Dual-stability clock control mechanism

Abstract

Provide a bistable clock control mechanism. 【Solution means】The present invention is - A starting device (6), - A pivot piece (3) arranged to rotate by the action of the starting device (6) about an axis (z) perpendicular to the main plane (xy), - Rigid pieces (1, 1''), - A first flexible blade (5A) connecting the rigid piece (1) and the pivot piece (3), - A mechanical pivot having a main shaft, the main shaft being offset in the main plane (xy) with respect to the rotation axis of at least one of the pivot piece (3) and the rigid piece (1) and relates to a watch mechanism (1000) provided in the main plane (xy). By attaching the pivot piece (3) and the rigid piece (1) to the mechanical pivot respectively, a preload is applied to the first flexible blade (5A), and by making the assembly formed by the rigid piece (1) and the first flexible blade (5A) bistable, the rotating pivot piece causes the bistable assembly to move from the first stable position to the second stable position in the main plane (xy).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the timekeeping mechanism of a chronograph watch. The present invention also relates to a watch movement equipped with such a mechanism, and a watch equipped with such a mechanism or movement, such as a chronograph watch, particularly a wristwatch chronograph. The mechanism according to the present invention can be used in a chronograph watch, but is not limited to such applications, and can also be used in any other watch manufacturing applications that require function control or operation, for example, but not limited to, flyback handwatch mechanisms, minute repeaters, countdown watch mechanisms, such as regatta watches, etc.

Background Art

[0002] A chronograph watch is a stopwatch. Generally, for timekeeping, it has at least one display member that can be started and stopped by a push button or other control device. After timekeeping, the moving member can be returned to the starting point. Many chronographs also have a display member for displaying the current time in addition to timekeeping.

[0003] When the push button (or other activation device) of a chronograph watch is first pressed, the tortoise indicator or hand (also referred to as the "chronograph second indicator" or "chronograph second hand") that is stationary at the zero position on the dial starts to move (start stage or "start"). When the same push button is pressed again, or another push button is pressed, the second hand stops at the exact position at the time of pressing (stop stage or "stop"). When the same push button is pressed for the third time, or another push button is pressed, the second hand is instantly returned to the zero position (reset stage or "reset"). In this way, the elapsed time can be measured in seconds.

[0004] The three stages or functions of a chronograph watch are start, stop, and reset.

[0005] Among chronograph watches, there are some in which the power source required to set the motion chain used for time measurement is independent of the motion chain used to count and display the current time. However, in most cases, a chronograph watch draws the energy required to operate the time measurement part of the movement from the motion chain that counts and displays the current time. That is, it is drawn from the motion chain that connects the governor and the watch gears from an energy source such as a spring. The governor and the watch gears move in conjunction with a display that shows one or both of the current hours, minutes, and seconds.

[0006] In these cases, in order to extract the energy required to position the motion chain for the measurement of the elapsed time, it is necessary to create a coupling between the motion chain that counts and displays the current time and the one that measures the elapsed time.

[0007] Two main components used in many chronograph watch mechanisms are the coupling mechanism and the control mechanism.

[0008] For counting and displaying the current time, the coupling mechanism enables the drive gear train of the chronograph to move. In particular, the coupling mechanism allows the chronograph's motion chain to start and stop very quickly and also to be blocked by leaving the chronograph display stopped.

[0009] Various coupling mechanisms, including vertical, horizontal, and oscillating pinion couplings, are known in the art but will not be described here.

[0010] Known control mechanisms include, for example, the cam type or the column wheel type.

[0011] Generally, a column wheel is made as a single part and includes a ratchet and a column perpendicular to the ratchet. The column creates what is known as a space (a complete space and an empty space) for controlling various movements of a lever that abuts against the column or is located between two columns. The lever and its movement that enable the execution of the "start", "stop", and "reset" functions are well-known in the technical field and will not be described here.

[0012] A cam actuating mechanism generally includes two parts that at least partially overlap (also known as shuttles), which are integrated with each other. The cam actuates the lever and performs a function similar to that of a column wheel.

[0013] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 propose an alternative to known column wheels that are relatively thick and difficult to manufacture. The proposed solution is a mechanism that includes a rotatable single-layer part (always referred to as a "column wheel" in these documents), which is elastically connected to a frame and has two stable positions relative to the frame. This part can move between these two stable positions by actuating the lever. The lever is connected to the frame by at least one flexible blade, ensuring a preferred position to which it automatically returns after the lever is released. This mechanism has no mechanical (rigid) pivot and only includes a flexible pivot. It has bistability even when not attached to a watch movement. It is thinner than known mechanisms. This mechanism cannot be reset to zero.

[0014] Patent Document 3 describes a flyback hand mechanism with an integrated flyback hand clamp. This clamp includes two arm parts and a lateral arm part that connects the two arm parts to each other and is deformable by bending elasticity. Each of these arm parts is provided at both ends with two pivot members designed to rotate around two parallel axes. As a result, due to the elastic lateral arm part, the two arm parts can approach and separate from each other. The elastic cross arm is subject to stresses that destabilize its non-deformed shape. To return to a stable shape with reduced stress, the elastic cross arm adopts a buckled or curved shape. The movable parts are arranged to cooperate with the elastic lateral arm, and when the control device switches, the movable parts move from one of the two configurations to the other, causing a change in the curvature of the elastic lateral arm and alternately opening and closing the ratchet pan clamp. The two arm parts of the flyback hand clamp are arranged to cooperate with the flyback hand wheel, and depending on whether the flyback hand clamp is open or closed, it is determined whether the flyback hand wheel is fixed or rotates freely.

[0015] The mechanism of Patent Document 3 has disadvantages. That is, the cross arm is guided by two pins. When these pins act on the relatively thin same location of the cross arm, there is a risk of the cross arm being damaged or broken. Further, due to the bending of the arm, the pivot member (of the rigid body) rotates. Due to this causal relationship, the operating efficiency of the mechanism decreases.

[0016] Patent Document 4 describes a chronograph mechanism that can be switched between a first state and a second state. The mechanism includes a first dipole magnet, a second dipole that magnetically interacts with the first dipole magnet, and a high magnetic permeability element that forms a control member. The operation of this mechanism also depends on the magnetic interaction between these components, so it is not completely mechanical.

[0017] Patent Document 5 describes a flexible and monolithic component that transmits motion from a starting device to a driven part. This integrated component includes a first rigid drive member attached to a rigid frame by an elastically flexible structure, and a second rigid functional member (a member that can be such) attached to the rigid frame by a second elastically flexible structure. The actuating finger slides on a part of the first rigid drive member, causing displacement of the second rigid functional member controlled by the blade. One end of the hook-shaped rigid drive member constitutes a driving means engageable with the teeth of the driven part. The driving means performs a movement having a component parallel and a component perpendicular to the circumference of the driven part. Thus, due to the elastic deformation of the blade, the entire first drive member alternatively performs a two-dimensional oscillatory motion.

[0018] Patent Document 6 describes a chronograph reset system with a minute counter and a second counter having a minute wheel using a chronograph wheel. The hammer is fastened by a fastener and is movable between a non-operating position and an operating position. A flexible element connected between the reset control means and the hammer is used for resetting the chronograph, accumulates energy when the control means is displaced before the hammer is released by the blocking means, measures this accumulated energy when the hammer is released, and is configured to drive the hammer for resetting the chronograph.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0019]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0020] One object of the present invention is to provide a watch mechanism that is not subject to the limitations of known mechanisms.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism that can be alternatively used in place of known mechanisms.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism with a reduced number of parts compared to known solutions.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism with a reduced number of consumable parts compared to known solutions.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch mechanism that can also be used for resetting.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a watch mechanism with a lower risk of breakage than known solutions.

[0026] A further object of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism in which the causal relationship enabling the execution of functions is different from that of known solutions.

[0027] A further object of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism in which, due to this causal relationship, the operation of the watch mechanism is improved compared to known solutions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0028] According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by the watch mechanism particularly described in claim 1, and the preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0029] In an independent aspect, the present invention - a starting device, and - a pivot piece arranged to rotate by the action of the starting device about an axis perpendicular to the main plane, - a rigid piece, and - a first flexible blade connecting the rigid piece and the pivot piece, - a mechanical pivot having a main shaft, the main shaft being displaced in the main plane with respect to the rotation axis of at least one of the pivot piece and the rigid piece and comprises in its main plane a mechanism in which by attaching the pivot piece and the rigid piece to the mechanical pivot respectively, a preload is applied to the first flexible blade, and by making the assembly formed by the rigid piece and the first flexible blade bistable, the rotating pivot piece causes the bistable assembly to move in the main plane from a first stable position to a second stable position.

[0030] In the watch mechanism described herein, since the flexible blade is not guided, the risk of breakage is reduced or there is no risk of breakage.

[0031] In the watch mechanism according to the invention, the rotation of the pivot piece causes the bistable assembly to be displaced via the flexible blade. In other words, in the watch mechanism according to the invention, the input for functioning is not the bending of the flexible blade but the rotation of the pivot (rigid) piece. This causal relationship is different from that proposed in the prior art and improves the operability of the watch mechanism according to the invention.

[0032] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism - a frame in which the rigid piece is arranged between the frame and the pivot piece, and - a second flexible blade connecting the rigid piece to the frame and preloaded by the pivot piece attached to the mechanical pivot, also comprises the bistable assembly also comprises the second flexible blade, The bistable assembly moves from a first relative position to a second relative position with respect to the frame.

[0033] In one embodiment, the pivot piece is arranged to rotate from a first stable position to a second stable position as well. When the pivot piece is in the first stable position, the bistable assembly is also in the first stable position, and when the pivot piece is in the second stable position, the bistable assembly is also in the second stable position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the stable position is a stable position relative to the frame.

[0035] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes two preloaded second flexible blades, and the rigid piece is arranged to move within the main plane having a translational motion.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or both of the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade are provided with openings for at least one of reducing its bending rigidity, reducing its weight, and controlling its deformation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is provided with an opening for at least one of reducing its inertia and activating its function.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least two selected from the rigid piece, the first flexible blade, the second flexible blade, and the frame form a monoblock piece.

[0039] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes fixing means for fixing the rigid piece to the frame, and this fixing means includes at least one of a pin, a screw, and an additional flexible blade.

[0040] In one embodiment, the timepiece mechanism includes a coupling mechanism, and is arranged to activate the coupling mechanism to make a coupling when the rigid piece is in one stable position, and to deactivate the coupling mechanism to not make a coupling when the rigid piece is in another stable position.

