MOBILE DISPLAY UNIT OF A CLOCK WITH FRICTION REGULATION MECHANISM

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a timepiece display wheel comprising at least one elastic blade tending to be returned to a rest position close to a display axis, for its friction-driven cooperation with a shaft comprising a drive wheel of a timepiece movement or mechanism, around said display axis.

[0002] The invention also relates to a display adjustment assembly comprising at least one such display mobile.

[0003] The invention also relates to a timepiece mechanism, comprising at least one drive wheel set comprising a shaft arranged to cooperate with such a display wheel set and / or such a display adjustment assembly.

[0004] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such mechanism, and / or at least one such display wheel set, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly.

[0005] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement, and / or at least one such mechanism, and / or at least one such display wheel set, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly.

[0006] The invention relates to the field of watch display mechanisms. Background of the invention

[0007] The friction systems commonly used in watchmaking, such as lanterns and friction wheels, have several well-known drawbacks: friction torque difficult to control; low stability of the friction torque over time; difficult assembly and disassembly.

[0008] Document JP2018 155587A in the name of SEIKO INSTR. INC. describes a mobile with adjustable position by sliding, comprising an annular body carrying substantially radial arms and arranged to elastically pinch the same shaft, at different axial positions of this shaft.

[0009] Document EP2957963A1 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a watch mobile in several parts, which comprises a shaft which comprises, around a first pivot axis, a housing arranged for receiving a second component consisting of a board in a single axial position, this board comprising a peripheral surface with reference to a second pivot axis. The shaft comprises, on either side of this housing, in the direction of said first pivot axis, an axial stop bearing surface arranged to keep the board in stop support on the shaft.This board comprises a first elastic arm radially relative to the second pivot axis, and at least one second rigid or elastic arm radially relative to the second pivot axis, this first elastic arm and this second arm together forming a clamp arranged to clamp a radial bearing surface that the shaft comprises in the vicinity of the axial stop bearing surface. This shaft comprises an insertion ramp, which is arranged to radially push back each first elastic arm and each second elastic arm when the board comprises them, to allow the board to be inserted onto the shaft.

[0010] Document EP2765462A1 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a shock-proof watch wheel for driving a component having a non-zero unbalance relative to a pivot axis of this wheel, which wheel comprises, on the one hand, a shaft for guiding it in pivoting about the pivot axis, and on the other hand, drive means arranged or attached to a flange included in the wheel. This wheel comprises at least one flexible element between the shaft and the flange. This flange comprises a cylindrical bearing surface cooperating in centering support with a complementary cylindrical bearing surface included in the shaft, to ensure perfect concentricity of the drive means with the shaft.

[0011] Document EP2977829A1 in the name of ETA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse describes a watchmaking brake wheel assembly, comprising a shaft comprising a first surface cooperating in pivoting guidance with a second surface of a wheel pivotally mounted on the shaft, where the first surface or respectively the second surface comprises at least one braking surface at the level of at least one first arm subjected to the action of at least one first elastic return means, integral with the shaft or respectively the wheel, and arranged to exert a radial force relative to the pivot axis on the second surface or respectively the first surface. This brake wheel assembly comprises intrinsic means for adjusting by discrete values ​​the friction exerted by the braking surface on the second surface or respectively the first surface. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention proposes to define an adjustment mechanism, with a friction system, allowing the adjustment of any display wheel, and in particular allowing the setting of the time, in watch movements.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention relates to a timepiece display mobile with friction adjustment mechanism according to claim 1.

[0014] The invention also relates to a display adjustment assembly comprising at least one such display mobile.

[0015] The invention also relates to a timepiece mechanism, comprising at least one drive wheel set comprising a shaft arranged to cooperate with such a display wheel set and / or such a display adjustment assembly.

[0016] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such mechanism, and / or at least one such display wheel set, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly.

