Time measuring mechanism, in particular timepiece mechanism, for timepiece movement

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece mechanism (1; 201) comprising a time unit counter comprising:-a display wheel rotatable from a zero position; -a return wheel pivotable between an initial position associated with a zero position of the display wheel and a final position, the display wheel and the return wheel being arranged such that, upon a revolution of the display wheel, the return wheel pivots from its initial position to its final position; -an elastic return member (20) arranged to act on the return wheel and tending to return the return wheel to its initial position, the display wheel comprising teeth arranged to mesh with the return wheel and having a cut-off portion intended to allow the display wheel and the return wheel to disengage when the display wheel is rotated one full circle each time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a time measuring mechanism for a clock movement, the time measuring mechanism comprising a time unit counter, the time unit counter comprising:

[0002] a display mobile intended to drive display members for time units and adapted to be kinematically coupled, on command, with a drive mobile of a timepiece movement so as to be able to be driven rotationally from a predetermined position in a predetermined rotational direction throughout a time measurement;

[0003] a return mobile intended to be mounted so as to pivot on the frame element so as to be able to pivot between an initial position and a final position associated with a predetermined position of the display mobile, the display mobile and the return mobile being such that the return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position when the display mobile completes substantially one rotation from its predetermined position;

[0004] - an elastic return member adapted to act on the return mobile and tend to return the return mobile to its initial position.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism according to the invention is a chronograph mechanism, but it could alternatively be a countdown mechanism without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0006] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising a chronograph mechanism of this type and to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement. Background Art

[0007] Various architectures of time measuring mechanisms, in particular chronograph mechanisms, are known in the prior art.

[0008] An example of a traditional architecture of a chronograph mechanism is described in the work by C.-A. Raymondin et al. entitled “Théorie d'horlogerie (Principles of Horology)”, published by the Swiss Institute of Technology Association, ISBN 2-940025-10-X, in particular on pages 232 to 244.

[0009] These chronograph mechanisms have a large number of moving parts that interact with each other and are very complex to build.

[0010] In particular, these agencies typically include:

[0011] - a clutch device for establishing a kinematic coupling between the final gear of a corresponding timepiece movement and a chronograph counter;

[0012] - a lock or brake that locks the timer counter when it is not driven;

[0013] - resetting means acting on command on the timer counter to return the counter to its zero position when the reading of the measured time is completed;

[0014] - A shuttle or column wheel for controlling the status of the various devices listed above.

[0015] It is often the case that these various devices interact to provide perfect synchronization of their respective actions on the timer counter.

[0016] Most often, these chronograph mechanisms also include a minute counter, or even an hour counter, which means that additional components are required for driving them and resetting them.

[0017] A large number of structural variations have been described, aiming to improve some or all of these mechanisms.

[0018] For example, patent application WO2018 / 091696A1 describes a timer mechanism comprising a seconds counter comprising a seconds display mobile that can be driven from the final gear of a corresponding watch movement on command. The seconds display mobile carries a spiral cam suitable for cooperating with a feeler spindle, on which an elastic return member acts so that the feeler spindle can act on the cam to reset the seconds display mobile when it is not driven or acted upon by an appropriate brake. In addition, the feeler spindle acts on a second equipment rod suitable for incrementing the timer minute counter each time the feeler spindle descends from the portion of the cam with the largest radius to the portion with the smallest radius. Thus, this construction makes it possible to replace conventional elements constituting a reset device, in particular a heart-shaped cam and a hammer intended to act thereon to reset the display mobile. This makes it possible to solve the frequent stresses affecting the timer mechanism related to high forces, which are usually applied to the reset button of the corresponding movement, which is usually somewhat uncomfortable for the user.

[0019] This chronograph mechanism requires delicate setting and adjustment operations to ensure that the forces of the springs involved, the shapes of the cam and the feeler spindle, and the position of the pivot center of the feeler spindle relative to the cam are suitable for achieving correct operation. Moreover, although this construction lends itself particularly well to the realization of coaxial displays of the various time units measured, it is relatively bulky in the direction of its thickness.

[0020] It would therefore still be desirable to find an alternative method for producing a chronograph mechanism which is comfortable to use while being robust and reliable in its functioning and which in particular enables easy conventional arrangement of the chronograph counters on the disc of a corresponding chronograph. Summary of the invention

[0021] The main object of the present invention is to propose a chronograph mechanism having an alternative construction to those known from the prior art, which chronograph mechanism has in particular better efficiency, great simplicity and good reliability in terms of its functional kinematics and is comfortable for the user to manipulate.

[0022] To this end, the present invention more specifically relates to a timer mechanism of the above-mentioned type, characterized in that the display movable member also includes teeth meshing with the teeth of the return movable member, and the teeth of the display movable member include a truncation portion, which is intended to allow temporary disengagement between the display movable member and the return movable member when the return movable member reaches its final position, so that each time the display movable member rotates a full circle, the return movable member is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the elastic return member.

[0023] Thanks to these features, it is possible to produce a chronograph mechanism that is simplified in construction and robust, making it possible to ensure comfortable handling and more particularly comfortable resetting of the chronograph mechanism.

[0024] Based on the features disclosed above, it is clear that the display mobile is driven in the predetermined rotational direction during the entire time measurement, including when its elastic return member changes from its final position to its initial position (this may occur more than once during the time measurement, and the duration of the time measurement allows this to occur). Therefore, each time the return mobile returns from its final position to its initial position (therefore in a retrograde manner), the travel of the display mobile remains unchanged and continues in the predetermined rotational direction.

[0025] The timer mechanism according to the present invention preferably also includes: a jumper, which is arranged to cooperate with the display mobile and prevents the display mobile from rotating at least in a rotation direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction when the time measurement is not performed; and a neutral device, which is used to neutralize the jumper, which can be actuated according to a command and is arranged so that the display mobile can return to its predetermined position due to the action of the elastic return member on the return mobile. Therefore, the return of the display mobile to its predetermined position always occurs in the same rotation direction (that is, in a rotation direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction in which the display mobile is driven during the time measurement).

[0026] In a preferred variant, the display mobile may include a plate with drive teeth, by means of which the display mobile can be movably coupled to the drive mobile of the watch movement. In this case, the jumper may include three teeth adapted to cooperate with the drive teeth to prevent the display mobile from rotating in a direction of rotation opposite to the predetermined direction of rotation, the three teeth having a pitch p2 that is strictly greater than the pitch p1 of the drive teeth and strictly less than (3*p1) / 2.

[0027] In addition and advantageously, it can be arranged that: the time unit counter is a second counter, the second counter is arranged so that the display mobile piece performs a full rotation within sixty seconds, the time measuring mechanism also includes a minute counter for measuring the minutes of time, the minute counter includes a minute display mobile piece intended to drive the minute display component for measuring the minutes of time, and the return mobile piece has a motion connection with the minute pawl, the minute pawl is arranged to cooperate with the minute display mobile piece and rotate the minute display mobile piece to increase or decrease the minute counter each time the display mobile piece rotates a full rotation.

[0028] In this case, the elastic return member can advantageously be arranged to act on the return mobile via a first transmission lever carrying the minute pawl.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the minute display mobile can also include a tooth that engages with a minute return mobile, the minute return mobile being intended to be mounted to pivot on the frame element so as to be pivotable between an initial position and a final position both associated with a predetermined position of the minute display mobile,

[0030] The minute counter further comprises a minute elastic return member arranged to act on the minute return mobile and tend to return the minute return mobile to its initial position,

[0031] The teeth of the minute display mobile and the minute return mobile are arranged so that when the minute display mobile completes a full rotation from its predetermined position, the minute return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position, and

[0032] The teeth of the minute display mobile include a truncation portion, which is intended to allow temporary disengagement between the minute display mobile and the minute return mobile when the minute return mobile reaches its final position, so that each time the minute display mobile rotates a full circle, the minute return mobile is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the minute elastic return member.

[0033] As with the first display mobile, when time measurement is in progress, when the minute return mobile returns to its initial position in retrograde motion, the travel of the minute display mobile continues in the normal direction without particular effect at the end of each rotation.

[0034] Furthermore, it may be provided that the minute counter may be arranged so that the minute display mobile performs a full rotation in sixty minutes, more preferably in thirty minutes, to improve readability.

[0035] The time measuring mechanism may further comprise an hour counter for measuring hours, the hour counter comprising an hour display mobile intended to drive an hour display member for measuring hours, and

[0036] The minute return mobile may have a kinematic coupling with an hour pawl arranged to cooperate with and rotate the hour display mobile to increment or decrement the hour counter each time the minute display mobile makes a full rotation.

[0037] In this case, the minute elastic return member may also be arranged to act on the minute return mobile via a second transmission lever carrying the hour pawl.

[0038] Furthermore, and advantageously, provision can be made that the hour display mobile can also comprise a tooth engaging with an hour return mobile, the hour return mobile being intended to be mounted so as to pivot on the frame element so as to be able to pivot between an initial position and a final position both associated with a predetermined position of the hour display mobile,

[0039] The hour counter may further comprise an hour elastic return member adapted to act on the hour return mobile and tend to return the hour return mobile to its initial position,

[0040] The teeth of the hour display mobile and the hour return mobile are such that when the hour display mobile makes a full rotation from its predetermined position, the hour return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position, and

[0041] The teeth of the hour display mobile may include a truncation portion, which is intended to allow temporary disengagement between the hour display mobile and the hour return mobile when the hour return mobile reaches its final position, so that each time the hour display mobile rotates a full circle, the hour return mobile is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the hour elastic return member.

[0042] As with the other display mobiles, when time measurement is in progress, the travel of the hour display mobile continues in the normal driving direction, without particular effect at the end of each rotation, when the hour return mobile returns to its initial position in retrograde motion.

[0043] In addition, the timer mechanism may also include: an hour jumper, which acts on the hour display mobile to allow the hour display mobile to rotate only in the direction in which the hour display mobile is normally driven when time measurement is in progress; and a neutral device, which is used to neutralize the hour jumper, and the neutral device can be actuated according to a command and is arranged so that the hour display mobile can return to its predetermined position due to the action of the hour elastic return member on the hour return mobile.

[0044] In addition, the time measuring mechanism may further include: a minute jumper acting on the minute display mobile to allow the minute display mobile to rotate only in the direction in which it is normally driven when time measurement is being performed; and a neutral device for neutralizing the minute jumper, the neutral device being actuable according to a command and being arranged so that the minute display mobile can return to its predetermined position due to the action of the minute elastic return member on the minute return mobile.

