EP3968094A1 - Timepiece selector mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Selector mechanism (100) with clockwork columns, comprising a mobile with columns (2) projecting above a base surface (1) separated by clearances (5), forming slots (10) along a profile (P), arranged to, in certain positions of the mobile, allow the introduction of a feeler into a recess (5) in a transverse direction (T) substantially normal to said profile (P) and parallel to said reference surface (1), and for in other positions of the mobile, stopping a feeler on a transverse surface (81, 201, 202) of a column (2), at least one column (2) comprising an intermediate transverse surface of stopper (81) constituting an abutment bearing surface for a feeler and allowing partial insertion of a feeler into the thickness of said slot (10), and which is located, in a transverse direction (T), between the geometric envelopes of two end transverse surfaces (201, 202) transversely delimiting the column (2).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a selector mechanism with clockwork columns, comprising a wheel set comprising a plurality of columns projecting above a base surface and separated by clearances, said columns and said clearances together forming slots extending along the along a profile, arranged to, in certain positions of said mobile, allow the introduction of a feeler or a pin into a said clearance in a transverse direction substantially normal to said profile and substantially parallel to said reference surface, and for in other positions of said mobile, stop a feeler or a pin on a transverse surface of a said column.

The invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism, comprising at least one such selector mechanism, controlled by a control means operable by the user.

The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one clockwork movement, and at least one chronograph mechanism comprising at least one such selector mechanism, controlled by control means accessible to the user. .

The invention relates to the field of horological mechanisms with complications such as in particular chronograph mechanisms or striking mechanisms.

Background of the invention

Timepiece mechanisms with complications, such as chronograph mechanisms or striking mechanisms, commonly use function selection mechanisms comprising crenellated column wheels, blocking or authorizing the introduction of a feeler into a slot from the outside of the column wheel.

Some complex mechanisms implement column wheels at several levels, such as for example the striking mechanism described by the document EP2498146B1 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET, which includes mode selection means with a column wheel with several levels of superimposed ratchets. These mechanisms, effective for having several functionalities, are nevertheless very bulky, and their total thickness does not generally allow them to be housed in a watch of common dimensions.

