Mechanical stop and start system for functions and a clock having such a system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical system comprising a mass mounted for movement between first and second extreme positions on a frame, defined by first and second stops respectively, and kinematically or directly connected to a control member for said function, said mass displacing under the influence of gravity to load a spring between the first and second extreme positions and to relax said spring between the second and first extreme positions, thereby starting and stopping a timepiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watches and relates to a mechanical system for stopping and starting functions. The expression "starting a function" is defined as shifting the function from an initial resting state to a second active state, and the expression "stopping a function" is defined as reversely shifting the function from an active state to a resting state. Prior art

[0002] In the field of mechanical watches, functions with a resting or stopped state and an operating state are known. For example, a chronograph or a minutes repeater activated by a push button or a trigger piece is an example. Some functions, like the time reporting mechanism or the alarm mechanism, are also automatically activated by a similarly complex trigger system.

[0003] Document US3541781 discloses a mechanism that enables detection of whether the wearer is standing or sitting and calculation of the time spent in each posture. A freely rotatable lever is provided, which blocks or releases the herringbone gears of a gear train that rotates according to the position of the device only under the influence of its weight. However, this mechanism is not very precise, and the position of the device where the measurement starts or stops is not defined.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to propose a command mechanism for functions that can be used in a mechanical watch, i.e., a watch that does not use electrical or electronic elements, and that at least partially overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical system in which a mass is mounted to move between first and second extreme positions on a frame, defined by first and second stops respectively, and under the influence of gravity the mass is displaced, i.e. loading the spring between the first and second extreme positions, i.e. relaxing the spring between the second and first extreme positions, to start and stop the function of a clock, the mass being kinematically or directly connected to a control member for the function.

[0006] The forces of the mass and the spring are determined as a function of the force required to command the function and displace the control member, and of a predefined spatial attitude of the frame when the mass is bistably displaced from one extreme position to the other, and by the resultant force exerted by the spring and gravity, the displacement of the mass from the first extreme position to the second extreme position can start and stop the function via the control member, and the displacement of the mass from the second extreme position to the first extreme position can stop and start the function via the control member respectively.

[0007] The definition of the present invention also extends to a command system for commanding the function of a clock, which can occupy a first state and a second state, in particular for animations.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention likewise relates to a clock comprising a stop and start system as described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Other details of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which include the following.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a mechanical switch that enables the start and stop of functions without directly applying mechanical movement or pressure. More specifically, the stop and start system according to the present invention enables the start and stop of functions according to the spatial orientation of the system, i.e., the watch in which it is incorporated. As will be understood below, there can be various dimensional settings, but in a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the system according to the present invention are set and arranged such that the function is started when the wearer performs an operation to check the normal time, and the function is stopped when the wrist is rotated, for example, when the arm is returned to a more vertical position.

[0011] More specifically, the system for stopping and starting functions according to the present invention includes a vibrating mass type mass mounted to move on a watch frame between first and second extreme positions. These latter are each defined by first and second stops, which may be elastic to cushion impacts.

[0012] A spring is connected to the mass. The connection between the spring and the weight is preferably direct such that the displacement of the mass has a direct effect on the winding of the spring. More specifically, when the mass is displaced by the influence of gravity following the movement of the wearer moving the watch, the spring is arranged to be loaded by the mass by displacing between the first and second extreme positions. Conversely, as the mass is displaced between the second and first extreme positions, the spring unwinds and, in some cases, replenishes the energy accumulated against the action of gravity to the mass.

[0013] The mass is kinematically or directly connected to the control member for said function. It is preferable that the connection between the mass and the control member is of a non-proximity type. This connection may also be a pinion-type meshing or an integrated rack meshing with the control member. The mass may likewise directly have a magnet that can be controlled magnetically, such as for example the functions of the visual animation type described in detail below.

[0014] (The mass of the) mass and the spring force are determined as a function of the force required for the function command and the displacement of the control member. The system is likewise dimensioned as a function of a predetermined angular orientation of the timepiece in which the mass is displaced from one extreme position to the other in response to the force exerted by the spring and the result of gravity, and said displacement of the mass from one extreme position to the other determines the start and stop of each of said functions via the control member.

[0015] In other words, the forces and torques required to start and stop each of the functions (such as rotating the chronograph shuttle or column wheel, actuating the trigger lever, displacing the magnet, etc.) are determined in a first step.

