Punctually operable timepiece module comprising automatic locking means

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a clockwork module (1) for a clockwork movement, for example an automaton or a striking mechanism, clockwork module (1) comprising a plate (2) and a mechanical device (10) capable of passing from a rest state in which the mechanical device (10) is stationary relative to the plate (2), to an operating state in which at least a part of the mechanical device (10) is mobile relative to the plate (2) when it is actuated, clockwork module (1) comprising a barrel (3) for supplying energy to the mechanical device (10), the mechanical device (10) comprising a gear train (20) actuated by the barrel (3), the mechanical device (10) further comprising a speed regulator for the mechanical device (10), clockwork module (1) comprising means for automatic locking (30) of the mechanical device (10),the automatic locking means (30) being configured to lock the regulator in order to put the mechanical device (10) in the rest state.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to clock modules that can be acted upon at specific times, the clock module comprising means for automatically blocking the operation of the module.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to clockwork modules, such as animation mechanisms or striking mechanisms, which are activated on an ad hoc basis, and which require an automatic stop device after a determined operating time.

[0003] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement of a timepiece, such as a watch, comprising such a clockwork module. Technological background

[0004] In the field of watchmaking, there are mechanisms configured to trigger at a predetermined time or that can be activated on demand.

[0005] For example, in chime mechanisms, a chime is set to sound at a specific time, such as in an alarm clock function. Other types of chime mechanisms, called minute repeater mechanisms, are chimes that can be activated on demand to indicate the time audibly.

[0006] Other mechanisms, known as animation mechanisms, involve animating an object through one or more movements, for example, an automaton. The animation of the automaton can be programmed for a predetermined time, or triggered on demand by actuation means.

[0007] Generally, these bell-ringing or animation mechanisms have their own drive system, such as a barrel, which is designed to provide the energy necessary for its operation. The automaton or bell is activated by a train of gears connected to the barrel.

[0008] The mechanism can be operated until the cylinder is completely unloaded. However, some mechanisms include automatic stop means to halt the animation or the chiming after a predetermined time, particularly to allow the mechanism to be operated multiple times with the same loaded cylinder.

[0009] For example, US patent 3460339 describes an automatic alarm mechanism including means for blocking the alarm mechanism. The automatic blocking means include a lever cooperating with a rotating cam, the cam having a notch to lock the lever and prevent the mechanism from operating. The alarm mechanism also includes means for releasing the lever to free the alarm mechanism. When the lever is released from the notch, the mechanism operates for the time it takes for the cam to complete one revolution, until the lever is held by the notch. The cam is driven by drive means to which it is connected.

[0010] However, such a mechanism is complex to implement and takes up space.

[0011] Documents EP 2880650 and EP 2880498 describe a watch equipped with an animation mechanism comprising an automaton, in this case a bird, whose animation is driven by a barrel via a gear train. Document CH 714 938 A2 describes a timepiece according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] However, the documents do not describe any means of blocking the mechanism before the complete discharge of the cylinder. Summary of the invention

[0013] In this context, the aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a clockwork module that can be activated on an ad hoc basis, which can be automatically stopped after a predetermined operating time, while maintaining a small volume.

[0014] For this purpose, the invention relates to a clockwork module according to claim 1.

[0015] The invention is remarkable in that the automatic blocking means are configured to block the regulator in order to put the mechanical device in the rest state.

[0016] The clockwork mechanism according to the invention thus offers an innovative technical solution allowing the mechanical device to be stopped automatically.

[0017] Thanks to the invention, a clock module equipped with automatic locking means is obtained, which is compact and efficient.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulator comprises a regulating pinion driven by the barrel when it is rotating via the gear train, the regulating pinion being mounted rigidly on a regulating shaft, the automatic locking means being configured to lock the regulating shaft to put the mechanical device in the rest state.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprise a brake rocker cooperating with the regulating shaft, the brake rocker being movable about a first pivot of rotation between a contact position in which it is in contact with the regulating shaft to lock it and a position away from the regulating shaft, in which it allows the regulating shaft to rotate.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the mechanical device is in the rest position when the brake rocker is in the contact position, and the mechanical device is in the operating position when the brake rocker is in the away position.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprise a first return spring, acting on the brake rocker to maintain it in the contact position.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the rotating cam is mounted integrally with the barrel.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the moving body remains in contact with the rotating cam in the operating state of the mechanical device.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the moving body is configured to automatically move from the retracted position to the locked position after a predefined time.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the predefined time corresponds to one revolution of the barrel.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprise an intermediate rocker carrying the movable body, the intermediate rocker being movable around a second pivot of rotation.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the intermediate rocker is configured to actuate the brake rocker to move it from the contact position to the remote position, the intermediate rocker being mechanically linked to the brake rocker.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means include on-demand actuation means enabling the moving body to be moved from the locking position to the withdrawal position.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation means comprise a control rocker rotating about a third pivot of rotation between an initial position and a pressed position, the control rocker actuating the intermediate rocker when it is in the pressed position.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation means include a second return spring acting on the control rocker to return it to the initial position.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprise a ratchet wheel cooperating with the control rocker.