[0041] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is arranged to directly activate the coupling mechanism by coming into direct contact with the coupling mechanism.

[0042] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is arranged to indirectly activate the coupling mechanism.

[0043] In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a pin, and the rigid piece includes a housing arranged to receive the pin in order to activate the coupling mechanism for coupling.

[0044] In one embodiment, one or both of the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade are substantially perpendicular to the main plane.

[0045] In one embodiment, the (plural) second flexible blades are parallel to each other.

[0046] In one embodiment, the rigid piece includes a clamp-shaped or U-shaped body.

[0047] In one embodiment, the rigid piece includes a body having a substantially polygonal or substantially rectangular shape.

[0048] In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, each clamp portion being arranged to pivot around a rotation axis, the first clamp portion includes the above-described pin, the second clamp portion includes a (single) flexible blade, and one end (of the flexible blade) is connected to a hole in the frame.

[0049] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is the first rigid piece, the activation device is the first activation device, and the watch mechanism - includes a second activation device, - and a second rigid piece. The second rigid piece is arranged to move within the second plane from a first stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) to a second stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) by the action of the second activating device, and the movement of the second rigid piece enables, for example, the operation of a reset function.

[0050] In one embodiment, the pivot piece is a first pivot piece, and the watch mechanism - A second pivot piece arranged to pivot under the action of the first activating device or the second activating device about an axis perpendicular to the main plane; - A first flexible blade connecting the second rigid piece to the second pivot piece; - A second flexible blade connecting the second rigid piece to the frame; and comprises a mechanical pivot with the main axis of the mechanical pivot offset within the main plane from the axis of rotation of the second pivot piece. By attaching the second pivot piece to the mechanical pivot, a preload is applied to the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade, and the second assembly formed by the second rigid piece, the first flexible blade, and the second flexible blade is made bistable. When the second pivot piece pivots, the second bistable assembly moves within the second plane from a first stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) to a second stable position (relative position with respect to the frame).

[0051] In one embodiment, the second plane is parallel to the main plane.

[0052] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism comprises a heart piece, and the second rigid piece comprises at least one hammer portion for actuating the heart piece.

[0053] From an independent aspect, the present invention relates to - a first activating device; - a second activating device; - a first rigid piece; - a second rigid piece; - a frame; and relates to a watch mechanism comprising the same. The first rigid piece moves within the first plane from a first stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) to a second stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) under the action of the first activation device, activates or executes the first function. The second rigid piece is arranged to move within a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane from a first stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) to a second stable position (relative position with respect to the frame) under the action of the second activation device, and activates or executes a second function different from the first function.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first function is coupling and the second function is reset.

[0055] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism is within the first plane. - A first pivot piece arranged to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to the first plane under the action of the first activation device; - A first preloaded flexible blade connecting the first rigid piece and the first pivot piece; - A second preloaded flexible blade connecting the first rigid piece and the frame and includes The first pivot piece is arranged to rotate under the action of the first activation device, the first flexible blade, and the second flexible blade, thereby displacing the first rigid piece within the first plane.

[0056] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism is within the second plane. - A second pivot piece connected to the first pivot piece and arranged to rotate around a second axis perpendicular to the second plane; - A first preloaded flexible blade connecting the second rigid piece and the second pivot piece; - A second preloaded flexible blade connecting the second rigid piece and the frame and includes The second pivot piece is arranged to rotate together with the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade under the action of the first activation device or the second activation device, thereby displacing the second rigid piece within the second plane.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first axis is the second axis.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first rigid piece is at least partially overlapped with the second rigid piece.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece is at least partially overlapped with the second pivot piece.

[0060] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a heart piece, and the second rigid piece includes at least one hammer portion for actuating the heart piece.

[0061] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a fastening piece for fastening the second actuating device.

[0062] In one embodiment, the fastening piece includes a stopper, and the second actuating device includes a housing arranged to receive the stopper, whereby the fastening is achieved.

[0063] In one embodiment, the fastening piece includes first and second rigid portions coupled by one or more flexible blades.

[0064] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes an intermediate piece arranged to cooperate with the second actuating device to move the second rigid piece.

[0065] In one embodiment, the intermediate piece contacts the second actuating device and as a result is arranged to rotate about the axis of rotation of the intermediate piece.

[0066] In one embodiment, the intermediate piece includes a first pin arranged to be received within an opening formed by at least partial overlap of an opening provided in the first rigid piece and a second opening provided in the second rigid piece, and a second pin arranged to cooperate with the hammer portion of the second rigid piece.

[0067] According to an independent aspect, the present invention - a first starting device, - a second starting device, - a first pivot piece arranged to cooperate with the first starting device and to pivot about a first axis perpendicular to a first main plane, - a second pivot piece connected to the first pivot piece and arranged to pivot about a second axis perpendicular to a second main plane, - a first flexible blade connected to each pivot piece, - a mechanical pivot having a main axis offset from the axes of rotation of the first and second pivot pieces in one or both of the first and second main planes, relating to a watch mechanism comprising the first and second pivot pieces are attached to the mechanical pivot, thereby preloading the first flexible blade.

[0068] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism comprises - a frame and the first pivot piece is arranged to rotate from a first stable position to a second stable position relative to the frame by the action of the first starting device and a first blade connected to the first pivot piece, the second pivot piece is arranged to pivot from a first stable position to a second stable position relative to the frame under the action of the first starting device or the second starting device and under the action of a first blade connected to the second pivot piece.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece is at least partially superimposed on the second pivot piece.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first axis is the second axis.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece or the second pivot piece is a monoblock.

[0072] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism is arranged such that when the first pivot piece rotates with respect to at least one function of the watch mechanism, the second pivot piece remains stationary, and vice versa.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece includes a pin on the pivot, and the second pivot piece includes an opening, and the pin is arranged to move within the opening.

[0074] In one embodiment, each pivot piece includes an interaction portion arranged to interact with a first activation device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece includes a reset portion arranged to cooperate with a second activation device.

[0076] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a third pivot piece superimposed on the second pivot piece, and the second pivot piece is at least partially sandwiched between the first pivot piece and the third pivot piece.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece includes a pin attached to the pivot, and the third pivot piece includes an opening arranged to receive the free end of the pin of the first pivot piece.

[0078] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece includes an end portion arranged to cooperate with the pin of the first pivot piece.

[0079] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a (second) pin connecting the first, second, and third pivot pieces.

[0080] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a push lever, and in particular, the first activation device includes a spring connected to the push lever.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece or the second pivot piece each has a through opening, and the second pin is inserted into these through openings, and one end thereof is also received in the through opening of the push lever.

[0082] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is arranged to move within the main plane having a rotational movement.

[0083] In one embodiment, the rigid piece is provided with a pin, and the coupling mechanism is provided with a housing arranged to receive the pin, and the coupling mechanism is activated to perform the coupling.

[0084] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece is arranged to move in a second plane different from the main plane, for example, a plane parallel to the main plane.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece is arranged to move within the main plane.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first pivot piece is provided with a pin arranged to cooperate with the second pivot piece, and in particular, it contacts the second pivot piece and is adapted to pivot around its axis.

[0087] The plurality of described embodiments apply to this invention including independent multiple viewpoints and may be combined with each other.

[0088] Examples of the present invention are described in the following attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0090] The watch mechanism of a chronograph watch will be referred to below as an example for explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to such applications, and includes other watch applications that require control or operation of functions, for example. As a non-limiting method, it can also be used in the mechanisms of flyback watches, minute repeaters, countdown watches, and the like.

[0091] In the context of the present application, the expression "flexible blade" refers to a blade or beam arranged to elastically deform within the main plane of the watch mechanism, for example, in response to a bending motion.

[0092] In the context of the present application, the term "bistable device" is a watch component arranged to occupy two stable positions with respect to the frame of the watch mechanism according to the present invention, and can move between these two stable positions and is used in this sense.

[0093] In the context of the present application, the adjective "rigid" means that the component described by this adjective is not intended to deform during the operation of the watch mechanism according to the present invention and has a higher rigidity than a flexible blade. and is used in this sense.

[0094] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 belongs to the main plane xy. And the watch mechanism 1000 includes - a first activation device 6, for example an activation device 6 for start and stop phases, and - a pivot piece 3 arranged to oscillate about an axis z perpendicular to the main plane xy under the action of the first activation device 6, and - a first frame 7, and - a first rigid piece 1 arranged between the first frame 7 and the first pivot piece 3, and - a first flexible blade 5A connecting the first rigid piece 1 and the first pivot piece 3, and - two second flexible blades 5B connecting the first rigid piece 1 and the first frame 7, and - a fastening piece 8 arranged to activate or prevent the reset of a display associated with the heart piece 200 via a second activation device 9 is provided. In other words, the fastening piece 8 is arranged to fasten the second activation device 9, for example, in the start phase.

[0095] The assembly of the first rigid piece 1, the first flexible blade 5A, and at least one second flexible blade 5B forms a first bistable device.

[0096] The watch mechanism 1000 includes a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a main axis that is offset in the main plane xy from the axis of rotation of the pivot piece 3 in a state without preload or in an initial state, and the pivot piece 3 is attached to this mechanical pivot. In one embodiment, the pin 34 in FIG. 1 is attached to this pivot. In this case, the main axis of the pivot corresponds to the main axis of the pin 34. The presence of this pivot ensures the preload of the flexible blades 5A, 5B.

[0097] Therefore, the pivot piece 3 pivots about the mechanical pivot. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical pivot is fixed to the frame 7.

[0098] FIG. 16A shows a top view of the pivot piece 3, the frame 7, the first rigid piece 1, the first flexible blade 5A, and the two second flexible blades 5B. There is no preload on the flexible blades 5A and 5B.

[0099] FIG. 16B shows a top view of the mechanism of FIG. 16A, and the flexible blades 5A and 5B have preloads. Since the pivot piece 3 is attached to a mechanical pivot axis (not shown) having a main axis offset (shifted in position) from the rotation axis of the pivot piece 3 in the non-preloaded state (the state of FIG. 16A) in the main plane xy, the position of the frame 7 in the preloaded state (the state of FIG. 16B) is the same in the non-preloaded state (the state of FIG. 16A) and the preloaded state (the state of FIG. 16B). FIG. 16C is an overlay of FIGS. 16A and 16B and shows the displacement d1 between the two rotation axes. In one embodiment, the displacement d1 is less than one-tenth of the length of the shortest flexible blades 5A, 5B.

