Click mechanism for clockwork

Abstract

To provide a click for a timepiece mechanism which has increased operating security or reliability, and / or which is easy to manufacture, and / or which simplifies assembly of the timepiece mechanism incorporating the click and its associated mobile.SOLUTION: A click 10 for a mobile 5 of a timepiece mechanism is arranged to be mobile between a blocking position, in which the click 10 blocks the movement of the mobile (5) in a first displacement direction S1, and a release position, in which the click 10 allows the movement of the mobile 5 in a second displacement direction. The click 10 comprises an elastic section 4 arranged to exert return force of the click 10 towards the blocking position. The elastic section 4 comprises a support portion 4.3 arranged to form, with the reference portion 6.1 of the timepiece mechanism, a stop interface in which the support portion 4.3 is at least partially enclosed in the reference portion 6.1 or in which the reference portion 6.1 is at least partially enclosed in the support portion 4.3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a clock mechanism. In particular, the present invention relates to a click part intended to interact with a movable part (typically a gear) to prevent the movement of the movable part in a first displacement direction and to allow the movement of the movable part in a second displacement direction.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is well known to provide a click part with an elastic section intended to apply a return force to the click part towards its blocking position, and the click part is arranged to prevent the movement of the movable part in a first displacement direction. Typically, this elastic part cooperates with a chassis or frame or a support part of the mechanism (which is part of a housing formed within the frame of the timepiece component) to apply the return force. However, there is a risk that the end of the elastic section disengages from the support part and / or its housing, and the click part no longer returns to its blocking position and becomes inoperable. Also, it may be noted that the housing and / or the support section surround the click part, which requires a significant amount of dedicated space. Finally, it can be recognized that the assembly of the click part and the associated movable part in a clock mechanism incorporating these parts can be delicate. More specifically, especially when it involves tightening and blocking the (generally threaded) shaft of the movable part or loosening the shaft to release the blocking, the click part only blocks one direction of rotation, and at least one of the above operations (tightening and blocking or loosening to release the blocking) requires additional blocking of the movable part. This problem typically occurs when the movable part is a barrel ratchet and is attached to a barrel arbour that can normally pivot freely in one direction or another.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to address the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular, to provide a click mechanism for a clock mechanism that enhances the safety or reliability of operation, and / or is compact, and / or is easy to manufacture, and / or simplifies the assembly of the clock mechanism incorporating the click mechanism and its associated movable parts.

[0004] For this purpose, a first aspect of the present invention is a click mechanism for a movable part of a clock mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - The click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in the first displacement direction, and - The click mechanism is positioned to be movable between a released position and a second displacement direction, allowing the movable part to move in the second displacement direction. The click mechanism includes an elastic section positioned to apply a return force to the click mechanism toward the stop position. The elastic section relates to a click mechanism for a movable part of a clock mechanism, characterized in that it includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with a reference portion of the clock mechanism, wherein, at the stop joint surface, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion.

[0005] According to the above implementation, the support portion is at least partially enclosed within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially enclosed within the support portion, thereby ensuring robust and reliable cooperation between the support portion and the reference portion. In other words, this implementation overcomes the risk of the support portion of the elastic section separating from its housing, i.e., the risk of the support portion becoming disengaged from the reference portion or losing all contact with the reference portion. More specifically, one of the support portion and the reference portion is enclosed or confined within the other of the support portion and the reference portion. In other words, the support portion is at least partially enclosed, enclosed, confined, inserted, introduced, or coupled within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially enclosed, enclosed, confined, inserted, introduced, or coupled within the support portion.

