Timepiece movement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clockwork movement comprising a driving element, a finishing gear driven by the driving element, an escapement (1) driven by the finishing gear, a regulating element (2) maintained by the escapement (1) and regulating the finishing gear, a time display mechanism driven by the finishing gear for displaying at least one time indication and a time-setting mechanism arranged to allow setting the time of the time display mechanism, the time-setting mechanism comprising a control element.The time-setting mechanism further includes a disengagement device (7) arranged to move between two positions when a user operates the control member: a first rest position, in which the finishing gear and the time-display mechanism are connected to the escapement (1) and thus regulated by the regulating member; and a second time-setting position in which the disengagement device (7) cooperates with a moving part of the escapement or a moving part of the finishing gear so that the time-display mechanism is no longer regulated by the regulating member and rotates freely driven by the motor member.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a clockwork movement intended to equip a timepiece and comprising in particular a driving member, a finishing train driven by the driving member, an escapement driven by the finishing train, a regulating member maintained by the escapement and regulating the finishing train, a time display mechanism driven by the finishing train and a time setting mechanism cooperating with the time display mechanism for setting the time.

[0002] In mechanical timepieces, the most common time-setting mechanism is the pull-out time-setting mechanism, which operates on the "pull" principle by operating the winding or time-setting stem. By pulling the winding or time-setting stem, the pull-out rotates a lever. The sliding pinion slides on the winding stem and meshes with the intermediate wheel(s) connected to the minute wheel train. This minute wheel train is itself meshed with the time display mechanism. The square of the stem sets the sliding pinion rotating and meshes with the intermediate wheel(s). The movement is then transmitted to the minute wheel train, which turns the minute indicator (cannon pinion carrying the minute hand) and the hour wheel. This type of mechanism includes a fairly large number of parts (lever, pull-out, intermediate wheel) as well as various transmissions (intermediate wheel, sliding pinion).Furthermore, the shapes and dimensions of the time-setting mechanism and its parts must be adapted to each watch movement, so much so that the components of a time-setting mechanism can constitute a sort of fingerprint of the watch, allowing a movement to be identified. Finally, with a pull-out time-setting mechanism, it is also necessary to use a lantern system (lantern-shaped pinion on the tigeron of the center pinion) or a friction system (friction drive wheel fixed to the cannon-pinion and which receives its force from the middle pinion) to enable the time to be set. CH 717 698 A1, for example, discloses a clutch mechanism allowing the display to be separated from the going train and allowing, when it is open, the rotation of the displays, in particular the hands, independently of the going train.

[0003] The aim of the present invention is to provide a clockwork movement equipped with a particularly simple and space-saving time-setting mechanism.

[0004] The present invention relates to a clockwork movement according to claim 1 and a timepiece according to claim 4.

[0005] The attached figures schematically illustrate several embodiments of a clockwork movement according to the invention.

[0006] THE figures 1 to 11 illustrate a first embodiment of a movement according to the invention in which the escapement has a first particular shape and the time-setting mechanism comprises a disengaging device arranged to cooperate with a wheel set of this escapement when said device is in its time-setting position.

[0007] THE figures 1 to 10 illustrate in particular the operation of the escapement and the figure 11 illustrates the time setting: there figure 1 represents the escapement of a clockwork movement according to a first embodiment of the invention; the figure 2 represents a locking pinion and an escape wheel of the escapement, in a state where they lock each other; in this figure, as in the figures 3 to 6 And 9 , for the purpose of simplification, the elastic blades of the escape wheel are all shown in their resting state while at least one of them is elastically deformed by the locking pinion to eliminate gear play; Figures 3 and 4 represent the cooperation between the locking pinion and the escape wheel during a disengagement phase occurring during a first alternation of the regulating organ of the clockwork movement according to the first embodiment; Figures 5 and 6represent the cooperation between the locking pinion and the escape wheel during an impulse phase which follows the release phase during the first alternation; the figures 7 and 8 represent the cooperation between a plate and an impulse and escapement release wheel during the impulse phase; figure 9 represents the cooperation between the locking pinion and the escape wheel at the time of returning to the locking state after the impulse phase; figure 10 represents the interaction between the plate and the impulse and release wheel during a second alternation of the regulating organ of the clockwork movement according to the first embodiment; figure 11 represents the device for disengaging the time-setting mechanism of the clockwork movement according to the first embodiment in its time-setting position for setting the time of the movement.

[0008] THE figures 12 to 22illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which the escapement has a second particular shape and the time-setting mechanism comprises a disengaging device arranged to cooperate with a wheel of this second escapement when it is in its time-setting position.