[0045] When the second counter and the minute counter comprise jumpers, it can also be provided that the time measuring mechanism can comprise a control mobile adapted to pivot upon command between at least one stop position and a reset position, and

[0046] The neutralizing means for neutralizing the seconds jumper and the neutralizing means for neutralizing the minutes jumper are arranged on the control mobile so that they can act substantially simultaneously on their respective jumpers to neutralize them when the control mobile moves from its rest position to its reset position.

[0047] When the mechanism comprises an hour jumper, the neutralizing devices for neutralizing the hour jumper may also be arranged on the control mobile so that all the neutralizing devices are able to act substantially simultaneously on their respective jumpers in order to neutralize the jumpers when the control mobile moves from its rest position to its reset position.

[0048] In this case, in a first variant of the invention, the control mobile can also carry a clutch wheel, which is suitable for occupying a clutch engagement position associated with an additional starting position of the control mobile to establish a movement connection between the display mobile and the drive mobile of the watch movement, or is suitable for occupying a clutch disengagement position associated with the stop position and the reset position of the control mobile to interrupt the movement connection.

[0049] In this case, the timer mechanism may further comprise a control member adapted to move between a first starting state and a second stopping state according to a command so as to pivot an intermediate control lever between a first starting position and a second stopping position, wherein the intermediate control lever is adapted to actuate the control moving member and pivot the control moving member between its starting position and its stopping position.

[0050] In this case, the time measuring mechanism may further comprise a reset member, which is arranged to act on the intermediate control lever and cause the intermediate control lever to transition from one of the first position and the second position of the intermediate control lever to a third reset position, in which the intermediate control lever actuates the control moving member so that the control moving member pivots to its reset position.

[0051] The time measuring mechanism may also and advantageously comprise a spring arranged to tend to position the intermediate lever in its first position.

[0052] Furthermore, in a second variant of the invention, the time measuring mechanism may comprise a clutch device comprising a clutch wheel adapted to move on command between a clutch engaged state and a clutch disengaged state, in which the clutch wheel occupies a clutch engaged position to establish a kinematic coupling between the display mobile and the drive mobile of the clock movement, and in which the clutch wheel occupies a clutch disengaged position to interrupt the kinematic coupling,

[0053] The control mover is adapted to act on the clutch device when switching from its rest position to its reset position in order to bring the clutch device into its clutch-released state or to keep it in its clutch-released state.

[0054] In this case, when the time measuring mechanism comprises a jumper associated with the first display mobile, it can be advantageously provided that the time measuring mechanism can comprise an actuator which can be moved between an active position and an inactive position, in which the actuator cooperates with the jumper so as to position at least one tooth of the jumper within the range of the drive teeth of the plate of the display mobile, and in which the actuator leaves the jumper free to move all teeth of the jumper out of the range of the drive teeth, and

[0055] The clutch device is further adapted to cooperate with the actuator and to bring the actuator into its active position in the clutch disengaged state and into its inactive position in the clutch engaged state.

[0056] In this case, the clutch device may also comprise an intermediate lever arranged to act on the clutch wheel and define its position, the intermediate lever thus advantageously carrying the actuator to simplify the synchronization of the movements of the jumper and the clutch wheel.

[0057] The invention also relates to a timepiece movement and a timepiece comprising a time measuring mechanism, preferably a chronograph mechanism, having the features disclosed above, the timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement and at least one external control member, i.e. a control member accessible to the user from outside the watch casing, suitable for actuating the timepiece movement in response to an appropriate action by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment given with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 A simplified partial front view, partially transparent, showing a chronograph mechanism according to a first preferred variant of the invention;

[0060] Figure 2a to Figure 2c Indicates from Figure 1 A simplified front view of the construction details of the chronograph mechanism;

[0061] Figure 3 Represents something like Figure 1 , showing some additional components of a chronograph mechanism according to a first preferred variant of the invention;

[0062] Figure 4 A simplified overall front view showing a chronograph mechanism according to a first preferred variant of the invention;

[0063] Figure 5A simplified perspective view showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a first preferred variant of the invention;

[0064] Figure 6 A simplified front view showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a first preferred variant of the invention;

[0065] Figure 7 A simplified partial front view showing a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant of the invention;

[0066] Figure 8a and Figure 8b With corresponding first and second configurations, it is similar to Figure 7 The front view of the front view in which no longer represents Figure 7 Instead of some of the components visible in FIG. 1 , some additional components of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant are depicted;

[0067] Fig. 9 Represents something like Figure 7 A simplified partial front view of the front view in ;

[0068] Fig.10a , Fig.10b and Fig.10c Simplified front views showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant in three different respective configurations;

[0069] Fig.11a , Fig.11b and Fig.11c a partial and simplified overall front view of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant, represented in three different respective configurations;

[0070] Fig.12a and Figure 12b a simplified front view showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant in two different respective configurations;

[0071] Fig.13a , Fig.13b and Fig.13c Simplified front views showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant in three different respective configurations;

[0072] Fig.14 a simplified perspective view showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant of the invention; and

[0073] Fig.15 Simplified front view showing construction details of a chronograph mechanism according to a second preferred variant of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Figure 1A simplified partial front view, partially transparent, of a time measuring mechanism 1 according to a first preferred variant of the invention is shown when the time measuring mechanism 1 takes the form of a chronograph mechanism. A person skilled in the art will encounter no particular difficulties in adapting the present teaching to produce a countdown mechanism without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0075] More precisely, Figure 1 A partial view of the second counter 2 , the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 together with the corresponding resetting devices is shown.

[0076] The seconds counter 2 includes a seconds display mobile including a drive mobile ( Figure 5 Reference numeral 10 in the figure) and a pinion 12 (transparently visible) rigidly attached to the second wheel 8, which is driven on command. The pinion 12 has a set of truncated teeth, in which two teeth of the pinion are cut off directly at their base.

[0077] The teeth of pinion 12 are arranged to cooperate with the teeth of a return mobile intended to pivot on a frame element of a timepiece movement, more precisely on a rack 14 that it comprises, associated with a counterweight 16. The teeth of the return mobile preferably and optionally also comprise two truncated teeth and an abutment 18.

[0078] The elastic return member 20 is arranged to act on the return moving member in such a way that the return moving member pivots in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, so as to tend to return the return moving member to the first initial position, in which the abutment portion 18 is positioned against the teeth of the pinion 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Thus, the abutment 18 acts as a positioning jumper which indexes the return mobile to its initial position.

[0079] The teeth of the pinion 12 and the teeth of the rack 14 are arranged in such a way that when the second wheel 8 moves from its zero position along the Figure 1When performing a full rotation in the counterclockwise direction shown, pinion 12 cooperates with rack 14 to pivot the return mobile from its initial position to its final position, which is achieved by the last tooth of pinion 12 acting on the last tooth of rack 14, which is immediately before the truncated portion of teeth in the direction of rotation. When this last tooth of pinion 12 releases the last tooth of rack 14, after seconds wheel 8 has substantially completed a full rotation, the truncated portion of teeth of pinion 12 faces rack 14, and rack 14 can then be subjected to the action of elastic return member 20 to return it to its initial position in a rapid retrograde movement, while seconds wheel 8 can continue its rotation in the counterclockwise direction of rotation to start a new rotation from its zero position. It is therefore clear that seconds wheel 8 has a conventional apparent operating mode, always rotating in the same predetermined direction of rotation when time measurement is ongoing.

[0080] The last tooth of the rack 14 is preferably slightly narrower than the other teeth and / or slightly free of other tooth tips, so as to prevent point-to-point fixation between it and the last tooth driving it of the pinion 12. Alternatively or additionally, this last tooth of the rack 14 may also have a length slightly greater than the other teeth, so as to prevent any risk of the other teeth coming into contact with the teeth of the pinion 12 when the rack 14 descends towards its initial position due to the action of its elastic return member 20.

[0081] In a preferred, non-limiting manner, the seconds wheel 8 can itself perform a full rotation in sixty seconds and can be intended to directly carry a seconds display member for time measurement, advantageously a display hand (not shown). In this case, the return mobile performs a retrograde movement with a period of sixty seconds, which makes it possible to determine the dimensions of the elastic return member 20 in a manner that has a relatively slight impact on the operation of the watch movement.

[0082] The construction and function of the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 are similar to those of the second counter.

[0083] In fact, minute counter 4 comprises a minute display mobile intended to drive minute display members comprising a minute wheel 22 carrying a pinion 24 whose set of teeth is truncated and arranged to mesh with teeth on a rack 26 of the minute return mobile.

[0084] The additional elastic return member 28 is arranged in such a way that it acts on the minute return mobile and tends to cause the minute return mobile to move in a manner such as Figure 1 The device is pivoted in the counterclockwise rotational direction shown to an initial position defined by contact between the abutment 29 of the rack 26 and the teeth of the pinion 24 .

[0085] The minute display mobile and the minute return mobile are preferably such that when the minute display mobile is moved from its zero position (in Figure 1 24 ), it causes the minute return mobile to rotate from its initial position to a final position in which a truncated portion of a set of teeth of pinion 24 faces rack 26. While time measurement is ongoing, the action of elastic return member 28 on the minute return mobile then drives the latter to move rapidly in retrograde to its initial position without affecting the movement of minute wheel 22.

[0086] In a similar manner, hour counter 6 comprises an hour display mobile intended to drive the hour display members, comprising an hour wheel 30 carrying a pinion 32 whose set of teeth is truncated and arranged to mesh with a set of teeth on a rack 34 of the hour return mobile.

[0087] The additional elastic return member 36 is arranged in such a way that it acts on the hour return mobile and tends to cause the hour return mobile to move in a certain direction. Figure 1 The device is pivoted in the counterclockwise rotational direction shown to an initial position defined by contact between the abutment 37 of the rack 34 and the teeth of the pinion 32 .

[0088] The hour display mobile and the hour return mobile are preferably arranged so that when the hour display mobile moves from its zero position (in Figure 1 When the hour return mobile (depicted in FIG. 1 ) performs substantially one full rotation, it causes the hour return mobile to rotate from its initial position to a final position in which a truncated portion of a set of teeth of pinion 32 faces rack 34. While a time measurement is being carried out, the action of elastic return member 36 on the hour return mobile then drives the latter in rapid retrograde motion to its initial position without affecting the movement of hour wheel 30.

