A clock movement including a rigid moving element connected to an elastic element and a method for connecting these two elements

Abstract

To provide a horological movement including a device that can simplify the coupling between a rigid element and an elastic element.SOLUTION: A method for coupling a rigid element 10 with a spring 16 includes the steps of: rigidly attaching a first end of the spring 16 to a support; and positioning the support and the rigid element 10 in an initial relative position. The method, in which a coupling member 20 carried by a second end of the spring 16 is located on one side of a stressing ramp 40 which is opposite a specific recess 36 in the rigid element 10 and for which the rigid element 10 and the support can undergo relative movement MR in a first direction D1 from the initial relative position, then includes a coupling step. Here, the relative movement in the first direction is applied between the support and the rigid element 10 so that the coupling member 20 comes to bear against the stressing ramp 40 and then follows the stressing ramp 40, which is configured to move the coupling member 20 towards a rotation axis 22 by stressing the spring 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece movement incorporating a device including a rigid element and an elastic element connected to one another.

[0002] Specifically, the device is a mechanism for jump-driving an indicator. The rigid element includes a drive finger that drives the jump indicator. The elastic element is a spring including a coil between its first and second ends, the first end of which is fixed to the wheel platform for rotation therewith, and the second end of which carries a connecting member that is at least partially inserted into a recess in the rigid element.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for connecting a rigid element to an elastic element when assembling a mechanical device or when attaching said mechanical device to a timepiece movement, in particular to the drive mechanism of a jump indicator. [Background technology]

[0004] Patent document 1 describes a mechanism for driving a semi-instantaneous jump indicator, which includes a drum finger and a spring disposed within and connected to the drum, a first end of the spring fixed to rotate together with the wheel platform, which drives the first end, and a second end of the spring carrying a coupling member partially, movably, and with substantial play inserted into a specific recess, i.e., a recess in the drum finger disposed for and intended solely for the coupling member.

[0005] The mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 presents several technical problems. First, according to the drawings, the spring coupling element is positioned in a shallow recess from which it can easily escape. Specifically, the two side surfaces of the recess are parallel to a radial direction passing through the middle of the recess, and the coupling element has two radial flanks. The angular width of the coupling element is intended to be significantly smaller than the angular width of the recess, particularly so that the element can easily enter the recess. That is, the coupling element can easily escape from the recess with a relatively small impact. In this case, either when the spring is loaded by the fingers abutting the teeth of the date ring, or before the spring is loaded, the spring typically exhibits a slight expansion due to friction with the drum, but the coupling element a priori escapes from the side of the finger radial drive flank. In this situation, the side wall of the drum exerts a radial force on the coupling element, and the coupling element experiences a frictional force with this side wall.

[0006] When the spring abutting the date ring tooth is loaded, the coupling element disengages from the recess. The coupling element then slides along the inner lateral surface, preventing a date jump until the drive wheel rotates at least once and the coupling element re-enters the recess (the best-case scenario, which would still result in a missed date jump and the correct date display being lost). Alternatively, the friction force increases enough to re-expand the spring, causing its coil to contact the side wall and resulting in a date jump at an indeterminate time. In this case, after the date jump, the spring relaxes and drives the drum, possibly subjecting the coupling element to a sudden angular displacement along the side wall. This situation would be repeated an indeterminate and variable number of times, resulting in date increments, for at least several days. In either case, the date drive mechanism ceases to function as soon as the coupling element disengages from its recess. This is highly likely for the mechanism shown in Patent Document 1.

[0007] Second, the mechanism disclosed in the '666 patent presents significant assembly problems. As can be seen from the drawings, the cylindrical interior space of the drum finger is circular, with a recess machined around the periphery of the circular cylindrical interior space. Because the connecting member must be partially inserted into and remain within the peripheral recess during normal operation, the radial distance of the spring from the center of the rigid ring to which its first end is attached to the outer lateral surface of the connecting member is greater than the radius of the circular cylindrical interior space when the spring is unstressed (i.e., in a relaxed / rest / neutral position). This spring configuration poses significant problems when assembling mechanisms of small dimensions (the spring diameter is typically less than 4 mm). Specifically, considering one possible assembly method in which the spring is in a relaxed state, the drum finger and spring are positioned such that, when brought to the wheel platform, the connecting member is axially inserted into the recess with a relatively precise relative angular position substantially aligned with the recess in the drum finger.

[0008] The relative angular position described above is not apparent because the spring is very small. Furthermore, the spring is not visible from the side of the drum finger when the drum finger is placed on the wheel platform, allowing assembly of the hub with the shaft inserted into the oblong hole in the drum finger, the hole in the rigid ring, and the central hole in the wheel platform (see Figure 5 of Patent Document 1). Allowing such a relative angular position requires specific technical means or delicate handling by a watchmaker. Furthermore, unless the shaft is inserted into the hole in the rigid ring, the connecting member can easily slip out of the recess, which will no longer be axially aligned with the oblong hole in the drum finger, making assembly difficult. The connecting member must then be reinserted into the recess. Once removed from the recess, the connecting member is likely to be angularly displaced relative to the recess, making reinsertion random and unreliable.

[0009] If the connecting member is not aligned with the recess after the spring and drum finger are attached to the wheel platform, the hole in the rigid ring cannot be aligned with the hole in the wheel platform without stressing the spring. However, once the spring is inserted into and covered within the interior space of the drum finger before the shaft is inserted into the hole in the rigid ring, it is unlikely that the spring will be stressed and remain stressed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3828644 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The technical background indicates a need in the field of watchmaking for a device formed by a rigid element and an elastic element, the elastic element being connected by a connecting member carried by the elastic element and at least partially inserted into a specific hole in the rigid element, the device being configured to simplify its assembly or mounting inside a timepiece movement with respect to the connection between the rigid element and the elastic element. The technical background also indicates a need for an easy-to-implement method for connecting the rigid element to the elastic element during assembly or mounting of such a device.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a clock movement including a device formed by a support, a movable rigid element, and an elastic element connected to said rigid element, the elastic element having a first end arranged to move with the support in at least a first direction, and a second end carrying a connecting member at least partially inserted into a specific recess made in the rigid element, the support, the rigid element, and the elastic element being arranged so that when the device is formed, they can be pre-mounted on the clock movement or pre-assembled in an intermediate state, in which the first end of the elastic element is arranged to move with the support in the first direction, the support has an initial relative position with the rigid element and the elastic element out of a range of possible relative positions, in which the elastic element is relaxed, and the connecting member is located outside its specific recess. The rigid element includes a stress ramp for the elastic element, positioned near a specific recess, the stress ramp being arranged so that, at least when assembling or mounting the device inside the timepiece movement from the intermediate state, a guided relative movement (MR) between the rigid element and the support in a first direction (D1) from the initial relative position causes the coupling element to abut against the stress ramp, and then follows the stress ramp to approach the specific recess while the relative movement continues to have at least a non-zero component in the first direction, the stress ramp being arranged so that the coupling element is displaced relative to the support during the continuation of the relative movement. The at least one non-zero component is positioned in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction, and the elastic element is therefore stressed. After following the stress ramp to approach the specific recess, the coupling element can at least partially penetrate into the recess while the elastic element at least partially relaxes and ultimately assumes a functional coupling position in which it remains during normal operation of the timepiece movement.

[0013] According to certain alternative embodiments, the device is configured such that the elastic element is substantially relaxed, i.e., unstressed, once the coupling member is in the functional coupling position after the device has been assembled or mounted inside the timepiece movement.

[0014] According to a main embodiment, the first direction is an angular direction relative to the axis of rotation and defines a rotation about this axis, and the second direction is a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation and passes through the geometric center of the connecting member.

[0015] According to a typical alternative embodiment, the range of possible relative positions in the intermediate state spans at least 20°.

[0016] According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the range of possible relative positions in the intermediate state spans at least 45°, preferably at least 60°.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the main embodiment, the device is a mechanism for driving a jump indicator, wherein the elastic element is a spring including a coil between its first end and its second end, the support is a wheel platform rotatably mounted about said axis of rotation to drive the first end of the spring, and the rigid element includes a drive finger arranged to be able to cyclically drive the jump indicator in a given drive direction.

[0018] According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the stress ramp is arranged in such a way that when the connecting member follows the stress ramp and approaches its particular recess, the connecting member is displaced radially towards the axis of rotation and the coils of the spring are therefore stressed.