[0009] In particular, the figures 12 to 20 illustrates the operation of this second escapement of this second form of execution: there figure 12 represents the regulating organ and the escapement of a clockwork movement according to a second embodiment of the invention; the figure 13 partially represents the escapement of the movement according to the second embodiment, in a state where an escape wheel of this escapement is locked; in this figure, as well as in the figures 14 to 22 , the escapement and the regulating organ are seen from the face opposite that of the figure 12 ; there figure 14partially represents the escapement of the movement according to the second embodiment, during a release phase occurring during a first alternation of the regulating organ of the movement according to the second embodiment; figures 15 to 17 partially represent the escapement of the movement according to the second form of execution, during an impulse phase which follows the release phase during the first alternation; figures 18 to 20 partially represent the escapement of the movement according to the second form of execution, during a second alternation of the regulating organ of the movement according to the second form of execution.

[0010] There figure 21 illustrates the time setting mechanism of the movement according to this second embodiment in which said mechanism comprises a disengaging device arranged to cooperate with a wheel of the escapement illustrated in figures 12 to 20 when said device is in its time-setting position.

[0011] There figure 22 illustrates the escape of figures 12 to 20 and the time-setting mechanism of the movement according to the second embodiment in its time-setting position.

[0012] THE figures 23 to 25 illustrate a third embodiment of the clockwork movement according to the invention in which the time-setting mechanism comprises a disengaging device arranged to cooperate with a wheel of the finishing train of the clockwork movement when it is in its time-setting position.

[0013] In particular, the figures 23 And 24 illustrate part of the finishing gear train and the time-setting mechanism of the movement according to the third embodiment in its rest position seen from a first, respectively from a second side.

[0014] There figure 25 illustrates the time-setting mechanism of the movement according to the third embodiment in its time-setting position.

[0015] Throughout the following description, the "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" directions of rotation of the moving members shall be understood in reference to the moving members as illustrated in the drawings. In addition, the terms "forward", "backward", "precede" and "follow" shall be understood in relation to the direction of rotation of the corresponding moving members.

[0016] Generally speaking, the watch movement according to the invention is intended to equip a timepiece and comprises in particular a driving member, a finishing train driven by the driving member, an escapement driven by the finishing train, a regulating member maintained by the escapement and regulating the finishing train and a time display mechanism driven by the finishing train for displaying at least one time indication. Preferably, the driving member is a barrel and the regulating member is of the sprung balance type. The time display mechanism may in particular be a hand mechanism indicating at least one time information. All these elements may be of conventional construction or of any suitable construction. They are well known to those skilled in the art and are not the subject of the present invention.

[0017] According to the invention, the timepiece movement further comprises a time-setting mechanism comprising in particular a control member actuable by the user and connected to a disengaging device. The disengaging device is arranged to move between two positions when a user actuates the control member: a first rest position, in which the going train and the time display mechanism are connected to the escapement and therefore regulated by the regulating member (normal operation of the movement); and a second time-setting position in which the disengaging device cooperates with a wheel set of the escapement or a wheel set of the going train so that the time display mechanism is no longer regulated by the regulating member and rotates freely, driven by the driving member.

[0018] Thus, in the time-setting position, the part of the finishing gear train downstream of the disengaged wheel set (i.e. between the time display mechanism and said disengaged wheel set) is no longer regulated by the escapement and the regulating organ but turns freely driven by the driving organ.

[0019] To set the time of the movement according to the invention, the user actuates the control member to move the clutch device from its rest position (normal operation of the movement) to its time-setting position. The time display mechanism and its indicator(s) then rotate, freely driven by the driving member. When the time display mechanism displays the desired time indication, the user actuates the control member again. The disengaging device then returns to its rest position and the going train and the time display mechanism are again regulated by the regulating member and the escapement of the movement.The control member may be a push button arranged so that, as long as the user keeps the push button pressed (1st actuation), the clutch device remains in its time-setting position and so that when the user releases the push button (2nd actuation), the disengagement device then returns to its rest position marking the end of the time-setting.

[0020] According to the invention, the declutching device can be arranged to cooperate with any wheel set of the finishing gear or the escapement. Preferably, the declutching device cooperates with a wheel set of the finishing gear which is located closer to the escapement than to the driving member or which is located as far as possible from the driving member, so that, in the time-setting position, the time display mechanism rotates freely at a speed slow enough to allow the user to set the time. Preferably, the declutching device cooperates with a wheel set of the escapement to temporarily remove the blocking / locking function of the escapement and thus cause the escape wheel to rotate freely. Alternatively, the declutching device cooperates with the escape pinion, the last wheel set of the finishing gear, in direct engagement with the escapement.Alternatively, the time setting mechanism could include a speed regulator such as a flywheel or other suitable device to brake the time display mechanism when the disengaging device is in its time setting position, for comfortable time setting.

[0021] Furthermore, depending on the construction of the escapement, the movement according to the invention may further comprise a mechanism allowing the escapement and the regulating organ to be restarted in the case where said escapement is not self-starting. Such a start / stop mechanism for a regulating organ of the sprung balance type is well known.

[0022] The first embodiment of the invention illustrates the case where the disengaging device cooperates with a mobile of the escapement. This embodiment is illustrated in figures 1 to 12 .

[0023] In this embodiment, the movement according to the invention therefore comprises: a driving member (not shown), a finishing train (not shown) driven by the driving member, an escapement 1 driven by the finishing train, a regulating member maintained by the escapement 1 and regulating the finishing train and a time display mechanism (not shown) driven by the finishing train for displaying at least one time indication.