[0006] The present invention can be better defined by the following features, which may be adopted individually or in combination:

[0007] According to one embodiment, the stop joint surface has a gap (typically an angled gap) between a support portion and a reference portion, and the support portion is freely displaced relative to the reference portion during the portion of the click movement between the stopped position and the released position (typically, the support portion is freely displaced relative to the reference portion over at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, and at least 60% of the click movement between the stopped position and the released position). Such a gap can provide a large displacement stroke to the click between the stopped position and the released position without applying a large or significant force. However, even with the above-mentioned gap, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. That is, one embodiment is a click for a movable part of a clock mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - The click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in the first displacement direction, and - The click mechanism is positioned to be movable between a released position and a second displacement direction, allowing the movable part to move in the second displacement direction. The click mechanism includes an elastic section positioned to apply a return force to the click mechanism toward the stop position. The elastic section includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with the reference portion of the clock mechanism, characterized in that, at the stop joint surface, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. The stop joint surface has a gap (typically an angled gap) between a support portion and a reference portion, and the support portion is freely displaced relative to the reference portion during the portion of the click movement between the locked position and the released position (typically the support portion is freely displaced relative to the reference portion over at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, and at least 60% of the click movement between the locked position and the released position), relating to a click for a movable part of a clock mechanism.

[0008] According to one embodiment, - One of the support portion and the reference portion includes a female mold shape, - The other of the support portion and the reference portion includes a male shape positioned to be received within the female shape.

[0009] According to one embodiment, - The support portion follows a displacement trajectory during the movement of the click mechanism between the blocked position and the released position. - The female mold shape has an elongated shape, preferably an oval, in the direction of the displacement trajectory. For example, the female mold shape may be a straight or curved oval hole depending on the displacement trajectory of the support portion relative to the reference portion. That is, one embodiment is a click portion for a movable part of a clock mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - The click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in the first displacement direction, and - The click mechanism is positioned to be movable between a released position and a second displacement direction, allowing the movable part to move in the second displacement direction. The click mechanism includes an elastic section positioned to apply a return force to the click mechanism toward the stop position. The elastic section includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with the reference portion of the clock mechanism, characterized in that, at the stop joint surface, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. - The support portion follows a displacement trajectory during the movement of the click mechanism between the blocked position and the released position. -The female mold shape is elongated, preferably oval, in the direction of the displacement trajectory, relating to a click mechanism for a movable part of a clock mechanism.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the support portion is provided on a projection formed at the first end of the elastic section.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the click portion includes a body formed integrally with the elastic section and the support portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the main body is - A bearing that enables rotational movement of the click mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position, and / or - A latching tongue positioned to engage with the movable part when the click is in the blocked position, and / or - When the click mechanism is in the blocked position, it is equipped with a blocking stop part that is positioned to contact the reference stop part or movable part of the clock mechanism. The body is preferably integrally formed with a bearing and / or a latch tongue and / or a stopping part. That is, one embodiment is a click part for a movable part of a clock mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - The click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in the first displacement direction, and - The click mechanism is positioned to be movable between a released position and a second displacement direction, allowing the movable part to move in the second displacement direction. The click mechanism includes an elastic section positioned to apply a return force to the click mechanism toward the stop position. The elastic section includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with the reference portion of the clock mechanism, characterized in that, at the stop joint surface, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. The main unit is, - A bearing that enables rotational movement of the click mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position, and / or - A latching tongue positioned to engage with the movable part when the click is in the blocked position, and / or - When the click mechanism is in the blocked position, it is equipped with a blocking stop part that is positioned to contact the reference stop part or movable part of the clock mechanism. The main body is preferably formed integrally with the bearing and / or the latch tongue and / or the blocking stopper.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the reference stop is formed by a reference portion. That is, the elastic portion of the click portion, particularly the support portion of the click portion, may be provided to cooperate with the reference portion on the one hand, and another portion of the click portion (a blocking stop portion) may be provided to cooperate with the reference portion to define the blocking position (and thus form the reference stop portion). For example, it is possible to provide the blocking stop portion and the support portion at different levels or heights of the click portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the elastic section is preferably formed by a spring arm arranged to be substantially actuated during tension and / or during flexion. According to one embodiment, the spring arm can be curved so that it is substantially stressed and / or deformed during flexion. The spring arm may have a variable cross-section along the spring arm.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the click part is arranged to be displaced to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the releasing position, and the click part is arranged to block the movable part at least in the second displacement direction at the fixed position. That is, the click part is intended to be arranged at a fixed position to block the movable part in the second displacement direction, for example, to enable the assembly operation or disassembly operation of the movable part. The fixed position is the third operating position of the click part, and is the position normally occupied by the click part to form a check element for the movable part in the first displacement direction while allowing movement in the second displacement direction, and is different from the blocking position and the releasing position. The click part can typically be displaced towards the fixed position by a manual operation performed by an assembly operator or a maintenance operator. That is, one embodiment is a click part for a movable part of a timepiece mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - a blocking position where the click part is arranged to block the movement of the movable part in the first displacement direction, - a releasing position where the click part is arranged to allow the movement of the movable part in the second displacement direction, and is arranged to be movable between them, The click part includes an elastic section arranged to apply a return force to the click part towards the blocking position, The elastic section includes a support section arranged to form a stop joint surface together with a reference section of the timepiece mechanism, and at the stop joint surface, the support section is at least partially surrounded within the reference section, or the reference section is at least partially surrounded within the support section, Regarding the click part for the movable part of the timepiece mechanism, the click part is arranged to be displaced to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the releasing position, and the click part is arranged to block the movable part at least in the second displacement direction at the fixed position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the click part is arranged to block the movable part in the first displacement direction when the click part is configured at a fixed position. Thus, at the fixed position, the movable part and the rest of the timepiece mechanism kinematically connected thereto are blocked and cannot move in the second (usually free) displacement direction (e.g., by pivoting), and preferably, cannot move in the displacement direction (neither in the first displacement direction nor in the second displacement direction). When the click part is at the fixed position, the movable part can be assembled or disassembled without acting on the click part simultaneously.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the click part includes a stop portion arranged to engage with the movable part to block the movable part, at least in the second displacement direction, and preferably in the first displacement direction, when the click part is configured at a fixed position. The stop portion can be a protrusion, an index, or a male shape arranged to be supported on the movable part (e.g., on two teeth of the movable part).

