EP4296793A1 - Stop mechanism for stopping or releasing a timepiece or chronograph regulating mechanism wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a mechanism for stopping (100) or releasing a mobile (1) of a regulating or chronograph mechanism rotating around a main axis (D), comprising a control member (210 ) manipulatable by a user and articulated with a stop lever (2) comprising a support surface (20) arranged to cooperate with a complementary support surface (11) of the mobile (1), and movable between a position of step where any support surface (20) is distant from the complementary support surface (11), and a stopping position where a support surface (20) rests on the latter, this stop lever (2) comprises, integral and movable in rotation relative to a pivot axis (DP), a first control part (21) articulated removably with the control member (210), at the level of an axis d articulation (DA) parallel to said pivot axis (DP), this removable articulation allowing flat extraction or insertion of the first part (21) relative to said control member (210), and a second support part (22 ) comprising the support surface (20), and the stop lever (2) is mounted, at said pivot axis (DP), removably axially relative to a rotation guide element (510) that comprises a structure (500), this stopping mechanism (100) also comprising an elastic return means exerting an axial force on the stopping lever (2) and pressing it onto this structure (500), and the invention relates to yet another timepiece (1000) comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism comprising such a stopping mechanism (100).

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a mechanism for stopping or releasing a regulating mechanism or chronograph mobile rotating around a main axis, comprising a control member manipulatable by a user and articulated with a stop lever comprising a support surface arranged to cooperate with a complementary support surface of the mobile, and movable between a walking position where any support surface is distant from the complementary support surface, and a stopping position where a surface of The support is supported on the latter. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a regulating or chronograph mechanism comprising a structure and at least a first bridge on either side of a mobile rotating around a main axis, and comprising such a mechanism stop, for triggering the stopping or releasing of said regulating mechanism or chronograph mobile.

The invention relates to the field of watch stopping mechanisms.

Technology background

Stop levers, also called stop levers, are designed to stop the rotation of a mobile, and to release it on the user's command. These levers are generally placed near the mobiles concerned, in heavily occupied areas and where little space is available. As a result, these levers are often inserted in a non-removable manner in stacks of bridges or the like, which requires complete dismantling of the stack of bridges. these bridges, for intervention on the mechanisms placed behind the stop levers, or even on the stop levers themselves.

In particular, a recurring problem is that the stop lever prevents the anchor bridge from being dismantled, for example in the event of needing to adjust the filling of the anchor lifts.

To remove the stop-second, it would in principle be necessary to remove the bridges which are above the stop-second bridge, to obtain a configuration without the bridges, which allows the stop-second to be dismantled.

This is disadvantageous because it is very time consuming, and entails a risk of deterioration and/or soiling of the components.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to provide an economical solution to this problem, by allowing removal at minimal cost of the stop lever, to allow any other intervention on the timepiece.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a mechanism for stopping or releasing a regulating mechanism or chronograph mobile, according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a regulating or chronograph mechanism comprising such a stopping mechanism, for triggering the stopping or release of this regulating or chronograph mechanism mobile.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue en plan, une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mécanisme régulateur à balancier-spiral, avec un mécanisme d'arrêt comportant un levier-stop intercalé entre le balancier et la platine, laquelle porte un premier pont de balancier et un deuxième pont de stop-secondes ;
• la figure 2 est un détail de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente le même mécanisme après dépose du pont de balancier et du balancier, on voit que le levier-stop entrave l'accès au pont d'ancre ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, le même mécanisme dans l'état de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, le même mécanisme après dépose de tous les ponts, notamment du pont de stop-secondes ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, un mécanisme comportant un mécanisme d'arrêt selon l'invention, dans un état similaire à celui de la figure 3, c'est-à-dire après dépose du pont de balancier et du balancier ; on voit le guidage en pivotement du levier d'arrêt dans une chambre ménagée entre la platine support et le deuxième pont de stop-secondes, autour d'un tourillon limité en hauteur de façon à autoriser l'extraction axiale puis plane du levier d'arrêt ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, le levier d'arrêt selon l'invention, et son articulation amovible avec un organe de commande manipulable directement ou indirectement par un utilisateur, visible en partie gauche de la figure ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, le levier d'arrêt seul, avec, disposés en éventail autour de l'axe de pivot, un premier bras de commande, un deuxième bras d'appui, un troisième bras de stabilisation ; on distingue en extrémité distale du premier bras de commande la fourche permettant l'articulation amovible avec l'organe de commande, et, en partie arrière, un quatrième bras flexible, non coplanaire aux autres bras, et permettant de plaquer le levier d'arrêt sur la platine support en marche normale ;
• les figures 9 et 10 représentent, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en perspective, dans des configurations similaires aux figures 2 et 3, un mécanisme muni d'un mécanisme d'arrêt selon l'invention dans le cas classique d'un oscillateur à basse fréquence (inférieure ou égale à 5 Hz) avec un stop-secondes en appui sur la serge de balancier ; le pont d'ancre est démontable sans démonter le stop-secondes ;
• les figures 11 à 13 représentent, de façon schématisée, partielle, en plan pour la figure 11 et en perspective pour les figures 12 et 13, dans des configurations similaires respectivement aux figures 1 et 2 et 3, un mécanisme muni d'un mécanisme d'arrêt selon l'invention dans le cas d'un calibre avec un oscillateur à haute fréquence (supérieure à 5 Hz, notamment voisine de 10 Hz) avec un stop-secondes agissant sur une came-cœur (non visible sur les figures) sur le balancier afin de le relancer pour le démarrage ; le stop-secondes passe au-dessus du pont d'ancre, et, grâce à l'invention il peut être extrait de la chambre qui le renferme, entre la platine support et le pont de stop-secondes, par un mouvement axial permettant son extraction de son pivot, et un mouvement plan permettant à la fois le découplage de la fourche du premier bras d'avec le tourillon de l'organe de commande, et l'extraction sensiblement plane du levier d'arrêt par le logement du balancier.