[0019] The invention further relates to a method for connecting a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a device intended to form a movement, the elastic element comprising a first end intended to be assembled to a support included in the device or clock movement and a second end carrying a connecting member intended to be assembled to the rigid element in order to connect the rigid element to the elastic element, the rigid element having a specific recess for the connecting member and a stress ramp located close to the specific recess and intended to guide the elastic element while stressing it during the connecting method. attaching first ends of the elastic elements to a support for movement together in a first direction; positioning the support together with the elastic element and the rigid element in an initial relative position out of a range of possible relative positions, in which the elastic element is relaxed and in which the stress ramp is located between the connecting member and said particular recess in the rigid element, from which position the rigid element and the support can undergo guided relative movement in a first direction, at least during assembly or mounting of the device, the elastic element together with the connecting member and the rigid element being configured such that the stress ramp traverses a geometric direction parallel to the first direction through a contact point between the connecting member and the stress ramp, after that, a coupling step of applying a guided relative movement in said first direction between the support and the rigid element so that the connecting member abuts against a stress ramp, the connecting member then following this stress ramp during the continuation of the relative movement having at least one non-zero component in the first direction, the stress ramp being configured to generate, during the continuation of the relative movement, a displacement of the connecting member relative to the support having at least one non-zero component in a second direction not parallel to the first direction while stressing the elastic element, the relative movement being continued until the connecting member at least partially penetrates into said specific recess, while the elastic element undergoes at least partial relaxation in the second direction, ultimately occupying a functional coupling position in which the connecting member remains during any normal operation of the timepiece movement, the connecting member and the specific recess being configured to allow the connecting member to reach this functional coupling position after following said stress ramp during said at least partial relaxation of the elastic element.

[0020] According to a particular implementation, the spring, the connecting member and the stress ramp are arranged in such a way that during the coupling step the connecting member follows the stress ramp and then slides in the end zone of said stress ramp during said relative movement before the connecting member reaches its functional coupling position in its particular recess (36).

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the stress ramp, the spring and the connecting member are arranged in such a way that when the connecting member follows the stress ramp and approaches its particular recess, the connecting member rotates around itself, thereby encouraging or allowing the subsequent penetration of the connecting member into its particular recess so that it can reach its functionally connected position.

[0022] According to another advantageous implementation, the first direction is angular relative to the axis of rotation and defines a rotation about this axis of rotation, and the second direction is radial relative to said axis of rotation and passes through the geometric center of the connecting element, so that the connecting element is displaced radially following the stress ramp as it approaches its particular recess.

[0023] In other embodiments of the timepiece movement according to the invention and in other embodiments of the method according to the invention, it is intended that a guided relative movement takes place between the support and the rigid element until the connecting member contacts the stress ramp. This movement is not a rotational movement. In other words, a first direction, specifically a linear direction, is provided that is not an angular direction. A more complex guided relative movement can also be implemented as an option. It should be noted that the continuation of the relative movement during the second phase of the relative movement, following contact between the connecting member and the stress ramp and allowing the connecting member to climb the stress ramp, can be more complex than the linear or rotational movement performed during the first phase of the relative movement before the connecting member abuts the stress ramp, especially if the rigid element is displaced in response to the pressure exerted by the connecting member on the stress ramp.

[0024] In a typical implementation, the rigid element is formed by a plate or rotatably mounted to a plate, and the method includes, prior to the coupling step, an initial step in which a hub including a shaft and a head, a wheel platform, a spring provided with a central rigid portion at a first end, and a plate are respectively coupled to the rigid element mounted on the plate, such that the wheel platform, the spring, and the plate are respectively coupled to the rigid element in a relative position angularly corresponding to one possible relative position with the spring positioned between the wheel platform and the plate and the head positioned on the opposite side of the plate from the spring. The assembly includes an initial step in which the head is brought into and positioned in a mating position, the shaft, the first hole in the plate, the second hole in the wheel platform, and a third hole defined by the central rigid portion being aligned with the axis of rotation, the second hole having a smaller diameter than the first hole, and the head being at least partially stacked on the plate, followed by an assembly step including a rigid mounting step in which the shaft is forcibly inserted into the second hole in the wheel platform, allowing the plate to rotate freely about the shaft, and the head ultimately securely holding the plate in the axial position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention are explained in detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples.

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of a device for a timepiece movement according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] Figures 3A to 3E show a first implementation example of the coupling method according to the invention for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a mechanical device intended to form a timepiece movement, to obtain a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figures 3A to 3E show a first implementation example of the coupling method according to the invention for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a mechanical device intended to form a timepiece movement, to obtain a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A to 3E show a first implementation example of the coupling method according to the invention for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a mechanical device intended to form a timepiece movement, to obtain a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3D] Figures 3A to 3E show a first implementation example of the coupling method according to the invention for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a mechanical device intended to form a timepiece movement, to obtain a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3E] Figures 3A to 3E show a first implementation example of the coupling method according to the invention for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a mechanical device intended to form a timepiece movement, to obtain a device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] 4A and 4B show two particular moments of a preferred mode of operation of the mechanical device shown in FIG. 1 integrated into a timepiece movement in which the drive device for the date ring is formed. [Figure 4B] 4A and 4B show two particular moments of a preferred mode of operation of the mechanical device shown in FIG. 1 integrated into a timepiece movement in which the drive device for the date ring is formed. [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of a device for a timepiece movement according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7A]Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 7B] Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 7C] Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 7D] Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 7E] Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 7F] Figures 7A to 7F show a second implementation example of the inventive coupling method for coupling a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of an inventive device intended to form a second embodiment of a watch movement (please note that plate 11 is shown transparently). [Figure 8A]8A and 8B show two particular moments of a preferred mode of operation of the mechanical device shown in FIG. 5 integrated into a timepiece movement in which the drive device for the date ring is formed. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B show two particular moments of a preferred mode of operation of the mechanical device shown in FIG. 5 integrated into a timepiece movement in which the drive device for the date ring is formed. [Figure 9] The device according to the second embodiment is shown in a possible pre-mounted state that would result from mounting the device with excessive relative rotation between the lever and the support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1 to 4B are used to illustrate a first embodiment of a timepiece movement 2 according to the invention incorporating a device for driving a jump indicator, as well as to illustrate a first embodiment of a method for connecting a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or installation of said device.

[0028] The device 6 forms a mechanism for driving the jump indicator 4, in particular by a semi-instantaneous jump. This device 6 includes a support formed by the wheel platform 8, a rigid element arranged above the wheel platform, forming a drum finger 10, and an elastic element formed by a spring 16. This spring includes a first end 17, a coil 18, and a second end 19. The wheel platform 8 has a rotation axis 22. The drum finger 10 defines a drive finger 12 for driving the indicator 4, which in this case forms a date ring. This drum finger has a drive flank 14 intended to come into contact with a tooth of the indicator toothing 5 to jump-drive the indicator. The drum finger is rotatable relative to the wheel platform 8 and is guided rotatably about the rotation axis 22 by a shaft 28 having a hub 26 passing through an oblong hole 34 in the drum finger. The first end 17 of the spring 16 is connected to a rigid part 24 mounted on the wheel platform 8 for rotation therewith. Preferably, the spring and the central part form one and the same part.

[0029] The drum finger 10 is formed by a plate 30 and an axial wall 32 located at the edge of the plate. The plate 30 extends above the spring 16 and has an oblong hole 34 machined therein. The axial wall 32 is inclined toward the wheel platform 8, and in one alternative embodiment, the axial wall 32 may rest on said platform. That is, the drum finger defines an interior space 9 in which the spring is located. A portion of the axial wall and a portion of the plate stacked thereon jointly form a drive finger, which advantageously has a height extending from at least the underside of the spring to the upper surface of the plate. In an advantageous alternative embodiment, the wheel platform 8 and the central rigid portion 24 are driven on a shaft 28 of a hub 26. The hub 26 further includes a head 27 extending partially above the plate 30 to hold the drum finger 10 in a constant axial position.

[0030] The axial wall 32 has a recess 36 at the drive finger. The recess 36 has a lateral opening on the side of the spring 16, i.e. on the side of the rotation axis 22 of the device 6. The second end 19 of the spring is expanded by a member 20 that connects to the rigid element 10 (i.e. the drum finger in this case). This connecting member 20 is configured to be able to enter at least partially into the recess 36 through the lateral opening. The recess 36 is a specific recess for the connecting member, which then enables the spring to apply a drive couple to the rigid element 10. In the alternative embodiment described, the connecting member 20 is rigid.

