WO2012140112A1

WO2012140112A1 - Timepiece movement

Info

Publication number: WO2012140112A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/056631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Forsey; Sébastien Brancucci
Original assignee: Complitime Sa
Priority date: 2011-04-14
Filing date: 2012-04-12
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Also published as: CH704783B1; EP2697693B1; CH704783A1; EP2697693A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece movement comprising a frame, a balance wheel holder (2), a balance wheel (3) mounted on said holder (2) and intended to swing about a swivel axis (AA), and a device for stopping said balance wheel (3), the stop device including at least one movable stop element (4) for entering into contact with the balance wheel (3) and locking same, and a mechanism for actuating said stop element (4). According to the invention, the stop element (4) is arranged relative to the balance wheel (3) such that the direction of the force (F) resulting from the action of the stop element (4) against the balance wheel (3) is inclined at an angle (a) that differs from 0º and 90º relative to the swivel axis (AA) of the balance wheel (3), the actuating mechanism including at least one actuating member (8, 10), which is movable in a plane that is non-perpendicular to the swivel axis (AA) of the balance wheel (3), or the actuating mechanism includes at least one actuating member (8, 10) that moves rotationally or translationally in a plane that forms an angle that differs from 0º and 90º relative to the swivel axis (AA) of the balance wheel (3).

Description

MOVEMENT OF WATCHES

Technical area

The present invention relates to mechanical timepieces. It relates more particularly to a timepiece movement comprising a support constituting a reference plane, at least one rocker mounted on said support, provided with a serge and intended to oscillate about a pivot axis, and a device for stopping said pendulum, the stop device comprising at least one movable stop member to come into contact with the rocker and block it and a mechanism for actuating said stop element.

State of the art

Such a pendulum stop device, sometimes called "stop-second", is arranged to stop the oscillation of the pendulum during the time setting, from the control rod of the watch to start the movement at a precise moment, for example exactly at the time indicated by the hands of the watch.

More specifically in the case where the rocker is mounted in the cage of a vortex, the stop device stops the oscillation of the balance in any position of the cage.

Devices of this type are for example described in the international application WO 03/048871 or patent EP 1 617 305. The device described in the application WO 03/048871 comprises a movable spring with two elastic branches each terminated by a skid that can go resiliently against the periphery of the pendulum to stop it. This movable spring is controlled by the time setting rod. This device has several disadvantages mentioned in patent EP 1617 305. The realization of the mobile spring is complicated, and this spring, given its great length, also requires adjustment difficult to achieve. Another disadvantage lies in the fact that a spring of such a length can easily be deformed under the effect of a shock applied to the watch and thus block inadvertently the pendulum. Moreover, in very high-end watchmaking, the use of the wire spring or leaf spring is generally prohibited because it is unsightly.

Patent EP 1617305 discloses a rocker stop device comprising levers manually controlled and mounted on the cage, capable of coming into contact with the periphery of the beam to block when an action is exerted on the at least one of said levers by a sliding shoe disposed outside the cage and controlled manually.

This device also has many disadvantages. It includes many parts (levers, pads, foot-screws, sockets, etc.), which means a complex assembly. Some pieces are complex to make, such as stops for skates. In addition, all the components of the stop device of a balance of a vortex are at the periphery of the cage. This represents an additional weight that will disrupt the inertia of the cage.

On the other hand, none of the systems described in the application WO 03/048871 or in patent EP 1 617 305, can be used in the case of an inclined beam used in a construction having a double vortex. The system described in patent EP 1 617 305 or in the publication WO 2008/101802 could be used in the case of a single inclined beam or an inclined single vortex, but still acting radially on the latter. In particular, the construction described in the publication WO 2008/101802 provides a spring with two arms that can be moved from a normal position to a locking position in which it is elastically applied to the radially peripheral contour of the beam. Similarly, in patent EP 1 617 305, it is specified that a pad mounted on the lever blocks the balance by friction by bearing radially against a balance member. In addition, the suspension of the balance is from the periphery, which requires to provide a large space around the balance for mounting the stop device. The latter, provided on the periphery of the pendulum, is particularly visible, and detracts from the aesthetic aspect of the movement. Finally, the stop element acts radially to the axis of pivoting of the balance, so that the stresses acting radially on the shank of the pivot axis of the balance are important and weaken it. Also known is the patent CH 270 889 which relates to a device ensuring the launch of a pendulum when reassembling a watch movement when the latter is stopped. This device comprises a flexible rod arranged to come into contact with the balance, so that the rod bends and ensures good application against the balance. Then the stem gives an impulse to the pendulum, which it leaves then leaving it free to oscillate. However, the flexible rod can not be considered as a stopping element of the stop-balance mechanism at the start, since the pendulum is stopped. In addition, in the case where the reassembly of the movement requires several turns, and therefore several contacts of the flexible rod with the balance, it turns out that said flexible rod does not act as a pendulum stop, and does not stop the balance before giving an impulse. The pendulum will not be stopped throughout the reassembly operation.