The invention will be better understood in the light of the detailed description which follows, and the appended drawings, where:

• there figure 1 represents, in a schematic, partial manner, and in plan view, a timepiece comprising a sprung balance regulating mechanism, with a stopping mechanism comprising a stop lever inserted between the balance and the plate, which carries a first balance bridge and a second stop-seconds bridge;
• there figure 2 is a detail of the figure 1 ;
• there Figure 3 represents the same mechanism after removal of the balance bridge and the balance wheel, we see that the stop lever hinders access to the anchor bridge;
• there Figure 4 represents, in a schematic way, and in perspective, the same mechanism in the state of the Figure 3 ;
• there Figure 5 represents, similarly to the Figure 3 , the same mechanism after removal of all the bridges, in particular the stop-seconds bridge;
• there Figure 6 represents, in a schematic, partial manner, and in perspective, a mechanism comprising a stopping mechanism according to the invention, in a state similar to that of the Figure 3 , that is to say after removal of the balance bridge and the balance; we see the pivoting guidance of the stop lever in a chamber provided between the support plate and the second stop-seconds bridge, around a pin limited in height so as to authorize the axial then flat extraction of the stop lever. stop ;
• there Figure 7 represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, the stop lever according to the invention, and its removable articulation with a control member which can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user, visible in the left part of the figure;
• there figure 8 represents, schematically and in perspective, the stop lever alone, with, arranged in a fan around the pivot axis, a first control arm, a second support arm, a third stabilizing arm; we distinguish in distal end of the first control arm the fork allowing removable articulation with the control member, and, in the rear part, a fourth flexible arm, not coplanar with the other arms, and allowing the stop lever to be pressed onto the plate support in normal operation;
• THE figures 9 and 10 represent, in a schematic, partial manner, and in perspective, in configurations similar to the figures 2 and 3 , a mechanism provided with a stopping mechanism according to the invention in the classic case of a low frequency oscillator (less than or equal to 5 Hz) with a stop-seconds resting on the balance wheel; the anchor bridge can be removed without removing the stop-seconds;
• THE figures 11 to 13 represent, in a schematic, partial way, in plan for the Figure 11 and in perspective for figures 12 and 13 , in configurations similar respectively to figures 1 and 2 and 3 , a mechanism provided with a stopping mechanism according to the invention in the case of a caliber with a high frequency oscillator (greater than 5 Hz, in particular close to 10 Hz) with a stop-seconds acting on a cam- heart (not visible in the figures) on the pendulum in order to restart it for starting; the stop-seconds passes above the anchor bridge, and, thanks to the invention, it can be extracted from the chamber which contains it, between the support plate and the stop-seconds bridge, by an axial movement allowing its extraction of its pivot, and a plane movement allowing both the decoupling of the fork of the first arm from the pin of the control member, and the substantially plane extraction of the stop lever by the housing of the balance.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention relates to a stopping mechanism 100 for triggering the stopping or releasing of a mobile 1 of a regulating mechanism or chronograph of a timepiece 1000.