[0031] According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the recess 36 has a lateral surface 54 oriented obliquely to the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform 8. The indicator is intended to be driven in this direction of rotation 56, relative to a radial direction passing through the center of the lateral surface. The connecting member 20 has a lateral flank 52 facing the lateral surface, which is also obliquely inclined in the same direction as the lateral surface and at least partially abuts against the lateral surface whenever the spring 16 is loaded to drive the jump indicator using the mechanism 6. The connecting member 20 has a nose 42 defining the lateral flank 52. This nose 42 is configured to fit into a complementary shape of the recess 36, which has substantially the same outer shape. This particular feature ensures that the connecting member is precisely held in a given drive position within the recess while the spring is tensioned under load. The lateral surface exerts a reaction force on the nose 42 of the connecting member having an outward component, and thus a component toward the bottom of the particular recess 36. That is, despite any compression experienced by the spring 16, the nose 42 remains in a given drive position where the radius of application of the spring drive force to the drum finger 10 remains the same and is substantially maximized during spring loading. This feature maximizes the force couple transmitted for a given spring drive force during loading.

[0032] According to a particular feature, the coupling element 20 has a rear heel 52 which, once inserted into its particular recess 36, is intended to prevent rotation of the coupling element about itself in the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform (the direction of rotation intended to drive the indicator). This rear heel is expanded by the contact surface 46 and comes into contact with the angular stop 48 when the loading of the spring ends, thereby causing the indicator to jump. Preferably, the angular stop 48 is located in the angular extension of the coils 18 of the spring, between the first end 17 of the spring and the rigid ring 24, and is defined by one and the same part forming the rigid ring and the spring.

[0033] Furthermore, in an advantageous alternative embodiment, the recess has a minimum dimension on its opening side. This minimum dimension is slightly smaller than the maximum dimension of the connecting member, which is radially perpendicular to the central axis of the rigid ring, which coincides with the rotation axis 22 when the spring is in its angularly relaxed state. Furthermore, typically, the connecting member and its specific recess are arranged so that the connecting member cannot exit its specific recess by performing at least one translation relative to the rigid part, i.e., at least one rotation about itself (rotation about its geometric center about an axis parallel to the rotation axis 22). To enter the specific recess through the side opening, the connecting member must rotate slightly about itself, i.e., about its geometric center 21. Due to this feature, once the connecting member is properly inserted into the specific recess and thus has a fixed functional connection position, there is almost no risk of it coming out of the recess. However, this does not rule out the possibility of coming out in exceptional cases in the event of a specific impact. One advantageous alternative embodiment of the connecting method according to the present invention provides a connection with a slight rotation of the connecting member, which is necessary for the alternative embodiment described herein.

[0034] Once the coupling element 20 is assembled to the drum finger 10, it will normally remain coupled to the drum finger 10 without any external stress, in particular without any shock, whatever the state of the device 6, i.e., in a state where the spring is non-angularly stressed during the period when there is no interaction between the toothing 5 of the indicator 4 and the drive finger 12, as well as in a state where the spring is compressed and working when it is loaded before the indicator jumps, when the indicator jumps, and even when it is expanded and slightly stressed, in particular when the wheel platform 8 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction intended for driving the indicator 4 to correct the time in the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, during normal operation of the timepiece movement 2, the coupling element 20 remains coupled to the drum finger 10 as intended, i.e. located in the specific recess 36 and thus integral with the drum finger. Typically, once the clock movement is assembled and completed, the coupling members are assumed to occupy a functional coupling position, and that position is expected to be maintained during normal operation of the clock movement. It should be noted that during normal operation, clock movements are typically exposed to strong accelerations, although no shocks are expected to generate such accelerations.

[0035] One general implementation of a method for connecting a rigid element to an elastic element during assembly or mounting of a device intended to form a timepiece movement will now be described, followed by a first implementation of the connection method according to the invention with reference to Figures 3A to 3E.

[0036] Typically, the method for connecting a rigid element to an elastic element during the assembly or mounting of a device intended to form a timepiece movement involves an elastic element, in particular a spring, which may have various shapes, having a first end intended to be assembled to a support, in particular a wheel platform, included in the device or timepiece movement, and a second end carrying a connecting member intended to be assembled to the rigid element in order to connect the rigid element to the elastic element. The rigid element, in particular a lever or drum finger arranged to be movable relative to the support and intended to exert a return force, has a specific recess for the connecting member and a stress ramp arranged close to the specific recess and intended to apply an instantaneous stress to guide the elastic element during the connecting method.

[0037] According to a typical implementation, the linking method is as follows: attaching first ends of the elastic elements to a support for movement together in a first direction; positioning the support together with the elastic element and the rigid element in an initial relative position within a range of possible relative positions, in which the elastic element is relaxed and in which the stress ramp is located between the connecting member and said particular recess in the rigid element, from which position the rigid element and the support can undergo guided relative movement in a first direction, at least during assembly or mounting of the device, the elastic element together with the connecting member and the rigid element being configured such that the stress ramp traverses a geometric direction parallel to the first direction through a contact point between the connecting member and the stress ramp; Including, after that, a coupling step of applying a guided relative movement in said first direction between the support and the rigid element so that the connecting member abuts against a stress ramp, the connecting member then following this stress ramp during the continuation of the relative movement having at least one non-zero component in the first direction, the stress ramp being configured to generate, during the continuation of this relative movement, a displacement of the connecting member relative to the support having at least one non-zero component in a second direction not parallel to the first direction while stressing the elastic element, the relative movement being continued until the connecting member at least partially penetrates into said specific recess, while the elastic element undergoes at least partial relaxation in the second direction, ultimately occupying a functional coupling position in which the connecting member remains during any normal operation of the timepiece movement, the connecting member and the specific recess being configured to allow the connecting member to reach this functional coupling position after following said stress ramp during said at least partial relaxation of the elastic element.

[0038] In a first implementation of such a method, the first direction is an angular direction D1 relative to the axis of rotation 22, defining a rotation about this axis, and the second direction is a radial direction D2 relative to the axis of rotation 22, which passes through the geometric center 21 of the connecting member, and therefore the connecting member is radially displaced following the stress ramp 40 as it approaches its particular recess 36. The device is a mechanism 6 for driving a jump indicator 4, and the elastic element is a spring 16 including a coil 18 between its first end 17 and its second end 19. The support is a wheel platform 8 that drives the first end of the spring 16 to define the axis of rotation 22. The rigid element 10 includes a drive finger 12 that drives the jump indicator in a given drive direction.

[0039] In a first implementation of the coupling method, which is a special case of the general implementation, the aforementioned steps are performed as follows, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3E: a first end 17 of a spring 16 attached to the wheel platform 8 for rotation therewith; positioning the wheel platform 8 and in particular the rigid element 10 forming the drum finger in an initial relative position IRP within a range of possible relative angular positions P1(θ) in which the spring 16 is relaxed (FIG. 3A), the spring and the rigid element being arranged so that such a range of relative angular positions exists in the spring's relaxed state, the stress ramp 40 being located between the connecting member 20 and the recess 36 of the rigid element 10 in the initial relative position IRP, the rigid element 10 and the wheel platform 8 being able to perform a guided relative movement MR from the initial relative position IRP in an angular direction D1 about the axis of rotation 22 during assembly or mounting of the mechanism 6, the spring 16 together with the connecting member 20 and the rigid element 10 being configured so that the stress ramp 40 crosses a geometric straight line L3 that defines a circle through the contact point CP of the connecting member; It is explained as follows: after that, a coupling step of applying a guided relative movement MR between the wheel platform 8 and the rigid element in said angular direction D1 (FIGS. 3B to 3E) so that the coupling element 20 abuts against a stress ramp 40 (FIG. 3B), which the coupling element 20 then follows (FIG. 3C) during the continuation of the relative movement in the angular direction D1, the stress ramp 40 being configured to generate a displacement of the coupling element relative to the wheel platform during the continuation of the relative movement, which displacement is at least in the radial direction D2; The coupling step comprises stressing the spring 16 while having at least one non-zero component, said relative movement continuing until the coupling element at least partially penetrates its specific recess 36 (FIG. 3E), while the spring undergoes at least partial, preferably complete, relaxation in the radial direction, ultimately occupying a functional coupling position in which said coupling element remains during normal operation of the timepiece movement, the coupling element 20 and the specific recess 36 being configured to allow the coupling element to reach its functional coupling position after following the stress ramp 40 during said relaxation of the elastic element.