[0089] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c Simplified front view showing construction details of the seconds counter, minutes counter and hours counter respectively.

[0090] from Figure 2a As can be seen in , seconds counter 2 advantageously comprises a jumper 40 suitable for cooperating with seconds wheel 8 and ensuring the angular locking of seconds wheel 8 in the stop mode of the chronograph while allowing seconds wheel 8 to pivot in a predetermined rotational direction in the start mode when a time measurement is in progress and it is driven by the watch movement.

[0091] More precisely, here, the jumper 40 includes a double beak 42, the two tips of which are spaced apart from each other so that these tips cooperate fluidly with the gears of the second wheel 8 every half step, in other words, the step length of the jump of the second wheel 8 corresponds to half the pitch of its teeth. Thanks to this feature, the recoil movement of the second wheel 8 is limited when the time measurement is started. In addition, it is not necessary to use a brake because the jumper 40 keeps the second wheel 8 in a given position when the driving of the second wheel 8 by the watch movement is interrupted.

[0092] The action of the spring of jumper 40 may advantageously be adjustable, for example by means of an eccentric device as represented here, to optimize its function and define the best compromise between its working action and the energy consumption of its action causing the correct functioning of the corresponding timepiece movement.

[0093] Similarly, from Figure 2b and Figure 2c As can be seen, a jumper 44 is associated with minute wheel 22 and another jumper 46 is associated with hour wheel 30 to ensure that the angles of minute and hour wheels are locked when time measurement is interrupted, while enabling the two wheels to rotate in their incrementing direction when time measurement is ongoing.

[0094] exist Figure 2b and Figure 2c It will also be noted that the indexing between the minute and hour wheels on the one hand and the corresponding pinions on the other hand is usually provided by a fitting provided with two dowel pins intended to receive the wheel via two corresponding indexing holes in the wheel and to cooperate with the teeth of the pinions. The indexing / indexing between each wheel and its pinion is therefore precise.

[0095] Figure 3 Represents something like Figure 1 A simplified front view of the view in which additional construction details are depicted.

[0096] Figure 3 It is depicted in more detail how the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 are driven when a time measurement is taking place.

[0097] A chronograph mechanism 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a first transmission lever 50 intended to pivot about an axis of rotation 52 on a frame element of a timepiece movement.

[0098] The first transmission lever 50 comprises a first arm 54, the end of which is connected to the seconds return mobile by a linear ball joint type hinge or connection 56. The first transmission lever 50 comprises a second arm 58, which carries a minute pawl 60 at its end, when the first transmission lever 50 is rotated in a first predetermined direction (such as Figure 3When the first transmission lever 50 rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise as shown), the minute pawl 60 is adapted to retract within a first time period to transfer from one tooth of the minute wheel 22 to another tooth, and then increment the minute counter when the first transmission lever 50 rotates in the opposite direction to drive the minute wheel 22 through the minute pawl 60.

[0099] Thus, when the seconds return mobile moves from its initial position to its final position, the minute pawl 60 is positioned behind the next tooth of the minute wheel 22, and during the rapid retrograde movement of the seconds return mobile from its final position to its initial position (i.e. every sixty seconds), the minute pawl 60 causes the minute wheel 22 to rotate one step (in the case of Figure 3 counter-clockwise as shown).

[0100] In a similar manner, chronograph mechanism 1 comprises a second transmission lever 62 intended to pivot on a frame element of the timepiece movement about an axis of rotation 64 (here, as a non-limiting illustration, the pivot axis 64 coincides with the pivot axis of the hour return mobile).

[0101] The second transmission lever 62 comprises a first arm 66, the end of which is connected to the minute return mobile by a linear joint type hinge or connection 68. The second transmission lever 62 comprises a second arm 70, which carries at its end an hour pawl 72, which is suitable for rotating the second transmission lever 62 in a first predetermined rotation direction (such as Figure 3 ) and is transferred from one tooth to another of the hour wheel 30 when the second transmission lever 62 is rotated in the opposite direction to drive the hour wheel 30 with the hour pawl 72, and is suitable for incrementing the hour counter.

[0102] Here, when the minute return mobile moves from its initial position to its final position, the hour pawl 72 causes the hour wheel 30 to rotate incrementally by one step (in the case of Figure 3 30 ), and during the retrograde movement of the minute return mobile from its final position to its initial position, the hour pawl 72 is quickly positioned behind the next tooth of the hour wheel 30. Thus, the minute counter 4 advantageously causes the minute wheel 22 to perform one revolution in sixty minutes, more preferably in thirty minutes. As a non-limiting illustration, for its part, the hour counter 6 here causes the hour wheel 30 to perform one revolution in 24 hours, more preferably in 12 hours.

[0103] It should be noted that the jumper of each counter in the three counters, more specifically, the jumper of minute counter and hour counter, advantageously enables to keep the orientation of corresponding wheel fixed during the period when the associated transmission lever returns to its initial position.In fact, during this operation period when the counter increases progressively, the wheel of counter no longer stands the force applied by the transmission lever at the remaining time, and resists the effect of the corresponding return moving part because the counter is reset.Therefore, during the period when the transmission lever returns to its initial position, only the effect of the jumper antagonism return moving part, and finally prevents the counter from resetting.Therefore, when the time measurement is ongoing, each jumper allows corresponding counter to rotate only in a direction of rotation, namely rotates on the direction that it increases progressively, and the rotation on the reset direction caused by the corresponding return moving part is stopped.

[0104] Now refer to the attached Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Describing the general function of a chronograph mechanism 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A simplified overall front view of the chronograph mechanism 1 , a simplified perspective view of a first construction detail of the chronograph mechanism 1 , and a simplified front view of a second construction detail of the chronograph mechanism 1 are respectively shown.

[0105] The components of chronograph mechanism 1 are carried by one or more frame elements, whose number and shape have little bearing on the practice of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 80. Thus, the frame elements may comprise a plate of a timepiece movement or a dedicated additional plate for chronograph mechanism 1 and one or more bridges.

[0106] Here, the functions of the chronograph mechanism 1 are intended to be controlled by the user via two buttons (not visible) of the corresponding chronograph, namely a start / stop control 82 and a reset control 84 .

[0107] The start / stop control 82 carries a pawl 86 adapted to cooperate with a control member, here in the form of a column wheel 88, to move the control member in a direction such as the start / stop button each time the user presses the corresponding button. Figure 4 Rotate one step in the counterclockwise direction as shown.

[0108] Jumper 90 also cooperates with column wheel 88 to define, in a conventional manner, a stable angular orientation thereof associated alternately with the start and stop states of chronograph mechanism 1 .

[0109] The column wheel 88 in turn cooperates with a beak at the free end of a first arm of an intermediate lever 92 having a substantially V-shape. The second arm of the intermediate lever 92 comprises a spring 94 adapted to push the beak of the first arm in the direction of the column wheel 88 .

[0110] Furthermore, the free end of the second arm carries a pin 96 which engages in a slot in an arm 98 of a control mobile 100. The control mobile is free to rotate relative to the frame of the watch movement about an axis of rotation which here coincides with the axis of rotation of the chronograph seconds counter 2. The control mobile 100 is fastened to the frame by three screws 102 which engage in curved slots of the central plate of the control mobile 100. Without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, a person skilled in the art will encounter no particular difficulty in providing means capable of defining the extreme angular positions of the control mobile 100 (by means of at least one screw, or even of an eccentric, or by means of one or more members cooperating therewith to enable it to pivot).

[0111] When passing from one of the start or stop states to the other, the column wheel 88 pivots the intermediate lever 92 , which itself pivots the control mobile 100 , between a first start position and a second stop position.

[0112] The control mobile 100 comprises a second arm carrying a clutch wheel 104 which can assume two different positions, a clutch engaged position and a clutch disengaged position, depending on the position of the control mobile 100 .

[0113] The clutch wheel 104 is a part of the clutch device, and its structure and function can be seen in Figure 5 more clearly seen in the view.

[0114] The clutch device comprises a clutch mobile 106 comprising two wheels constrained to rotate together, one of which is permanently meshed with the drive mobile 10 of the timepiece movement and the other of which may or may not mesh with the clutch wheel 104 depending on the position of the control mobile 100 .

[0115] The clutch device also comprises an additional wheel 108 coaxial with the clutch mobile 106 and identical to the second wheel of the clutch mobile 106. The additional wheel 108 is permanently meshed with the seconds wheel 8 of the seconds counter 2.

[0116] Therefore, when the control moving member 100 is in its starting position, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, clutch wheel 104 is simultaneously engaged with clutch mobile 106 and additional wheel 108 , so that a kinematic coupling is created between drive mobile 10 and seconds wheel 8 to guide seconds wheel 8 .

[0117] When the control moving member 100 reaches its stop position (by pivoting in the counterclockwise direction, such as Figure 4), the clutch wheel 104 is no longer engaged with the clutch mobile 106 or the additional wheel 108. The motion connection between the drive mobile 10 and the seconds wheel 8 is thus interrupted, and the seconds wheel 8 is no longer driven.

[0118] Of course, a person skilled in the art may employ a clutch of more conventional construction than that just described without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0119] exist Figure 6 The reset control 84 and the intermediate control lever 92 are shown in a more visible manner.

[0120] The reset control 84 includes a reset member 110 and a reset lever 112, both of which are pivotally fastened to the frame by screws 114, and a rotary latch 116, which acts on the reset lever 112 and is actuated by the reset member 110 to produce an "all or nothing" type of function.

[0121] More precisely, the reset member 110 carries a first pin 118 and a second pin 120, the first pin 118 being suitable for cooperating with the latch 116 to enable it to rotate, and the second pin 120 being suitable for deforming a spring 122 carried by the reset lever 112 when the reset member 110 is actuated, while the latch 116 prevents the reset lever 112 from rotating.

[0122] The latch 116 comprises a cutout 124 in which a beak 126 integral with the reset lever 112 can be engaged when the cutout 124 faces a beak 126 .