This stopping mechanism 100 comprises a structure 500, in particular a plate or the like, and at least a first bridge 600 on either side of the mobile 1 which is movable in rotation around a main axis D.

The stopping mechanism 100 comprises a control member 210, which can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user, and which is articulated with a stopping lever 2, which comprises at least one bearing surface 20 arranged to bear on a complementary support surface 11 at the front and/or edge of the mobile 1.

This stop lever 2 is movable between an operating position where any support surface 20 is at a distance from the complementary support surface 11 and where the mobile 1 is free to rotate, and a stop position where at least a support surface 20 rests on the complementary support surface 11 and where the mobile 1 is in a rotationally stopped position.

According to the invention, the stop lever 2 comprises, integral with each other and mobile together in rotation relative to a pivot axis DP parallel to the main axis D, a first control part 21 and a second support part 22. The first control part 21 is removably articulated with the control member 210, at the level of a hinge axis DA, preferably parallel to the pivot axis DP. This removable articulation allows a substantially plane extraction or insertion of the first part 21 relative to the control member 210, perpendicular to the articulation axis DA. The second support part 22, which comprises at least one support surface 20, is movable between the structure 500 and the first bridge 600.

The stop lever 2 is mounted, at the level of the pivot axis DP, in a removable manner axially relative to a rotation guide element 510 which the structure 500 comprises.

The stopping mechanism 100 also comprises at least one elastic return means, which is arranged to exert an axial force on the stopping lever 2 and press it against the structure 500.

More particularly, the stop lever 2 is interposed between the structure 500 and a second bridge 700, which the stop mechanism 100 comprises, which together define a chamber 800 in which the stop lever 2 is mounted, at the level of the pivot axis DP, removably axially relative to the rotation guide element 510.

More particularly, the chamber 800 comprises a pivot pin 810 defining the pivot axis DP and arranged to cooperate with minimal radial clearance with a bore 820 which the stop lever 2 comprises, or vice versa. The height of the projection of the pivot pin 810 is less than the difference between on the one hand the height of the chamber 800 in the axial direction Z at the level of the pivot axis DP, and on the other hand the maximum thickness of the stop lever 2, so as to authorize the extraction of the stop lever 2 by combination of an axial movement to release the bore 820 of the pivot pin 810, and a substantially plane movement, perpendicular to the articulation pin DA, of the stop lever 2.

More particularly, the stopping mechanism 100 further comprises, integral with the first part 21 and second part 22, a third stabilizing part 23 which is movable in the chamber 800, with at least one axial degree of freedom in a parallel axial direction Z to the main axis D.

More particularly, the structure 500 and the second bridge 700 limit the axial travel of the third stabilizing part 23 below a maximum value CM, to ensure rotational movement of the second part 22 around the pivot axis DP, substantially plane perpendicular to the main axis D.

More particularly, the removable articulation between the first control part 21 and the control member 210 comprises a fork 25 carried by the first part 21, arranged to cooperate with a pin 26 which the control member 210 comprises, or vice versa. , so as to authorize lateral assembly or disassembly between the first part 21 and the control member 210.

More particularly, the elastic return means is carried by the stop lever 2, which comprises a fourth flexible part 24, arranged to cooperate in support with a lower surface 724 of the second bridge 700 to press the stop lever 2 on the structure 500. As a variant not illustrated, this elastic return means can consist of a spring integral with the second bridge 700, or similar. More particularly, the fourth part 24 is not coplanar with the first part 21, the second part 22 and the third part 23, which are coplanar with each other. In a particular variant, not illustrated in the figures, the fourth part 24 is in one piece with the third part 23, and is not coplanar with the first part 21 and the second part 22 which are coplanar with each other. In another variant, the fourth part 24 is in one piece with the first part 21, and is not coplanar with the second part 22 and the third part 23 which are coplanar with each other.

More particularly, the stop lever 2 is in one piece.

