EP4194965A1 - Driving mechanism for a timepiece - Google Patents

Driving mechanism for a timepiece Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4194965A1
EP4194965A1 EP21213271.6A EP21213271A EP4194965A1 EP 4194965 A1 EP4194965 A1 EP 4194965A1 EP 21213271 A EP21213271 A EP 21213271A EP 4194965 A1 EP4194965 A1 EP 4194965A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
branch
star
rocker
flexible
flexible branch
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21213271.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dimitri GLAUS
Julien Giacobino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Original Assignee
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Patek Philippe SA Geneve filed Critical Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Priority to EP21213271.6A priority Critical patent/EP4194965A1/en
Publication of EP4194965A1 publication Critical patent/EP4194965A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a timepiece comprising a rocker mounted to pivot between a rest position and a fully tilted position, the rocker comprising an actuating arm splitting into two branches, one of the two branches being flexible , and the other branch being rigid, one end of the flexible branch being arranged to push a tooth of a star wheel when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position, the arcuate trajectory of the end of the rigid branch remaining, for its part, always outside the star's head circle, the flexible branch further comprising a backing zone provided to come to rest against a support surface that comprises the rigid branch when the rocker is pivoted from its rest position to its fully tilted position and that, consequently, the end of the flexible branch pushes the tooth of the star, the flexible branch comprising a proximal part oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis of the rocker, and comprising a second part which is oriented transversely with respect to the proximal part and separated
  • THE figures 1A and 1B appended show by way of example the day corrector of a calendar watch of the prior art.
  • a corrector is an actuating mechanism comprising a small button which is most often embedded in the caseband of a timepiece, and which is arranged to cooperate with a star to correct one of the indications displayed by the timepiece. of watchmaking.
  • the user of the watch or a watchmaker can operate the corrector either with the finger or with a special tool called a “pusher”.
  • the concealer shown in both figures 1A and 1B is generally referenced 1. It is in the form of a rocker mounted pivoting around an axis (reference 5).
  • the rocker is formed of an arm which extends from the pivot axis 5 and which is divided into three branches each comprising a distal end.
  • a first distal end is constituted by a button (referenced 3) which can be actuated from outside the timepiece, a second end is arranged to cooperate with a return spring (referenced 7) provided to return the corrector to its rest position.
  • the third end has the shape of a beak (referenced 9) which is arranged to cooperate with the teeth of a seven-pointed star (referenced 11).
  • the star 11 could for example carry a member indicating the days of the week (not shown).
  • the position of star 11 is indexed by a jumper spring (reference 13).
  • FIG 1A illustrates the corrector 1 in the rest position, while the figure 1B shows it in the fully tilted position.
  • the operation of the illustrated correction mechanism is as follows.
  • the corrector 1 When the corrector 1 is in the rest position and the user activates the button 3, he pivots the rocker against the return spring 7.
  • the beak 9 of the corrector meets one of the teeth of the star 11, so that it drives it in rotation.
  • the rotation of the star causes one of the teeth to raise the jumper spring 13, which thus rises until the tip of its slant has crossed the top of the tooth and passed over the other side.
  • the force that the slant exerts on the top of the tooth does not opposes more to the rotation of the star, but on the contrary produces a torque which solicits the star in the direction in which it is already driven. It will therefore be understood that the beak 9 does not need to drive the tooth of the star over the entire distance which separates two consecutive indexed positions. It suffices that the angle over which the beak 9 actually leads the tooth of the star be sufficient to allow the jumper 13 to cross the top of the tooth.
  • star wheel 11 continues its rotation until the next tooth comes up against the rear face of the beak of corrector 1, as illustrated in the figure 1B . It can be seen that in the configuration represented, the corrector 1 and the star 11 block each other by buttressing. Then, when the user releases the button 3, the corrector 1 is returned in the direction of its rest position by the spring 7. However, in order to be able to return to the rest position, the rear face of the spout 9 must first push slightly behind the tooth that blocks it. It will be understood that the rear face of the beak pushes the tooth far enough to allow the beak to pass by sliding against the top of the latter, but sufficiently little so that the jumper spring 13 does not risk returning to the first side of the tooth.
  • correctors such as the one illustrated in the figures 1A and 1B is not free from problems.
  • First of all remember that it is generally inadvisable to use the correctors of a calendar watch between 8:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Indeed, the incrementation of the date indicators by the movement of a calendar watch usually takes place during a period which can last several hours and which is centered around midnight. Under these conditions, if a user decides to actuate the corrector of a date indicator during one of these periods, the opposing forces exerted by the calendar drive mechanism, on the one hand, and by the corrector, on the other hand, risk causing the breakage of part of the mechanism or a phase shift.
  • the drive members prevent any rotation of the stars backwards. It can be noted that the blocking of a star 11 does not prevent the corrector 1 of this star from being actuated once. However, the presence of the tooth of the star 11 which bears against the rear face of the beak 9 (cf figure 1B ) retains the corrector 1 in the fully tilted position, even after its button 3 has been released. The corrector 1 is therefore prevented from returning to the rest position as long as the incrementation of the star 11 is in progress. It will be understood that such a situation is undesirable.
  • actuating mechanisms for timepieces are known which correspond to the definition given above in the introduction.
  • the patent document EP 3 489 766 A1 describes a corrector whose actuating arm separates into two branches, one of the two branches being flexible, and the other rigid.
  • One end of the flexible branch is arranged to push a tooth of a star when the actuating arm pivots from its rest position to its tilted position.
  • the trajectory of the rigid branch meanwhile, always remains outside the trajectory of the star's teeth.
  • the flexible branch comprises two bends which divide it into three parts.
  • a proximal part which is arranged on the side of the actuating arm which is at the rear when the corrector pivots from its rest position to its tilted position, and which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the axis of pivoting, then a second part which is oriented transversely with respect to the proximal part so that it covers the end of the rigid branch, and finally a third part which is folded down in the direction of the pivoting axis of the arm of actuation, so that it is also oriented substantially radially with respect to this axis.
  • the third part is on the side of the actuating arm which is at the front when the corrector pivots from its rest position to its tilted position.
  • the bend between the second and the third part of the flexible branch constitutes the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its tilted position.
  • the third part of the flexible branch comprises a backing zone which is provided to bear against a support surface presented by the rigid branch, when the end of the flexible branch pushes the tooth of the star.
  • the bearing surface is formed on the side of the rigid branch which faces forwards when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its tilted position.
  • the corrector of the prior art which has just been described has the advantage of having the possibility of returning to the rest position without pushing the star backwards.
  • its use can lead to difficulties. Indeed, in order not to unduly increase the thickness of the mechanism, it is generally sought to limit the height of the arm for actuating the corrector.
  • the flexible branch must be thin if it is to demonstrate the required elasticity. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the flexible branch is liable to deform in torsion when it is subjected to a torque.
  • the proximal part of the flexible branch is arranged on the rear side of the actuating arm, while its third part is arranged on the front side.
  • the proximal part and the third part are substantially parallel and the distance which separates them is relatively large. Under these conditions, any torsion, even slight, of the proximal part around its axis causes the third part to shift up or down, so that the entire third part is likely to deviate out of plane. pivoting of the actuating arm.
  • the end of the flexible branch which is intended to push a tooth of the star corresponds to the bend between the second and the third part. It will therefore be understood that if the third part deviates out of the pivot plane, the end formed by the elbow risks passing above or below the teeth of the spider, thus compromising the proper functioning of the corrector.
  • An object of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art which have just been explained.
  • the present invention achieves this and other objects by providing an actuation mechanism which is in accordance with appended claim 1.
  • the proximal part of the flexible branch is on the front side of the actuating arm when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position. In addition, it is oriented substantially radially relative to the pivot axis of the rocker.
  • the backing zone that the flexible branch comprises is located on the second part, and the support surface against which the backing zone is arranged to come to rest consists of a straight edge that has the end of the rigid branch, the right edge being oriented substantially tangentially to the arcuate trajectory along which the end of the rigid branch travels when the rocker pivots.
  • the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star is formed by the outer side of the elbow which separates the proximal part from the second part of the flexible branch.
  • An advantage of the invention is that the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star is located substantially in the extension of the proximal part. Under these conditions, a twist of the proximal part around its axis does not risk shifting said end out of the trajectory of the teeth of the star.
  • the schematic plan views of the figures 2 to 4 attached show an actuation mechanism for a timepiece which constitutes an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the actuation mechanism shown in the figures is designed to be controlled by a user to correct an indication displayed by the timepiece.
  • Such an actuation mechanism that can be controlled from outside the timepiece is known as a “corrector”.
  • the actuation mechanisms which constitute the various embodiments of the invention are not all correctors. Also found among these embodiments are actuating mechanisms which fulfill the function of an automatic drive member for a display mechanism (a calendar mechanism, for example) driven by the movement of a timepiece.
  • the corrector represented in the figures 2 to 4 comprises a control member that can be operated manually from outside the timepiece (symbolized by an arrow referenced 15 in the figures 2 and 3 ), a rocker comprising a single arm (generally referenced 17), and a return spring (referenced 19).
  • the figures also show a star (referenced 21) which has seven teeth.
  • the star could carry a member indicating the days of the week (not shown).
  • the position of star 21 is indexed by a jumper spring (referenced 23) which is biased against the teeth of the star.
  • the corrector rocker is pivotally mounted about an axis (reference 25), and it can be seen that, in the example illustrated, its single arm 17 extends from the pivot axis by successively marking two bends in opposite directions (in the plan views of the figures 2 to 4 , the first bend turns left and the second turns right).
  • the two elbows subdivide arm 17 into three sections. A radially oriented first section that goes from axis 25 to the first bend. Then, a second section which is oriented obliquely with respect to the first section and which goes from the first to the second bend, and finally a third section extending beyond the second bend and which is also oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis 25.
  • the first elbow also has a bulge (referenced 27) with which the control member 15 is arranged to cooperate.
  • the third section of the arm 17 has a bifurcation from which the arm splits into two branches spaced apart from each other. A first of the two branches (referenced 29) is flexible, while the other branch (referenced 31) is rigid.
  • the flexible branch 29 comprises an elastic proximal part (referenced 33) which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis 25 of the rocker, and a distal part which consists of a rigid shoe (referenced 35) and which extends facing the end of the rigid branch 31, transversely with respect to the proximal part.
  • the junction between the proximal part 33 and the sabot 35 forms a bend having an acute angle.
  • the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 is approximately rectilinear.
  • the tip 37 of the elbow is arranged to push back a tooth of the star 21 when the rocker pivots from its rest position (represented in the figure 2 ) toward its fully tilted position (i.e., rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figures).
  • the rigid branch 31 is significantly shorter than the flexible branch 29, its arcuate trajectory never meets the teeth of the star 21.
  • the rigid branch 31 and the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 are arranged, one with respect to the other, so that the rigid branch 31 is behind the flexible branch 29 when the lever pivots counterclockwise.
  • the end of the rigid branch 31 is in the form of a straight edge which fulfills the function of bearing surface (referenced 39) and which is oriented tangentially to its arcuate trajectory.
  • the hoof 35 of the branch flexible 29 comprises a backing zone which comes to bear against the bearing surface 39 when the point 37 of the elbow of the flexible branch 29 pushes back a tooth of the spider 21 against the immobilization torque generated by jumper spring 23.
  • the star tooth 21 exerts a reaction force on the tip 37 of the flexible branch.
  • the reaction force is oriented substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the elastic proximal part 33 of the flexible branch, the latter bends under the effect of the stress exerted.
  • the bending of the proximal part 33 of the branch 29 results in a rotation of the end of the proximal part as well as of the sabot 35 (in a direction corresponding to the clockwise direction as represented in the figures ). This rotation causes the portion of the edge of the shoe 35 which is opposite the end of the rigid branch 31 (in other words, the backing zone) to come up against this end, as represented in the picture 3 .
  • the sabot 35 cannot rotate clockwise with respect to the rigid branch, which allows the tip 37 to behave as if it were integral with the latter, despite the resistance offered by the tooth of the star 21
  • the flexible branch 29 must be sufficiently flexible so that the force necessary to bring the sabot 35 into abutment against the end of the rigid branch 31 is less than the force necessary to lift the jumper spring 23.
  • the rotation of the star causes one of the teeth to raise the jumper spring 23, which rises in this way until the tip of its slant has crossed the top of the tooth and passed over the other side.
  • the force that the angle exerts on the top of the tooth no longer opposes the rotation of the star, but on the contrary produces a torque which stresses the star 21 in the direction in which it is already driven.
  • the disappearance of the torque which hitherto opposed the rotation of the star 21 allows the elastic proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 to straighten by moving the shoe 35 away from the end of the rigid branch 31.
  • the lever of the corrector When, after having actuated the corrector, the user releases the control member 15, the lever of the corrector is returned in the direction of its rest position by the spring 19. However, the passage that the tip 37 must borrow to return to rest position is now blocked by the tooth of star 21 which follows that which the corrector has just pushed forward.
  • the actuating arm 17 of the corrector is capable of returning to the rest position, even when the automatic incrementation mechanism of the star wheel 21 blocks the rotation of the latter backwards. Indeed, it is possible to separate the tip 37 and the sabot 35 from the trajectory of the teeth of the star 21 by bending the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 in the direction shown in the figure 4 .