[0123] Thus, when the user releases the corresponding button before reaching a certain threshold predetermined by the configuration, the reset control 84 returns to its rest state (at Figure 6 ) without affecting the operation of the chronograph mechanism 1. When the reset member 110 is pivoted sufficiently so that the notch 124 faces the beak 126, the beak 126 can be inserted into the notch 124 to enable the spring 122 to release the energy stored during its deformation. The reset lever 112 thus pivots suddenly and the finger 128 it carries can act on the intermediate control lever 92 to pivot it in a clockwise rotational direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0124] Return to Figure 4 It should be noted that, whatever the starting position of the intermediate control lever 92 , actuation thereof by means of the reset control 84 causes the control mobile 100 to rotate to a third or reset position in which it is intended to reset the chronograph counter.

[0125] To this end, control mobile 100 comprises in particular means for neutralizing the jumpers of the various chronograph counters, in the form of two slots 132 and 134 in first lug 130 and a slot 138 in second lug 136 .

[0126] When control mobile 100 reaches its reset position, slot 132 cooperates with seconds jumper 40 to cause it to move in the same direction as described above. Figure 4 It is pivoted in the clockwise direction shown so as to space its double beak 42 from the seconds wheel 8 , thereby enabling its return mobile to return to its initial position, thus driving the seconds counter 2 back to its zero position, as described above.

[0127] It should be noted that the entrance of slot 132 is preferably shaped so as to define an abutment for seconds jumper 40 when control mobile 100 is in its stopped position, so as to prevent seconds jumper 40 from being moved in a position such as Figure 4 The cam 8 pivots in the clockwise direction of rotation as shown and thus fixes the position of seconds wheel 8 when time measurement is stopped.

[0128] The second slot 134 of the first lug 130 is suitable for cooperating with the minute counter 4. More precisely, the means for neutralizing the minute jumper also comprise a minute neutral lever 140, which is pivotably mounted on the frame and carries a pin 142 located in the second slot 134. The second slot has two consecutive portions, a first portion associated with the start and stop positions of the control mobile 100 and with a first angular orientation of the minute neutral lever 140, and a second portion associated with the reset position of the control mobile 100 and with a second angular orientation of the minute neutral lever 140, the second portion being occupied by the minute neutral lever 140 after a rotation in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0129] Minute neutral lever 140 comprises a first branch 144 adapted to be able to move minute jumper 44 when control mobile 100 is pivoted to its reset position, by causing minute jumper 44 to move in a certain direction. Figure 4 The minute jumper 44 is pivoted in the clockwise rotation direction shown to neutralize the minute jumper 44. As mentioned above, the minute wheel 22 is released and the minute return mobile can therefore return to its initial position and return the minute counter 4 to its zero position.

[0130] Minute neutral lever 140 comprises a second branch 146 suitable for keeping minute pallet 60 away from minute wheel 22 when minute wheel 22 is reset.

[0131] The slot 138 in the second lug 136 is suitable for cooperating with the hour counter 6. More precisely, the hour jumper neutral device also comprises an hour neutral lever 150, which is pivotally mounted on the frame and carries a pin 152 located in the slot 138. The slot 138 comprises two consecutive portions, a first portion associated with the start and stop positions of the control mobile 100 and with a first angular orientation of the hour neutral lever 150, and a second portion associated with the reset position of the control mobile 100 and with a second angular orientation of the hour neutral lever 150, the second portion being occupied by the hour neutral lever 105 after a rotation in the clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0132] Hour neutral lever 150 comprises a first branch 154 adapted to move hour jumper 46 in a manner similar to that of the first branch 154 when control mobile 100 is pivoted to its reset position. Figure 4 The hour jumper 46 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction of rotation as shown and the hour wheel 30 is released, the hour return mobile thus being able to resume its initial position and return the minute counter 6 to its zero position, as described above.

[0133] Hour neutral lever 150 comprises a second branch 156 suitable for keeping hour pallet 72 away from hour wheel 30 when hour wheel 30 is reset.

[0134] When the reset control 84 is released, the chronograph mechanism 1 returns to its state before activation, i.e., its start or stop state, by the action of the spring 94 of the intermediate control lever 92, depending on the state of the column wheel 88. Here, therefore, the chronograph mechanism 1 adopts a rebound type function, since if the mode activated during the reset is the start mode, the time measurement can be resumed once the reset button is released.

[0135] Due to the above description, it is clear how to produce a rebound timer mechanism for a clockwork mechanism with a simplified structure, in particular because the use of a central control mobile makes it possible to start or stop time measurement and reset the timer counter at the same time, all of which are controlled by a single rod arranged to use two different control members (each control member is associated with a button) to limit the position of the control mobile. In addition, the conventional spatial distribution of the timer counter makes it possible to use a long lever arm to ensure a good transmission of force between them. In addition, the operating principle and construction of the reset device make it possible to specifically limit the force that the user must apply to the corresponding button to actuate the button, which improves its ergonomics. In addition, the construction also makes it possible to limit the travel and the actuation force of the control buttons for actuating the various functions of the timer mechanism associated with the timer mechanism, which especially makes it possible to improve the ergonomics and the design of these buttons by improving the integration of these buttons to the middle shell. Specifically, this enables the production of buttons with reduced actuation characteristics, for example reducing from a typical stroke of approximately 0.8 to 1 mm to a reduced stroke of approximately 0.3 mm, and / or reducing a typical force of approximately 8 to 12 N to be applied to a reduced actuation force of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 N (thus enabling the production of mechanical buttons similar to electromechanical buttons used on, for example, mobile phones).

[0136] The above-mentioned advantages are achieved in particular due to the fact that the structure of the resetting device according to the invention enables a reliable and precise resetting of the chronograph counter without the use of a conventional hammer.

[0137] Furthermore, the construction according to the invention makes it possible to keep the seconds counter permanently under tension, thereby preventing any vibration of the associated chronograph seconds hand when a time measurement is triggered.

[0138] Furthermore, the energy usually lost by friction due to friction is utilized here by charging the return mobile, which energy is then used to reset the counter or increment the timer minute and hour counters. Thus, the configuration according to the invention provides better efficiency than conventional configurations.

[0139] Obviously, the various components of a chronograph mechanism according to the invention may also have very different shapes without impairing its functionality, which gives the manufacturer of watch movements great flexibility in distributing the various components involved in its operation, including those of the associated watch mechanisms.

[0140] Now refer to Figures 7 to 15 A second variant of a chronograph mechanism 201 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is described. The description of this second variant focuses mainly on its differences compared to the first variant already described in detail above.

[0141] To simplify understanding, some components that have been described with reference to the first variant and have only minor differences when transferred to the second variant have the same reference numerals in both variants.

[0142] Figure 7 , Figure 8a to Figure 8b , Fig. 9 and Figures 10a to 10c Various partial front views represent a second counter 2, a minute counter 4 and an hour counter 6 according to a second variant, the general operating principle of which remains the same as that of the first variant and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0143] In particular, Figure 7 and Fig. 9 A seconds counter 2 is depicted, having a seconds wheel 8 and a pinion 12 with a set of truncated teeth, with a return mobile, the rack 14 of which cooperates with the pinion 12 .

[0144] Figure 8a and Figure 8b The minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 are specifically depicted. The minute counter 4 has a minute wheel 22 and a pinion 24 with a set of truncated teeth and a return mobile, and the rack 26 of the return mobile cooperates with the pinion 24. The hour counter 6 has an hour wheel 30 and a pinion 32 with a set of truncated teeth and a return mobile, and the rack 34 of the return mobile cooperates with the pinion 32.

[0145] The kinematic connections between the various counters are also Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b Shown in. Figure 7 It depicts how the first transmission lever 50 connects the second counter 2 and the minute counter 4, while Figure 8a , Figure 8b It is depicted how a second transmission lever 62 , articulated about an axis of rotation 162 , couples the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 .

[0146] Although the shapes of the various components and the configuration of the coupling between the return mobile and the transmission lever have been slightly modified compared to the first variant, one sees above an all-new layout of the elastic return member 20 for the seconds counter 2 and of the elastic return member 28 for the minutes counter 4. Figure 7 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the elastic return member 20 acts on the return mobile of the seconds counter 2 via the first transmission rod 50 by acting on the pin 164 carried by the first transmission rod 50. Similarly, from Figure 8a and Figure 8b It can be seen that elastic return member 28 acts on the return mobile of minute counter 4 via second transmission lever 62 by acting on pin 166 carried by second transmission lever 62 .

[0147] These features make it possible to use a lever arm so that the torque exerted by each elastic return member on its counter fluctuates more smoothly between its least loaded state and its most loaded state than in the first variant. The effects of the load variations of these elastic return members on the functions of the corresponding timepiece movement, for example on the oscillation amplitude of the balance wheel, are thus reduced.

[0148] More precisely, considering the case of the elastic return member 20 of the seconds counter 2, in the case where the oscillator of the associated timepiece movement comprises a balance wheel, it can be arranged so that the balance wheel may have a maximum amplitude (or consumption) loss of 30 degrees, that is to say, when the elastic return member 20 has its maximum load state during the time measurement, such a level of amplitude loss is standard in conventional timepiece movements with chronograph mechanisms. However, in the standard design, this consumption is the result of the friction of the friction spring to prevent the chronograph seconds hand from vibrating, here, this consumption originates from the preload of the elastic return member 20 on the return mobile, which applies a return torque to the seconds counter 2 equivalent to the friction torque of the standard chronograph mechanism. The return mobile thus makes it possible to tension the seconds counter 2 and thus prevent the vibration of the associated chronograph seconds hand.

[0149] In order to have constant consumption as far as possible when timer mechanism 201 operates (under start mode), elastic return member 20 is preferably placed on first transmission rod 50 further along kinematic chain, so that constant torque as far as possible is applied to the second return mobile part.In fact, when the pinion 12 of second counter 2 pivots 360 °, the return mobile part pivots about 30 °, and first transmission rod 50 pivots about 5 °.Therefore, the load variation of elastic return member 20 is much lower than its initial preload.Compared with elastic return member 20, the situation that will directly act on the return mobile part, this also makes it possible to have higher elastic return member 20 power for the equivalent torque that is applied to second counter 2.Therefore, the cross section of corresponding spring is larger, and makes system can desensitize to manufacturing tolerance variation, guarantees good repeatability with regard to consumption simultaneously.

[0150] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tooth profiles of pinion 12 and rack 14 are preferably such that the system is completely reversible. Rack 14 is thus able to return seconds counter 2 to its zero position (or to its predetermined position in the case of a countdown mechanism) in a retrograde manner, whatever their displacement from the initial position, thanks to the action of elastic return member 20.

