Pawl for timepiece mechanism

Abstract

A pawl (10) of a timepiece mechanism for a moving part (5), said pawl being arranged so as to be movable between a blocking position, in which the pawl (10) blocks the movement of the moving part (5) in a first movement direction (S1), and a release position, in which the pawl (10) allows the movement of the moving part (5) in a second movement direction (S2), the pawl (10) comprises an elastic portion (4) arranged to exert a force to return the pawl (10) to a blocking position, characterised in that the elastic portion (4) comprises a bearing portion (4.3) arranged to form, together with a reference portion (6.1) of the timepiece mechanism, a limiting interface where the bearing portion (4.3) and the reference portion (6.1) of the timepiece mechanism are spaced apart from each other. The bearing portion (4.3) is at least partially enclosed in the reference portion (6.1), or the reference portion (6.1) is at least partially enclosed in the bearing portion (4.3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a clockwork mechanism, and more particularly to a pawl that is adapted to cooperate with a moving part (usually a gear) to prevent the moving part from moving in a first direction of movement and to allow the moving part to move in a second direction of movement. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, it is well known that a pawl has an elastic part that serves to apply a force to return the pawl to a pawl blocking position; in the blocking position, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first direction of movement. Usually, the elastic part cooperates with a base or a frame or a supporting part of the mechanism (which belongs to a housing formed in a clockwork frame) to apply a return force. However, the end of the elastic part may come out of the supporting part and / or its housing, and the pawl can no longer return to the blocking position and thus cannot work. Also note that the housing and / or the supporting part surround the pawl, which requires a large dedicated space. Finally, note that assembling the pawl and its associated moving parts in a clockwork mechanism that includes these parts can be troublesome. In fact, especially when it is necessary to tighten-block or loosen-release (usually tighten) the shaft of the moving part, the pawl can only block the direction of rotation: at least one of the above operations (tighten-block or loosen-release) requires additional blocking of the moving part. This problem usually occurs when the moving part is a barrel ratchet mounted on a barrel shaft and rotatable freely in either direction under normal circumstances. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, firstly, the present invention specifically provides a pawl for a clockwork mechanism, which has higher operating safety or reliability, and / or a compact structure, and / or is easy to manufacture and / or can simplify the assembly of a clockwork mechanism including the pawl and its associated moving parts.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a pawl for a clockwork mechanism, the pawl being adapted for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, the pawl being arranged to be movable between the following positions:

[0005] - A blocking position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first direction of movement,

[0006] - A release position, in which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second direction of movement,

[0007] The pawl includes an elastic part that is arranged to apply a force to return the pawl to the blocking position,

[0008] In that, the elastic part includes a supporting part, and the supporting part is arranged to form a limiting interface together with a reference part of the clock mechanism. At the limiting interface, the supporting part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the supporting part.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the supporting part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the supporting part, which ensures a firm and reliable fit between the supporting part and the reference part. That is to say, this design eliminates the risk that the supporting part of the elastic part detaches from its housing, namely the risk that the supporting part detaches from the reference part or loses contact with the latter. In fact, one of the supporting part and the reference part is surrounded or enclosed in the other of the supporting part and the reference part. That is to say, the supporting part is at least partially surrounded or encircled or enclosed or inserted or introduced or surrounded in the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded or encircled or enclosed or inserted or introduced or surrounded in the supporting part.

[0010] The present invention can be defined by the following individual features or combinations of features.

[0011] In one embodiment, the limiting interface has a gap (usually an angular gap) between the supporting part and the reference part, and during a partial movement of the pawl between the blocking position and the release position, the supporting part moves freely relative to the reference part (usually, when the pawl moves between the blocking position and the release position by at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, the supporting part moves freely relative to the reference part). This gap enables the pawl to move a long distance between the blocking position and the release position without applying a large or obvious force. However, even with the above-mentioned gap, the supporting part is still at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the supporting part. That is to say, one embodiment relates to a pawl of a clock mechanism, which is used for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, and the pawl is arranged to be movable between the following positions:

[0012] - A blocking position, at which the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first moving direction,

