Lever device for a clock mechanism

JP2024545892A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-02DE LA MFG DHORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET & CIE
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024537427
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-21
Filing Date
2022-12-15
Publication Date
2026-03-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional chronograph mechanisms experience significant wear due to high torque and require substantial pressure on pushbuttons, leading to reliability issues and increased manufacturing costs.

Method used

A lever device with a main lever that pivots between two stable positions, utilizing staggered beaks to minimize contact with the column wheel, eliminating the need for a return spring and reducing the force required for actuation.

Benefits of technology

The lever device reduces wear, minimizes shock impact on components, and requires less pressure for operation, enhancing reliability and user comfort while simplifying the mechanism.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To reduce the force applied to a lever device for a clock mechanism during operation in order to suppress wear on the parts. The invention relates to a lever device (10) for a clock mechanism, comprising a column wheel (16) and a main lever (20) mounted for pivoting alternately between two stable positions about a first pivot axis (24). The main lever (20) comprises an anchor with two beaks (21a, 21b) arranged alternately in each of two stable positions, one beak between two columns (17) and the other abutting the peripheral side of another column (17). The main lever (20) further comprises a distal part (26, 29) for controlling the clock mechanism. The anchor and the distal part (26, 29) of the lever are arranged for pivoting about the first pivot axis (24). The invention also relates to a clock movement comprising a chronograph and a lever device arranged for moving the chronograph from a non-engaged configuration to an engaged configuration and vice versa.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever arrangement for a timepiece mechanism, which may be used in particular for actuating the clutch of a chronograph. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional chronographs generally have a column wheel that provides the control center of the chronograph mechanism, which starts, stops and resets the timing functions. This column wheel is designed to control the movement of levers and other rockers that are held against the column wheel by springs and actuate vertical or horizontal clutches.

[0003] In a vertical clutch type chronograph, a clutch shoe is arranged to occupy a disengaged position corresponding to a stopped chronograph position and an engaged position corresponding to a running chronograph position, the clutch shoe engaging the moving part of the seconds. The clutch shoe directly or indirectly meshes with the gear train of the watch movement to transmit motion to the chronograph axle carrying the chronograph seconds hand.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a chronograph with a vertical clutch. The chronograph comprises a clamp consisting of two prongs forming an integral part of the main lever and the secondary lever. The clamp is designed to axially displace the clutch shoe of the clutch moving part, moving it from an engaged configuration, in which the chronograph moving part is driven by the seconds hand via the clutch moving part, to a disengaged configuration, in which the clutch shoe is disengaged from the clutch moving part. The main lever controls the secondary lever, which cooperates with the column wheel via a beak.

[0005] Conventionally, the column wheel is controlled by a stop or start push button on the chronograph. Each press of the push button rotates the column wheel one step, closing or opening the clamp depending on the position of the beak of the main lever relative to the column. In all other angular positions of the column wheel, the beak rests on the outer side of the wheel column against the action of the clamp's return spring, keeping the clamp in the closed position. In the angular position of the column wheel where the beak is located between the two columns, the action of the return spring keeps the clamp in the open position.

[0006] The force exerted by the clamp return spring has several drawbacks: the torque induced by the pressure of the beak on the column wheel is large and can cause significant wear on the mechanism in the long term. In addition, to overcome the constraints imposed by the return spring, a relatively high pressure must be applied to the push button to start and stop the chronograph.

[0007] Patent document 2 relates to a chronograph control device comprising a clamp, a movable body arranged between the free ends of the two branches of the clamp, two fixed reaction members against which the connecting part between the two branches of the clamp is pressed, and deformation means for generating a force acting on the reaction members to deform the connecting part.

[0008] This control device, in particular due to its complexity and its principle of operation, has many drawbacks that can have an impact on its long-term reliability. This device in fact comprises a two-stage mobile body, a thrust and positioning member arranged to cooperate with the mobile body, a control lever which rotates the mobile body to activate the thrust and positioning member, and a clamp arranged to cooperate with the chronograph mobile body. This clamp comprises an elastic blade designed to deform under the action of the thrust member to open the clamp to start the chronograph. The elastic properties of the blade can deteriorate over time, causing the position of the clamp arm to change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2015145 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 0490285 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a lever arrangement for a timepiece mechanism, in particular a chronograph, which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lever device which is subjected to reduced forces when the device is actuated to inhibit premature wear of the device components.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lever device that is locked in either of two states or configurations, start or stop type or on or off type, to minimize the effects of impacts on parts of the device.