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)

Abstract

Le mécanisme d'actionnement comprend une bascule comportant un bras d'actionnement (17) se scindant en deux branches (29, 31), une des deux branches étant flexible et l'autre branche étant rigide. La branche flexible (29) se trouvant du côté avant du bras d'actionnement (17) lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée, et son extrémité (37) étant agencée pour venir pousser une dent d'une d'étoile (21). La branche flexible (29) comportant en outre une zone d'adossement prévue pour venir s'appuyer contre une surface d'appui (39) que comporte la branche rigide (31) lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée.The actuation mechanism comprises a rocker comprising an actuation arm (17) splitting into two branches (29, 31), one of the two branches being flexible and the other branch being rigid. The flexible branch (29) being on the front side of the actuating arm (17) when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position, and its end (37) being arranged to push a tooth one star (21). The flexible branch (29) further comprising a backing zone provided to come to rest against a support surface (39) that the rigid branch (31) comprises when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its completely tilted.

Description

La présente invention concerne un mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant une bascule montée pivotante entre une position de repos et une position complètement basculée, la bascule comportant un bras d'actionnement se scindant en deux branches, une des deux branches étant flexible, et l'autre branche étant rigide, une extrémité de la branche flexible étant agencée pour venir pousser une dent d'une d'étoile lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée, la trajectoire en arc de cercle de l'extrémité de la branche rigide restant, quant à elle, toujours en dehors du cercle de tête de l'étoile, la branche flexible comportant en outre une zone d'adossement prévue pour venir s'appuyer contre une surface d'appui que comporte la branche rigide lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée et que, par conséquent, l'extrémité de la branche flexible pousse la dent de l'étoile, la branche flexible comportant une partie proximale orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement de la bascule, et comportant une deuxième partie qui est orientée transversalement par rapport à la partie proximale et séparée de cette dernière par un coude.The present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a timepiece comprising a rocker mounted to pivot between a rest position and a fully tilted position, the rocker comprising an actuating arm splitting into two branches, one of the two branches being flexible , and the other branch being rigid, one end of the flexible branch being arranged to push a tooth of a star wheel when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position, the arcuate trajectory of the end of the rigid branch remaining, for its part, always outside the star's head circle, the flexible branch further comprising a backing zone provided to come to rest against a support surface that comprises the rigid branch when the rocker is pivoted from its rest position to its fully tilted position and that, consequently, the end of the flexible branch pushes the tooth of the star, the flexible branch comprising a proximal part oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis of the rocker, and comprising a second part which is oriented transversely with respect to the proximal part and separated from the latter by an elbow.

