Timepiece indexing element

Abstract

Watchmaking indexing element (10), cooperating coaxially with a watchmaking component (20) having an indexing relief (30), having indexing means (13) cooperating with this indexing relief (30) for their relative indexing in a plurality of indexing positions, and carried by first elastic arms (14) each having a first indexing surface (15), each first elastic arm (14) being arranged to exert a substantially radial thrust force relative to this said component (20), and this indexing element (10) has at least a first bearing surface (11) arranged so as, in the free state in a service position, to remain at a distance from a second complementary bearing surface (31) that a component (20) has, and in case of shock, to cooperate in a buttress and / or guide bearing with the second complementary bearing surface (31).

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a watch indexing element, arranged to cooperate substantially coaxially, around an axis around which said indexing element extends, with a watch component having an indexing relief defining a plurality of indexing positions, said indexing element having a first bearing surface arranged to cooperate in a buttress support with a second complementary bearing surface that comprises said component, and having elastic return means arranged to exert a substantially radial thrust force with respect to said axis on said component to press it in support on said first bearing surface, and having indexing means arranged to cooperate with said indexing relief of said component for relative indexing between said indexing element and said component.

[0002] The invention further relates to a watch assembly comprising at least one such indexing element, and at least one such watch component comprising an indexing relief defining a plurality of indexing positions, said at least one indexing element and said at least one component being arranged to cooperate with each other in a substantially coaxial manner, around said axis, for their relative indexing with respect to each other.

[0003] The invention also relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising at least one such indexing element, and / or such a clockwork assembly.

[0004] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timekeeping mechanism and / or at least one such indexing element, and / or such a timekeeping assembly.

[0005] The invention also relates to the field of watchmaking mechanisms, and in particular to display, and / or adjustment, and / or selection mechanisms. Background of the invention

[0006] In clockwork display mechanisms such as time zone displays, jumping hour / time wheels are often made up of several plates / pinions linked together by a star / cam constrained by a spring element (ratchet). Such systems are quite bulky.

[0007] The spring elements of these systems are often pushed to their maximum, which prevents the achievement of significant deflection values, necessary for proper winding and operation. Furthermore, dimensional variations during production lead to significant variations in the forces exerted by these springs, making the resulting stresses unrepeatable.

[0008] Documents JPH0640890 and JPS5770176 describe other examples of the realization of indexing elements having elastic portions arranged to exert a thrust force substantially radial with respect to the axis of rotation of the component to be indexed. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to both improve the reliability of the adjustment and indexing mechanisms, reduce their thickness, and guarantee precise and controlled indexing between two elements.

[0010] The aim is, once again, to limit the stresses experienced by the elastic elements.

[0011] And finally, we must free ourselves from the dispersion of the values ​​of the forces, attributable to the difficulty of respecting, in a reproducible way, the production tolerances.

[0012] For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch indexing element, according to claim 1.

[0013] The invention further relates to a watch assembly comprising at least one such indexing element, and at least one such watch component comprising an indexing relief defining a plurality of indexing positions, said at least one indexing element and said at least one component being arranged to cooperate with each other in a substantially coaxial manner, for their relative indexing with respect to each other.

[0014] The invention also relates to a clockwork mechanism comprising at least one such indexing element, and / or such a clockwork assembly.