[0151] As in the first preferred variant, the minute counter 4 is of the instantaneous jumping type, rather than of the semi-instantaneous or drag jumping type as in many known gauges. One of the basic principles of the invention is to use the energy stored in the seconds elastic return member 20, via the seconds rack 14 and the first transmission lever 50, to increment the minute counter 4 using their instantaneous return at each return of the seconds counter 2. Thus, the system is able to achieve high precision with respect to the jumping moments without adding additional consumption when the minutes change.

[0152] Based on the same principle as the seconds counter 2 system, the elastic return member 28 of the minute return mobile is positioned further along the kinematic chain on the second transmission rod 62 in order to limit variations in its load and have a force that is as constant and as repeatable as possible.

[0153] It may also be noted that jumper 44 of minute counter 4 may advantageously have its tip eccentric so as to increment easily in one direction, but in the other direction there is a high holding torque to prevent minute counter 4 from being reset by the action of the minute return mobile.

[0154] Where hour counter 6 is concerned, its mode of operation is again based on the same rack system as second counter 2 and minute counter 4. The movement of minute rack 26 serves to gradually increment hour counter 6, which is reflected in its "half drag" display.

[0155] In this case, it is found that the hour elastic return member 36 acts directly on the hour return mobile and not on a lever that would reduce its angular travel as in the case of the seconds counter 2 and the minutes counter 4. Therefore, the torque variation is large here and the cross section of the corresponding spring is smaller for the equivalent torque on the hour mobile than for the equivalent torque on the minutes mobile. However, the hour counter 6 is less sensitive to this problem than the seconds counter 2 and the minutes counter 4 and does not have to be optimized.

[0156] In general, the shapes of minute 60 and hour pawls 72 and of minute jumpers 44 and hour jumpers 46 are preferably optimized to limit the torque variations associated with their interaction with the corresponding counters during time measurement.

[0157] In an advantageous variant, provision may be made such that, during a partial stroke of minute counter 4 compared to the duration of a full rotation, hour pallet 72 does not come into contact with the teeth of hour wheel 30 .

[0158] refer to Figure 8a and Figure 8b Describing such an embodiment, Figure 8a and Figure 8bThe configuration of the hour counter 6 is depicted when the minute counter 4 is at the beginning of its rotation and when it is near the end of its rotation, respectively.

[0159] from Figure 8a As can be seen in FIG. 1 , at the beginning of the time measurement (starting from zero and then at the beginning of each rotation of the minute counter 4), the hour pawl 72 is slightly retracted relative to the teeth of the hour wheel 30. When the minute counter 4 is driven in one-minute steps, it causes the second transmission lever 62 to pivot, so that the hour pawl 72 is slightly retracted relative to the teeth of the hour wheel 30. Figure 8a 30 is shown pivoting about the axis of rotation 64 in a clockwise rotational direction. During the first few minutes, the hour wheel 30 is therefore not driven. The hour pawl 72 comes into contact with the teeth of the hour wheel 30 after a few minutes and causes it to gradually rotate in a rhythm of the minutes of the measured time. The hour jumper 46 is gradually moved away by the teeth of the hour wheel 30 and can advantageously be arranged so that the beak of the hour wheel jumper 46 and the teeth are in a point-to-point configuration a few minutes before the end of a full rotation of the minute counter 4, for example, after about twenty-five minutes if the minute counter 4 makes a full rotation in thirty minutes. When the top or tip of the tooth passes the top of the beak of the hour jumper 46, the latter can act on the other side of the tooth to rotate the hour wheel 30 in the direction in which it is normally driven, until its next discrete position (here, corresponding to the second half hour in the case where the minute counter 4 completes a rotation in thirty minutes). Thus, this step can take place when the minute counter 4 passes from its twenty-five minute position to its twenty-six minute position, after the hour wheel 30 has been indexed by the hour jumper 46. The corresponding configuration is Figure 8b The hour pawl 72 then finds itself again at a distance from the tooth of the hour wheel 30. During the subsequent movement of the minute counter 4, in order to complete the thirty-minute rotation, the hour pawl 72 continues its rotation to catch the tooth cooperating with it until the hour jumper 46 takes over. Once the minute counter 4 has reached thirty minutes, its return mobile pivots in the direction opposite to its normal driving direction to return to its initial position and also pivots the second transmission lever 62 in the opposite direction to pass as shown. Figure 8b The rotation in the counterclockwise direction shown returns the hour pawl 72 to its initial position, wherein the hour pawl 72 retracts when passing the next tooth. The same cycle can then be repeated on a new rotation of the minute counter 4.

[0160] It should be noted that a device for adjusting the position of the hour pawl 72 may be provided to ensure accurate positioning of the measured time hour display member (since this display member does not move quickly, its incorrect position will be easily detected by the observer). For example, an eccentric device may be used between the two parts of the second transmission lever 62 so as to be able to adjust their relative angle in the region of the axis of rotation 162.

[0161] As is clear from the foregoing explanation, the energy stored in the seconds elastic return member 20 is used to increment the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 at each full rotation of the seconds counter 2. This energy must therefore be sufficient to increment the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6 in the configuration in which they consume the most energy, i.e. when the minute rack 26 and the hour rack 34 are armed but the hour jumper 46 has not yet reached its equilibrium point.

[0162] Fig. 9 Represents something like Figure 7 , depicting seconds counter 2 with return mobile and first transmission lever 50 carrying minute pallet 60, in a configuration corresponding to approximately thirty seconds (ie approximately half a revolution of seconds wheel 8).

[0163] Already in Fig. 9 Points P1 and P2 are identified in FIG. 5 to indicate the positions of the respective centers of mass of the second return mobile and the first transmission rod 50 .

[0164] Generally speaking, the second return mobile part and the minute return mobile part can be advantageously balanced with the transmission rod associated therewith.In fact, for example, it may be desirable to prevent any information loss under the situation of the impact of up to 500g, and therefore in this case, it is necessary to make the system unbalanced insensitive to rack and rod.For this reason, the static balance of the return mobile part and their transmission rod can be performed, so that no matter the direction of the impact, the torque produced on the return mobile part and their transmission rod all offsets thus.

[0165] The principle of achieving static balance can be based on the following method, by relative Fig. 9 Add a direction line and arrow to highlight the Seconds Counter 2 widget:

[0166] - components are positioned in their middle positions to average out the effects of the balance,

[0167] - the directions from the center of rotation of the components to the center of mass are parallel; therefore the direction of the impact is relatively unimportant, since the radial and axial components generated by the impact will be equal between the components,

[0168] - the direction from the center of rotation of the assembly towards the center of mass enables the torque generated by the impact to be subtracted rather than added, and

[0169] - Taking into account the lever arm, the forces generated by the imbalance of the components must be counteracted at the contact points between the components.

[0170] Furthermore, it should be noted that the speed of resetting the various counters is directly linked to the return torque to which they are subjected and to the inertia of their mobiles and their display hands (or other types of display members). A priori, only the seconds counter 2 can really justify the use of specific measures to ensure that it has a sufficient resetting speed, depending on the specific requirements that a person skilled in the art may have in this regard, since the inertia in operation is greater than that of the minute counter 4 and the hour counter 6, for which parts a practically instantaneous resetting is possible. In this case, the inertia of the seconds mobile can be reduced by making the seconds hand and the seconds wheel 8 of titanium, since the mass per unit volume of titanium is almost half that of the copper-based materials usually used. Furthermore, as will appear below, the second variant integrates the use of an obstacle-type system to brake the seconds counter 2 providing high shock resistance. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to use a balanced seconds hand to resist shocks in the stop mode of the chronograph mechanism 201. This makes it possible to reduce the inertia of the seconds hand by reducing the size of this balance sector, the function of which becomes essentially aesthetic.

[0171] Fig.10a , Fig.10b and Fig.10c It will now be possible to describe the construction details of seconds jumper 240 according to a second preferred variant, which acts as an obstacle-type braking system as described above, with an excellent ability to maintain the orientation of seconds wheel 8 in the event of a collision.

[0172] More precisely, seconds jumper 240 advantageously comprises teeth that can be machined, for example, by spark erosion, making it possible to lock seconds wheel 8 by an obstacle and not by friction.

[0173] These teeth are designed to minimize any jump of the seconds hand if the teeth of the seconds jumper 240 come into contact with the teeth of the seconds wheel 8. To this end, the seconds jumper 240 has three teeth which are separated from one another by a pitch different from the pitch of the teeth of the seconds wheel 8, and which are therefore distributed in such a way as to enable the seconds wheel 8 to be indexed in three different angular orientations, such as Fig.10a , Fig.10b and Fig.10c As shown, the second wheel 8 has 160 teeth with a pitch of 2.25°, so the second jumper 240 enables the second wheel 8 to stop moving every 2.25 / 3=0.75°, which corresponds to a potential jump of the second hand of + / -0.375°.

[0174] Fig.10a , Fig.10b and Fig.10c A comparative examination of makes it possible to see how each of the three teeth of seconds jumper 240 can cooperate with a tooth of a group of three adjacent teeth of seconds wheel 8, depending on the angular orientation of seconds wheel 8, when the teeth of seconds jumper 240 are within the range of the teeth of seconds wheel 8.

[0175] Such a comparative examination also makes it clear that, in order to advantageously limit potential jumps of the chronograph's seconds hand as much as possible, it is preferably arranged so that the three teeth have a pitch p2 strictly greater than the pitch p1 of the drive teeth and strictly less than (3*p1) / 2.

[0176] Furthermore, the teeth of the second jumper 240 also have specific features of the tension angle such as an anti-return clasp, so that the second jumper 240 can be automatically locked by the action of the return torque exerted thereon by the second counter 2. The second jumper 240 can then be held in place and prevent the second counter 2 from moving backwards, even without any preload.

[0177] More precisely, as will be seen in more detail from the rest of the description, here, during the time measurement, Figures 10a to 10c As shown, the second wheel 8 is intended to be driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction by the clock movement. This rotation causes the increase load of the elastic return member 20, which will therefore tend to make the second wheel 8 rotate in the clockwise direction via the rack 14 and the pinion 12. As long as the second wheel 8 is driven, in the start mode, it is kept tensioned by the clutch wheel in the counterclockwise direction, and is kept tensioned by the return moving member in the clockwise direction. When the timer mechanism enters the stop mode, the connection between the second wheel 8 and the clutch wheel is interrupted, and the second wheel 8 can then be driven to rotate in the clockwise direction by the return moving member without any means of resistance. So, the second jumper 240 can perform a braking function by means of an obstacle rather than friction. As disclosed above, once the teeth of the second jumper 240 are positioned within the scope of the second wheel 8, its tension angle is just approximately immediately locked the second wheel 8 when its teeth abut each other, that is to say, the second wheel 8 is locked with the maximum movement of + / -0.375 ° of the second hand.