[0013] - A release position, at which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second moving direction,

[0014] The pawl includes an elastic part, and the elastic part is arranged to apply a force to return the pawl to the blocking position,

[0015] Characterized in that, the elastic part includes a support part, the support part is arranged to form a limiting interface together with a reference part of the clock mechanism, at the limiting interface, the support part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the support part,

[0016] wherein, there is a gap (usually an angular gap) between the support part and the reference part at the limiting interface, and during at least a part of the movement of the pawl between the blocking position and the release position, the support part moves freely relative to the reference part (usually, when the pawl moves between the blocking position and the release position by at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, the support part moves freely relative to the reference part).

[0017] In one embodiment:

[0018] - One of the support part and the reference part includes an internal thread,

[0019] - The other of the support part and the reference part includes an external thread, and the external thread is arranged to be received by the internal thread.

[0020] In one embodiment:

[0021] - When the pawl moves between the blocking position and the release position, the support part moves along a movement path,

[0022] - In the direction of the movement path, the internal thread has an elongated shape, preferably rectangular. For example, according to the movement path of the support part relative to the reference part, the internal thread can be a rectangular hole, a straight hole or a bent hole. That is to say, one embodiment relates to a pawl of a clock mechanism, the pawl is used for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, and the pawl is arranged to be able to move between the following positions:

[0023] - A blocking position, at the blocking position, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first moving direction,

[0024] - A release position, at the release position, the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second moving direction,

[0025] The pawl includes an elastic part, the elastic part is arranged to apply a force to return the pawl to the blocking position,

[0026] Characterized in that, the elastic part includes a support part, the support part is arranged to form a limiting interface together with a reference part of the clock mechanism, at the limiting interface, the support part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the support part,

[0027] Wherein:

[0028] - When the pawl moves between the blocking position and the release position, the support part moves along the movement path.

[0029] - In the direction of the movement path, the internal thread has an elongated shape, preferably rectangular.

[0030] In one embodiment, the support part is arranged in a protruding part formed at the first end of the elastic part.

[0031] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a body integrally formed with the elastic part and the support part.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body includes:

[0033] - A bearing allowing the pawl to rotate between the blocking position and the release position, and / or

[0034] - A ratchet pin arranged to engage with the moving part when the pawl is in the blocking position, and / or

[0035] - A blocking stop arranged to abut against a reference stop or a moving part of the timepiece mechanism when the pawl is in the blocking position.

[0036] And the body is preferably integrally formed with the bearing and / or with the ratchet pin and / or with the blocking stop. That is, one embodiment relates to a pawl for a timepiece mechanism, the pawl being for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, the pawl being arranged to be movable between the following positions:

[0037] - A blocking position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first movement direction.

[0038] - A release position, in which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second movement direction.

[0039] The pawl includes an elastic part arranged to apply a force to return the pawl to the blocking position.

[0040] Characterized in that the elastic part includes a support part arranged to form a limiting interface together with a reference part of the timepiece mechanism, at which limiting interface the support part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the support part.

[0041] Wherein, the body includes:

[0042] - A bearing allowing the pawl to rotate between the blocking position and the release position, and / or

[0043] - A ratchet pin, which is arranged to engage with a moving part when the pawl is in the blocking position, and / or

[0044] - A blocking stop, which is arranged to abut against a reference stop of the timepiece mechanism or a moving part when the pawl is in the blocking position,

[0045] and the body is preferably integrally formed with the bearing and / or with the ratchet pin and / or with the blocking stop.

[0046] In one embodiment, the reference stop is constituted by a reference portion. That is to say, the elastic portion of the pawl (specifically, the supporting portion of the pawl) can be arranged to cooperate with the reference portion on the one hand, and on the other hand, another portion of the pawl (the blocking stop) can be arranged to cooperate with the reference portion (forming the reference stop) so as to determine the blocking position. For example, the blocking stop and the supporting portion can be arranged at different positions or heights of the pawl.

