Stop mechanism for stopping or releasing a timepiece or chronograph regulating mechanism wheel

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a stopping (100) or release mechanism for a rotating (1) movement of a regulator or chronograph mechanism about a main axis (D), comprising a control member (210) manipulable by a user and articulated with a stop lever (2) having a bearing surface (20) arranged to cooperate with a complementary bearing surface (11) of the movement (1), and movable between a running position where any bearing surface (20) is distant from the complementary bearing surface (11), and a stopping position where a bearing surface (20) is in contact with the latter, this stop lever (2) comprising, fixed and movable in rotation with respect to a pivot axis (DP), a first control part (21) removably articulated with the control member (210), at the level of a pivot axis (DA) parallel to said pivot axis (DP),This removable joint allows for the planar extraction or insertion of the first part (21) relative to said control member (210), and a second support part (22) comprising the bearing surface (20), and the stop lever (2) is mounted, at the level of said pivot axis (DP), in a removable axial manner relative to a rotating guide element (510) comprising a structure (500), this stop mechanism (100) further comprising an elastic return means exerting an axial force on the stop lever (2) and pressing it against this structure (500), and the invention further relates to a timepiece (1000) comprising a regulator mechanism or a chronograph comprising such a stop mechanism (100).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for stopping or releasing a rotating part of a regulator or chronograph mechanism about a main axis, comprising a control member operable by a user and articulated with a stop lever having a bearing surface arranged to cooperate with a complementary bearing surface of the rotating part, and movable between a running position where any bearing surface is distant from the complementary bearing surface, and a stop position where a bearing surface is in contact with the latter. The invention further relates to a timepiece comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism having a structure and at least one first bridge on either side of a rotating part about a main axis, and comprising such a stop mechanism for triggering the stopping or release of said rotating part of the regulator or chronograph mechanism.

[0002] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking stopping mechanisms. Technological background

[0003] Stop levers, also called locking levers, are designed to halt the rotation of a moving part and release it at the user's command. These levers are generally located near the moving parts in busy areas where space is limited. Consequently, these levers are often permanently embedded in stacks of bridges or similar structures, necessitating complete dismantling of the bridge stack to access the mechanisms behind the locking levers, or even the locking levers themselves.

[0004] In particular, a recurring problem is that the stop lever prevents the anchor bridge from being removed, for example when the anchor lift fittings need adjusting.

[0005] To remove the stop-second, it would in principle be necessary to remove the bridges which are above the stop-second bridge, to obtain a configuration without the bridges, which would allow the stop-second to be disassembled.

[0006] This is disadvantageous because it is very time-consuming and carries a risk of damage and / or soiling of the components.

[0007] Document EP 1 451 647 describes a stopping mechanism for a balance wheel pivoting in a tourbillon cage. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to provide an economical solution to this problem, by allowing the stop lever to be removed at minimal cost, to allow any other intervention on the timepiece.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a stopping or releasing mechanism for a moving part of a regulator or chronograph mechanism, according to claim 1.

[0010] The invention further relates to a timepiece comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism including such a stop mechanism, for triggering the stop or release of this regulator or chronograph mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[0011] The invention will be better understood in light of the detailed description that follows, and the accompanying drawings, where: there figure 1 represents, schematically, partially, and in plan view, a timepiece comprising a balance-spring regulating mechanism, with a stop mechanism including a stop lever interposed between the balance wheel and the mainplate, which carries a first balance bridge and a second stop-seconds bridge; figure 2 is a detail of the figure 1 ; there figure 3 represents the same mechanism after removal of the balance bridge and balance wheel; we can see that the stop lever obstructs access to the anchor bridge; the figure 4represents, in a schematic and perspective way, the same mechanism in the state of the figure 3 ; there figure 5 represents, in a similar way to the figure 3 The same mechanism after removal of all the bridges, including the stop-seconds bridge; the figure 6 represents, in a schematic, partial, and perspective manner, a mechanism comprising a stopping mechanism according to the invention, in a state similar to that of the figure 3 That is, after removing the balance bridge and the balance wheel; one can see the pivoting guidance of the stop lever in a chamber formed between the support plate and the second stop-seconds bridge, around a trunnion limited in height so as to allow axial and then planar extraction of the stop lever; the figure 7represents, schematically, partially, and in perspective, the stop lever according to the invention, and its removable articulation with a control element that can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user, visible in the left part of the figure; the figure 8 represents, schematically and in perspective, the stop lever alone, with, arranged in a fan shape around the pivot axis, a first control arm, a second support arm, and a third stabilizing arm; at the distal end of the first control arm, one can distinguish the fork allowing removable articulation with the control mechanism, and, at the rear, a fourth flexible arm, not coplanar with the other arms, allowing the stop lever to be pressed against the support plate during normal operation; the Figures 9 and 10 represent, in a schematic, partial, and perspective way, in configurations similar to figures 2 and 3, a mechanism equipped with a stop mechanism according to the invention in the classic case of a low-frequency oscillator (less than or equal to 5 Hz) with a stop-seconds mechanism resting on the balance wheel rim; the anchor bridge is removable without removing the stop-seconds mechanism; the figures 11 to 13 represent, schematically, partially, in plan view for the figure 11 and in perspective for the Figures 12 and 13 , in configurations similar respectively to figures 1 and 2 And 3, a mechanism equipped with a stop mechanism according to the invention in the case of a caliber with a high frequency oscillator (greater than 5 Hz, in particular close to 10 Hz) with a stop-seconds acting on a heart-cam (not visible in the figures) on the balance wheel in order to restart it for the start; the stop-seconds passes over the anchor bridge, and, thanks to the invention, it can be extracted from the chamber which contains it, between the support plate and the stop-seconds bridge, by an axial movement allowing its extraction from its pivot, and a planar movement allowing both the decoupling of the fork of the first arm from the trunnion of the control member, and the substantially planar extraction of the stop lever through the balance wheel housing. Detailed description of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a stop mechanism 100 for triggering the stop or release of a mobile 1 of a regulator or chronograph mechanism of a timepiece 1000.

