Clock module operable at sporadic moments, including automatic locking means

Abstract

To provide a horological module actuatable at isolated moments, which can be stopped automatically after a predetermined operating period, while keeping reduced volume.SOLUTION: A horological module 1, e.g., an automaton or a ringing mechanism, includes a plate 2 and a mechanical device 10 that is capable of passing from an idle state, in which the mechanical device is immobile with respect to the plate 2, to an operating state, in which at least a part of the mechanical device is able to move with respect to the plate 2 when the mechanical device is actuated. The horological module 1 includes: a barrel 3 that provides energy to the mechanical device; a gear train 20 that can be actuated by the barrel 3; and means 30 that automatically locks the mechanical device. The automatic locking means 30 includes a rotary cam 4 and a movable body 7 cooperating with the rotary cam 4. The movable body 7 is able to move between a locking position, in which the mechanical device is in the idle state, and a retracted position, in which the mechanical device is in the operating state. The rotary cam 4 is mounted and secured to the barrel 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to clock modules operable at sporadic moments, including means for automatically locking the operation of the module.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to clock modules, such as animation or ringing mechanisms, which operate at sporadic moments and require a device for automatic stopping after a given operating time.

[0003] The invention also relates to a clock movement for a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, including such a clock module. [Background technology]

[0004] In the field of watchmaking, there are mechanisms that are designed to be activated at a given time and mechanisms that can be activated on demand.

[0005] For example, in a ringing mechanism, the ringer is configured to emit a sound at a given time, for example for an alarm function. Another type of ringing mechanism, called a mini-repeater mechanism, is a ringer that can be activated on demand to audibly indicate the time of day.

[0006] Other so-called animation mechanisms consist in animating an object, e.g. an automaton, with one or more movements. The animation of the automaton can be programmed at a given time or can be triggered on demand by an actuation means.

[0007] Generally, these ringing or animation mechanisms have specific drive means, such as a barrel, arranged to provide the energy necessary for their operation. A gear train connected to the barrel activates the automaton or ringing.

[0008] The mechanism can be activated until the barrel is fully discharged, however some mechanisms include an automatic stop means that stops the animation or ringing after a predetermined time, particularly so that the mechanism can be activated multiple times with the same loaded barrel.

[0009] For example, US Pat. No. 5,999,363 describes an automatic alarm mechanism including means for locking the alarm mechanism. The automatic locking means includes a lever cooperating with a rotating cam, the cam including a notch for locking the lever and preventing the mechanism from operating. The alarm mechanism also includes means for releasing the lever to release the alarm mechanism. When the lever is released from the notch, the mechanism operates for one revolution of the cam until the lever is held by the notch. The cam is driven by a drive means to which the cam is connected.

[0010] However, such mechanisms are complex to implement and take up space.

[0011] US Pat. No. 5,399,633 and US Pat. No. 5,499,643 describe a wristwatch provided with an animation mechanism including an automaton (here a bird), the animation of which is driven by a barrel by means of a gear train. However, these documents do not disclose any means for locking the mechanism before the barrel is fully discharged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 3,460,339 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2880650 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 2880498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] In this context, the object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a clock module capable of operating at sporadic moments, which can be automatically stopped after a given operating time, whilst maintaining a reduced volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a clock module for a clock movement, comprising a plate and a mechanical device, the mechanical device being capable of moving from an idle state in which the mechanical device does not move relative to the plate to an operational state in which at least a part of the mechanical device can move relative to the plate when the mechanical device is activated, the clock module comprising a barrel for supplying energy to the mechanical device, the mechanical device comprising a gear train actuable by the barrel, the clock module further comprising means for automatically locking the mechanical device, the automatic locking means comprising a rotating cam and a movable body cooperating with the rotating cam, the movable body being capable of moving between a locked position in which the mechanical device is in an idle state and a retracted position in which the mechanical device is in an operational state.

[0015] The present invention is notable in that the rotating cam is fixedly attached to the barrel.

[0016] The clock mechanism according to the invention therefore offers an innovative technical solution for obtaining miniaturised means for automatically locking a mechanical device.

[0017] The present invention saves space by coupling the rotating cam and the barrel, and eliminates the need for a gear train between the barrel and the rotating cam.