[0100] The presence of a mechanical (rigid body) pivot axis offset from the axis of the pivot piece 3 in the non-preloaded state or initial state causes the assembly of the first rigid piece 1 and the flexible blades 5A, 5B to be bistable. In other words, when the pivot piece 3 is not attached to the pivot, that is, when there is no preload on the blades 5A, 5B, the same assembly is not bistable. In other words, the assembly is bistable by the flexible blades 5A, 5B in the non-preloaded state, because there is a pivot displacement from the rotation axis of the pivot piece 3 in the non-preloaded state or initial state.

[0101] The presence of the preloaded flexible blades 5A, 5B, thanks to this offset pivot axis, results in a bistable assembly having a sufficiently long stroke (that is, the path from one stable position to the other stable position and vice versa). This makes it possible to be used also for resetting the watch mechanism according to the present invention.

[0102] Thus, in the mechanism according to the present invention, the flexible blades 5A and 5B are deformed by the pivotal movement of the pivot piece 3. Due to this deformation, the first rigid piece 1 is displaced (translated in the case of FIG. 1), and after this displacement, a function (starting or stopping of the chronograph in the case of FIG. 1) is executed.

[0103] When the pivot piece 3 rotates, the assembly formed by the rigid piece 1 and the flexible blades 5A, 5B moves within the main plane xy from the first relative position with respect to the frame 7 to the second relative position with respect to the frame 7.

[0104] In one embodiment, the pivot piece 3 also rotates from the first relative position with respect to the frame 7 to the second relative position with respect to the frame 7. In one embodiment, when the pivot piece 3 is in its first stable position, the bistable assembly is also in its first stable position, and when the pivot piece 3 is in its second stable position, the bistable assembly is also in its second stable position. In other words, in this embodiment, the assembly formed by the rigid body piece 1, the flexible blades 5A, 5B, and the first pivot piece 3 is also a bistable assembly.

[0105] The first activation device 6 of the timepiece mechanism 1000 according to the present invention moves, for example, by one or both of rotational movement and translational movement, due to the action of a user of a timepiece (e.g., a wristwatch) equipped with the timepiece mechanism 1000. Due to its displacement, the pivot piece 3 of the watch mechanism 1000 pivots (swivels) about the z-axis line. Therefore, the pivot piece 3 is an interaction component that directly or indirectly interacts with the first activation device 6.

[0106] Since the activation device 6 can be designed in various different ways, the embodiment of FIG. 1 is not restrictive. The activation device 6 may, for example, be integral, or may comprise a plurality of components interconnected by removable or non-removable connection means. The activation device 6 may, for example, comprise a flexible blade or may not comprise such a blade. The activation device 6 may, for example, perform one or both of rotational movement and translational movement.

[0107] In this context, the adjective "monoblock" shall mean that the component it refers to is of an integral (monolithic) type.

[0108] In one embodiment of FIG. 1, the starting device 6 is a monoblock and includes a main body 60 which is a particularly rigid main body, and is connected to two flexible blades 61, 62 on both sides. In one embodiment of FIG. 1, each flexible blade is in an "S" shape and ends at end portions 64, 65 where the starting device 6 is connected to a frame (not shown). The first starting device 6 in FIG. 1 moves in a rotational and translational motion.

[0109] In one embodiment of FIG. 1, the starting device 6 is in direct contact with the first pivot piece 3. In particular, it includes a protruding contact portion 63 that contacts the first pivot piece 3. However, direct contact between the starting device 6 and the first pivot piece 3 is not essential, provided that the starting device 6 causes the first pivot piece 3 to pivot (directly or indirectly) around the z-axis line.

[0110] When the pivot piece 3 pivots around the z-axis line, the flexible blades 5A and 5B with preloads are deformed, and the first rigid piece 1 is actuated to move within the main plane xy.

[0111] In one embodiment of FIG. 1, there are two second flexible blades 5B connecting the first rigid piece 1 and the first pivot piece 3. However, the watch mechanism according to the present invention can also operate with a single flexible blade 5B. However, the presence of two second flexible blades 5B makes it easier to control the movement of the first rigid piece 1, and particularly to perform translational motion within the main xy plane, particularly along the y direction.

[0112] Each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B is preloaded, i.e., deformed when attached to the watch mechanism 1000, and is, for example, a top view of a part of the watch mechanism 1000 in a stationary state as shown in FIG. 3A and is in the first stable position. The preload of each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B is associated with the presence of a mechanical pivot whose spindle is offset in the xy main plane from the axis of rotation of the pivot piece 3. In one embodiment, each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B is preloaded by being deformed in the xy plane.

[0113] Due to the preload of the flexible blades 5A and 5B, the movement of the first rigid body 1 also deforms the flexible blades 5A and 5B by the pivoting of the pivot piece 3. As a result, the first rigid piece 1, the pivot piece 3, and each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B can move from the first stable position to the second stable position as shown in FIG. 3B. In particular, due to the presence of the two second flexible blades 5B, the first rigid piece 1 moves from the first stable position in FIG. 3A to the second stable position in FIG. 3B with a translational movement in the direction of arrow B. The pivot piece 3 moves from the first stable position in FIG. 3A to the second stable position in FIG. 3B with a rotational movement in the direction of arrow A.

[0114] Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B has a height in a direction parallel to the z-axis line, which height is at least five times the thickness in the xy plane and at least one-tenth of the length in a direction substantially parallel to the x-axis line. The aspect ratio of each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B determines its flexibility in the plane of interest.

[0115] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the flexible blades 5A and 5B may be substantially perpendicular to the main plane xy, i.e., its height may be substantially perpendicular to the main plane xy.

[0116] In particular, the first flexible blade 5A connected to the first rigid piece 1, in particular its first end 50A, may be substantially perpendicular to the first side face 15A of the first rigid piece 1. In particular, at rest, it may form an angle α in the range from 80° to 100°, in particular in the range from 85° to 95°, for example in the range from 87° to 93°, as shown in one embodiment of FIG. 1. This inclination introduces an asymmetry in the behavior of the bistable assembly formed by the rigid piece 1 and the blades 5A, 5B. In the case of perpendicularity (α is approximately 90°), the stroke during the translational movement of the bistable assembly is the same regardless of the direction of movement. In other cases (when α is not equal to 90°), when the bistable assembly moves from the first stable position to the second stable position with respect to the opposite direction (i.e., when the bistable assembly moves from the second stable position to the first stable position), the stroke is no longer the same. The total stroke between the stable position and the jump moment (the moment when the mechanism changes to a state where it moves towards the other stable position and does not return), i.e., the total stroke between the two stable positions, remains substantially the same.

[0117] As shown in one embodiment of FIG. 1, the first flexible blade 5A can be connected to the first rigid piece 1 at a non - central (or peripheral) position of the first side face 15A of the first rigid piece 1.

[0118] The first flexible blade 5A also has a second end 51A opposite to the first end 50A, and this second end 51A is connected to the pivot piece 3.

[0119] In one embodiment, the first flexible blade 5A may be a member separate from the pivot piece 3 and the first rigid piece 1, and is connected to the pivot piece 3 and the first rigid piece 1 respectively by known removable or non - removable connection means.

[0120] In another embodiment, the first flexible blade 5A may form a monoblock piece together with one or both of the pivot piece 3 and the first rigid piece 1.

[0121] In one embodiment (not shown), the clock mechanism 1000 includes two (or more) first flexible blades 5A. In one embodiment (not shown), at least a portion of these first flexible blades 5A are parallel to each other.

[0122] When the watch mechanism includes two (or more) second flexible blades 5B, at least a portion of these second flexible blades 5B are parallel to each other, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1.

[0123] Each flexible blade 5B, particularly the end 50B connected to the first rigid piece 1, can be substantially perpendicular to the second side surface 15B of the first rigid piece 1. In particular, at rest, it can form an angle β belonging to the range of 80° to 100°, particularly the range of 85° to 95°, for example the range of 87° to 93°, as shown in one embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0124] When not perpendicular (when β is different from 90°), the bistable assembly formed by the rigid piece 1 and the blades 5A, 5B has mechanical properties different from those of a perpendicular bistable assembly where β is substantially equal to 90°. For example, when β = 87°, it can create asymmetry in the mechanical properties of the bistable assembly, so it can be used during reset.

[0125] Each second flexible blade 5B can be connected to the first rigid piece 1 at a peripheral position of the second side surface 15B of the first rigid piece 1, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0126] Each second flexible blade 5B also includes a second end 51B opposite the first end 50B, and this second end 51B is connected to the frame 7.

[0127] In one embodiment, the second flexible blade 5B is a separate component from the first rigid piece 1 and the frame 7, and has known, removable or non-removable connection means for each of the first rigid piece 1 and the frame 7.

[0128] In another embodiment, the second flexible blade 5B can form a monoblock component having one or both of the first rigid piece 1 and the frame 7.

[0129] In one embodiment, at least a portion of one or both of the flexible blades 5A and 5B includes one or more depressions or (through) openings 55A, 55B, for example in the xz plane, thereby reducing the bending stiffness (and thus the stress on the material), reducing the weight, and / or enabling more control of the deformation. In one embodiment, these openings have a rectangular or polygonal shape, although other shapes are conceivable.

[0130] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B each project from the first rigid piece 1 to a first side portion and a second side portion opposite the first side portion. In another embodiment, the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B project from the first rigid piece 1 to the same side portion.

[0131] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 includes two or more first flexible blades 5A connected in series and at least one additional rigid piece (not shown) connecting two consecutive first flexible blades 5A. In one embodiment, all of the first flexible blades 5A and the additional rigid piece form a monoblock component.

[0132] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 includes a plurality of second flexible blades 5B connected in series and one additional rigid piece (not shown) connecting at least two consecutive second flexible blades 5A. In one embodiment, all of the second flexible blades 5A and the additional rigid piece form a monoblock component.

[0133] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 includes a coupling mechanism 100. In the example of FIG. 1, this coupling mechanism 100 is a coupling mechanism including a coupling intermediate wheel 101 and a flange 102, but this embodiment should not be considered restrictive. The watch mechanism 1000 may include another type of coupling mechanism 100, such as a horizontal coupling mechanism, a coupling mechanism having a vibrating wheel (rotating wheel), and the like.

[0134] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the coupling mechanism 100 is coaxial with the heart piece 200 and is connected to a display (not shown) such as a time scale.

[0135] In one embodiment, when the first rigid piece 1 is in the first stable position, the coupling mechanism is activated to perform coupling, and when it is in the second stable position, the coupling mechanism is deactivated to perform decoupling. When the watch mechanism 1000 is used in a chronograph watch, the first rigid piece 1 enables the start function or the stop function to be operable. In particular, the start function or the stop function is executed after the first rigid piece 1 is moved.