Also known is the patent FR 687 649 which describes several variants of stop-balance, comprising a reversing lever actuated by the winding stem and carrying a leaf spring constituting the stop element. Another variant is provided according to which the winding stem acts directly on the leaf spring. Although the overturning lever and the winding stem can be considered as actuating members, these bodies move in planes perpendicular to the axis of the balance.

An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages, by providing a pendulum stop device for stopping in a safe, fast and effective way a pendulum, even if it is inclined, and that it is mounted or not on a tourbillon cage.

[001 1] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact balance stop device, and allowing significant space saving. As a result, the aesthetic aspect of the movement will be improved.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pendulum stop device for acting on the beam so as to distribute the stresses acting on the beam of the axis of the balance and use a device traditional shock absorber to absorb a lot of these constraints. Disclosure of the invention

For this purpose, and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a timepiece movement comprising a support constituting a reference plane, at least one rocker mounted on said support, provided with a serge and intended for oscillate about a pivot axis, and a stop device of said balance, said stop device comprising at least one movable stop element to come into contact with the rocker and block it and a mechanism for actuating said element stop.

According to the invention, the stop member is arranged relative to the rocker so that the direction of the force resulting from the action of the stop member against the rocker is inclined at a different angle a 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the pivot axis of the balance. In addition, the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating member movable in a plane not perpendicular to the axis of pivoting of the balance.

According to another embodiment, the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating member moving in rotation or in translation in a plane forming an angle α different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivoting axis of the balance.

According to one or other of the variants, the actuating member can cooperate directly with the stop element, that is to say without intermediate member.

According to one or the other of the variants, the support may be an element of the frame of the movement. Advantageously, the stop element and at least the actuating member of the actuating mechanism may be included in a cylinder in which the balance is inscribed.

According to another possibility, the rocker support may be a first structure mounted free in rotation, such as a first vortex cage. Advantageously, the stop element and at least the actuating member of the actuating mechanism can be included in a cylinder in which said first structure is inscribed. The first structure may itself be mounted in a second structure mounted free to rotate, such as a second vortex cage. According to one or the other of the variants, the stop element can be mounted on an element of the frame of the movement or on the support of the balance.

Advantageously, the stop member may be a flexible blade or a circular ring mounted to move in translation on an element of the frame of the movement or on the support of the balance. According to other variants, the stop element may be a flexible blade mounted to rotate.

According to one or other of the variants, the actuating mechanism may comprise a rocker controlled by a time setting rod.

According to either variant, the actuating mechanism may comprise at least one actuating ring movable in translation, controlled by a time setting rod and arranged to cause a displacement of the actuator. stop element.

In the case of a vortex, the actuating ring can be embedded on the first structure mounted free to rotate.

The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a bottom and a movement as defined above, said movement being arranged so that the axis of pivoting of the balance is not perpendicular to a tangent plane or confused with said background.

The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a bottom and a movement as defined above, said movement being arranged so that the axis of pivoting of the balance is perpendicular to a tangent plane or coincident with said background.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, various embodiments, given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:

- Figures 1a and 1b show schematic sectional views of an inclined beam and a stop device in the form of a flexible blade movable in translation, respectively in the normal operating position of the movement and in position stopping the pendulum; FIGS. 2a and 2b show diagrammatic sectional views of a simple flat beam and of a stop device in the form of a blade movable in translation, respectively in the normal operating position of the movement and in the position of FIG. stop of the pendulum;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show isometric views of two inclined pendulums and a stop device in the form of a flexible blade movable in rotation, respectively in the normal operating position of the movement and in the stop position of the balance. ;

FIG. 4 represents an isometric view of a simple vortex comprising an inclined beam and a stop element embedded on the cage;

FIGS. 5a and 5b show views of an anti-shock device used in the movement of the invention, respectively before and after deformation;

FIG. 6 represents an isometric view of an inclined double vortex; and

FIG. 7 represents another variant of FIG.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, there is schematically represented a part of a timepiece movement comprising a frame comprising a frame element 1 forming a reference plane P and a pendulum support. 2 corresponding, in this variant, to a lower bridge 2a and an upper bridge 2b. The movement also comprises a rocker 3 intended to oscillate about a pivot axis AA and mounted on said support 2 in an inclined manner, so that the pivot axis AA forms a non-zero angle β with a perpendicular to the reference plane P.