More particularly, the stop lever 2 is a cut and folded component, and therefore very economical.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism comprising a structure 500 and at least a first bridge 600 on either side of a mobile 1 mobile in rotation around a main axis D , and comprising such stopping mechanism 100, for triggering the stopping or releasing of this mobile 1 of the regulator or chronograph mechanism.

More particularly, the mechanism carrying the mobile 1 is a regulating mechanism, the mobile 1 of which is an inertial mass or a balance wheel or a tourbillon cage, and which regulating mechanism comprises, superimposed in the axial direction Z, from the structure 500 carrying a lower pivot 520, an anchor bridge 900, the inertial mass or the balance or the tourbillon cage, the stop lever 2 which is removable leaving axial access to said anchor bridge 900 and allowing the removal of the inertial mass or of the balance or of the tourbillon cage, the second bridge 700, and the first bridge 600 carrying an upper pivot 540.

More particularly, the stop lever 2 is arranged to cooperate with a core cam carried by the inertial mass or the balance or the tourbillon cage, in order to restart it for starting when it is released.

More particularly, the lower pivot 520 and/or the upper pivot 540 is a magnetic pivot. Indeed, the use of magnetic pivots is particularly advantageous for guiding a high frequency oscillator, of the order of 10 Hz.

More particularly, the stop lever 2 is arranged to cooperate in tangential support with a rim or a peripheral surface which comprises the inertial mass or the balance or the tourbillon cage, and is, in plane projection along the axial direction Z, in each of its positions, exterior to the anchor deck 900.

The invention thus provides an economical solution to the problem posed: the stop lever, also more commonly called stop lever, is designed so as to be removable without removing the bridge above it. The cross-sectional figures help to understand the system.

The movement to be applied to disassemble the stop lever is broken down into two phases: an axial movement in the Z direction to release the guide stop lever at the level of the pivot axis DP, and then a plane movement in a plane parallel to that of the balance. Indeed, the shaft guiding the stop lever allows axial assembly/disassembly along the Z axis, parallel to the axis of rotation of the balance wheel.

Articulation with the upstream control mechanism is done with an articulated mechanism, such as a fork and pin allowing side disassembly, or the like.

To hold the stop lever in place and prevent it from being disassembled by itself, it advantageously comprises a flexible blade resting on the upper bridge, which presses it axially downwards on the structure, in particular a plate.

If, on a caliber with a low frequency oscillator (less than or equal to 5 Hz) with stop-second resting on the balance rim, the pallet bridge can be removed without removing the stop-second, it is not not the same on a caliber comprising a high frequency oscillator (more than 5 Hz), which requires a stop-second which acts on a heart cam on the balance in order to restart it for starting; the stop-second then passes above the anchor bridge, and the invention finds its full usefulness there. Indeed, a caliber with a high frequency oscillator requires such a stop-second which acts on a heart cam on the balance wheel in order to restart it for starting, this starting function being necessary due to a frequency greater than 5 Hz The stop-second therefore passes above the anchor point. When adjusting the anchor lifts, it is necessary to be able to dismantle the anchor bridge and therefore dismantle the stop-seconds. The invention makes it possible to avoid dismantling the upper bridge (barrel bridge, cog bridge, or other), and makes maintenance operations more economical, and guarantees the cleanliness of the mechanisms.

Claims (18)