[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lever arrangement which requires less pressure to actuate the push button for improved comfort.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simplified lever assembly having a limited part count to reduce manufacturing costs and increase reliability of the assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In the present invention, these objects are achieved in particular by a lever arrangement for a clock mechanism comprising a column wheel and a main lever, which are mounted for pivoting alternately about a first pivot axis between two stable positions. The main lever comprises an anchor provided with two beaks, which are arranged alternately in each of the two stable positions, one of which is between the two columns and the other of which rests on the outer circumferential side of the other column. The main lever further comprises a distal part which controls the clock mechanism. The anchor and the distal part of the lever are arranged for pivoting about the first pivot axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the main lever is rigid.

[0017] In one embodiment, the main lever is one piece.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first and second beaks of the anchor are arranged on either side of the column wheel, said beaks forming an angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the column wheel between 90° and 270°, preferably between 120° and 180°, ideally between 140° and 160°.

[0019] In one embodiment, the primary lever includes an edge that extends between the first and second beaks substantially along an arc of a circle defined by the outer circumferential side of the column of the column wheel.

[0020] In one embodiment, a gap exists between the edge and the arc of a circle defined by the outer circumferential side of the column such that when the main lever pivots to one or the other of the two stable positions, only the first and second beaks contact the column of the column wheel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the main lever is in a locked configuration in either one of two stable positions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lever arrangement further comprises a secondary lever arranged to cooperate with the primary lever. The secondary lever comprises a distal portion that forms a clamp with a distal portion of the primary lever. The respective distal portions of the primary and secondary levers move towards each other when the primary lever is moved to one of the two stable positions. The distal portions move away from each other when the primary lever is moved to the other of the two stable positions.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a clock movement comprising the above-mentioned lever device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the clock mechanism is a chronograph with a push button command arranged to rotate a column wheel of a lever device, preferably by a click cooperating with a ratchet of said column wheel, which tilts the main lever into one or the other of two stable positions, moving the distal part into one or the other of a first and a second position, which respectively correspond to an engaged and disengaged configuration of the chronograph.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aforementioned chronograph is a chronograph with a horizontal clutch, comprising a chronograph wheel and a clutch wheel pivotally mounted on a distal portion of the main lever to engage with a seconds wheel of the timepiece movement. The clutch wheel is arranged to be spaced apart from the chronograph wheel to maintain the chronograph in a disengaged configuration when the main lever is in one of two stable positions. The clutch wheel is further arranged to engage the chronograph wheel to place the chronograph in an engaged configuration when the main lever is in the other of the two stable positions.

[0026] In one embodiment, the chronograph comprises a vertically clutched chronograph moving part, the vertically clutched chronograph moving part comprising a seconds moving part meshing with the gear train of the timepiece movement, a chronograph axle on which the seconds moving part is mounted so as to pivot freely, a clutch shoe attached to the chronograph axle, and a clutch spring cooperating with the clutch shoe. When the primary lever is moved to one of two stable positions, the distal parts of the primary and secondary levers move towards each other in order to cooperate with the clutch shoe to move the chronograph moving part away from the seconds moving part. When the primary lever is moved to the other of the two stable positions, the distal parts move away from each other and are moved to an engaged configuration in which the clutch shoe is held against the seconds moving part by the action of the clutch spring so that the chronograph moving part is driven by the seconds moving part by friction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the clutch shoe is in the form of a cup with a lower surface intended to contact the seconds moving part in the engagement configuration of the chronograph moving part. To press the cup against the seconds moving part, a clutch spring bears against a shoulder or collar of the chronograph stem.

[0028] In one embodiment, the top of the cup includes an annular edge, and distal portions of the primary and secondary levers are positioned to underlie the annular edge for axially displacing the clutch shoe so that the clutch shoe disengages from the seconds moving part when the chronograph moving part is in the disengaged configuration.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, equipped with a lever device.