[0017] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement, and / or at least one such mechanism, and / or at least one such display wheel set, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly. Summary description of the drawings

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: there Figure 1 represents, schematically and in perspective, a display mobile according to the invention, comprising a flange and a single-piece elastic spring structure, assembled to each other; Figure 2 represents, in a schematic manner, and in exploded perspective, the components of the display mobile aligned with the shaft of a drive mobile; the Figure 3 represents, schematically, and in plan view, the elastic monobloc structure forming a spring; the Figure 4represents, schematically, and in plan view, the flange; the Figure 5 represents, in a similar way to the Figure 1 , a tool arranged to cooperate with this display mobile, for the spacing of the elastic blades which it comprises; the Figure 6 represents, in a similar way to the Figure 1 , the cooperation of the tool of the Figure 5 with the display mobile, in the blade separation position; the Figure 7 is a side view of the constituents of the Figure 6 , in the same position of cooperation; figure 8 , similar to the Figure 7 , shows the approach of the assembly thus formed towards the shaft of the drive mobile: the Figure 9 is a sectional view of the display mobile enclosing the shaft of the drive mobile; Figure 10 is a variant of the Figure 4 with additional reliefs for the spacing of the blades, and relative indexing elements with the elastic monobloc spring structure, shown in Figure 11 ; there Figure 12 represents, in a similar way to the Figure 1 , a variant whose blades are not cantilevered, but stretched between their two ends near the periphery of the flange; Figure 13 is a block diagram representing a watch comprising a movement with a mechanism comprising a drive wheel, and a display adjustment assembly comprising a display wheel according to the invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0019] The invention relates to friction systems allowing adjustments, and in particular and not limited to setting the time, in watch movements.

[0020] The invention relates more particularly to a timepiece display wheel set 1, comprising at least one elastic blade 4 tending to be returned to a rest position close to a display axis DA, for its cooperation in frictional drive with a shaft 2 which comprises a drive wheel set 3 of a movement 100 or of a timepiece mechanism, around this display axis DA.

[0021] According to the invention, the display mobile 1 comprises a flange 5 comprising, opposite each elastic blade 4, an opening 6 arranged for the insertion and guidance of a tool operated by an operator (such as tweezers or the like) or by a robotic manipulator, to allow the spacing by this tool of the elastic blade 4 relative to its rest position, and the insertion of the display mobile 1 on a shaft 2 when the elastic blade 4 is sufficiently spaced apart to ensure its passage, and to ensure a friction of constant value of all the elastic blades 4 on the shaft 2, when the elastic blades 4 are in frictional cooperation with the shaft 2 and when the tool is no longer in contact with the elastic blades 4.

[0022] More particularly, the display mobile 1 comprises a plurality of elastic blades 4, which are arranged so that the resultant, at the level of the display axis DA, of the radial forces that they exert on a shaft 2 is zero.

[0023] More particularly, as visible in the non-limiting variant of the figures, the display mobile 1 comprises two elastic blades 4, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the display axis DA, and the openings 6 are oblong grooves symmetrical with respect to the display axis DA. More particularly, these openings 6 are oblong grooves 61, 62, rectilinear passing through the display axis DA.

[0024] All the elastic blades 4 that the display mobile 1 comprises belong to a common elastic monobloc structure 7, which is arranged to be pivotally mounted on the flange 5, or in a variant that does not fall within the scope of the invention, to be assembled in a fixed position with the flange 5, or to constitute the flange 5.

[0025] According to the invention, the elastic monobloc structure 7 is arranged to be pivotally mounted on the flange 5, to allow a greater radial extension of the elastic blades 4 relative to the display axis DA, and comprises indexing elements 8. The latter are arranged to cooperate with complementary indexing elements 9 that the flange 5 comprises, for their rotational attachment when the elastic blades 4 are in frictional cooperation with the shaft 2 and when the tool 200 is no longer in contact with the elastic blades 4.

[0026] More specifically, as seen on the Figure 10, the flange 5 comprises, facing each elastic blade 4, a relief 11 which is arranged to bear on the elastic blade 4 between on the one hand its embedding 12 or its fixing to the elastic monobloc structure 7, and on the other hand a friction zone 13 which the elastic blade 4 comprises in the vicinity of the display axis DA, to modify the bearing force exerted by the elastic blades 4 as a function of the relative angular position between the flange 5 and the elastic monobloc structure 7.

[0027] More particularly, as visible in the figures, the common elastic monobloc structure 7 is removable and arranged to be assembled in a fixed position with the flange 5 which is indexed, by the cooperation of indexing elements 81 and complementary indexing elements 91 by means of a pin or the like, in a particular relative angular orientation.

[0028] In a particular variant not illustrated, the common elastic monobloc structure 7 constitutes the flange 5.

