Clock movement with setting and winding mechanism with internal stop for positioning the winding stem

Abstract

To improve a timepiece movement having a setting and winding mechanism for coping with the problem of a conventional solution such as machining of a supporting cone on an outside lateral side face of a plate, correction according to a chain of tolerance of various components, and generation of shavings by contact between a steel winding stem and a brass plate.SOLUTION: A setting and winding mechanism 10 includes a winding stem 12 having a rotation axis X and having a first end 12.6 cooperated with a crown and a second end 12.1 on a side opposite to the crown, wherein the winding stem is rotationally movable, and is parallel movable along a rotation axis between a first axial position T1 of the winding stem for winding a timepiece movement by rotation of the winding stem, and a second axial position T2 of the winding stem for setting a function of the timepiece movement by the rotation of the winding stem, and the setting and winding mechanism includes a positioning stopping tool 30 which is configured to be cooperated with the winding stem by contact with the second end of the winding stem, and to stop the winding stem in the axial direction at the first axial position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clock movement comprising a mechanism for setting and winding the clock movement.

[0002] For example, the present invention can be applied to a wristwatch equipped with a mechanical movement.

[0003] More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanism for winding and setting a timepiece movement, which mechanism can assume various positions to perform and set different functions of the timepiece movement. [Background technology]

[0004] Mechanical watches are typically set and wound by a crown that can be operated by the user by turning and pulling. This crown is typically located at the 3 o'clock position on the circumference of the watch. The crown is integral with the winding stem, which can move axially along its axis of rotation between a number of axial positions that correspond to functions operated by the watch movement, such as manually winding the movement, setting the time, setting the date, and setting other indicators that move above or below the watch dial.

[0005] Traditionally, the manual winding position of a movement corresponds to the axial position of the stem where it is most retracted into the movement. This winding position corresponds to the neutral position of the stem and is usually called the T1 position.

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of a setting and winding mechanism 1 for a timepiece movement according to the prior art is shown in FIG. 1, with the winding stem 2 in the winding position.

[0007] In this winding position, the pinion 3 is driven by a clutch wheel 6, which rotates integrally with the winding stem 2 as the latter rotates. The pinion 3 meshes with a crown winding wheel (not shown), forming a 90° gearing. This 90° gearing is particularly sensitive, and even slight deviations in the position of the winding stem 2, and thus in the distance between the pinion 3 and the crown winding wheel, can have adverse effects on these components, such as premature wear of the teeth.

[0008] Therefore, a known technique to prevent the teeth from engaging the root surfaces during winding is to add an external stop 4 to the winding stem 2. Such an external stop 4 forms a collar that is in abutting contact with the outside of the plate 5 at a support cone or surface provided for this purpose.

[0009] However, in certain configurations, this solution involves machining a support cone on the outer lateral side of the plate 5 to abut and accommodate the stop 4 of the winding stem 2 .

[0010] This solution also requires that the collar / cone support surface be checked and, if necessary, corrected according to the tolerance chain of the various components to ensure that the support is at the correct distance from the centre of the watch movement and thus that the timing wheel 3 mates correctly with the crown.

[0011] Finally, this solution results in contact between the steel winding stem 2 and the brass plate 5, which causes deterioration of the contact surface and chipping with each load.

[0012] As a result, there is a need for improved timepiece movements with setting and winding mechanisms to address at least one of these problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To this end, the invention proposes a timepiece movement comprising a setting and winding mechanism for said timepiece movement, the setting and winding mechanism comprising a winding stem having an axis of rotation, the winding stem having a first end cooperating with the crown and a second end opposite the crown, the winding stem being rotatably movable and translatable along the axis of rotation between a first axial position T1 of the winding stem, in which the rotation of the winding stem winds the timepiece movement, and a second axial position T2 of the winding stem, in which the rotation of the winding stem sets the functions of the timepiece movement, the setting and winding mechanism comprising a positioning stop cooperating in contact with said second end of the winding stem and adapted to axially stop the winding stem in said first axial position T1.

[0015] In particular, this type of construction facilitates the design and manufacture of clock movements by eliminating the need to form support surfaces on the outer lateral sides of the plate.

[0016] According to the invention, the use of positioning stops inside the timepiece movement makes it easier to control its position and the tolerance chain of the various parts. This type of construction ensures optimal gearing of the various components of the setting and winding mechanism of the timepiece movement, in particular between the winding stem pinion and the crown winding wheel.