[0018] According to one embodiment, when the click part is at the fixed position, the stop portion is arranged between at least two adjacent teeth of the movable part. Alternatively, the stop portion can be formed by two teeth on the click part provided to engage between three adjacent teeth of the movable part.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the click part includes a fixed portion arranged to cooperate with, for example, a fixed stop of the timepiece mechanism to enforce and maintain the fixed position of the click part. The fixed portion can be a notch or a cutout.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the fixed portion includes an elastic return section. The fixed portion can be an elastic notch or an elastic cutout.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fixed portion includes a projection, preferably a radial projection, arranged to form an obstacle to the displacement of the click portion from the fixed position toward the blocked or released position. The projection may be a notch, beak, index, or tooth, provided to cooperate with an opposing shape provided on the chassis or frame of the watch component (the opposing shape may be an index or projection provided on the frame of the watch component, e.g., a pin, throat, groove, or any other shape capable of holding the radial projection of the click portion). According to one embodiment, the counter shape may be a reference stop portion.

[0022] A second aspect of the present invention is a click mechanism for a movable part of a clock mechanism, for example, a toothed movable part, - The click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in the first displacement direction, and - The click mechanism is positioned to be movable between a released position and a second displacement direction, allowing the movable part to move in the second displacement direction. The present invention relates to a click mechanism for a movable part of a clock mechanism, characterized in that the click mechanism is positioned to be displaced to a fixed position different from a blocked position and a released position, and in the fixed position, the click mechanism is positioned to block the movable part in a second direction of displacement. That is, the click mechanism is intended to allow the movable part to be positioned in a fixed position to block it in a second direction of displacement, for example, to enable the assembly and disassembly of the movable part. The fixed position is a third operating position of the click mechanism, which is a position normally occupied by the click mechanism to form a check element against the movable part in a first direction of displacement, while allowing movement in a second direction of displacement, and is different from the blocked position and the released position. The click mechanism can typically be displaced toward the fixed position by manual operation by an assembly worker or maintenance worker.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the click mechanism is positioned to block the movable part in a first displacement direction when the click mechanism is configured in a fixed position. Therefore, in the fixed position, the movable part and the rest of the clock mechanism kinematically connected to it are blocked and cannot move (for example, by pivot) in a second (usually free) displacement direction, and preferably cannot move in the displacement direction at all (cannot move in either the first or second displacement direction). With the click mechanism in the fixed position, the movable part can be assembled or disassembled without simultaneously acting on the click mechanism.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the click portion includes a stop portion that, when the click portion is configured in a fixed position, is arranged to engage with the movable portion to prevent the movable portion from moving in at least a second displacement direction, preferably a first displacement direction. The stop portion may be a projection, index, or male shape, positioned to be supported on the movable portion (for example, on two teeth of the movable portion).

