Timer step setting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a timer rate setting device that can be operated from the outside without having to open the timer. [Solution] A rate setting device comprising a rotatable movable part and a settable movable part 4 capable of controlling the angular position of the rotatable movable part, the setting device further comprising a lever 5 equipped with a connecting gear train 6 that can be rotated by a user-operable button between a disconnected position and a connected position, wherein in the connected position, the setting movable part is kinematically connected via the connecting gear train 6 to a movable part 7 on a correction device equipped with a crown that enables the movable part to be operated, or to a drive movable part of an indicator that can be driven by the correction device when correcting the data displayed by the indicator. This allows the user to set the rate of the timekeeping instrument by operating a button to move the lever 5 to the connected position of the lever 5, moving the crown in translation to move the control axis to a given axial correction position, and then rotating the crown.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mechanical watches. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pace setting device for a timepiece that can be actuated from the outside without the need to open the timepiece. The present invention also relates to a movement comprising such a device and a timepiece incorporating such a movement.

Background Art

[0002] There are several general examples of pace setting mechanisms designed to operate without the need to open the timepiece to access the movement.

[0003] The document French Patent Invention No. 2184949 relates to a mechanism that enables the pace of the minute hand to be controlled from the outside of the watch. When the winding arbor moves to a longitudinal position dedicated to pace setting, in this case, a stable fourth position, the winding arbor is used to set the pace. Even when the signal is transmitted by the hard point passing through the change to this particular position, there is still a risk of accidentally moving the winding arbor and as a result, resetting the pace of the watch.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 2933883 provides a watch rate setting when correcting the displayed time using the winding shaft. However, the setting range is limited to a predetermined value. Since the watch rate is set in conjunction with the correction to the displayed time, it is impossible to correct one of these parameters without changing the others. However, an incorrect time display is specifically caused by the watch stopping, not by the watch rate. Furthermore, unless the time error is specifically due to the watch being continuously operated over a predetermined period, the time error in the time display cannot usually determine the setting error of the mechanical oscillator. In reality, the time error in the time display may be due to a setting error in the watch's regulating mechanism, and this elapsed period may be the cause, assuming the watch has been functioning normally throughout the period since the watch last displayed the correct time.

[0005] The document, Swiss Patent Invention No. 152943, describes a mechanism that allows the minute hand to be reset to zero using a button, while simultaneously correcting the rate of the watch in proportion to the correction made to the time display. This mechanism can be activated only for a given short time interval, for example, when the minute hand is sufficiently close to zero as the time of the reference clock changes. Similar to the previously shown document, there is no direct relationship between the error in the displayed time and the correction made to the rate of the watch, and the rate of the watch depends on the phase shift of the mechanical oscillator per unit time (generally expressed in seconds / day), which is caused by the error in the watch's oscillation frequency relative to the nominal frequency (reference frequency) provided to the mechanical oscillator.

[0006] The document German Patent No. 873677 provides teachings similar to those in previous documents.

[0007] The watch rate setting mechanisms disclosed in two prior documents have a major drawback: firstly, they set the watch rate according to a correction for the minute hand at a precise reference time, and simultaneously with the correction for the minute hand, and this correction usually does not indicate the correction value applied to the watch rate. These setting mechanisms are also difficult to handle because each one is spread across the main horizontal parts of the watch's mechanical movement. Finally, these mechanisms are complex and require intricate assemblies with small manufacturing tolerances. Moreover, as shown in the only figure, it is not clear whether the mechanism in the document known as German Patent Invention No. 873677 is functional.

