has a convex shape seen from the axis A1' of the spring 1' or the axis A2' of the first member 2'. A first notching element 12a' of an arm 12', connected to the arm 11' by a first articulation 1b', 3b', is for its part radially supported against the top of the second notching element 22c' , namely against the second element of notch 22c' at radius r2 of first member 2'. In this first configuration, arm 12' has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. Furthermore, a first notching element 18a' of an arm 18', connected to the arm 11' by a second articulation 1a', 3a', is for its part in radial support against a first portion 21o' . In this first configuration, the arm 18' has a convex shape seen from the axis A1' of the spring 1' or the axis A2' of the first member 2'.

The crossing of the second notching element 22a' by the first notching element 11a', namely the passage from the radius r1 to the radius r2 of the first member 2', requires an increase in the torque of rotation of the second member 3' so as to reach a rotational torque of the second member 3' greater than the drive threshold torque of the second member 3'. To do this, the respective joints 1a', 3a' and 1b', 3b' allow the arm 11' to deform optimally while minimizing the stresses within it. This increase in torque induced by the cooperation of the elements 11a' and 22a' characterizes the beginning of the notch. This increase can be more or less steep or linear depending on the geometry of the first notching elements and the second notching elements.

The figure 17 illustrates part of the notching system in a second configuration, in which the first notching element 11a' bears radially against the second notching element 22a', slightly upstream of the top of the second notching element 22a', after having partially crossed said second notching element following a rotation of the second member 3' according to its direction of rotation. In this second configuration, arm 11' has a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. In this second configuration, the first notching element 18a' of the arm 18' remains in radial support against the first portion 21o', and the arm 18' therefore retains a convex shape. seen from the axis A1' of the spring 1' or the axis A2' of the first member 2'. In this second configuration, the first notching element 12a' of the arm 12' remains in radial support against the second notching element 22c', and the arm 12' therefore retains a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear shape. Nevertheless, in this second configuration, the first notching element 12a' has crossed the top of the second notching element 22c' and the arm 12' is thus ready to restore its accumulated elastic potential energy thanks to its elastic deformation.

Thanks to the arrangement of the first notching element 12a' facing the second notching element 22c', the second member 3' can thus be driven in rotation according to its direction of rotation under the effect of a torque lying below of the threshold torque. This reduction in the torque induced by the cooperation of the elements 12a' and 22c' characterizes the end of the notch. This decrease can be more or less steep or linear depending on the geometry of the first and second notching elements.

The figure 18 illustrates part of the notch system after the end of the notch. In this third configuration, the first notching element 12a' is in radial support against the portion 21c' of the first member, after having crossed the second notching element 22c', while the first notching element 11a' is located at the top of the second notching element 22a'. The first notching element 18a' is for its part in angular abutment against a second notching element 22n' of the first member 2', whereas this same first notching element 18a' is in radial support on the against the first portion 21o' of the first member 2'.

This third configuration is equivalent to the first configuration in the sense that a crossing of the second notching element 22n' by the first notching element 18a' initiates the start of a second notch, successive to the first notch previously described. The end of this second notch would then be characterized by the passage of the first notching element 11a' from the second notching element 22a' to the portion 21a'.

• d'une première coopération entre un premier élément de crantage donné et un deuxième élément de crantage donné, et
• d'une deuxième coopération entre un autre premier élément de crantage donné et un autre deuxième élément de crantage donné, et éventuellement
• d'une troisième coopération entre au moins un autre premier élément de crantage, différent des deux premiers, avec une première portion donnée de premier organe.

This description shows that a given detent is not exclusively defined by a given first detent element cooperating with a given second detent element or by first detent means cooperating simultaneously and synchronized with separate second detent means. In the notching system according to the invention, a notch can be defined by the conjunction:

• of a first cooperation between a first given notching element and a second given notching element, and
• of a second cooperation between another first given notching element and another second given notching element, and optionally
• a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different from the first two, with a given first portion of the first member.