[0025] According to one embodiment, when the click portion is in a fixed position, the stop portion is positioned between at least two adjacent teeth of the movable portion.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the click mechanism includes, for example, a fixing portion arranged to cooperate with a locking stop portion of a clock mechanism to force and maintain the fixed position of the click mechanism. The fixing portion may be a notch or a notch.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the reference stop portion coincides with the fixed stop portion. That is, the fixed stop portion is formed by the reference stop portion.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the fixed portion includes a projection, preferably a radial projection, arranged to form an obstacle to the displacement of the click portion from the fixed position toward the blocked or released position. The projection may be a notch, beak, index, or tooth, provided to cooperate with an opposing shape provided on the frame of the watch component (the opposing shape may be an index or projection provided on the frame of the watch component, e.g., a pin, throat, groove, or any other shape capable of holding the radial projection of the click portion). According to one embodiment, the opposing shape may be a reference stop portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fixed portion includes an elastic return section.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the click portion includes a recess positioned between the fixed portion and the remaining portion of the click portion. Such a recess (slot) forms at least one flexible beam between the click portion and the fixed portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the reference stop is directly embedded in or formed on the click portion. That is, the reference stop is a portion directly embedded in or formed on the click portion. According to one embodiment, the reference stop embedded in the click portion is intended to cooperate with a part of the frame, such as a toothed movable portion or a reference portion. According to one embodiment, the reference stop embedded in the click portion is positioned at a different height from the height of the support portion. According to one embodiment, the reference stop embedded in the click portion is intended to engage between two teeth of a toothed movable portion.

[0032] In general, according to one embodiment, the click portion is made of a metal alloy containing nickel and phosphorus. According to one embodiment, the click portion is produced by electrodeposition according to lithography, electroplating and molding (LIGA). According to one embodiment, the click portion is produced by micro-etching of a silicon support, preferably by DRIE (Deep Reactive Ion Etching). According to one embodiment, the click portion is produced by molding. According to one embodiment, the click portion is made of a metal alloy that does not react to a magnetic field. According to one embodiment, the click portion is made of an amorphous metal alloy. According to one embodiment, the click portion is monolithic or individual.

[0033] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a clock assembly comprising at least one click mechanism according to the first or second aspect, and at least a reference portion of a clock mechanism.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the clock assembly includes a movable part such as a ratchet wheel or ratchet.

[0035] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a watch component comprising at least one click mechanism according to the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] Other features and advantages of the present invention are given as non-limiting examples and will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention shown by the accompanying drawings.

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a click mechanism according to the present invention, which is incorporated into a clock mechanism that further includes a movable part that occupies a blocking position, and the click mechanism is positioned to block the movement of the movable part in a first displacement direction.

[0038] [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the click portion that occupies the release position, which is positioned to allow the movable portion to move in the second displacement direction.

[0039] [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a click mechanism that occupies a fixed position where the click mechanism is positioned to prevent the movable part from moving in at least a second displacement direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] Figures 1 to 3 show a top view of a part of the clock mechanism, which has a click mechanism 10 according to the present invention and engages with the movable part 5 in various ways. Figure 1 shows the click mechanism 10 in the blocked (or reversed) position of the movable part 5, Figure 2 shows the click mechanism 10 in the released position of the movable part 5, and Figure 3 shows the click mechanism 10 in the fully fixed position of the movable part 5.