[0136] The activation of the coupling mechanism 100 by the first rigid piece 1 can be achieved directly or indirectly in various ways, such as contact, clamping, displacement, and the like.

[0137] The main body 10 of the first rigid piece 1 may have a clamp shape or a U shape as in the example of FIG. 1. This shape does not necessarily mean that the first rigid piece 1 grips the coupling mechanism 100 to activate it.

[0138] In another embodiment, the watch mechanism includes a plurality of coupling mechanisms 100, and the first rigid piece 1 is arranged to activate these coupling mechanisms.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 includes one or more depressions or (through) openings, such as openings in the xy plane, for one or both of reducing its inertia and activating its function. In one embodiment, these openings have a rectangular or polygonal shape, but other shapes are also conceivable.

[0140] The first rigid piece 1 may comprise (at least) one projection 18 that can cooperate with the first rigid part 81 of the fastening piece 8. In the example of FIG. 1, the stopper 80 belongs to the fastening piece 8 and is arranged to fasten the second actuating device 9.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 is a monoblock piece.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 forms a monoblock piece having one or both of the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B.

[0143] The frame 7 may comprise one or more (through) holes 70 for attachment to a bridge or plate of a movement comprising the watch mechanism 1000 according to the invention, for example via screws (not shown). However, the frame 7 may be attached to the bridge or plate by other means, for example via one or more pins such as pins on pivots (not shown). Using pivots makes it possible to reduce the stress on the blades 5A, 5B that would otherwise be too high and cause mechanical failure. It also becomes possible to increase the thickness of the blades 5A, 5B while maintaining the allowable stress, thus increasing the force to operate the coupling (mechanism) or the force to return the heart piece 200 to its initial position.

[0144] The frame 7 may be attached to the bridge or plate, for example, via one or more additional flexible blades (not shown) arranged between one or both of the blades 5A and 5B and the frame 7. This also makes it possible to reduce the stress in the material of the blades 5A, 5B when moving from one stable position to another. Thus, the blades 5A, 5B are spread in the xy plane, for one or both of enhancing the strength of the bistable assembly to more easily activate the function and improving the shock resistance. In one embodiment, these additional flexible blades form an angle other than 180° with one or both of the blades 5A and 5B.

[0145] The fastening piece 8 includes a first rigid portion 81 and a second rigid portion 82, and may be connected to each other by one or more flexible blades 83. The stopper 80 may belong to one rigid portion, for example, the first rigid portion 81, as shown in FIG. 1. When the two rigid portions 81, 82 are connected by two or more flexible blades 83, at least a part of them may be parallel, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0146] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, which includes the following in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. (Those "the following") - A second pivot piece 4 connected to the first pivot piece 3 (for example, via a pin 34 attached to the pivot according to the present invention) and arranged to pivot about the z-axis line, - A second frame 7', - A second rigid piece 2 arranged between the second frame 7' and the second pivot piece 4, - A first flexible blade 5A' connecting the second rigid piece 2 to the second pivot piece 4, - A second flexible blade 5B' connecting the second rigid piece 2 to the second frame 7', - A second activation device 9 for resetting, for example, a display related to the heart piece 200 and are.

[0147] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 and the flexible blades 5A', 5B' form a second bistable assembly.

[0148] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 is also attached to the same mechanical pivot of the first pivot piece 3, and with respect to the rotation axis of the second pivot piece 4 in the unloaded state or the initial state, the main axis of the mechanical pivot (which may correspond to the main axis of the pin 34) is displaced in the x'y' plane. In fact, in one illustrated embodiment, the rotation axis of the second pivot piece 4 corresponds to the rotation axis of the first pivot piece 3. Thereby, a preload is applied to both flexible blades 5A', 5B'.

[0149] The pivot piece 4 thus pivots about a mechanical pivot (not shown) that is fixed relative to the frame 7'.

[0150] Figure 17A shows a top view of the pivot piece 4, the frame 7', the second rigid piece 2, the first flexible blade 5A', and the two second flexible blades 5B'. The flexible blades 5A' and 5B' (shown) have no preload.

[0151] Figure 17B shows a top view of the mechanism of Figure 17A with preload on the flexible blades 5A' and 5B'. This is because the pivot piece 4 is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) whose spindle is displaced in the main plane xy from the axis of rotation of the pivot piece 4 in the state without preload (Figure 17A), so that the position of the frame 7' is the same in the state without preload (Figure 17A) and the state with preload (Figure 17B). Figure 17C is a superposition of Figures 17A and 17B and shows the displacement d2 between the two axes of rotation. In one embodiment, the displacement d2 is less than one-tenth of the length of the short flexible blades 5A', 5B'.

[0152] The presence of the mechanical (rigid) pivot displaced from the axis of the pivot piece 4 causes the assembly of the second rigid piece 2 and the blades 5A', 5B' to be bistable. In other words, when the pivot piece 4 is not attached to its pivot, the same assembly is not bistable. This causes a preload to be applied to the blades 5A', 5B'.

[0153] When the second pivot piece 4 rotates, the assembly formed by the second rigid piece 2 and the blades 5A', 5B' moves in one plane from the first stable position relative to the frame 7 to the second stable position relative to the frame 7.

[0154] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 also rotates from the first stable position to the second stable position with respect to the frame 7. In one embodiment, when the second pivot piece 4 is in its first stable position, the bistable assembly formed by the second rigid piece 2 and the blades 5A', 5B' is also in its first stable position, and when the second pivot piece 4 is in its second stable position, this bistable assembly is also in its second stable position. In other words, the assembly formed by the second rigid piece 2, the blades 5A', 5B', and the second pivot piece 4 is also a bistable assembly.

[0155] In one embodiment (not shown), Similar to the flexible blades 5A and 5B, the first rigid piece 1, the first pivot piece 3, and the first frame 7, the flexible blades 5A' and 5B', the second rigid piece 2, the second pivot piece 4, and the second frame 7' all belong to the same xy plane. In other words, in this embodiment, the first bistable assembly and the second bistable assembly are in the same plane.

[0156] In one embodiment (not shown), the first bistable assembly and the second bistable assembly belong to two planes inclined to each other.

[0157] In one embodiment, as an example, FIG. 2 is cited, but the first bistable assembly and the second bistable assembly belong to two parallel planes of xy and x'y'.

[0158] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the x'y' plane is above the xy plane, but this embodiment is not limiting, and in another embodiment (not shown), the x'y' plane may be below the xy plane.

[0159] In one embodiment, the xy plane is the plane of the first flat plate, and the x'y' plane is the plane of the second flat plate.

[0160] In one embodiment, each of the first plate and the second plate can be manufactured by photolithography, by laser cutting, by a LIGA process (a manufacturing method combining X-ray lithography, electroforming, and molding), etc. from a wafer such as a silicon wafer. In one embodiment, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a composite material including a forest of nanotubes adhered to each other by a matrix. In one variant, the nanotubes are carbon nanotubes. In one variant, the matrix includes amorphous carbon. In other variants, the nanotubes are made of other materials, such as boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) or silicon. In one variant, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of steel. In another variant, at least one sheet between at least the first plate and the second plate is made of glass, sapphire, alumina, diamond, particularly synthetic diamond (particularly synthetic diamond obtained by chemical vapor deposition), titanium, a titanium alloy (particularly an alloy of the Gum Metal (R) (registered trademark) system) or an alloy of the Elinvar (R) (registered trademark) system such as Elinvar (R) (registered trademark), Nivarox (R) (registered trademark), Thermelast (R), NI-SPAN-C (R) and Precision C (R), a shape memory alloy, particularly Nitinol (registered trademark), or plastic.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 is arranged to rotate by the action of the first actuator 6, deforming the first blade 5A' and the second blade 5B', and moving the second bistable device (i.e., together with the second rigid piece 2 and each flexible blade 5A' and 5B') in the x'y plane, moving from the first stable position to the second stable position with respect to the second frame 7', and performing a second function different from the first function performed by moving the first bistable device (i.e., the first rigid piece 1 and the blades 5A, 5B).

[0162] In one embodiment, the coupling is activated by the displacement of the first bistable device, and the display related to the heart piece 200 is reset by the displacement of the second bistable device.

[0163] In one embodiment, for at least one function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, when the first bistable assembly moves, the second bistable assembly remains stationary, and vice versa. In one embodiment, only the first bistable assembly moves during stop, and only the second bistable assembly moves during reset.

[0164] In one embodiment, for at least one function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, when the first bistable assembly moves, the second bistable assembly remains stationary, and vice versa. In one embodiment, only the first bistable assembly moves during stop, and only the second bistable assembly moves during reset.

[0165] In one embodiment, for at least one other function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, when the first bistable assembly moves, the second bistable assembly also moves. In one embodiment, both bistable assemblies move during start-up.

[0166] In one embodiment, for at least one function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, when the first pivot piece 3 rotates, the second pivot piece 4 remains stationary, and vice versa. In one embodiment, only the first pivot piece 3 moves during stop, and only the second pivot piece 4 moves during reset.

[0167] In one embodiment, for at least one other function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, the first pivot piece 3 rotates and the second pivot piece 4 also moves. In one embodiment, both pivot pieces 3 and 4 move during start-up.

[0168] In one embodiment, for at least one function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first rigid piece 1 is at least partially overlapped with the second rigid piece 2. In another embodiment (not shown), the first rigid piece 1 is not overlapped with the second rigid piece 2.

[0169] In one embodiment, for at least one function of the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, one or both of the following are true: the first flexible blade 5A at least partially overlaps the first flexible blade 5A', and the second flexible blade 5B at least partially overlaps the second flexible blade 5B'.

[0170] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the body 20 of the second rigid piece 2 also has a U-shape like that of the first rigid piece 1, but in other embodiments it does not have the same or a similar shape. In other embodiments, they do not have the same or similar dimensions either.

[0171] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first flexible blade 5A has a shape and dimensions similar to those of the flexible blade 5A', but in other embodiments, the two first blades 5A and 5A' do not have the same or similar shape and dimensions.

[0172] In one embodiment of FIG. 2, the second flexible blade 5B has a shape and dimensions similar to those of the flexible blade 5B', but in other embodiments, the second blades 5B and 5B' do not have the same or similar shape and dimensions.

[0173] The considerations regarding the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B made above with reference to FIG. 1 apply mutatis mutandis to the first flexible blade 5A' and the second flexible blade 5B' respectively.