[0024] To the figure 1an escapement 1 is shown intended to be integrated into a watch movement according to a first embodiment of the invention. The regulating member of the movement according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises a plate 2 fitted on the axis of the regulating member and carrying a control pin 4. The escapement 1 comprises an escape wheel 6, a locking pinion 8 cooperating with the escape wheel 6 and an impulse and release wheel 10 coaxial and integral with the locking pinion 8 and cooperating with the control pin 4.

[0025] The regulating organ is typically a sprung balance. It could nevertheless be a balance with flexible guidance, i.e. without pivots rotating in bearings, such as that described in patent application EP 3792700. The balance can have any suitable shape, with a circular or non-circular rim, continuous or cut.

[0026] The escape wheel 6 is coaxial and integral with an escape pinion (not shown) meshing with the finishing gear of the clockwork movement according to the first embodiment and receiving through this finishing gear the torque from a driving member such as a barrel. The escape wheel 6 is thus permanently subjected to a torque tending to make it rotate in the clockwise direction. The clockwork movement according to the first embodiment further comprises a time display mechanism (not shown) driven by the finishing gear and regulated by the regulating member and the escapement 1.

[0027] The toothing of the escape wheel 6 is a backlash-compensating toothing formed by an alternation of rigid teeth 12 and elastic blades 14. In the example illustrated, the elastic blades 14 extend beyond the head circle of the rigid teeth 12 and their free end is reinforced. Each rigid tooth 12 comprises on its front flank a locking surface 16 and, between the locking surface 16 and the root of the tooth, a transmission surface 18 having a profile intended to ensure clean meshing.

[0028] Teeth 20 of the locking pinion 8 (cf. figure 2 ) have at their free end a locking surface 22 and on their rear flank a transmission surface 26 having a profile intended to ensure clean meshing.

[0029] The impulse and release wheel 10 comprises an alternation of impulse teeth 28 and release teeth 30. The impulse teeth 28 are rigid and rigidly connected to the hub 32 of the impulse and release wheel 10. In addition, the impulse teeth 28 have an impulse flank 34 and, near their foot, a hook 36. The release teeth 30 are also rigid but each of them is suspended by an elastic blade 38, of curved and irregular shape in the example illustrated, from the impulse tooth 28 which immediately precedes it. In addition, each release tooth 30 cooperates by a hook 40 which is integral with the hook 36 of the impulse tooth 28 which immediately follows it.

[0030] Escapement 1 operates according to the oscillation cycle described below, comprising a first and a second alternation of the regulating organ.

[0031] The first alternation begins with a so-called locking or resting phase ( Figures 1 and 2 ) during which the regulating member and the plate 2 rotate freely in the clockwise direction under the action of the return spring (hairspring or flexible guide) of the regulating member, and during which the escape wheel 6 is held stationary by an arcuate effect produced by the contact between the blocking surface 16 of a rigid tooth 12a of the escape wheel 6 and the blocking surface 22 of a tooth 20a of the blocking pinion 8. These blocking surfaces 16, 22 are in fact oriented in such a way that the force exerted by the escape wheel 6 on the blocking pinion 8 is directed towards the center of the blocking pinion 8, as illustrated by the arrow F in FIG. figure 2 . During this locking phase, therefore, the escape wheel 6, the locking pinion 8 and the impulse and release wheel 10 are blocked.

[0032] At some point during the first alternation, the control pin 4 strikes the rear flank of a clearance tooth 30a of the impulse and clearance wheel 10 ( figure 1 ). Being retained by the impulse tooth 28a which immediately follows it via the hooks 36, 40, the disengagement tooth 30a is in this sense rigidly connected to the hub 32 of the impulse and disengagement wheel 10. The action of the control pin 4 on the disengagement tooth 30a therefore turns the impulse and disengagement wheel 10, and with it the locking pinion 8 whose tooth 20a begins to slide on the locking surface 16 of the tooth 12a of the escape wheel 6 (so-called disengagement phase; cf. Figures 3 and 4 ).

[0033] As soon as the tooth 20a reaches the impulse surface 18 of the tooth 12a, the escape wheel 6 is released and drives the locking pinion 8 by the cooperation between the transmission surfaces 18 and 26 ( Figures 5 and 6). The impulse flank 34 of the impulse tooth 28a then catches up with the control pin 4 and pushes it, thus giving an impulse to the regulating organ (so-called impulse phase; cf. figures 7 and 8 ).

[0034] While the regulating organ continues its course freely in the clockwise direction, the rigid tooth 12b of the escape wheel 6 which immediately follows the rigid tooth 12a comes into contact with the tooth 20b of the locking pinion 8 which immediately follows the tooth 20a ( figure 9 ) to re-engage the locking phase. The elastic blade 14a which immediately precedes the tooth 12a clamps the tooth 20a of the locking pinion 8 against the rigid tooth 12a and thus eliminates any play between the escape wheel 6 and the locking pinion 8. In this way, precise relative positioning of the escape wheel 6 and the locking pinion 8 is ensured at the moment of contact between the locking surfaces 16 and 22, which secures the locking phase.