[0041] In this embodiment, the movable part 5 is a ratchet attached to the barrel, and Figures 1 to 3 are partial views clearly showing the click part 10 and the movable part 5, in this case a part of the ratchet. Therefore, Figures 1 to 3 are more generally partial front views of the barrel bridge that forms part of the frame 6 of the watch component.

[0042] More specifically, the frame 6 (in this case, the barrel casing) comprises a reference portion 6.1 formed by a first pin and a reference stop portion 6.2 formed by a second pin. The movable portion 5 is typically fixed to the barrel casing by a screw 5.2 and comprises ratchet teeth 5.1 arranged to cooperate with the click portion 10.

[0043] The click section 10 is particularly, - Preferably, the hub 1 pivots around a portion of the frame 6 along axis D and is held axially by, for example, a screwed or threaded arbour. -A latching tongue 2 positioned on the outer edge of the hub 1, - A stop portion 8 is located on the outer edge of the hub 1 and next to the latch tongue 2, - An elastic portion 4 comprising a first end 4.1 that forms a spring arm and is connected to the hub 1, adjacent to or near the stop portion, and a second end 4.2 that defines a support portion 4.3 formed by the inner surface of a female oval, preferably an elastic portion 4 that extends along a track that is orthogonal radially or tangentially with respect to the radius passing through the axis D, or substantially orthogonal radially or substantially tangentially. - A blocking stopper 3 is positioned on the outer edge of the hub 1 and is adjacent to or near the first end 4.1, -The hub 1 comprises a fixed portion 9 positioned on the outer edge of the hub 1 and adjacent to or near the stopper portion 3. The fixed portion 9 is substantially formed by a radial projection separated from the hub 1 by a slot, but the elastic displacement of the fixed portion 9 relative to the hub 1 (and / or the rest of the click portion 10) is possible in the radial direction of the click portion 10 with respect to the radius through the axis D, or substantially in the radial direction.

[0044] The click portion 10 is a monolithic component or a single unit. The substantially flat portion may be manufactured and provided by, for example, an additive technology, such as electrodeposition in a mold manufactured by lithography, or by microfabrication such as etching in a silicon wafer, or by molding. The click portion 10 may be a metal (e.g., an electrodeposited nickel- and phosphorus-based metal alloy), a semiconductor (such as silicon), or an insulator (such as ceramic).

[0045] The following various points can be observed in Figure 1. - The second end portion 4.2 surrounds the reference portion 6.1. More specifically, the projection formed on the second end portion 4.2 allows for the formation of an oval female shape having an inner surface that defines the support portion 4.3. - In Figure 1, the gap J1, in this case an angled gap in the radial direction orthogonal to the radius passing through axis D, exists between the reference portion 6.1 and the support portion 4.3. -Since contact may be observed between the blocking stop unit 3 and the reference stop unit 6.2 of the frame 6, the click unit 10 is in contact with the frame 6. - The fixed portion 9 is completely disengaged from the reference stop portion 6.2. - The stopper unit 3 has a through hole 3.1 which allows a watchmaker to operate and / or grasp the click unit 10 with, for example, a pin or tweezers.

[0046] In Figure 1, the click portion 10 occupies a stopping position in which it is positioned to prevent the movement of the movable portion 5 in the first displacement direction S1. More specifically, the latch tongue 2 engages between two teeth 5.1 of the movable portion 5, and the stopping portion 3 is supported on a reference stopping portion 6.2 of the frame 6. Thus, as indicated by the arrows marked with an "x" in Figure 1, any movement of the movable portion 5 in the first displacement direction S1 is prevented by the click portion 10. The stopping portion 3 may be positioned differently, but it can be seen that it may contact a part of the movable portion 5 by taking the form of a simple tongue that can contact on or between the teeth 5.1 of the movable portion 5.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the click portion 10 of Figure 1 occupying the release position, and the click portion 10 is positioned to allow the movable portion 5 to move in the second displacement direction S2. More specifically, as described above, the click portion 10 is mounted on the frame 6 in a pivotal connection. Therefore, while the movable portion 5 moves in the second direction S2 as shown in Figure 2, the click portion 10 can pivot counterclockwise to occupy the release position shown in Figure 2, under the action of the force applied to the latch tongue 2 by the teeth 5.1.