[0013] This stopping mechanism 100 comprises a structure 500, in particular a plate or similar, and at least a first bridge 600 on either side of the mobile 1 which is mobile in rotation around a main axis D.

[0014] The stop mechanism 100 includes a control element 210, which can be manipulated directly or indirectly by a user, and which is articulated with a stop lever 2, which includes at least one bearing surface 20 arranged to bear against a complementary bearing surface 11 front and / or edge of the mobile 1.

[0015] This stop lever 2 is movable between a walking position where any bearing surface 20 is at a distance from the complementary bearing surface 11 and where the movable 1 is free to rotate, and a stop position where at least one bearing surface 20 is in contact with the complementary bearing surface 11 and where the movable 1 is in a rotationally stopped position.

[0016] According to the invention, the stop lever 2 comprises, fixed together and rotatable together about a pivot axis DP parallel to the main axis D, a first control portion 21 and a second support portion 22. The first control portion 21 is removably articulated with the control member 210 at a pivot axis DA, preferably parallel to the pivot axis DP. This removable articulation allows for substantially planar extraction or insertion of the first portion 21 relative to the control member 210, perpendicular to the pivot axis DA. The second support portion 22, which comprises at least one bearing surface 20, is movable between the structure 500 and the first bridge 600.

[0017] The stop lever 2 is mounted, at the pivot axis DP, in a removable manner axially relative to a rotational guide element 510 which comprises the structure 500.

[0018] The stop mechanism 100 further includes at least one elastic return means, which is arranged to exert an axial force on the stop lever 2 and press it against the structure 500.

[0019] More specifically, the stop lever 2 is interposed between the structure 500 and a second bridge 700, which comprises the stop mechanism 100, which together define a chamber 800 in which the stop lever 2 is mounted, at the pivot axis DP, in a removable manner axially relative to the rotating guide element 510.

[0020] More specifically, the chamber 800 includes a pivoting trunnion 810 defining the pivot axis DP and arranged to cooperate with minimal radial play with a bore 820 in the retaining lever 2, or vice versa. The height of the projection of the pivoting trunnion 810 is less than the difference between, on the one hand, the height of the chamber 800 along the axial direction Z at the pivot axis DP, and on the other hand, the maximum thickness of the retaining lever 2, so as to allow the removal of the retaining lever 2 by a combination of an axial movement to disengage the bore 820 from the pivoting trunnion 810, and a substantially planar movement, perpendicular to the articulation axis DA, of the retaining lever 2.

[0021] More specifically, the stopping mechanism 100 also includes, attached to the first part 21 and second part 22, a third stabilizing part 23 which is movable in the chamber 800, with at least one axial degree of freedom along an axial direction Z parallel to the main axis D.

[0022] More specifically, the structure 500 and the second bridge 700 limit the axial stroke of the third stabilizing part 23 below a maximum value CM, to ensure a rotational movement of the second part 22 around the pivot axis DP, substantially planar perpendicular to the main axis D.

[0023] More particularly, the removable joint between the first control part 21 and the control member 210 includes a fork 25 carried by the first part 21, arranged to cooperate with a pin 26 that includes the control member 210, or vice versa, so as to permit lateral mounting or dismounting between the first part 21 and the control member 210.