[0016] The preferred timepiece directions for starting or stopping each function are likewise determined. In a preferred embodiment, the function is started when the wearer lifts the timepiece to read it and it is in the reading position. As shown in Figure 1, the angle alpha is defined as the rotation angle centered on the axis 9H-3H, the angle beta is the rotation angle centered on the axis 12H-6H, and the axis gamma is the rotation angle centered on the orthogonal axis passing through the center of the dial. These three angles are zero when the timepiece is placed horizontally facing the wearer such that the axis 9H-3H is approximately parallel to the shoulder line. In the conventional position for reading the time when it is desirable to start the function, the following applies: Alpha is 30 to 35°, Beta = 0°, Gamma = 0°.

[0017] Although it is preferable but not obligatory that the function be desired to stop at a position where the wrist is rotated to a position different from the preceding position. The risk of unintended alternating stops and starts around one direction is thus restricted. The stop direction is preferably defined with Alpha being 15 - 18°, Beta = 0°, and Gamma = 0°. It is noted that it is preferable that the said stop direction be different from the neutral direction of the starting point considered for starting (in this case, Alpha = 0°, Beta = 0°, Gamma = 0°). By calculating the spring using this hysteresis, it is possible to distinguish the clockwise directions and use each for starting and stopping the function. This distinction makes it possible to avoid the unintended alternating starts and stops that may occur when the clock oscillates at the start and stop positions.

[0018] Based on these elements, the mass movement and the weight (of the mass) are determined to generate the required torque.

[0019] However, it is also necessary to set the dimensions of both the spring stiffness and the preload. Its function is to maintain the mass at a position adjacent to the first limit position against the action of gravity when the clock is not placed in the opposite orientation. When the orientation is more than this, the force exerted by gravity becomes greater than the force exerted by the spring, and the function is started by the displacement of the mass. Similarly, the spring also has the function of moving the mass to the first limit position when the mass is adjacent to the second limit position. At that time, the mass stops the function.

[0020] The dimension setting and calculation of the mass and the characteristics of the spring are, needless to say, within the understanding of those skilled in the art without detailed explanation. There are multiple solutions for the parameters to obtain the expected results. For example, with a heavier mass and a stronger spring, the said system is triggered or stopped according to the required conditions.

[0021] It is also possible to use a non-uniform mass that is attached to move during rotation, similar to a vibrating mass for automatic winding, some of which operate with restricted angular movement. In this case, the non-uniformity of the mass, including eccentricity, which affects the torque supplied, is taken into account. However, the mass may equally trace a linear or complex trajectory.

[0022] The starting and stopping directions are thus pre-determined in this way. The mass is bistable and is held in a first limit position if it has not moved from the starting direction and in a second limit position if it has not moved from the stopping direction.

[0023] Unlike the present invention, the vibrating mass for automatic winding cannot be stopped. In any case, even considering that there is no rewinding of the perfume box when the mass is in some positions, particularly when stopped, the rewinding and non-rewinding positions are not pre-defined and do not correspond to a specific spatial attitude of the watch.

[0024] To reduce the impact associated with the displacement of the mass and its interaction with the stop, the mass may be connected to a speed regulator. This latter may be a detent, such as a friction stop detent as used in some striking mechanisms, or a detent such as a centrifugal inertial brake of the type also used in striking mechanisms. It is also possible to use a magnetic or oil bath braking device.

[0025] A blocking device may be provided to block the mass in order to provide the user with the possibility of moving the watch while avoiding the switch without triggering the function. This device is preferably accessible from outside the watch. This device may include a push button or bolt that preferably contacts the mass directly or indirectly at one of the limit positions in order to prevent the movement of the mass.

[0026] The system according to the present invention may be arranged in the form of an independent module including its own frame and mounted on a structural part serving as a base. The mechanisms or components enabling the execution of functions may likewise be arranged on the frame or on the structural part serving as a base. In this case, a kinematic connection or other types of connections such as, for example, a magnetic connection, are provided between the module and the structural part serving as a base.

[0027] The system according to the present invention can start and stop the functions for a clock in which commands, that is, mechanisms for executing functions, are arranged inside.

[0028] An example of a function controllable by the system according to the present invention is visual animation. The visual animation may be mechanically commanded, for example, by releasing or blocking incense boxes respectively when the mass is in the first or second extreme position. This incense box can drive a jack-in-the-box type automaton typically by driving a cam against a place where a movable element is pressed. By attaching a magnet to the mass or having a magnet driven by the mass, this magnet can drive, by its own displacement, the displacement of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic movable element that can react to the displacement of the magnet. This displacement can be induced, for example, by the attachment of the movable element, such as inside a rotation or on a guide rail.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an example of a specific embodiment of the start and stop system according to the present invention. According to this embodiment, the function to be commanded is an animation controlled by the movement of a magnet.