[0178] Fig.11a , Fig.11b and Fig.11c A simplified and partially overall front view of a chronograph mechanism 201 according to a second preferred variant is shown in three different respective configurations in order to disclose its general operating principle. More precisely, the chronograph mechanism 201 is Fig.11a is depicted in stop mode, Fig.11b is depicted in start mode and in Fig.11c is depicted in reset mode (here actuated from start mode, hence the bounce type).

[0179] As in the case of the first variant, a second preferred variant is advantageously provided, although this does not limit the invention, with a start / stop control (reference numeral 82, in Fig.12a and Figure 12b) and a reset control (reference numeral 84, in Fig.15 (see ).

[0180] Fig.12a and Figure 12b The interaction between the start / stop control 82 and the control member, here also in the form of a column wheel 88, is depicted. More precisely, Fig.12a The start / stop control 82 and column wheel 88 are depicted in a rest position, while Figure 12b The device is depicted when the start / stop control 82 is at the end of its travel after rotating the column wheel 88 one step.

[0181] At rest, start / stop control 82 is positioned by its return spring which presses it against an abutment (not visible), and its pawl 86 then retreats from column wheel 88 which is indexed by its jumper 90 .

[0182] When the user applies pressure on the button adapted to actuate the start / stop control 82, the control 82 begins to rotate in a clockwise direction, such as Fig.12a and Figure 12b As shown, until the pawl 86 comes into contact with the teeth of the column wheel 88. If the user's action continues, the column wheel 88 starts to rotate and its jumper 90 rises until the jumper 90 reaches the apex of the tooth of the column wheel 88. Once the apex of the tooth in question passes the top of the jumper 90, the jumper exerts a force on the apex of the tooth to push it and cause the column wheel 88 to pivot in a counterclockwise rotation direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.12a and Figure 12b If the teeth of the column wheel 88 come into contact with the pawl 86 during a jump caused by the jumper 90, the pawl 86 pivots on the start / stop control 82 so that the column wheel 88 can pivot directly to its next equilibrium position instead of temporarily remaining stationary in the intermediate position.

[0183] Further travel of the button makes it possible to ensure the transfer of the function by driving the start / stop control 82 and its pawl 86 to their maximum position, such as Figure 12b When the user releases the pressure on the button, the return spring of the start / stop control 82 returns it to its initial position, as shown. Fig.12a As shown, during this movement, pawl 86 is retracted over the teeth of column wheel 88 .

[0184] With this construction, for example, a button travel of 0.3 mm and a force of between 1.5 N and 2 N may be employed, ideally with a net force impact of at least 1 N at the end of travel in order to have a qualitative feedback and satisfying "click" effect for the user.

[0185] Back to Figures 11a to 11c, it can be seen that the column wheel 88 cooperates with the clutch device via an articulated intermediate lever 202 which it comprises, the intermediate lever 202 being arranged to be able to cooperate with a clutch lever 204 to Fig.13a , Fig.13b and Fig.13c The movement depicted in FIG. 1 corresponds to the transition from the stop mode to the start mode, and causes the clutch lever 204 to move between the clutch disengaged position and the clutch engaged position.

[0186] Fig.13a The configuration of the timer mechanism 201 is depicted when it is in a stop mode and then the clutch device is in a clutch-disengaged state.

[0187] The beak of the intermediate lever 202 bears on the column of the column wheel 88. In this orientation, the intermediate lever 202 acts on the clutch lever 204 to position it in the first extreme position after being rotated in the clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.13a As shown, this position is its clutch disengaged position. One or more abutments 206 rigidly attached to the frame 80 of the watch movement may advantageously be provided to define this extreme position of the clutch lever 204, and even its second clutch engaged extreme position, as is the case here. To this end, the abutments 206 engage in appropriate slots 208 in the clutch lever 204, at least one of which is closed at both ends.

[0188] In addition, through Figures 13a to 13c As can be seen from the non-limiting illustration in , intermediate lever 202 carries an actuator 210 which here preferably has the shape of a straight spring made integrally with intermediate lever 202. Actuator 210 is suitable for cooperating with seconds jumper 240 in a manner that will be described below.

[0189] A return spring 212 is also provided so as to tend to push the beak of the intermediate control lever 202 in the direction of the column wheel 88 in a conventional manner.

[0190] exist Fig.13a In the stop mode shown, the clutch lever 204 is in its clutch disengaged position, the clutch wheel 214 of the clutch lever 204, which is permanently meshed with the drive mobile 10 of the watch movement, is not meshed with the seconds wheel 8, which is therefore not driven. Now, as mentioned above, when the seconds wheel 8 is not driven, the seconds wheel 8 is potentially subject to a return torque exerted on it by the seconds rack 14 of its return mobile (if it is not in its zero position), which torque tends to turn the seconds wheel 8 in a clockwise rotation direction, as Figures 13a to 13cTherefore, in order to prevent such rotation of the second wheel 8 in the stop mode, it is preferred that the teeth of the second jumper 240 are positioned in the tooth channel of the second wheel 8. This is why the actuator 210 is arranged in the active position to gently push the jumper 240 in the counterclockwise rotation direction, as shown. Figures 13a to 13c As shown, the jumper 240 is moved toward the second wheel 8 and the second wheel 8 is locked.

[0191] When the user actuates the start / stop button (not visible), the start / stop control 82 causes the column wheel 88 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, such as Figures 13a to 13c This has the effect of positioning the gap between the two posts forward of the beak of the intermediate lever 202, as shown. Fig.13b and Fig.13c shown.

[0192] The middle control lever 202 is Fig.13b The clutch lever 204 begins to pivot in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.13b until it finally reaches Fig.13c Its clutch engagement position is shown, wherein the clutch wheel 214 meshes with the seconds wheel 8 to drive the seconds wheel to rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0193] It can also be seen that, by pivoting in the counterclockwise direction, intermediate control lever 202 has driven actuator 210 in the same direction to the inactive position, thus moving actuator 210 away from seconds jumper 240, which is thus released. If the teeth of seconds jumper 240 are cut so that jumper 240 does not oppose the driving of seconds wheel 8 by clutch wheel 214, the fact that seconds jumper 240 is released by actuator 210 may make it possible for seconds jumper 240 to completely disengage from contact with the teeth of seconds wheel 8 in the start mode, which is more advantageous from the point of view of frictional loss energy than if the jumper remained in permanent contact with seconds wheel 8.

[0194] Fig.14 The perspective view depicts the relative arrangement of the wheel of the driving mobile 10 of the watch movement, the clutch wheel 214 and the second wheel 8, in combination with Figures 13a to 13c The diagram in clarifies how the clutch device according to the second preferred embodiment behaves when changing state.

[0195] The rotation axis of the driving mobile 10 is fixed, and the rotation axis of the chronograph second wheel 8 is also fixed. The clutch wheel 214 is carried by the shaft 216, and the clutch wheel 214 is rigidly attached to the shaft 216, and the shaft 216 is accommodated between two fixed bearings (not shown) carried by the frame 80 of the watch movement, so that it can move axially by sliding in the bearing (for example, it can move over a distance of about 0.1mm to 0.4mm, preferably between 0.2mm and 0.3mm). The relative position of the wheel of the driving mobile 10 and the second wheel 8, especially the relative position in the thickness direction of the watch movement and their respective thicknesses enable the clutch wheel 214 to occupy a first clutch disengagement axial position and a second clutch engagement axial position, in which the clutch wheel 214 is engaged only with the driving mobile 10, and in which the clutch wheel 214 is engaged with both the driving mobile 10 and the second wheel 8.

[0196] exist Fig.14 It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that clutch wheel 214 may advantageously have its teeth cut with bevels to prevent it from remaining in tooth-to-tooth bearing engagement with seconds wheel 8 when it moves in the direction of transition from its clutch-disengaged position to its clutch-engaged position.

[0197] Figures 13a to 13c A comparative examination of shows that the clutch device comprises a clutch spring 218, which is adapted to act on the shaft 216 of the clutch wheel 214 and tends to axially push the clutch wheel 214 in a predetermined direction. Here, the clutch spring 218 advantageously acts on the clutch wheel 214 to push the clutch wheel 214 in the direction of the clutch engagement position. Therefore, the action of the clutch spring 218 on the shaft 216 produces more friction in the stop mode than in the start mode, which generally allows it to move in the direction of the corresponding load on the balance drive mobile 10 in both operating modes, and therefore allows it to move in the direction of any disturbance experienced by the oscillator of the associated watch movement. In fact, when switching from the stop mode to the start mode, the load caused by the clutch spring 218 is greatly reduced, but the new load associated with the drive of the chronograph wheel set is simultaneously applied to the drive mobile 10. In addition, in the stop mode, the load applied to the shaft 216 by the clutch spring 218 enables the clutch wheel 214 not to vibrate in this operating mode because it is kept in tension with the wheel of the drive mobile 10.

[0198] Furthermore, the clutch lever 204 is adapted to act on the shaft 216 of the clutch wheel 214 upon command, against the action of the clutch spring 218. Fig.13aIn the stop mode shown, the clutch lever 204 is in such a position that it presents a suitable abutment for the shaft 216 of the clutch wheel 214 (not visible, having inclined planes in a similar manner to the jaws of a conventional vertical clutch) to push the clutch wheel 214 towards the front of the figure so that it is in its clutch disengaged position, that is to say not engaged with the seconds wheel 8. The shaft 216 may advantageously have a small bevel at its end that cooperates with the abutment of the clutch lever 204.

[0199] When the column wheel 88 is actuated to release the beak of the intermediate control lever 202 and allow it to fall between the two columns, the clutch lever 204 pivots in a counterclockwise rotational direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.13b The abutment of clutch lever 204 then begins to separate from shaft 216 of clutch wheel 214, which can begin to move in the direction of its axis of rotation, approaching the axial level of seconds wheel 8, since it is acted upon by clutch spring 218. Here, the movement is thus towards Fig.13b of the illustration.

