Device for adjusting the running of a timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece incorporating a mechanical movement and comprising a device for adjusting its rate, which includes a rotating moving part and an adjusting mobile (4) capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating moving part.The setting device further comprises a rocker (5) equipped with a linking gear (6) and capable of being moved in rotation by a pusher, actuable by a user, between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the setting mobile is kinematically connected, via the linking gear (6), to a mobile (7) of a correction device, comprising a control rod equipped with a crown for actuating this mobile, or to a drive mobile of an indicator which can be driven by the correction device when correcting the data displayed by this indicator, so as to be able to adjust the rate of the timepiece by actuating the pusher, to put the rocker in its engaged position, and the crown in translation, to put the control rod in a given axial correction position, and then by actuating the crown in rotation.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking. More particularly, it concerns a device for adjusting the rate of a timepiece that can be operated externally without opening the timepiece. The invention also relates to a movement incorporating such a device and to a timepiece incorporating such a movement. Technological background

[0002] We know of several examples of rate-setting mechanisms that are designed to be operated without the need to open the timepiece to access the movement.

[0003] Document FR 2184949 relates to a mechanism for adjusting the regulator's rate from outside the watch. The rate is adjusted via the winding stem when it is in a longitudinal position dedicated solely to this purpose, specifically a fourth, stable position. Even though moving to this specific position is indicated by a resistance point, the risk of accidentally moving the winding stem to this position, and subsequently disrupting the watch's rate, remains significant.

[0004] US patent 2933883 specifies that the watch's rate should be adjusted concurrently with a correction of the displayed time using the winding stem. However, the adjustment range is limited to a predetermined value. Since the watch's rate is adjusted in conjunction with the displayed time correction, it is not possible to correct one of these parameters without affecting the other. Yet, an incorrect time display can result, for example, from the watch stopping, even if its rate is not at fault. Furthermore, in general, a time error in the displayed time does not allow for the determination of an error in the mechanical oscillator's adjustment, except in the specific case where the time error results from the watch running continuously for a predetermined period.Indeed, a time error in the display of the time can result from an error in the setting of the regulating organ of the watch and the period elapsed since the last time the watch displayed a correct time, under the assumption that the watch has functioned normally during this entire elapsed period.

[0005] Document CH 152943 describes a mechanism that, using a pusher, resets the minute hand to zero while simultaneously correcting the watch's accuracy proportional to the correction made to the time display. This mechanism can only be activated at brief intervals, for example, when a reference clock passes the hour, and only if the minute hand is sufficiently close to zero. As with the previous invention, there is no direct relationship between the error in the displayed time and the correction required for the watch's accuracy, which depends on the phase shift per unit of time of the mechanical oscillator. This shift results from an error in its oscillation frequency relative to a nominal frequency (reference frequency) specified for that mechanical oscillator (phase shift generally expressed in seconds per day).

[0006] Document DE 873677 provides a similar teaching to that of the previous document.

[0007] The watch timekeeping mechanisms disclosed in the two preceding documents present several major drawbacks. Firstly, they regulate the watch's rate based on and simultaneously with a correction of the minute hand, and this at a precise reference time. This correction generally does not allow for determining the value of the correction needed for the watch's rate. Secondly, these adjustment mechanisms are bulky, as each extends over a significant portion of the watch's mechanical movement's horizontal surface. Finally, these mechanisms are complex and require difficult assembly with tight manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether the mechanism in document DE 873677, as depicted in the single figure, is functional.

[0008] Finally, US patent 2441847 describes a watch setting device with a specific control mechanism positioned diametrically opposite the winding stem. A scale on the case opposite the setting crown indicates the level of correction applied. However, the small size of this scale and the lack of markings to directly read the correction value make it difficult to read and the risk of error high. Furthermore, the addition of a second control stem increases the watch's bulk and increases the risk of water resistance. In addition, there is a significant risk of accidentally missetting the watch. Summary of the invention

[0009] The objective of the invention is to remedy the various disadvantages of the mechanisms of the prior art mentioned above and to propose a device allowing to correct and therefore to regulate, with great precision and advantageously in a safe manner, the rate of a timepiece incorporating a mechanical movement without having to open the timepiece, without adding bulk to the style of the timepiece and without having to make such a setting at a given precise time, and above all without the setting of the rate of the timepiece being simultaneous with a correction of the time displayed and directly dependent on this correction.

[0010] The aims of the invention are achieved by a timepiece comprising: a mechanical movement equipped with a regulating organ formed by an inertial mass and a spiral spring; a device for correcting a data displayed by at least one indicator of a display device included in the timepiece, this correction device being controlled by a control rod equipped with a crown that can be acted upon in translation and rotation by a user; and a device for regulating the rate of the timepiece which includes a rotating moving part, defining at least one physical property of the spiral spring, and a regulating organ capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating moving part, so as to be able to act on the spiral spring to modify the frequency of the regulating organ as a function of the angular position of the rotating moving part.