Stopping mechanism (100) for triggering the stopping or releasing of a mobile (1) of a regulating mechanism or chronograph of a timepiece (1000), comprising a structure (500) and at least a first bridge (600) on either side of said mobile (1) which is movable in rotation around a main axis (D), said stopping mechanism (100) comprising a control member (210) which can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user and articulated with a stop lever (2) which comprises at least one support surface (20) arranged to bear on a complementary support surface (11) front and/or edge of said movable (1), said stop lever (2) being movable between an on position where any said support surface (20) is at a distance from said complementary support surface (11) and where said movable (1) is free to rotate, and a stopping position where at least one said support surface (20) rests on said complementary support surface (11) and where said mobile (1) is in a stopping position in rotation, characterized in that said stop lever (2) comprises, integral with each other and movable together in rotation relative to a pivot axis (DP) parallel to said main axis (D), a first control part (21 ) which is removably articulated with said control member (210), at the level of a hinge axis (DA) parallel to said pivot axis (DP), said removable articulation authorizing a substantially planar extraction or insertion of said first part (21) relative to said control member (210), perpendicular to said articulation axis (DA), and a second support part (22) comprising said at least one support surface (20) and which is movable between said structure (500) and said first bridge (600). Stop mechanism according to claim 1 characterized in that said stop lever (2) is mounted, at said pivot axis (DP), so removable axially relative to a rotation guide element (510) which said structure (500) comprises. Stopping mechanism according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said stopping mechanism (100) further comprises at least one elastic return means arranged to exert an axial force on said stopping lever (2) and press it against said structure (500). Stopping mechanism (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stopping lever (2) is inserted between said structure (500) and a second bridge (700), which said stopping mechanism comprises (100), which together define a chamber (800) in which said stop lever (2) is mounted, at said pivot axis (DP), removably axially relative to said rotation guide element (510) . Stop mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that said chamber (800) comprises, as said rotation guide element (510), a pivot pin (810) defining said pivot axis (DP) and arranged to cooperate at minimum radial clearance with a bore (820) which said stop lever (2) comprises, or vice versa, the height of the projection of said pivot pin (810) being less than the difference between on the one hand the height of said chamber (800) in said axial direction (Z) at said pivot axis (DP), and on the other hand the maximum thickness of said stop lever (2), so as to authorize the extraction of said lever stop (2) by combination of an axial movement to release said bore (820) from said pivot pin (810), and a substantially plane movement, perpendicular to said articulation axis (DA), of said lever stop (2). Stopping mechanism (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said stopping mechanism (100) further comprises, integral with said first part (21) and second part (22), a third stabilizing part (23 ) which is mobile in said chamber (800), with at least one axial degree of freedom in an axial direction (Z) parallel to said main axis (D). Stop mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that said structure (500) and said second bridge (700) limit the axial travel of said third stabilizing part (23) below a maximum value (CM ) to ensure rotational movement of said second part (22) around said pivot axis (DP), substantially plane perpendicular to said main axis (D). Stop mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said removable articulation between said first control part (21) and said control member (210) comprises a fork (25) carried by said first part (21), arranged to cooperate with a pin (26) which said control member (210) comprises, or vice versa, so as to authorize lateral assembly or disassembly between said first part (21) and said control member (210). Stop mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said elastic return means is carried by said stop lever (2) which comprises a fourth flexible part (24), arranged to cooperate in support with a lower surface (724) of said second bridge (700) to press said stop lever (2) on said structure (500). Stop mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said fourth part (24) is not coplanar with said first part (21), said second part (22) and said third part (23), which are coplanar with each other. Stop mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said fourth part (24) is integral with said third part (23), and is not coplanar with said first part (21) and said second part ( 22) which are coplanar with each other. Stop mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said fourth part (24) is integral with said first part (21), and is not coplanar with said second part (22) and said third part ( 23) which are coplanar with each other. Stop mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said stop lever (2) is in one piece. Timepiece (1000) comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism comprising a structure (500) and at least a first bridge (600) on either side of a mobile (1) mobile in rotation around an axis main (D), and comprising a stopping mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, for triggering the stopping or the release of said mobile (1) of regulating mechanism or chronograph. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 14, characterized in that said mechanism carrying said mobile (1) is a regulating mechanism, of which said mobile (1) is an inertial mass or a balance wheel or a tourbillon cage, and which regulating mechanism comprises, superimposed in said axial direction (Z), from said structure (500) carrying a lower pivot (520), an anchor bridge (900), said inertial mass or said balance wheel or said tourbillon cage, said lever stop (2) which is removable leaving axial access to said anchor bridge (900) and allowing the removal of said inertial mass or said balance wheel or said tourbillon cage, said second bridge (700), and said first bridge (600) carrying an upper pivot (540). Timepiece (1000) according to claim 15, characterized in that said stop lever (2) is arranged to cooperate with a core cam carried by said inertial mass or said balance wheel or said tourbillon cage, in order to or restart it for startup when released. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said lower pivot (520) and/or said upper pivot (540) is a magnetic pivot. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 135, characterized in that said stop lever (2) is arranged to cooperate in tangential support with a rim or a peripheral surface which comprises said inertial mass or said balance wheel or said cage. tourbillon, and is, in plane projection in said axial direction (Z), in each of its positions, exterior to said anchor bridge (900).

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