The document EP1760550 in the name of MONTRES JOURNE describes a similar column-wheel mechanism whose external profile is stepped for the control of different functions according to the wheel rotation pitch.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to develop a selector mechanism of small thickness, capable of performing different functions, and in particular of developing a mobile with stop surfaces both on the outside and on the inside of the slots of a mobile column, including but not limited to a column wheel.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective, un mécanisme sélecteur d'horlogerie selon l'invention, dans une variante où ce mécanisme sélecteur est une roue à colonnes ; cette roue à colonnes comporte classiquement sur sa périphérie des créneaux avec alternance de colonnes, saillantes depuis une surface de base selon une direction axiale, et de dégagements entre ces colonnes, de façon à interdire ou autoriser l'insertion radiale d'un bec de bascule, d'un doigt ou similaire, selon la position angulaire de la roue à colonnes. Selon l'invention, la surface intérieure des colonnes comporte des surfaces intermédiaires d'arrêt agencées pour autoriser une introduction partielle d'un palpeur ou d'une goupille dans le dégagement d'un créneau, entre les surfaces enveloppes extérieure et intérieure des colonnes ; dans cette exécution particulière non limitative, ces surfaces intermédiaires d'arrêt font partie d'un ressaut de profil sensiblement complémentaire à celui d'une goupille ;
• les figures 2 à 4, et leurs détails respectifs aux figures 5 à 7, illustrent les trois phases significatives de fonctionnement d'un mécanisme de chronographe comportant le mécanisme sélecteur de la figure 1, et montrent le fonctionnement, avec la coopération, à l'intérieur de la roue à colonnes, entre ce dernier et une goupille que porte une commande de débrayage du compteur de minutes du chronographe, la roue à colonnes tournant en sens antihoraire :
• les figures 2 et 5 illustrent la position « start », chronographe en marche, la goupille est dans un dégagement entre deux colonnes voisines, sans contact avec l'une ni l'autre ;
• les figures 3 et 6 illustrent la position « stop », chronographe à l'arrêt, la goupille est dans un dégagement d'une colonne, sans contact ;
• les figures 4 et 7 illustrent la position « reset », chronographe après la remise à zéro, la goupille est en appui sur la surface extrême intérieure d'une colonne ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, le mobile compteur des minutes que comporte le mécanisme de chronographe des figures 2 à 7, avec, montés en superposition sur un arbre et solidaires en rotation, un cœur de minutes, une roue du compteur de minutes à dents de loup, un pignon de compteur de minutes, et un limaçon des minutes ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, le mobile de chronographe que comporte le mécanisme de chronographe des figures 2 à 7, avec, montés en superposition sur un arbre et solidaires en rotation, un ensemble roue et pignon seconde de chronographe, un disque d'embrayage, un ressort de friction de la roue de chronographe, un cœur de chronographe, et une came de chronographe ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante de mécanisme sélecteur où la colonne n'occupe que l'extérieur de la roue à colonnes, les surfaces d'arrêt du côté intérieur étant constituées par des goupilles ;
• la figure 11 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante de mécanisme sélecteur dans la configuration inverse, où les ressauts sont disposés du côté extérieur de la roue à colonnes tandis que les surfaces d'arrêt du côté intérieur sont lisses ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante de mécanisme sélecteur où les colonnes comportent des ressauts à la fois du côté extérieur et du côté intérieur ;
• la figure 13 représente, de façon partielle et similaire à la figure 1, une variante de mécanisme sélecteur où la colonne comporte des ressauts étagés radialement du côté intérieur de la roue à colonnes ;
• la figure 14 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une variante de mécanisme sélecteur où les colonnes comportent des paliers étagés selon la direction axiale et comportant des surfaces intermédiaires d'arrêt faisant ressauts ;
• la figure 15 est un schéma-blocs qui représente une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment une montre, comportant un mouvement d'horlogerie, et un mécanisme de chronographe comportant un mécanisme sélecteur selon l'invention, commandé par des moyens de commande accessibles à l'utilisateur.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, and in perspective, a timepiece selector mechanism according to the invention, in a variant where this selector mechanism is a column wheel; this column wheel conventionally comprises on its periphery slots with alternating columns, projecting from a base surface in an axial direction, and clearances between these columns, so as to prohibit or authorize the radial insertion of a rocker beak , a finger or the like, depending on the angular position of the column wheel. According to the invention, the inner surface of the columns comprises intermediate stop surfaces arranged to allow partial insertion of a sensor or a pin in the clearance of a slot, between the outer and inner envelope surfaces of the columns; in this particular non-limiting embodiment, these intermediate stop surfaces form part of a projection of profile substantially complementary to that of a pin;
• the figures 2 to 4 , and their respective details to figures 5 to 7 , illustrate the three significant operating phases of a chronograph mechanism comprising the selector mechanism of the figure 1 , and show the operation, with the cooperation, inside the column wheel, between the latter and a pin carried by a disengagement control of the chronograph minute counter, the column wheel turning counterclockwise:
• the figure 2 and 5 illustrate the “start” position, chronograph running, the pin is in a clearance between two neighboring columns, without contact with either;
• the figure 3 and 6 illustrate the “stop” position, chronograph stopped, the pin is in a clearance of a column, without contact;
• the figure 4 and 7 illustrate the “reset” position, chronograph after resetting, the pin rests on the inner extreme surface of a column;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically and in perspective, the mobile minute counter that comprises the chronograph mechanism of the figures 2 to 7 , with, mounted superimposed on a shaft and integral in rotation, a minute heart, a wolf-toothed minute counter wheel, a minute counter pinion, and a minute cochlea;
• the figure 9 represents, schematically and in perspective, the chronograph mobile that comprises the chronograph mechanism of the figures 2 to 7 , with, mounted superimposed on a shaft and integral in rotation, a chronograph second wheel and pinion assembly, a clutch disc, a chronograph wheel friction spring, a chronograph heart, and a chronograph cam;
• the figure 10 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant of a selector mechanism where the column occupies only the outside of the column wheel, the stop surfaces on the inside being formed by pins;
• the figure 11 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant of a selector mechanism in the reverse configuration, where the projections are arranged on the outside of the column wheel while the stopping surfaces on the inside are smooth;
• the figure 12 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant of a selector mechanism where the columns have projections both on the exterior side and on the interior side;
• the figure 13 represents, partially and similarly to the figure 1 , a variant of a selector mechanism where the column comprises projections stepped radially on the inside of the column wheel;
• the figure 14 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a variant of a selector mechanism where the columns comprise stepped bearings in the axial direction and comprising intermediate stop surfaces forming projections;
• the figure 15 is a block diagram which represents a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a clockwork movement, and a chronograph mechanism comprising a selector mechanism according to the invention, controlled by control means accessible to the user.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a selector mechanism 100 with clockwork columns, which comprises a mobile comprising a plurality of columns 2.

