CH704458A2 - Case turning mechanism for protecting e.g. wristwatch during sports practice, has complementary guiding element cooperating with guiding element to authorize translational and/or pivoting displacement of guiding element along pivoting axis - Google Patents

Abstract

The mechanism (1) has a guiding element (5) i.e. arbor, connected to a case (2) or to a cradle that receives the case. A complementary guiding element cooperates with the guiding element by complementary guiding surfaces to authorize translational displacement and/or pivoting displacement of the guiding element along a pivoting axis (D) with respect to the complementary guiding element under the action of the relative movement of a cam of the guiding or complementary guiding element with respect to a finger of the complementary guiding or guiding element. An independent claim is also included for a timepiece or a jewelry/bijouterie piece.

Description

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a pivoting reversal mechanism, about a pivot axis, between at least two rest positions, a housing, with respect to a bearing structure.

The invention also relates to a bearing structure for a timepiece or jewelery-jewelery, comprising at least one yoke to which is fixed such a turning mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece or jewelery-jewelery, comprising at least one pivoting housing, about a pivot axis, between at least two rest positions, and comprising at least one such mechanism. turnaround.

The invention relates to the field of personal equipment, and more specifically the fields of jewelry, jewelery, and watchmaking.

Background of the invention

In the field of watchmaking, or that of jewelery-making, it is known to make transforming bracelets, in particular by sliding or reversing a watch case having different displays on each of its faces. , or a jewel presenting different aspects under different faces, one of the faces being able to still be a protection of the timepiece or the jewel during particular activities, such as during a trip or during a practice sports, or other.

[0006] A patent application FR 2633496 is known in the name of Fendler, which discloses a mechanism with half-covers sliding in slides, and whose opening, allowing the display of a display, is achieved by springs released under the action of a pusher.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, by providing a mechanism that the user can operate in a simple and secure manner, without removing the object from his wrist, and limiting the manipulations on the housing at least.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a pivoting reversal mechanism, about a pivot axis, between at least two rest positions, of a housing, with respect to a bearing structure, characterized in that said mechanism comprises at least one guide element arranged to be attached to said housing or to a nacelle arranged to receive said housing, and in that it comprises, arranged to be fixed to said support structure, a complementary guide element which is arranged to cooperate with said guiding element by complementary guiding surfaces allowing translational movement along said pivot axis and / or pivoting about said pivot axis of said guiding element with respect to said complementary guiding element under the action of relative movement of a cam that includes said guide member, respectively said complementary guide member, by rappo rt to a finger that comprises said complementary guide element, respectively said guide member.

According to a feature of the invention, this turning mechanism comprises, fixed to said complementary guiding element, at least one cradle having at least one receiving surface arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner, in at least one of said rest positions said housing, with a bearing surface that comprises, as appropriate, said housing or said nacelle arranged to receive said housing, each said rest position corresponding to an end-of-travel zone of said cam.

According to a characteristic of the invention, this turning mechanism comprises movable locking means, which are arranged for, in a locking position, cooperate with stop means that comprises said guide member, to maintain said bearing surface bearing on said receiving surface, and for, in an unlocking position, allow the relative distance of said bearing surface relative to said receiving surface.

According to one characteristic of the invention, this turning mechanism comprises, between said guide element and said complementary guide element, elastic return means for creating a relative displacement between said housing and said complementary guide element and constituting motor means for moving said cam relative to said finger.

The invention also relates to a bearing structure for a timepiece or jewelery-jewelery, comprising at least one yoke to which is fixed such a reversal mechanism.

According to a feature of the invention, this carrier structure is a bracelet having two ends for fixing at least one housing, at least one of said ends comprises such a reversing mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece or jewelery-jeweler, comprising at least one pivoting housing, about a pivot axis, between at least two rest positions, and comprising at least one such mechanism of turnaround.

According to one characteristic of the invention, this timepiece or jewelery-jewelery comprises such a carrier structure.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to the field of the equipment of the person, and more specifically the fields of jewelry, jewelery, and watchmaking.

The invention relates to a turning mechanism 1 pivoting around a pivot axis D between at least two rest positions of a housing 2 relative to a bearing structure 3.

This carrier structure 3 may in particular be constituted by all or part of a bracelet 4, or the like.

Such a housing 2 may consist of a watch, which one wishes to be able to present on demand its different faces, or in a jewel, or the like. It can also include everyday objects, such as mobile phone, alarm box, frequency meter, measuring device, or other. The housing 2 has at least two visible faces. If, in the general case, it is a question of presenting such an object in the form of a double-sided document, the invention applies equally well to a case of which it is desired to present a plurality of faces, according to the desire or the need of the moment. The invention is more precisely described here for the preferred application of a 180 ° pivoting of the casing 2, and the person skilled in the art will readily be able to extrapolate the characteristics described for numbers of facets, and consequently different angles. .

According to the invention, as shown in the figures, this mechanism 1 comprises at least one guide element 5, in particular a shaft, which is arranged to be attached, either directly on the housing 2, or on a nacelle 6 which is arranged to receive the housing 2, as shown in FIG. 14, and which is provided to pivot about the pivot axis D.