More particularly, in the second embodiment described above, the first notching element 11a' can bear radially against the second notching element 22a' upstream of the top of the second notching element 22a', the first element notching element 12a' can bear radially against the second notching element 22c' downstream of the top of the second notching element 22c', while a third first notching element 18a' can bear against the against a 21o' portion. The first notching elements of the spring therefore do not all work simultaneously and synchronized with the second notching elements in the sense that the first notching elements of the spring are not all arranged in the same way facing a second element given notch of the first member, in a given configuration of the notching system.

A third embodiment of a timepiece 200* is described below with reference to the figure 19 and 20 .

Preferably, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only by the characteristics which are described below.

Thus, the references of elements of the third embodiment are deduced from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of an asterisk “*”.

Just as in the example of the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9 , n=8 and m=6. Thus, in this particular variant of the third embodiment, the notching system generates 24 notches or indexed positions for one complete turn of a second 3* member relative to a first 2* member.

Mainly, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first member 2* is mounted outside the second member 3* on which a spring 1* is hinged. Accordingly, the second notching elements are oriented inwards. They form, for example, an internal toothing. Accordingly also, in their unstressed states, the arms 11* of the spring 1* are concave when viewed from the axis A1* or A2*. Preferably, however, the arms 11* are, in their unbiased states, convex when viewed from the tops of the first detent elements.

Preferably, as shown in figure 20 , the elastic arms have, in a position in which the spring is not stressed, arcuate shapes C11* whose centers A11* are preferably located on the same first circle C10* centered on the axis A1* ( i.e. coaxial with the spring) and of non-zero radius, in particular of radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the circle C1* passing through the axes of the first connecting elements of the spring 1* (i.e. the radius of the spring), or even greater to 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1* (namely the radius of the spring), or even greater than 0.4 times the radius of the circle C1* (namely the radius of the spring). Preferably, the radius is less than 0.9 times or 0.8 times the radius of the circle C1* passing through the axes of the first connecting elements of the spring 1* (namely the radius of the spring).

Preferably, when an arm 11*, 12* of the spring 1* is elastically deformed through cooperation between a first notching element that it carries and a second notching element 22a*, 22b* of the first member 2* , the first notching element 11a*, 12a* does not move inside the circle C1*. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a particularly compact notching system.

A fourth embodiment of a timepiece 200" is described below with reference to the figure 21 and 22 .

• les liaisons pivot 1b", 3b" liant mécaniquement le ressort au deuxième organe 3" sont réalisées comme dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, et/ou
• la forme des bras 11", et/ou
• la conformation des premières dents de crantage 11a".

Preferably or essentially, the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the characteristics which are described below:

• the pivot links 1b", 3b" mechanically linking the spring to the second member 3" are made as in the second embodiment, and/or
• the shape of the arms 11", and/or
• the conformation of the first cogging teeth 11a".

Thus, the references of elements of the fourth embodiment are deduced from those of elements of the first embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by the addition of a sign second ".

A fifth embodiment of a timepiece 200‴ is described below with reference to the figure 23 and 24 .

• les liaisons pivot 1b‴, 3b‴ liant mécaniquement le ressort au deuxième organe 3‴ sont réalisées comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, et/ou
• la forme des bras 11‴.

Preferably or essentially, the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment by the characteristics which are described below:

• the pivot links 1b‴, 3b‴ mechanically linking the spring to the second member 3‴ are made as in the first embodiment, and/or
• the shape of the arms 11‴.

Thus, the references of elements of the fifth embodiment are deduced from those of elements of the second embodiment (having identical or substantially identical structures and/or identical or substantially identical functions) by replacing the prime sign "' by the third sign “‴”.

• au niveau de laquelle les portions concaves ont des tangentes formant un angle βʺ, β‴, par exemple un angle βʺ, β‴ compris entre 60° et 120°, typiquement un angle de 90° ou environ, et
• constituant la première dent.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the arms preferably have a shape comprising two concave portions 118", 119"; 118‴, 119‴ views from top of first cog tooth. The two concave portions meet to form an area:

• at which the concave portions have tangents forming an angle βʺ, β‴, for example an angle βʺ, β‴ comprised between 60° and 120°, typically an angle of 90° or so, and
• constituting the first tooth.