[0048] While the click portion 10 is displaced toward the release position, - The blocking stop unit 3 moves away from or loses its support on the reference stop unit 6.2 of the frame 6. - The second end 4.2 slides over the reference portion 6.1 such that the upper section of the support portion 4.3 contacts the reference portion 6.1, creating a gap J2 below the reference portion 6.1. During this sliding of the reference portion 6.1 by the second end 4.2, the click portion 10 is displaced with little force, thereby providing smooth operation with minimal force, minimizing the torque required to displace the click portion 10. - The elastic portion 4 is substantially bent and elastically deformed according to this configuration example to generate a return force for the click portion 10 toward the stopping position in Figure 1 (however, other types or configurations of tension in the elastic portion 4 are possible, such as tensile, torsional, compressive, or any combination of these types of stress). - Due to the counterclockwise pivot of the click portion 10, the fixed portion 9 approaches the reference stop portion 6.2, but there is no significant interaction. However, it is possible to provide a contact portion between the fixed portion 9 and the reference stop portion 6.2 to limit excessive movement of the click portion 10 in the counterclockwise direction, for example.

[0049] While the movable part 5 rotates in the second displacement direction S2, each tooth 5.1 slides on the latch tongue 2 and is freely disengaged by the elastic effect provided by the elastic part 4. In contrast, when the movable part 5 is fixed or displaced in the first displacement direction S1, the click part 10 returns to the locked position in Figure 1 due to the effect of the tension of the elastic part 4 and / or the cooperation of the latch tongue 2 and teeth 5.1 where applicable.

[0050] Therefore, when the movable part 5 is a ratchet for the mainspring barrel, it is possible to apply tension to the mainspring barrel spring or make the mainspring barrel spring operable during displacement in the second rotational direction S2 (configuration in Figure 2), and this tension or this operable state is fully guaranteed and maintained by the click part 10 when the click part 10 returns to its locked position (configuration in Figure 1).

[0051] It can be observed that the displacement of the click mechanism 10 between the locked and unlocked positions occurs without the involvement of the elastic part 4, due to the gap provided between the reference part 6.1 and the support part 4.3. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the gap in question is substantially perpendicular to the radius passing through axis D. In order to effectively limit the force exerted to displace the click mechanism 10, the gap in question corresponds to at least 40%, and even more than 50%, of the displacement of the click mechanism 10 between the locked and unlocked positions. That is, at least 40%, and even more than 50%, of the displacement of the click mechanism 10 between the locked and unlocked positions occurs without any action (operationalization or relaxation) on the elastic part 4.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the click mechanism 10 of Figure 1, which occupies a fixed position where it is positioned to block the movable part in at least the second displacement direction S2. More specifically, for example, it becomes possible to block the displacement of the movable part in at least the second displacement direction S2 (which is normally free in the typical and conventional operation of the click mechanism 10 described in Figures 1 and 2) in order to facilitate the assembly or disassembly of the movable part 5 (in this case, the barrel ratchet).

[0053] To this end, it is possible to displace the click portion 10 to a third position different from the blocked position in Figure 1 and the released position in Figure 2 in order to block the movable portion 5 in at least the second displacement direction S2 (and in this embodiment, also in the first displacement direction S1), so that the click portion 10 occupies a fixed position as shown in Figure 3. By inserting a tool such as tweezers or a pin into, for example, the hole 3.1 of the blocking stop portion 3, the watchmaker can manually pivot the click portion 10 further counterclockwise compared to Figure 2 so that the fixed portion goes beyond or passes the reference stop portion 6.2 of the frame 6. In this fixed position, the reference stop portion 6.2 functions as a fixed stop portion.