More generally, the rocker 3 is inclined so that its pivot axis AA is not perpendicular to a tangent plane or here confused with the bottom P 'of the timepiece containing the movement. More particularly, in the case of a wristwatch, the pivot axis AA the balance 3 is not perpendicular to a plane adjacent to the wrist of a user wearing the timepiece containing the movement of the invention.

Traditionally, the balance 3 comprises a serge and balancing screws. In the variants shown, the serge is completely closed and ring-shaped. It is obvious that the serge could have open sectors, and have a shape other than circular.

The movement also comprises a device for stopping said rocker 3, the stop device comprising at least one movable stop element for coming into contact with the rocker 3 and blocking it and an actuating mechanism of said rocker element. 'stop. In this variant, the stop element is a flexible blade 4, with a double elbow, arranged under the balance 3. The blade 4 comprises a first free end 4a and a second end 4b slidably mounted, in a translation movement perpendicular to the reference plane P, around a tube 6 integral with the frame member 1 to abut the serge or the screws of the balance 3 or move away. During normal operation of the movement, and in the present variant, the free end 4a of the blade is parallel to the reference plane P.

The actuating mechanism of the stop element or the blade 4 comprises, as actuating members, an actuating ring 8 and knives 10, arranged under the balance. The actuating ring 8 is slidably mounted, in a translation movement perpendicular to the reference plane P, around the tube 6 and cooperates directly with the blade 4. The displacement of the actuating ring 8 is controlled by the displacement of the time setting rod, for example when changing from the neutral position T0 to the time setting position T1. More specifically, the beveled knives 10 are provided on either side of the actuating ring 8 so that, when they are actuated by the time-setting rod, they slide under the actuating ring 8 in order to slide it around the tube 6. Thus, the actuating ring 8 or the knives 10, according to the invention, are movable in a plane not perpendicular to the pivot axis AA of the balance 3. In the variant shown, the free end 4a of the blade 4 is parallel to the reference plane P during normal operation of the movement. In another variant not shown, the free end of the blade 4 can be inclined relative to the reference plane P, while respecting the characteristics of the invention, so that, according to the invention, the blade 4 and more specifically its free end 4a is arranged relative to the rocker 3 so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the blade 4 against the rocker 3 is inclined at an angle α different from 0 ° and 90 ° by relative to the pivot axis AA of the balance 3, as shown in Figure 1b. That is to say, the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the stop element against the rocker is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the pivot axis AA of the rocker 3.

[0033] Preferably, the angle a is between 10 ° and 80 °, and more preferably between 20 ° and 70 °.

In the variant shown, the angle a is equal to the angle β.

The dimension of the blade 4 is such that the blade 4 and at least the actuating ring 8 of the actuating mechanism are included in a cylinder in which the balance 3 is inscribed.

In another variant not shown, the blade 4 is replaced by a circular stop ring slidably mounted on a tube. The diameter of the circular ring is such that the stop ring is likely to come into contact with the lowest point of the balance when it is moved.

Furthermore, the knives can be replaced by a rocker or any actuator of the same function for moving the stop member.

The operation of the stop device is as follows. Normally, as shown in Figure 1a, the blade 4 is spaced from the balance 3. To stop the balance at the time setting, the knives 10 are actuated by means of the setting rod. hour to raise the actuating ring 8, which in turn raises the blade 4 until the end 4a of the latter comes into contact with the balance 3 and blocks it. As shown in Figure 1b, the direction of force F resulting from the action of the blade 4 against the balance 3 is inclined at an angle α of about 35 ° with respect to the pivot axis AA of the balance 3. According to another definition of the invention, the actuating ring 8 or the knives 10 move in translation in a plane forming an angle α different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of the balance 3. When the time setting is performed, the knives 10 and the ring d actuation 8 return to their normal operating position so that the blade 4 moves away from the beam 3 and releases it. The stop device resumes its position as shown in Figure 1a.