[0011] This timepiece is remarkable in that the setting device also includes a rocker equipped with at least part of a connecting gear and capable of being moved in rotation by a pusher, operable by the user, between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the setting mobile is kinematically connected, via the connecting gear, to a mobile of the correction device or of a drive device of said indicator, this mobile being able to be driven by the control rod once the latter has been placed in a given axial correction position, so as to allow the setting of the timepiece to be adjusted by pressing on the pusher, thus putting the rocker in its engaged position, and by actuating the crown in translation, to put the control rod in the given axial correction position, and then by actuating the crown in rotation.

[0012] This arrangement allows for adjustment / correction of the timepiece's operation, regardless of the initial position of the minute hand and without risk of unintentional misadjustment, the value of the correction not depending on the initial position of the minute hand and not being a function of a correction made to the position of this hand, this hand can if necessary be returned to a correct position following the adjustment of the watch's operation.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjusting mobile comprises a cam arranged to cooperate with a cam follower (also called a 'feeler') which is integral with the rotating moving part.

[0014] According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the adjusting member is arranged to define the active length of the spiral spring. According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the adjusting member comprises a pin to which is attached an adjustment arm for the stiffness of at least a portion of the spiral spring, this adjustment arm modifying the stiffness of the spiral spring according to the angular position of the pin and therefore of the rotating moving part.

[0015] In a principal embodiment, the moving part of the correction device or the drive device of the indicator and the adjusting part are located at different levels in the mechanical movement, the connecting gear comprising a shaft having at each of its two ends a connecting wheel and mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation is fixed in the mechanical movement and the rocker arm is mounted on the shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation.

[0016] In a first advantageous embodiment, the timepiece is equipped with a date indicator, and the given axial correction position is a correction position for the date indicator. The rocker arm, in its engaged position, kinematically connects the regulating wheel to a date drive wheel.

[0017] In a second advantageous embodiment, the timepiece is equipped with a minute indicator, and the given axial correction position is a correction position for the position of this minute indicator. Remarkably, the daily rate correction value in seconds is indicated by the minute-by-minute variation in the position of the minute indicator. Alternatively, a specific scale for the rate correction function may be provided. After setting the watch's rate and returning the lever to its disengaged position, the minute indicator can then be set to the correct position if necessary. Brief description of the figures

[0018] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will also become apparent from the detailed description of a given embodiment by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 partially represents a watch movement comprising a rate-setting device according to the invention; the figures 2 And 3 represent a tilt of the adjustment device in the disengaged and engaged positions respectively; the figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rocker arm and its connecting gear, the moving part of the time-setting gear, and the moving part for regulating the rate; the figure 5 is a perspective view of the seesaw and its connecting mechanism; and The figure 6 represents a variant of the regulating organ with its spiral spring and part of the regulating device connected to the spiral spring. Detailed description of the invention

[0019] The adjustment of mechanical timepieces equipped with a balance-spring regulator is traditionally carried out by moving a regulator lever designed to adjust the active length of the balance spring. This operation is generally performed in a workshop by opening the watch case to access the adjustment mechanism. In addition to immobilizing the timepiece, simply opening and closing the case can affect the watch's accuracy and make the adjustment less precise. Various solutions for adjusting the time from the outside of the watch have been proposed in the past, but none have become widespread and remain in use today, despite the advantages of such a solution.

[0020] The present invention proposes a device for adjusting the rate of a mechanical timepiece that can be operated from the outside. figure 1This represents a partial view of a watch movement incorporating such a regulating device. The mechanical movement of this timepiece is equipped with a regulating organ comprising an inertial mass 1, in the form of a balance wheel, and a balance spring 2. The balance wheel (mechanical oscillator) is mounted to pivot between a plate 8 and a bridge 9.

[0021] The timepiece typically includes a correction device for at least one piece of data displayed by at least one indicator of a display device within that timepiece. The correction device is controlled by a control rod equipped with a crown and actuated by a user in translation and rotation. In the embodiment shown, the correction device includes a time-setting device, namely for correcting the display of the current time indicators (in particular the hour and minute hands), and also, where applicable, a correction device for at least one other indicator of the timepiece, in particular a date indicator and / or a second time zone indicator.The correction mechanism usually comprises a correction gear, which includes a time-setting gear comprising at least one moving part 7, and the control stem is axially movable in at least one correction position from a neutral position allowing the mechanical movement of the timepiece to be wound. The crown is fixedly mounted on the control stem and can be operated in translation and rotation by a user.