[0174] The considerations regarding the first frame 7 made above with reference to FIG. 1 apply mutatis mutandis to the second frame 7' respectively.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first frame 7 and the second frame 7' form a monoblock piece. In another embodiment, the first frame 7 is connected to the second frame 7' by removable or non-removable connecting means.

[0176] In one embodiment, when the second rigid piece 2 is in the stable position, the reset of a display (not shown) associated with the heart piece 200 is activated. When the watch mechanism 1000 is used in a chronograph watch, the second rigid piece 2 thus has reset bistability together with the blades 5A' and 5B'. The reset function is executed after the second rigid piece 2 has been moved.

[0177] The second rigid piece 2 may comprise (at least) one hammer portion 22. This hammer portion 22 can function as a known hammer in the reset phase and cooperate with the heart piece 200, as will be described later.

[0178] The activation of the reset by the second rigid piece 2 can be achieved in various ways, directly or indirectly, for example in a non - limiting way, by the (direct or indirect) contact of the hammer portion 22 having the heart piece 200.

[0179] The second rigid piece 2 may be in a clamp shape or a U - shape, as in the example of FIG. 2.

[0180] In another embodiment, the watch mechanism comprises a plurality of heart pieces 200, and the second rigid piece 2 is arranged to actuate these heart pieces 200, for example by having a plurality of hammer portions 22.

[0181] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 comprises one or more depressions or (through) openings, for example openings in the x'y plane, for one or both of reducing its inertia and activating its function. In one embodiment, these openings have a rectangular or polygonal shape, although other shapes are also conceivable.

[0182] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 is a monoblock piece portion.

[0183] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 forms a monoblock piece portion having one or both of the first flexible blade 5A' and the second flexible blade 5B'.

[0184] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 cooperates with the first activation device 6 and is arranged to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the xy plane and the x'y' plane.

[0185] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, this second axis corresponds to the rotation axis z of the first pivot piece.

[0186] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first pivot piece 3 at least partially overlaps the second pivot piece 4.

[0187] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 includes a pin 34 on a (rigid body) mechanical pivot or other connecting means on a (rigid body) mechanical pivot. The first end 341 of the connecting means is connected to the first pivot piece 3, and the second end 342 opposite the first end 341 is received in the through opening 40 of the second pivot piece 4. This is best illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7D (perspective views of the first and second pivot pieces 3, 4 in the pre-start, start, stop, and reset stages, respectively). In particular, the second end 342 can move into the through opening 40 of the second pivot piece 4.

[0188] In one embodiment, each pivot piece 3, 4 is provided with interaction portions 36, 46 arranged to interact (directly or indirectly) with the activation device. In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7C, these interaction portions 36, 46 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes are also conceivable. The interaction portions 36, 46 do not necessarily have the same shape.

[0189] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the same activation device 6 activates each pivot piece 3, 4 simultaneously. In another embodiment, each pivot piece 3, 4 is actuated by an individual activation device. For example, pivot piece 3 is actuated by a start activation device, and pivot piece 4 is actuated by a stop activation device.

[0190] In one embodiment, each of the pivot pieces 3, 4 also includes a portion (not shown) that is connected to the first flexible blades 5A, 5A', respectively.

[0191] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 includes a reset portion 49 that is arranged to cooperate with the second activation device 9 (as directly visible in FIG. 2 or indirectly, as can be seen, for example, from FIGS. 7A to 7D).

[0192] In one embodiment, the reset portion 49 is a protrusion of the second pivot piece 4.

[0193] The second activation device 9 includes a first rigid portion 91 and a second rigid portion 92, and may be connected by one or more flexible blades 93. When the two rigid portions 91, 92 are connected by two or more flexible blades 93, at least a part of them may be parallel as shown in FIG. 2.

[0194] The second activation device 9 may include an interaction portion 94 that is arranged to interact with the reset portion 49 of the second pivot piece 4 (directly visible in FIG. 2 or indirectly).

[0195] The second activation device 9 may include a housing 98 that is arranged to receive the stopper 80.

[0196] FIGS. 4 to 6 show a top view of the watch mechanism according to the present invention at each stage of start-up, stop, and reset.

[0197] Before the activation device 6 is activated, the first and second pivot pieces 3, 4 overlap (at least partially) as shown in FIG. 7D. The second end portion 342 of the pin 34 abuts against the first wall 41 of the through-opening 40.

[0198] When the activation device 6 is activated, both the first pivot piece 3 and the second pivot piece 4 rotate around the z-axis in the direction of the arrow F1 in FIG. 7B.

[0199] Due to the pivot of the first pivot piece 3, the preloaded flexible blades 5A and 5B cause the first piece 1 and the blades 5A, 5B to move along the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. 4, for example, to move to the first stable position, and a connection is formed. In one embodiment of FIG. 4, since this first stable position is away from the flange 102, the coupling intermediate wheel 101 contacts the flange 102. When the first piece 1 moves, a display (not shown) connected to the flange 102 starts to rotate (starting stage).

[0200] In this starting stage, a preload is applied between the first and second pivot pieces 3 and 4 to the second rigid piece 2 by the pin 34.

[0201] In this starting stage, the displacement of the first piece 1 moves the first rigid piece portion 81 of the fastening piece 8 via the protrusion 18. As a result of this displacement, the flexible blade 83 of the fastening piece 8 is deformed, and the stopper 80 is received by the housing 98 of the second starting device 9, and its movement is blocked. Therefore, in this starting stage, the reset operation of the display with the heart piece 200 cannot be performed.

[0202] The fastening piece 8 is not necessary for the operation of the watch mechanism. For example, when the watch mechanism 1000 is used for a "flyback" chronograph and there is no need to "stop" before "reset", the fastening piece 8 may be omitted.

[0203] When the first starting device 6 is actuated again (or another starting device not shown is actuated), the first pivot piece 3 only pivots in the direction F2 opposite to the starting direction F1 as in the state of FIG. 7C. The second pivot piece 4 does not move. As a result of the pivoting movement of the first pivot piece 3, the second end portion 342 of the pin 34 abuts against the second wall 42 of the opening 40 facing the first wall 41.

[0204] Due to the pivot of the first pivot piece 3, the first piece 1 is displaced towards the second stable position by the flexible blades 5A and 5B under a preload, and moves along the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 5 (opposite to the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4), and the connection is interrupted. In one embodiment of FIG. 5, due to this second stable position, the flange 102 is lifted, and the coupling intermediate wheel 101 no longer contacts the flange 102. When the first piece 1 moves, a display (not shown) connected to the flange 102 stops (stop stage).

[0205] At this stop stage, the second rigid piece 2 maintains a state where a preload is applied between the first and second pivot pieces 3 and 4 by the pin 34.

[0206] At this stop stage, due to the displacement of the first rigid piece 1, the interaction between the protrusion 18 and the first rigid portion 81 of the fastening piece 8 stops. The flexible blade 83 of the fastening piece 8 is deformed again, and the stopper 80 can move from the housing 98 of the second activation device 9, so that the fastening piece 8 is released from the second activation device 9. Then, the second activation device 9 can be actuated to reset the display related to the heart piece 200.

[0207] When the second activation device 9 is actuated, the second pivot piece 4 pivots (swivels) only in the same direction F3 as the direction F2 of the first pivot piece 3 in the stopped state of FIG. 7D. In this embodiment, the second activation device 9 acts directly on the second pivot piece 4.

[0208] When the second activation device 9 is actuated, the first pivot piece 3 does not move. As a result of the pivoting movement of the second pivot piece 4, the second end portion 342 of the pin 34 contacts the first wall 41 of the opening 40 facing the second wall 42 again.

[0209] Due to the pivoting movement of the second pivot piece 4, the preloaded flexible blades 5A' and 5B' move the second piece 2 to the second stable position along the direction of arrow E (corresponding to the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 5, for example, thereby actuating the heart piece 200 via the hammer portion 22. When the second piece 2 moves, the display is reset.

[0210] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the first rigid piece 1 of the watch mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] Also in this embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 includes a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a spindle that is offset from the axis of rotation of the pivot piece 3 in the spindle plane xy in a preloaded or initial state, and the pivot piece 3 is attached to this mechanical pivot. Thereby, the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B are preloaded, and the assembly formed by the rigid piece 1, the first flexible blade 5A, and the second flexible blade 5B becomes bistable. In one embodiment, a pin 38 (or any other rigid connection means) is attached to this pivot.

[0212] Therefore, the pivot piece 3 pivots about a mechanical pivot fixed to the frame 7B in the illustrated embodiment.

[0213] FIG. 18A shows a top view of the pivot piece 3, the frame 7B, the body 10 of the first rigid piece 1, the first flexible blade 5A, and the two second flexible blades 5B. The flexible blades 5A and 5B are not preloaded.

[0214] FIG. 18B shows a top view of the mechanism of FIG. 18A, and preloads are applied to the flexible blades 5A and 5B. The pivot piece 3 is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) whose rotation axis of the pivot piece 3 in a state where no preload is applied to the main axis in the main plane xy (the state of FIG. 18A) and the main axis are displaced in the xy plane. Therefore, the position of the frame 7B is the same in the state where no preload is applied (FIG. 18A) and the state where preload is applied (FIG. 18B). In a state where no preload is applied or in an initial state, due to the presence of a (rigid) mechanical pivot displaced from the axis of the pivot piece 3, the assembly of the first rigid piece 1 and the flexible blades 5A and 5B becomes bistable. In other words, when the pivot piece 3 is not attached to the pivot axis and no preload is applied to the blades 5A and 5B, the same assembly is not bistable. FIG. 18C is a superimposition of FIGS. 18A and 18B and shows the displacement of the two rotation axes. In one embodiment, the displacement d3 is less than one-tenth of the length of the shortest flexible blades 5A and 5B.

[0215] In this embodiment, the main body 10 of the first rigid piece 1 has a substantially rectangular shape of a polygon. (The main body 10) is provided with a plurality of through openings 11 of different shapes (for example, triangles, trapezoids, etc.) for reducing inertia and / or starting performance of the function.

[0216] In this embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 includes a housing 12 arranged to cooperate with a coupling mechanism, as will be understood later.

[0217] In this embodiment, the first flexible blade 5A can be connected to the first rigid piece 1 at the central position of the lateral side portion 15A of the first rigid piece 1.

[0218] In this embodiment, each second flexible blade 5B can be connected to the first rigid piece 1 at a peripheral position of the second lateral surface 15B of the first rigid piece 1.

[0219] In this embodiment, the flexible blades 5A and 5B each have one or more depressions or (through) openings 55A and 55B in order to perform at least one of reducing bending rigidity, reducing weight, and better controlling deformation. In this embodiment, these openings are rectangular in shape, but other shapes are also conceivable.