[0029] More particularly, each elastic blade 4 comprises at least one attachment 41 to the flange 5 or to a common elastic monobloc structure 7 attached to the flange 5, which attachment 41 is distant from the display axis DA, so as to allow maximum movement of the elastic blade 4 in a radial stroke relative to the display axis DA and in the vicinity of the display axis DA.

[0030] In the non-limiting variant illustrated by the Figures 1 to 11 , each elastic blade 4 is cantilevered relative to its attachment 41, and comprises, at its distal end, or in the vicinity of its distal end, a friction zone 13 which is arranged to cooperate in frictional support with a shaft 2.

[0031] More particularly, the openings 6 comprise at least one first through guide 61, which is arranged to allow the insertion of a first end of a tool, and at least one second through guide 62, which is arranged to allow the insertion of a second end of a tool. And, in at least one relative angular position between the flange 5 and the at least one elastic blade 4, and in a rest position of the at least one elastic blade 4, the at least one elastic blade 4 is at least partially superimposed with the first through guide 61 and / or the second through guide 62, so as to be spaced from the display axis DA during the insertion of the first end and the second end of a tool and / or during a relative rotation between the flange 5 and each elastic blade 4 under the effect of a rotation imparted by a user to a tool after its insertion.

[0032] There Figure 12illustrates another variant which comprises two elastic blades 4, each held at its two ends 42 and 43 and in tension in their service position. More particularly, these two blades 4 are symmetrical with respect to the display axis DA. In particular, these two blades are parallel to each other on a first section close to the recesses, and then converge substantially towards the display axis DA in their central part.

[0033] The invention also relates to a display adjustment assembly 200 comprising at least one such display mobile 1. More particularly, this adjustment assembly 200 comprises at least one tool 201 for manual use or for a robotic manipulator, comprising ends 202 arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with the openings 6 that the at least one display mobile 1 comprises, which comprises an opening 6 distant from that facing a single elastic blade 4 when the at least one display mobile 1 comprises only a single elastic blade 4.

[0034] The invention also relates to a timepiece mechanism 300, comprising at least one drive wheel set 3 comprising a shaft 2 arranged to cooperate with such a display wheel set 1, and / or such a display adjustment assembly 200. More particularly, at least one shaft 2 comprises a groove or bearing surfaces constituting means for axially limiting the movement of the display wheel set 1 in the direction of the display axis DA.

[0035] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement 100, comprising at least one such mechanism 300, and / or at least one such display wheel set 1, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly 200.

[0036] The invention also relates to a timepiece 500, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement 100, and / or at least one such mechanism 300, and / or at least one such display wheel set 1, and / or at least one such display adjustment assembly 200.

[0037] In summary, the mechanism is designed for any display mobile, and finds a particular application for an hour wheel friction, the invention constitutes an improved cannon-pinion.

[0038] The elastic monobloc structure 7 acting as a spring is in particular mounted integrally with the flange 5, and under the latter.

[0039] The assembly consisting of the elastic monobloc structure 7 and the flange 5 is mounted on the shaft 2 of the drive mobile 3 using a manual tool such as tweezers, or by an automated tool 200. The ends of the tool, or of the pins 202 which it comprises, are positioned in the openings 6 of the flange 5, which generates the separation of the arms of the elastic monobloc structure 7 forming a spring, constituted by elastic blades 4. The assembly consisting of the elastic monobloc structure 7 and the flange 5 is placed on the shaft 2, and the tool is removed. Thus, the arms of the spring are armed and generate a friction torque on the shaft 2. For disassembly, the tool is used in the same way.

[0040] The friction torque is easily adjustable, by increasing or decreasing the strength of the spring arms, or their dimensions (width / thickness).

[0041] The creation of a bearing on the shaft 2 is advantageous for allowing axial limitation of the assembly constituted by the elastic monobloc structure 7 and the flange 5.

[0042] The invention brings various advantages: an assembly without forcing, and without plastic deformation; easy dimensioning by calculation and simulation. an easily controllable friction torque. good stability over time.