[0040] It should be noted that the spring 16 is forced to contract during the relative movement MR via a specific recess 36 defined by the rigid element 10 to connect the spring 16 to the rigid element 10, and the connecting member 20 is carried by the second end 19 of the spring, which connecting member is preferably formed so as to be integral with the spring and therefore form one and the same part. Advantageously, the central rigid ring 24 is also attached to the first end 17 of the spring so as to form one and the same part. That is, as shown in the figure, the spring, connecting member, and central rigid ring are formed by one and the same part. Furthermore, the spring 16 and the rigid ring 24 are arranged so as to have a free space 38 when the spring is relaxed, into which the connecting member 20 can enter when the spring is compressed. This is important for the connection method in the illustrated alternative embodiment and also for the operation of the mechanism 6 when driving the indicator 4, in particular the date ring.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B (where the oblong hole 34 in the plate 30 is shown in dashed lines), once the mechanism 6 has been assembled according to the above-described coupling method, it is mounted in the timepiece movement 2 according to the invention, and the wheel platform 8 is intended to be driven in the direction of rotation 56 by the time-display mechanism. That is, the rigid element 10 forming the drum finger, including the drive finger 12, is driven in rotation by the wheel platform, and each day just before midnight, the drive finger 12 abuts against the lateral flank of the tooth 5a of the toothing 5 of the date ring (FIG. 4A). Then, during a first stage, the spring 16 is loaded by the contraction of its coil 18 until the contact surface 46 of the coupling member abuts against the angular stop 48 (FIG. 4B). Then, immediately after this event, the jump of the date ring is initiated. In other alternative embodiments, the jump may be initiated before the contact surface 46 abuts against the angular stop 48, which then forms a safety stop for the spring, preventing it from breaking.

[0042] In a first implementation of the method, the stress ramp 40 is positioned upstream of the recess 36 relative to the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform 8 when the jump indicator 4 is driven by the mechanism 6 in a given driving direction.

[0043] The particular shape of the connecting member 20, the arrangement of the spring 16 and the configuration of the stress ramp 40 mean that during the coupling step, the connecting member 20 follows the stress ramp and then slides over the end zone of the stress ramp during said guiding relative movement MR before at least partially penetrating into the particular recess 36 and assuming a functional coupling position.

[0044] According to an advantageous alternative implementation, the stress ramp 40, the spring 16 and the connecting member 20 are arranged in such a way that when the connecting member follows the stress ramp and approaches the specific recess 36, the connecting member rotates around itself (i.e., rotates around its geometric center 21). This encourages or allows the subsequent penetration of the connecting member into the specific recess in a preferred alternative implementation so that the connecting member can reach a functionally coupled position. As mentioned above, this alternative implementation is advantageous because it allows the connecting member and the specific recess to be designed with a complementary shape, which in fact prevents the connecting member from slipping out of the specific recess in the event of an impact. The rotation of the connecting member around itself is caused by the relative rotational movement between the rigid element and the support (drum finger and wheel platform) during assembly of the spring to the rigid element defining the specific recess. This is due to the stress ramp 40 which stresses the spring 16 with the displacement of the connecting member 20 towards the axis of rotation 22, the displacement having a predominantly radial component, producing sufficient rotation of this member about itself to allow an orientation that allows it to be inserted into the particular recess 36. This is noteworthy.

[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 3A , in the intermediate state, the range of possible relative positions P1(θ) of the spring 16 in a relaxed / de-stressed state, which is disposed in the interior space 9 of the drum finger 10 during assembly or mounting of the mechanism 6, spans approximately 75°. This value corresponds to a preferred alternative embodiment in which the range of possible relative positions spans at least 60°. In a typical alternative embodiment, the range of possible relative positions in the intermediate state spans at least 20°, while in an advantageous alternative embodiment, this range spans at least 45°. The relatively wide range of possible relative positions P1(θ) in the intermediate state prior to the relative rotational movement for coupling is a significant advantage of the present invention, since it allows the spring and drum finger (rigid element) to be brought together without the need for precise initial positioning between them. Furthermore, since the spring is relaxed / de-stressed in the intermediate state, feeding and initial positioning of the spring in an axial position is easy, and neither precise initial relative positioning, particularly of the initial placement of the coupling member facing its specific recess, nor stressing the spring in the intermediate state is required. The spring is then stressed by the stress ramp during a given guide relative movement MR, and the connecting member is then inserted into its specific recess by at least partial relaxation of the spring, so that this member remains in its specific recess in the absence of external stress. The ends of the stress ramp define the edges of the specific recess of the connecting member, the opposite edges of which are advantageously located at approximately the same radial distance from the axis of rotation 22.

[0046] In a particular alternative implementation of the coupling method according to the invention, the rigid element 10 is formed by a plate 30 or is rotatably mounted on a plate (in the case of the second embodiment described below). The coupling method comprises, prior to the coupling step, an initial step in which the wheel platform 8, the spring 16 and the plate 30, in particular the drum finger 10, which in the alternative embodiment shown is partly formed by this plate 30, are brought and positioned in said initial relative position, with the spring located between the wheel platform and the plate, followed by an assembly step comprising said rigid mounting step, in which the hub 26 including the shaft 28 and the head 27 is brought to the side of the plate, the shaft is inserted into a first hole 34 (an oblong hole in the alternative embodiment shown) of this plate, the first end 17 of the spring is inserted into the attached rigid ring 24 and finally into the second hole of the wheel platform 8. The second hole is sized so that the shaft 28 can be forcibly inserted therein, while the first hole 34 is sized so that the plate 30, and thus the drum finger 10, rotates freely about the shaft and thus the axis of rotation 22, with the head 27 ultimately stacked at least partially on the plate opposite the spring to ensure that the plate is held in a fixed axial position. According to an optional additional feature, the central rigid ring 24 has a third hole, which is also sized so that the shaft can be forcibly inserted therein to rigidly attach the first end of the spring to the wheel platform. It should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, the rigid ring has an internal protrusion that is inserted into a corresponding cavity in the hub shaft. That is, the rigid ring and the spring, particularly its first end 17, are mounted to the wheel platform 8 for rotation therewith, but not via the shaft.

[0047] This advantageous alternative implementation of the coupling method according to the invention differs from the initial steps of the specific alternative implementation described above in that first, a hub is provided, positioned within the joint. Then, a drum finger is added by inserting the hub's shaft into the oblong hole of the drum finger. Then, a spring is added with its rigid ring and coupling member. This assembly is positioned so that the hole in the rigid ring is positioned so that the end of the smaller-diameter shaft passes through it, and thus the rigid ring is temporarily held above the interior space 9 of the drum finger. A wheel platform is then added, and the end of the shaft is inserted or aligned with its central hole. Finally, the rigid ring and wheel platform are forcibly driven on the shaft, allowing the drum finger to rotate freely. The device according to the invention is thus in this intermediate state.

[0048] The present invention relates to an advantageous connection method for connecting an elastic element to a rigid element of a device of a clock movement, which method has been described above, and the invention also relates to a clock movement comprising such a device, arranged to allow implementing the connection method according to the invention.

[0049] Thus, according to the invention, a general embodiment of the clock movement according to the invention comprises a device formed by a support, a movable rigid element, and an elastic element connected to said rigid element, said elastic element having a first end arranged to move with the support in at least a first direction, and a second end carrying a coupling member at least partially inserted into a specific recess made in the rigid element. The support, the rigid element, and the elastic element are arranged so that when the device is formed, they can be pre-mounted on the clock movement, or pre-assembled in an intermediate state, where the first end of the elastic element is arranged to move with the support in the first direction, the support has an initial relative position with the rigid element and the elastic element out of a range of possible relative positions, in which the elastic element is relaxed, and the coupling member is located outside its specific recess. The rigid element comprises a stress ramp provided for the elastic element and located near the specific recess. The stress ramp is arranged so that, at least when assembling or mounting the device in a timepiece movement from the intermediate state into the timepiece movement, the coupling member abuts against the stress ramp by a guided relative movement between the rigid element and the support from the initial relative position in a first direction, and can then follow the stress ramp to approach the specific recess while the relative movement continues with at least one non-zero component in the first direction. The stress ramp is arranged so that, during the continuation of the relative movement, the coupling member is displaced relative to the support. The at least one non-zero component is arranged to be located in a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction, and the elastic element is therefore stressed. After following the stress ramp to approach the specific recess, the coupling member is able to at least partially penetrate into the recess while the elastic element at least partially relaxes and ultimately assumes a functional coupling position in which it remains during normal operation of the timepiece movement.