[0024] More specifically, the elastic return means is carried by the stop lever 2, which includes a fourth flexible part 24, arranged to bear against a lower surface 724 of the second bridge 700 to press the stop lever 2 against the structure 500. In an alternative not shown, this elastic return means may consist of a spring integral with the second bridge 700, or something similar. More specifically, the fourth part 24 is not coplanar with the first part 21, the second part 22, and the third part 23, which are coplanar with each other. In a particular alternative, not shown in the figures, the fourth part 24 is integral with the third part 23 and is not coplanar with the first part 21 and the second part 22, which are coplanar with each other.In another variant, the fourth part 24 is monobloc with the first part 21, and is not coplanar with the second part 22 and the third part 23 which are coplanar with each other.

[0025] In particular, the stop lever 2 is a single piece.

[0026] In particular, the stop lever 2 is a cut and bent component, and therefore very economical.

[0027] The invention further relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism having a structure 500 and at least a first bridge 600 on either side of a mobile 1 rotating about a main axis D, and comprising such a stop mechanism 100, for triggering the stop or release of this mobile 1 of the regulator or chronograph mechanism.

[0028] More particularly, the mechanism carrying the mobile 1 is a regulating mechanism, of which the mobile 1 is an inertial mass or a balance wheel or a tourbillon cage, and which regulating mechanism comprises, superimposed along the axial direction Z, from the structure 500 carrying a lower pivot 520, an anchor bridge 900, the inertial mass or the balance wheel or the tourbillon cage, the stop lever 2 which is removable leaving axial access to said anchor bridge 900 and allowing the removal of the inertial mass or the balance wheel or the tourbillon cage, the second bridge 700, and the first bridge 600 carrying a upper pivot 540.

[0029] More specifically, the stop lever 2 is arranged to cooperate with a heart-cam carried by the inertial mass or the balance wheel or the tourbillon cage, in order to restart it for the start when it is released.

[0030] More specifically, the lower pivot 520 and / or the upper pivot 540 is a magnetic pivot. Indeed, the use of magnetic pivots is particularly advantageous for guiding a high-frequency oscillator, on the order of 10 Hz.

[0031] More specifically, the stop lever 2 is arranged to cooperate in tangential support with a serge or peripheral surface comprising the inertial mass or the balance wheel or the tourbillon cage, and is, in planar projection along the axial direction Z, in each of its positions, external to the anchor bridge 900.

[0032] The invention thus provides an economical solution to the problem: the stop lever, also more commonly called a brake lever, is designed to be removable without removing the bridge above it. The cross-sectional diagrams illustrate the system.

[0033] The movement required to remove the stop lever consists of two phases: an axial movement along the Z-axis to disengage the stop lever from the guide at the pivot axis DP, and then a planar movement in a plane parallel to that of the balance wheel. Indeed, the shaft guiding the stop lever allows for axial assembly / disassembly along the Z-axis, parallel to the balance wheel's axis of rotation.

[0034] The articulation with the upstream control mechanism is achieved with an articulated mechanism, such as a fork and a pin allowing lateral disassembly, or similar.

[0035] To keep the stop lever in place and prevent it from disassembling itself, it advantageously includes a flexible blade resting on the upper bridge, which presses it axially downwards on the structure, in particular a plate.

[0036] While on a caliber with a low-frequency oscillator (5 Hz or less) and a stop-seconds mechanism resting on the balance wheel rim, the escapement bridge can be removed without removing the stop-seconds mechanism, this is not the case for a caliber with a high-frequency oscillator (over 5 Hz). Such a caliber requires a stop-seconds mechanism that acts on a cam on the balance wheel to restart it. In this case, the stop-seconds mechanism passes over the escapement bridge, and this is where the invention becomes truly useful. Indeed, a caliber with a high-frequency oscillator requires such a stop-seconds mechanism that acts on a cam on the balance wheel to restart it. This starting function is necessary due to the frequency exceeding 5 Hz. The stop-seconds mechanism therefore passes over the anchor point. When adjusting the escapement, it must be possible to remove the escapement bridge and, consequently, the stop-seconds mechanism.The invention makes it possible to avoid dismantling the upper bridge (barrel bridge, gear bridge, or other), and makes maintenance operations more economical, and guarantees the cleanliness of the mechanisms.