[0022] The timekeeping mechanism of the timepiece comprises a rotating part 3, defining at least one physical property of the balance spring, and a regulating organ 4 capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating part, so as to act on the balance spring 2 to modify the frequency of the regulating organ according to the angular position of the rotating part. The rotating part 3 is pivotally mounted on the bridge 9 and is coaxial with the balance wheel. Generally, a regulating organ, fixedly mounted on the rotating part 3, acts on the balance spring 2 to slightly modify the frequency of the regulating organ according to the angular position of the rotating part and thus adjust the rate of the timepiece (also called the watch).

[0023] Traditionally, and not shown here, the regulating mechanism can consist of two pins between which the spiral spring passes and against which this spiral spring alternately makes contact. The rotation of the regulator by the regulating device then allows adjustment of the active length of the spiral and the oscillation frequency of the regulator.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the outer end of the spiral spring is fixed by a pin 9a to the bridge 9 as can be seen in the figure 6The spiral spring 2 has an adjusting arm 2a, the end of which is fixed to the regulating organ, which here consists of a pin 3a mounted fixedly on the rotating part 3. The rotation of this rotating part acts on the adjusting arm of the spiral spring via the pin 3a, slightly modifying the stiffness of the spiral spring and thus the regulator's frequency. Reference can be made, in particular, to document EP 4009115 A1 for this type of rate adjustment.

[0025] Regardless of the embodiment chosen for the balance spring and the type of rate adjustment planned, it is the angular position of the rotating part that determines the frequency of the regulating organ (regulator). This angular position is controlled by the regulating organ 4, which is pivotally mounted on the bridge 9. In the embodiment shown, the regulating organ carries a snail-shaped cam 4a designed to cooperate with a cam follower 3b, which is fixed to the rotating part 3.

[0026] An elastic element 12, mounted on the bridge 9, acts on the rotating moving part 3 in order to keep the cam follower 3b in contact with the cam 4a. In an alternative variant not shown, the rotating moving part is desmodromically linked to the adjusting moving part 4.

[0027] The rate-adjustment device according to the invention further comprises a rocker 5 that is movable and rotates about an axis of rotation 5a and is capable of being moved by a pusher on the timepiece, which is actuated by a user from outside the timepiece and acts on an end portion 5c of the rocker against an elastic return means 10, visible on the figures 2 And 3 .

[0028] The rocker arm 5 is equipped with a portion of a connecting gear train 6 designed to kinematically link the regulating wheel 4 to a wheel 7 of the time-setting gear train. When the pusher is not subjected to axial pressure, the rocker arm 5 is in a disengaged position in which the kinematic link between the regulating wheel 4 and the time-setting gear train is interrupted. When the pusher is actuated by axial pressure, the rocker arm 5 is moved into an engaged position in which the regulating wheel 4 is kinematically linked to the wheel 7 of the time-setting gear train via the connecting gear train 6. The configuration of the connecting gear train can be determined by a person skilled in the art according to the design of the movement of the timepiece.

[0029] Thus, in general, the rocker 5 can be rotated between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the adjusting mobile 4 is kinematically connected, via the linking gear 6, to a mobile 7 of the correction device or of a drive device of a given indicator, this mobile 7 being able to be driven by the control rod once the latter has been put in a given axial correction position, so as to allow the rate of the timepiece to be set by pressing on the pusher, thus putting the rocker 5 in its engaged position, and by actuating the crown in translation, to put the control rod in the given axial correction position, and then by actuating the crown in rotation.

[0030] In the embodiment presented, it can be seen that the regulating wheel 4 is not at the same level as the wheel 7 of the time-setting gear, which is advantageous for the design of the mechanical movement. The connecting wheel 6 has a shaft 5b fitted at both ends with two connecting wheels, fixed to this shaft, to accommodate this difference in level. The shaft 55b is mounted concentrically with the axis of rotation 5a, which is fixed in the mechanical movement. The rocker 5 is mounted on the shaft so as to be free to rotate about the axis of rotation independently of the two connecting wheels. In the embodiment shown, the connecting wheel 6 is in permanent mesh with a pinion of the regulating wheel 4, and the engagement occurs at the level of the wheel 7 of the time-setting gear. It is clear that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] To adjust the timekeeping of the watch in the main embodiment shown, press the pusher to engage the rocker 5, thus placing it in its engaged position. Simultaneously, pull the crown to move the control stem to the correct position for adjusting the mechanical movement and, consequently, the timekeeping of the timepiece. Then, while maintaining pressure on the pusher, rotate the crown to make the desired adjustment of the timepiece / watch. In the variant shown, the correct position is for setting the time / correcting the time display. In other variants, different correction positions for the control stem can be selected, including the date correction position (when the timepiece is equipped with a date display).The double actuation, which mobilizes both hands of the user, prevents any unintentional adjustment of the watch's timekeeping.