These columns 2 project above a base surface 1 and separated by recesses 5, the columns 2 and the recesses 5 together forming slots 10 extending along a profile P. The figures illustrate a configuration classic column wheel where the profile P is circular, but this profile could also be linear, or otherwise, without departing from the invention.

These slots 10 are arranged to, in certain positions of the mobile, allow the introduction of a feeler or a pin into a recess 5 in a transverse direction T substantially normal to the profile P and substantially parallel to the reference surface 1, and to in other positions of the mobile, stopping a feeler or a pin on a transverse stopping surface 81, 201, 202 of a column 2.

In the illustrated case of a circular profile P, the transverse direction T is a radial coming from the axis of the mobile.

According to the invention, at least one column 2 comprises at least one intermediate transverse stop surface 81, which is arranged to constitute an abutment bearing surface for a feeler or a pin and allow partial introduction of a feeler or a pin in the thickness of slot 10, and which is located, in a transverse direction T, between the geometric envelopes of two end transverse surfaces 201, 202, which delimit column 2 transversely.

More particularly, each column 2 which comprises at least one intermediate transverse stop surface 81 has a variable thickness in the transverse direction T, and comprises at least one projection 4, which is arranged to hold a feeler, a finger, or a pin 3, or similar, of a clockwork mechanism arranged to cooperate with the selector mechanism 100, the projection 4 comprising the intermediate stop surface 81 and a front stop surface 82 in the direction of the profile P.

More particularly, the projection 4 is arranged to retain a feeler or a pin in at least one direction in the direction of the profile P. More particularly, the projection 4 is arranged to retain a feeler or a pin in a single direction in the direction of the P profile.

More particularly, a column 2 comprising a projection 4 comprises at least two opposite projections 4, each arranged to retain a feeler or a pin in a direction opposite to the other.

This embodiment with at least one projection provided in at least one column, more particularly each column, is advantageous because it is particularly compact.

It is however possible, for timepieces larger than conventional watches, for example marine chronometers, watches with grand complications, or clocks, to design the selector mechanism 100 in a different way, for example by splitting the columns, certain so-called outer columns performing the outer stop function on a first side, referred to as outer, of the selector mechanism 100, and other so-called inner columns performing the inner stop function on a second, so-called inner side of the selector mechanism 100; the geometry of these interior columns is then adapted to ensure the functionality of such projections, and, for example, the interior columns can each consist of several pins 88, 89, one of which 88 comprises an intermediate stop surface 81 and the the other 89 a front stop surface 82, and optionally an end transverse surface 202.

Naturally, the projections can be, depending on the desired functionality, located inside the profile as in the variant illustrated by the figure 1 , or outside the profile as in the variant illustrated by the figure 11 , or on either side of the profile as in the variant illustrated by the figure 12 .