[0017] Preferably, the positioning stop extends perpendicular to the general plane formed by a mandarin cock included in the setting and winding mechanism or to the general plane formed by a bridge or plate included in the timepiece movement.

[0018] Preferably, the positioning stop is integral with the bridge, plate or mandarin duck jumper.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning stop is a pin, stud or screw.

[0020] Preferably, the positioning stop is a shaft around which the moving parts of the clock movement pivot.

[0021] Preferably, the movable part is configured to mesh with a clutch wheel supported by the winding stem when the winding stem is located at said second axial position T2.

[0022] Preferably, the moving part is an intermediate wheel for the minute wheel.

[0023] Preferably, the timepiece movement comprises a motionwork train cooperating with an intermediate wheel for the minute wheel.

[0024] Preferably, the positioning stop is made of a metal having a hardness equal to or greater than that of the stem. Preferably, the positioning stop is made of steel, advantageously the same steel as that used for the stem, in order to avoid problems with chips being generated by contact with the stem.

[0025] The invention further relates to a timepiece, for example a wristwatch, equipped with a timepiece movement according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail using the accompanying drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] As already mentioned, a perspective view of a setting and winding mechanism for a timepiece according to the prior art is shown. [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view from above of a first exemplary embodiment of a setting and winding mechanism for a timepiece movement according to the invention in a first axial position T1, which corresponds to the wound position of the timepiece movement. [Figure 3] 3 shows a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the setting and winding mechanism of the timepiece movement shown in FIG. 2 in a second axial position T2, which corresponds to the first setting position of the timepiece movement. [Figure 4]3 shows a perspective view from below of the first exemplary embodiment of the setting and winding mechanism for a timepiece movement shown in FIG. 2 in a first axial position T1, which corresponds to the wound position of the timepiece movement. [Figure 5] 2 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a setting and winding mechanism for a timepiece movement according to the invention in a first axial position T1, which corresponds to the wound position of the timepiece movement. [Figure 6] 1 shows diagrammatically a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement with a setting and winding mechanism according to the invention;

[0027] In all figures, common elements are numbered the same unless otherwise noted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 2 to 4 show a timepiece movement 100 equipped with a setting and winding mechanism 10 according to the invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a timepiece 200 equipped with a timepiece movement 100 equipped with a setting and winding mechanism 10 according to the invention.

[0030] The clock movement 100 may be a mechanical movement, but may also be an electronic or electromechanical clock movement as known in the art.

[0031] The entire setting and winding mechanism 10 is supported by a plate (not shown) of the timepiece movement 100 or from the plate via fixing elements or bridges fixed to the plate by special means.

[0032] The setting and winding mechanism 10 comprises a winding stem 12 of rotation axis X, which typically has at a first end a threaded portion 12.6 configured to receive a crown 50 operable by a user outside the case 201 of the watch 200.

[0033] The winding stem 12 comprises a pinion 13 and a clutch wheel 14 (also called a sliding gear) mounted to slide along the X-axis on the square portion 12.1 of the winding stem 12, and the clutch wheel 14 is rigidly connected to the square portion 12.1 of the winding stem 12 via its square central hole so as to rotate together with the winding stem 12.

[0034] The setting and winding mechanism 10 comprises a mandarin duck 15 pivotally mounted on a plate along a mandarin duck pivot axis d15. The mandarin duck 15 comprises a stud 15.1 which is received in engagement with an annular groove 12.2 in the winding stem 12. The mandarin duck 15 transmits the axial movement of the winding stem 12 along the axis X to the clutch wheel 14 via a lever 17 which is pivotally mounted on a plate about a lever pivot axis d17 and which is guided by the pivoting movement of the mandarin duck 15.

[0035] The clutch wheel 14 has a central annular groove 14.2 configured to receive and accommodate a portion 17.1 of the lever 17 so that the lever 17 urges the clutch wheel 14 to move.

[0036] The elastic lever member 18 cooperates with the lever 17 to exert an elastic force on the lever 17 which acts to reposition the clutch wheel 14 towards the clutch pulley 13.