[0220] In the present embodiment, the first pivot piece 3 is arranged to pivot around the z-axis line by the action of the starting device 6 (shown in FIG. 11). The pin 38 is placed thereon. The pin 38 is arranged to cooperate with both the second pivot piece and the third pivot piece 66, as will be understood later.

[0221] In contrast to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the frame 7 does not directly connect the two second flexible blades 5B, but there are two frame 7B, each of which is connected to the second flexible blade 5B.

[0222] Also in this case, each frame 7B may be provided with one or more (through) holes 70 for fixing to the bridge or plate of the movement provided with the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention, for example via screws (not shown). However, the frame 7B may be attached to the bridge or plate using other attachment means, for example via one or more pins, such as pivot pins (not shown), or in addition via one or more flexible blades (not shown) as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0223] In the present embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 forms a monoblock piece together with the first flexible blade 5A, the second flexible blade 5B, and the frame 7B.

[0224] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second bistable of a watch mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is intended to cooperate with the first bistable as shown in FIG. 10.

[0225] In this embodiment, the main body 20 of the second rigid piece 2 has a polygonal shape. The main body 20 is provided with a plurality of through openings 21 having different shapes (for example, a triangle, a trapezoid, etc.) for reducing inertia and / or starting performance of functions.

[0226] In this embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 includes a plurality of hammer portions 22 that are substantially perpendicular to the main body 20 and protrude from one side and the other side of the main body 20. Each hammer portion 22 is arranged to cooperate with a heart piece (not shown) during reset.

[0227] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 includes a single hammer portion 22.

[0228] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 includes a plurality of hammer portions 22 that protrude from one side of the main body 20.

[0229] The considerations described above for the first flexible blade 5A and the second flexible blade 5B in FIG. 8 are respectively applied with modifications to the first flexible blade 5A' and the second flexible blade 5B' in FIG. 9.

[0230] The considerations described above for the first frame 7B are respectively applied with modifications to the second frame 7B'.

[0231] The second pivot piece 4 in this embodiment is arranged to pivot around the same axis z of the first pivot piece by the action of the second starting device 9 (not shown in FIG. 11 but visible in FIG. 12A for example). This has no opening (different from the second pivot piece 4 in FIG. 2), and includes an end 43, and this end 43 is arranged to cooperate with the pin 38 of the first pivot piece 3 as shown.

[0232] In this embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 forms a monoblock piece together with the first flexible blade 5A', the second flexible blade 5B', and the frame 7B'.

[0233] FIG. 19A shows a top view of the pivot piece 4, the frame 7B', the body 20 of the second rigid piece 2, the first flexible blade 5A', and the two second flexible blades 5B'. No preload is applied to the flexible blades 5A' and 5B'.

[0234] FIG. 19B is a top view of the mechanism of FIG. 19A with preload applied to the flexible blades 5A' and 5B'. Since the pivot piece 4 is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a spindle that is displaced in the spindle plane xy from the pivot axis of the pivot piece 4 in a state where no preload is applied (the state of FIG. 19A), the position of the frame 7B' is the same in the state where no preload is applied (FIG. 19A) and the state where preload is applied (FIG. 19B). Due to the presence of a (rigid) mechanical pivot displaced from the axis of the pivot piece 4 in a state where no preload is applied or in the initial state, the assembly of the first rigid piece 1 and the flexible blades 5A', 5B' becomes bistable. In other words, when the pivot piece 4 is not attached to the pivot, that is, when no preload is applied to the blades 5A', 5B', the same assembly is not bistable. FIG. 19C is a superposition of FIGS. 19A and 19B, showing the displacement d4 between the two rotation axes. In one embodiment, the displacement d4 is less than one-tenth of the length of the shortest flexible blades 5A', 5B'.

[0235] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the first bistable device of FIG. 8 and the second bistable device of FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the first rigid piece 1 at least partially overlaps the second rigid piece 2. In this embodiment, all the openings 11 and 21 of the bodies of the first rigid piece 1 and the second rigid piece 2 at least partially overlap, but this is not essential for the operation of the watch mechanism 1000.

[0236] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the first bistable device assembly and the second bistable device assembly of FIG. 10, and there is a first activation device 6 of a watch mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0237] In this embodiment, the first starting device 6 includes a spring 68 connected to a push lever 67.

[0238] In this embodiment, the mechanism also includes a third pivot piece 66, and the second pivot piece 4 is at least partially sandwiched between the first pivot piece 3 and the third pivot piece 66.

[0239] The third pivot piece 66 includes a through opening 660 arranged to receive the free end of the pin 38 of the first pivot piece 3.

[0240] The second pin 346 in FIG. 12A is inserted into the through openings 30 and 40 of the first and second pivot pieces 3 and 4 respectively (substantially aligned in a straight line as visible in FIG. 10), and one end thereof is also received in the through opening 670 of the push lever 67.

[0241] Thus, the second pin 346 connects the first pivot piece 3, the second pivot piece 4, and the third pivot piece 66.

[0242] When the push lever 67 is actuated, for example, by a translational movement, the spring 68 causes the third pivot piece 66 to pivot about the z-axis line.

[0243] FIG. 12A is a top view of a watch mechanism 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention at a stage before the starting stage. In this embodiment, in addition to the components shown in FIG. 11, the watch mechanism 1000 includes the following. - A coupling mechanism 100; - A second starting device 9 arranged to actuate the reset of a display member associated with a heart piece (not shown); - An intermediate piece 8' arranged to cooperate with the second starting device 9 to move the second rigid piece 2, particularly during reset; can be seen.

[0244] In one embodiment of FIG. 12A, the coupling mechanism 100 is a clamp, comprising a first clamp part 103 and a second clamp part 104, each clamp part 103, 104 being arranged to pivot around the axes of rotation P and P' respectively in order to grip or release the wheels connected to the starting fasteners.

[0245] In one embodiment of FIG. 12A, the two clamp parts 103, 104 are two other rigid pieces that are in direct contact at one of their ends.

[0246] The first clamp part 103 comprises a pin 112 arranged to be received within the housing 12 of the first rigid piece.

[0247] The second clamp part 104 comprises a flexible blade 107, one end of which is connected to the hole 70 of the frame 7B / 7B'.

[0248] FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the watch mechanism of FIG. 12A, showing the starting phase or the phase preceding the "off" stage.

[0249] One embodiment of FIG. 12A should not be considered to be limited to the specific coupling mechanism 100 shown.

[0250] The second starting device 9 of FIG. 12A comprises a flexible blade 95, in particular a rigid body 96 connected to a hook-shaped flexible blade. It is arranged to rotate around the axis R by the action of the user. Also, as can be seen in FIGS. 15A and 15B, it comprises a part 98' arranged to cooperate with the interacting parts, for example by direct contact during reset.

[0251] The second starting device 9 of FIG. 12A, unlike that of FIG. 2, is not fastened by a fastener during the starting phase. Even if it operates at this stage, its part 98' does not come into contact with the intermediate piece 8', so that resetting is not possible. Therefore, the hammer part 22 cannot operate the heart piece.

[0252] In one embodiment of FIG. 12A, the intermediate piece 8' comprises a rigid body 80' connected to two flexible blades 83' that can be arranged in a V-shape. This V-shaped configuration has two functions as follows. - Return the intermediate piece 8' by rotation in both directions, and - Position the intermediate piece 8' during the stop phase.

[0253] The intermediate piece 8' includes a first pin 81' arranged to be received in an opening 121 formed by at least a partial overlap of an opening 11 of the first rigid piece and an opening 21 of the second rigid piece, and a second pin 82' arranged to cooperate with a hammer portion 22 of the second rigid piece 2. The first pin 81' plays a role in releasing the reset function, particularly during the start-up phase.

[0254] Before activating the starting device 6, as in the state of FIG. 12B, the first and second pivot pieces 3, 4 overlap (at least partially). The first and second rigid pieces 1, 2 overlap (at least partially). The coupling mechanism 100 is in a non-engaged position, that is, a state where the two clamp portions 103, 104 are at a minimum distance (the position where the clamp is closed).

[0255] FIG. 13A shows a top view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 12A in the start-up phase. FIG. 13B shows a bottom view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 13A.

[0256] When the starting device 6 is activated, the first pivot piece 3, the second pivot piece 4, and the third pivot piece 66 rotate around the z-axis in the direction indicated by the arrow F4 in FIG. 13A.

[0257] Due to the presence of preloaded flexible blades 5A and 5B, when the first pivot piece 3 rotates, the first rigid piece 1 is displaced towards the first stable position and a connection is achieved by moving along the direction of arrow G shown in, for example, FIG. 12A. In practice, when the pin 112 is received by the housing 12, the first clamp portion 103 rotates around the axis P in the direction of arrow P1, and the second clamp portion 104 rotates around the axis P' in the direction of arrow P2 and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow P1. The two clamp portions 103 and 104 reach the maximum distance (the position where the clamp is open), allowing the display member (not shown) to rotate.

[0258] Due to the presence of preloaded flexible blades 5A' and 5B', when the second pivot piece 4 rotates, the second piece 2 is also always displaced along the direction of arrow G shown in FIG. 12A, for example, by translation.

[0259] At this starting stage, the second starting device 9 is not fastened. Therefore, although it can be actuated, it cannot contact the interacting eighth actuating piece 8' and thus reset cannot be activated by its actuation. In other words, in this embodiment, once the second starting device 9 is actuated, it will "operate in a vacuum state" during the starting stage.

[0260] FIG. 14A shows a top view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 12A in the stopping stage. FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 14A.

[0261] When the first starting device 6 is actuated again (or another starting device not shown is actuated), the first pivot piece 3 only rotates in the direction F5 opposite to the starting direction F4 as shown in FIG. 14A. The second pivot piece 4 does not move. The third pivot piece 66 also rotates in the same rotation direction F5 as the first pivot piece 3 because there is a pin 38 connecting the third pivot piece 66 to the first pivot piece 3.

[0262] Due to the rotation of the first pivot piece 3, there are preloaded flexible blades 5A and 5B, so the first piece 1 is displaced towards the second stable position along the direction of arrow H shown in FIG. 14A (and opposite to the direction of arrow G in FIG. 13A), and the connection is interrupted. In fact, due to the displacement of the first rigid piece 1, the pin 112 moves out of the housing 12. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 14. Then, the first clamp part 103 rotates about the axis P in the direction of arrow P1' (opposite to the direction of arrow P1 in FIG. 13A), and the second clamp part 104 rotates about the axis P' in the direction of arrow P2' (opposite to the direction of arrow P2 in FIG. 13A). The two clamp parts 103, 104 reach the minimum distance from each other (the position where the clamp is closed), and the display (not shown) stops.