In the variant shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the balance 13 is mounted directly on the frame member 21 so that its pivot axis AA is perpendicular to the reference plane P and to a plane or tangent with the bottom P 'of the timepiece enclosing the movement.

In this variant, the frame further comprises a frame member 15, itself placed on the frame member 21, and comprising an inclined support surface on which is mounted the flexible blade 14, under the beam 13, similar to the blade 4 of the variant of Figure 1. The blade 14 is slidably mounted, in a translation movement perpendicular to the bearing surface of the frame member 15, around a tube 16 secured to the frame member 15 to abut the serge or the screws of the balance 13 or move away.

During normal operation of the movement, and in the present variant, the free end of the blade 14 is parallel to the inclined bearing surface of the frame member 15.

The actuating mechanism of the blade 14 comprises, as actuating members, an actuating ring 18 slidably mounted in a translation movement perpendicular to the bearing surface of the frame member 15, around the tube 16 to cooperate directly with the blade 14, and knives 20, similar to those of Figure 1. These elements are arranged under the balance. Thus, the actuating ring 18 or the knives 20, according to the invention, are movable in a non-parallel plane and perpendicular to the pivot axis AA of the balance 13.

In addition, also according to the invention, the blade 14 is arranged relative to the balance 13 so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the blade 14 against the balance 13 is inclined at an angle is different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of the beam 13, as shown in Figure 2b.

The blade 14 may be replaced by a circular stop ring slidably mounted on a tube and having an inclined flange having the same function as the free end of the blade 14. The diameter of the circular ring is such that the Inclined edge of the stop ring is likely to come into contact with the balance rod when moved.

The operation of the stop device is similar to that of the variant of Figure 1.

Thus, the stop device according to the invention allows to occupy a limited space hidden under the balance, so as not to harm the aesthetic appearance of the movement.

With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there is schematically a part of a timepiece movement comprising a frame comprising a frame member 31 forming a reference plane P and two corresponding balance beam supports 32. in this variant, lower bridges 32a and upper bridges 32b. The movement also comprises two rockers 33 intended to oscillate about their respective pivot axis AA. The rockers 33 are mounted on their respective support 32 in an inclined manner, so that their pivot axis AA forms a non-zero angle β with a perpendicular to the reference plane P or with a plane parallel to P and coincident or tangent with the bottom P 'of the timepiece enclosing the movement. In addition, the rockers 33 are inclined relative to each other, their pivot axes are not parallel. The movement also comprises a rocker stop device 33, the stop device comprising at least one movable stop member to come into contact with the rocker arm 33 and to block them and an actuating mechanism of said rocker element. 'stop. In this variant, the stop element consists of a piece 34, substantially U-shaped, and terminated at each end by a flexible blade 34a. The piece 34 is arranged under the rockers 33.

The actuating mechanism of the stop member or the piece 34 comprises, as actuating member, a rocker 38 on which is mounted the piece 34. The rocker 38 is disposed under the rockers 33 and is mounted rotatably on the frame member 31 about a pivot 39. The rotation of the rocker 38 is controlled by the movement of the time setting rod to move the piece 34 closer or away from the rockers 33. Thus , the rocker 38, according to the invention, is rotatable in a non-perpendicular plane or non-parallel to the pivot axis AA of the rockers 33.

The latch 38 and the piece 34 are positioned under the rockers 33 so that, during normal operation of the movement, the piece 34 does not interfere with the oscillation of the rockers 33, as shown in Figure 3a, and so when the pendulums stop, the rocker 38 having pivoted, the blades 34a of the piece 34 abut against the lowest point of the serge or screws of the rockers 33 to block them, as shown in Figure 3b. After the time setting, the rocker 38 and the piece 34 are returned to their initial position, in accordance with Figure 3a, so that the rockers 33 are released.

In addition, also according to the invention, the blades 34a are arranged relative to their respective balance 33 so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the blade 34a against its respective balance 33 is inclined at an angle α of 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of said rocker 33, as shown in Figure 3b. In particular, during normal operation of the movement, and according to the present variant, the blades 34a are parallel to the reference plane P. It is obvious that each of the rockers can be arranged so that their axis of rotation is inclined in any direction relative to the reference plane P. Similarly, the rockers can be arranged so that their axes. of rotation are parallel to each other.