[0008] Finally, U.S. Patent No. 2441847 describes a watch rate setting device with a unique control mechanism positioned diametrically opposite the winding axis. The central scale, facing the setting crown, indicates the level of correction made. However, due to the small scale size and the complete lack of direct indication of the correction value made, reading is difficult and there is a high risk of error. Furthermore, the addition of a second axis interferes with the watch's design and adds the challenge of water resistance. In addition, there is a high risk of accidentally resetting the watch. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 2184949 Specification [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 2933883 [Patent Document 3] Swiss Patent No. 152943 [Patent Document 4] German Patent No. 873677 Specification [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 2441847 [Patent Document 6] European Patent No. 4009115(A1) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the various drawbacks of the prior art mechanisms mentioned above, and to provide a device that allows the rate of a timepiece incorporating a mechanical movement to be corrected to be corrected without opening the timepiece, without interfering with the form of the timepiece, without the need to make such a setting at a given precise time, and moreover, the setting of the timepiece rate is simultaneous with and not directly dependent on the correction of the displayed time, and thus can be set in a very accurate and advantageously safe manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The objective of the present invention is, - A mechanical movement equipped with an adjustment mechanism formed by inertial mass and balance spring. - A data correction device for data displayed on at least one indicator on a display device provided in a timepiece, the correction device being controlled by a control axis equipped with a crown that can be operated by the user by translational motion and rotation, and - A time setting device for a timekeeping instrument, comprising: a rotatable movable part that acts on a hairspring to change the frequency of an adjustment mechanism according to the angular position of the rotatable movable part, thereby determining at least one physical property of the hairspring; and a configurable part that can control the angular position of the rotatable movable part. This is achieved by a timer equipped with [a specific feature / function].

[0012] The setting device further comprises a lever that can be operated by the user between a disengaged position and a engaged position, and which is rotatable by a button and is equipped with at least a portion of the linked gear train. In the engaged position, the setting movable part is kinematically coupled via the linked gear train to a movable part on the correction device or on the device for driving the indicator. This movable part is noteworthy in that it can be driven by the control axis once the control axis is moved to a given axial correction position, thereby moving the lever to the engaged position, translating the crown, and then rotating the crown, allowing the rate of the timepiece to be set.

[0013] This arrangement allows the timekeeping rate to be set / corrected regardless of the initial position of the minute hand, and without any risk of accidental reset, because the correction value does not depend on the initial position of the minute hand and is not a function of the correction made to the position of this hand. The minute hand can then return to the correct position as needed after the watch rate has been set.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the set movable part comprises cams arranged to engage with cam-driven links (also called "feelers") attached to a rotatable movable part.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the setting mechanism is arranged to determine the effective length of the hairspring. According to another particular embodiment of the present invention, the setting mechanism comprises a hairspring holder to which a stiffness setting arm is attached to at least a portion of the hairspring, the setting arm changes the stiffness of the hairspring according to the angular position of the hairspring holder and according to a rotatable movable portion.

[0016] In a main embodiment, the movable member of the correction device or of the device for driving the indicator and the setting movable member is positioned at different heights in a mechanical movement, the connecting wheel train comprises a spindle which is provided with connecting wheels at each of its two ends and is pivotally mounted about a rotation axis. In a preferred variant, the rotation axis is fixed in the mechanical movement and the lever is mounted on the spindle so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0017] In a first advantageous embodiment, the timepiece comprises a date indicator and the given axial correction position is the correction position of the date indicator. The lever kinematically joins the setting movable member to the date driving wheel in its coupling position.

[0018] In a second advantageous embodiment, the timepiece comprises a minute indicator and the given axial correction position is the correction position of the position of the minute indicator. It should be noted that the correction value for the pace in seconds / day units is indicated by the position variation of the minute indicator in minutes. Alternatively, a scale specific to the pace correction function can be provided. After setting the pace of the watch and after returning the lever to the decoupling position of the lever, the minute indicator can be moved to the correction position if necessary.