[0032] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising such a clockwork module.

[0033] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a clockwork movement. Brief description of the figures

[0034] The aims, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, which refers to the following figures: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of one embodiment of the clockwork module according to the invention; the figure 2 is a schematic perspective representation of the implementation of the clockwork module of the figure 1 , in which the gears have been removed; the figure 3 is a schematic top-view representation of part of the clockwork module of the figure 2 the clock module being in a resting state; the figure 4is a schematic top-view representation of part of the clockwork module of the figure 2 , at the moment the mechanical device 10 is triggered; the figure 5 is a schematic top-view representation of part of the clockwork module of the figure 2 the clock module being in working order; and the figure 6 is a schematic top-view representation of part of the clockwork module of the figure 2 the clock module transitioning from the operating state to the resting state.

[0035] In all figures, common elements bear the same reference numbers unless otherwise specified. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] Represented on the figures 1 to 3 , the invention relates to a clock module 1 for a clock movement.

[0037] The clockwork module 1 includes a plate 2 on which the components of module 1 are arranged. The clockwork module 1 notably includes a mechanical device 10 capable of being triggered at specific times, for example, a mechanical device for animating an automaton in this embodiment. The mechanical device 10 can transition from a rest state, in which the mechanical device 10 is stationary relative to the plate 2, to an operating state in which the mechanical device 10 is mobile relative to the plate 2 when activated.

[0038] The mechanical device 10 includes a gear train 20, for example configured to drive the automaton. Thus, by actuating the gears 20, the mechanical device 10 is in a working state.

[0039] To regulate the movement of the automaton, the mechanical device 10 includes a regulator equipped with a regulating pinion 19 mounted rigidly on a regulating shaft 15. The regulating shaft 15 is mobile in rotation to allow the rotation of the regulating pinion 19.

[0040] There are different types of governors, some using friction and others magnetic braking. Governors, which are well known to those skilled in the art, prevent excessively rapid rotation of the shaft by restraining it through friction or magnetic braking. Thus, the rotational speed of the regulating shaft 15, and therefore of the regulating pinion 19, is controlled by the governor.

[0041] To supply energy to the mechanical device 10, in particular to the gear train 20, the clock module 1 includes a barrel 3. The barrel 3 includes a cylindrical case with peripheral external teeth 6. The case is arranged to have a barrel spring inside, so as to rotate the case and the peripheral external teeth 6 around an axis of rotation.

[0042] The gear train 20 comprises two gear units arranged on the plate: a first unit equipped with a first toothed wheel 9 and a first pinion 13 arranged on the first toothed wheel 9, and a second unit equipped with a second toothed wheel 11 and a second pinion (not visible in the figures), arranged under the second toothed wheel 11. The gear train 20 further comprises a third toothed wheel 12.

[0043] The first moving part, the second moving part, and the third gear 12 are arranged one after the other. The first gear 9 is arranged partly below the barrel 3. The second gear 11 is arranged partly above the first gear 11, and the third gear 12 is arranged near the second gear 11.

[0044] The first pinion 13 is meshed with the external teeth 6 of the barrel 3, and the second pinion is meshed with the first gear wheel 9. The third gear wheel 12 is meshed with the second gear wheel 11.

[0045] When the barrel 3 rotates, it drives the first moving part, the second moving part, and the third toothed wheel 12. Thus, the regulating pinion 19 and the regulating shaft 15 are driven by the barrel 3 when it is rotating via the gear train 20, the regulating pinion 19 being meshed by the third toothed wheel 12.

[0046] The rotation speed of the gear train 20 is therefore regulated by the regulator so that the rotation and therefore the animation of the automaton is controlled.