In another variant not shown, the piece 34 may be replaced by a sliding stop ring mounted in a translational movement perpendicular to the reference plane P. The diameter of the circular ring is such that the ring of stopping is likely to come into contact with the lowest point of each pendulum 33 when it is moved.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a part of a timepiece movement comprising a frame having a frame member 41 forming a reference plane P parallel to a tangent plane or here confused with the bottom P 'of the timepiece enclosing the movement.

The movement comprises a simple vortex conventionally comprising a cage 42 constituting a rotatably mounted structure representing a support for a rocker 43. The rocker 43 is intended to oscillate about a pivot axis AA and is mounted in the cage 42 inclined, so that the pivot axis AA forms a non-zero angle β with a perpendicular to the reference plane P, coaxial with the shaft 45 of the cage 42. The cage 42 is itself mounted movable in rotation on the frame member 41, about its axis defined by the shaft 45.

More particularly, the pivot axis AA of the beam 43 is not perpendicular to a plane adjacent to the wrist of a user wearing the timepiece containing the movement of the invention.

In a conventional manner, an anti-shock device 46 is disposed at each end of the axis AA of the rocker arm 43.

The construction and operation of such a vortex are known to those skilled in the art and do not call for additional details.

According to a certain terminology generally used in the field of watchmaking, the vortex comprises a movable cage which carries all the bodies of the exhaust and, in its center, the regulating member. The pinion of the escape wheel rotates around the seconds wheel which is fixed. There are carousels, devices similar to the vortex, but in which the cage is controlled, not by the wheel of the seconds, but by the average wheel (which is not fixed). In the present application, the term vortex encompasses these two possibilities and more generally any regulating device embarked on a rotating system. Thus, although the present description is made with reference to a device in which the escape pinion rotates around the fixed seconds wheel, the variants of the invention can be directly transposed to a carousel or other onboard regulating member on a rotating system.

In addition, the movement comprises a device for stopping said rocker 43, the stop device comprising at least one movable stop member to come into contact with the rocker arm 43 and to block it and an actuating mechanism of said rocker 43 stop element. In this variant, the stop element is a flexible blade 44, bent, disposed under the rocker 43. The blade 44 comprises a first free end 44a and a second end 44b slidably mounted, in a translation movement perpendicular to the plane of reference P, around the shaft 45 of the cage 42 to abut against the serge or the screws of the balance 43 or move away. During normal operation of the movement, and according to the present variant, the free end 44a of the blade is parallel to the balance 43, that is to say to the plane formed by the beam seam.

The actuating mechanism of the stop element or the blade 44 comprises, as actuating member, an actuating ring 48, disposed under the rocker arm 43 and integral in rotation with the shaft 45 of the cage 42 so that said ring 48 is embarked on the cage 42. The actuating ring 48 is slidably mounted around the shaft 45 of the cage 42, in a translation movement perpendicular to the reference plane P, and cooperates directly with the blade 44 which rests on it. Thus, the actuating ring 48, according to the invention, is movable in translation in a non-perpendicular plane and not parallel to the pivot axis AA of the rocker arm 43. The displacement of the actuating ring 48 is controlled by the movement of the time setting rod. In addition, also according to the invention, the blade 44 and more specifically its free end 44a is arranged relative to the balance 43 so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the blade 44 against the rocker 43 is inclined at an angle a different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of the rocker 43, as shown in Figure 4. That is to say, the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the stop element against the balance 43 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the pivot axis AA of the balance 43.

Preferably, the angle a is between 10 ° and 80 °, and more preferably between 20 ° and 70 °.

In this variant, the angle a is equal to the angle β.

There is provided, under the cage 42, a return spring 49 secured by one of its ends to the shaft 45 of the cage 42 and, at the other end, to the actuating ring 48.

The dimensions of the blade 44 and the actuating ring 48 are such that these elements are included in a cylinder in which is inscribed the balance 43. Thus, the size of the stop device is reduced, which free space for other organs. Moreover, the stop device is hidden under the balance, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the movement.

In addition, the elements of the stop device are concentrated in the center of the cage and not periphery, which will not influence or very little inertia of the assembly.