[0050] According to a particular alternative embodiment, the spring 16, the connecting member 20 and the stress ramp 40 are arranged in such a way that the connecting member follows the stress ramp as it moves towards its particular recess and then can slide over the end zone of said stress ramp while the relative movement continues, before the connecting member reaches the functional connecting position in said particular recess.

[0051] According to a main alternative embodiment, the first direction is angular relative to the axis of rotation and defines a rotation about this axis, and the second direction is radial relative to said axis of rotation and passes through the geometric center of the connecting member.

[0052] In a typical alternative embodiment, the range of possible relative positions in the intermediate state spans at least 20°. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the range of possible relative positions in the intermediate state spans at least 45°, preferably at least 60°.

[0053] According to the first and second embodiments described below, the device is a mechanism 6 for driving a jump indicator 4, in which the elastic element is a spring 16 comprising a coil 18 between its first end 17 and its second end 19, said support is a wheel platform 8 that drives the first end of the spring and defines said axis of rotation (axis of rotation 22), and a rigid element (drum finger or lever) comprises a drive finger 12 arranged so as to be able to periodically drive the jump indicator in a given drive direction 50.

[0054] According to a preferred alternative embodiment of the above-mentioned timepiece movement, the stress ramp 40, the spring 16 and the coupling member 20 are arranged in such a way that when the coupling member follows the stress ramp and approaches the specific recess 36, the coupling member rotates around itself, thereby encouraging or allowing the subsequent penetration of the coupling member into said specific recess so that the coupling member can ultimately reach said functional coupling position.

[0055] According to a first embodiment, in the timepiece movement 2, the rigid element 10 is formed, on the side facing the wheel platform 8, by a plate 30 extending above the spring and by an axial wall 32 arranged on the edge of the plate and inclined towards the wheel platform, at least part of the axial wall and part of the plate stacked on it jointly forming the drive finger 12. The plate has an oblong hole and is rotatably guided relative to the wheel platform about the axis of rotation 22 by a shaft 28 attached to the wheel platform and passing through the oblong hole. The axial wall 32 defines a recess 36, which has a lateral opening on the spring side (i.e. on the side of the axis of rotation 22), and the coupling element 20 is configured to be able to at least partially enter the particular recess 36 through the lateral opening, ultimately reaching said functional coupling position in which it remains during any normal operation of the timepiece movement, allowing the spring 16 to then exert a drive couple on the rigid element 10 and thus on the drive finger 12 in order to drive the jump indicator 4.

[0056] According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the connecting member has a first shape in the general plane of the spring and the recess has a second shape in said general plane, and the dimensions of the lateral opening do not allow the connecting member to leave the particular recess with at least one translation.

[0057] According to the illustrated advantageous alternative embodiment of the mechanism 6 of the timepiece movement according to the first embodiment, the stressing ramp 40 is arranged upstream of the recess 36 with respect to the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform 8 when the jump indicator 4 is driven by the mechanism 6 in a given drive direction 50, and said relative movement in angular direction D1 between the rigid element 10 and the wheel platform takes place in said direction of rotation with respect to the wheel platform.

[0058] According to a preferred alternative embodiment, the mechanism 6 is arranged in such a way that, in the event of an impact, the coupling member 20 disengages from the specific recess 36, or if the timepiece movement 2 is subjected to a predetermined high acceleration, the coupling member 20 can only occupy a pre-coupling position upstream of the specific recess 36 with respect to the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform 8 when the jump indicator 4 is driven by the mechanism in said given drive direction 56. The mechanism is arranged in such a way that, when the wheel platform 8 is rotated by the timepiece movement in said direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform, the coupling member can return to said functional coupling position while the drive finger abuts against the tooth of the jump indicator. This preferred alternative embodiment is noteworthy, since in the event of a specific impact that causes the coupling member 20 to disengage from the specific recess 36, the coupling member can only be located upstream of the specific recess. In the illustrated alternative embodiment with an upstream stress ramp, the coupling member is also located upstream of the ramp or optionally abuts against the ramp. This state corresponds to the situation of automatic pre-coupling of the spring 16 with the rigid element 10 (drum finger). During normal operation of the watch movement, as soon as the rotation of the wheel platform 8 brings the drive finger 12 into contact with the tooth 5a of the indicator 4, a re-coupling process similar to that occurring in the coupling method of the present invention occurs. The coupling element 20 again climbs the stress ramp 40, slides through the end zone of said ramp, optionally (if provided for in the coupling method) performs a predetermined rotation around itself, enters again into the specific recess, and ultimately assumes its intended coupling position before the spring is fully loaded, i.e., before the next jump intended for the indicator. In other words, once the watch movement 2 is assembled, the fact that the coupling element 20 is disengaged from its specific recess does not adversely affect the mechanism's drive of the indicator 4, since the indicator will not miss the jump and the re-coupling occurs automatically.

[0059] A second embodiment of the timepiece movement according to the invention will now be described, the elements and references already mentioned above not being repeated in detail.

[0060] The timepiece movement 62 according to the second embodiment is characterized firstly by the fact that the rigid element of the mechanism 60 is a lever 66 mounted on the plate 11 that it comprises. The plate 11, which has a circular central hole 34A, is rotatably guided by the shaft 28 to which the wheel platform 8 is attached, about a first axis of rotation 22 relative to the wheel platform 8. The lever 66 is mounted on the plate 11 so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation 72 remote from the first axis of rotation 22, the second axis of rotation being located at a first end of the lever. In particular, the lever is formed by an arm 67 which, at its first end, comprises a stud 74 inserted in a corresponding hole in the plate 11 so as to be pivotable about the second axis of rotation 72, and which, at its second end, comprises a drive finger 68 and an inner part defining a specific recess 76 for the coupling element 70. The inner portion includes a front portion 78 that defines a stress ramp 80 for the spring 16A (these elements are described in more detail below). The mechanism 60 further includes a stop 90 integrated into the plate 11. The stop 90 limits rotation of the lever 66 in a first rotational direction corresponding to radial movement of the drive finger away from the first axis of rotation 22.

[0061] In the alternative embodiment shown, the plate 11 has a lateral surface, one zone of which defines a stop 90, and the driving finger 68 is arranged so that its rear upper portion 92 can abut against the stop 90, in particular when the indicator 4 is driven (Figure 8B) or, in the context of the present invention, when the connecting member 70 follows said at least one end of the stress ramp 80 (Figures 7D and 7E), as will be explained below, so as to be held in a fixed angular position relative to the second axis of rotation, and thus in a fixed position relative to the first axis of rotation.

[0062] Typically, the stress ramp 80 is arranged so that when the connecting member 70 follows the stress ramp and approaches a specific recess 76, the connecting member exerts a first rotational force couple on the lever 66, causing the connecting member 70 to undergo a radial displacement D2 toward the first axis of rotation 22 at least at the end section of the stress ramp, while the lever abuts against the stop 90 and stresses the spring 16A. Again, the first end 17 of the spring 16A is connected to the central rigid ring 24A, while the second end 19 carries the connecting member 70. Between these ends, the spring includes a coil 18A. The coil 18A has an internal protrusion 82 on the side of the second end. The internal protrusion 82 is intended to stop the contraction of the spring, i.e., of its coil 18A, when the mechanism 60 is mounted on the timepiece movement 62 and in operation, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are similar to FIGS. 4A and 4B for the first embodiment. These Figures 8A and 8B show the mechanism 60 and the date ring 4 including the toothing 5, respectively, when the ring is driven to change to the next date at midnight, i.e. when the driving finger 68 contacts the ring tooth 5a and when the spring 16A is substantially angularly relaxed (i.e. unstressed), and when the loading of the spring 16A ends, when the internal projection 82 of the spring abuts against an angular stop 84 arranged to follow the first end 17 of the spring between its first end and the rigid ring 24A.