[0015] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timekeeping mechanism and / or at least one such indexing element, and / or such a timekeeping assembly. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings, where: there figure 1This schematic, two-dimensional representation depicts a clockwork assembly comprising, on the one hand, an indexing element (here a toothed wheel) with two pairs of elastic arms cut from its base, and on the other hand, a clockwork component with an indexing relief defining a plurality of indexing positions. This indexing relief is formed by teeth. The indexing element and the component cooperate coaxially, bearing against each other. In each pair of elastic arms, the innermost arm performs the indexing by cooperating with the indexing relief and applies initial pressure to it. In each pair, the outermost elastic arm, coplanar with the inner arm, presses on the inner arm with a restoring torque greater than its own. This figure is represented in a stable indexed position; the figure 2 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1The same mechanism in a transitional position, in which the internal elastic arms rest on the tooth tips of the indexing relief; the internal and external elastic arms are then at their maximum radial elongation; the figure 3 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1 the indexing element alone, in its free state, in which the internal and external elastic arms are in their rest position, as close as possible to the axis; the figure 4 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1 , an inverse configuration, where the component with the indexing relief surrounds the indexing element, and where the external elastic arms cooperate with the latter, while the internal elastic arms press against the external elastic arms; the figure 5 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1 , a detail of a variant where the internal elastic arm has a notch with which a boss on the external elastic arm can cooperate; the figure 6 represents, in a similar way to the figure 1 , a detail of another variant where a locking element such as a pin is inserted at the factory after adjustment, to limit the travel of the internal and external elastic arms to a simple shock-absorbing clearance, but does not allow a change in indexing without prior removal of this locking element; the figure 7 is a block diagram representing a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising a clockwork mechanism itself comprising such an assembly with such an indexing element, and such a component; the figure 8represents, schematically and in flat form, a watch assembly according to the invention, where the indexing element comprises an alternation of first elastic arms, arranged to cooperate with the indexing relief of the component, and second arms, each of which comprises a bearing surface which, in the service position, is distant from the indexing relief, and which, in the event of a shock, constitute bearing surfaces for stopping and / or guiding the component. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0017] The invention relates to a watch indexing element 10, arranged to cooperate substantially coaxially, around an axis D around which this indexing element 10 extends, with a watch component 20.

[0018] This component 20 includes an indexing relief 30, defining a plurality of indexing positions. This indexing relief can be constituted by teeth as illustrated by the figures, or by a groove, or by notches, or projections, or pins, or other.

[0019] In one example, the indexing element 10 has a first bearing surface 11, which is arranged to cooperate, at least in impact configuration, as a buttress and / or guide support with a second complementary bearing surface 21 that is part of such a component 20. In the case of the figures 1 to 6 This is a permanent contact, and this contact zone between the indexing element 10 and the component 20 ensures the perfect positioning of one in relation to the other: their position is both known and controlled.

[0020] Under normal operating conditions, in the service position, each first bearing surface 11 is separated from a second complementary bearing surface 21 by a non-zero clearance of a few micrometers or tens of micrometers. In the event of an impact, the first bearing surface 11 acts as both a stop and a guide for the component 20.

[0021] The indexing element 10 includes elastic return means, identified 12 on the figures 1 to 6 , which are arranged to exert a substantially radial thrust force, relative to the axis D, on such a component 20, to press it against a contact surface, or against the bearing surface 11.

[0022] The indexing element 10 includes indexing means 13, which are arranged to cooperate with an indexing relief 30 of a component 20 for relative indexing between the indexing element 10 and that component 20. These indexing means 13 include teeth, lugs, or the like.

[0023] The elastic return means 12 include at least a first elastic arm 14, comprising a first indexing surface 15 which includes the indexing means 13. And this first elastic arm 14 is arranged to exert a thrust force substantially radial with respect to the axis D on such a component 20.