The projections 4 can still be stepped, as seen on the figure 13 , where successive projections 41 and 42 are each arranged to stop a mobile in a particular position.

The figures illustrate circular column wheels, this arrangement is compact and advantageous, and meets the majority of watchmaking functionalities. It is however possible to arrange on different radii: the various end transverse surfaces 201, and/or the various end transverse surfaces 202, and/or the various intermediate transverse stopping surfaces 81.

It will be understood that this selector mechanism 100 is thus arranged to define several transverse positions for the introduction of an operating or control member: frontal stop of abutment on one of the end transverse surfaces 201, 202, complete transverse travel through the clearance 5, partial transverse travel limited to abutment on a surface of the projection 4. Of course, if the same column 2 comprises several projections 4 of different transverse depth, or if several columns 2 comprise several projections 4 of different transverse depth, it possible to have more control positions.

More particularly, the mobile extends along a closed profile P, and the slots 10 extend between an outer envelope geometric surface defined by the outer end transverse surfaces 201 of the columns 2, and an inner envelope geometric surface defined by the inner extreme transverse surfaces 202 of the columns 2.

More particularly, the closed profile P is circular, and the outer envelope geometric surface and the inner envelope geometric surface are cylindrical and coaxial.

In a variant, the profile P is closed, and at least one projection 4 is inside the mobile. More particularly, each projection 4 is inside the mobile.

In another variant, the profile P is closed, and at least one projection 4 is outside the mobile. More particularly, each projection 4 is outside the mobile.

In a variant, at least one column 2 comprises at least one bearing 11 in its height, in an axial direction DA perpendicular to the base surface 1. Such a variant allows a greater number of combinations. More particularly still, the bearing 11 is limited by an intermediate stop surface 61 and/or 62 according to the invention. However, this variant, schematized on the figure 14 , requires a greater height, which is not always possible.

The invention also relates to a chronograph mechanism 400 comprising at least one such selector mechanism 100, controlled by a control means 200 that can be operated by the user. More particularly, this chronograph mechanism 500 comprises a disengagement control for the minute counter 22, which makes it possible to disengage from the minute wheel set 40 the driving finger of the 360 minute counter, as seen on the figure 4 , while on the figure 2 and 3 this drive finger 360 meshes with the wolf-tooth wheel 41 of the minute counter 40.

This disengagement control of the minute counter 22 carries a pin 3 which is arranged to, depending on the position of the mobile, in a starting position, hereinafter referred to as "start", corresponding to the running of the chronograph, remaining at least partially in a clearance 5 between two columns 2, or in a stop position corresponding to stoppage of the chronograph cooperate in support with a projection 4, or in a reset position for resetting the chronograph to support on an extreme transverse surface 201, 202, d a column 2.

The clearance 5 between two neighboring columns 2 is delimited by edge surfaces 6 and 7 of these two columns 2.

The beak 21 of the clutch lever 210 is arranged to cooperate, or in abutment on an outer extreme transverse surface 201 of column 2, or in the position of insertion in a recess 5.

This chronograph mechanism 400, illustrated by the figures, comprises such a selector mechanism 100, here a column wheel, whose profile P is circular, and comprises the constituents listed according to the nomenclature at the end of this description.

• les figures 2 et 5 illustrent la position « start », chronographe en marche, la goupille 3 est dans un dégagement 5 entre deux colonnes 2 voisines, sans contact avec l'une ni l'autre ;
• les figures 3 et 6 illustrent la position « stop », chronographe à l'arrêt, la goupille 3 est en arrêt dans un ressaut 4 d'une colonne 2, où elle est bloquée radialement et tangentiellement ;
• les figures 4 et 7 illustrent la position « reset », chronographe après la remise à zéro, la goupille 3 est en appui sur la surface extrême intérieure 202 d'une colonne 2.