[0030] Examples of embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying detailed description of the preferred embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lever device arranged to control the starting and stopping of a vertical clutch type chronograph moving part according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the lever device and the chronograph movable part of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the chronograph movable part of FIG. 2 with a clamp formed by the distal parts of the main lever and the auxiliary lever engaged with a clutch shoe of the chronograph movable part. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 when the chronograph is running. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a is a diagram showing different sequences of motion of the lever device of FIG. 1 as the chronograph moves from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration and vice versa. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is a diagram showing different sequences of motion of the lever device of FIG. 1 as the chronograph moves from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration and vice versa. [Figure 7c] FIG. 7c is a diagram showing different sequences of motion of the lever device of FIG. 1 as the chronograph moves from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration and vice versa. [Figure 7d] FIG. 7d shows a different sequence of movements of the lever device of FIG. 1 as the chronograph moves from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration and vice versa. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a is a top view of a lever device according to another embodiment arranged to control the starting and stopping of a chronograph having a horizontal clutch. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b shows a view similar to FIG. 8a when the chronograph is in the engaged configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, particularly shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lever device 10 is used to control the starting and stopping of a chronograph comprising a chronograph moving part having a vertical clutch 40. For this purpose, the lever device 10 comprises a push button command 12 which can be actuated by a push button (not shown) located, for example, at 2 o'clock.

[0033] Conventionally, the push button command 12 is arranged to rotate the column wheel 16 by means of a click 14 cooperating with a ratchet 18 of the column wheel, the angular position of which at rest is maintained by a blade spring 19. The click 14 is usually mounted to pivot on an axis by means of a bayonet system 15 which provides the mechanical connection between the push button command 12 and the click 14.

[0034] In one embodiment, the lever arrangement 10 further comprises a primary lever 20 mounted for free pivoting movement on a first pivot axis 24, and a secondary lever 30 mounted for free pivoting movement on a second pivot axis 31. The primary lever 20 and the secondary lever 30 each comprise a distal portion 26, 32 arranged on either side of the chronograph moving part 40 so as to form a clamp. Preferably, the primary lever and the secondary lever are each integral and rigid. The primary lever 20 cooperates with the secondary lever 30 to move the distal portions 26, 32 towards or against each other, performing the function of a clamp capable of moving the chronograph moving part 40 from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration and vice versa, as will be described in more detail below.

[0035] To induce a reciprocating motion in the distal parts 26, 32 of the clamp, the main lever 20 comprises an anchor-like portion with a first beak 21a and a second beak 21b arranged to cooperate with the column 17 of the column wheel 16, like an anchor of an escapement. The anchor and the distal part 26 of the main lever 20 are arranged on either side of the first pivot axis 24. This allows the main lever 20 to be moved from a first locked angular position, in which the distal parts 26, 32 hold the chronograph moving part 40 in a non-engaged configuration, to a second locked angular position, in which the distal parts 26, 32 disengage from the chronograph moving part 40, so that the chronograph moving part 40 moves from the non-engaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

[0036] For this purpose, the first beak 21a and the second beak 21b are arranged at the end of the edge 23 of the main lever in the form of an arc of a circle extending substantially along a part of a circle defined by the outer circumferential side of the column 17, such that the two beaks are arranged on either side of the column wheel 16. The two beaks (first beak 21a, second beak 21b) form between them an angle α (FIG. 7a) comprised with respect to the axis of rotation of the column wheel between 90° and 270°, preferably between 120° and 180°, ideally between 140° and 160°.

[0037] A gap is provided between the edge 23 and the arc of the circle defined by the outer peripheral side of the column 17 such that when the main lever 20 pivots to one or the other of the first locked angular position and the second locked angular position, only the first beak 21a and the second beak 21b contact the column 17 of the column wheel.

[0038] In this way, the lever arrangement advantageously makes it possible to minimize the effect of shocks on the parts of the arrangement, since the main lever ensures a stable position in either of the two angular positions.

[0039] Each beak 21a, 21b (first beak 21a, second beak 21b) of the main lever 20 has a contact surface 22 (Figures 7b and 7d) intended to cooperate with the column 17 of the column wheel, according to the description of the series of movements shown in Figures 7a to 7d detailed below, in order to actuate the main lever 20 to one or the other of the first and second positions.

[0040] 3 and 4, the chronograph movable part 40 comprises a seconds movable part 44 which directly or indirectly engages with a gear train (not shown) of a timepiece movement, a chronograph shaft 41 on which the seconds movable part 44 is mounted so as to pivot freely, a clutch shoe 46 attached to the chronograph shaft 41, and a clutch spring 52 arranged to cooperate with the clutch shoe 46. The latter is preferably cup-shaped.

[0041] The cup comprises a lower surface 50 intended to come into contact with the seconds movable part 44, an inclined side 49 extending around the circumference of the cup 46, and an annular edge 48 extending radially from the upper part of the inclined side 49 in a direction perpendicular to the chronograph axis 41. The cup 46 further comprises a clutch spring 52 facing a shoulder or collar 42 formed on the chronograph axis 41. The clutch spring 52 may be fixed or freely rotatable on the chronograph axis 41.