[0200] Once the clutch lever 204 has released the clutch wheel 214, as Fig.13c As shown, the clutch wheel 214 has reached the axial clutch engagement position so that it engages with the seconds wheel 8 to drive the seconds wheel 8 to rotate due to the movement of the drive mobile 10 .

[0201] Note that the bearing of the clutch wheel 214 on one side of the clutch spring 218 can advantageously enable the clutch spring 218 to bear thereon and no longer be in contact with the shaft 216 of the clutch wheel 214 when the clutch wheel 214 is in its clutch engaged position. Thus, in this case, the clutch spring 218 no longer applies any load to the wheel set in the starting mode and therefore does not generate any friction.

[0202] The clutch lever 204 may preferably but optionally carry a locking pin 220 adapted to be positioned above the clutch wheel 214 when the clutch wheel 214 is moved to its clutch engaged position, such as Fig.13c In fact, the preload of the clutch spring 218 is not enough to keep the clutch wheel 214 in this position in the event of a severe impact with a component in the thickness direction of the watch movement, such as 500g. Therefore, the locking pin 220 makes it possible to prevent the clutch from disengaging in the event of an impact by limiting the axial movement of the clutch wheel 214.

[0203] Thus, the clutch device according to the second preferred variation combines the advantages of conventional horizontal clutches and vertical clutches without their disadvantages.

[0204] Furthermore, it should be noted that the linking of two functions to the same component, namely the clutch device and the actuator 210 controlling the seconds jumper 240, the latter in particular having a function equivalent to that of a conventional brake, makes it possible to perfectly control the synchronization of the two functions involved. More precisely, this feature makes it possible to guarantee a perfect synchronization between the moment when the clutch wheel 214 starts to drive the seconds wheel 8 and the moment when the seconds jumper 240 releases the seconds wheel 8 (which firstly has to prevent the seconds jumper 240 from releasing the seconds wheel 8 too quickly, which would otherwise be driven backwards by the action of its return mobile), and firstly to ensure that the seconds jumper 240 locks the seconds wheel 8 at the precise moment when the driving of the seconds wheel 8 by the clutch wheel 214 stops, thus switching from the start mode to the stop mode. Moreover, this synchronization, combined with the cutting of the teeth of the seconds jumper 240, prevents any possibility of a backward jump of the chronograph seconds hand when switching from the stop mode to the start mode, as could occur with conventional chronograph mechanisms (in particular those with a horizontal clutch).

[0205] The switch from start mode to stop mode is achieved by reversing the steps just described. A new rotation of column wheel 88 by one step positions one column facing the beak of intermediate lever 202, driving at the same time the movement of actuator 210 in the direction of seconds jumper 240 and the movement of clutch lever 204 in the clockwise direction, as Figures 13a to 13c During this movement, the abutment of the clutch lever 204 returns to a position facing the shaft 216 of the clutch wheel 214 to push the clutch wheel 214 out of the range of the seconds wheel 8 against the action of the clutch spring 218 .

[0206] Back to Figures 11a to 11c , which will be referred to below for describing the details of the reset device construction Fig.15 A resetting device according to a second preferred variant is described.

[0207] As in the case of the first preferred variant, in the context of the second preferred variant, the resetting principle here consists in releasing all timer counters 2, 4 and 6 simultaneously from the forces locking them so that they can be reset independently of each other by the action of their return mobiles. This simultaneous release is implemented by an all-or-nothing control system that is robust and provides feedback similar to a start / stop control.

[0208] The control system comprises in particular a control mobile 250 intended to cooperate, on command, with all the jumpers and detents suitable for locking the various timer counters when passing from the start / stop position to the reset position.

[0209] Fig.15The control mobile 250 and its actuation mechanism are depicted separately in order to simplify the understanding thereof. The operating principle of the actuation mechanism in this second preferred variation is similar to that of the actuation mechanism in the first preferred variation.

[0210] The actuation mechanism comprises a reset member 252 adapted to receive an impulse in response to the action of a user on a suitable external control member (not shown) and fastened to the frame 80 of the timepiece movement in such a way that it can pivot about an axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of its fixing screw 254. The reset member 252 is held in a default rest position by the action of a reset spring 256 which is here, by way of non-limiting illustration, made integral with the reset member 252. The reception of an impulse drives the reset member 252 in a manner such as Fig.15 Rotation in the clockwise rotational direction shown is intended to cause the control mover 250 to rotate in the counter-clockwise rotational direction to cause it to transition from its start / stop position to its reset position.

[0211] Latch 258 is rotatably mounted on the frame of the watch movement, and is positioned facing the beak 260 of the control mobile 250 by default to prevent the control mobile 250 from rotating. A return spring 262 integrally made with latch 258 and supported on a fixed pin 264 keeps latch 258 in the default position.

[0212] The reset member 252 carries a trigger pin 266, which is adapted to cause the latch 258 to pivot in a counterclockwise rotational direction when the reset member 252 is pivoted (clockwise), such as Fig.15 The reset member 252 also carries an actuator pin 268 adapted to cooperate with and load a reset spring 270 as long as the latch 258 maintains the locking of the control mobile 250 .

[0213] Once the latch 258 is pivoted sufficiently to release the beak 260 of the control mobile 250, the reset spring 270 can suddenly release its energy, causing the control mobile 250 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (eg, Fig.15 As shown) rotates toward its reset position, thereby causing its first arm 272, second arm 274, third arm 276, fourth arm 278, fifth arm 280 and sixth arm 282 to rotate therewith, which arms define a neutral device similar to that already described with reference to the first preferred variant.

[0214] When the reset member 252 is released, it returns quickly to its rest position due to the action of its return spring 256, while the latch 258 initially remains immobile because the beak 260 of the control mobile 250 is present on its return trajectory. The reset member 252 synchronizes the control mobile 250 with it by virtue of the action of its actuator pin 268 on the rigid part of the control mobile 250, and once the beak 260 releases the latch 258, the latch 258 returns to its rest position.

[0215] As can be clearly seen from the foregoing description, in this second preferred variant, the control mobile 250 has two different angular positions, namely a first stop (or start) position common to the start and stop modes of the chronograph mechanism 201 and a second reset position for the reset operating mode.

[0216] Therefore, the control moving member 250 is Fig.11a and Fig.11b is depicted in its first (start / )stop position, Fig.11a and Fig.11b The chronograph mechanism 201 is partially depicted in its stopped mode and in its started mode, respectively.

[0217] Fig.11c The reset mode is depicted and shows how the chronograph mechanism 201 behaves when the reset member 252 is actuated while a time measurement is ongoing, ie in a start mode, which corresponds to a function generally known as a “rewind strip”.

[0218] It can be seen that the beak of the intermediate control lever 202 is still located between the two columns of the column wheel 88, so the clutch device should potentially be able to occupy its clutch engaged state. However, it seems that the control mobile 250 acts on the clutch lever 204 via its first arm 272 to turn it in the clockwise rotation direction, thereby Fig.11b The configuration is converted to Fig.11c The configuration of the intermediate control lever 202 and thus its clutch lever 204 is pushed to its clutch disengaged position. This can also be done from the position of the beak of the intermediate control lever 202 that has moved away from the column wheel 88. Fig.11b The configuration is converted to Fig.11c The configuration is clearly seen.

[0219] At the same time, from Fig.11b (or Fig.11a )and Fig.11c As can be seen from the comparative inspection of FIG. 1 , the other arms of the control moving member 250 are moved to actuate various jumpers and pawls, thereby Fig.11b (or Fig.11a ) to Fig.11c Configuration.

[0220] More precisely, the second arm 274 of the control mobile 250 cooperates with the jumper 44 of the minute counter 4 to push it away so that the counter can rotate freely, while the third arm 276 cooperates with the pawl 60 of the minute counter 4 to ensure that it is not on the trajectory of the teeth of the minute wheel 22 during resetting. Therefore, the minute counter 4 is free of any load and can return to its zero position (its initial position, different from the 0 position in the case of the countdown mechanism) by the action of its return mobile.

[0221] The fourth arm 278 of the control mobile 250 cooperates with the seconds jumper 240 to define at least an abutment and prevent the jumper from pivoting in the direction of the seconds wheel 8, so as to release any load on the seconds counter 2 and enable it to return to its zero position (or possibly to its initial position in the case of a countdown mechanism) thanks to the action of its return mobile. Generally speaking, the fourth arm 278 can gently push the seconds jumper 240 away during the reset, opposite the actuator 210. This action is in any case necessary if the reset is activated from the stop mode, in which the seconds jumper 240 is positioned against the seconds wheel 8.

[0222] Finally, the fifth arm 280 of the control mobile 250 cooperates with the jumper 46 of the hour counter 6 to push it away so that the counter can rotate freely, while the sixth arm 282 cooperates with the pawl 72 of the hour counter 6 to ensure that it is not on the trajectory of the teeth of the hour wheel 30. The hour counter 6 is therefore free of any load and can return to its zero position (or its initial position in the case of a countdown mechanism) thanks to the action of its return mobile.

[0223] When the reset member 252 is released, the control member 250 can Fig.11c 252, to return to its rest (or start) position as described above by its return spring 256. The jumper and the pawl are then also released by the respective arms of the control mobile 250 and are able to return to the position they occupied before the reset was triggered. When the reset is actuated from the start mode, a new time measurement starts immediately after the release of the reset member 252.

[0224] It should be noted that resetting can also be achieved in a similar manner after stopping the time measurement, that is to say when the chronograph mechanism 201 is in stop mode. In this case, the second to sixth arms of the control mobile 250 cooperate with the various jumpers and pawls of the various counters in a manner similar to that just described, while the first arm 272 is located in the immediate vicinity of the clutch lever 204 without pushing it away, since it is then already in its clutch disengaged position.

[0225] It should also be noted that according to the second preferred variant, the control moving member 250 has only two different positions (whereas the control moving member 100 of the first variant has three different positions), namely, the stop (e.g., or start) position associated with the start and stop modes of the timer mechanism 201 and the reset position associated with the reset mode of the timer mechanism 201, and the transition from the start mode to the stop mode of the timer mechanism 201 (or the transition from the stop mode to the start mode) is performed independently of the control moving member 250.