The figures 2 to 4 , and their respective details to figures 5 to 7 , illustrate the three significant phases of operation of this chronograph mechanism 400, and show the operation, with the pin 3 of the disengagement control of the minute counter 22 coming into cooperation with the inside of the column wheel, the latter counter-clockwise:

• the figure 2 and 5 illustrate the “start” position, chronograph running, pin 3 is in a clearance 5 between two adjacent columns 2, without contact with either of them;
• the figure 3 and 6 illustrate the “stop” position, chronograph stopped, pin 3 is stopped in a projection 4 of a column 2, where it is blocked radially and tangentially;
• the figure 4 and 7 illustrate the "reset" position, chronograph after resetting, the pin 3 is resting on the inner end surface 202 of a column 2.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000, in particular a watch, comprising at least one timepiece movement 500, and at least one chronograph mechanism 400 comprising at least one selector mechanism 100 according to the invention, controlled by means control 200 accessible to the user.

In short, the invention makes it possible to work on a single column level, which is advantageous for the overall thickness of the mechanism in which the selector mechanism 100 according to the invention is incorporated, and by using the available space, in particular the interior of the columns 2, as visible on the figure 1 , for specific features.

1

Surface de base

2

Colonne

3

Goupille de la commande de débrayage du compteur de minutes

4

Ressaut de colonne

5

Dégagement entre colonnes 2

6

Surface de chant de colonne 2

7

Surface de chant de colonne 2

81

Surface intermédiaire d'arrêt du ressaut 4 en transversal

82

Surface frontale d'arrêt du ressaut 4 selon le profil P

9

Denture de la roue à colonnes

10

Surface enveloppe des surfaces transversales extrêmes extérieures 201

11

Palier

61

Première surface de limitation de palier 11

62

Deuxième surface de limitation de palier 11

21

Bec du levier d'embrayage 210

22

Commande de débrayage du compteur de minutes 40

23

Ressort de commande de débrayage du compteur de minutes

24

Commande de marteau

27

Tenon d'appui du ressort de commande de débrayage 24 (hauteur)

28

Vis de roue à colonnes (en partie arrière)

32

Sautoir de roue à colonnes

40

Mobile du compteur de minutes

41

Roue du compteur de minutes

42

Pignon du compteur de minutes

44

Cœur des minutes

45

Sautoir du compteur de minutes

46

Arbre du mobile du compteur de minutes 40

50

Mobile de chronographe

51

Cœur de mobile de chronographe

52

Ressort de friction de la roue de chronographe

53

Came de mobile de chronographe

54

Disque d'embrayage du mobile 50

55

Roue et pignon seconde de chronographe

56

Arbre de mobile de chronographe 50

210

Levier d'embrayage

330

Bascule du compteur de minutes

331

Palpeur de la bascule du compteur de minutes

340

Bascule d'embrayage

342

Talon de la bascule d'embrayage

345

Ressort de bascule d'embrayage

350

Marteau

351

Panne de marteau

360

Doigt entraîneur du compteur de minutes

361

Ressort du doigt de compteur de minutes

The selector mechanism 100 according to the invention lends itself well to traditional manufacture by milling, and its cost is therefore very moderate.

1

Base area

2

Column

3

Minute counter disengagement control pin

4

Column jump

5

Clearance between columns 2

6

Column edge surface 2

7

Column edge surface 2

81

Intermediate stop surface of jump 4 transversely

82

Frontal surface stopping jump 4 according to profile P

9

Column wheel teeth

10

Envelope surface of outermost transverse surfaces 201

11

Landing

61

First landing limiting surface 11

62

Second landing limiting surface 11

21

Clutch lever spout 210

22

Minute counter disengagement control 40

23

Minute counter disengagement control spring

24

hammer control

27

Clutch release spring support pin 24 (height)

28

Column wheel screw (in the rear part)