[0042] 4 is in a disengaged configuration in which the ends of the distal portions 26, 32 of the main lever 20 and the auxiliary lever 30 contact the annular edge 48 of the clutch shoe 46, separating the latter from the moving portion of the second wheel 44. In this configuration, the chronograph shaft 41 is decoupled from the second wheel 44. Therefore, the chronograph is not running.

[0043] When the lever device 10 is actuated and the chronograph moving part 40 is in the disengaged configuration, the respective distal parts 26, 32 of the primary lever 20 and the secondary lever 30 move away from each other and reach the position shown in FIG. 6. The clutch shoe 46 is no longer supported by the distal parts 26, 32 and is pressed by the clutch spring 52 against the moving part of the seconds 44. The chronograph moving part 40 is thus in an engaged configuration in which the clutch shoe 46 is driven by the moving part of the seconds 44 by friction to rotate the chronograph shaft 41. The chronograph is therefore activated as soon as the distal parts 26, 32 are out of contact with the annular edge 48 of the clutch shoe 46.

[0044] When the lever device 10 is again actuated while the chronograph moving part 40 is in the engaged configuration, the ends of the distal portions 26, 32 exert a binding force on the sides of the annular edge 48 of the clutch shoe 46, which displaces the clutch shoe 46 axially away from the moving part of the seconds 44 and displaces the chronograph moving part 40 axially into the disengaged configuration. One or both of the sides of the annular edge 48 and the ends of the distal portions 26, 32 have angled sides 27, 33 to allow axial movement of the clutch shoe 46 into the disengaged configuration.

[0045] In Figures 4 and 6, the chronograph movable part 40 further comprises a cam 54 for resetting the chronograph to zero, fixed to the chronograph shaft 41. This cam 54 is arranged to be actuated by a lever (not shown) for resetting the chronograph to zero. This lever can be actuated, for example, by a pusher arranged at the 4 o'clock position. A finger 56, preferably having elastic properties, is also fixed to the chronograph shaft 41 and rotates the minute hand of the chronograph by an angle determined according to the minute number indicator.

[0046] The different sequences of movement of the lever arrangement 10 will now be described in relation to Figures 7a to 7d.

[0047] In FIG. 7a, the lever device 10 holds the chronograph moving part 40 in a disengaged configuration. In this configuration, the tip of the first beak 21a of the anchor of the main lever 20 abuts against the outer circumferential side of the column 17 of the column wheel 16. The tip of the second beak 21b of the anchor of the main lever is located between the other two columns 17. This ensures the angular position of the main lever 20 and the secondary lever 30, whose distal parts 26, 32 hold the clutch shoe 46 of the chronograph moving part 40 in a position away from the seconds moving part 44 (FIG. 4). This stops the chronograph.

[0048] In Fig. 7b, when the push button command is actuated, the click 14 rotates the column wheel in a conventional manner: the tip of the first beak 21a moves away from the outer circumferential side of the column on which it rests, while the abutment surface 22 of the second beak 21b abuts against another column 17 to pivot the main lever 20 counterclockwise about its pivot axis 24 until the tip of the second beak 21b rests on the outer circumferential side of the column and the tip of the first beak 21a is between the other two columns, as shown in Fig. 7c.

[0049] In Fig. 7b, the pivoting movement of the primary lever 20, via a mechanical linkage, causes the secondary lever 30 to pivot clockwise about its pivot axis 31. To pivot the secondary lever 30, the primary lever 20 comprises a primary linkage 28 which is connected to a secondary linkage 34 of the secondary lever 30. The latter may for example comprise a finger, one end of which is located in a cut-out of the primary or secondary lever. One or both of the primary and secondary levers 20 and 30 may comprise a blade spring 36 to provide a restraining force to the mechanical linkage, so that permanent contact between the two levers is guaranteed.

[0050] Pivotal movement of the primary lever 20 in a direction opposite to that of the secondary lever 30 moves each of the distal portions 26, 32 in the opposite direction to release the clutch shoe 46, as previously described, so as to bring the clutch shoe 46 into contact with the movable seconds portion 44 (FIG. 6) to start the chronograph.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 7d, when the push button command is actuated again while the chronograph moving part 40 is in the engaged configuration, the click 14 rotates the column wheel again, so that the tip of the second beak 21b is disengaged from the outer circumferential side of the column on which it was supported in the engaged configuration of the chronograph moving part 40. Meanwhile, the abutment surface 22 of the first beak 21a contacts the column 17, causing the main lever 20 to pivot in a clockwise direction about the pivot axis 24 until the tip of the first beak 21a contacts the outer circumferential side of another column and the tip of the second beak 21b is between the other two columns, returning the chronograph moving part 40 to the disengaged configuration shown in Fig. 7a.