[0047] The clock module 1 includes automatic blocking means 30 for the mechanical device 10. To this end, the automatic blocking means 30 are configured to be able to block the mechanical device 10 in a resting state and to leave it in an operating state for a predetermined period of time.

[0048] The automatic locking means 30 comprise a rotating cam 4, the rotating cam 4 being arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. The cam has a peripheral face provided with a notch 5.

[0049] The rotating cam 4 is mounted on the barrel 3, and is fixed to the rotation of the barrel 3. The circular peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 surmounts the peripheral teeth 6 of the barrel 3. The notch 5 is formed in the peripheral face, and has a curved shape towards the inside of the rotating cam 4.

[0050] The automatic locking means 30 further include a movable body 7 equipped with a finger 26 extending towards the rotating cam 4. The movable body 7 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the finger 26 extending laterally in the plane of the rotating cam 4.

[0051] The movable body 7 is movable between a locking position in which the finger 26 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4, and a retraction position in which the movable body 7 is moved away from the rotating cam 4, so that the finger 26 remains outside the notch 5.

[0052] As depicted on the figure 5During the rotation of the rotating cam 4, the moving body 7 remains in the retracted position, the tip of the finger 26 of the moving body 7 being in contact with the peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 while it rotates with the barrel 3. More precisely, the moving body 7 experiences a restoring force, which keeps it against the rotating cam 4. The origin and effect of the restoring force are described later in the description in paragraphs 68 to 70.

[0053] Thanks to this return force, the moving body 7 automatically moves into the locking position when the finger 26 can be inserted into the notch 5, as shown in the figure 6 . Thus, as soon as the finger 26 faces the notch 5, the moving body 7 is no longer pushed back by the peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 into the retracted position, and the finger 26 can return to the locking position, the finger 26 inserting itself into the notch 5.

[0054] As long as the finger 26 cannot be inserted into the notch 5 on the peripheral face, the barrel 3 continues to rotate and the mechanical device 10 remains operational. This return force provides automatic locking means 30.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the moving body 7 is in the retracted position, the barrel 3 makes one turn until the notch 5 is again facing the finger 26 of the moving body 7. Indeed, as the rotating cam 4 has only one notch 5, the barrel 3 makes a whole turn before the automatic locking means 30 stop it again.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, the rotating cam has two or more notches, so that the barrel and the mechanical device are stopped at each notch. Consequently, the mechanical device operates only during the barrel's rotation between two notches, i.e., for a period less than one barrel revolution.

[0057] To carry and move the movable body 7, the automatic locking means 30 include an intermediate rocker 8 arranged on the plate 2, the movable body 7 being mounted at a first end 27 of the intermediate rocker 8. The intermediate rocker 8 is mounted on a second pivot 21 to be able to rock and change the position of the movable body 7 from the locking position to the retracted position.

[0058] The intermediate rocker 8 has a curved shape comprising at the front two substantially parallel curved arms connected at the first end 27, the two arms defining an open space. The intermediate rocker 8 has a third curved arm extending rearward to form a second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8. The three arms are connected by an intermediate joint 29 equipped with the second pivot 21.

[0059] A restoring force is applied to the second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8 to keep the movable body 7 in contact with the peripheral face of the rotating cam 4 by the finger 26. Thus, a spring effect is obtained, which pushes the first end 27 of the intermediate rocker 8 towards the rotating cam 4, in order to automatically return the movable body 7 to the locking position, when the notch 5 of the peripheral face is in front of the finger 26.

[0060] In this embodiment, the clockwork module 1 includes a brake rocker 14 configured to contact the regulating shaft 15 to prevent it from rotating. The brake rocker 14 includes a first end 31 equipped with a beak adapted to contact the regulating shaft.

[0061] The mechanical device 10 is in the rest position when the brake rocker 14 is in the contact position, and the mechanical device 10 is in the operating position when the brake rocker 14 is in the away position.

[0062] According to the invention, the mechanical device 10 is stopped when the brake lever 14 is in the contact position. In other words, the mechanical device 10 is stopped by the brake lever 14 blocking the regulating shaft 15. Indeed, if the regulating shaft 15 is blocked, the gear train 20 can no longer rotate because the regulating pinion 19 retains the third wheel 12.