32

Column wheel jumper

40

Mobile of the minute counter

41

Minute counter wheel

42

Pinion of the minute counter

44

heart of minutes

45

Minute counter jumper

46

Shaft of the mobile of the minute counter 40

50

Chronograph mobile

51

Chronograph Mobile Heart

52

Chronograph wheel friction spring

53

Chronograph mobile cam

54

Mobile 50 clutch disc

55

Chronograph seconds wheel and pinion

56

Chronograph Mobile Shaft 50

210

Clutch lever

330

Minute counter toggle

331

Minute counter rocker feeler

340

Clutch rocker

342

Heel of the clutch rocker

345

Clutch rocker spring

350

Hammer

351

hammer failure

360

Minute counter trainer finger

361

Minute counter finger spring

Claims (15)

Clockwork column selector mechanism (100), comprising a mobile comprising a plurality of columns (2) projecting above a base surface (1) and separated by recesses (5), said columns (2) and said clearances (5) together forming slots (10) extending along a profile (P), arranged to, in certain positions of said mobile, allow the introduction of a feeler or a pin into said clearance ( 5) in a transverse direction (T) substantially normal to said profile (P) and substantially parallel to said reference surface (1), and for in other positions of said mobile, stopping a feeler or a pin on a transverse surface (81 , 201, 202) of a said column (2), characterized in that at least one said column (2) comprises at least one intermediate transverse stop surface (81) which is arranged to constitute a support surface stop of a said feeler or a said pin and allow partial insertion of a said feeler or a said pin in the thickness of a said slot (10), and which is located, in a said transverse direction (T), between the geometric envelopes of two end transverse surfaces (201, 202 ) which transversely delimit said column (2). Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that each said column (2) which comprises at least one said intermediate transverse stop surface (81) has a variable thickness in the said transverse direction (T), and comprises at least at least one projection (4) arranged to retain a feeler or a pin of a clockwork mechanism arranged to cooperate with said selector mechanism (100), said projection (4) comprising said intermediate stop surface (81) and a surface stop front (82) in the direction of said profile (P). Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said projection (4) is arranged to retain a said feeler or a said pin in at least one direction according to the direction of the said profile (P). Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the said projection (4) is arranged to retain a said feeler or a said pin in a single direction in the direction of the said profile (P). Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 4, characterized in that a said column (2) comprising a said projection (4) comprises at least two said opposite projections (4), each arranged to retain a said feeler or a said pin in a direction opposite to the other. Selector mechanism (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one said column (2) comprises at least one bearing in its height, in an axial direction (DA) perpendicular to the said base surface ( 1). Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said bearing is limited by a said intermediate transverse stop surface (81). Selector mechanism (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the said mobile extends along a said closed profile (P), and in that the said slots (10) extend between a outer envelope geometric surface defined by the outer end transverse surfaces (201) of said columns (2), and an inner envelope geometric surface defined by the inner end transverse surfaces (202) of said columns (2). Selector mechanism (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that said closed profile (P) is circular, and in that said outer envelope geometric surface and said inner envelope geometric surface are cylindrical and coaxial. Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 2 and one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the said profile (P) is closed, and in that at least one said projection (4) is inside the said mobile. Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that each said projection (4) is inside the said mobile. Selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 2 and one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the said profile (P) is closed, and in that at least one said projection (4) is outside the said mobile. Selector mechanism (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that each said projection (4) is outside of said mobile. Chronograph mechanism (400) comprising at least one selector mechanism (100) according to Claim 2 and according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the said chronograph mechanism (500) comprises a pin (3) which is arranged for, depending on the position of said mobile, in a start position corresponding to the running of the chronograph, remaining at least partially in a said space (5) between two said columns (2), or in a stop position corresponding to the stopping of the chronograph, cooperating in support with a said jump, or in a reset position for resetting the chronograph to support on an extreme transverse surface (201, 202) of a said column (2). Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one clock movement (500), and at least one chronograph mechanism (400) comprising at least one selector mechanism (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, controlled by control means (200) accessible to the user.

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