[0018] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the moveable body is configured to automatically transition from the retracted position to the locked position after a predetermined time.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the rotating cam is provided with at least one notch and the movable body is provided with a finger-like projection, the finger-like projection being inserted into the notch of the rotating cam when the movable body is in the locked position and the finger-like projection being outside the notch when the movable body is in the retracted position.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the predetermined time period corresponds to one rotation of the barrel.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprises an intermediate lever carrying a movable body, the intermediate lever being movable about a first rotation pivot.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the machine includes a regulating pinion that is driven by the barrel as it rotates by means of a gear train, the regulating pinion being integrally attached to the regulating shaft.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means is further configured to lock the limiting shaft simultaneously with locking the barrel.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprises a brake lever cooperating with the regulating shaft, the brake lever being movable about a second rotation pivot between a contact position in which the brake lever contacts the regulating shaft to lock it, and a spaced position from the regulating shaft in which the brake lever allows rotation of the regulating shaft.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the machine is in an idle position when the brake lever is in the engaged position and in an operating position when the brake lever is in the disengaged position.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the intermediate lever is configured to actuate the brake lever to transition the brake lever from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the intermediate lever being mechanically connected to the brake lever.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means comprises a first return spring acting on the brake lever to hold it in the contact position.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the automatic locking means includes on-demand actuation means for moving the movable body from the locked position to the retracted position.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation means comprises a control lever which can be rotated about a third rotation pivot between an initial position and a depressed position, the control lever actuating the intermediate lever when the control lever is in the depressed position.

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

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

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable body remains in contact with the rotating cam in the operating state of the machine.

[0033] The invention also relates to a clock movement including such a clock module.

[0034] The invention also relates to a timepiece including such a timepiece movement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a clock movement according to the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the timepiece movement of FIG. 1 with the gear train removed; [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the watch module of FIG. 2, the watch module being in an idle state; [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the clock module of FIG. 2 at the moment when the mechanism 10 is activated. [Diagram 5] 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the watch module of FIG. 2, the watch module being in an operational state; [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the watch module of FIG. 2, the watch module transitioning from an operational state to an idle state;

[0036] In all figures, common elements are numbered the same unless specified to the contrary. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] As shown in figures 1 to 3, the invention relates to a timepiece module 1 for a timepiece movement.

[0038] The clock movement 1 comprises a plate 2 on which the components of the module 1 are arranged. The clock module 1 notably comprises a mechanism 10 that can be activated at sporadic moments, for example a mechanism that animates an automaton in this embodiment. The mechanism 10 can go from an idle state, in which the mechanism 10 does not move relative to the plate 2, to a working state, in which the mechanism 10 can move relative to the plate 2 when activated.

[0039] The machine 10 includes a gear train 20 configured to drive, for example, an automaton. Thus, when the gear train 20 is activated, the machine 10 is in motion.

[0040] To regulate the movement of the automaton, the machine 10 comprises a regulator provided with a regulating pinion 19 integrally mounted on a regulating shaft 15. The regulating shaft 15 is rotatable to allow the regulating pinion 19 to rotate.

[0041] There are various types of regulators, some of which are frictional and others with magnetic brakes. Regulators, well known to those skilled in the art, prevent the shaft from rotating too fast by holding it by friction or by a magnetic brake. The rotational speed of the regulating shaft 15 and therefore of the regulating pinion 19 is thus controlled by the regulator.

[0042] To supply energy to the mechanism 10, in particular to the gear train 20, the timepiece module 1 comprises a barrel 3. The barrel 3 comprises a cylindrical case provided with a peripheral toothing 6. The case is configured to contain a barrel spring therein, such that the case and the peripheral toothing 6 rotate about an axis of rotation.

[0043] The gear train 20 comprises two geared movable devices arranged on a plate: a first movable device provided with a first toothed wheel 9 and a first toothed pinion 13 arranged on the first toothed wheel 9, and a second movable device provided with a second toothed wheel 11 and a second toothed pinion (not shown) arranged below the second toothed wheel 11. The gear train 20 further comprises a third toothed wheel 12.

[0044] The first movable device, the second movable device and the third toothed wheel 12 are arranged in sequence. The first toothed wheel 9 is arranged partially below the barrel 3. The second toothed wheel 11 is arranged partially above the first toothed wheel 11 and the third toothed wheel 12 is arranged adjacent to the second toothed wheel 11.

[0045] The first pinion 13 meshes with the external teeth 6 of the barrel 3 and the second pinion meshes with the first gear wheel 9. The third toothed wheel 12 meshes with the second toothed wheel 11.

[0046] When the barrel 3 starts to rotate, it drives the first movable device, the second movable device and the third toothed wheel 12. Thus, the regulating pinion 19 and the regulating shaft 15 are driven by the barrel 3 as the barrel 3 rotates through the gear train 20, and the regulating pinion 19 meshes with the third toothed wheel 12.