[0063] The plate 11 and the lever 66 are arranged so that the lever 66 can rotate from a first position facing the stop 90 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction to reach a second position in which the drive finger 68 is retracted / pulled toward the first rotation axis 22. The stress ramp 80 is configured so that during the relative movement MR between the lever and the wheel platform 8 when the spring 16A is in a relaxed / de-stressed state and the lever is arranged in the second position, the coupling member 70 abuts against the stress ramp 80 (FIG. 7B) and can then follow the stress ramp to approach the specific recess 76 (FIGS. 7C to 7E). In such a case, in the first section of the stress ramp, during the relative movement MR, the coupling member 70 exerts a force on the second end of the lever that rotates the lever in the first rotational direction (FIG. 7C) all the way until the lever abuts against the stop 90 (FIG. 7D).

[0064] 7D shows the contact point CP and the geometric line L3 involved in the coupling method. This is because, according to the present invention, in the situation shown in FIG. 7D where the lever contacts the stop 90 and the spring 16A is relaxed, it is at least necessary that the spring 16A, together with the coupling member 70 and the lever 66, be configured so that the stress ramp 80 crosses the geometric line L3, passes through the contact point CP of the coupling member 70, and defines a circle around the central axis of rotation 22. In particular, in a general alternative embodiment of the coupling method for a device including the lever 66, a step of positioning the lever can be performed before the coupling step, which positioning step consists of bringing the lever into contact with the stop 90, i.e., into its first position, before the relative movement MR between the wheel platform 8 and the plate 11. It should be noted that in the alternative embodiment described herein, the coupling member 70 moves relative to the support in a second direction D2 toward the rotation axis 22, referred to as the relative movement. The spring 16A is only stressed when the coupling member 70 continues to follow / climb the stress ramp of the second section, which is positioned to follow the first section on the recess 76 side (FIG. 7E), after the lever 66 abuts against the stop 90 (FIG. 7D). Finally, while the coupling member 70 enters the specific recess 76 through its side opening, the spring undergoes a rapid partial relaxation, and the relative movement is terminated by a small recoil in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the coupling member as it climbs the stress ramp, allowing the member to reach its intended coupling position (FIG. 7F). In this functional coupling position, the spring may still be slightly radially stressed or radially relaxed. In the absence of any moment of force acting on the coupling member, the spring is thus fully relaxed.

[0065] It can be seen that in this second embodiment, the relative movement MR between the wheel platform 8 (support) and the lever 66 (rigid element) can include three stages if the lever does not initially abut against the stop 90. This relative movement includes a first stage that ends when the connecting member 70 contacts the stress ramp 80. During this stage, the relative movement is performed in angular direction D1, i.e., a rotation about axis 22 guided by the shaft 28 of the hub 26 (note that here the lever is considered not to rotate about its own axis 72). Thereafter, as shown, the relative movement continues all the way until the connecting member is inserted into the specific recess 76. That is, in the second stage of the relative movement MR, this relative movement becomes more complex, as the lever gradually rotates about its own axis 72 until it abuts against the stop 90. In this second stage, the relative movement MR continues to have a component in the angular direction D1, i.e., a guided rotation about the required central axis 22, but also a component appears in the rotation of the lever 66 about its axis 72. This second stage is also referred to as the "initial stage." It is indeed an initial stage in terms of the fact that the connecting member follows / climbs the stress ramp.

[0066] Thereafter, once the lever abuts against stop 90, its rotation about axis 72 ends and a third phase of relative movement begins, which is again a rotation about the central axis. During this third phase, the spring is radially stressed and the connecting member 70 undergoes a radial movement relative to the wheel platform, i.e., towards the axis of rotation 22 of said wheel platform. It should be noted that the appearance of a radial stress in the spring due to the radial displacement of the connecting member does not eliminate any angular stress associated with the angular displacement of the connecting member relative to the wheel platform. To be precise, the stress ramp is arranged such that, during the duration of said relative movement, the connecting member is displaced relative to the support (wheel platform 8), with at least one non-zero component of which lies in a second direction (D2) not parallel to the first direction (D1), and the elastic element (spring 16) may therefore be said to be stressed. In a general and precise manner, to cover relative movements which may be complex as in the case here, it can be said that the stress ramp is arranged in such a way that, at least during assembly of the device or during mounting of the device in the timepiece movement from the intermediate state defined above, a guided relative movement of the rigid element and the support from said initial relative position (IRP) in a first direction (D1) causes the connecting member to abut against said stress ramp and then to follow said stress ramp and approach the particular recess, while the relative movement continues with at least one non-zero component in the first direction.

[0067] The coupling member 70 is configured to be able to at least partially enter its particular recess 76 through the lateral opening of the recess. In particular, the recess has a lateral surface 54A oriented obliquely in the rotational direction 56 of the wheel platform 8, in which direction the indicator 4 is intended to be driven relative to a radial direction passing through the center of the lateral surface. The coupling member 70 has a lateral flank 52A arranged to face the lateral surface 54A in the functional coupling position (see Figures 7B and 7F). This lateral flank 52A is also obliquely inclined in the same direction as the lateral surface and at least partially abuts against this lateral surface when the indicator is driven (see Figure 8B). This special feature ensures that the coupling member is firmly held in the particular recess as soon as the spring 16A is compressed. Furthermore, the lateral surface 54A and the lateral flank 52A are relatively long.

[0068] The recesses 76 are typically triangular in shape and gradually open toward their side openings. The shape of the portion of the connecting member 70 inserted into a particular recess from the side opening substantially corresponds to the shape of the recess. This configuration advantageously allows the connecting member to be easily inserted into the particular recess, but also makes it very easy for the member to come out in the event of an impact, despite the a priori intention that the recess be relatively deep. However, the spring 16A is positioned so that, when the spring is under load, the connecting member 70 is a short distance from the inner end 17 of the spring, which is rigidly connected to the central portion 24A. In this situation, the connecting member 70 will not come out of the particular recess in the event of an impact. Furthermore, when the spring 16A is substantially relaxed without the drive finger interacting with the indicator tooth 5, the connecting member 70 will also not be able to escape laterally from the particular recess in the event of an impact. That is, the mechanism 60 is positioned so that the connecting member cannot come out of the particular recess 76 even if the spring is relaxed or stressed during the load of this spring prior to indicator jump.

[0069] Once inserted into its particular recess 76, the coupling element 70 is advantageously held there by the radial force of the spring 16A, which is exerted outward on the coupling element. This radial force is amplified by the fact that, during a rapid date change or counterclockwise time correction past midnight, the drive finger 68 and the coupling element 70 are retracted / pulled in toward the rotation axis 22 via clockwise rotation of the lever (the second rotation direction of the lever), so that the coupling element is thus normally held in its particular recess, even when the spring 16A is somewhat expanded in such situations. In particular, considering that the plate 11 rotates relative to the wheel platform 8 in the same way as during the coupling method, i.e., in the opposite direction to the relative rotation of the plate when the date ring 4 is driven by the mechanism 60, the coupling element 70 could theoretically slip out of the particular recess 76. However, when such a correction occurs, the drive finger and the coupling element return to the central axis, unlike during the coupling method.

[0070] During a rapid counterclockwise correction of the date or time, when the drive finger 68 retracts due to rotation of the lever 66 in the second direction toward the rotation axis 22, the coupling finger 68 moves closer to the central portion 24a so that it can no longer escape from its specific recess 76 after a predetermined initial rotation of the lever. During this initial rotation, the spring 16A expands under a predetermined angular stress, which could theoretically allow the coupling member to escape from its specific recess in the event of an impact. However, when the coupling member is subjected to acceleration substantially in the direction of the rotation axis 22 of the wheel platform 8, the lever experiences a predetermined force couple. This couple causes the lever to rotate about its rotation axis 72, causing the drive finger to follow the coupling member, so that the coupling member remains at least partially in its specific recess. If acceleration occurs in a direction substantially passing through the center of gravity of the lever and its rotation axis 72, the coupling member 70 may move out of its specific recess 76. However, the internal protrusion 82 of the spring can be configured to prevent the coupling member from completely escaping from its specific recess. In conclusion, the mechanism 60 is arranged so that the coupling member 70 remains in its particular recess 76 during normal operation, so that the coupling member is always integral with the drive finger during normal operation and in most cases is unable to escape from its particular recess upon impact, preferably never.