[0047] In one embodiment, the elastic portion is constituted by a spring arm, and the spring arm is arranged to be actuated preferably substantially in tension and / or in bending. In one embodiment, the spring arm can be bent so that the spring arm is substantially stressed and / or deformed in bending. The spring arm can have a variable cross-section along the spring arm.

[0048] In one embodiment, the pawl is arranged to be movable to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the release position, and in the fixed position, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part at least in a second moving direction. That is to say, the pawl is arranged to be able to be placed in the fixed position so as to block the moving part in the second moving direction. For example, this allows the assembly or disassembly of the moving part. The fixed position is the third working position of the pawl, different from the blocking position and the release position; the blocking position and the release position are the positions that a pawl usually occupies so as to form a check device for the moving part in a first moving direction while allowing movement in the second moving direction. The pawl can usually be moved to the fixed position by a manual operation performed by an assembly or maintenance operator. That is to say, one embodiment relates to a pawl of a timepiece mechanism, which is used for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, and the pawl is arranged to be movable between the following positions:

[0049] - A blocking position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the moving part from moving in a first moving direction,

[0050] - A release position, in which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second moving direction,

[0051] The pawl includes an elastic portion, and the elastic portion is arranged to apply a force to return the pawl to the blocking position,

[0052] Characterized in that the elastic part includes a support part, and the support part is arranged to form a limiting interface together with the reference part of the clock mechanism. At the limiting interface, the support part is at least partially surrounded by the reference part, or the reference part is at least partially surrounded by the support part.

[0053] Wherein, the pawl is arranged to be movable to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the releasing position, and at the fixed position, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part at least in the second moving direction.

[0054] In one embodiment, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part in the first moving direction when the pawl is configured in the fixed position. Thus, at the fixed position, the moving part and the rest of the clock mechanism movably connected thereto are blocked and cannot move (usually freely) in the second moving direction (e.g., by rotation), preferably cannot move in any moving direction (neither the first moving direction nor the second moving direction). Once the pawl is in the fixed position, there is no need to operate the pawl simultaneously when installing or removing the moving part.

[0055] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a stop part, and the stop part is arranged to engage with the moving part when the pawl is configured in the fixed position, so as to block the moving part at least in the second moving direction, preferably in the first moving direction. The stop part can be a convex part, a pointer or an external thread arranged to support the moving part, such as two teeth of the moving part.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the pawl is in the fixed position, the stop part is at least arranged between two adjacent teeth on the moving part. Alternatively, the stop part can be composed of two teeth on the pawl, and these two teeth engage with three adjacent teeth on the moving part.

[0057] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a fixing part, and the fixing part is arranged to fix and hold the fixed position of the pawl, for example, by cooperating with a fixed stop of the clock mechanism. The fixing part can be a notch or a slot.

[0058] In one embodiment, the fixing part includes an elastic return part. The fixing part can be an elastic notch or an elastic slot.

[0059] In one embodiment, the fixed part includes a convex portion, preferably a radial convex portion, and the convex portion is arranged to impede the movement of the pawl from the fixed position to the blocking position or the release position. The convex portion can be a notch, a flange, a pointer or a tooth, and is arranged to cooperate with a counter-shaped member on the clock base or frame (the counter-shaped member can be a pointer or a protrusion on the clock frame, such as a pin, a groove, a trench or any other shape capable of fixing the radial convex portion of the pawl). In one implementation, the counter-shaped member can be a reference stop.

[0060] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a pawl of a clock mechanism, which is used for a moving part, such as a toothed moving part, and the pawl is arranged to be movable between the following positions:

[0061] - A blocking position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the movement of the moving part along a first moving direction,

[0062] - A release position, in which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move along a second moving direction,

[0063] It is characterized in that the pawl is arranged to be movable to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the release position, and in the fixed position, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part in the second moving direction. That is to say, the pawl is arranged to be able to be placed in the fixed position so as to block the moving part in the second moving direction. For example, this allows the assembly or disassembly of the moving part. The fixed position is the third working position of the pawl, different from the blocking position and the release position; the blocking position and the release position are the positions that the pawl usually occupies so as to form a check device for the moving part in the first moving direction while allowing movement in the second moving direction. The pawl can usually be moved to the fixed position by manual operation of an assembly or maintenance operator.