[0054] Such movement is made possible by the ability of the fixed portion 9 to be elastically displaced relative to the hub 1, and the counterclockwise pivoting movement of the click portion 10 supports the insertion of the stop portion 8 between the two teeth 5.1 of the movable portion 5 simultaneously on these two teeth 5.1. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 9 corresponds to an elastic notch that locks the click portion 10 into the fixed position shown in Figure 3.

[0055] In the fixed position, according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, the stop portion 8 may be found to be substantially subjected to compressive stress and supported by the teeth 5.1 of the movable portion 5. In this configuration of Figure 3, the elastic portion 4 is deformed even more elastically (compared to Figure 2), but in any case, it may also be found that the fixed portion 9 is positioned to apply a holding force greater than the elastic force generated by the stress of the elastic portion 4.

[0056] With the click portion 10 in the fixed position shown in Figure 3, the watchmaker can apply torque, such as a tightening torque, to screw the ratchet screw 5.2 in a second displacement direction S2, and the stop portion 8 prevents movement of the movable portion 5, and thus the barrel trunnion (typically coupled to the movable portion 5 through a non-cylindrical hole, such as a square hole). In Figure 3, the stop portion 8 is positioned to contact and / or be supported by two teeth 5.1 of the movable portion 5 so as to reliably prevent movement of the movable portion 5, and it can be seen that the tightening torque applied to the screw 5.2 in the second displacement direction S2 generates a force on the click portion 10 that will cause it to pivot further counterclockwise.

[0057] A torque applied to the screw 5.2 in the first displacement direction S1, such as a tightening torque, generates a force on the click portion 10 that attempts to pivot the click portion 10 clockwise. Such a torque in the first displacement direction S1 can be applied without causing movement of the click portion 10, as long as the fixed portion 9 can resist the sum of the return force of the elastic portion 4 and the force applied to the click portion 10 by this torque in the first displacement direction S1.

[0058] The clockwise displacement of the click mechanism 10 from its fixed position is caused by applying a sufficiently large torque to the movable part 5 or its screw 5.2 in the first displacement direction S1, or by applying force to the click mechanism 10 using, for example, a tool introduced into the hole of the stopper 3. The clockwise movement has the effect of returning the fixed part 9 to or beyond the reference stopper 6.2 (which thus forms the fixed stopper), and the click mechanism 10 returns to the released position in Figure 2 or the stopped position in Figure 1, at least under the influence of the return force of the elastic part 4, which is still under tension. In the stopped position in Figure 1, the watchmaker may find that a greater torque can be applied to the movable part 5 or screw 5.2 in the first displacement direction S1 than when the click mechanism 10 is in the fixed position in Figure 3. More specifically, in the stopped position in Figure 1, the click mechanism 10 is in contact with the reference stopper 6.2, which forms a clear and robust obstacle.

[0059] Since the support portion 4.3 surrounds the reference portion 6.1, even when the click portion 10 is moving a large distance between the blocking position and the fixed position, there is no risk of the support portion 4.3 coming off the reference portion 6.1 (or vice versa), and operational safety may be improved.

[0060] Furthermore, the fixed position provided by the click mechanism 10 may also provide a significant simplification of the assembly of the movable part 5, especially when it includes a movable part that can pivot freely in two rotational directions, as in the case of a barrel ratchet.

[0061] Finally, the support section 4.3 is closed (in particular, without open hooks), which may be recognized as significantly limiting the risk of entanglement or tangling during most grinding. [Industrial applicability]

[0062] The click mechanism for a clock mechanism and its manufacturing method according to the present invention are industrially applicable.

[0063] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be applied to the various embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] In particular, the support portion 4.3 of the click portion 10 can be a male shape that is surrounded or received within the reference portion 6.1, in which case the reference portion 6.1 has a female shape.

[0065] The support portion 4.3 of the click portion 10 can be at least partially surrounded, or enclosed, or confined within the reference portion 6.1, or inserted, introduced, or coupled to it. In the illustrated embodiment, the support portion 4.3 is formed by a closed oval that completely encloses the reference portion 6.1, but it can have an open or partially open outer circumference, preferably the opening being smaller in size than the size of the reference portion 6.1 (in this embodiment, the diameter of the first pin). Therefore, even in an open shape, the reference portion 6.1 cannot pass through the opening.