[0052] As a result, the main lever 20 is always in contact with the outer circumferential side of the column 17 of the column wheel 16, thereby enabling the beak of the lever to cooperate with the column of the column wheel, making it possible to omit the return spring required in chronograph levers of the state of the art.

[0053] This has many advantages, particularly reducing wear and tear on parts due to the reduced torque required to operate the column wheel, mechanical locking of start or stop functions, or reduced pressure on push buttons for improved ease of use.

[0054] According to another embodiment, shown in figures 8a and 8b, a lever device 10 is adapted to command the starting and stopping of a chronograph having a transverse clutch.

[0055] For this purpose, a clutch wheel 61 is pivotally mounted on the distal part 29 of the main lever 20. The main lever 20, like the main lever in the first embodiment described above, comprises an anchor with a first beak 21a and a second beak 21b arranged to cooperate with the column 17 of the column wheel 16 to pivot the main lever 20 about its pivot axis 24, as explained with reference to Figures 7a to 7d.

[0056] In the disengaged position shown in Figure 8a, the clutch wheel 61 with the seconds wheel 60 of the clock movement is positioned away from the chronograph wheel 62. When a push button command (not shown) is actuated, the click 14 rotates the column wheel 16 to pivot the main lever 20 about its pivot axis 24, so that the clutch wheel 61 engages the chronograph wheel 62, as shown in Figure 8b.

[0057] To avoid or at least minimize premature wear due to repeated impacts of the clutch wheel 61 against the chronograph wheel 62, it is preferable to provide a flexible main lever 20 and / or a clutch wheel 61 having resilient teeth.

[0058] In another embodiment, the lever device 10 may comprise a column wheel 16 and at least one second primary lever, identical or similar to the first primary lever 20. In this way, each of the primary levers could be used to command the starting and stopping of another mechanism, such as a watch complication. Alternatively, and for the same purpose, the lever device 10 may comprise a column wheel 16 and at least a second set of primary and secondary levers 20 and 30. In that way, each set of primary and secondary levers can control the starting and stopping of another mechanism, such as the one described above.

[0059] The lever device according to the invention is not limited to controlling the starting and stopping of a chronograph mechanism, but can be adapted to any type of timepiece mechanism with two states or configurations of start and stop type or on and off type, and can be in one or the other of these configurations.

[0060] Such a mechanism may, for example, be an indicator mechanism allowing a first element and a second element of different visual appearances to be displayed successively, for example through a window, as the lever device is actuated. The lever device according to the invention may also be used for the release of tensioned gears, for the modification of mechanisms or for the selection of functions.

[0061] In addition, the lever arrangement can be adapted for continuous actuation, for example to provide a day / night indication, in which case the lever arrangement is devoid of push buttons, clicks and ratchets and the column is fixed to a gear with the gear train of the clock movement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Lifting device 12 Push Button Commands 14 clicks 15 Bayonet System 16 column vehicle 17 Column 18 Ratchet 19 Blade spring 20 Main Lever 21a, 21b 1st beak, 2nd beak 22 Collision surface 23 Edge 24 Pivot axis 26, 29 Distal 27 Sloping Side 28 Main connection 30 Secondary Lever 31 Pivot axis 32 Distal 33 Sloping Side 34 Sub-joint 36 Blade spring 40 Chronograph movement 41 Chronograph axis 42 Color 44 seconds of moving parts 46 Clutch shoe 47 Cups 48 Circular Edge 49 Sloping Side 50 Lower surface 52 Clutch spring 54 Cam 56 Finger section 60 Second Car 61 Clutch car 62 Chronograph car

Claims

1. A lever device (10) for a clock mechanism, comprising a column wheel (16) and a main lever (20), the column wheel (16) and the main lever (20) being mounted so as to pivot alternately about a first pivot axis (24) between two stable positions, the main lever (20) comprises an anchor provided with two beaks (21a, 21b) arranged alternately in two stable positions, one of the beaks being between two columns (17) and the other of the beaks being in contact with the outer circumferential side of another column (17); A lever device (10) in which the main lever (20) further comprises a distal portion (26, 29) for controlling the clock mechanism, A lever device (10), characterized in that the distal portion (26, 29) of the main lever (20) and the anchor are arranged to pivot about a first pivot axis (24).