• présentent un rayon de courbure compris entre 0.05 fois ou 0.1 fois le rayon du cercle C1ʺ, C1‴ et 0.3 fois le rayon du cercle C1ʺ, C1‴, et/ou
• les portions concaves sont tangentes ou sensiblement tangentes au cercle C1, C1', C1*, C1", C1‴ au niveau des extrémités des bras.

Advantageously, the concave portions:

• have a radius of curvature between 0.05 times or 0.1 times the radius of the circle C1ʺ, C1‴ and 0.3 times the radius of the circle C1ʺ, C1‴, and/or
• the concave portions are tangent or substantially tangent to the circle C1, C1', C1*, C1", C1‴ at the ends of the arms.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the arms of the springs 1, 1′, 1*, 1ʺ, 1‴ can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical relative to a radial direction relative to the axis A1, A1′, A1 *, A1", A1‴. Alternatively, the arms of the springs 1, 1′, 1*, 1ʺ, 1‴ can be asymmetrical relative to a radial direction with respect to the axis A1, A1′, A1*, A1ʺ, A1‴ Thus, the radii of curvature of the two concave portions 118", 119"; 118‴, 119‴ may in particular be equal or not.

• une première dent de crantage, et
• le premier ou le deuxième organe

est une liaison d'appui local (ponctuel ou linéaire) sur une deuxième dent de crantage dans une situation dans laquelle les première et deuxième dents coopèrent par contact pour réaliser le crantage.Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the first notching teeth are preferably retained only by the arms of the spring, the spring itself being linked to the first member or to the second member by means of pivot links at the ends of each arm. Thus, the first notching teeth are preferably mechanically linked to the first member or to the second member via the arms. In particular, the first cogging teeth are preferably not directly linked mechanically to the first member or to the second member. In particular, the first notching teeth are not directly linked mechanically to the first member or to the second member by slide links, such as slide links oriented radially or substantially radially to the axis A1, A1', A1*, A1", A1 ‴ Preferably, the only direct mechanical connection existing between:

• a first detent tooth, and
• the first or the second organ

is a local bearing connection (punctual or linear) on a second notching tooth in a situation in which the first and second teeth cooperate by contact to produce the notching.

In the fourth and fifth embodiments described, the arms are generally convex or have a central convex part. In the fourth and fifth embodiments described, the arms extend entirely or almost entirely inside a circle tangent to the outside of the spring at the level of the pivot connections linking the spring to the second member. In the fourth and fifth embodiments described, the arm portions 11ʺ; 11‴ connecting portions 118", 119"; 118‴, 119‴ at pivot links 1aʺ, 1bʺ; 1a‴, 1b‴ have a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the circle passing through the axes of the pivot links linking the spring to the second member.

Whatever the embodiment or variant, the spring 1, 1', 1*, 1", 1‴ can be made of steel, such as Nivaflex. Alternatively, it can be made of nickel or a nickel alloy- phosphorus. Alternatively, it can be made of silicon. Alternatively again, it can be made of a metallic glass. Of course, it can alternatively be made of any other material, in particular any other elastic material. The spring can be made, by example, by a mechanical process such as stamping or wire cutting. The spring can also be made by stereolithography, by a LIGA process, by a DRIE etching process, by an injection process or even by a process of laser cutting.

In the first two embodiments, the notching system involves a spring 1, 1′, 1ʺ, 1‴ mechanically linked, in particular articulated on the second member 3, 3′, 3ʺ, 3‴ movable opposite the first member 2, 2′, 2ʺ, 2‴ the first member being for example a ring 2, 2′, 2ʺ, 2‴ forming part of a caseband 4, 4′, 4ʺ, 4‴ or being attached to a caseband 4, 4′, 4ʺ, 4‴. However, it is quite possible to reverse the arrangement so that the first member 2* is mounted so as to move opposite the second member 3*. In this case, the first member 2* can correspond, for example, to a rotating bezel portion. In this case, the spring 1* is mechanically linked, in particular hinged to the second member 3*, the second member 3* being for example a ring 3* forming part of a caseband 4* or being attached to a caseband 4* .