[0035] When, under the action of its return spring, the regulating organ changes direction of rotation, the second alternation of the regulating organ begins, during which the escape wheel 6 and the locking pinion 8 remain permanently locked. At a certain moment during the second alternation ( figure 10), the control pin 4 comes into contact with the elastic blade 38 connecting the impulse tooth 28a to the release tooth 30b which immediately follows it. The action of the control pin 4 on this elastic blade 38 then on the front flank of the release tooth 30b retracts the latter, the hook 40 coming to place itself in a clearance 42 formed at the foot of the impulse tooth 28b which immediately follows the release tooth 30b. The control pin 4 can thus continue its travel in the counterclockwise direction without driving the impulse and release wheel 10 and without unlocking the escape wheel 6. The second alternation is a lost-stroke alternation where no impulse is communicated to the regulating organ.

[0036] Since the assembly consisting of escape wheel 6 - locking pinion 8 - impulse and release wheel 10, which forms with plate 2 and its pin 4 the escapement of oscillator 1, does not include any organ performing back and forth movements, such as an anchor, but only unidirectional rotating organs, there is no risk of overturning and stopping in the event of an impact received by escapement 1 or the regulating organ. It is therefore not necessary to provide the escapement with a pin and a small plate which would increase the overall height. Escapement 1 also does not require stopwatches.

[0037] The escapement 1 is secured by the shape and construction of its parts without requiring additional components for this purpose. The safety elements such as the elastic blades 14, 38, the hooks 36, 40 and the teeth 16, 20 are defined during the manufacture of the parts and do not require adjustment.

[0038] Furthermore, only one control element, pin 4, is to be positioned on plate 2 and this control element occupies only one level in height.

[0039] The control element could be in a form other than a pin, for example in the form of a pallet, a finger or a pin driven under the rim of the balance wheel.

[0040] In this first embodiment, the time-setting mechanism comprises a control member (not shown) accessible to the user for actuating the time-setting mechanism and movable between a rest position and a time-setting position. The control member could have the form of a push button, a lock or any suitable member. The time-setting mechanism further comprises a disengaging device which in this first embodiment has the form of a lever 7. The lever 7 is arranged to pivot at A between a first rest position (not shown) and a time-setting position ( figure 12 ) in which it cooperates with the locking pinion 8 of the escapement 1.

[0041] The rocker 7 comprises a first arm 71 intended to cooperate (directly or indirectly) with the control member and a second elastic arm 72 intended to cooperate with the locking pinion 8.

[0042] In this first embodiment, in the rest position of the control member, the lever 7 is also in its rest position: the second elastic arm 72 does not cooperate with the locking pinion 8 of the escapement 1 and the movement according to the invention operates normally, that is to say that the finishing gear train and the time display mechanism are driven by the driving member and regulated by the regulating member and the escapement 1.

[0043] When the user wishes to set the time, he actuates the control member. In this embodiment, the user moves the control member into a time-setting position and holds it in this position. When the user releases the control member, it is arranged to return to its rest position. Thus, the user moves and holds the control member in its time-setting position. This force exerted on the control member is illustrated by the arrow P in the figure 11The control member which moves into its time-setting position acts on the first arm 71 of the lever 7 and causes the pivoting of said lever 7 into its time-setting position. The active end 73 of the second elastic arm 72 of the lever 7 then comes into the path of the locking pinion 8 of the escapement 1. The active end 73 has a heel 74 arranged to cooperate with the transmission surface 26 of the teeth 20 of the locking pinion 8 to pivot said locking pinion 8. The lever 7 is arranged so that, in its time-setting position, the heel 74 comes into contact with the transmission surface 26 of a tooth 20 of the locking pinion to push it in the counterclockwise direction. In doing so, this thrust prevents the buttressing effect produced by the contact between the locking surface 16 of a rigid tooth 12 of the escape wheel 6 and the locking surface 22 of a tooth 20 of the locking pinion 8.Thus, the locking phase during which the escape wheel 6, the locking pinion 8 and the impulse and release wheel 10 are blocked, no longer takes place and in particular, the escape wheel 6 can rotate clockwise (see arrow D on the . figure 11 ).

[0044] In doing so, this escape wheel 6 drives the locking pinion 8 in the counterclockwise direction. A tooth 20 of said pinion will then come into contact with an elastic flank 75 of the active end 73 of the second arm 72 of the lever 7. The elastic flank 75 deforms so that the heel 74 momentarily leaves the path of the locking pinion 8 which continues its rotation. Once the tooth 20 of the locking pinion 20 has passed, the heel 74 falls back into the path of the teeth of the locking pinion 8 and again cooperates with the transmission surface 26 of a tooth 20 of said locking pinion 8 to make it advance and prevent the locking phase. Preferably, at least one fixed stop (not shown) makes it possible to limit / guide the movements of the lever 7 and the heel 74.The lever 7 is arranged so that the above cycle continues as long as it is in its time-setting position, that is to say, in the illustrated embodiment, as long as the user keeps the control member in its time-setting position. Without a locking phase, the escape wheel 6 thus rotates freely, as do the finishing gear train and the time display gear train.