ART ANTERIEURPRIOR ART

Les figures 1A et 1B annexées montrent à titre d'exemple le correcteur des jours d'une montre calendrier de l'art antérieur. Pour rappel, un correcteur est un mécanisme d'actionnement comprenant un petit bouton qui est le plus souvent noyé dans la carrure d'une pièce d'horlogerie, et qui est agencé pour coopérer avec une étoile pour corriger une des indications affichées par la pièce d'horlogerie. L'utilisateur de la montre ou un horloger peut actionner le correcteur soit avec le doigt, soit avec un outil spécial appelé « poussette ». Le correcteur illustré dans les deux figures 1A et 1B est généralement référencé 1. Il se présente sous la forme d'une bascule montée pivotante autour d'un axe (référencé 5). La bascule est formée d'un bras qui s'étend à partir de l'axe de pivotement 5 et qui se divise en trois branches comportant chacune une extrémité distale. Une première extrémité distale est constituée par un bouton (référencé 3) qui est actionnable depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie, une deuxième extrémité est agencée pour coopérer avec un ressort de rappel (référencé 7) prévu pour rappeler le correcteur vers sa position de repos. Enfin la troisième extrémité présente la forme d'un bec (référencé 9) qui est agencé pour coopérer avec la denture d'une étoile à sept branche (référencée 11). De façon classique, l'étoile 11 pourrait par exemple porter un organe indicateur des jours de la semaine (non représenté). La position de l'étoile 11 est indexée par un ressort-sautoir (référencé 13). La figure 1A illustre le correcteur 1 en position de repos, alors que la figure 1B le montre en position complètement basculée.THE figures 1A and 1B appended show by way of example the day corrector of a calendar watch of the prior art. As a reminder, a corrector is an actuating mechanism comprising a small button which is most often embedded in the caseband of a timepiece, and which is arranged to cooperate with a star to correct one of the indications displayed by the timepiece. of watchmaking. The user of the watch or a watchmaker can operate the corrector either with the finger or with a special tool called a “pusher”. The concealer shown in both figures 1A and 1B is generally referenced 1. It is in the form of a rocker mounted pivoting around an axis (reference 5). The rocker is formed of an arm which extends from the pivot axis 5 and which is divided into three branches each comprising a distal end. A first distal end is constituted by a button (referenced 3) which can be actuated from outside the timepiece, a second end is arranged to cooperate with a return spring (referenced 7) provided to return the corrector to its rest position. Finally, the third end has the shape of a beak (referenced 9) which is arranged to cooperate with the teeth of a seven-pointed star (referenced 11). Conventionally, the star 11 could for example carry a member indicating the days of the week (not shown). The position of star 11 is indexed by a jumper spring (reference 13). There Figure 1A illustrates the corrector 1 in the rest position, while the figure 1B shows it in the fully tilted position.

Le fonctionnement du mécanisme de correction illustré est le suivant. Lorsque le correcteur 1 est en position de repos et que l'utilisateur actionne le bouton 3, il fait pivoter la bascule à l'encontre du ressort de rappel 7. En pivotant, le bec 9 du correcteur rencontre une des dents de l'étoile 11, de sorte qu'il l'entraîne en rotation. La rotation de l'étoile conduit une des dents à soulever le ressort-sautoir 13, qui s'élève ainsi jusqu'à ce que la pointe de son incliné ait franchi le sommet de la dent et passé sur l'autre versant. Dès, qu'ayant franchi le sommet, l'incliné du ressort-sautoir 13 se trouve en position d'entamer la redescente sur le versant opposé de la dent, la force que l'incliné exerce sur le sommet de la dent ne s'oppose plus à la rotation de l'étoile, mais produit au contraire un couple qui sollicite l'étoile dans le sens dans lequel elle est déjà entraînée. On comprendra donc que le bec 9 n'a pas besoin de conduire la dent de l'étoile sur l'intégralité de la distance qui sépare deux positions indexées consécutives. Il suffit en effet que l'angle sur lequel le bec 9 conduit effectivement la dent de l'étoile soit suffisant pour permettre au sautoir 13 de franchir le sommet de la dent.The operation of the illustrated correction mechanism is as follows. When the corrector 1 is in the rest position and the user activates the button 3, he pivots the rocker against the return spring 7. By pivoting, the beak 9 of the corrector meets one of the teeth of the star 11, so that it drives it in rotation. The rotation of the star causes one of the teeth to raise the jumper spring 13, which thus rises until the tip of its slant has crossed the top of the tooth and passed over the other side. As soon as, having crossed the top, the slant of the jumper spring 13 is in a position to begin the descent on the opposite side of the tooth, the force that the slant exerts on the top of the tooth does not opposes more to the rotation of the star, but on the contrary produces a torque which solicits the star in the direction in which it is already driven. It will therefore be understood that the beak 9 does not need to drive the tooth of the star over the entire distance which separates two consecutive indexed positions. It suffices that the angle over which the beak 9 actually leads the tooth of the star be sufficient to allow the jumper 13 to cross the top of the tooth.

Sollicitée par le ressort-sautoir 13, l'étoile 11 poursuit sa rotation jusqu'à ce que la dent suivante vienne buter contre la face arrière du bec du correcteur 1, comme illustré dans la figure 1B. On peut voir que dans la configuration représentée, le correcteur 1 et l'étoile 11 se bloquent mutuellement par arc-boutement. Ensuite, lorsque l'utilisateur relâche le bouton 3, le correcteur 1 est rappelé en direction de sa position de repos par le ressort 7. Toutefois, pour pouvoir retourner vers la position de repos, la face arrière du bec 9 doit d'abord pousser légèrement en arrière la dent qui le bloque. On comprendra que la face arrière du bec repousse la dent suffisamment loin pour permettre au bec de passer en glissant contre le sommet de celle-ci, mais suffisamment peu pour que le ressort-sautoir 13 ne risque pas de revenir du premier côté de la dent dont il a franchi le sommet. Une fois que le bec 9 du correcteur est revenu suffisamment en arrière pour se dégager de la denture de l'étoile 11, cette dernière se retrouve libre de tourner jusqu'à ce que les deux inclinés du ressort-sautoir viennent en appui simultané contre les sommets de deux dents, comme montré dans la figure 1A. L'étoile 11 se retrouve alors dans sa nouvelle position stable, après avoir avancé exactement d'un pas.Actuated by jumper spring 13, star wheel 11 continues its rotation until the next tooth comes up against the rear face of the beak of corrector 1, as illustrated in the figure 1B . It can be seen that in the configuration represented, the corrector 1 and the star 11 block each other by buttressing. Then, when the user releases the button 3, the corrector 1 is returned in the direction of its rest position by the spring 7. However, in order to be able to return to the rest position, the rear face of the spout 9 must first push slightly behind the tooth that blocks it. It will be understood that the rear face of the beak pushes the tooth far enough to allow the beak to pass by sliding against the top of the latter, but sufficiently little so that the jumper spring 13 does not risk returning to the first side of the tooth. which he climbed to the top. Once the spout 9 of the corrector has returned far enough back to disengage from the toothing of the star 11, the latter is free to rotate until the two slants of the spring-jumper come to bear simultaneously against the vertices of two teeth, as shown in the Figure 1A . Star 11 then finds itself in its new stable position, after having advanced exactly one step.