[0047] The rotational speed of the gear train 20 is therefore adjusted by a regulator to control the rotation of the automaton and therefore its animation.

[0048] The clock module 1 comprises means 30 for automatically locking the mechanism 10. For this purpose, the automatic locking means 30 are arranged to be able to lock the mechanism 10 in an idle state and to leave the mechanism 10 in an operational state for a predefined time.

[0049] The automatic locking means 30 includes a rotating cam 4 arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation. The cam has a peripheral surface provided with notches 5.

[0050] According to the present invention, the rotating cam 4 is attached to the barrel 3 and rotates integrally with the barrel 3. The circular peripheral surface of the rotating cam 4 rests on the outer peripheral teeth 6 of the barrel 3. The notches 5 are formed on the peripheral surface and have a curved shape toward the inside of the rotating cam 4.

[0051] The automatic locking means 30 further comprise a mobile body 7 provided with fingers 26 extending towards the rotating cam 4. The mobile body 7 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the fingers 26 extending transversely in the plane of the rotating cam 4.

[0052] The movable body 7 can be moved between a locked position in which the finger-like projections 26 are inserted into the notches 5 of the rotating cam 4 and a retracted position in which the movable body 7 is moved away from the rotating cam 4 so that the finger-like projections 26 remain outside the notches 5.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, during rotation of the rotating cam 4, the movable body 7 remains in a retracted position and the ends of the fingers 26 of the movable body 7 are in contact with the circumferential surface of the rotating cam 4 while the latter rotates together with the barrel 3. More precisely, the movable body 7 is subjected to a return force which holds the movable body 7 against the rotating cam 4. The source and effect of the return force will be explained below in the description of paragraphs 68 to 70.

[0054] 6, the movable body 7 automatically moves to the locked position when the finger-like projection 26 can be inserted into the notch 5. Therefore, as soon as the finger-like projection 26 faces the notch 5, the movable body 7 is no longer pushed into the retracted position by the peripheral surface of the rotating cam 4, and the finger-like projection 26 can return to the locked position and the finger-like projection 26 is inserted into the notch 5.

[0055] As long as the fingers 26 cannot be inserted into the peripheral notches 5, the barrel 3 will continue to rotate and the mechanism 10 will be in operation. This return force provides an automatic locking means 30.

[0056] In this embodiment, when the mobile body 7 is in the retracted position, the barrel 3 rotates once until the notch 5 again faces the finger 26 of the mobile body 7. This is because the rotating cam 4 includes a single notch 5, so the barrel 3 rotates a full revolution before the automatic locking means 30 stops the barrel 3 again.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the rotating cam includes two or more notches to stop the barrel and the mechanism at each notch, so that the mechanism only operates during the rotation of the barrel between two notches, i.e., for less than one rotation of the barrel.

[0058] For carrying and moving the movable body 7, the automatic locking means 30 comprises an intermediate lever 8 arranged on the plate 2, the movable body 7 being attached to a first end 27 of the intermediate lever 8. The intermediate lever 8 is mounted on a rotating pivot 21 so that the position of the movable body 7 can be tilted and changed from a locked position to a retracted position.

[0059] The intermediate lever 8 has a curved shape including at the front two substantially parallel curved arms connected to a first end 27, which delimit an open space. The intermediate lever 8 has a third curved arm extending towards the rear and forming a second end 28 of the intermediate lever 8. The three arms are connected by an intermediate joint 29 in which the rotation pivot 21 is provided.

[0060] A return force acts on the second end 28 of the intermediate lever 8, which keeps the mobile body 7 in contact with the circumferential surface of the rotating cam 4 by means of the finger-like projection 26. Thus, when the peripheral notch 5 is in a position facing the finger-like projection 26, a spring effect is obtained which presses the first end 27 of the intermediate lever 8 towards the rotating cam 4 in order to automatically return the mobile body 7 to the locked position.

[0061] In this embodiment, the watch module 1 includes a brake lever 14 that contacts the regulating shaft 15 to prevent the regulating shaft 15 from rotating. The brake lever 14 includes a first end 31 provided with a brake that can contact the regulating shaft.

[0062] When the brake lever 14 is in the engaged position, the machine 10 is in an idle position, and when the brake lever 14 is in the disengaged position, the machine 10 is in an operating position.

[0063] In this embodiment, the mechanical device 10 is stopped when the brake lever 14 is in the contact position. In other words, the mechanical device 10 is stopped by locking the regulating shaft 19 by the brake lever 14. This is because when the regulating shaft 15 is locked, the regulating pinion 19 holds the third wheel 12, and the gear train 20 cannot rotate.