[0045] The user holds the control member in its time-setting position until the time display shows the desired time. When the user releases the control member (2nd actuation), it returns to its rest position, recalled by a return force for example. The lever 7 then pivots into its first rest position (the force P illustrated in the figure). figure 11has disappeared) in which the second elastic arm 72 and its active end 73, heel 74 and elastic flank 75, are no longer in the path of the locking pinion 8. The escapement 1 resumes its normal operation, with the locking phase of the escape wheel 6. The going train and the time display mechanism are again regulated by the regulating organ. The time setting is complete.

[0046] This creates a very simple and compact time-setting mechanism: few components, no transmission. No lantern or friction system is required for the time display mechanism.

[0047] The second embodiment of the invention also illustrates the case where the disengaging device cooperates with a mobile of the escapement. This embodiment is illustrated in figures 12 to 22 .

[0048] In this embodiment also, the movement according to the invention therefore comprises: a driving member (not shown), a finishing train (not shown) driven by the driving member, an escapement 100 driven by the finishing train, a regulating member 102 maintained by the escapement 100 and regulating the finishing train and a time display mechanism (not shown) driven by the finishing train for displaying at least one time indication.

[0049] To the figure 12 An escapement 100 is shown intended to be integrated into a watch movement according to the present invention. The escapement 100 comprises an escape wheel 104 and a detent 106 intended to cooperate with a regulating member 102.

[0050] The regulating organ 102 is typically a sprung balance, of which only the balance 108 is shown in the figure 12The regulating member 102 could nevertheless be a flexible-guided balance, such as that described in one of the patent applications EP 3792700 and EP 3502784. The balance can have any suitable shape, with a circular or non-circular, continuous or cut rim.

[0051] A control pin 110 driven into the balance wheel 108 is arranged to cooperate with the escape wheel 104.

[0052] The escape wheel 104 is coaxial and integral with an escape pinion (not shown) meshing with the movement's finishing gear and receiving through this finishing gear the torque from the driving member. The escape wheel 104 is thus permanently subjected to a torque tending to make it rotate in the clockwise direction of the figure 12 and counterclockwise figures 13 to 22 .

[0053] The escape wheel 104 comprises an alternation of impulse teeth 112 and clearance teeth 114. The impulse teeth 112 are rigid and rigidly connected to the hub 116 of the escape wheel 104. They each comprise an impulse flank 118 and a locking lug 120 defined by a notch 122 formed in the top of the tooth. The clearance teeth 114 are also rigid but each of them is suspended by an elastic blade 124, of serpentine shape in the example illustrated, from the impulse tooth 112 which immediately precedes it. Each clearance tooth 114 is extended by a concave arm 126 extending forward. This concave arm 126 fits a concave arm 128 extending rearwardly the impulse tooth 112 which immediately precedes the release tooth 114 and from which the elastic blade 124 extends.

[0054] The trigger 106 is in the form of a lever 130 pivoted around a fixed point 132 and connected to another fixed point 134 by an elastic blade 136 whose shape, in the example illustrated, is straight in the rest state. The end 138 of the elastic blade 136 joined to the lever 130 is rotatable around the point 132 by means of the lever 130. The other end of the elastic blade 136 is rotatable around the point 134 by means of a ring 140. The elastic blade 136 acts as a return spring applying the lever 130 against the escape wheel 104. The end of the lever 130 has a lateral notch 142 arranged to successively receive the locking lugs 120.

[0055] The escapement 100 and the regulating organ 102 operate according to the oscillation cycle described below, comprising a first and a second alternation of the regulating organ 102.

[0056] The first alternation begins with a so-called locking or resting phase ( figure 13 ) during which the balance and its control pin 110 rotate freely clockwise under the action of the return spring (hairspring or flexible guide) of the balance, and during which the escape wheel 104 is kept stationary by the cooperation between the notch 142 of the lever 130 and a locking lug 120. The lever 130 is in fact applied by the elastic blade 136 against the top of an impulse tooth 112a and its notch 142 receives the locking lug 120a of this impulse tooth 112a. A lateral surface 144 of the notch 142 and a lateral surface 146 of the locking lug 120a bearing against each other have an inclination producing, under the action of the torque received by the escape wheel 104, a pulling effect which attracts the lever 130 towards the impulse tooth 112a.

[0057] At some point during the first alternation, the control pin 110 strikes the release tooth 114a which immediately follows the impulse tooth 112a ( figure 14 ), which moves the release tooth 114a forward thanks to the elasticity of the blade 124 by sliding the arm 126 on the arm 128. This movement is just sufficient for the end of the arm 126 to push the end of the lever 130 and move the lever 130 away from the locking lug 120a (so-called release phase).