Le recours à des correcteurs semblables à celui qui est illustré dans les figures 1A et 1B n'est pas exempt de problèmes. Rappelons tout d'abord qu'il est généralement déconseillé d'utiliser les correcteurs d'une montre calendrier entre 20h30 et 3h30. En effet, l'incrémentation des indicateurs de dates par le mouvement d'une montre calendrier se déroule habituellement durant une période qui peut durer plusieurs heures et qui est centrée autour de minuit. Dans ces conditions, si un utilisateur décide d'actionner le correcteur d'un indicateur de date durant l'une de ces périodes, les forces antagonistes exercées par le mécanisme d'entraînement du calendrier, d'une part, et par le correcteur, d'autre part, risquent de provoquer la rupture d'une partie du mécanisme ou un déphasage.The use of correctors such as the one illustrated in the figures 1A and 1B is not free from problems. First of all, remember that it is generally inadvisable to use the correctors of a calendar watch between 8:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Indeed, the incrementation of the date indicators by the movement of a calendar watch usually takes place during a period which can last several hours and which is centered around midnight. Under these conditions, if a user decides to actuate the corrector of a date indicator during one of these periods, the opposing forces exerted by the calendar drive mechanism, on the one hand, and by the corrector, on the other hand, risk causing the breakage of part of the mechanism or a phase shift.

Pour éviter ce genre de problèmes, le calendrier de certaines montres à complication connues est équipé d'organes d'entraînement à sens unique. Ces organes d'entraînement, qui fonctionnent le plus souvent à la manière de cliquets, sont agencés pour débrayer automatiquement lorsqu'un utilisateur actionne le correcteur de l'étoile qu'ils sont en train d'incrémenter. Les organes d'entraînement à sens unique permettent bien d'éviter la casse lorsqu'un utilisateur actionne un correcteur « aux environs de minuit ». Toutefois, leur mise en oeuvre s'accompagne aussi d'un certain nombre d'inconvénients. En particulier, le débrayage d'un organe d'entraînement provoque son désindexage de la denture avec laquelle il coopère. De plus, les organes d'entraînement à sens unique sont agencés pour débrayer uniquement lorsqu'un correcteur actionne une étoile vers l'avant. Dans ces conditions, si le correcteur ne peut pas revenir ensuite en position de repos sans repousser l'étoile qu'il vient d'incrémenter vers l'arrière (comme c'est notamment le cas du correcteur des figures 1A et 1B) il subsiste un problème.To avoid this type of problem, the calendar of certain known complication watches is equipped with unique. These drive members, which most often operate in the manner of pawls, are arranged to automatically disengage when a user actuates the star corrector that they are in the process of incrementing. One-way drive members make it possible to avoid breakage when a user actuates a corrector “around midnight”. However, their implementation is also accompanied by a certain number of drawbacks. In particular, disengaging a drive member causes it to de-index from the toothing with which it cooperates. In addition, the one-way drive members are arranged to disengage only when a corrector actuates a forward star. Under these conditions, if the corrector cannot then return to the rest position without pushing the star that it has just incremented backwards (as is notably the case with the figures 1A and 1B ) there is still a problem.

En effet, lors de l'incrémentation des étoiles d'un mécanisme de calendrier, les organes d'entraînement empêchent toute rotation des étoiles vers l'arrière. On peut noter que le blocage d'une étoile 11 n'empêche pas d'actionner une fois le correcteur 1 de cette étoile. Toutefois, la présence de la dent de l'étoile 11 qui est en appui contre la face arrière du bec 9 (c.f. figure 1B) retient le correcteur 1 en position complètement basculée, même après que son bouton 3 a été relâché. Le correcteur 1 est donc empêché de revenir en position de repos tant que l'incrémentation de l'étoile 11 est en cours. On comprendra qu'une telle situation est indésirable.Indeed, during the incrementation of the stars of a calendar mechanism, the drive members prevent any rotation of the stars backwards. It can be noted that the blocking of a star 11 does not prevent the corrector 1 of this star from being actuated once. However, the presence of the tooth of the star 11 which bears against the rear face of the beak 9 (cf figure 1B ) retains the corrector 1 in the fully tilted position, even after its button 3 has been released. The corrector 1 is therefore prevented from returning to the rest position as long as the incrementation of the star 11 is in progress. It will be understood that such a situation is undesirable.

On connait d'autre part des mécanismes d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie qui correspondent à la définition donnée plus haut en introduction. En particulier, le document de brevet EP 3 489 766 A1 décrit un correcteur dont le bras d'actionnement se sépare en deux branches, une des deux branches étant flexible, et l'autre rigide. Une extrémité de la branche flexible est agencée pour venir pousser une dent d'une d'étoile lorsque le bras d'actionnement pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position basculée. La trajectoire de la branche rigide, quant à elle, reste toujours en dehors de la trajectoire des dents de l'étoile. Dans ce correcteur connu, la branche flexible comprend deux coudes qui la divisent en trois parties. D'abord une partie proximale qui est agencée du côté du bras d'actionnement qui se trouve à l'arrière lorsque le correcteur pivote dans sa position de repos vers sa position basculée, et qui est orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement, ensuite une deuxième partie qui est orientée transversalement par rapport à la partie proximale de sorte qu'elle coiffe l'extrémité de la branche rigide, et enfin une troisième partie qui est rabattue en direction de l'axe de pivotement du bras d'actionnement, de sorte qu'elle est également orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à cet axe. La troisième partie se trouve du côté du bras d'actionnement qui est à l'avant lorsque le correcteur pivote dans sa position de repos vers sa position basculée. Le coude entre la deuxième et la troisième partie de la branche flexible constitue l'extrémité de la branche flexible qui est agencée pour venir pousser une dent de l'étoile lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position basculée. La troisième partie de la branche flexible comporte une zone d'adossement qui est prévue pour venir s'appuyer contre une surface d'appui que présente la branche rigide, lorsque l'extrémité de la branche flexible pousse la dent de l'étoile. La surface d'appui est formée sur le côté de la branche rigide qui est tourné vers l'avant lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position basculée.On the other hand, actuating mechanisms for timepieces are known which correspond to the definition given above in the introduction. In particular, the patent document EP 3 489 766 A1 describes a corrector whose actuating arm separates into two branches, one of the two branches being flexible, and the other rigid. One end of the flexible branch is arranged to push a tooth of a star when the actuating arm pivots from its rest position to its tilted position. The trajectory of the rigid branch, meanwhile, always remains outside the trajectory of the star's teeth. In this known corrector, the flexible branch comprises two bends which divide it into three parts. First, a proximal part which is arranged on the side of the actuating arm which is at the rear when the corrector pivots from its rest position to its tilted position, and which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the axis of pivoting, then a second part which is oriented transversely with respect to the proximal part so that it covers the end of the rigid branch, and finally a third part which is folded down in the direction of the pivoting axis of the arm of actuation, so that it is also oriented substantially radially with respect to this axis. The third part is on the side of the actuating arm which is at the front when the corrector pivots from its rest position to its tilted position. The bend between the second and the third part of the flexible branch constitutes the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its tilted position. The third part of the flexible branch comprises a backing zone which is provided to bear against a support surface presented by the rigid branch, when the end of the flexible branch pushes the tooth of the star. The bearing surface is formed on the side of the rigid branch which faces forwards when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its tilted position.