[0064] Preferably, when the finger 26 of the mobile element 7 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4, the mechanism 10 is not stopped by the locking of the barrel 3. The only function of the mobile element 7, the finger 26 and the notch 5 is to cause the locking of the mechanism 10 by tilting the brake lever 14 into contact with the limiting shaft 15 after a predefined time.

[0065] In a variant embodiment, the automatic locking means 30 is configured to simultaneously lock the rotation of the barrel 3 and the rotation of the regulating shaft 15. Thus, when the finger-like projection 26 of the mobile element 7 enters the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4, the barrel 3 is locked and at the same time the brake lever 14 is in contact with the regulating shaft 15, locking it.

[0066] The brake lever 14 is mounted to rotate about the second rotation pivot 22 so that it can be tilted from a contact position with the regulating shaft 15 to a spaced position that allows the regulating shaft 15 to freely rotate. The brake lever 14 has a bent shape, and the second rotation pivot 22 is disposed at the curve of the bend.

[0067] The automatic locking means 30 also includes a first return spring 16 which, in the contact position, presses against a first end 31 of the brake lever 14 to hold the brake lever 14 in contact with the regulating shaft 15. The first return spring 16 includes a curved flexible blade, one side of which is attached to a plate and the other side is free, the free portion being folded back onto a first pin extending from the first end 31 of the brake lever 14.

[0068] For this purpose, the brake lever 14 comprises a second end 32 against which the second end 28 of the intermediate lever 8 bears. The second end 32 of the brake lever 14 is provided with a pin 33 which lies in the plane of the intermediate lever 8. The pin of the brake lever 14 bears against the second end 28 of the intermediate lever 8.

[0069] Therefore, the return force of the first return spring 16 is transmitted to the intermediate lever 8 by the pin 33, so that the intermediate lever 8 is in a position where the movable body 7 abuts against the rotating cam 4.

[0070] The clock module 1 further comprises on-demand actuating means for tilting the intermediate lever 8 and, consequently, the brake lever 14, such that the mobile body 7 moves from the locked position to the retracted position and at the same time the regulating shaft 15 is released.

[0071] To this end, the actuation means comprise a control lever 18 mounted for rotation about a third rotation pivot 23 .

[0072] The control lever 18 includes a first end 35 forming an actuation pusher. The control lever 18 has a bent shape including a short segment including the first end 35 and a longer segment between which the third rotation pivot 23 is located. A second end 36 of the control lever 18 is at the end of the longer segment.

[0073] The control lever 18 is mounted partially below the intermediate lever 8 .

[0074] The control lever 18 further includes a hook 37 rotatably mounted to the second end 36 of the control lever 18. The hook 37 cooperates with a ratchet wheel 34 disposed proximate the second end 36 of the control lever 18.

[0075] The automatic locking means 30 includes a second return spring 17 , similar to the first return spring 16 , configured to bear against the hook 37 to exert a force tending to urge the hook 37 into engagement with the ratchet wheel 34 .

[0076] The control lever 18 is also connected to the intermediate lever 8 by a through hole 25 that surrounds the brome stud 24 attached to the intermediate lever 8. Thus, when the control lever 18 rotates, it pulls the brome stud 24 of the intermediate lever 8, thus tilting the intermediate lever 8 and moving the movable body 7 to the retracted position and releasing the barrel 3. At the same time, the intermediate lever 8 presses the brake lever 14 to release the regulating shaft 15, the regulating pinion 19 and thus the mechanism 10 which enters the operating position.

[0077] 4, when a user presses the first end 35, the control lever 18 is actuated and the control lever 18 rotates in a first direction. The control lever 18 pulls the intermediate lever 8 to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The intermediate lever 8 then pushes the brake lever 14 in the first direction to release the limiting shaft 15 in the manner previously described.

[0078] During operation of the machine 10 and rotation of the barrel 3, when the user releases the end 35, as shown in FIG. 5, the control lever 18 is returned to its initial position by the second return spring 16, while the intermediate lever 8 and the brake lever 14 remain in substantially the same position as long as the movable element 7 is in the retracted position.

[0079] If the user does not release the control lever 18 , the automatic stop cannot be triggered and the barrel will continue to rotate and drive the gear train 20 .