[0030] The mass is a vibrating mass attached to the rotation 10 so as to be movable. The mass takes the form of a lever 12 attached so as to be pivotable on the module or the frame of the watch, and includes a detent 100 that engages with a detent 120 integral with the control member. Although not shown, since the rotation of the vibrating mass 10 is limited between two extreme positions by two stops, it is preferable that the detents 100 and 120 are incomplete, that is, attached on a toothed sector of less than 360°. In an exemplary embodiment, the step-down ratio between the teeth is set equal to -1.

[0031] The spring 14 is helical and acts on the control member via the first of its ends at the axis of rotation of the lever of this embodiment. The other end is fixed to the frame.

[0032] At the end opposite the axis of rotation, the lever 12 has a magnet 16. The latter acts on a magnetic element that is movable, for example movable above the dial, so as to be visible to the user while the start and stop system is hidden under the dial.

[0033] When the watch is in a horizontal position, gravity acts parallel to the axis of rotation of the mass. As a result, the inhomogeneity of the mass does not generate torque with respect to the axis.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spring 14 is preloaded in the clockwise direction. That is, the spring 14 applies a clockwise torque to the lever, which is transmitted to the vibrating mass 10 via the meshing joint, and this torque tends to pivot the lever counterclockwise. However, in this position, the vibrating mass 10 is in a first extreme position with respect to a stop (not shown in the drawing) called the upper stop. Thus, the system is in an equilibrium state in the first stable position. The magnetic element whose position is determined by the magnet is likewise in the first stable position. In this first position, the magnetic element can be hidden behind the cover so as not to be visible to the wearer.

[0035] When the wearer of the watch rotates the watch by an angle alpha about the axis 9H-3H (Figure 3), the torque of the mass generated by gravity on the axis X gradually increases according to the following formula, where Beta is the angle of the center of mass with respect to 9h-3h (with a signed value according to the rules of trigonometry) (Figure 2). Torque of the mass = d * m * gravity * sin(alpha) * cos(beta)

[0036] The torque of the return spring (obtained at the center of rotation of the mass) is constant while Beta does not change, and its value is as follows, where Beta0 is Beta when the mass is in the first stable position. Torque of the spring = -K * (Theta0 + Beta0 - Beta)

[0037] Also, there is a resistance torque to shift the function from the stopped state to the started state. This torque is considered to be constant (with a value of Cresistif) and opposite to the displacement direction in this example.

[0038] Therefore, the equilibrium of the torque applied to the mass is as follows. C = d * m * gravity * sin(alpha) * cos(beta) - K * (theta0 + beta0 - beta) - Cresistif

[0039] While this torque is negative, the mass tends to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, that is, it remains at the junction point, the first stable position.

[0040] This torque becomes positive when sin(Alpha) is greater than (beta = beta0). sin(alpha0) > (K * (Theta0) + Cresistif) / (d * m * gravity * cos(beta0)) Let the angle at which the torque becomes positive be Alpha0.

[0041] When the resultant torque applied to the vibrating mass 10 becomes positive, the torque generated by gravity becomes greater than the torques of the function and the return spring resistance. Therefore, the mass pivots clockwise about the axis (Beta decreases). The vibrating mass 10 moves relative to a stop (not shown) called the lower stop until it reaches a second limit position (Figure 4) or until the torque generated by gravity becomes smaller than the resistance torque again.

[0042] In fact, only the angle Beta changes when the angle alpha of the clock does not change, and it is required that the torque generated by gravity increases faster than that of the spring (by wisely selecting various parameters of the mass and the spring). Thus, when the mass starts to move, the torque increases only due to the displacement of the vibrating mass 10, and the movement from the first limit position to the second limit position occurs continuously without passing through a stable intermediate position (without changing the angle of the clock), and therefore the mass is bistable. The magnetic element is also in the second stable position. In this second position, the magnetic element is visible to the wearer.

[0043] As long as the angle of the clock does not change, the system maintains an equilibrium state with the vibrating mass 10 in the second stable position. However, since the sign of the resistance torque of the function has now been changed (in order to shift the function from the start state to the stop state in this way, the mass must rotate counterclockwise), the torque equation has changed.

[0044] C = d * m * gravity * sin(alpha) * cos(beta) - K * (Theta0 + Beta0 - Beta) + Cresistif is.

[0045] While this torque is positive, the vibrating mass 10 tends to rotate clockwise, i.e., stays at the joint point, the second stable position.

[0046] This torque becomes negative when sin(Alpha) becomes smaller than (beta = betaF). sin(alphaF) < (K * (Theta0 + Beta0 - BetaF) - Cresistif) / (d * m * gravity * cos(betaF)) Let AlphaF be the angle at which the torque becomes negative.

[0047] When the resultant torque applied to the vibrating mass 10 becomes negative, the torque generated by gravity becomes smaller than the torques of the function and the return spring resistance. Thus, the vibrating mass 10 pivots counterclockwise about the axis (Beta increases). The mass moves until it returns to the first limit position (Figure 4) or until the torque generated by gravity becomes greater than the resistance torque again.