The operation of the stop device is as follows. Normally, as shown in Figure 4, the blade 44 is spaced from the rocker 43. To stop the rocker 43 during the time setting, the actuating ring 48 is actuated by means of the rod bet at the time so as to lift it. As a result, the blade 44 also lifts until its end 44a comes into contact with the balance 43 and blocks it, by applying a force F in accordance with the invention against the balance. When the time setting is performed, the actuating ring 48 and the blade 44 return to their normal operating position under the action of the return spring 49. Thus, the blade 44 moves away from the balance 43 and releases it. The stop device resumes its position as shown in FIG.

The blade 44 is embedded on the vortex cage, rotates around the shaft 45 with the balance 43. Thus, the blade 44 and the rocker 43 will always be in the same position relative to each other . In addition, the blade 44 is located below the balance. As a result, the stop 43 will be fast and accurate, regardless of the position of the balance relative to the frame.

In addition, the stop device according to the invention, by acting on the balance at an angle neither perpendicular nor parallel to its pivot axis, allows to distribute the stresses acting on the tigeron of the axis of balance. and use shockproofing to absorb a lot of the stresses.

More particularly, Figure 5a shows the shockproof device 46 during normal operation of the balance. The tibernum 47 of the axis of the balance 43 is straight with respect to the shockproof device 46. When the rocker 43 is stopped by means of the device according to the invention, the support of the stop element on the balance according to the force F inclined relative to the axis of the rocker 43 causes the rocker will bow and get in the way, as shown in Figure 5b. The chimney 46a of the shockproof device 46 will rise quickly. Indeed, the inclined force applied to the tigeron promotes the movement of the chimney along the inclined plane of the kitten 46b of the shockproof device 46, thus allowing a better distribution of the stress on the tigeron. Therefore, the shock device 46 works optimally in view of the way in which the rocker is attacked by the stop element. Unlike known devices in which the stress is only radial, the stress applied in this movement of the invention is decomposed into an axial stress and a radial stress. This makes it possible to reduce the radial stress on the pivot.

In another variant not shown, the blade 44 is replaced by a circular stop ring disposed under the beam and under the cage, and mounted on a frame member movable in translation along a plane parallel to the axis. of rotation of the tourbillon cage. The diameter of the circular ring is such that the stop ring is likely to come into contact with the lowest point of the pendulum projecting from the cage when it is moved. The stop ring can be actuated by a rocker controlled by the time setting rod. According to the invention, the circular stop ring is arranged relative to the rocker so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the stop ring against the rocker is inclined at an angle a different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of the balance.

In another variant not shown, the balance can be arranged so that its axis of rotation is coaxial or coincident with the axis of rotation of the cage. Furthermore, the axis of rotation of the cage may or may not be perpendicular to the reference plane P, the stop element, however, having a shape to meet the characteristics of the invention.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown another variant of the invention, corresponding to a double vortex. The construction and operation of such a vortex are for example described in patent EP 1 419 419 of the applicant.

The movement according to the invention comprises a frame comprising a frame member 61 forming a reference plane P parallel to a tangent plane or here confused with the bottom of the timepiece containing the movement.

The movement also comprises a double swirl or biaxial tourbillon, which comprises, as described in patent EP 1 419 419 a first cage 62 constituting a support for a balance 63 and a second cage 65. The balance 63 is intended for oscillate about a pivot axis AA and is mounted in the first cage 62 so that, in this variant, its pivot axis is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the first cage 62 pivotally mounted in the second cage 65. The latter is itself pivotally mounted on the frame member 61 along an axis BB perpendicular to the reference plane P. The pivot axis AA forms a non-zero angle β and different from 90 ° with the axis BB. More particularly, the pivot axis AA of the balance 63 is not perpendicular to a plane adjacent to the wrist of a user wearing the timepiece containing the movement of the invention.

The second cage 65 comprises in particular an upper support 65a and a lower support 65b intended to receive the first cage 62.

In addition, the movement comprises a device for stopping said rocker 63, the stop device comprising at least one movable stop element for coming into contact with the rocker 63 and blocking it and an actuating mechanism of said rocker 63 stop element.

In this embodiment, the stop member is a flexible blade 64, bent, disposed under the rocker 63. The blade 64 comprises a first free end 64a and a second end 64b arranged to be secured to the first cage 62 Thus, said blade 64 is embarked on the first cage 62 and its free end 64a is able to move, by elastic deformation of the blade, in a translation movement perpendicular to the reference plane P to abut against the balance 63 or s away from it. During normal operation of the movement and in this variant, the free end 64a of the blade is parallel to the rocker 63, that is to say to the plane formed by the beam serge.