Le correcteur de l'art antérieur qui vient d'être décrit présente l'avantage d'avoir la possibilité de revenir en position de repos sans repousser l'étoile vers l'arrière. Toutefois, son utilisation peut entraîner des difficultés. En effet, pour ne pas augmenter indument l'épaisseur du mécanisme, on cherche généralement à limiter la hauteur du bras d'actionnement du correcteur. De plus, il faut que la branche flexible soit mince si on veut qu'elle fasse preuve de l'élasticité requise. Dans ces conditions, on comprendra la branche flexible est susceptible de se déformer en torsion lorsqu'elle est soumise à un couple.The corrector of the prior art which has just been described has the advantage of having the possibility of returning to the rest position without pushing the star backwards. However, its use can lead to difficulties. Indeed, in order not to unduly increase the thickness of the mechanism, it is generally sought to limit the height of the arm for actuating the corrector. In addition, the flexible branch must be thin if it is to demonstrate the required elasticity. Under these conditions, it will be understood that the flexible branch is liable to deform in torsion when it is subjected to a torque.

On a vu par ailleurs que la partie proximale de la branche flexible est agencée du côté arrière du bras d'actionnement, alors que sa troisième partie est agencée du côté avant. La partie proximale et la troisième partie sont sensiblement parallèles et la distance qui les sépare est relativement importante. Dans ces conditions, toute torsion, même légère, de la partie proximale autour de son axe entraîne un décalage de la troisième partie vers le haut ou vers le bas, de sorte que la troisième partie tout entière est susceptible de s'écarter hors du plan de pivotement du bras d'actionnement. On a vu également que l'extrémité de la branche flexible qui est prévue pour venir pousser une dent de l'étoile correspond au coude entre la deuxième et la troisième partie. On comprendra donc que si la troisième partie s'écarte hors du plan de pivotement, l'extrémité formée par le coude risque de passer au-dessus ou au-dessous des dents de l'étoile, compromettant ainsi le bon fonctionnement du correcteur.We have also seen that the proximal part of the flexible branch is arranged on the rear side of the actuating arm, while its third part is arranged on the front side. The proximal part and the third part are substantially parallel and the distance which separates them is relatively large. Under these conditions, any torsion, even slight, of the proximal part around its axis causes the third part to shift up or down, so that the entire third part is likely to deviate out of plane. pivoting of the actuating arm. We have also seen that the end of the flexible branch which is intended to push a tooth of the star corresponds to the bend between the second and the third part. It will therefore be understood that if the third part deviates out of the pivot plane, the end formed by the elbow risks passing above or below the teeth of the spider, thus compromising the proper functioning of the corrector.

BREF EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

Conformément à l'invention, la partie proximale de la branche flexible se trouve du côté avant du bras d'actionnement lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée. De plus, elle est orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement de la bascule. De plus, la zone d'adossement que comporte la branche flexible est située sur la deuxième partie, et la surface d'appui contre laquelle la zone d'adossement est agencée pour venir s'appuyer est constituée par un bord droit que présente l'extrémité de la branche rigide, le bord droit étant orienté sensiblement tangentiellement à la trajectoire en arc de cercle que parcourt l'extrémité de la branche rigide lorsque la bascule pivote. Enfin, l'extrémité de la branche flexible qui est agencée pour venir pousser une dent de l'étoile est formée par le côté extérieur du coude qui sépare la partie proximale de la deuxième partie de la branche flexible.According to the invention, the proximal part of the flexible branch is on the front side of the actuating arm when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position. In addition, it is oriented substantially radially relative to the pivot axis of the rocker. In addition, the backing zone that the flexible branch comprises is located on the second part, and the support surface against which the backing zone is arranged to come to rest consists of a straight edge that has the end of the rigid branch, the right edge being oriented substantially tangentially to the arcuate trajectory along which the end of the rigid branch travels when the rocker pivots. Finally, the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star is formed by the outer side of the elbow which separates the proximal part from the second part of the flexible branch.

Un avantage de l'invention est que l'extrémité de la branche flexible qui est agencée pour venir pousser une dent de l'étoile se trouve sensiblement dans le prolongement de la partie proximale. Dans ces conditions, une torsion de la partie proximale autour de son axe ne risque pas de faire se décaler ladite extrémité hors de la trajectoire des dents de l'étoile.An advantage of the invention is that the end of the flexible branch which is arranged to push a tooth of the star is located substantially in the extension of the proximal part. Under these conditions, a twist of the proximal part around its axis does not risk shifting said end out of the trajectory of the teeth of the star.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

  • les figures 1A et 1B sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un correcteur de l'art antérieur ;
  • les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues schématiques en plan d'un correcteur qui correspond à un mode de réalisation particulier du mécanisme d'actionnement de l'invention, le correcteur étant représenté à deux instants successifs lors de son pivotement de sa position de repos en direction de sa position complètement basculée ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en plan du correcteur des figures 2 et 3 à un moment particulier de son retour en position de repos après avoir actionné l'étoile en rotation.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • THE figures 1A and 1B are schematic plan views of a prior art corrector;
  • THE figures 2 and 3 are schematic plan views of a corrector which corresponds to a particular embodiment of the actuating mechanism of the invention, the corrector being represented at two successive instants during its pivoting from its rest position towards its position completely tilted;
  • there figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the corrector figures 2 and 3 at a particular moment of its return to the rest position after having actuated the rotating star.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE MODES DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Les vues schématiques en plan des figures 2 à 4 annexées montrent un mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie qui constitue un mode de réalisation exemplaire de l'invention. Le mécanisme d'actionnement représenté dans les figures est conçu pour être commandé par un utilisateur pour corriger une indication affichée par la pièce d'horlogerie. Un tel mécanisme d'actionnement commandable depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie est connu sous le nom de « correcteur ». Il est important de noter toutefois que les mécanismes d'actionnement qui constituent les différents modes de réalisation de l'invention ne sont pas tous des correcteurs. On trouve également parmi ces modes de réalisations des mécanismes d'actionnement qui remplissent la fonction d'organe d'entraînement automatique pour un mécanisme d'affichage (un mécanisme de calendrier par exemple) entraîné par le mouvement d'une pièce d'horlogerie.The schematic plan views of the figures 2 to 4 attached show an actuation mechanism for a timepiece which constitutes an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The actuation mechanism shown in the figures is designed to be controlled by a user to correct an indication displayed by the timepiece. Such an actuation mechanism that can be controlled from outside the timepiece is known as a “corrector”. It is important to note, however, that the actuation mechanisms which constitute the various embodiments of the invention are not all correctors. Also found among these embodiments are actuating mechanisms which fulfill the function of an automatic drive member for a display mechanism (a calendar mechanism, for example) driven by the movement of a timepiece.

Le correcteur représenté dans les figures 2 à 4 comprend un organe de commande actionnable manuellement depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie (symbolisé par une flèche référencée 15 dans les figures 2 et 3), une bascule comportant un bras unique (référencé généralement 17), et un ressort de rappel (référencé 19). Outre le mécanisme de commande lui-même, les figures montrent encore une étoile (référencée 21) qui comporte sept dents. Dans le présent exemple, l'étoile pourrait porter un organe indicateur des jours de la semaine (non représenté). La position de l'étoile 21 est indexée par un ressort-sautoir (référencé 23) qui est rappelé contre la denture de l'étoile.The corrector represented in the figures 2 to 4 comprises a control member that can be operated manually from outside the timepiece (symbolized by an arrow referenced 15 in the figures 2 and 3 ), a rocker comprising a single arm (generally referenced 17), and a return spring (referenced 19). In addition to the control mechanism itself, the figures also show a star (referenced 21) which has seven teeth. In the present example, the star could carry a member indicating the days of the week (not shown). The position of star 21 is indexed by a jumper spring (referenced 23) which is biased against the teeth of the star.