[0064] In one embodiment, the pawl is arranged to block the moving part in the first moving direction when the pawl is configured in the fixed position. Therefore, in the fixed position, the moving part and the rest of the clock mechanism movably connected thereto are blocked and cannot move along the second moving direction (such as by rotation) (usually freely movable), and preferably cannot move along any moving direction (neither the first moving direction nor the second moving direction). Once the pawl is in the fixed position, when installing or disassembling the moving part, there is no need to operate the pawl simultaneously.

[0065] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a stop portion, and the stop portion is arranged to engage with the moving part when the pawl is configured in the fixed position, so as to block the moving part at least in the second moving direction, and preferably block the moving part in the first moving direction. The stop portion can be a convex portion, a pointer or an external thread arranged to support the moving part, such as two teeth of the moving part.

[0066] In one embodiment, when the pawl is in a fixed position, the stop portion is disposed at least between two adjacent teeth on the moving member.

[0067] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a fixed portion that is configured to fix and hold the fixed position of the pawl, for example, by cooperating with a fixed stop of a clockwork mechanism. The fixed portion may be a notch or a slot.

[0068] In one embodiment, the reference stop is confused with the fixed stop. That is, the fixed stop is constituted by the reference stop.

[0069] In one embodiment, the fixed portion includes a protrusion, preferably a radial protrusion, which is configured to impede the movement of the pawl from the fixed position to the blocking position or the release position. The protrusion may be a notch, a flange, a pointer or a tooth, and is configured to cooperate with a counter-shaped member on the clock frame (the counter-shaped member may be a pointer or a protrusion on the clock frame, such as a pin, a groove, a trench or any other shape capable of fixing the radial protrusion of the pawl). In one embodiment, the counter-shaped member may be the reference stop.

[0070] In one embodiment, the fixed portion includes an elastic return portion.

[0071] In one embodiment, the pawl includes a recess disposed between the fixed portion and the rest of the pawl. Such a recess (groove) forms at least one elastic beam between the pawl and the fixed portion.

[0072] In one embodiment, the reference stop is mounted or directly formed on the pawl. That is, the reference stop is a part that is mounted or directly formed on the pawl. In one embodiment, the reference stop mounted on the pawl is configured to cooperate with a toothed moving member or a part of the frame (such as a reference portion). In one embodiment, the reference stop mounted on the pawl is disposed at a position different from the supporting portion. In one embodiment, the reference stop mounted on the pawl is configured to engage between two teeth of the toothed moving member.

[0073] Generally, in one embodiment, the pawl is made of a metal alloy composed of nickel and phosphorus. In one embodiment, the pawl is electro-deposited by a lithography, electroplating and molding (LIGA) process. In one embodiment, the pawl is micro-etched from a silicon substrate, preferably by a deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process. In one embodiment, the pawl is molded. In one embodiment, the pawl is made of a metal alloy insensitive to magnetic fields. In one embodiment, the pawl is made of an amorphous metal alloy. In one embodiment, the pawl is monomeric or integrally formed.

[0074] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a clock assembly, comprising at least one pawl as described in the first or second aspect and at least one reference part of a clock mechanism.

[0075] In one embodiment, the clock assembly comprises a moving part, such as a ratchet or a pawl.

[0076] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a clock, comprising at least one pawl as described in the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, which is set forth by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Figure 1 A view of the pawl according to the present invention is shown, which is integrated into a clock mechanism further comprising a moving part, Figure 1 wherein the pawl is in a blocking position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the movement of the moving part in a first movement direction;

[0079] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 the pawl as described, wherein the pawl is in a release position, in which the pawl is arranged to allow the moving part to move in a second movement direction;

[0080] Figure 3 is shown Figure 1 the pawl as described, which is in a fixed position, in which the pawl is arranged to block the moving part at least in the second movement direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figures 1 to 3 A partial top view of a clock mechanism having the pawl 10 according to the present invention is shown, wherein the pawl engages with the moving part 5 in various ways. Figure 1 The pawl 10 is shown in the blocking (or check) position of the moving part 5, Figure 2 The pawl 10 is shown in the release position of the moving part 5, Figure 3 The pawl 10 is shown in the position where the moving part 5 is completely fixed.