The torque required to maneuver the first and second members relative to each other is variable according to the nature of the applications, in particular variable according to the functions performed by the first member and/or the second member. In the case of an adjustable back (ie angularly indexed with respect to a middle part), the torque is notably greater than the torque necessary for the rotation of a rotating bezel or a rotating flange.

The notching system can also be miniaturized so as to equip a crown that can be oriented facing a caseband (ie angularly indexed facing a caseband).

The notching system 100, 100′, 100*, 100ʺ, 100‴ could also be used to equip a notching mobile of a watch movement. In this case, the second member 3, 3′, 3ʺ, 3‴ or the first member 2* could be a wheel set for an adjustment mechanism of a watch movement, and the first member 2, 2′, 2ʺ, 2 ‴ or the second member 3* could more particularly be a mobile in engagement with a display member, typically a display member for a time zone or a programmable display, or vice versa.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, the first and the second notching elements, in particular the first teeth and the second notching teeth, can take many forms or geometries.

Whatever the embodiment or the variant, a notch is not exclusively defined by a first given notching element cooperating with a second given notching element as is the case within the device of the document EP3608730 , or by all of the first notching elements cooperating simultaneously and synchronized with second notching elements as is the case, for example, within the device of the document EP1431845 .

• une première coopération entre un premier élément de crantage donné et un deuxième élément de crantage donné, et
• une deuxième coopération entre un autre premier élément de crantage donné et un autre deuxième élément de crantage donné.

Indeed, whatever the embodiment or the variant, a notch or an indexed position is defined by the conjunction of at least:

• a first cooperation between a first given notching element and a second given notching element, and
• a second cooperation between another first given notching element and another second given notching element.

Advantageously, this conjunction also comprises a third cooperation between at least one other first notching element, different from the first two, with a hollow or a portion, in particular a cylinder portion, of the first member.

Preferably, whatever the embodiment or the variant, the notching system is arranged so as to generate notches which are uniformly distributed over a complete revolution of the first member relative to the second member or vice versa, namely that the movement of the first organ relative to the second organ is the same between every notch. Preferably again, the notch is predefined and remains the same regardless of the angular position of the first or of the second member, that is to say that the threshold torque making it possible to cross the notch remains the same whatever the notch considered. Alternatively, the notching system could be arranged so that notches could be associated with threshold torques of different intensities. Furthermore, the notching frequency could vary over a complete revolution of the first member relative to the second member or vice versa, that is to say that the displacement of the first member relative to the second member can vary between two successive notches. Such a system could then comprise a first member comprising second notching elements having geometries which are not all identical and/or a spring comprising first notching elements having geometries which are not all identical. Furthermore, the angular extent a11 and/or the angular extent a12 may vary. The angular extent a21 and/or the angular extent a22 may also vary.

Throughout this document, by “indexing”, “angular indexing” or “indexing of a member” is meant the definition of different stable angular positions of a first member relative to a second member or vice versa. These stable positions can be separated by a continuum of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. Between two stable positions or two indexed positions or two indexing positions, the first member passes transiently through a continuum of unstable or less stable intermediate positions. The first or the second member can leave a stable position only if a torque greater than a threshold torque is exerted on the first or the second member, whereas the first or the second member can leave an unstable or less stable position when a torque less than this threshold torque is exerted on the first or the second member.

Throughout this document, the term “arm” preferably means any elongated shape in which the largest dimension of the shape along an axis of largest dimension is at least greater than 10 times or greater than 15 times each of the dimensions perpendicular to this larger axis. Alternatively or additionally, throughout this document, by “arm”, we preferably mean any elongated shape participating at least partially in defining the contour of a spring. Thus, a succession of arms substantially define the contour of the spring, in particular a closed loop.