[0037] In the watch movement 100, the winding stem 12 is rotatable about its axis of rotation X and is axially movable along this axis of rotation X between different axial positions that correspond to different functions of the watch movement 100 of the watch 200, such as manually winding the movement, setting the time, setting the date, and / or setting other indicators that move above or below the dial of the watch 200.

[0038] The setting and winding mechanism 10 comprises a mandarin duck jumper 19, which usually takes the form of a plate having a general plane P1 and has a stationary part 19.2 forming a body configured to be integral with the plate, and a jumper spring 19.1 forming a movable part cooperating with a mandarin duck pin 15.2 carried by the mandarin duck 15.

[0039] The mandarin duck jumper 19 acts as a bridge to hold the various elements of the setting and winding mechanism 10.

[0040] The jumper spring 19.1 has a profile with one or more notches into which the mandarin cock pin 15.2 engages to index the position of the mandarin cock 15, and consequently the winding stem 12, to various axial positions, thereby determining stable set positions for the various functions of the watch movement 100.

[0041] 2 shows in particular the setting and winding mechanism 10 in the winding position of the timepiece movement 100, referred to as the first axial position T1. In this first axial position T1, the winding stem 12 is retracted as far as possible into the case 201 and into the timepiece movement 100.

[0042] At this first axial position T1, the clutch wheel 14 meshes with the timing wheel 13, and the timing wheel 13 meshes with the crown winding wheel 20, forming a 90° gearing. At this first axial position T1 of the winding stem 12, rotation of the winding stem 12 causes the crown winding wheel 20 to rotate.

[0043] Conventionally, the crown winding wheel 20 is connected to a ratchet fixed to the barrel axle so that rotation of the winding stem 12 winds the mainspring. This first axial position T1 corresponds to the winding position or mainspring winding position of the timepiece movement 100.

[0044] 3 shows the setting and winding mechanism 10 in a second axial position T2, which is a setting position of the timepiece movement, for example the time-setting position. To reach this second axial position T2, the user pulls the crown 50 axially, causing the winding stem 12 to move axially along the axis of rotation X towards the outside of the plate and case 201 of the timepiece 200.

[0045] By pulling the winding stem 12, the mandarin cock 15 pivots, sliding the clutch wheel 14 along the square 12.1 of the winding stem 12 and thereby moving the lever (which pivots towards the clock movement 100). The clutch wheel 14 disengages from the timing wheel 13 and engages with an intermediate wheel (not shown), which is connected, for example, to the minute wheel and hour tube when this second axial position T2 corresponds to the time-setting position of the clock movement 100. In this second axial position T2, the mandarin cock pin 15.2 engages with a lower notch in the jumper spring 19.1 than when it is in the first axial position T1.

[0046] Of course, from the second axial position T2, third and even fourth axial positions can be provided, which correspond to positions for setting functions of the timepiece movement by pulling the winding stem 12 further towards the outside of the plate or case 201 to set other functions, such as the date and / or other complications of the timepiece movement 100.

[0047] The number of axial setting or control positions of the timepiece movement 100 is not defined and may vary from a single position to any number achievable for a particular timepiece movement.

[0048] When the winding stem 12 is pushed back towards the plate, the various members return to the various positions described above with reference to FIG.

[0049] To ensure accurate positioning of the winding stem 12 when it is pushed back to the first axial position T1, the setting and winding mechanism 10 is provided with a positioning stop 30 located inside the clock movement 100 opposite to the positioning stop located around the clock movement 100 and on the outside of the plate.

[0050] The positioning stop 30 is intended to prevent the winding stem 12 from moving when it is pushed back into the timepiece movement 100 .

[0051] More specifically, the positioning stop 30 is arranged perpendicular to the axis of movement of the winding stem 12 (in this case the X-axis) so that the second end 12.3 of the winding stem 12, which is opposite the crown 50 and forms the inner end of the winding stem 12, comes into contact with the positioning stop 30 when the winding stem 12 is in the first axial position T1.

[0052] In this way, by arranging the positioning stop 30 facing the inner end 12.3 of the winding stem 12 so that it abuts the winding stem 12 at the first axial position T1, the winding stem 12 cannot be in a more retracted axial position, thereby ensuring optimal meshing between the pinion 13 and the crown winding wheel 20 without contact with the root surfaces of the teeth. Meshing is therefore optimal and meshing wear is minimized.