[0058] No longer held by the locking lug 120a, the escape wheel 104 begins to rotate counterclockwise. The impulse flank 118 of the impulse tooth 112b which immediately follows the release tooth 114a catches up with the control pin 110 and pushes it, thus communicating an impulse to the regulating member (so-called impulse phase; cf. figures 15 to 17 ).

[0059] While the regulating organ freely continues its travel in the clockwise direction, the locking lug 120b of the impulse tooth 112b engages in the notch 142 of the lever 130 to stop the escape wheel 104 and re-engage the locking phase.

[0060] When, under the action of its return spring, the balance wheel changes direction of rotation, the second alternation of the regulating organ begins, during which the escape wheel 104 remains permanently locked. At a certain moment during the second alternation, the control pin 110 comes into contact with the front flank of the release tooth 114b which immediately follows the impulse tooth 112b ( figure 18 ). The action of the control pin 110 on this release tooth 114b retracts the latter thanks to the elasticity of the blade 124 ( figure 19 ). The control pin 110 can thus continue its travel in the counterclockwise direction without driving the escape wheel 104 ( figure 20 ). The second alternation is a lost-stroke alternation where no impulse is communicated to the regulating organ.

[0061] Compared to a traditional detent escapement, the escapement formed by the escape wheel 104, the detent 106 and the control pin 110 is less bulky in height because it only has a single control element (the pin 110) for the release and the impulse. This control element could also be in a form other than a pin, for example in the form of a pallet or a finger.

[0062] The height requirement is also reduced by the fact that the control element is carried directly by the balance wheel. It is possible for the control element to be carried by a plate integral with the balance wheel shaft.

[0063] The escapement 104, 106, 110 is secured by the shape and construction of its parts without requiring additional members for this. In particular, the pull exerted between the lever 130 and the locking lugs 120 protects the escapement against untimely jumps of the escape wheel 104 during impacts and / or under the effect of the inertia of the escape wheel 104. Making the lever 130 cooperate with locking lugs 120 separated from the impulse flanks 118 of the impulse teeth 112 makes it possible to optimize this pulling effect and, more generally, the operation of the escapement.

[0064] It should also be noted that the 104, 106, 110 escapement requires little adjustment.

[0065] According to another characteristic, the balance wheel 108 (cf. figure 12) carries adjustment weights 148. In order not to add height space, these weights 148 are located in housings 150 made in the felloe 152 of the balance 108 and do not exceed, or almost do not exceed, the thickness of the felloe 152. Advantageously, the weights 148 are held in these housings 150 solely by the pressure exerted by their periphery on the side wall of the housings 150 thanks to the elasticity conferred by a slot 154 of the weights 148, elasticity which also facilitates the introduction of the weights 148 into the housings 150. The weights 148 can be turned in their housings 150 by means of a tool to adjust the moment of inertia and / or the unbalance of the balance.

[0066] As in the first embodiment, the time-setting mechanism comprises a control member (not shown) accessible to the user for actuating the time-setting mechanism and movable between a rest position and a time-setting position. The control member could be in the form of a push button, a lock or any suitable member. The time-setting mechanism further comprises a disengaging device actuable by the control member and arranged to be moved between a first rest position (not shown) and a time-setting position when the control member is moved into its time-setting position.

[0067] As illustrated in figures 21 and 22 , the clutch release device comprises a clutch release rocker 700 pivoted around the fixed point 132, coaxially with the lever 130 of the trigger 106, between a first rest position ( figure 21 ) and a time setting position ( figure 22) in which it cooperates with lever 130.

[0068] The clutch lever 700 comprises a first arm 701 intended to cooperate directly or indirectly with the control member of the time-setting mechanism and a second arm 702 carrying a clutch pin 703 intended to cooperate with the trigger 106 and in particular the lever 130.

[0069] In this second embodiment, in the rest position of the control member, the clutch release lever 700 is also in its rest position illustrated in figure 21 : in this position, the pin 703, whether or not resting on the lever 130, does not act on said lever 130 which is free to perform its function, the escapement 100 operating normally, that is to say that the finishing gear and the display mechanism are driven by the driving member and regulated by the regulating member 102 and the escapement 100.

[0070] When the user wishes to set the time, he actuates the control member. In this embodiment also, the user moves the control member into a time-setting position and holds it in this position. When the user releases the control member, it is arranged to return to its rest position. Thus, the user moves and holds the control member in its time-setting position. This force exerted on the control member is illustrated by the arrow N in the figure 22 . The control member which moves into its time-setting position acts on the first arm 701 of the release lever 700 and causes said release lever 700 to pivot into its time-setting position. By pivoting, the release lever 700 drives the lever 130 via its second arm 702 and the pin 703 and pivots said lever 130 to move it away from the locking lug 120a ( figure 22). This position of the lever 130 corresponds to the release phase in which the detent 106 no longer cooperates with the escape wheel 104. Thus, in the time-setting position of the declutching device and the declutching lever 700, the escape wheel 104 begins to rotate freely in the counterclockwise direction since it is no longer held by the lever 130 of the detent 106. The finishing gear train and the time display gear train therefore also rotate freely.