[0263] Due to the displacement of the first rigid piece 1, the interaction piece 8' can rotate about the rotation axis Q in the rotation direction of arrow Q1. The pin 82' of the interaction piece 8' then contacts the hammer part 22 of the second rigid piece 2.

[0264] At this stop stage, the second piece 2 is maintained in a state where a preload is applied between the three pivot pieces 3, 4, 66 by the (second) pin 346.

[0265] FIG. 15A shows a top view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 12A in the reset stage. FIG. 15B shows a bottom view of the watch mechanism 1000 of FIG. 15A.

[0266] When the second activation device 9 is actuated, the second pivot piece 4 only pivots (indirectly) in the direction F6 shown in FIG. 15B (the same as the direction F5 of the first pivot piece 3 in the stopped state of FIG. 14B). The first pivot piece 3 does not move. The third pivot piece 66 also does not move.

[0267] In contrast to one embodiment of FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the second activation device 9 does not act directly on the second pivot piece 4. When the second activation device 9 is actuated, it rotates about the axis R in the rotational direction R1 of FIG. 15A, whereby the portion 98' of the second activation device 9 comes into contact with the corresponding portion 89' of the interaction piece 8'.

[0268] After this contact, the interaction piece 8' rotates about the axis Q while remaining in the rotational direction Q1 (FIG. 14A) of the stop phase. As a result, via the pin 82', the second rigid piece 2 moves to the second stable position along the direction of the arrow L shown in FIG. 15A (corresponding to the direction of the arrow H in FIG. 14A), and operates the heart piece 200 via the hammer portion 22 (not shown).

[0269] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention is housed in a watch case comprising, for example, a bridge or a separating element that defines two housings on the dial side and the back side, and the watch mechanism 1000 according to the present invention is housed in one of these housings.

[0270] FIG. 22A shows a top view of the mechanism in another embodiment at a stage before the start-up stage. FIG. 22B shows a bottom view of the mechanism of FIG. 22A.

[0271] In this embodiment, the watch mechanism is in the main plane xy, as follows - an activation device 6, - a pivot piece 3 arranged to pivot about an axis z perpendicular to the main plane xy by the action of the activation device 6, - a rigid piece 1'', - a first flexible blade 5A connecting the rigid piece 1'' and the pivot piece 3 and comprises.

[0272] In this embodiment, the pivot piece 3 is also a rigid piece, and the rigid piece 1'' is also a pivot piece. This is because, due to the action of the flexible blade 5A, it is arranged to pivot around an axis z'' perpendicular to the main plane xy as well. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rigid pivot piece 3 is called the rigid input pivot piece, and the rigid pivot piece 1'' is called the rigid output pivot piece.

[0273] In this embodiment, according to the present invention, the watch mechanism also includes a mechanical pivot (not shown) in the main plane xy whose main axis is displaced from the rotation axis in the main plane xy in a state where no preload is applied or in the initial state of at least one of the rigid pivot input piece 3 and the rigid pivot output piece 1''.

[0274] Advantageously, one or both of the rigid pivot input piece 3 and the rigid pivot output piece 1'' are attached to this mechanical pivot, whereby a preload is applied to the first flexible blade 5A, and the assembly formed by the rigid pivot input piece 3, the rigid pivot output piece 1'', and the first flexible blade 5A becomes bistable. And the pivoting rigid pivot input piece 3 causes the bistable assembly to move from the first stable position to the second stable position in the main plane xy.

[0275] In one embodiment, this bistability is a bistability capable of performing one or both functions of starting and stopping a chronograph watch display (not shown).

[0276] FIG. 20A shows a top view of one or both of the starting and stopping of the bistability with no preload applied to the flexible blade 5A.

[0277] Figure 20B shows a top view of the bistability of Figure 20A. Since the rigid output pivot piece 1'' is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a spindle displaced in the main plane from the axis of rotation of the rigid output pivot piece 1'' in the unloaded state (the state of Figure 20A), a preload is applied to the flexible blade 5A. Since it is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a spindle displaced in the main plane from the axis of rotation of the rigid output pivot piece 1'', the position of the rigid pivot input piece 3 is the same in the unloaded state (Figure 20A) and the loaded state (Figure 20B). Figure 20C is a superposition of Figure 20A and Figure 20B and shows the displacement d5 between the two axes of rotation. In one embodiment, the displacement d5 is less than one tenth of the length of the flexible blade 5A.

[0278] The embodiment from Figure 20A to Figure 20C should not be regarded as restrictive. For example, the position of the rigid output pivot piece 1'' is the same in the state without preload and the state with preload, it is also possible that the rigid input pivot piece 3 is attached to a mechanical pivot having a spindle displaced in the main plane from the axis of rotation of the rigid input pivot piece 3 in the unloaded state. Also, in the unloaded state, it is also possible that both the rigid input pivot piece 3 and the output pivot piece 1'' are attached to mechanical pivots having spindles displaced in the main plane from the axes of rotation of the input pivot piece 3 and the output pivot piece 1'', respectively.

[0279] In one embodiment, the rigid pivot input piece 3 is arranged to rotate from the first stable position to the second stable position, when the rigid pivot input piece 3 is in its first stable position, the bistable assembly for one or both of start and stop is also in its first stable position, when the rigid pivot input piece 3 is in its second stable position, the bistable assembly for one or both of start and stop is also in its second stable position.

[0280] In one embodiment, when the rigid pivot output piece 1'' is in the stable position, in order to perform the coupling, the coupling mechanism 100 (a clamp including two clamp parts 103 and 104 in FIG. 20A) is arranged to be actuated. When the rigid pivot output piece 1'' is in another stable position, in order to release the coupling, the coupling mechanism is arranged to be deactivated.

[0281] In one embodiment, the rigid pivot output piece 1'' is arranged to directly actuate the coupling mechanism 100 by directly contacting the coupling mechanism 100. In another embodiment, the rigid pivot output piece 1'' is arranged to indirectly actuate the coupling mechanism 100.

[0282] Advantageously, the rotation of the rigid input pivot piece 3 causes the flexible blades 5A and 5B to deform. This deformation causes the displacement of the rigid pivot output piece 1'' (displacement by rotation in the case of FIG. 22A), and after this displacement, a function (starting or stopping of the chronograph in the case of FIG. 22A) is executed.

[0283] In one embodiment, the rigid pivot output piece 1'' includes a pin 112'', and the coupling mechanism 100 includes a housing 12 arranged to receive this pin 112'', and the coupling mechanism 100 is activated to perform the coupling.

[0284] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, the watch mechanism is as follows - a second activation device 9, and - a second rigid piece 2 arranged to move from a first stable position (relative position with respect to the frame 7B) to a second stable position (relative position with respect to the frame 7B) (especially within the xy plane of the first rigid pivot output piece 1'') by the action of the second activation device 9, and the movement of the second rigid piece 2 causes a function such as a reset function to be executed, the second rigid piece 2 is provided.

[0285] In one embodiment, the second rigid piece 2 moves by translation.

[0286] In one embodiment, as shown in, for example, FIG. 22A, the watch mechanism includes a second pivot piece 4 arranged to pivot under the action of a first actuating device 6 (shown in FIG. 20A, for example) or another second actuating device (not shown) about an axis perpendicular to the main plane. In one embodiment of FIG. 22A, this axis is the same as the z-axis line of the pivot input piece 3.

[0287] In one embodiment, as shown in, for example, FIG. 22A, a first flexible blade 5A' connects the second rigid piece 2 and the second pivot piece 4, and at least one second flexible blade 5B' (two in the embodiment of FIG. 22A) connects the second rigid piece 2 and the frame 7B.

[0288] In one embodiment, the second pivot piece 4 is attached to a mechanical pivot having a main axis offset in the main plane xy from the axis of rotation of the second pivot piece 4 in an unloaded or initial state. Thereby, a preload is applied to the first flexible blade 5A' and the second flexible blade(s) 5B', and the second assembly formed by the second rigid piece 2, the first flexible blade 5A', and the second flexible blade(s) 5B' becomes bistable. Thereby, when the second pivot piece 4 pivots, this bistable second assembly moves from a first relative position to a second relative position with respect to the frame 7B'.

[0289] In one embodiment, the second bistable assembly undergoes a translational motion. In one embodiment, the second bistable assembly moves within the main xy plane.

[0290] FIG. 21A shows a top view of the pivot piece 4, the frame 7B', the second rigid piece 2, the first flexible blade 5A', and the two second flexible blades 5B'. The flexible blades 5A' and 5B' are not preloaded.

[0291] Figure 21B shows a top view of the mechanism of Figure 21A without preload on the flexible blades 5A’ and 5B’. This is because the pivot piece 4 is attached to a mechanical pivot (not shown) having a spindle shifted in the spindle plane xy from the rotation axis of the pivot piece 4 in the state without preload (the state of Figure 21A). The position of the frame 7B’ is the same in the state without preload (Figure 21A) and the state with preload (Figure 21B). In the state without preload or the initial state, since the mechanical (rigid) pivot is displaced from the axis of the pivot piece 4, an assembly of the second rigid piece 2, the first flexible blade 5A’, and the two second flexible blades 5B can be made bistable. In other words, when the pivot piece 4 is not attached to the pivot axis, the same assembly is not bistable, thereby applying a preload to the blades 5A’, 5B’. Figure 21C is a superposition of Figure 21A and Figure 21B, showing the displacement d6 between the two rotation axes. In one embodiment, the displacement d6 is less than one-tenth of the length of the shortest flexible blades 5A’, 5B’.

[0292] Returning to Figure 22A, the pivot input piece 3 and the rigid pivot output piece 1’’ freely pivot around the same pivot axis as in Figure 22A.

[0293] The input pivot piece 3 may be provided with a pin 34 that enables lifting the hammer at the first start. The second pivot piece 4 is provided with a pin 112’’ used to operate the coupling clamps 103, 104.

[0294] The starting device 6 is arranged to act on the pivoting input piece 3 and, in one embodiment, includes at least one notch (two in Figure 20B, reference numerals 31 and 32). Depending on its position, the nose or projection 63 of the starting device 6 engages with one of the notches 31, 32, causing pivoting of the pivot input piece 3 and bending of the blade 5A and one or both of the bistable start and stop (i.e., until the rigid pivot output piece 1’’ pivots), after which the bistability stops at the second stable position. Therefore, the bistability can be started any number of times in both directions as required.