La bascule du correcteur est montée pivotante autour d'un axe (référencé 25), et on peut voir que, dans l'exemple illustré, son bras unique 17 s'étend à partir de l'axe de pivotement en marquant successivement deux coudes en sens opposés (dans les vues en plan des figures 2 à 4, le premier coude tourne à gauche et le second tourne à droite). Les deux coudes subdivisent le bras 17 en trois sections. Une première section orientée radialement qui va de l'axe 25 au premier coude. Ensuite, une deuxième section qui est orientée obliquement par rapport à la première section et qui va du premier au second coude, et enfin une troisième section s'étendant au-delà du second coude et qui est également orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement 25. Le premier coude présente d'autre part un renflement (référencé 27) avec lequel l'organe de commande 15 est agencé pour coopérer. Enfin la troisième section du bras 17 comporte une bifurcation à partir de laquelle le bras se scinde en deux branches espacées l'une de l'autre. Une première des deux branches (référencée 29) est flexible, alors que l'autre branche (référencée 31) est rigide.The corrector rocker is pivotally mounted about an axis (reference 25), and it can be seen that, in the example illustrated, its single arm 17 extends from the pivot axis by successively marking two bends in opposite directions (in the plan views of the figures 2 to 4 , the first bend turns left and the second turns right). The two elbows subdivide arm 17 into three sections. A radially oriented first section that goes from axis 25 to the first bend. Then, a second section which is oriented obliquely with respect to the first section and which goes from the first to the second bend, and finally a third section extending beyond the second bend and which is also oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis 25. The first elbow also has a bulge (referenced 27) with which the control member 15 is arranged to cooperate. Finally the third section of the arm 17 has a bifurcation from which the arm splits into two branches spaced apart from each other. A first of the two branches (referenced 29) is flexible, while the other branch (referenced 31) is rigid.

On peut voir que la branche flexible 29 comprend une partie proximale élastique (référencée 33) qui est orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement 25 de la bascule, et une partie distale qui est constituée par un sabot rigide (référencé 35) et qui s'étend en regard de l'extrémité de la branche rigide 31, transversalement par rapport à la partie proximale. La jonction entre la partie proximale 33 et le sabot 35 forme un coude ayant un angle aigu. Comme le montre notamment la figure 2, la partie proximale 33 de la branche flexible 29 est approximativement rectiligne. On peut observer en outre que, lorsque la branche flexible 29 n'est pas contrainte (comme c'est le cas dans la figure 2), l'extrémité de la branche 29 qui est la plus éloignée de l'axe de pivotement 25 est constituée par la pointe du coude (référencée 37). En se référant maintenant à la figure 3, on peut voir que la pointe 37 du coude est agencée pour venir repousser une dent de l'étoile 21 lorsque la bascule pivote à partir de sa position de repos (représentée dans la figure 2) en direction de sa position complètement basculée (autrement dit, pivote dans le sens antihoraire tel que représentée dans les figures). Comme la branche rigide 31 est nettement plus courte que la branche flexible 29, sa trajectoire en arc de cercle ne rencontre jamais les dents de l'étoile 21.It can be seen that the flexible branch 29 comprises an elastic proximal part (referenced 33) which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis 25 of the rocker, and a distal part which consists of a rigid shoe (referenced 35) and which extends facing the end of the rigid branch 31, transversely with respect to the proximal part. The junction between the proximal part 33 and the sabot 35 forms a bend having an acute angle. As shown in particular by the picture 2 , the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 is approximately rectilinear. It can further be observed that, when the flexible branch 29 is not constrained (as is the case in the figure 2 ), the end of the branch 29 which is furthest from the pivot axis 25 is formed by the tip of the elbow (referenced 37). Referring now to the picture 3 , it can be seen that the tip 37 of the elbow is arranged to push back a tooth of the star 21 when the rocker pivots from its rest position (represented in the figure 2 ) toward its fully tilted position (i.e., rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figures). As the rigid branch 31 is significantly shorter than the flexible branch 29, its arcuate trajectory never meets the teeth of the star 21.

La branche rigide 31 et la partie proximale 33 de la branche flexible 29 sont agencées, l'une par rapport à l'autre, de sorte que la branche rigide 31 se trouve derrière la branche flexible 29 quand la bascule pivote dans le sens antihoraire. En se référant toujours à la figure 3, on peut voir que l'extrémité de la branche rigide 31 se présente sous la forme d'un bord droit qui remplit la fonction de surface d'appui (référencée 39) et qui est orienté tangentiellement à sa trajectoire en arc de cercle. On peut voir de plus que le sabot 35 de la branche flexible 29 comporte une zone d'adossement qui vient s'appuyer contre la surface d'appui 39 lorsque la pointe 37 du coude de la branche flexible 29 repousse une dent de l'étoile 21 à l'encontre du couple d'immobilisation engendré par le ressort-sautoir 23. En effet, dans cette situation, la dent de l'étoile 21 exerce une force de réaction sur la pointe 37 de la branche flexible. Comme la force de réaction est orientée sensiblement perpendiculairement à l'orientation de la partie proximale élastique 33 de la branche flexible, cette dernière fléchit sous l'effet de la contrainte exercée. Dans la limite des petites déformations, la flexion de la partie proximale 33 de la branche 29 se traduit par une rotation de l'extrémité de la partie proximale ainsi que du sabot 35 (dans un sens correspondant au sens horaire tel que représenté dans les figures). Cette rotation conduit la portion du bord du sabot 35 qui se trouve en regard de l'extrémité de la branche rigide 31 (autrement dit, la zone d'adossement) à venir butter contre cette extrémité, comme représenté dans la figure 3. Lorsque le bras 17 de la bascule se trouve dans la configuration représentée dans la figure 3, le sabot 35 ne peut pas tourner dans le sens horaire par rapport à la branche rigide, ce qui permet à la pointe 37 de se comporter comme si elle était solidaire de cette dernière, malgré la résistance opposée par la dent de l'étoile 21. On notera que la branche flexible 29 doit être suffisamment souple pour que la force nécessaire pour amener le sabot 35 en butée contre l'extrémité de la branche rigide 31 soit inférieure à la force nécessaire pour soulever le ressort-sautoir 23.The rigid branch 31 and the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 are arranged, one with respect to the other, so that the rigid branch 31 is behind the flexible branch 29 when the lever pivots counterclockwise. Always referring to the picture 3 , it can be seen that the end of the rigid branch 31 is in the form of a straight edge which fulfills the function of bearing surface (referenced 39) and which is oriented tangentially to its arcuate trajectory. We can see more than the hoof 35 of the branch flexible 29 comprises a backing zone which comes to bear against the bearing surface 39 when the point 37 of the elbow of the flexible branch 29 pushes back a tooth of the spider 21 against the immobilization torque generated by jumper spring 23. Indeed, in this situation, the star tooth 21 exerts a reaction force on the tip 37 of the flexible branch. As the reaction force is oriented substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the elastic proximal part 33 of the flexible branch, the latter bends under the effect of the stress exerted. Within the limit of small deformations, the bending of the proximal part 33 of the branch 29 results in a rotation of the end of the proximal part as well as of the sabot 35 (in a direction corresponding to the clockwise direction as represented in the figures ). This rotation causes the portion of the edge of the shoe 35 which is opposite the end of the rigid branch 31 (in other words, the backing zone) to come up against this end, as represented in the picture 3 . When the rocker arm 17 is in the configuration shown in the picture 3 , the sabot 35 cannot rotate clockwise with respect to the rigid branch, which allows the tip 37 to behave as if it were integral with the latter, despite the resistance offered by the tooth of the star 21 It will be noted that the flexible branch 29 must be sufficiently flexible so that the force necessary to bring the sabot 35 into abutment against the end of the rigid branch 31 is less than the force necessary to lift the jumper spring 23.