[0071] The user holds the control member in its time-setting position until the time display indicates the desired time. When the user releases the control member, it returns to its rest position, returned by a return force for example. The declutching lever 700 then returns to its first rest position under the action of a return force for example. In this rest position, the lever 130 of the detent 106 is again free to pivot into a position in which the locking lug 120a of an impulse tooth 112 of the escape wheel 104 engages in the notch 142 of said lever 130. Said escape wheel 104 is again locked. The escapement 100 resumes its normal operation. The finishing gear and the time display mechanism are again regulated by regulating organ 102. The time setting is complete.

[0072] As in the first embodiment, the time-setting device can be very simple and compact, with few components (a lever with return spring) and no transmission. Similarly, no lantern or friction system is required for the time display mechanism.

[0073] In a third embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 23 to 25 , the disengaging device of the time-setting mechanism is arranged to cooperate with a wheel of the finishing train rather than with a wheel of the escapement.

[0074] In this third embodiment, the movement according to the invention comprises a regulating member (not illustrated) whose oscillations are maintained by an escapement mechanism 5 comprising in particular an escapement wheel formed of an escape wheel 51 and an escape pinion 52 and an anchor 53 intended to cooperate with the regulating member.

[0075] The movement's finishing gear train comprises in particular a first wheel set 61 kinematically connected to the driving member, a second wheel set 62 kinematically connected to the first wheel set 61 via a clutch device, a third wheel set 63 meshing with the second wheel set 62 and a fourth wheel set 64 meshing with the escape pinion 52.

[0076] The movement according to the third embodiment also comprises a time display mechanism driven by the finishing gear train and in particular the first mobile 62 for displaying at least one time indication.

[0077] In this embodiment, the time-setting mechanism comprises a control member (not shown) accessible to the user for actuating the time-setting mechanism and movable between a rest position and a time-setting position. The control member could be in the form of a push button, a lock or any suitable member.

[0078] The time-setting mechanism further comprises a disengaging device kinematically connecting the first wheel 61 to the second wheel 62 of the finishing gear train. In this embodiment, the disengaging device comprises a lever 9 pivoted at B between a first rest position ( figures 23 And 24 ) and a time setting position ( figure 25 ).

[0079] The rocker 9 comprises a first arm 91 intended to cooperate (directly or indirectly) with the control member. The rocker 9 also comprises a second arm 92 on which is pivotally mounted a clutch mobile 93 formed of a clutch pinion 931 secured to a clutch wheel 932. The rocker 9 is subjected to the action of a return spring 94 which tends to return it to its rest position.

[0080] The lever 9 is arranged so that the first wheel set 61 meshes with the clutch pinion 931 of the clutch wheel set 93 regardless of the position of the lever 9. The lever 9 is further arranged so that, in its rest position, the clutch wheel 932 of the clutch wheel set 93 meshes with the wheel of the second wheel set 62 of the finishing train, while in its time-setting position, the clutch wheel 932 of the clutch wheel set 93 does not mesh with the wheel of the second wheel set 62 of the finishing train. The rest position is illustrated in figures 23 And 24 while the figure 25illustrates the time-setting position. Thus, in the rest position of lever 9, there is a kinematic connection between the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 62 of the finishing gear train, the finishing gear train, and in particular the first wheel 61 and the gear train downstream of this wheel being regulated by the regulating member and the escapement 5. On the contrary, in the time-setting position of lever 9, the first wheel 61 is no longer connected to the second wheel 62 and in doing so the wheel 61 and the kinematic chain downstream of this wheel turn driven by the driving member but are no longer regulated by the regulating member.

[0081] Preferably, the clutch device further comprises a braking device arranged to brake the rotation of the first wheel set 61 when the lever 9 is in its time-setting position. To do this, the braking device visible in particular at figure 23comprises a brake 95 having the form of a spring blade, one end 951 of which is fixed on a fixed part of the movement while the other free end 952 is arranged to rub against a barrel 953 secured to the clutch wheel set 93 when the lever 9 is in its time-setting position. Thus, when the lever 9 is in its time-setting position, the brake 95 rubs against the barrel 953 and brakes the clutch wheel set 93 which in turn brakes the first wheel set 61 and the kinematic chain of the finishing train downstream of this wheel set.

[0082] When the user wishes to set the time, he actuates the control member. As in the previous embodiments, the user moves the control member into a time-setting position and holds it in this position. When the user releases the control member, it is arranged to return to its rest position. Thus, the user moves and holds the control member in its time-setting position. This force exerted on the control member is illustrated by the arrow M in the figure 25

[0083] The control member which moves into its time-setting position acts on the first arm 91 of the lever 9 and causes the pivoting of said lever 9 into its time-setting position ( figure 25). The clutch wheel 932 of the clutch wheel set 93 is then no longer engaged with the second wheel set 62 of the finishing gear train. Thus, the first wheel set 61 is no longer kinematically connected to the escapement 5 or to the regulating member and rotates freely driven by the driving member of the movement. The finishing gear train downstream of the first wheel set 61 and the time display gear train therefore also rotate freely.