[0032] In an alternative configuration, the rocker arm is bistable in both its disengaged and engaged positions, and pressing the pusher is designed to alternately switch this bistable rocker arm between these two stable positions. Therefore, when setting the time via the crown actuating the control stem, it is not necessary to maintain pressure on the pusher in this alternative configuration. However, this alternative has the major drawback of not ensuring the accuracy of the watch's time setting, as unintentional pressure on the pusher can lead to an unintentional correction of the time during a subsequent time adjustment. It should be noted that accidentally setting the time while adjusting the watch is not a significant problem, as the need to adjust the time usually arises from the realization that the watch is no longer showing the correct time.Therefore, in all cases, the watch needs to be reset to the precise time, whether or not the timekeeping is adjusted.

[0033] The timing adjustment can be made in both directions, both forward and backward, depending on the direction in which the control ring is operated.

[0034] An important advantage of the invention is the precision with which the rate correction can be performed. For this purpose, the moving part intended to drive the connecting gear 6 can be something other than a moving part of the time-setting gear, and in particular a date drive wheel whose low rotational speed allows for high precision in rate correction.

[0035] Another advantage of the invention is the ability to use existing timekeeping devices to measure and control the correction applied to the watch's rate. When the setting mechanism 4 is connected to the time-setting gear train during the adjustment of the timepiece's rate, the correction is directly proportional to the change in the time indication, particularly the position of the minute indicator. Therefore, no additional display devices are required to monitor the rate correction. Furthermore, the large size and excellent legibility of the minute display allow for high precision in reading the rate correction. A specific scale can be used, or, more simply, the minute scale can be used by selecting an appropriate ratio.

[0036] Thus the rate correction device according to the invention allows for rate adjustment without opening the timepiece and, in the preferred embodiment described, without risk of untimely deregulation, without adding weight to the style by adding specific indicators (although the addition of a pusher on the case of the timepiece is planned, but this pusher may not be protruding) and in particular with high precision in the correction made and in the reading of the corrected value.

Claims

1. A timepiece comprising: - a mechanical movement equipped with a regulating organ formed by an inertial mass (1) and a spiral spring (2); - a device for correcting a data displayed by at least one indicator of a display device included in the timepiece, this correction device being controlled by a control rod equipped with a crown actuated in translation and rotation by a user; and - a device for regulating the rate of the timepiece which includes a rotating moving part (3), defining at least one physical property of the spiral spring, and a regulating organ (4) capable of controlling the angular position of the rotating moving part, so as to be able to act on the spiral spring (2) to modify the frequency of the regulating organ as a function of the angular position of the rotating moving part; characterized in thatthe setting device further comprises a rocker (5) provided with at least part of a linking gear (6) and capable of being moved in rotation by a pusher, actuable by the user, between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the setting mobile (4) is kinematically connected, via the linking gear, to a mobile (7) of the correction device or of a drive device of said indicator, this mobile being able to be driven by the control rod once the latter has been put in a given axial correction position, so as to allow the rate of the timepiece to be set by pressing on the pusher, thus putting the rocker in its engaged position, and by actuating the crown in translation, to put the control rod in the given axial correction position, and then by actuating the crown in rotation.

2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in thatsaid mobile (7) of the correction device or of the drive device of said indicator and the adjusting mobile (4) are located at different levels in the mechanical movement, said linking gear (6) comprising a shaft (5b) provided at its two ends respectively with two linking wheels, fixed to this shaft, and mounted pivoting about an axis of rotation (5a).

3. Timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that said axis of rotation (5a) is fixed in the mechanical movement and the rocker is mounted on the shaft so as to be mobile in rotation around the axis of rotation independently of the two connecting wheels.

4. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adjusting mobile (4) includes a cam (4a) arranged to cooperate with a cam follower (3b) integral with the rotating moving part (3).

5. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe rocker (5) can be moved between the disengaged position and the engaged position against an elastic return means (10), this rocker remaining in the engaged position only as long as sufficient pressure to overcome the return means is exerted on the pusher.

6. Timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotating mobile part (3) fixedly carries a pin (3a) to which is attached an adjustment arm (2a) for the rigidity of at least a portion of the spiral spring (2), this adjustment arm being arranged to modify the rigidity of the spiral spring (2) according to the angular position of the pin and therefore of the rotating mobile part.

7. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is equipped with a date indicator, characterized in that said axial correction position is a correction position for the date indicator; and in thatThe rocker in its engaged position kinematically connects the adjusting mechanism to a date drive wheel.

8. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is equipped with a minute indicator; characterized in that said axial correction position is a correction position for the position of the minute indicator; and in that The value of a rate correction is indicated by the variation in the position of the minute indicator.

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