[0080] 6, as soon as the finger-like projection 26 of the movable body 7 enters the notch 5 in the locked position, the intermediate lever 8 returns to its initial position. Since the brake lever 14 is no longer pressed by the intermediate lever 8, the brake lever 14 returns to its contact position with the regulating shaft 15 by the return force provided by the first return spring 16, thus locking the regulating pinion 19 and the gear train 20 of the mechanism 10.

[0081] In a simultaneous locking variant, the mobile body 7 also locks the barrel 3 against rotation when the finger 26 is inserted into the notch 5 of the rotating cam 4 .

[0082] Thus, the mechanism 10 of the watch module 1 is stopped after one revolution of the barrel 3, but the mechanism 10 can be made to run again by actuating the control lever 18 as long as the barrel 3 has not been fully released.

[0083] The invention also relates to a clock movement including a clock module 1 as described above and to a clock including such a clock movement.

[0084] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the drawings, but modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A horological module (1) for a timepiece movement, comprising a plate (2) and a mechanism (10), the mechanism (10) being capable of moving from an idle state in which the mechanism (10) is immobile relative to the plate (2) to an operational state in which at least a part of the mechanism (10) can move relative to the plate (2) when the mechanism (10) is activated, the horological module (1) comprising a barrel (3) for supplying energy to the mechanism (10), the mechanism (10) being operable by the barrel (3). said timepiece module (1) further comprises automatic locking means (30) for automatically locking said mechanism (10), said automatic locking means (30) comprising a rotating cam (4) and a movable body (7) cooperating with said rotating cam (4), said movable body (7) being movable between a locked position in which said mechanism (10) is in said idle state and a retracted position in which said mechanism (10) is in said operating state, said rotating cam (4) being fixedly attached to said barrel (3).

2. 2. Timepiece module according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile body (7) is adapted to automatically move from the retracted position to the locked position after a predetermined time.

3. 2. A timepiece module as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the rotating cam (4) is provided with at least one notch (5) and the movable body (7) is provided with a finger-like projection (26), the finger-like projection (26) being inserted into the notch (5) of the rotating cam (4) when the movable body (7) is in the locked position and the finger-like projection (26) being outside the notch (5) when the movable body (7) is in the retracted position.

4. 3. Timepiece module according to claim 2, characterized in that said predetermined time corresponds to one revolution of said barrel (3).

5. 2. A timepiece module according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise an intermediate lever (8) carrying the mobile body (7), said intermediate lever (8) being movable about a first rotation pivot (21).

6. 6. A timepiece module according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical device (10) includes a regulating pinion (19) driven by the barrel (3) when the barrel (3) is rotated by the gear train (20), the regulating pinion (19) being fixedly attached to a regulating shaft (15).

7. 7. Timepiece module according to claim 6, characterized in that the automatic locking means (30) are arranged to lock the regulating shaft (15) when the mechanism (10) is in the idle state.

8. 8. A timepiece module according to claim 7, characterized in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise a brake lever (14) cooperating with the regulating shaft (15), the brake lever (14) being movable about a second rotation pivot (22) between a contact position in which the brake lever (14) is in contact with the regulating shaft (15) to lock it, and a spaced position in which the brake lever (14) is spaced away from the regulating shaft (15) allowing it to rotate.

9. 9. A timepiece module according to claim 8, characterized in that the mechanism (10) is in the idle state when the brake lever (14) is in the contact position and in the operating state when the brake lever (14) is in the separated position.

10. 10. The timepiece module according to claim 9, characterized in that the intermediate lever (8) is configured to actuate the brake lever (14) to move the brake lever (14) from the contact position to the separated position, the intermediate lever (8) being mechanically connected to the brake lever (14).

11. 11. Timepiece module according to claim 10, characterized in that said automatic locking means (30) comprise a first return spring (16) acting on said brake lever (14) to hold it in said contact position.

12. Timepiece module according to claim 11, characterized in that the automatic locking means (30) comprise on-demand actuation means for moving the mobile body (7) from the locked position to the retracted position.

13. 13. A timepiece module as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the actuating means comprises a control lever (18) which can rotate about a third rotation pivot (23) between an initial position and a pressed-in position, said control lever (18) actuating said intermediate lever (8) when said control lever (18) is in said pressed-in position.

14. 14. Timepiece module according to claim 13, characterized in that said actuating means comprise a second return spring (16) acting on said control lever (18) to return it to its initial position.

15. 2. Timepiece module according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile body (7) remains in contact with the rotating cam (4) during the rotation of the rotating cam (4) in the operating state of the machine (10).

16. A clock movement for a clock comprising a clock module (1) according to claim 1.

17. A timepiece including a timepiece movement according to claim 16.

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