[0019] Furthermore, the objects, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] Shows a part of a timepiece movement comprising a pace setting device according to the invention. [Figure 2] Shows the lever of the setting device in the decoupling position. [Figure 3] Shows the lever of the setting device in the coupling position. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the lever and its connecting wheel train, the movable members of the time setting wheel train and the pace setting movable member. [Figure 5]This is a perspective view of the lever and the gear train connecting the lever. [Figure 6] This shows a modified form of the adjustment mechanism, including the hairspring of the adjustment mechanism and a part of the setting device attached to the hairspring. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The rate of a mechanical timepiece equipped with a spring-loaded balance regulator has traditionally been set by moving an index arranged to act on the effective length of the hairspring. This operation is generally performed in a workshop where the watch case is opened to access the setting system. In addition to having to immobilize the timepiece, simply opening and closing the case can affect the watch's rate and potentially reduce the accuracy of the correction. In the past, various solutions have been proposed for setting the rate from the outside of the watch, but none of these solutions, despite their advantages, have become standard and are not still in use today.

[0022] The present invention provides a rate setting device for a mechanical timepiece that can be operated from the outside. Figure 1 shows a partial view of a clock movement equipped with such a setting device. The mechanical movement of this timepiece is equipped with an adjustment mechanism comprising an inertial mass 1 in the form of a balance wheel and a hairspring 2. The balance wheel (mechanical oscillator) is pivotably mounted between a plate 8 and a rod 9.

[0023] Conventionally, a timepiece includes a correction device for at least one data displayed by at least one indicator of a display device provided in the timepiece. The correction device is controlled by a control axis to which a crown is mounted and can be operated by the user in translational and rotational motion. In the illustrated embodiment, the correction device includes a time setting device, i.e., a correction device for the display of conventional time indicators (in particular the hour and minute hands), and further, optionally, a correction device for at least one other indicator on the timepiece, in particular the date indicator and / or a second time zone. The correction device typically includes a correction gear train including a time setting gear train having at least one movable part 7, and the control axis can be moved axially from a neutral position to at least one correction position, enabling the mechanical movement of the wound timepiece. The crown is mounted on the control axis and can be operated by the user in translational and rotational motion.

[0024] The timekeeping device of a timekeeping instrument comprises a rotatable movable part 3 that defines at least one physical property of the hairspring, which acts on the hairspring 2 to change the frequency of the adjustment mechanism according to the angular position of the rotatable movable part, and a configurable part 4 that can control the angular position of the rotatable movable part. The rotatable movable part 3 is pivotally mounted on a rod 9 and is coaxial with the balance wheel. Generally speaking, a configurable mechanism fixed to the rotatable movable part 3 acts on the hairspring 2 to slightly change the frequency of the adjustment mechanism according to the angular position of the rotatable movable part, thereby making the timekeeping instrument (also called a watch) timekeeping instrument adjustable.

[0025] Although not shown in the diagram, conventionally, the setting mechanism may consist of two pins with a hairspring extending between them, which alternately contact each other. By rotating the index together with the setting device, the effective length of the hairspring and the oscillation frequency of the regulator can be adjusted.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end of the hairspring is attached to the rod 9 by a hairspring holder 9a, as can be seen in Figure 6. The hairspring 2 has a setting arm 2a, with its end attached to a setting mechanism formed by a hairspring holder 3a fixedly mounted on a rotatable movable part 3. Rotating this rotatable movable part acts on the setting arm of the hairspring via the hairspring holder 3a, having the effect of slightly changing the stiffness of the hairspring and thereby the frequency of the regulator. European Patent No. 4009115(A1) provides a specific example of this type of rate setting.

[0027] Whatever embodiment is chosen with respect to the hairspring and the type of rate setting provided, the angular position of the rotatable movable part determines the frequency of the adjustment mechanism (regulator). This angular position is controlled by a setting mechanism 4 pivotably mounted on a rod 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the setting mechanism holds a spiral cam 4a designed to engage with a cam-driven link 3b attached to the rotatable movable part 3.

[0028] The elastic element 12 mounted on the rod 9 acts on the rotatable movable part 3 to keep the cam follower 3b in contact with the cam 4a. In alternative deformation forms not shown, the rotatable movable part is securely connected to the configurable animal 4.