Claims

1. A horology display mobile (1) comprising at least one resilient strip (4) intended to be returned to a rest position close to a display axis (DA), to cooperate in friction drive with an arbor (2) comprised in a carrier mobile (3) of a movement (100) or of a horology mechanism, about said display axis (DA), in which said display mobile (1) comprises a flange (5) comprising, facing each said resilient strip (4), an opening (6) arranged for the insertion and guiding of a tool operated by an operator or by an automated manipulator, to enable said tool to move said resilient strip (4) away from its rest position and to insert said display mobile (1) on a said arbor (2) when said resilient strip (4) is sufficiently far away to allow said mobile to pass through, and to ensure a constant friction value of all of said resilient strips (4) on said arbor (2) when said resilient strips (4) are in frictional cooperation with said arbor (2) and when said tool is no longer in contact with said resilient strips (4), and in which all said resilient strips (4) comprised in said display mobile (1) are part of a single resilient one-piece structure (7), said resilient one-piece structure (7) comprising indexing elements (8) arranged to cooperate with complementary indexing elements (9) comprised in said flange (5) for their interlocking rotation when said resilient strips (4) are in frictional cooperation with said arbor (2) and when said tool is no longer in contact with said resilient strips (4), characterised in that said resilient one-piece structure (7) is arranged to be pivotally mounted on said flange (5) to enable greater radial expansion of said resilient strips (4) with respect to said display axis (DA).

2. The display mobile (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said display mobile (1) comprises a plurality of said resilient strips (4) arranged such that the resultant radial force, on said display axis (DA), exerted by said resilient strips on a said arbor (2) is zero.

3. The display mobile (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said display mobile (1) comprises two said resilient strips (4), symmetrically arranged with respect to said display axis (DA), and in that said openings (6) are symmetrical oblong grooves with respect to said display axis (DA).

4. The display mobile (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said openings (6) are rectilinear oblong grooves (61; 62) passing through said display axis (DA).

5. The display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said flange (5) comprises, facing each said resilient strip (4), a relief (11) arranged to rest on said resilient strip (4) between, on one hand, its setting (12) or its point of attachment to said resilient one-piece structure (7), and, on the other hand, a friction zone (13) comprised in said resilient strip (4) in proximity to said display axis (DA), to change the abutment force exerted by said resilient strips (4) depending on the relative angular position between said flange (5) and said resilient one-piece structure (7).

6. The display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each said resilient strip (4) comprises at least one point of attachment (41) to said flange (5) or to a single resilient one-piece structure (7) fitted on said flange (5); said attachment (41) is remote from said display axis (DA) in order to allow a maximum range of radial motion of said resilient strip (4) with respect to said display axis (DA) and in proximity to said display axis (DA).

7. The display mobile (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that each said resilient strip (4) is cantilevered with respect to its attachment point (41), and comprises, at its distal end or in proximity to its distal end, a friction zone (13) arranged to cooperate in frictional cooperation with a said arbor (2).

8. The display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said openings (6) have at least a first through guide hole (61) arranged to allow the insertion of a first end of a tool and at least a second through guide hole (62) arranged to allow the insertion of a second end of a tool, and in that, in at least one relative angular position between said flange (5) and said at least one resilient strip (4), and in a rest position of said at least one resilient strip (4), said at least one resilient strip (4) is in at least partial superposition with said first through guide hole (61) and / or said second through guide hole (62), in order to be moved away from said display axis (DA) when said first end and said second end of a tool are inserted and / or during a relative rotation between said flange (5) and each said resilient strip (4) under the effect of a rotation imparted by a user to a said tool following its insertion.

9. A display setting assembly (200) comprising at least one display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said setting assembly (200) comprises at least one tool (201) for manual use or for an automated manipulator, said tool having ends (202) arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner with said openings (6) comprised in said at least one display mobile (1), which comprises an opening (6) remote from the one facing a said single resilient strip (4) when said at least one display mobile (1) has only one said resilient strip (4).

10. A horology mechanism (300) comprising at least one carrier mobile (3) comprising an arbor (2) arranged to cooperate with a display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8 and / or a display setting assembly (200) according to claim 9.

11. The mechanism (300) according to claim 10, characterised in that at least one said arbor (2) has a groove or shoulders forming means for limiting the axial endshake of said display mobile (1) in the direction of said display axis (DA).

12. A horology movement (100) comprising at least one mechanism (300) according to claim 10 or 11, and / or at least one display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, and / or at least one display setting assembly (200) according to claim 9.

13. A timepiece (500) comprising at least one movement (100) according to claim 12, and / or at least one mechanism (300) according to claim 10 or 11, and / or at least one display mobile (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, and / or at least one display setting assembly (200) according to claim 9.

14. The timepiece (500) according to claim 13, characterised in that it is a watch.