[0082] In this example, the moving part 5 is a ratchet mounted on a barrel. Figures 1 to 3 is a partial view clearly showing a part of the pawl 10 and the moving part 5 (which is a ratchet in this example). Thus, Figures 1 to 3 is a partial front view of a barrel bridge plate, and the barrel is usually part of a clock frame 6.

[0083] Specifically, the frame 6 (the barrel bridge in this text) includes a reference portion 6.1 formed by a first pin and a reference stop 6.2 formed by a second pin. The moving part 5 is usually fixed to the barrel shaft by a screw 5.2 and includes teeth of a ratchet wheel 5.1, and the teeth are arranged to cooperate with the pawl 10.

[0084] The pawl 10 particularly includes:

[0085] - A shaft seat 1, which is preferably rotatable about a part of the frame 6 along the axis D and axially fixed by a screw or a threaded shaft, etc.

[0086] - A ratchet pin 2, which is circumferentially arranged around the shaft seat 1.

[0087] - A stop portion 8, which is circumferentially arranged around the shaft seat 1 and abuts against the ratchet pin 2.

[0088] - An elastic portion 4, which forms a spring arm and includes: a first end 4.1, which is connected to the shaft seat 1 and is adjacent to or abuts against the stop portion; and a second end 4.2, which defines a support portion 4.3, and the support portion is formed by the inner surface of an oblong internal thread, and the inner surface preferably extends along a positive radial or tangential or substantially positive radial or substantially tangential path relative to the radius passing through the axis D.

[0089] - A blocking stop 3, which is circumferentially arranged around the shaft seat 1 and is adjacent to or abuts against the first end 4.1.

[0090] - A fixing portion 9, which is circumferentially arranged around the shaft seat 1, adjacent to or abuts against the blocking stop 3. The fixing portion 9 is mainly formed by a radial protrusion, and the protrusion is separated from the shaft seat 1 by a groove, so the fixing portion 9 can elastically move relative to the shaft seat 1 (and / or relative to the rest of the pawl 10) in the radial or substantially radial direction of the pawl 10 relative to the radius passing through the axis D.

[0091] The pawl 10 is a single-piece or integrally formed component. A substantially flat component can be provided by, for example, additive manufacturing techniques (such as electroplating in a mold manufactured by lithography technology) or microfabrication techniques (such as silicon wafer etching) or molding. The pawl 10 can be made of a metal material (such as electrodeposited nickel-phosphorus metal alloy), or a semiconductor material (such as silicon) or an insulating material (such as ceramic).

[0092] As Figure 1 shown, please note the following points:

[0093] - The second end 4.2 surrounds the reference portion 6.1. In fact, the protruding portion formed at the second end 4.2 is a rectangular internal thread, and its inner surface defines the support portion 4.3.

[0094] - As Figure 1 shown, there is a gap J1 between the reference part 6.1 and the support part 4.3, which in this text is an angular gap along the positive radial or tangential direction with respect to the radius passing through the axis D.

[0095] - The pawl 10 abuts against the frame 6 because the blocking stop 3 contacts the reference stop 6.2 of the frame 6.

[0096] - The fixed part 9 is completely disengaged from the reference stop 6.2.

[0097] - The blocking stop 3 has a through hole 3.1 through which a watchmaker can manipulate the pawl 10 and / or hold the pawl with tools such as screws or tweezers.

[0098] In Figure 1 , the pawl 10 is in the blocking position, in which the pawl 10 is arranged to block the movement of the moving part 5 along the first movement direction S1; in fact, the ratchet pin 2 is engaged between two teeth 5.1 of the moving part 5, and the blocking stop 3 abuts against the reference stop 6.2 of the frame 6. Therefore, as Figure 1 shown by the dashed arrow, any movement of the moving part 5 along the first movement direction S1 will be blocked by the pawl 10. Note that the blocking stop 3 can be arranged in different ways and can abut against a part of the moving part 5 in the form of, for example, a simple pin, and the pin abuts against the teeth 5.1 or between the teeth of the moving part 5.