Les caractéristiques qui viennent d'être décrites, concernant le correcteur du présent exemple, lui permette d'avoir le fonctionnement suivant. Lorsque le correcteur est en position de repos (représentée par la figure 2) et que l'utilisateur actionne l'organe de commande 15 depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie, il fait pivoter la bascule à l'encontre du ressort de rappel 19. En pivotant, la pointe 37 de la branche flexible 29 rencontre une des dents de l'étoile 21. La force de réaction exercée par la dent sur la branche flexible 29 fait fléchir sa partie proximale élastique 33 jusqu'à ce que la zone d'adossement du sabot 35 viennent buter contre la surface d'appui à l'extrémité 39 de la branche rigide 31. La situation correspond alors à celle qui est représentée dans la figure 3. La pointe 37 se comporte alors comme une extension solidaire de la branche rigide 31, ce qui lui permet d'entraîner l'étoile 21 en rotation. La rotation de l'étoile conduit une des dents à soulever le ressort-sautoir 23, qui s'élève ainsi jusqu'à ce que la pointe de son incliné ait franchi le sommet de la dent et passé sur l'autre versant. Dès que l'incliné du ressort-sautoir 23 se trouve ainsi en position d'entamer la redescente sur le versant opposé de la dent, la force que l'incliné exerce sur le sommet de la dent ne s'oppose plus à la rotation de l'étoile, mais produit au contraire un couple qui sollicite l'étoile 21 dans le sens dans lequel elle est déjà entraînée. La disparition du couple qui s'opposait jusque-là à la rotation de l'étoile 21 permet à la partie proximale élastique 33 de la branche flexible 29 de se redresser en écartant le sabot 35 de l'extrémité de la branche rigide 31.The characteristics which have just been described, concerning the corrector of the present example, allow it to have the following operation. When the corrector is in the rest position (represented by the figure 2 ) and the user actuates the control member 15 from outside the timepiece, he pivots the lever against the return spring 19. By pivoting, the tip 37 of the flexible branch 29 encounters one of the teeth of the star 21. The reaction force exerted by the tooth on the flexible branch 29 causes its elastic proximal part 33 to flex until the backing zone of the hoof 35 abut against the bearing surface at the end 39 of the rigid branch 31. The situation then corresponds to that which is represented in the picture 3 . The tip 37 then behaves like an integral extension of the rigid branch 31, which allows it to drive the star 21 in rotation. The rotation of the star causes one of the teeth to raise the jumper spring 23, which rises in this way until the tip of its slant has crossed the top of the tooth and passed over the other side. As soon as the angle of the jumper spring 23 is thus in a position to begin the descent on the opposite side of the tooth, the force that the angle exerts on the top of the tooth no longer opposes the rotation of the star, but on the contrary produces a torque which stresses the star 21 in the direction in which it is already driven. The disappearance of the torque which hitherto opposed the rotation of the star 21 allows the elastic proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 to straighten by moving the shoe 35 away from the end of the rigid branch 31.

Lorsqu'après avoir actionné le correcteur, l'utilisateur relâche l'organe de commande 15, la bascule du correcteur est rappelée en direction de sa position de repos par le ressort 19. Toutefois, le passage que la pointe 37 doit emprunter pour revenir en position de repos est maintenant barré par la dent de l'étoile 21 qui suit celle que le correcteur vient de pousser en avant. Conformément à la présente invention, le bras d'actionnement 17 du correcteur est capable de revenir en position de repos, même quand le mécanisme d'incrémentation automatique de l'étoile 21 bloque la rotation de cette dernière vers l'arrière. En effet, il est possible d'écarter la pointe 37 et le sabot 35 de la trajectoire des dents de l'étoile 21 en faisant fléchir la partie proximale 33 de la branche flexible 29 dans le sens représenté dans la figure 4. La flexion de la partie proximale 33 de la branche 29 dans le sens représenté dans cette figure se traduit par une rotation de l'extrémité de la partie proximale 33 ainsi que du sabot 35 (dans un sens correspondant au sens antihoraire tel que représenté dans les figures). On comprendra que la pression du sommet de la dent sur le sabot 35 fait progressivement fléchir la partie proximale 33 de la branche flexible 29 jusqu'à ce que la pointe 37 ait passé la dent. Ce comportement est rendu possible par le fait que la force nécessaire pour infléchir la branche flexible 29 est inférieure à la force nécessaire pour soulever le ressort-sautoir 23 assez haut pour que la pointe de son incliné franchisse le sommet d'une dent. Ensuite, dès que la pointe 37 a passé la dent, la partie proximale élastique 33 de la branche flexible 29 est libre de se redresser.When, after having actuated the corrector, the user releases the control member 15, the lever of the corrector is returned in the direction of its rest position by the spring 19. However, the passage that the tip 37 must borrow to return to rest position is now blocked by the tooth of star 21 which follows that which the corrector has just pushed forward. In accordance with the present invention, the actuating arm 17 of the corrector is capable of returning to the rest position, even when the automatic incrementation mechanism of the star wheel 21 blocks the rotation of the latter backwards. Indeed, it is possible to separate the tip 37 and the sabot 35 from the trajectory of the teeth of the star 21 by bending the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 in the direction shown in the figure 4 . The bending of the proximal part 33 of the branch 29 in the direction represented in this figure results in a rotation of the end of the proximal part 33 as well as of the sabot 35 (in a direction corresponding to the counterclockwise direction as represented in the figures). It will be understood that the pressure of the tip of the tooth on the sabot 35 gradually causes the proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 to bend until that the tip 37 has passed the tooth. This behavior is made possible by the fact that the force necessary to bend the flexible branch 29 is less than the force necessary to raise the jumper spring 23 high enough for the tip of its slant to cross the top of a tooth. Then, as soon as the tip 37 has passed the tooth, the elastic proximal part 33 of the flexible branch 29 is free to straighten.

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

Claims (7)

Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant une bascule montée pivotante entre une position de repos et une position complètement basculée, la bascule comportant un bras d'actionnement (17) se scindant en deux branches (29, 31), une des deux branches étant flexible et l'autre branche étant rigide, une extrémité (37) de la branche flexible (29) étant agencée pour venir pousser une dent d'une d'étoile (21) lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée, la trajectoire en arc de cercle de l'extrémité de la branche rigide (31) restant, quant à elle, toujours en dehors du cercle de tête de l'étoile (21), la branche flexible (29) comportant en outre une zone d'adossement prévue pour venir s'appuyer contre une surface d'appui (39) que comporte la branche rigide (31) lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée et que, par conséquent, l'extrémité (37) de la branche flexible (29) pousse la dent de l'étoile (21), la branche flexible comportant une partie proximale (33) qui est orientée sensiblement radialement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement (25) de la bascule, et comportant une deuxième partie (35) qui est orientée transversalement par rapport à la partie proximale (33) et séparée de cette dernière par un coude ; caractérisé en ce que la partie proximale (33) de la branche flexible (29) se trouve du côté avant du bras d'actionnement (17) lorsque la bascule pivote de sa position de repos vers sa position complètement basculée, en ce que l'extrémité (37) de la branche flexible (29) est formée par le côté extérieur du coude qui sépare la partie proximale (33) de la deuxième partie (35), en ce que la zone d'adossement de la branche flexible (29) est située sur la deuxième partie (35) de la branche flexible, et en ce que la branche rigide présente à son extrémité un bord droit orienté tangentiellement à sa trajectoire en arc de cercle, la surface d'appui (39) contre laquelle la zone d'adossement est agencée pour venir s'appuyer étant constituée par le bord droit.Actuating mechanism for a timepiece comprising a rocker mounted pivoting between a rest position and a fully tilted position, the rocker comprising an actuating arm (17) splitting into two branches (29, 31), one of the two branches being flexible and the other branch being rigid, one end (37) of the flexible branch (29) being arranged to push a tooth of a star wheel (21) when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its completely tilted position, the arcuate trajectory of the end of the rigid branch (31) remaining, for its part, always outside the circle of the star's head (21), the flexible branch (29) comprising in addition to a backing zone provided to come to rest against a support surface (39) that comprises the rigid branch (31) when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position and that, consequently, the end (37) of the flexible branch (29) pushes the tooth of the star (21), the flexible branch comprising a proximal part (33) which is oriented substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis (25) of the rocker, and comprising a second part (35) which is oriented transversely with respect to the proximal part (33) and separated from the latter by an elbow; characterized in that the proximal part (33) of the flexible branch (29) is on the front side of the actuating arm (17) when the rocker pivots from its rest position to its fully tilted position, in that the end (37) of the flexible branch (29) is formed by the outer side of the bend which separates the proximal part (33) from the second part (35), in that the backing zone of the flexible branch (29) is located on the second part (35) of the flexible branch, and in that the rigid branch has at its end a straight edge oriented tangentially to its arcuate trajectory, the bearing surface (39) against which the zone backing is arranged to come to rest being constituted by the right edge. Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un organe de commande (15) actionnable manuellement depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie, et en ce que la bascule comporte un bras (17) agencé pour coopérer avec l'organe de commande (15) pour amener la bascule en position complètement basculée lorsque l'organe de commande (15) est actionné depuis l'extérieur de la pièce d'horlogerie.Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control member (15) operable manually from outside the timepiece, and in that the rocker comprises an arm (17) arranged to cooperate with the control member (15) to bring the rocker into the fully tilted position when the control member (15) is actuated from outside the timepiece. Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un ressort (19) agencé pour rappeler la bascule vers sa position de repos.Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a spring (19) arranged to return the rocker to its rest position. Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 2 et 3, caractérisé en ce que la pièce d'horlogerie comporte des moyens d'indexage (23) de l'étoile (21), les moyens d'indexage (23) étant agencés pour engendrer un couple de maintien orienté de manière à rappeler l'étoile (21) vers une position angulaire indexée lorsque l'étoile s'écarte de ladite position angulaire, et en ce que la branche flexible (29) a une raideur suffisante pour lui permettre de pousser une des dents de la denture de l'étoile (21) avec suffisamment de force pour vaincre le couple de maintien lorsque la zone d'adossement de la branche flexible (29) et appuyée contre la surface d'appui (39).Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to any one of Claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the timepiece includes means (23) for indexing the star wheel (21), the means indexing (23) being arranged to generate a holding torque oriented so as to return the star (21) to an indexed angular position when the star deviates from said angular position, and in that the flexible arm ( 29) has sufficient stiffness to enable it to push one of the teeth of the toothing of the star (21) with sufficient force to overcome the holding torque when the backing zone of the flexible branch (29) is pressed against the bearing surface (39). Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le bord extérieur du coude qui sépare la partie proximale (33) de la deuxième partie (35) forme une pointe (37) qui constitue l'extrémité de la branche flexible (29).Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer edge of the bend which separates the proximal part (33) from the second part (35) forms a point (37) which constitutes the end of the flexible branch (29). Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le bord extérieur du coude fait un angle aigu au niveau de la pointe (37).Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to Claim 5, characterized in that the outer edge of the bend forms an acute angle at the point (37). Mécanisme d'actionnement pour pièce d'horlogerie selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la partie proximale (33) de la branche flexible (29) comprend une lame ressort.Actuating mechanism for a timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal part (33) of the flexible branch (29) comprises a leaf spring.
EP21213271.6A 2021-12-08 2021-12-08 Driving mechanism for a timepiece Pending EP4194965A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21213271.6A EP4194965A1 (en) 2021-12-08 2021-12-08 Driving mechanism for a timepiece

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21213271.6A EP4194965A1 (en) 2021-12-08 2021-12-08 Driving mechanism for a timepiece

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4194965A1 true EP4194965A1 (en) 2023-06-14

Family

ID=78827614

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21213271.6A Pending EP4194965A1 (en) 2021-12-08 2021-12-08 Driving mechanism for a timepiece

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4194965A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9703262B2 (en) * 2014-11-27 2017-07-11 Société Anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Annual or perpetual calendar mechanism and timepiece comprising the same
EP3489766A1 (en) 2017-11-27 2019-05-29 Montres Breguet S.A. Mechanism for correcting a function of a timepiece movement
US20190187617A1 (en) * 2017-07-25 2019-06-20 Blancpain Sa Torque smoothing for a timepiece, particularly with a striking mechanism
EP3584643A1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-25 Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Instantaneous command device for date display of timepieces

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9703262B2 (en) * 2014-11-27 2017-07-11 Société Anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Annual or perpetual calendar mechanism and timepiece comprising the same
US20190187617A1 (en) * 2017-07-25 2019-06-20 Blancpain Sa Torque smoothing for a timepiece, particularly with a striking mechanism
EP3489766A1 (en) 2017-11-27 2019-05-29 Montres Breguet S.A. Mechanism for correcting a function of a timepiece movement
EP3584643A1 (en) * 2018-06-19 2019-12-25 Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Instantaneous command device for date display of timepieces

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1335253B1 (en) Annual calendar mechanism for clockwork-movement
EP1953611B1 (en) Timepiece comprising a mechanism for driving a device displaying a time-related value
EP2180383B1 (en) Device to assist in maintaining the position of a date disc for a timepiece
EP2503410B1 (en) Calendar mechanism comprising a quick month corrector
EP3026504B1 (en) Annual or perpetual calendar mechanism and timepiece comprising the use thereof
EP3483663B1 (en) Drive device for clock calendar system
EP2407833B1 (en) Clearance compensation mechanism for clock movement
EP2784603B1 (en) Device for displaying time information
EP1801671B1 (en) Calendar watch provided with blocking means
EP1978420A1 (en) Device for correction of a display mechanism for a timepiece and wheel equipping such a device
EP3913442B1 (en) Retrograde display mechanism for a timepiece provided with a safety device
CH712222A2 (en) Date indicator drive wheel, calendar mechanism, movement and timepiece.
EP4194965A1 (en) Driving mechanism for a timepiece
EP1586961A2 (en) Instant perpetual calendar
CH699794A2 (en) Date indicator disk maintenance assisting device for e.g. wrist watch, has locking units maintaining jumpers in locked position out of correction periods of date indication and released in correction phase of indication to liberate jumpers
EP3026505B1 (en) Annual or perpetual calendar mechanism and timepiece comprising the use thereof
CH713209B1 (en) Display mechanism for timepiece.
CH691088A5 (en) mechanism at the time of a watch with perpetual calendar movement.
EP3734372B1 (en) Device for actuating a toothed wheel of a clock mechanism
EP4246247A1 (en) Driving mechanism for a timepiece
EP1801672A1 (en) Watch case
CH708741A2 (en) Corrector device for a timepiece.
CH524847A (en) Calendar watch
EP3705950B1 (en) Driving mechanism for timepiece
EP3644131B1 (en) Control device for clock movement

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20231204

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

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