[0071] The second embodiment is further distinguished from the first embodiment in that the stress ramp 80 is arranged downstream of the recess 76 with respect to the rotation direction 56 of the wheel platform 8 when the jump indicator 4 is driven by the mechanism 60 in the given drive direction 50. This ensures that the relative movement MR between the lever 66 and the wheel platform with the spring 16 is performed in the opposite direction to the rotation direction 56 of the wheel platform when the jump indicator 4 is driven by the mechanism 60. This second embodiment corresponds to a second implementation of the coupling method according to the invention. The relative movement MR between the lever 66 and the wheel platform 8 is performed in the opposite direction to the rotation direction 56 of the wheel platform when the jump indicator is driven by the mechanism in the given drive direction 50, and the spring 16A is expanded during the coupling method. This second implementation of the method is shown in the already-described FIGS. 7A to 7F. In FIG. 7A, the spring 16A, the wheel platform 8, and the lever 66, together with the plate 11 to which the lever is attached, are in an initial relative position IRP. The initial relative position IRP lies within a range of possible relative positions P2(θ) that here spans approximately 90° relative to the initial relative position IRP. In other alternative embodiments, the range spans only approximately 20° or 30°; i.e., in typical alternative embodiments, the range spans at least 20°. In advantageous alternative embodiments, the range of possible relative positions spans at least 45°, preferably at least 60°. It should be noted that in the example shown, the lever 66 is initially in its second position, retracted / pulled towards the rotation axis 22. The assembly of the various elements with the hub 26 is performed in the same way as described for the first embodiment.

[0072] Advantageously, the arrangement of the mechanism 60 is such that if, during mounting of the mechanism, the coupling member 70 is ultimately positioned beyond its particular recess 76 due to too great a relative movement (the situation shown in FIG. 9), the coupling member can momentarily occupy a pre-coupled position upstream of the particular recess 76 relative to the direction of rotation 56 of the wheel platform 8 when the indicator 4 is driven. The mechanism 60 is arranged so that, when the wheel platform 8 is driven in said direction of rotation 56 while the drive finger 68 is in abutment against the tooth 5 a of the jump indicator 4, the coupling member moves from the pre-coupled position to the functionally coupled position (FIG. 8A). If the device 60 is inadvertently mounted on the clock movement 62 in the state shown in FIG. 9 (i.e. with the coupling member in the pre-coupling position), as soon as the drive finger 68 abuts the tooth 5a of the indicator during normal operation of the clock movement, the coupling member 70 will follow the inner flank 88 of the lever 66, and the coupling member will automatically reach its particular recess 76 and adopt the intended coupling position. The spring 16A can then be compressed as intended to allow a jump drive of the indicator 4. Needless to say, in such a case, to test the operation of the mechanism 60, it is necessary to change the position of the minute hand on its axis, if it is already mounted before the test, in order to cause the indicator to jump.

Claims

1. A timepiece movement (2, 62) comprising a device (6, 60) formed by a support (8), a movable rigid element (10, 66) and an elastic element (16, 16A) connected to said rigid element, the elastic element comprises a first end (17) arranged to move with the support in at least a first direction (D1) and a second end (19) carrying a connecting member (20, 70) at least partially inserted into a particular recess (36, 76) made in the rigid element; Features include: the support, the rigid element and the elastic element are arranged to be pre-mounted or pre-assembled in an intermediate state on the timepiece movement when the device is formed, - the first end of the elastic element is arranged to move in the first direction (D1) with the support; the support, together with the rigid element and the elastic element, has an initial relative position (IRP) in which the elastic elements are relaxed, out of a range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)); and The connecting member is disposed outside the specific recess; The rigid element includes a stress ramp (40, 80) provided for the elastic element and arranged near the specific recess, and the stress ramp is configured so that, at least when assembling or mounting the device inside the timepiece movement from the intermediate state, the coupling member abuts against the stress ramp due to a guided relative movement (MR) of the rigid element and the support in a first direction (D1) from the initial relative position, and then follows the stress ramp to approach the specific recess, while the guided relative movement continues in such a way that it has at least a non-zero component in the first direction. the stress ramp is arranged so that during the duration of the guiding relative movement the coupling member is displaced relative to the support with at least one non-zero component in a second direction (D2) not parallel to the first direction (D1), and the elastic element is therefore stressed; and the coupling member, after following the stress ramp to approach the particular recess, can at least partially penetrate into the recess, while the elastic element is at least partially relaxed and assumes a functional coupling position in which it remains during normal operation of the timepiece movement. Clock movement (2,62).

2. 2. A timepiece movement according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic element (16), the connecting member (20) and the stress ramp (40) are arranged in such a way that the connecting member can slide over the end zone of the stress ramp after following the stress ramp towards its particular recess (36), while the guided relative movement continues before the connecting member reaches the functional connecting position in its particular recess.

3. 2. A clock movement according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting member (20, 70) is rigid.

4. 4. A timepiece movement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first direction (D1) is an angular direction relative to the axis of rotation (22) and defines a rotation around said axis of rotation (22), and the second direction (D2) is a radial direction relative to said axis of rotation (22) and passes through the geometric center (21) of the connecting member (20, 70).

5. 5. The clock movement according to claim 4, wherein the range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)) in the intermediate state is an angular range spanning at least 20°.

6. 5. A clock movement according to claim 4, characterized in that the range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)) in the intermediate state is an angular range spanning at least 60°.

7. 5. A timepiece movement according to claim 4, characterized in that the device is a mechanism (6, 60) for driving a jump indicator (4), the elastic element is a spring (16, 16A) comprising a coil (18, 18A) between its first end and its second end, the support is a wheel platform (8) rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation (22) and driving the first end (17) of the spring, and the rigid element (10, 66) comprises a driving finger (12, 68) arranged so as to be able to cyclically drive the jump indicator (4) in a given driving direction (50).

8. 8. A timepiece movement according to claim 7, characterized in that the stress ramp (40, 80) is arranged in such a way that, when the connecting element (20, 70) follows the stress ramp and approaches the particular recess (36, 76), the connecting element is displaced radially towards the axis of rotation (22) and the coils (18, 18A) of the spring are therefore stressed.

9. 9. A timepiece movement according to claim 8, characterized in that the stress ramp (40), the spring (16) and the connecting member (20) are arranged in such a way that when the connecting member follows the stress ramp and approaches the specific recess (36), the connecting member rotates around itself, and the subsequent penetration of the connecting member into the specific recess (36) is encouraged or allowed to enable the connecting member to reach the functional connecting position.

10. Features include: the rigid element is formed by a plate (30) extending above the spring (16) on the side facing the wheel platform (8) and an axial wall (32) arranged at the edge of the plate and inclined toward the wheel platform, at least a part of the axial wall and a part of the plate stacked thereon jointly form the drive finger (12), the plate has an oblong hole (34), and the plate is guided by a shaft (28) attached to the wheel platform and passing through the oblong hole so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis (22) relative to the wheel platform; the axial wall defines the specific recess (36), the specific recess (36) having a lateral opening on the side of the spring (16), the coupling member (20) being configured to penetrate at least partially into the specific recess through the lateral opening, reach the functional coupling position, and then allow the spring to apply a driving couple to the rigid element (10) and thus to the driving finger (12) in order to drive the jump indicator (4); 8. The clock movement according to claim 7,

11. 11. A timepiece movement according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting element (20) has a first shape in the general plane of the spring, the specific recess (36) has a second shape in said general plane, and the dimensions of the lateral opening do not allow the connecting element to leave the specific recess with at least one translation.

12. 8. A timepiece movement according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the jump indicator (4) is driven by the mechanism (6) in the given driving direction (50), the stressing ramp (40) is arranged upstream of the specific recess (36) with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform (8), and the guided relative movement (MR) of the rigid element (10) and the wheel platform about the axis of rotation (22) is performed in the direction of rotation relative to the wheel platform.

13. The rigid element is a lever (66) mounted on a plate (11) included in the mechanism (60), the plate being rotatably guided relative to the wheel platform (8) by a shaft (28) on which the wheel platform is mounted about a first axis of rotation, the axis of rotation (22), the lever being mounted on the plate so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation remote from the first axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being located at a first end of the lever, the lever forming the driving finger (68) at its second end, the mechanism including a stop (90) integrated in the plate, the stop (90) being guided by the shaft (28) on which the wheel platform is mounted.

8. The timepiece movement according to claim 7, characterized in that a top (90) limits the rotation of the lever in a first direction of rotation corresponding to a radial movement of the drive finger (68) away from the first axis of rotation (22), and the stress ramp (80) is arranged in such a way that, when the connecting member (70) approaches the specific recess (76) along the stress ramp, the connecting member exerts a force couple on the lever in the first direction of rotation, and the connecting member is subjected to a radial displacement towards the first axis of rotation at least in the end section of the stress ramp, while the lever abuts against the stop and the spring is stressed.