[0048] In reality, only e changes when the angle alpha of the clock does not change, and it is required that the torque generated by gravity decreases faster than that of the spring (by wisely selecting various parameters of the mass and the spring). Thus, when the mass starts to move, the torque decreases only due to the displacement of the vibrating mass 10, and the movement from the second limit position to the first limit position occurs continuously without passing through a stable intermediate position (without changing the angle of the clock), so the mass is indeed bistable.

[0049] Note that in the case of visual animation, the concepts of function stop and start must be understood broadly as corresponding to the first and second states. If it is valuable, it is possible to use the term "command system" as a term corresponding to the "stop and start system".

[0050] Similar to the visual animation driven by the scent box, the function may also be a striking mechanism, which may be triggered by a time striking mechanism. The scent box is released or blocked when the mass is in the first or second limit position, respectively.

[0051] Regarding the two embodiments implementing the scent box, specifically or through the winding of the scent box which is the main body of the operation, this is wound by a winding mechanism. This winding may be manual or automatic. By using a scent box suitable for supplying energy through two power outlets, it is similarly possible to supply power to the animation or striking mechanism through the operation of the scent box.

[0052] It is also possible to move a wheel or pinion, such as a set of shuttles or a column wheel of a chronograph, by a chronograph control member through a kinematic connection of the meshing type (pinion or rack). The zero adjustment step is preferably performed by push buttons acting separately on the control member and on a conventional zero adjustment element (such as a hammer).

[0053] A kinematic connection with a non-uniform mass can likewise displace at least one movable shutter above or below the main dial, sub-dial, or part of the dial in order to change the appearance of the watch or visualize a specific display. Even if polarizing glasses are used, it may be displaced through the movable shutter.

[0054] Such a shutter can be displaced, as described above, by releasing the scent box.

[0055] Therefore, the system according to the present invention enables the function to be commanded by starting and stopping the function or by commanding the transition from the first state to the second state and vice versa when the watch is in the first and second spatial postures respectively. These specific spatial postures correspond to the first and second extreme positions of the mass. These positions are determined, and due to the bistability of the displacement of the mass, the transition from one functional state to another is accurate corresponding to a specific spatial posture.

[0056] Those skilled in the art can modify the above description without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the claims. They can define the direction of start and stop, the type of spring, the force, and the preload, as well as the connection between the mass and the control system.

Claims

1. A mechanical system for starting and stopping the function of a clock, a mass mounted movably on a frame between a first and a second extreme position defined by a first and a second stop respectively, said mass being displaced under the influence of gravity, loading a spring (14) between the first and second extreme positions and relaxing said spring between the second and first extreme positions, including a mass (10), said mass being kinematically or directly connected to a control member (12) for said function, the forces of said mass (10) and said spring (14) are determined as a function of the force required to command said function and displace the control member and the spatial attitude of said frame when said mass is bistably displaced from one extreme position to the other by the resultant of the forces exerted by said spring and gravity, the displacement of said mass from the first extreme position to the second extreme position being able to start said function via said control member, and the displacement of the mass from the second extreme position to the first extreme position being able to stop said function via the control member, system.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass is rotatably mounted and is inhomogeneous.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said mass is connected to a speed regulator.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that said speed regulator is a derailleur, an inertial brake or a viscous friction device in a bath.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a device for blocking said mass.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said control member comprises a magnet.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that said spring is calculated such that the orientations of said frame triggering the start and stop of each of said functions are different.

8. A clock, comprising the system according to claim 1, and a mechanism enabling the implementation of said function, said mechanism moving said mass from the first extreme position to the second extreme position and from the second extreme position to the first extreme position when the clock is in a first spatial attitude or a second spatial attitude respectively clock.

9. The clock has an angle alpha of 30 to 35°, an angle beta = 0°, and an angle gamma = 0° in the first spatial position, and an angle alpha of 15 to 18°, an angle beta = 0°, and an angle gamma = 0° in the second spatial position, characterized in that the angle alpha is the rotation angle of the clock about an axis passing through positions 9H and 3H of the dial, where alpha is equal to 0 when the dial is horizontal, the angle beta is the rotation angle about the axis 12H - 6H, and the angle gamma is the rotation angle about a rectilinear axis passing through the center of the dial. The clock according to claim 8.

10. The clock according to claim 8, characterized in that the clock includes a device for blocking the mass that is also available from outside the clock.

11. The clock according to claim 8, characterized in that the mechanism is selected from among a chronograph mechanism, a striking mechanism, and a visual animation mechanism.

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