[0226] The description of the second variant makes it possible to adapt the present teaching in the context of a flyback chronograph mechanism for a timepiece movement of simplified, reliable and robust construction, while in particular limiting the forces that the user must apply to the corresponding push-button to actuate it, which improves its ergonomics. Moreover, as already mentioned above, this configuration also makes it possible to limit the travel of the push-buttons associated with the chronograph mechanism and the actuation forces thereon (in order to actuate their various functions), which makes it possible in particular to improve the ergonomics and design of these push-buttons by enhancing their integration into the middle case.

[0227] The foregoing description is intended to describe a specific embodiment (timer mechanism, but the countdown mechanism can also benefit from the advantages of the present invention) by way of non-restrictive illustration, and the present invention is not limited to the use of certain specific features just described, such as, for example, the shape of the return mobile or the rod interconnecting the return mobile, the start / stop and reset architecture, or the fact that some elastic members are produced in one piece with the specific parts of the mechanism. In fact, the various elastic members of the timer mechanism just described can be constructed differently (particularly by reversing its implantation direction). It should be noted that, for example, the return mobile depicted in the accompanying drawings has a preferred but optional feature: from the perspective of mass distribution, they are in a state of equilibrium, and each rack is associated with a counterweight so as to limit the risk of damaging the mechanism in the event of an impact, but those skilled in the art can choose to balance these various components in a manner suitable for their specific requirements without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A time measuring mechanism (1; 201) for a watch movement, the time measuring mechanism comprising a time unit counter, the time unit counter comprising: - a display mobile intended to drive display members for said time units and adapted to be kinematically coupled, on command, to a drive mobile (10) of said timepiece movement so as to be rotationally driven from a predetermined position in a predetermined rotational direction throughout the measurement of time; a return mobile intended to be mounted to pivot on a frame element (80) so as to be able to pivot between an initial position and a final position associated with the predetermined position of the display mobile, the display mobile and the return mobile being arranged so that the return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position when the display mobile completes substantially one rotation from its predetermined position; - an elastic return member (20) adapted to act on the return mobile and tend to return the return mobile to its initial position, The invention is characterized in that the display movable member further comprises teeth meshing with the teeth of the return movable member, and the teeth of the display movable member comprise a truncation portion, wherein the truncation portion is intended to enable temporary disengagement between the display movable member and the return movable member when the return movable member reaches its final position, so that each time the display movable member rotates a full circle, the return movable member is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the elastic return member (20).

2. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 1, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) further comprises: a jumper (40; 240) arranged to cooperate with the display moving part and to prevent the display moving part from rotating in at least a rotation direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction when the time measurement is not performed; and a neutral device (132; 278) for neutralizing the jumper (40; 240), the neutral device (132; 278) being actuable according to a command and being arranged to enable the display moving part to return to its predetermined position due to the action of the elastic return member (20) on the return moving part.

3. The time measuring mechanism (201) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The display movable member includes a plate having drive teeth, the display movable member can be movably connected to the drive movable member (10) of the watch movement through the drive teeth, and the jumper (240) includes three teeth, the three teeth are arranged to cooperate with the drive teeth to prevent the display movable member from rotating in a rotation direction opposite to the predetermined rotation direction, and the three teeth have a pitch p2 that is strictly larger than the pitch p1 of the drive teeth and strictly smaller than (3*p1) / 2.

4. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The time unit counter is a second counter (2) arranged so that the display mobile performs a full rotation in sixty seconds, The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) further comprises a minute counter (4) for measuring the minutes of time, the minute counter comprising a minute display mobile intended to drive the minute display member for measuring the minutes of time, and The return mobile has a kinematic connection with a minute pawl (60) which is arranged to cooperate with the minute display mobile and to rotate the minute display mobile to increment or decrement the minute counter (4) each time the display mobile rotates a full revolution.

5. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 4, characterized in that The elastic return member (20) is arranged to act on the return mobile via a first transmission rod (50) carrying the minute pawl (60).

6. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The minute display mobile also comprises a tooth engaging with a minute return mobile, the minute return mobile being intended to be mounted to pivot on a frame element (80) so as to be able to pivot between an initial position and a final position both associated with a predetermined position of the minute display mobile, The minute counter (4) further comprises a minute elastic return member (28) arranged to act on the minute return mobile and tend to return the minute return mobile to its initial position, The teeth of the minute display mobile and the minute return mobile are arranged so that when the minute display mobile completes a full rotation from its predetermined position, the minute return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position, and The teeth of the minute display mobile include a cut-off portion, which is intended to enable temporary disengagement between the minute display mobile and the minute return mobile when the minute return mobile reaches its final position, so that each time the minute display mobile rotates a full circle, the minute return mobile is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the minute elastic return member (28).

7. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 6, characterized in that The minute counter (4) is arranged so that the minute display mobile performs a full rotation in sixty minutes, more preferably in thirty minutes, The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) further comprises an hour counter (6) for measuring hours of time, the hour counter (6) comprising an hour display mobile intended to drive an hour display member for measuring hours of time, and The minute return mobile has a kinematic connection with an hour pawl (72) which is arranged to cooperate with the hour display mobile and to rotate the hour display mobile to increment or decrement the hour counter (6) each time the minute display mobile rotates a full circle.

8. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 7, characterized in that The minute elastic return member (28) is arranged to act on the minute return mobile via a second transmission rod (62) carrying the hour pawl (72).

9. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The hour display mobile also comprises a tooth engaging with an hour return mobile, the hour return mobile being intended to be mounted to pivot on a frame element (80) so as to be able to pivot between an initial position and a final position both associated with a predetermined position of the hour display mobile, The hour counter further comprises an hour elastic return member (36) adapted to act on the hour return mobile and tend to return the hour return mobile to its initial position, The teeth of the hour display mobile and the hour return mobile are such that when the hour display mobile makes a full rotation from its predetermined position, the hour return mobile pivots from its initial position to its final position, and The teeth of the hour display mobile include a truncation portion, which is intended to allow temporary disengagement between the hour display mobile and the hour return mobile when the hour return mobile reaches its final position, so that each time the hour display mobile rotates a full circle, the hour return mobile is driven to move retrograde to its initial position due to the action of the hour elastic return member (36).

10. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 9, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) further comprises: an hour jumper (46) acting on the hour display mobile to allow the hour display mobile to rotate only in the direction in which the hour display mobile is normally driven when time measurement is in progress; and a neutral device (138; 280) for neutralizing the hour jumper (46), the neutral device being actuable upon command and being arranged so that the hour display mobile can return to its predetermined position due to the action of the hour elastic return member (36) on the hour return mobile.

11. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) further comprises: a minute jumper (44) acting on the minute display mobile to allow the minute display mobile to rotate only in the direction in which it is normally driven when time measurement is in progress; and a neutral device (134; 274) for neutralizing the minute jumper (44), the neutral device (134; 274) being actuable upon command and arranged so that the minute display mobile can return to its predetermined position due to the action of the minute elastic return member (28) on the minute return mobile.

12. The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claim 2 or 3 and claim 11, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism comprises a control mobile (100; 250) adapted to pivot on command between at least one stop position and a reset position, and The neutralizing device (132; 278) for neutralizing the jumper (40; 240) and the neutralizing device (134; 274) for neutralizing the minute jumper (44) are arranged on the control mobile (100; 250) so that they can act substantially simultaneously on their respective jumpers (40, 44; 240) to neutralize the jumpers when the control mobile (100; 250) moves from its rest position to its reset position.

13. A time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to claims 10 and 12, characterised in that The neutralizing devices (138; 280) for neutralizing the hour jumper (46) are also arranged on the control mobile (100; 250) so that when the control mobile (100; 250) moves from its stop position to its reset position, all of the neutralizing devices (132, 134, 138; 278, 274, 280) can act on their respective jumpers (40, 44, 46; 240) essentially simultaneously to neutralize the jumpers.

14. A time measuring mechanism (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control mobile (100) also carries a clutch wheel (104), which is suitable for occupying a clutch engagement position associated with an additional start position of the control mobile (100) to establish a movement connection between the display mobile and the drive mobile (10) of the watch movement, or is suitable for occupying a clutch disengagement position associated with the stop position and the reset position of the control mobile (100) to interrupt the movement connection.

15. The time measuring mechanism (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (1) comprises a control member (88) adapted to move between a first starting state and a second stopping state according to a command so as to pivot an intermediate control lever (92) between a first starting position and a second stopping position, wherein the intermediate control lever (92) is adapted to actuate the control moving member (100) when switching from one position to another and pivot the control moving member (100) between its starting position and its stopping position.

16. The time measuring mechanism (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (1) comprises a reset member (110) which is arranged to act on the intermediate control member (92) to switch the intermediate control member (92) from one of the first position and the second position of the intermediate control member (92) to a third reset position, in which the intermediate control member (92) actuates the control movable member (100) to pivot to its reset position.

17. The time measuring mechanism (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism comprises a spring (94) arranged to tend to position the intermediate lever (92) in its first position.

18. A time measuring mechanism (201) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a clutch device, the clutch device comprising a clutch wheel (214), the clutch wheel (214) being adapted to move according to a command between a clutch engaged state and a clutch disengaged state, in which the clutch wheel (214) occupies a clutch engaged position to establish a motion connection between the display mobile and the drive mobile (10) of the clock movement, and in which the clutch wheel (214) occupies a clutch disengaged position to interrupt the motion connection, It is characterized in that The control movement (250) is adapted to act on the clutch device when switching from its rest position to its reset position so as to bring the clutch device into its clutch release state or to maintain it in its clutch release state.

19. The time measuring mechanism (201) according to claims 3 and 18, characterized in that The time measuring mechanism (201) comprises an actuator (210) movable between an active position, in which the actuator (210) cooperates with the jumper (240) to position at least one tooth of the jumper (240) within the range of the drive teeth of the plate of the display mobile, and an inactive position, in which the actuator (210) leaves the jumper (240) free to move all teeth of the jumper (240) out of the range of the drive teeth, and The clutch device is also adapted to cooperate with the actuator (210) and to bring the actuator into its active position in the clutch disengaged state and into its inactive position in the clutch engaged state.

20. A time measuring mechanism (201) according to claim 19, wherein the clutch device comprises an intermediate control lever (202), which is arranged to act on the clutch wheel (214) and define its position, and the time measuring mechanism is characterized in that the intermediate control lever (202) carries the actuator (210).

21. A timepiece movement comprising a time measuring mechanism (1; 201) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A timepiece movement according to claim 21, wherein: The time measuring mechanism (1; 201) is a timer mechanism.

23. A timepiece comprising a timepiece movement according to claim 21 or 22.

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