The actuating mechanism of the stop element or the blade 64 comprises various actuating members, namely a pin 66, two actuating rings 67 and 68, and rods 69.

The pin 66 is disposed between the first actuating ring 67 and the blade 64, so as to cooperate directly therewith. The pin 66 is disposed parallel to the axis BB, and is arranged to be integral in rotation with the first cage 62, and thus be embedded thereon, with the blade 64. In addition, the pin 66 is arranged to be movable in translation, relative to the blade 64, in a non-perpendicular plane and not parallel to the pivot axis AA of the rocker 63. In the normal operating position, the pin 66 is disposed just below the blade 64 of so as to be able to push the blade 64 when said pin 66 is moved. The first actuating ring 67 is disposed under the pin 66, in the lower support 65b of the second cage 65. On the first actuating ring 67 are integral with the rods 69. The first actuating ring 67 and the rods 69 are positioned coaxially with the pivot axis AA of the beam and the first cage 62. The first actuating ring 67 and the rods 69 are arranged to be integral in rotation with the second cage.

In addition, the first actuating ring 67 and the rods 69 are arranged to be slidably mounted around the shaft of the first cage 62, in a translation movement parallel to the axis AA.

In the normal operating position, the first actuating ring 67 is disposed just below the pin 66 so as to be able to move it when said first actuating ring 67 is itself moved.

The flange of the first actuating ring 67 in contact with the pin 66 is chamfered to improve contact with the pin 66 when the first actuating ring 67 is moved by means of the second actuating ring 68.

The second actuating ring 68 is disposed on the frame member 61 under the lower support 65b of the second cage 65, coaxially with its axis BB. The second actuating ring 68 comprises a recess 70 into which the ends of the rods 69 which rotate with the second cage 65 can flow. The second actuating ring 68 and the rods 69 are arranged so that, during normal operation of the movement, the rods 69 are not in contact with the hollow 70.

The second actuating ring 68 is arranged to be integral in rotation with the frame member 61 and to be slidably mounted around the shaft of the second cage 65, in a translation movement parallel to the axis. BB.

The displacement of the second actuating ring 68 is controlled by the movement of the time setting rod. According to the invention, the blade 64 and more specifically its free end 64a, is arranged relative to the rocker 63 so that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the blade 64 against the rocker 63 is inclined at an angle a different from 0 ° and 90 ° relative to the pivot axis AA of the rocker 63, as shown in Figure 6. That is to say that the direction of the force F resulting from the action of the stop element against the rocker 63 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the pivot axis AA of the rocker 63.

In this variant, the angle a is equal to the angle β.

The dimensions of the various elements of the stop device are such that these elements are included in a cylinder in which is inscribed the biaxial vortex. Thus, the size of the stop device is reduced, which frees up space for other organs. Moreover, the stop device is hidden under the balance, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the movement.

In addition, the elements of the stop device are concentrated at the center of the first cage and not at the periphery, which will not influence or very little inertia of the assembly.

The operation of the stop device is as follows. Normally, the blade 64 is separated from the rocker 63. To stop the rocker 63 during the time setting, the second actuating ring 68 is actuated by means of the time setting rod so as to lift it. As a result, the second actuating ring 68 comes into contact with the rods 69, and moves them so that the first actuating ring 67 also moves towards the pin 66. The latter is then raised in such a manner as to press the flexible blade 64 and deform it until its free end 64a comes into contact with the rocker 63 and blocks it, by applying a force F in accordance with the invention against the balance. When the time setting is performed, the actuating rings 67 and 68, the pin 66 and the blade 64 return to their normal operating position. Thus, the blade 64 moves away from the balance 63 and free him. The stop device resumes its position as shown in FIG.

The advantages of the invention are the same as those exposed for the other variants.

FIG. 7 represents a variant of the device of FIG. 6. This variant corresponds to the definition of the invention according to which the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating member moving in translation in a plane forming a angle a different from 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the pivot axis of the balance.

In this embodiment, the pin 76 is disposed parallel to the pivot axis AA of the balance 73 and is therefore parallel to the axis of the first actuating ring 77 and the rods 79. The blade 74, the pin 76, the first actuating ring 77 and the rods 79 are actuated by the displacement of the second actuating ring 78, similar to the ring 68 of FIG. 6. Said second actuating ring 78 moving in a direction of movement. translation parallel to the axis BB constitutes the actuating member which moves in translation in a plane forming an angle α different from 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the axis of pivoting of the balance 73.