[0084] In this time setting position, the brake 95 rests against the barrel 953 secured to the clutch wheel 93 which brakes the rotation of the first wheel 61, which allows for comfortable time setting.

[0085] The user holds the control member in its time-setting position until the time display indicates the desired time. When the user releases the control member, it returns to its rest position, returned by a return force for example. The lever 9 then returns to its first rest position under the action of its return spring 94. The clutch wheel set 93 and its wheel 932 mesh again with the second wheel set 62 of the going train. The first wheel set 61 and the part of the going train downstream of this wheel set as well as the display mechanism are again regulated by the regulating member and the escapement 5. The time setting is complete.

[0086] As in the previous embodiments, the time-setting device can be very simple and compact, with few components (a lever with return spring) and no transmission. Similarly, no lantern or friction system is required for the time display mechanism. Furthermore, in this embodiment, any type of escapement and regulating organ can be used and it is therefore possible to adapt the time-setting mechanism to an already existing movement.

[0087] Thus, according to the present invention, a clockwork movement is produced in which the time-setting mechanism is particularly simple and compact. The number of parts and the transmissions are limited. It is therefore easier to adapt the time-setting mechanism according to the construction of the movement and its characteristics: the time-setting mechanism according to the invention is particularly well suited to an extra-thin movement. In addition, setting the time is very easy for the user with the fun and aesthetically pleasing effect of seeing the time display turn to the desired time.

Claims

1. Timepiece movement comprising a drive member, a finishing going train driven by the drive member, an escapement (1; 100; 5) driven by the finishing going train, a regulating member (2; 102) maintained by the escapement (1; 100; 5) and regulating the finishing going train, a time display mechanism driven by the finishing going train for the display of at least one time indication and a time setting mechanism arranged to enable the time display mechanism to be set to time, the time setting mechanism comprising a control member, wherein the time setting mechanism further comprises a disengaging device (7; 700; 9) arranged to move between two positions when a user actuates the control member, a first, rest position, in which the finishing going train and the time display mechanism are connected to the escapement (1; 100; 5) and thus regulated by the regulating member, and a second position, characterised in that in the second, time setting position, the disengaging device (7; 700; 9) cooperates with a mobile of the escapement or a mobile of the finishing going train so that the time display mechanism is no longer regulated by the regulating member and turns freely, driven by the drive member.

2. Timepiece movement as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the regulating member (102) comprises a balance (108) and a control element (4; 110) fixedly attached to the balance; in that the escapement comprises an escape wheel (6; 104), a blocking member (8; 130) for blocking / releasing the escape wheel (6; 104), and toothing (28, 30; 112, 114) comprising an alternating arrangement of impulse teeth (28; 112) and unlocking teeth (30; 114), the unlocking teeth (30; 114) being retractable, the regulating member and the escapement being arranged so that: • during a first alternation of each oscillation of the regulating member, the control element (4; 110) acts on one of the unlocking teeth (30; 114) in order to control the releasing of the escape wheel (6; 104) by the blocking member (8; 130), then receives an impulse from the escape wheel (6; 104) by one of the impulse teeth (28; 112), • during a second alternation of each oscillation of the regulating member, wherein the escape wheel (6; 104) is blocked by the blocking member (8; 130), one of the unlocking teeth (30; 114) retracts upon passage of the control element (4; 110) in order to allow the control element (4; 110) to pass without releasing the escape wheel (6; 104); and in that the engaging device (7; 700) of the time setting mechanism is arranged so that, in its time setting position, said disengaging device (7; 700) cooperates with the blocking member (8; 130) in order to prevent said blocking member (8, 130) from blocking the escape wheel (6; 104).

3. Timepiece movement as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the engaging device comprises an engaging lever arm (9) connected to the control member for pivoting thereof and bearing an engaging mobile (93) permanently engaged with a first mobile (61) of the finishing going train kinematically connected to the drive member; and in that the lever arm (9) is arranged so that, in its rest position, the engaging mobile (93) is also engaged with a second mobile (62) of the finishing going train kinematically connected to the escapement (5) and to the regulating member and so that, in its time setting position, said engaging mobile is not engaged with said second mobile (62).

4. Movement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the time setting mechanism comprise a braking device (94, 95) arranged to slow the rotation of the time display mechanism when the disengaging device is in its time setting position.

5. Movement as claimed in claims 3 and 4, characterised in that the braking mechanism comprises a leaf spring (94) arranged to cooperate with a pipe (95) fixedly attached to the engaging mobile (93) when the lever arm (9) is in its time setting position.

6. Movement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control member is arranged to adopt a rest position and a time setting position; and in that the engaging device remains in its time setting position as long as the user maintains the control member in its time setting position, the control member and the disengaging device returning to their rest position when the user releases the control member.

7. Timepiece comprising a timepiece movement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

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