[0029] The rate setting device according to the present invention also comprises a lever 5, which, as can be understood in Figures 2 and 3, is rotatably movable about a pivot axis 5a and can be moved by a button on the timer, which can be operated by a user from outside the timer and acts against an elastic return means 10 on the end portion 5c of the lever.

[0030] Lever 5 is equipped with a portion of a connecting gear train 6 designed to kinematically connect the setting movable part 4 to the movable part 7 on the time setting gear train. When the button is not subjected to axial pressure, lever 5 is in the disengaged position, which disconnects the kinematic connection between the setting movable part 4 and the time setting gear train. When the button is activated by axial pressure, lever 5 moves to the coupled position, in which the setting movable part 4 is kinematically connected to the movable part 7 on the setting gear train via the connecting gear train 6. The configuration of the connecting gear train can be determined by a person skilled in the art according to the design of the timekeeping movement.

[0031] Thus, the lever 5 can generally rotate between the disengaged position and the engaged position, and in the engaged position, the setting mechanism 4 is kinematically coupled via the connecting gear train 6 to a mechanism 7 on the correction device or on the device for driving the indicator, and this mechanism 7 can be driven by the control axis, so that the rate of the timepiece can be set by pressing a button to move the control axis to a given axial correction position, thereby moving the lever 5 to the engaged position, translating the crown, and then rotating the crown.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the settable movable part 4 is not at the same height as the movable part 7 on the time setting gear train, which is advantageous for the design of the mechanical movement, and the connecting gear train 6 is equipped with a pivot 5b to accommodate this height difference, and the pivot 5b is equipped with two connecting wheels mounted on this pivot at both ends of itself. The pivot 5b is mounted concentrically with a rotating shaft 5a which fixes itself within the mechanical movement. The lever 5 is mounted on the pivot so as to be rotatable and movable about the rotating shaft independently of the two connecting wheels. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting gear train 6 permanently engages with the pinion of the settable movable part 4, and the coupling is made at the height of the movable part 7 on the time setting gear train. Obviously, other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the primary embodiment illustrated, to set the rate of the watch, the button must be pressed to operate lever 5, thereby moving lever 5 to its coupled position, and simultaneously, the crown must be pulled to move the control axis to the correction position, thereby setting the rate of the mechanical movement, and therefore the rate of the timepiece. Then, while maintaining pressure on the button, the crown must be turned to set the desired rate for the timepiece / watch. In the illustrated variant, the specific correction position is the time setting position / correction position for the time indicator. In other variants, other axis correction positions can be selected, specifically the date correction position (if the timepiece features a date indicator). This dual operation, which requires the use of both hands, prevents any accidental setting of the watch rate.

[0034] In one alternative configuration, the lever is bistable in both its unlocked and locked positions, and in this case, by activating the button, the bistable lever alternately moves from one stable position to the other. In this way, when setting the rate by activating the control axis using the crown, it is not necessary to maintain pressure on the button. However, this alternative configuration has a major drawback in that it is not possible to reliably set the watch rate because unintentional pressure on the button when correcting the time may lead to unintentional rate correction. Resetting the watch when setting the rate is not really a drawback, as the need to set the rate usually arises when one realizes that the watch is not telling the correct time. Therefore, in any case, whether or not you set the rate, you need to set the watch to the correct time.

[0035] The rate can be set forward or backward depending on the direction in which the crown is operated.

[0036] One major advantage of the present invention is the accuracy with which rate correction can be performed. To achieve this objective, different movable parts can be selected to drive the non-movable linked gear trains 6 on the time setting gear train, specifically the date drive wheel, at a low rotational speed that can be used to achieve high accuracy when correcting the rate.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that the correction value applied to the watch rate can be measured and controlled using existing time display means. When the settable 4 is joined to the time setting gear train while setting the rate of the timekeeping instrument, the correction value applied to the rate is directly proportional to the variation in the time indication, and more specifically, to the position of the minute indicator. Therefore, no additional display is needed to confirm the rate correction value. Furthermore, the large, easy-to-read minute display allows for highly accurate reading of the rate correction value. The minute scale can be used by providing a specific scale, or more simply by selecting an appropriate reduction ratio.