[0024] In a particular arrangement, such as can be seen in the works of figures 1 to 6The elastic return means 12 further comprise at least one second elastic arm 16, which is arranged to exert a substantially radial thrust force about the axis D on at least one first elastic arm 14. More particularly, in a pair consisting of a first elastic arm 14 and a second elastic arm 16, the second elastic arm 16 is arranged to exert a restoring torque greater than the restoring torque of the first elastic arm 14. More particularly, in a pair consisting of a first elastic arm 14 and a second elastic arm 16, the second elastic arm 16 is arranged to travel, in its flexing stroke, a radial extension (or deflection) less than that of the first elastic arm 14. For example, on the mechanism illustrated in the figures 1 to 3, whose application is the drive of the time and date indicator of a watch, the first inner elastic arm 14 has a deflection of 0.26 mm, while that of the second elastic arm 16 is 0.21 mm. This arrangement ensures torque resistance, guaranteeing here a minimum torque of 1.2 N·mm. In particular, and as illustrated by the figures 1 to 6The indexing element 10 comprises a plurality of pairs (two pairs in the non-limiting case of the figures), each consisting of a first elastic arm 14 and a second elastic arm 16, and each arranged to exert on a component 20 a force substantially diametrically opposed, with respect to the axis D, to the first bearing surface 11. More particularly, at least one second elastic arm 16 comprises a lug 17 which is arranged to cooperate with a notch 18 which comprises a first elastic arm 14 with which this second elastic arm 16 cooperates, for locking in the indexing position of this first elastic arm 14, at the factory or in an after-sales service; to be implemented by a user, such a variant requires the arrangement of additional means, not illustrated here, to disengage the lug 17 from the notch 18.More specifically, the indexing element 10 includes at least one locking element 19, which is arranged to lock a second elastic arm 16 against a first elastic arm 14 with which this second elastic arm 16 cooperates. This locking mechanism may have a slight play, to allow a small radial movement of the first elastic arm 14 and the second elastic arm 16 in case of impact, when the mechanism is incorporated into a watch. Again, such a locking mechanism is a factory setting or part of after-sales service. Preferably, within the same pair, the first elastic arm 14 and the second elastic arm 16 are substantially parallel to each other. In a particular arrangement, and as illustrated by the figures... figures 1 to 6 The first elastic arms 14 and second elastic arms 16 are curved, specifically substantially circular and centered on axis D, for good stress distribution. In a variant such as illustrated by the figures 1 to 3 The indexing element 10 comprises an internal chamber 111, delimited by the bearing surface 11 and each first elastic arm 14, and which is arranged to surround an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, and each first elastic arm 14 is closer to the axis D than each second elastic arm 16. In another embodiment as illustrated by the figure 4 , the indexing element 10 is arranged to be inserted into an external chamber delimited by an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, and each first elastic arm 14 is further away from the axis D than each second elastic arm 16.

[0025] In an advantageous variant, and as seen on the figures 1 to 6, the indexing element 10 has at least one boss 110 diametrically opposite, with respect to the axis D, to the first bearing surface 11, to constitute an anti-shock stop limiting the relative radial movement, in case of shock, between the indexing element 10 and a component 20 assembled together in an indexed position.

[0026] There figure 8 illustrates a mechanism according to the invention, arranged to ensure proper functioning, with maintenance of geometry, even in case of shock.

[0027] Thus the invention relates to a watch indexing element 10, arranged to cooperate substantially coaxially, around an axis D around which this indexing element 10 extends, with a watch component 20 having an indexing relief 30. The indexing element 10 includes indexing means 13, which are arranged to cooperate with such an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, for a relative indexing between this indexing element 10 and this component 20 among a plurality of relative indexing positions.

[0028] According to the invention, these indexing means 13 are carried by a plurality of first elastic arms 14 each comprising a first indexing surface 15, each first elastic arm 14 being arranged to exert a substantially radial thrust force with respect to the axis D on this component 20.

[0029] And the indexing element 10 includes at least a first bearing surface 11, which is arranged so that, in the free state in a service position, it remains at a distance from a second complementary bearing surface 21 that comprises a component 20, and in the event of a shock, it cooperates in a buttress and / or guidance bearing with the second complementary bearing surface 21.

[0030] More specifically, the play in the service position between each first support surface 11 and each second complementary support surface 21 is strictly positive, i.e. non-zero.

[0031] Each first bearing surface 11 is supported by a second arm 40 cantilevered inside the indexing element 10. According to the invention as claimed, each second arm 40 is elastic.

[0032] More specifically, the indexing element 10 comprises a plurality of first bearing surfaces 11, which are arranged to surround a component 20 and keep it substantially coaxial with the indexing element 10 in case of impact.

[0033] More specifically, each first bearing surface 11 is arranged to cooperate simultaneously with several protruding reliefs 31, including teeth, which comprise the indexing relief 30 of component 20.

[0034] More specifically, each second arm 40 has a first external limiting surface 41, which is arranged to limit the centripetal stroke of a first elastic arm 14 or to move a first elastic arm 14 away from the axis D during a shock.

[0035] More specifically, the indexing element 10 comprises an alternation of second arms 40 and first elastic arms 14, all internally projecting from a substantially annular structure towards the axis D.

[0036] More specifically, each first elastic arm 14 has a housing 150 or a protrusion for its operation by a clamping tool concentric for its cooperation with an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, or for its disassembly.

[0037] More specifically, each second arm 40 has a second internal limiting surface 42, which is arranged to limit the centrifugal stroke of a first elastic arm 14.