14. 14. The timepiece movement according to claim 13, characterized in that the plate (11) has lateral surfaces, one zone of which defines the stop (90), and the drive finger (68) is arranged in such a way that, when the connecting member (70) follows the at least one end section of the stressing ramp (80), its rear upper part (92) abuts against the stop (90), thereby being held in a fixed angular position relative to the second axis of rotation (72) and thus in a fixed position relative to the first axis of rotation (22).

15. Features include: the plate (11) and the lever (66) are arranged so that they can rotate from a first position, in which the lever abuts against the stop (90), in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, to a second position, in which the driving finger (68) retracts toward the first rotation axis (22); the stress ramp (80) is configured such that, during the guiding relative movement between the lever and the wheel platform (8) when the spring (16A) is not stressed and the lever is located in the second position, the connecting member (70) abuts against the stress ramp and can then follow the stress ramp to approach the specific recess (76), while in an initial stage, the lever rotates until it abuts against the stop; 14. The clock movement according to claim 13,

16. 14. The timepiece movement according to claim 13, characterized in that the stress ramp (80) is arranged downstream of the specific recess (76) with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform (8) when the jump indicator (4) is driven in the given driving direction (50) by the mechanism (60), and the guided relative movement (MR) between the lever (66) and the wheel platform is performed with respect to the wheel platform in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the wheel platform.

17. Features include: the arrangement of the mechanism (60) is such that if, during the mounting of the mechanism, the coupling element (70) is positioned beyond the specific recess (76) due to a relative movement over too long a distance, the coupling element can momentarily occupy a pre-coupling position upstream of the specific recess with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform; the mechanism is arranged such that when the wheel platform (8) is driven in the rotational direction while the driving finger (68) is in contact with the tooth (5a) of the jump indicator (4), the coupling member (70) can move from the pre-coupling position to the functional coupling position; 17. The clock movement of claim 16,

18. 17. A timepiece movement according to claim 16, characterized in that the mechanism (6, 60) is arranged in such a way that, when the spring (16, 16A) is loaded before the jump indicator (4) jumps in the drive direction (50), the coupling element cannot escape from the specific recess (36, 76) even if the spring (16, 16A) is relaxed or stressed.

19. 8. The timepiece movement according to claim 7, wherein the mechanism (6) is arranged in such a way that, in the event of an impact, the coupling member (20) breaks out of the specific recess (36) or when the timepiece movement is subjected to a predetermined acceleration, the coupling member (20) can only occupy a pre-coupling position that is upstream of the specific recess with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform when the jump indicator (4) is driven in the given driving direction by the mechanism (6), and the mechanism is arranged in such a way that, when the wheel platform (8) is rotated by the timepiece movement in the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform, the coupling member can return to the functional coupling position while the drive finger (12) abuts against the tooth (5a) of the jump indicator (4).

20. A method of connecting a rigid element (10, 66) to an elastic element (16, 16A) when assembling or mounting a device (6, 60) intended to form a timepiece movement (2, 62), comprising: said elastic element comprising a first end (17) intended to be assembled to a support (8) included in said device or said timepiece movement, and a connecting member (20, 70) intended to be assembled to said rigid element in order to connect said rigid element to said elastic element, said rigid element having a specific recess (36, 76) for said connecting member and a stress ramp (40, 80) located near said specific recess and intended to guide said elastic element while stressing it during said connecting method; The connecting method includes: - attaching said first ends (17) of said elastic elements to said support (8) so that they move together in a first direction (D1); positioning the support together with the elastic element and the rigid element in an initial relative position (IRP) within a range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)), in which the elastic element is relaxed and in which the stress ramp is located between the connecting member (20, 70) and the specific recess of the rigid element, from which position the rigid element and the support can undergo a relative movement (MR) in the first direction (D1), at least during assembly or mounting of the device, the elastic element together with the connecting member and the rigid element being configured such that the stress ramp (40, 80) crosses a geometric straight line (L3) parallel to the first direction through a contact point (CP) between the connecting member and the stress ramp; Including, after that, a coupling step of applying a relative movement (MR) between the support (8) and the rigid element (10, 66) in the first direction (D1) so that the connecting member abuts the stress ramp, the connecting member then following the stress ramp while the relative movement is continued to have at least one non-zero component in the first direction, the stress ramp having at least one non-zero component in a second direction not parallel to the first direction while stressing the elastic element during the continuation of the relative movement of the connecting member relative to the support; a coupling step configured to generate a displacement, the relative movement continuing until the coupling member at least partially enters the specific recess (36, 76), while the elastic element undergoes at least partial relaxation in the second direction (D2) and occupies a functional coupling position in which the coupling member remains during any normal operation of the timepiece movement, the coupling member and the specific recess being configured to allow the coupling member (20, 70) to reach said functional coupling position after following the stress ramp during said at least partial relaxation of the elastic element. A connection method including:

21. 21. The method of connection according to claim 20, characterized in that the elastic element (16), the connecting member (20) and the stress ramp (40) are arranged in such a way that, during the connecting step, the connecting member follows the stress ramp and then slides in the end zone of said stress ramp during the relative movement (MR) before the connecting member reaches the functional connection position in its specific recess (36).

22. 21. The method of connection according to claim 20, characterized in that the stress ramp (40), the elastic element (16) and the connecting member (20) are arranged in such a way that when the connecting member follows the stress ramp and approaches the specific recess (36), the connecting member rotates around itself, whereby subsequent penetration of the connecting member into the specific recess is encouraged or allowed so that the connecting member can reach the functional connection position.

23. 21. A method of connection according to claim 20, characterized in that the first direction (D1) is an angular direction relative to the axis of rotation (22) and defines a rotation around said axis of rotation (22), and the second direction (D2) is a radial direction through the geometric center (21) of the connection element relative to said axis of rotation (22), the connection element therefore following the stress ramp (40) in a radial displacement when approaching the particular recess (36).

24. 24. The coupling method according to claim 23, characterized in that the device is a mechanism (6, 60) for driving a jump indicator (4), the elastic element is a spring (16, 16A) comprising a coil (18, 18A) between its first end (17) and its second end (19), the support is a wheel platform (8) rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation (22) and driving the first end (17) of the spring, and the rigid element (10, 66) comprises a driving finger (12, 68) for driving the jump indicator (4) in a given driving direction (50).

25. 25. A coupling method according to claim 24, characterized in that the stress ramp (40) is arranged upstream of the particular recess (36) with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform (8) when the jump indicator (4) is driven in the given driving direction by the mechanism (6).

26. 25. A coupling method according to claim 24, characterized in that the stress ramp (80) is arranged downstream of the particular recess (76) with respect to the direction of rotation (56) of the wheel platform (8) when the jump indicator (4) is driven in the given driving direction by the mechanism (60).

27. 27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)) is an angular range spanning at least 20°.

28. 27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the range of possible relative positions (P1(θ), P2(θ)) is an angular range spanning at least 45°.

29. said rigid element (10, 66) being formed by a plate (30) or rotatably mounted on a plate (11); The feature is that the connection method is an initial step during assembly of the device prior to the coupling step, in which the hub including the shaft (26) and head (27), the wheel platform (8), the spring (16, 16A) provided with a central rigid portion (24, 24A) at a first end, and the plate, together with the rigid element mounted on the plate, are brought and positioned such that the wheel platform, the spring, and the plate, respectively, as the rigid element, are in a relative position angularly corresponding to one of the possible relative positions, with the spring disposed between the wheel platform and the plate and the head disposed on the opposite side of the plate from the spring, the shaft, the first hole in the plate, the second hole in the wheel platform, and a third hole defined by the central rigid portion are aligned with the axis of rotation, the second hole having a smaller diameter than the first hole, and the head is at least partially stacked on the plate; a subsequent assembly step including a rigid mounting step in which the shaft is forcefully inserted into the second hole in the wheel platform, allowing the plate to rotate freely about the shaft, and the head securely holds the plate in an axial position; 27. The method of any one of claims 24 to 26, comprising:

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the third hole is dimensioned such that during the assembly step the shaft (28) is also forcibly inserted into said third hole to rigidly attach the first end (17) of the spring to the wheel platform (8).

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