In variants not shown, the pivot axis AA of the beam may not be coaxial with the axis of rotation of the first cage.

It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the shape and the positioning of the stop element or the balance support may vary, while respecting the characteristics of the invention. More particularly, the flat blades may be replaced by blades having an inclined free end, chosen, however, so as to meet the characteristics of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is also applicable to a system comprising a third structure movable in rotation, for example a third tourbillon cage.

Claims

Timepiece movement comprising a frame, at least one support (2,

32, 42, 62), at least one rocker (3, 13, 33, 43, 63) mounted on said support (2, 32, 42, 62) and intended to oscillate about a pivot axis (AA ), and a device for stopping said rocker (3, 13, 33, 43, 63), the stop device comprising at least one movable stop element (4, 14, 34, 44, 64) for entering into contact with the rocker arm (3, 13, 33, 43, 63) and blocking it and an actuating mechanism of said stop element (4, 14, 34, 44, 64), characterized in that the element of stopping (4, 14, 34, 44, 64) is arranged relative to the balance (3, 13,

33, 43, 63) so that the direction of the force (F) resulting from the action of the stop element (4, 14, 34, 44, 64) against the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63) is inclined at an angle (a) different from 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the pivot axis (AA) of the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63), and that the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating member (8, 10, 18, 20, 38, 48, 66, 67, 68, 69) movable in a plane not perpendicular to the pivot axis (AA) of the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63).

Movement of a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one rocker support (2, 32, 42, 62), at least one rocker (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73) mounted on said support (2, 32, 42, 62) and intended to oscillate about a pivot axis (AA), and a device for stopping said beam (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73), the stop device comprising at least at least one movable stop element (4, 14, 34, 44, 64, 74) for contacting the rocker arm (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73) and blocking it and an actuating mechanism stop element (4, 14, 34, 44, 64, 74), characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating member (8, 10, 18, 20, 38, 48, 66, 68, 78) moving in rotation or in translation in a plane forming an angle (a) different from 0 ° and from 90 ° with respect to the pivot axis (AA) of the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73).

Movement according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the actuating member (8, 18, 38, 48, 66) cooperates directly with the stop element (4, 14, 34, 44 , 64).

4. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (2, 32) beam is an element of the frame of the movement.

5. Movement according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the stop element (4, 14) and at least the actuating member of the actuating mechanism (8, 10, 18, 20) are included in a cylinder in which is registered the balance (3, 43, 63, 73).

6. Movement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support (42, 62) balance is a first structure mounted free in rotation.

7. Movement according to claim 6, characterized in that said first structure is a first vortex cage.

8. Movement according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the stop element (44, 64, 74) and at least the actuating member (48, 68, 78) of the actuating mechanism are included in a cylinder in which is inscribed the first structure.

9. Movement according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first structure is itself mounted in a second mounted structure free to rotate.

10. Movement according to claim 9, characterized in that the second structures is a second vortex cage (65).

1 1. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (4, 14, 34) is mounted on a member (1, 21, 31) of the frame of the movement.

12. Movement according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the stop element (44, 64, 74) is mounted on the support (42, 62) beam.

13. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (4, 14, 44, 64, 74) is a flexible blade mounted to move in translation.

14. Movement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stop member is a circular stop ring mounted in translation.

15. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises at least one actuating ring (8, 18, 48, 67, 68, 77, 78) movable in translation, controlled by a time setting rod and arranged to cause a displacement of the stop member (4, 14, 44, 64, 74).

16. Movement according to claims 6 and 15, characterized in that the actuating ring (67, 77) is embedded on the first structure mounted free to rotate.

17. Movement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stop element (34) is a flexible blade mounted to rotate.

18. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises a rocker (38) controlled by a time setting rod.

19. Timepiece comprising a bottom and a movement according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the movement is arranged so that the axis of pivoting of the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73) is not perpendicular to a tangent plane or merged with said bottom.

Timepiece comprising a bottom and a movement according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the movement is arranged so that the axis of pivoting of the balance (3, 13, 33, 43, 63, 73) is perpendicular to a plane tangent or merged with said bottom.