[0099] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 the pawl 10 shown, in the released position, in which the pawl 10 is arranged to allow the moving part 5 to move along the second movement direction S2; as described above, the pawl 10 is rotatably mounted on the frame 6. Therefore, when the moving part 5 moves along Figure 2 the second movement direction S2 shown, the pawl 10 can rotate counterclockwise under the action of the force exerted by a tooth 5.1 on the ratchet pin 2 to occupy Figure 2 the released position shown.

[0100] When the pawl 10 moves towards the released position:

[0101] - The blocking stop 3 leaves or loses support on the reference stop 6.2 of the frame 6,

[0102] - The second end 4.2 slides on the reference part 6.1, so that the upper part of the supporting part 4.3 abuts against the reference part 6.1, so as to form a gap J2 below the reference part 6.1. During the sliding of the reference part 6.1 in the second end 4.2, the pawl 10 can move without applying force, which enables the pawl to operate smoothly with the minimum force, thus minimizing the torque required to move the pawl 10.

[0103] - The elastic part 4 undergoes elastic deformation (in the example of this structure, it is basically bending deformation; however, other types or tension configurations of the elastic part 4 are also possible, such as traction, torsion, compression, or any combination of these stress types), thereby generating a force that returns the pawl 10 to Figure 1 the shown blocking position.

[0104] - Due to the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl 10, the fixed part 9 approaches the reference stop 6.2, but there is no obvious interaction. However, a contact point can be provided between the fixed part 9 and the reference stop 6.2, for example, to limit any overtravel of the pawl 10 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0105] When the moving part 5 rotates along the second moving direction S2, each tooth 5.1 slides past the ratchet pin 2 and freely disengages from the ratchet pin under the elastic action of the elastic part 4. Conversely, if the moving part 5 is fixed or moves along the first moving direction S1, the tension action of the elastic part 4 and / or the cooperation between the ratchet pin 2 and the tooth 5.1 (as the case may be) will return the pawl 10 to Figure 1 the shown blocking position.

[0106] Therefore, if the moving part 5 is the ratchet of the barrel, when moving along the second rotation direction S2 (as shown in the Figure 2 configuration), the barrel spring can be tensioned or blocked; and when the pawl 10 returns to the blocking position (as shown in the Figure 1 configuration), such tensioning or blocking can be perfectly ensured and maintained.

[0107] Please note that since there is a gap between the reference part 6.1 and the supporting part 4.3, the movement of the pawl 10 between the blocking position and the release position does not involve the elastic part 4. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the gap is substantially orthogonal to the radius passing through the axis D. In order to effectively limit the force that enables the pawl 10 to move, the gap accounts for at least 40% of the movement amount of the pawl 10 between the blocking position and the release position, and even at least 50%. That is to say, 40% or even 50% of the movement of the pawl 10 between the blocking position and the release position is carried out without any effect (blocking or releasing) on the elastic part 4.

[0108] Figure 3 showsFigure 1 The pawl 10 shown, which is in a fixed position where it is arranged to block the movement of a moving part at least in a second movement direction S2. In fact, for the purpose of facilitating the assembly or disassembly operation of the moving part 5 (in this example, the barrel ratchet), it is necessary to prevent the movement of the moving part at least in the second movement direction S2 (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 the typical conventional operation of the pawl 10 shown, it is usually free to move).

[0109] To this end, in order to block the movement of the moving part 5 at least in the second movement direction S2 (which also includes in the first movement direction S1 in this example), the pawl 10 can be moved to a third position different from Figure 1 the shown blocking position and Figure 2 the shown release position, so that the pawl 10 is in a fixed position, as Figure 3 shown. For example, a watchmaker can insert a tool such as tweezers or a screw into the hole 3.1 of the blocking stop 3 and manually force the pawl 10 to rotate further counterclockwise relative to Figure 2 such that the fixed part exceeds or covers the reference stop 6.2 of the frame 6. In this fixed position, the reference stop 6.2 acts as a fixed stop.