Claims

1. A stop mechanism (100) for stopping or releasing a mobile part (1) of a regulator or chronograph mechanism in a timepiece (1000), comprising a structure (500) and at least a first bar (600) on either side of said mobile part (1) that can be rotated around a main axis (D) defining an axial direction (Z), said stop mechanism (100) comprising a control organ (210) that can be operated directly or indirectly by a user and articulated with a stop lever (2) that comprises at least one bearing surface (20) arranged to bear on a complementary front and / or edge bearing surface (11) on said mobile (1), said stop lever (2) being mobile between a running position in which all of said bearing surface (20) is at a distance from said complementary bearing surface (11) and in which said mobile (1) is free to rotate, and a stop position in which at least one said bearing surface (20) bears on said complementary bearing surface (11) and in which said mobile (1) is in a rotationally mobile stop position, in which said stop lever (2) comprises, joined and able to rotate together relative to a pivot axis (DP) parallel to said main axis (D), a first control part (21) that is detachably articulated with said control organ (210), at an articulation axis (DA) parallel to said pivot axis (DP), said detachable articulation enabling said first part (21) to be extracted or inserted substantially flat relative to said control organ (210), perpendicularly to said articulation axis (DA), and a second bearing part (22) comprising said at least one bearing surface (20) and which is mobile between said structure (500) and said first bar (600), in which said stop lever (2) is interposed between said structure (500) and a second bar (700), comprised in said stop mechanism (100), which together define a chamber (800) in which said stop lever (2) is fitted, on said pivot axis (DP), so as to be axially detachable relative to a rotational guide element (510) and in which said chamber (800) comprises, as said rotational guide element (510) a trunnion (810) defining said pivot axis (DP) and arranged to engage with minimal radial slack with a bore (820) comprised in said stop lever so that the height of the protrusion of said trunnion (810) is less than the difference between, on one hand, the height of said chamber (800) in said axial direction (Z) at said pivot axis (DP) and, on the other hand, the maximum thickness of said stop lever (2), so as to allow said stop lever (2) to be extracted by a combination of an axial movement to disengage said bore (820) from said trunnion (810), and a substantially planar movement, perpendicular to said articulation axis (DA) of said stop lever (2).

2. The stop mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that said structure (500) comprises said rotational guide bore (820).

3. The stop mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said stop mechanism (100) further comprises at least one resilient return means arranged to exert an axial force on said stop lever (2) and press it against said structure (500).

4. The stop mechanism (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said stop mechanism (100) further comprises, fastened to said first part (21) and second part (22), a third stabilisation part (23) that is mobile in said chamber (800), with at least one axial degree of freedom in an axial direction (Z) parallel with said main axis (D).

5. The stop mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that said structure (500) and said second bar (700) limit the axial travel of said third stabilisation part (23) below a maximum value (CM) to ensure a rotational movement of said second part (22) about said pivot axis (DP), substantially planar perpendicularly to said main axis (D).

6. The stop mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that said detachable articulation between said first control part (21) and said control organ (210) comprises a fork (25) carried by said first part (21), arranged to engage with a pin (26) comprised in said control organ (210), or inversely, so as to enable lateral assembly or disassembly between said first part (21) and said control organ (210).

7. The stop mechanism (100) according to claims 3 and 4, characterised in that said resilient return means is carried by said stop lever (2) which comprises a fourth flexible part (24), arranged to bear against a lower surface (724) on said second bar (700) to press said stop lever (2) against said structure (500).

8. The stop mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that said fourth part (24) is not coplanar with said first part (21), said second part (22) and said third part (23), which are coplanar with each other.

9. The stop mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that said fourth part (24) is made in one piece with said third part (23), and is not coplanar with said first part (21) and said second part (22) which are coplanar with each other.

10. The stop mechanism (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that said fourth part (24) is made in one piece with said first part (21), and is not coplanar with said second part (22) and said third part (23) which are coplanar with each other.

11. The stop mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that said stop lever (2) is made in one piece.

12. A timepiece (1000) comprising a regulator or chronograph mechanism comprising a structure (500) and at least a first bar (600) on either side of a mobile (1) that is rotationally mobile around a main axis (D), and comprising a stop mechanism (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, for stopping or releasing said regulator or chronograph mechanism mobile (1).

13. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 12, characterised in that said mechanism carrying said mobile (1) is a regulator mechanism, in which said mobile (1) is an inertia-block or a balance or a tourbillon cage, and said regulator mechanism comprises, superimposed in said axial direction (Z), from said structure (500) carrying a lower pivot (520), a pallet assembly bar (900), said inertia-block or said balance or said tourbillon cage, said stop lever (2) which can be disassembled by leaving an axial access to said pallet assembly bar (900) and enabling the removal of said inertia-block or said balance or said tourbillon cage, said second bar (700), and said first bar (600) carrying an upper pivot (540).

14. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 13, characterised in that said stop lever (2) is arranged to engage with a heart-piece carried by said inertia-block or said balance or said tourbillon cage, in order to restart said part when it is released.

15. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that said lower pivot (520) and / or said upper pivot (540) is a magnetic pivot.

16. The timepiece (1000) according to claim 13, characterised in that said stop lever (2) is arranged to engage in tangential support with a felloe or a peripheral surface comprised in said inertia-block or said balance or said tourbillon cage, and is, in planar projection in said axial direction (Z), in each of the positions thereof, external to said pallet assembly bar (900).

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