Claims

1. A click mechanism for a toothed movable part of a clock mechanism, - The click portion is positioned to prevent the movable portion from moving in the first displacement direction, - The click portion is arranged to be movable between a release position and a second displacement direction, which allows the movable portion to move in the second displacement direction. The click portion includes an elastic section arranged to apply a return force to the click portion toward the blocking position, The elastic section includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with the reference portion of the clock mechanism, wherein the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. - One of the support portion and the reference portion includes a female mold shape, - The other of the support portion and the reference portion includes a male shape positioned to be received within the female shape, - The support portion follows a displacement trajectory during the movement of the click portion between the blocking position and the release position. - The female mold shape is an elongated oval in the direction of the displacement trajectory. The support portion is provided on a protrusion formed at the first end of the elastic section, The click portion is formed at the second end of the elastic section and includes a body formed integrally with the elastic section and the support portion. A click mechanism for the moving parts of a clock mechanism.

2. The stop joint surface has a gap between the support portion and the reference portion, thereby the support portion moves freely relative to the reference portion between the stopping position and the release position of the click portion, according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned main body is - A bearing that enables the rotational movement of the click portion between the blocking position and the release position, and / or - A latch tongue positioned to engage with the movable part when the click portion is in the blocking position, and / or - When the click portion is in the blocking position, the clock mechanism is provided with a blocking stop portion that is positioned to contact the reference stop portion or the movable portion. The click mechanism according to claim 1.

4. The click section according to claim 1, wherein the elastic section is formed by a spring arm arranged to be substantially actuated during traction and / or subjected to stress during bending.

5. The click portion according to claim 1, wherein the click portion is arranged to be displaced to a fixed position different from the aforementioned blocking position and the aforementioned release position, and in the fixed position, the click portion is arranged to prevent the movable portion from moving in at least the second displacement direction.

6. The click portion according to claim 5, wherein when the click portion is configured in the fixed position, it is arranged to prevent the movable portion from moving in the first displacement direction.

7. When the click portion is configured in the fixed position, it includes a stop portion arranged to engage with the movable portion in order to prevent the movable portion from moving in at least the second displacement direction, The click portion according to claim 5, wherein the stopping portion is positioned between at least two adjacent teeth of the movable portion when the click portion is in the fixed position.

8. The click portion according to claim 5, further comprising a fixing portion arranged to force and maintain the fixed position of the click portion.

9. The click portion according to claim 8, wherein the fixed portion includes an elastic return section.

10. The click portion according to claim 8, wherein the fixed portion includes a protruding portion arranged to form an obstacle to the displacement of the click portion from the fixed position to the blocking position or the release position.

11. A click mechanism for a toothed movable part of a clock mechanism, - The click portion is positioned to prevent the movable portion from moving in the first displacement direction, - The click portion is arranged to be movable between a release position and a second displacement direction, which allows the movable portion to move in the second displacement direction. The click portion includes an elastic section arranged to apply a return force to the click portion toward the blocking position, The elastic section includes a support portion arranged to form a stop joint surface together with the reference portion of the clock mechanism, characterized in that, in the stop joint surface, the support portion is at least partially surrounded within the reference portion, or the reference portion is at least partially surrounded within the support portion. A click portion for a movable part of a clock mechanism, wherein the click portion is arranged to be displaced to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the release position, and in the fixed position, the click portion is arranged to block the movable part in at least the second displacement direction.

12. The click portion according to claim 11, wherein, when the click portion is configured in the fixed position, it includes a stop portion arranged to engage with the movable portion in order to prevent the movable portion in at least the second displacement direction.

13. A clock assembly comprising at least one click portion according to claim 1 or 11, and at least the reference portion of the clock mechanism.

14. The clock assembly according to claim 13, further comprising the movable part for the ratchet wheel.

15. A clock comprising at least one click mechanism according to claim 1 or 11.

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