[0110] The fixed part 9 is capable of elastically moving relative to the seat 1, making such movement possible; and the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl 10 causes the stop part 8 to insert between two teeth 5.1 of the moving part 5 and thus abut against both of these teeth 5.1 simultaneously. In this example, the fixed part 9 is equivalent to an elastic notch that locks the pawl 10 in Figure 3 the shown fixed position.

[0111] Note that in the Figure 3 shown example, in the fixed position, the stop part 8 is substantially under compression and abuts against the teeth 5.1 of the moving part 5. Also note that in the Figure 3 shown configuration, the elastic deformation of the elastic part 4 is greater (compared to Figure 2 ), but in any case, the fixed part 9 is arranged to exert a holding force greater than the elastic force generated by the stress on the elastic part 4.

[0112] Once the pawl 10 is in the Figure 3 shown fixed position, the watchmaker can apply a torque (such as a tightening torque) in order to tighten the screw 5.2 of the ratchet in the second movement direction S2, and the stop part 8 can prevent the movement of the moving part 5, thus preventing the movement of the barrel shaft; the barrel shaft is usually connected to the moving part 5 through a non-cylindrical hole (such as a square hole). As Figure 3As shown, the stop portion 8 is arranged to bear on and / or against two teeth 5.1 of the moving part 5 so as to reliably prevent the movement of the moving part 5, and the tightening torque applied to the screw 5.2 in the second movement direction S2 will generate a force on the pawl 10 that causes the pawl to rotate further counterclockwise.

[0113] The torque applied to the screw 5.2 in the first movement direction S1 (for example, the loosening torque) will generate a force on the pawl 10 that causes the pawl to rotate clockwise. As long as the fixing part 9 can withstand the sum of the resilience of the elastic part 4 and the force applied to the pawl 10 by the torque in the first movement direction S1, such a torque can be applied in the first movement direction S1 without causing the movement of the pawl 10.

[0114] Applying a sufficiently large torque to the moving part 5 or its screw 5.2 in the first movement direction S1, or applying a force to the pawl 10 (for example, inserting a tool into the hole of the blocking stop 3), causes the pawl 10 to move clockwise from the fixed position. The clockwise movement causes the fixing part 9 to move back to or beyond the reference stop 6.2, thus forming a fixing stop here, and the pawl 10 returns to at least Figure 2 the release position shown or Figure 1 the blocking position shown. Note that in Figure 1 the blocking position shown, the watchmaker can apply a greater torque to the moving part 5 or the screw 5.2 in the first movement direction S1 than when the pawl 10 is in Figure 3 the fixed position shown. In fact, in Figure 1 the blocking position shown, the pawl 10 abuts against the reference stop 6.2, forming an obvious and firm obstacle.

[0115] Note that the support portion 4.3 surrounds the reference portion 6.1. Therefore, even if the pawl 10 moves a long distance between the blocking position and the fixed position, there is no risk that the support portion 4.3 will disengage from the reference portion 6.1 (or vice versa), thus improving the operating reliability.

[0116] Also note that the fixed position provided by the pawl 10 makes the assembly of the moving part 5 simpler, especially when the moving part can rotate freely in two rotational directions, such as the barrel ratchet.

[0117] Finally, note that the support portion 4.3 is of a closed shape (specifically without an open hook), which greatly reduces the risk of entanglement or twisting during the batch polishing process.

[0118] Industrial application

[0119] The pawl of a timepiece mechanism and its manufacturing according to the present invention can be used in industrial applications.

[0120] It will be understood that various obvious modifications and improvements can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention described in this specification that are applicable to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0121] Specifically, the support portion 4.3 of the pawl 10 may be an external thread that is surrounded or received in the reference portion 6.1, while the reference portion is an internal thread.

[0122] The support portion 4.3 of the pawl 10 may be at least partially surrounded or encircled or enclosed or inserted or introduced or surrounded by the reference portion 6.1. In the example shown, the support portion 4.3 is formed by an enclosed rectangular shape that completely surrounds the reference portion 6.1, but an open or partially open perimeter may also be provided, preferably with an opening size smaller than the size of the reference portion 6.1 (in this example, the diameter of the first pin). Thus, even in the case of an open shape, the reference portion 6.1 cannot pass through the opening.