[0038] It is understood that the invention can be used indifferently with the indexing element 10 movable and the component 20 fixed, or the indexing element 10 fixed and the component 20 movable, or the indexing element 10 and the component 20 both movable, or even the indexing element 10 and the component 20 both fixed for a factory setting for example.

[0039] In one variant, the indexing element 10 is a mobile arranged to pivot around the axis D and around a component 20 with which it cooperates.

[0040] More specifically, the indexing element 10 includes drive means 120, such as teeth, grooves, notches, holes, projections, pins, dowels, belt or chain groove, or other.

[0041] In one variant, the indexing element 10 is arranged to be fixed in a fixed angular position on a structure of a movement or clockwork mechanism.

[0042] In particular, the indexing element 10 is made of micro-machinable material, which can be produced by a process of type "LIGA" (from the German "Röntgenlithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung": lithography, galvanization, forming) or similar, in silicon, or silicon oxide, or nickel-phosphorus NiP, or any similar material now in common use in watchmaking and suitable for the manufacture of thin monobloc components with elastic blades.

[0043] The invention is particularly well suited to the production of small watch components, for example with an overall diameter of less than 5 mm, and a thickness of a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0044] The invention further relates to a watch assembly 100 comprising at least one such indexing element 10, and at least one such watch component 20 comprising an indexing relief 30 defining a plurality of indexing positions. This at least one indexing element 10 and this at least one component 20 are arranged to cooperate with each other in a substantially coaxial manner, around the axis D, for their relative indexing with respect to each other, with the first bearing surface 11 arranged to cooperate as a buttress with a second complementary bearing surface 21 comprising this at least one component 20, and the indexing means 13 arranged to cooperate with an indexing relief 30 of such a component 20 for relative indexing between the indexing element 10 and the component 20 concerned.

[0045] In the variant of figures 1 to 3, the indexing element 10 has an internal chamber 111, delimited by the bearing surface 11 and each first elastic arm 14, arranged to surround an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, and each first elastic arm 14 is closer to the axis D than each second elastic arm 16.

[0046] In the variant of the figure 4 , the indexing element 10 is arranged to be inserted into an external chamber delimited by an indexing relief 30 of a component 20, and each first elastic arm 14 is further away from the axis D than each second elastic arm 16.

[0047] More specifically, the watch assembly 100 includes a unique indexing element 10, and a unique component 20.

[0048] In one variant, component 20 is a mobile.

[0049] In another variant, component 20 is arranged to be fixed in a fixed angular position on a structure of a movement or clockwork mechanism.

[0050] More specifically, the indexing element 10 and the indexing relief 30 of component 20 are both delimited by the same upper plane and the same lower plane, perpendicular to the axis D. More specifically, they have the same thickness.

[0051] The invention further relates to a clockwork mechanism 500 comprising at least one such indexing element 10, and / or such a clockwork assembly 100.

[0052] The invention further relates to a timepiece 1000, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timekeeping mechanism 500, and / or at least one indexing element 10, and / or a timekeeping assembly 100.

[0053] Compared to the prior art where it was common to juxtapose a toothed wheel with spring elements side by side, the invention, while ensuring the disengagement of the two indexed elements, makes it possible to gain a level in Z, that is to say to reduce the total thickness.

[0054] Connecting two elastic arms, or spring elements, in parallel allows for achieving the desired torque, limiting stress, and providing a significant deflection (radial extension of the elastic arms). A large deflection helps reduce the impact of production variations.

[0055] Within each pair, one of the elastic arms provides positioning and indexing, and part of the support torque, and the other spring provides most of the resulting support torque.

[0056] If the invention is illustrated here with an indexing element 10 and a component 20 which are both toothed wheels, it is understood that the invention lends itself to many watchmaking applications: column wheel, date ring, time zone indicator, rocker, display disc, day / night indicator, AM / PM indicator, leap year display, moon phase, or other.

[0057] Finally, the correct orientation of the support forces exerted by the spring elements ensures that one element is positioned relative to the other in a known way at any given time.

[0058] In summary, the invention makes it possible to obtain an appreciable gain on the size, particularly in thickness, to minimize the risk of breakage of the spring elements, and to ensure better control of forces.