[0038] Thus, the rate setting device according to the present invention does not require opening the timepiece, in the preferred embodiment described, there is no risk of unintentional reset, the style is not made more difficult to handle by adding specific indicators (there is a provision for adding a button to the timepiece case, but this button does not necessarily protrude), and in detail, the rate can be set with great accuracy when making corrections and reading correction values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1 Inertial mass 2. Whiskers 2a Setting Arm 3. Rotatable movable parts 3a Beardspring with a beard 3b Cam-driven section 4 Configurable animals 4a Helical cam, cam 5 Lever 5a Rotation axis 5b Axis 5c End of lever 6 Linked gear train 7 movable animals 8 plates 9 bars 9a Beardspring with a beard 10 Elastic return means 12 Elastic elements

Claims

1. It is a timekeeping device, - A mechanical movement equipped with an adjustment mechanism formed by inertial mass (1) and hairspring (2), - A data correction device for data displayed on at least one indicator on a display device provided in the timekeeping device, the correction device being controlled by a control axis equipped with a crown that can be operated by the user by translational motion and rotation, and - A rate setting device for the aforementioned timekeeping device, comprising: a rotatable movable part that acts on the hairspring (2) to change the frequency of the adjustment mechanism according to the angular position of the rotatable movable part (3), defining at least one physical property of the hairspring; and a configurable part (4) that can control the angular position of the rotatable movable part. In a timekeeping device equipped with, The setting device further comprises a lever (5) to which at least a portion of the connecting gear train (6) is attached, which is rotatable by a button, and which can be operated by the user between a disengaged position and a coupled position, wherein in the coupled position, the setting movable part (4) is kinematically coupled via the connecting gear train to a movable part (7) on the correction device or on a device for driving the indicator, and the movable part is characterized in that the control axis can be driven by the control axis once it has been moved to the given axial correction position, so that the rate of the timepiece can be set by pressing the button to move the control axis to a given axial correction position, which in turn moves the lever to the coupled position of the lever, translates the crown, and then rotates the crown.

2. The timekeeping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable parts (7) on the correction device or on the device for driving the indicator and the settable movable parts (4) are positioned at different heights within the mechanical movement, the connecting gear train (6) comprises a central shaft (5b), and the central shaft comprises two corresponding connecting wheels at its two ends, which are pivotably mounted on a rotating shaft (5a) attached to the central shaft.

3. The timekeeping device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotating shaft (5a) is fixed within the mechanical movement, and the lever is mounted on the central shaft so as to be rotatable about the rotating shaft independently of the two connecting wheels.

4. The timer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the settable part (4) comprises a cam (4a) arranged to engage with a cam-driven segment (3b) attached to the rotatable movable part (3).

5. The timer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever (5) can move between the disengaged position and the engaged position against the elastic return means (10), and the lever remains in the engaged position as long as sufficient pressure is applied to the button to overcome the return means.

6. The rotatable movable part (3) holds a fixed hairspring holder (3a) to which an arm (2a) for setting the rigidity of at least a portion of the hairspring (2) is attached, and the setting arm is arranged to change the rigidity of the hairspring (2) according to the angular position of the hairspring holder and according to the rotatable movable part, the timekeeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A timekeeping device equipped with a date indicator, wherein the given axial correction position is the correction position of the date indicator, and the lever kinematically connects the setting movable object to the date drive wheel at its own coupling position, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A timekeeping device equipped with a minute indicator, characterized in that the given axial correction position is a correction position of the minute indicator, and the rate correction value is indicated by the variation in the position of the minute indicator, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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