2. 2. The lever device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main lever (20) is rigid.

3. 3. The lever device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main lever (20) is one piece.

4. 4. The lever device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second beaks (21a, 21b) of the anchor are arranged on either side of the column wheel (16) and form an angle (α) between 90° and 270°, preferably between 120° and 180°, ideally between 140° and 160° between the first and second beaks with respect to the axis of rotation of the column wheel (16).

5. 5. The lever device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main lever (20) has an edge (23) extending between the first beak and the second beak (21 a, 21 b) substantially along an arc of a circle defined by the outer circumferential sides of the columns (17) of the column wheel.

6. 6. The lever device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that a gap exists between the edge (23) and the arc of the circle defined by the outer peripheral side portion of the column (17) such that when the main lever (20) pivots to one or the other of the two stable positions, only the first beak and the second beak (21a, 21b) are in contact with the column (17) of the column wheel.

7. 7. The lever device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main lever (20) is configured to be locked in one of the two stable positions.

8. Further comprising a secondary lever (30) arranged to cooperate with the primary lever (20), the secondary lever (30) has a distal portion (32) for forming a grip with the distal portion (26) of the primary lever (20); a distal portion (26, 32) of each of the primary lever (20) and the secondary lever (30) move towards each other when the primary lever (20) is moved to one of the two stable positions; When the primary lever (20) is moved to the other of the two stable positions, the distal portions (26, 32) of the primary lever (20) and the secondary lever (30) move away from each other. A lever device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is

9. A timepiece movement comprising a timepiece mechanism equipped with a lever device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The clock mechanism comprises: a chronograph comprising a push button command (12) arranged to rotate the column wheel (16) of the lever device (10), preferably by a click (14) cooperating with a ratchet of the column wheel (16), to pivot the main lever (20) to one or the other of the two stable positions in order to move the distal portion (26) of the main lever to one or the other of a first and second position corresponding to an engaged and disengaged configuration of the chronograph, respectively.

10. A watch movement according to claim 9.

11. the chronograph is a horizontal clutch comprising a chronograph wheel (62) and a clutch wheel (61) pivotally mounted on the distal part (29) of the main lever (20) so as to engage with a seconds wheel (60) of the clock movement; the clutch wheel (61) is arranged to be spaced apart from the chronograph wheel (62) to maintain the chronograph in a disengaged configuration when the main lever (20) is in one of the two stable positions; The clutch wheel (61) is further arranged to engage the chronograph wheel (62) to place the chronograph in an engaged configuration when the main lever (20) is in the other of the two stable positions.

11. A watch movement according to claim 10.

12. A timepiece movement according to claim 10, comprising a lever device (10) according to claim 8, The chronograph, a vertical clutched chronograph movable part (40) including a second movable part (44) meshing with a gear train of the movement of the timepiece, a chronograph shaft (41) on which the second movable part (44) is attached so as to pivot freely, a clutch shoe (46) attached to the chronograph shaft (41), and a clutch spring (52) cooperating with the clutch shoe (46); when the primary lever (20) is moved to one of the two stable positions, the distal portions (26, 32) of the primary lever (20) and the secondary lever (30) move towards each other so that the chronograph moving part (40), in cooperation with the clutch shoe (46), moves the clutch shoe (46) away from the seconds moving part (44) to a disengaged configuration; When the main lever (20) is moved to the other of the two stable positions, the distal portions (26, 32) move away from each other and the chronograph moving part (40) is moved into an engaged configuration in which the clutch shoe (46) is held against the seconds moving part (44) by the action of the clutch spring (52) so that the chronograph moving part (40) is driven by the seconds moving part (44) by friction.

11. A watch movement according to claim 10.

13. said clutch shoe (46) being in the form of a cup with a lower surface (50) intended to come into contact with said seconds moving part (44) in said engagement configuration of said chronograph moving part (40), The clutch spring (52) contacts a shoulder or collar (42) of the chronograph axle (41) to press the cup (46) against the seconds movable part (44).

13. A watch movement according to claim 12.

14. The upper portion of the cup (46) has an annular edge (48); The distal portions (26, 32) of the primary lever (20) and the secondary lever (30) are disposed to underlie the annular edge (48) for axially displacing the clutch shoe (46) so that the clutch shoe (46) disengages from the seconds moving part (44) when the chronograph moving part (40) is in the disengaged configuration.

14. A watch movement according to claim 13.

15. A watch equipped with a watch movement according to any one of claims 9 to 14.