Claims

1. A timepiece indexing element (10), arranged to cooperate in a substantially coaxial manner, around an axis (D) around which said indexing element (10) extends, with a timepiece component (20) including an indexing relief (30), including indexing means (13) arranged to cooperate with a said indexing relief (30) of a said component (20) for relative indexing between said indexing element (10) and this said component (20) from a plurality of relative indexing positions, said indexing means (13) being carried by a plurality of first elastic arms (14) each including a first indexing surface (15), each said first elastic arm (14) being arranged to exert a pushing force that is substantially radial relative to said axis (D) on this said component (20), said indexing element (10) comprising at least a first bearing surface (11) which is arranged, in the free state in a service position, to remain at a distance from a second complementary bearing surface (21) that a said component (20) includes, and in the event of impact, to cooperate in abutment and / or guide bearing with said second complementary bearing surface (21), each said first bearing surface (11) being carried by a second bearing arm (40), characterised in that the second elastic bearing arm (40) is a second elastic bearing arm cantilevered inside said indexing element (10).

2. The indexing element (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the clearance in said service position between each said first bearing surface (11) and each said second complementary bearing surface (21) is strictly positive.

3. The indexing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said indexing element (10) includes a plurality of said first bearing surfaces (11) arranged to surround a said component (20) and keep it substantially coaxial with said indexing element (10) in the event of impact.

4. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each said first bearing surface (11) is arranged to cooperate simultaneously with several protruding reliefs (31) that said indexing relief (30) of said component (20) includes.

5. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that each said second bearing arm (40) includes a first outer limiting surface (41) arranged to limit the centripetal travel of a said first elastic arm (14) or to move a said first elastic arm (14) away from said axis (D) upon impact.

6. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said indexing element (10) includes an alternation of said second bearing arms (40) and said first elastic arms (14), all protruding internally from a substantially annular structure, towards said axis (D).

7. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that each said first elastic arm (14) includes a housing or a protuberance for its handling by a concentric clamping tool for cooperating it with a said indexing relief (30) of a said component (20) or for its dismantling.

8. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that each said second bearing arm (40) includes a second inner limiting surface (42) arranged to limit the centrifugal travel of a said first elastic arm (14).

9. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said indexing element (10) is a mobile arranged to pivot around said axis (D) and around a said component (20) with which it cooperates.

10. The indexing element (10) according to claim 9, characterised in that said indexing element (10) includes drive or positioning means (120).

11. The indexing element (10) according to claim 10, characterised in that said drive or positioning means (120) include toothing.

12. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said indexing element (10) is arranged to be fixed in a fixed angular position on a structure of a movement or of a timepiece mechanism.

13. The indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said indexing element (10) is made of nickel-phosphorus NiP.

14. A timepiece assembly (100) including at least one indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and at least one timepiece component (20) including an indexing relief (30) defining a plurality of indexing positions, said at least one indexing element (10) and said at least one component (20) being arranged to cooperate with one another in a substantially coaxial manner, around said axis (D), for their relative indexing relative to one another, with said first bearing surface (11) arranged to cooperate in abutment or guide bearing with a second complementary bearing surface (21) that said at least one component (20) includes, and said indexing means (13) arranged to cooperate with a said indexing relief (30) of a said component (20) for relative indexing between said indexing element (10) and said component (20).

15. The timepiece assembly (100) according to claim 14, characterised in that said indexing element (10) includes an inner chamber (111) arranged to surround a said indexing relief (30) of a said component (20), and in that each said first elastic arm (14) is closer to said axis (D) than each said first bearing surface (11).

16. The timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that said timepiece assembly (100) includes a single said indexing element (10), and a single said component (20).

17. The timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that said component (20) is a mobile.

18. The timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterised in that said component (20) is arranged to be fixed in a fixed angular position on a structure of a movement or of a timepiece mechanism.

19. The timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that said indexing element (10) and said indexing relief (30) of the component (20) are both delimited by the same upper plane and the same lower plane, which are perpendicular to said axis (D).

20. A timepiece mechanism (500) including at least one indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and / or a timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 19.

21. A timepiece (1000) including at least one timepiece mechanism (500) according to claim 20 and / or at least one indexing element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and / or a timepiece assembly (100) according to one of claims 14 to 19.

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