[0295] Of course, the starting device 6 in FIGS. 22A and 22B is not limiting. For example, it may be an integrated button or another starting device without a rigid lever.

[0296] When the bistability of start and stop is activated, if the second pivot piece 4 of the reset bistability (which is also rigid in one embodiment of FIG. 22A) is in the position where "the hammer hits the heart", the start / stop pin 34 contacts the second pivot piece 4 and pivots about its axis. As a result, the blades 5A' and 5B' of the reset bistability bend, and the reset bistability bounces back to the second stable position ("lifted hammer").

[0297] When the pin 34 no longer contacts the second pivot piece 4 in the position of the "lifted hammer", further actuation of the input pivot piece 3 only acts on one or both of the bistabilities of start and stop.

[0298] To reset the chronograph (FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 26B), the previously lifted hammer 22 must be returned to a stable position where it hits the heart (not shown). To do this, the second pivot piece 4 rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise in FIG. 23A, arrow M) by the force applied by the user to the second starting device 9 (for example, via a mechanical lever mechanism), and the reset bistability bounces up and hits the chronograph heart (not shown) and moves to the zero position.

[0299] When one or more second starting devices 9 are pressed again, the lever no longer touches the pin 34 of the input pivot 3. Therefore, the second starting device 9 operates in a vacuum state.

[0300] In one embodiment, when the chronograph starts (FIGS. 24A, 24B and 26C), the first starting device 6 actuates the pivot input piece 3, and the second pivot piece 4 preloads the reset bistability via the pin 34 of the pivot input piece 3 (FIG. 26C). The rigid output pivot piece 1'' rotates and opens the coupling clamps 103, 104 via the pin 112''. The coupling connects the chronograph and the time chain.

[0301] In one embodiment, the position of these clamps 103, 104 ensures the stop of the second starting device 9. When the chronograph is operating, it cannot be reset. In this embodiment, safety measures against reset are then taken.

[0302] In one embodiment, by pressing the first starting device 6 again (or another starting device not shown), the chronograph stops (FIGS. 25A, 25B, 26D). In this case, one or both of the start and stop bistabilities take the second stable position. The clamp part closes again (arrows P and Q in FIG. 25A), whereby the chronograph is released. In this case, the second pivot piece 4 pivots (in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 25A) without interacting with the hammer 22 maintaining the preloaded state. When the first starting device 6 is pressed again, the chronograph restarts.

[0303] In one embodiment, since there is no longer a stopper, when the chronograph is stopped, the second starting device 9 can be pressed to reset a display element (not shown).

[0304] When the chronograph is stopped, the user can reset the display (not shown). When the second starting device 9 is pressed, the reset lever pivots, and this lever acts on the second pivot piece 4 (FIG. 23A), causing the reset bistability to jump from one stable position to the other.

[0305] During the jump, the reset bistable strikes a (not shown) heart piece of the chronograph display, setting the display to zero.

Description of the reference numerals

[0306] 1 First rigid piece 1’’ Rigid output pivot piece 2 Second rigid piece 3 First pivot piece, rigid pivot input piece 4 Second pivot piece 5A, 5A’ First flexible blade 5B, 5B’ Second flexible blade 6 First starting device 7, 7’ Frame 7B, 7B’ Frame 8 Fastening piece 8’ Intermediate piece 9 Second starting device 10 First rigid piece body 11 Opening of the first rigid piece body 12 First rigid piece housing 15A First side surface of the first rigid piece 15B Second side surface of the first rigid piece 18 Protrusion of the first rigid piece 20 Second rigid piece body 21 Through opening of the second rigid piece 22 Hammer part 30 Through opening of the first pivot piece 31 Notch 32 Notch 34 Pin 36 Interaction part of the first pivot piece 38 Pin 40 Opening of the second pivot piece 41 Wall of the first through opening 42 Wall of the second through opening 43 End of the second pivot piece 46 Interaction part of the second pivot piece 49 Reset part of the second pivot piece 50A First end of the first flexible blade 51A Second end of the first flexible blade 50B First end of the second flexible blade 51B Second end of the second flexible blade 55A Opening of the first flexible blade 55B Opening of the second flexible blade 60 Rigid body of the first starting device 61, 62 Flexible blades of the first starting device 63 Projection of the first starting device 64, 65 Ends of the first starting device 66 Third pivot piece (lever) 67 Push lever 68 Spring 70 Hole in the frame 80 Stopper 80’ Rigid body of the interaction piece 81 First rigid part of the fastening piece 81’ First pin of the interaction piece 82 Second rigid part of the fastening piece 82’ Second pin of the interaction piece 83 Flexible blade for the fastening device 83’ Flexible blade for the interaction piece 89’ Part of the interaction piece 91 First rigid part of the second starting device 92 Second rigid part of the second starting device 93 Flexible blade of the second starting device 94 Interaction part of the second starting device 95 Flexible blade 96 Body of the second starting device 98 Housing of the second starting device 98’ A part of the second starting device 100 Coupling mechanism 101 Gear 102 Flange 103 First clamping part 104 Second clamping part 107 Flexible blade 112 Pin 112’ Pin 121 Opening 200 Heart piece 341 First end of the pin 346 Second Pin 352 Second End of the Pin 660 Opening of the Third Pivot Piece 670 Opening of the Push Lever 1000 Watch Mechanism Arrow A Arrow B Arrow C Arrow D Deviation by 6 from d1 Arrow E Arrow F1 Arrow F2 Arrow F3 Arrow F4 Arrow F5 Arrow G Arrow H Arrow L Arrow M Arrow N Arrow O Arrow P Arrows P1, P1’ Arrows P2, P2’ Arrow Q Arrow Q1 P, P’ Rotation Axis Q Rotation Axis R Rotation Axis Arrow S xy First Plane x’y’ Second Plane z, z’’ Axes Angle α Angle β

Claims

1. - A starting device (6); - A pivot piece (3) arranged to rotate by the action of the starting device (6) about an axis (z) perpendicular to the main plane (xy); - Rigid pieces (1, 1''); - A first flexible blade (5A) connecting the rigid piece (1) and the pivot piece (3); - A mechanical pivot having a main shaft, the main shaft being offset within the main plane (xy) with respect to the rotation axis of at least one of the pivot piece (3) and the rigid piece (1); and a watch mechanism (1000) provided within the main plane (xy), wherein the pivot piece (3) and the rigid piece (1) are respectively attached to the mechanical pivot, so that a preload is applied to the first flexible blade (5A), and by making the assembly formed by the rigid piece (1) and the first flexible blade (5A) bistable, the rotating pivot piece causes the bistable assembly to move within the main plane (xy) from a first stable position to a second stable position, the watch mechanism (1000).

2. The pivot piece (3) is arranged to also rotate from a first stable position to a second stable position, when the pivot piece (3) is in its first stable position, the bistable assembly is also in its first stable position, and when the pivot piece (3) is in its second stable position, the bistable assembly is also in its second stable position, the watch mechanism (1000) according to Claim 1.

3. The watch mechanism comprises two flexible blades (5B) to which a preload is applied, the rigid piece (1) is arranged to move with a translational movement within the main plane (xy), the watch mechanism (1000) according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. One or both of the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade (5A, 5B) are provided with openings (55A, 55B) for at least one of reducing its bending rigidity, reducing its weight, and controlling its deformation, the watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The rigid piece (1) is provided with an opening (11) for at least one of reducing its inertia and activating its function, the watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two components selected from the rigid piece (1), the first flexible blade (5A), the second flexible blade (5B), and the frame (7) form a monoblock piece.

7. The watch mechanism includes fixing means for fixing the rigid piece (1) to the frame (7). The watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing means includes at least one of a plurality of pins, a plurality of screws, and an additional flexible blade.

8. The watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid piece (1'') is arranged to move with a rotational movement within the main plane (xy).

9. The watch mechanism includes a coupling mechanism (100). When the rigid piece (1, 1'') is in a stable position, the rigid piece is arranged to activate the coupling mechanism in order to perform a coupling. When the rigid piece (1, 1'') is in another stable position, the rigid piece is arranged not to activate the coupling mechanism in order to release the coupling. The watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the rigid piece (1, 1'') is arranged to directly operate the coupling mechanism (100) by directly contacting the coupling mechanism (100).

11. The watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the rigid piece (1, 1'') is arranged to indirectly activate the coupling mechanism (100).

12. The coupling mechanism (100) includes a pin (112). The watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 11, which cites any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rigid piece (1) includes a housing (12) arranged to receive the pin (112) in order to operate the coupling mechanism (100) to perform a coupling.

13. The watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 11, which cites any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the rigid piece (1'') includes a pin (112''), and the coupling mechanism (100) includes a housing (12) arranged to receive the pin (112'') in order to operate the coupling mechanism (100) to perform a coupling.

14. The rigid piece (1) is the first rigid piece (1). The starting device (6) is the first starting device (6), wherein the watch mechanism (1000) - a second starting device (9), - a second rigid piece (2) In the watch mechanism provided with, The second rigid piece (2) is arranged to move from a first stable position to a second stable position by the action of the second starting device (9), The movement of the second rigid piece (2) enables the implementation of a function, for example, a reset function, of the watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The second rigid piece (2) is arranged to move in a second plane (x'y') different from the main plane, for example, arranged parallel to the main plane (xy), of the watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 14 which quotes any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. The second rigid piece (2) is arranged to move in the main plane (xy), of the watch mechanism (1000) according to claim 14 which quotes any one of claims 8 to 10.

17. The pivot piece (3) is the first pivot piece (3), wherein the watch mechanism (1000) - a second pivot piece (4) arranged to rotate around an axis (z) perpendicular to the main plane (xy) by the action of the first starting device (6) or the second starting device (9), - a first flexible blade (5A') connecting the second rigid piece (2) to the second pivot piece (4), and - a second flexible blade (5B') connecting the second rigid piece (2) to the frame (7) comprising, The mechanical pivot has a main axis offset in the main plane (xy) from the rotation axis of the second pivot piece (4), By attaching the second pivot piece (4) to the mechanical pivot, a preload is applied to the first flexible blade (5A') and the second flexible blade (5B'), and by making the second assembly formed by the second rigid piece (2), the first flexible blade (5A'), and the second flexible blade (5B') bistable, when the second pivot piece (4) rotates, the second bistable assembly moves from a first stable position to a second stable position, of the watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. The watch mechanism includes a heart piece (200), The watch mechanism (1000) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second rigid piece (2) comprises at least one hammer portion (22) for actuating the heart piece (200).

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