[0063] In this embodiment, the mechanical device 10 is not stopped by a locking of the barrel 3 when the finger 26 of the moving element 7 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4. The moving element 7, the finger 26 and the notch 5 only have the function of triggering the locking of the mechanical device 10, by causing the brake rocker 14 to pivot into the position of contact with the regulating shaft 15 after the predefined time.

[0064] In one embodiment, the automatic locking means 30 are configured to simultaneously block the rotation of the barrel 3 and the rotation of the regulating shaft 15. Thus, when the finger 26 of the moving element 7 enters the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4, the barrel 3 is blocked, and simultaneously, the flein rocker 14 passes into the position of contact with the regulating shaft 15 to block it.

[0065] The brake rocker 14 is rotatably mounted around a first pivot 22 so that it can pivot from a position in contact with the regulating shaft 15 to a position away from it, allowing the shaft to rotate freely. The brake rocker 14 has an angled shape, with the first pivot 22 arranged on the curve of the angled section.

[0066] The automatic locking means 30 also include a first return spring 16, which presses on the first end 31 of the brake lever 14 to keep it in contact with the regulating shaft 15 in the contact position. The first return spring 16 comprises a curved flexible blade attached to the plate on one side and free on the other, the free portion being folded over a first pin extending from the first end 31 of the brake lever 14.

[0067] To this end, the brake rocker 14 includes a second end 32 on which the second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8 rests. The second end 32 of the brake rocker 14 is provided with a pin 33 extending in the plane of the intermediate rocker 8. The pin of the brake rocker 14 bears against the second end 28 of the intermediate rocker 8.

[0068] Thus, thanks to the pin 33, the return force of the first return spring 16 is transmitted to the intermediate rocker 8, so that it is in position to put the moving body 7 against the rotating cam 4.

[0069] The clock module 1 further includes on-demand actuation means enabling the intermediate rocker 8 and consequently the brake rocker 14 to be tilted, so that the moving body 7 is moved from the blocking position to the retraction position, and the regulating shaft 15 is simultaneously released.

[0070] To this end, the actuation means include a control rocker 18 mounted rotatably around a third pivot of rotation 23.

[0071] The control rocker 18 includes a first end 35 forming an actuating push button. The control rocker 18 has an angled shape with a short segment comprising the first end 35, and a long segment in the middle of which is arranged the third pivot 23. The second end 36 of the control rocker 18 is at the end of the long segment.

[0072] The control rocker 18 is partly mounted below the intermediate rocker 8.

[0073] The control rocker 18 further includes a hook 37 rotatably mounted at the second end 36 of the control rocker 18. The hook 37 cooperates with a ratchet wheel 34 arranged near the second end 36 of the control rocker 18.

[0074] The automatic locking means 30 include a second return spring 17 similar to the first return spring 16, which is configured to press on the hook 37, in order to exert a force tending to bring it into relation with the ratchet wheel 34.

[0075] The control rocker 18 is also connected to the intermediate rocker 8 by an oblong through hole 25 surrounding a stud 24 mounted on the intermediate rocker 8. Thus, when the control rocker 18 pivots, it pulls on the stud 24 of the intermediate rocker 8, to make it pivot in turn, so as to move the movable body 7 into the retracted position to release the barrel 3. Simultaneously, the intermediate rocker 8 presses on the brake rocker 14 in order to release the regulating shaft 15 the regulating pinion 19, and therefore the mechanical device 10, which passes into the operating position.

[0076] On the figure 4When a user presses the first end 35, it actuates the control rocker 18, which rotates in one direction. The control rocker 18 pulls the intermediate rocker 8 in rotation in a second direction opposite to the first. And the intermediate rocker 8 pushes the brake rocker 14 in the first direction, to release the regulating shaft 15 according to the process described previously.

[0077] During the operation of the mechanical device 10 and the rotation of the barrel 3, as shown in the figure 5 , the control rocker 18 returns to its initial position thanks to the second return spring 16, when the user releases the end 35, while the intermediate rocker 8 and the brake rocker 14 remain substantially in the same positions as long as the moving element 7 remains in the retracted position.

[0078] If the user does not release the control lever 18, the automatic stop cannot be triggered, and the barrel continues to rotate and drive the gear train 20.