Throughout this document, by “position in which an arm of the spring is not stressed”, we preferably mean that the first notching element of the arm does not cooperate with a second notching element or the first notching element of the arm is positioned in a hollow between two adjacent second notching elements, in particular against a cylinder portion of the second member.

Throughout this document, by “notching system”, we preferably mean a system for defining a finite set of notches or indexed positions arranged on the travel path of the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa). The notches can be characterized with respect to a threshold torque which it is necessary to overcome in order to move the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa). The beginning of a notch can be characterized by an increase in the torque with respect to this threshold torque. The end of a notch can be characterized by a decrease in torque with respect to this threshold torque. The evolution of the torque to be overcome can be more or less abrupt relative to the displacement of the first member relative to the second member (or vice versa). From this threshold torque, the torque required to drive the first member relative to the second member (or reciprocally) can move in various ways to the next notch or to the next indexed position. In particular, the torque can decrease to reach negative values to then cancel out and define the next notch or the next indexed position. Preferably, the number of notches is a multiple of 2.

Throughout this document, by "notch", we mean a movement between a first indexed position and a following indexed position.

The notching systems described above implement a return spring having the specificity of being equipped with elastic arms and first connecting means of said spring, the latter being arranged and shaped so as to maximize the deformation of the elastic arms while minimizing the constraints within them. More particularly, these first connecting means are arranged at each of the longitudinal ends of the elastic arms and make it possible to connect said elastic arms together while ensuring that they are movable relative to each other. Furthermore, each of these elastic arms has the specificity of comprising a first notching element arranged between two first connecting means, this first notching element being provided to cooperate with second notching means of a notching ring in order to cause the elastic deformation of said arm.

Due to its simplicity and compactness, such a notching system can advantageously be used in the definition of a watchmaking device, in particular a notched rotating bezel, or even in the definition of a notching wheel set. a watch movement.

The notching systems described above make it possible to remedy the known drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the notching systems described above comprise first and second notching means whose size or format is maximized with regard to the number of notches generated by said device, these first and second notching means being able to be loaded at a frequency less than the frequency of the notches generated by the notching system.

Furthermore, the notching systems described above have the advantage of generating forces that are balanced with respect to a given axis of rotation, which contributes to the pleasant feeling that one experiences when handling a horological device comprising such a notching system. .

Finally, the notching systems described above have the advantage of being particularly compact. Such designs are thus particularly advantageous for the definition, for example, of a rotating bezel arranged within a case provided with a middle part comprising an annular seat whose section is minimized and/or for the definition, for example, a set rotating bezel.

Due to their compactness, the notching systems described above are also particularly well suited to their integration within a watch movement. These systems can be, for example, devices for adjusting a device for displaying time information such as a time zone, which make it possible to move a display member according to a predefined angular pitch by means of such a notching system.

Claims (17)