[0053] The positioning stop 30 is integral with the mandarin duck jumper 19, which is integral with a plate, a bridge, or a plate that functions as a bridge, as shown in Figure 4. The positioning stop 30 is therefore easy to position, and its position relative to the center of the clock movement 100 is easily controllable and reproducible.

[0054] Such a positioning stop therefore makes it possible to control the dimensional linkage between the winding stem 12, the winding pinion 13, the positioning stop 30, the plate and the mandrel jumper 19 in order to ensure optimal engagement between the winding pinion 13 and the crown winding wheel 20 at the first axial position T1 of the winding stem 12.

[0055] The positioning stop 30 extends perpendicular to the general plane of the plate, bridge or mandarin duck jumper 19 to form a stop for the movement of the winding stem 12.

[0056] The positioning stop 30 may be, for example, a pin, stud, screw or shaft about which the movable part pivots.

[0057] Figure 5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a setting and winding mechanism according to the present invention, which is identical to the first exemplary embodiment described with reference to Figures 2 to 4, except for the features described below with reference to this Figure 5.

[0058] In this second exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, as previously described with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel of the timepiece movement 100 is arranged in such a way that the shaft around which the intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel rotates constitutes the positioning stop 30' for the winding stem 12.

[0059] In this configuration, it is advantageous to use the fixed shaft of the intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel to form the positioning stop 30', which stops the axial movement of the winding stem 12 when it returns to the first axial position T1. Preferably, the shaft of the intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel is integrally attached to a bridge or plate.

[0060] In the second axial position T2 of the winding stem 12, the clutch wheel 14 meshes with an intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel which cooperates with the motion work train of the timepiece movement 100.

[0061] More specifically, the intermediate wheel 40 for the minute wheel meshes with a first intermediate wheel 41 which rotates integrally with a second intermediate wheel 42 which meshes with a minute wheel 43 .

[0062] The minute wheel 43 rotates integrally with the minute pinion which engages with the hour tube 44 which carries the hour hand.

[0063] The invention is advantageously applicable to manually wound mechanical watches, but is also applicable to quartz or other types of electronic watches, especially those with analog display elements.

[0064] The materials used for the various components are preferably metallic.

[0065] The positioning stops 30, 30' are advantageously made of steel or a metal having the same hardness as the winding stem 12.

Claims

1. A timepiece movement (100) comprising a setting and winding mechanism (10) for setting and winding the timepiece movement (100), the setting and winding mechanism (10) comprising a winding stem (12) having an axis of rotation (X), the winding stem (12) having a first end (12.6) cooperating with a crown (50) and a second end (12.1) opposite the crown (50), the winding stem (12) being rotatably movable, the rotation of the winding stem (12) winding the timepiece movement (100). a timepiece movement (100) that is translatable along the rotation axis (X) between an axial position (T1) and a second axial position (T2) of the winding stem (12), the rotation of which sets the function of the timepiece movement (100), the setting and winding mechanism (10) comprising a positioning stop (30, 30') adapted to cooperate by contact with the second end (12.1) of the winding stem (12) and to axially stop the winding stem (12) at the first axial position (T1).

2. A clock movement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning stops (30, 30') extend perpendicular to a general plane (P1) formed by a mandarin duck jumper (19) included in the setting and winding mechanism (10) or to a general plane formed by a bridge or plate included in the clock movement (100).

3. 3. A clock movement (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the positioning stops (30, 30') are integral with the bridge, the plate or the mandarin duck jumper (19).

4. 2. A clock movement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning stop (30) is a pin, a stud or a screw.

5. 2. A clock movement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning stop (30') is a shaft around which the moving part (40) of said clock movement (100) rotates.

6. 6. The timepiece movement (100) according to claim 5, wherein the movable part (40) is configured to mesh with a clutch wheel (14) supported on the winding stem (12) when the winding stem (12) is disposed in the second axial position (T2).

7. 6. A timepiece movement (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the moving part (40) is an intermediate wheel for a minute wheel.

8. A clock movement (100) as described in claim 7, characterized in that the clock movement (100) has a motion work train that cooperates with an intermediate wheel (40) for the minute wheel.

9. 2. A clock movement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning stops (30, 30') are made of steel.

10. A timepiece (200) comprising a timepiece movement (100) according to claim 1.

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