[0079] On the figure 6 As soon as the finger 26 of the moving body 7 can enter the notch 5 in the locking position, the intermediate rocker 8 returns to its initial position. Since the brake rocker 14 is no longer pushed by the intermediate rocker 8, the latter also returns to its contact position with the regulating shaft 15 thanks to the return force provided by the first return spring 16, and thus locks the regulating pinion 19 and the gears 20 of the mechanical device 10.

[0080] In the simultaneous blocking embodiment variant, the moving body 7 also blocks the rotation of the barrel 3 when the finger 26 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4.

[0081] Thus, the mechanical device 10 of the clock module 1 is stopped after one turn of the barrel 3, but it can be started again by actuating the control rocker 18, as long as the barrel 3 is not completely unloaded.

[0082] The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising a clock module 1 as described above, as well as a clock part comprising such a clock movement.

Claims

1. Horological module (1) for a horological movement, for example an automaton or a ringing mechanism, horological module (1) including a plate (2) and a mechanical device (10) able to pass from an idle state, wherein the mechanical device (10) is immobile with respect to the plate (2), to an operating state, wherein at least a part of the mechanical device (10) is able to move with respect to the plate (2) when it is actuated, the horological module (1) including a barrel (3) for providing energy to the mechanical device (10), the mechanical device (10) including a geartrain (20) actuatable by the barrel (3), the mechanical device (10) furthermore comprising a regulator for the speed of the mechanical device (10), the horological module (1) comprising means (30) for automatically locking the mechanical device (10), the automatic locking means (30) being configured to lock the regulator in order to put the mechanical device (10) in the idle state, the automatic locking means (30) comprise a rotary cam (4) and a movable body (7) cooperating with the rotary cam (4), the movable body (7) being able to move between a locking position, wherein the mechanical device (10) is in the idle state, and a retracted position, wherein the mechanical device (10) is in the operating state, characterised in that the rotary cam (4) is provided with at least one notch (5), and the movable body (7) is provided with a finger (26), the finger (26) being inserted in the notch (5) of the rotary cam (4) when the movable body (7) is in the locking position, and the finger (26) being outside the notch (5) when the movable body (7) is in the retracted position.

2. Horological module according to claim 1, characterised in that the regulator comprises a regulation pinion (19) driven by the barrel (3) when it is in rotation by means of the geartrain (20), the regulation pinion (19) being mounted secured to a regulation shaft (15), the automatic locking means (30) being configured to lock the regulation shaft (15) in order to put the mechanical device (10) in the idle state.

3. Horological module according to claim 2, characterised in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise a brake lever (14) cooperating with the regulation shaft (15), the brake lever (14) being able to move about a second rotation pivot (22) between a contact position wherein it is in contact with the regulation shaft (15) to lock it and a position distant from the regulation shaft (15) wherein it allows the regulation shaft (15) to turn.

4. Horological module according to claim 3, characterised in that the mechanical device (10) is in the idle position when the brake lever (14) is in the contact position, and the mechanical device (10) is in the operating position when the brake lever (14) is in the distant position.

5. Horological module according to claim 4, characterised in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise a first return spring (16), acting on the brake lever (14) to hold it in the contact position.

6. Horological module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotary cam (4) is mounted secured to the barrel (3).

7. Horological module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable body (7) remains in contact with the rotary cam (4) during its rotation in the operating state of the mechanical device (10).

8. Horological module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movable body (7) is configured to automatically pass from the retracted position to the locking position after a predefined time.

9. Horological module according to claim 8, characterised in that the predefined time corresponds to one turn of the barrel (2).

10. Horological module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise an intermediate lever (8) carrying the movable body (7), the intermediate lever (8) being able to move about a first rotation pivot (21).

11. Horological module according to claim 10 dependent on claim 3, characterised in that the intermediate lever (8) is configured to actuate the brake lever (14) to make it pass from the contact position to the distant position, the intermediate lever (8) being mechanically connected to the brake lever (14).

12. Horological module according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise on-demand actuation means for moving the movable body (8) from the locking position to the retracted position.

13. Horological module according to claim 12, characterised in that the actuation means comprise a control lever (18) able to rotate about a third rotation pivot (23) between an initial position and a pressed-in position, the control lever (18) actuating the intermediate lever (8) when it is in the pressed-in position.

14. Horological module according to claim 13, characterised in that the actuation means comprise a second return spring (16) acting on the control lever (18) to return it to the initial position.

15. Horological movement for a timepiece including a horological module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. Timepiece including a horological movement (1) according to the preceding claim.

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