Claims

1. A pawl (10) of a clockwork mechanism, the pawl being used for a moving part (5), such as a toothed moving part (5), the pawl being arranged to be movable between the following positions: a blocking position, in which the pawl (10) is arranged to block the movement of the moving part (5) in the first movement direction (S1), a release position in which the pawl (10) is arranged to allow the movement of the moving part (5) in the second movement direction (S2), The pawl (10) comprises an elastic portion (4) which is arranged to exert a force to return the pawl (10) to the blocking position. It is characterized in that The elastic part (4) comprises a supporting part (4.3), which is arranged to form a limiting interface together with a reference part (6.1) of a clock mechanism, wherein at the limiting interface, the supporting part (4.3) is at least partially enclosed in the reference part (6.1), or the reference part (6.1) is at least partially enclosed in the supporting part (4.3).

2. The ratchet pawl (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The limiting interface has a gap between the support portion (4.3) and the reference portion (6.1), so that the support portion (4.3) can move freely relative to the reference portion (6.1) during the partial movement of the pawl (10) between the blocking position and the release position.

3. The pawl (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: - one of the support portion (4.3) and the reference portion (6.1) comprises an internal thread, - The other of the support portion (4.3) and the reference portion (6.1) comprises an external thread arranged to be received by an internal thread.

4. The pawl (10) according to claim 3, wherein: - the support portion (4.3) moves along a movement path when the pawl (10) moves between the blocking position and the release position, In the direction of the movement path, the internal thread has an elongated shape, preferably a rectangular shape.

5. The ratchet pawl (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The supporting portion (4.3) is arranged in a protruding portion formed at the first end (4.1) of the elastic portion (4), The pawl (10) comprises a main body integrally formed with the elastic part (4) and the supporting part (4.3).

6. The ratchet pawl (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The subject includes: - a bearing allowing the pawl (10) to move in rotation between a blocking position and a release position, and / or - a ratchet pin (2) arranged to engage with the moving part (5) when the pawl (10) is in the blocking position, and / or - a blocking block (3) arranged to come into contact with a reference block (6.2) or a moving part (5) of the clockwork mechanism when the pawl (10) is in the blocking position, The main body is preferably formed integrally with the bearing and / or with the ratchet pin (2) and / or with the blocking block (3).

7. The pawl (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The elastic portion (4) is constituted by a spring arm which is arranged to be actuated substantially in tension and / or in bending.

8. The pawl (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The pawl is arranged to be movable to a fixed position different from the blocking position and the releasing position, in which the pawl (10) is arranged to block the moving part (5) at least in the second moving direction (S2).

9. The ratchet pawl (10) according to claim 8, wherein: The pawl is arranged to block the moving part (5) in a first moving direction (S1) when the pawl (10) is arranged in a fixed position.

10. The pawl (10) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a stop portion (8) arranged to engage with the moving part (5) when the pawl (10) is arranged in the fixed position, thereby blocking the moving part at least in the second moving direction (S2), preferably in the first moving direction (S1), in, When the pawl (10) is in a fixed position, the stop portion (8) is at least arranged between two adjacent teeth (5.1) on the moving part (5).

11. The pawl (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: It comprises a fixing part (9) which is arranged to fix and maintain a fixed position of a pawl (10), for example by cooperating with a fixed stop of a clock mechanism.

12. The ratchet pawl (10) according to claim 11, wherein: The fixing part (9) comprises an elastic return part.

13. The pawl (10) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein: The fixing portion (9) comprises a projection, preferably a radial projection, which is arranged to hinder the movement of the pawl (10) from the fixing position to the blocking position or the releasing position.

14. A timepiece assembly comprising at least one click (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one reference part (6.1) of a timepiece mechanism.

15. A timepiece assembly according to claim 14, wherein: It comprises a moving part (5), such as a ratchet.

16. A timepiece comprising a pawl (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images