Spring (1; 1';1*;1ʺ; 1‴) for notching system (100; 100';100*;100ʺ; 100‴), the spring comprising: - at least two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*; 11ʺ, 12ʺ; 11‴, 12‴), and - a first toothing comprising first notching teeth (11a, 12a; 11a′, 12a′; 11a*, 12a*; 11aʺ, 12aʺ; 11a‴, 12a‴) arranged on each of the arms, - the spring being shaped so that, in a position in which one of the arms of the spring is not stressed, said arm is convex seen from the top of the first detent tooth of said arm. Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spring comprises at least one first pivot connecting element (1b; 1b′; 1b*; 1bʺ; 1b‴) between said two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*; 11ʺ, 12ʺ; 11‴, 12‴). Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring has the shape of a closed loop. Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each elastic arm has, when it is not stressed, the shape of an arc of a circle whose center is preferably located on a first circle (C10; C10'; C10*) coaxial with the spring and of non-zero radius, in particular of radius greater than 0.2 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 0.3 times the radius of the spring, or even greater at 0.4 times the radius of the spring. Spring (1; 1') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first circle (C10; C10') has a radius greater than 1.5 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 1.8 times the radius of the spring, or even greater than 2 times the radius of the spring. Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two elastic arms (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*; 11ʺ, 12ʺ; 11‴, 12‴) form a clamp intended to act on a first member (2; 2′; 2*; 2ʺ; 2‴) having a second toothing comprising second notching teeth (22a, 22b; 22a ', 22b'; 22a*, 22b*; 22a", 22b";22a"',22b'"). Spring (1; 1';1*;1";1"') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring is shaped so that the radius of curvature of any of the arms of the spring increases , or even reverses, when said arm is stressed by the action of second notching teeth (22a, 22b; 22a', 22b'; 22a*, 22b**; 22a", 22b"; 22a‴, 22b‴) of a first organ (2; 2';2*;2ʺ; 2‴). Spring (1′; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the first notching teeth (11a', 12a') comprises a first stop element (111a', 121a'). Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the first notching teeth (11, 12; 11′, 12′; 11*, 12*; 11ʺ, 12ʺ; 11‴, 12‴) is arranged in the middle of each elastic arm and/or in that each elastic arm (11′, 12′; 11‴, 12‴) comprises a first element of abutment force take-up (11b′, 12b′; 11b‴, 12b‴), the first abutment force take-up element being for example arranged in the middle of each elastic arm. Spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring comprises n elastic arms and/or n first pivot connecting elements, with n≥2, and/ or in that the spring has a symmetry of revolution of order n. Spring (1; 1';1*;1"; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring has a substantially polygonal shape, in particular the shape of a regular polygon, and/or in that segments connecting the axes of first pivot connecting elements (1b; 1b′; 1b*; 1bʺ; 1b‴) constitute a polygonal shape, in particular a regular polygon shape. Notching system (100; 100'; 100*; 100"; 100‴) comprising a spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) according to one of the preceding claims and a first member (2; 2 '; 2*; 2″; 2‴) having a second toothing, the spring and the first member being arranged to act on one another. Notching system (100; 100′; 100*; 100ʺ; 100‴) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a second member (3; 3';3*;3"; 3‴) mounted to move, in particular rotatably mounted, with respect to the first member (2; 2';2*;2"; 2‴) or vice versa, the second member comprising at least one second pivot connecting element (3a, 3b; 3a′, 3b′ 3a*, 3b*; 3aʺ, 3bʺ; 3a‴, 3b‴) cooperating with at least one first pivot connecting element (1a, 1b; 1a′, 1b′; 1a*, 1b*; 1aʺ, 1bʺ; 1a‴ , 1b‴) for creating at least one pivot connection between the spring (1; 1′; 1*; 1ʺ; 1‴) and the second member (3; 3';3*;3"; 3‴). Notching system (100; 100';100*;100"; 100‴) according to one of Claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the first toothing comprises n first teeth (11a, 12a; 11a′, 12a'; 11a*, 12a*; 11a", 12a"; 11a‴, 12a‴) and in that the first member (2; 2';2*;2"; 2‴) comprises a second set of teeth comprising m second teeth (22a , 22b; 22a′, 22b′; 22a*, 22b*; 22aʺ, 22bʺ; 22a‴, 22b‴ ), with, for example,: - n=8 and m=6, or - n=6 and m=5, or - n=10 and m=12, or - n=12 and m=15, or - n=12 and m=20, or - n=8 and m=15. Watchmaking device (110; 110';110*;110"; 110‴), in particular: - rotating bezel (110; 110';110*;110"; 110‴), or - rotating flange, or - adjustable bottom, or - adjustable crown, or - display device, typically display device for a time zone or display device for a programmable display, the device comprising a spring according to one of claims 1 to 11 and/or a notching system according to one of claims 12 to 14. Timepiece case (10; 10';10*;10"; 10‴) comprising a spring according to one of claims 1 to 11 and/or a system of notching according to one of Claims 12 to 14 and/or a horological device according to Claim 15. Timepiece (200; 200'; 200*; 200"; 200‴) comprising a spring according to one of Claims 1 to 11 and/or a notching system according to one of Claims 12 to 14 and/or a horological device according to claim 15 and/or a case according to claim 16.

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