The mechanism 1 further comprises a complementary guide element 7, arranged to be fixed to the carrier structure 3, or an extension of the carrier structure 3 such as a bracelet end link or a yoke. This complementary guide element 7 is arranged to cooperate with the guide element 5, in particular a shaft, with complementary guide surfaces, which respectively comprise the guide element 5, or shaft, and the complementary guide element 7. , which allow displacement in translation along the axis of pivoting D or / and a pivotal displacement around the same pivot axis D, of the guide element 5, or shaft, with respect to the complementary guide element 7.

These movements in translation or / and pivoting, of the guide element 5, relative to the complementary guide element 7, are performed under the action of the relative movement of a cam 8 that includes the element 5, respectively the complementary guiding element 7, relative to a finger 9 which comprises the complementary guide element 7, respectively the guide element 5. The guide surfaces, the cam 8 and the finger 9, are arranged to convert a relative movement of the guide element 5, to the complementary guide element 7, longitudinally along the pivot axis D, into a relative pivoting movement from one to the other relative to to the pivot axis D.

The figures illustrate the case where the guide member 5 is a shaft and has the shape of a pin fixed on a housing 2, and where it comprises the cam 8, which will be described in detail later. In these figures, the complementary guiding element 7 is a plate serving as a rotation fork, and which comprises at least one finger 9. In the version illustrated by the figures, the complementary guiding element 7 comprises two fingers 9 opposite to each other. 180 ° relative to the pivot axis D, and the cam 8 has two tracks 180 ° opposed each cooperating with one of these fingers 9.

Naturally, the invention can adopt the opposite configuration, not shown in the figures, wherein the complementary guide member 7 is constituted by a shaft, and wherein the guide member 5 is constituted by a bearing or the like.

Preferably, and as visible in the figures, the turning mechanism 1 comprises, fixed to the complementary guide element 7, at least one cradle 1 1. This cradle 1 1 comprises at least one receiving surface 12 , which is arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner, in at least one of the rest positions of the housing 2, with a bearing surface 13 that comprises, as the case may be, the housing 2 or the nacelle 6 arranged to receive the housing 2, each rest position corresponding to an end-of-travel zone 14 of the cam 8. It is understood that the cradle 1 1 and the complementary guide element 7 may also constitute a one-piece assembly. The invention is illustrated here for the case where the cradle 1 1 is existing, and comprises horns 1 10, it is then easy to report on this cradle 1 1 a complementary guide element 7 having the finger or fingers 9, without having to refurbish the cradle January 1, also the machining is easier on the complementary guide element 7, which can consist of a simple formed sheet, as a solid element where internal machining is difficult and expensive.

The relative mobility of the guide member 5, or shaft, relative to the guide member allows to move away or closer, in the direction of the pivot axis D, the bearing surface 13 from the receiving surface 12.

It is understood that the choice of the profile of the cam 8 determines the reversal kinematics, the preferred choice of a helical cam track allows a regular and secure reversal of the housing 2, while having a fairly low stroke in the direction of the pivot axis D, which is preferably chosen radial with respect to the housing 2 when it has an axis of revolution.

Because of the great value that can represent the housing 2 if it consists of watch movements and / or jewels, the pivoting maneuver should be able to occur only during a deliberate action of the user, and the mechanism must remain locked between two rollover actions. For this purpose, the turning mechanism 1 advantageously comprises movable locking means 17.

These movable locking means 17 are arranged for, in a locking position, cooperate with stop means 16 that includes the guide member 5, or shaft, to maintain the bearing surface 13 resting on the receiving surface 12, and to, in an unlocking position, allow the relative distance of the bearing surface 13 from the receiving surface 12.

To preserve the housing 2, the invention ensures that the user has the least possible manipulations to perform in contact with this housing.

To this end, according to the invention, the turning mechanism 1 comprises, between the guide element 5, in particular a shaft, and the complementary guide element 7, elastic return means 15, for example in the form of a spring, to create a relative displacement between the housing and said guide member. The spring 15 is shown in the figures in the form of a helical spring, it can substitute a leaf spring.

These elastic return means 15, according to the embodiment of the invention, may be designed to move away, or on the contrary to bring the housing 2 of the complementary guide element 7. They constitute driving means for putting in relative motion the cam 8 relative to the finger 9.

In a particular embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the reversal kinematics of the housing 2 is in two stages: a manual action of the user, by pulling on the strands of the bracelet in spacing the relative to one another, the casing 2 is pivoted at a first angle, for example about a quarter of a turn, from a first rest position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in fig. 9, then the return action of the elastic return means 15 controls the pivoting on a second angle, for example about a second quarter turn, to a second rest position opposite to the first. Naturally these angles are only indicative, the kinematics can be chosen freely, provided to respect a sequence consisting of an unlocking stroke, then a pivoting race of the housing, which is here conjugated with a translation race between the guide element 5, in particular a shaft, and the complementary guide element 7, and finally a locking stroke at the end of travel.

Naturally other arrangements than those illustrated by the figures can be implemented, and may require return means away from the housing 2 instead of bringing it closer to the complementary guide element 7, according to the focus of this and the configuration of the system, without departing from the invention.

Advantageously, the movable locking means 17 also constitute means for arming the elastic return means 15.

These movable locking means 17 may adopt several configurations, for example in the form of a simple latch or push.

Preferably, and as shown in the figures, the movable locking means 17 are secured here to a fastening element, in particular a yoke 18, which is articulately movable relative to the complementary guiding element 7 or the cradle January 1, in particular bearing on the horns 1 10 thereof. The term clevis is used here, even if this fastener takes a different shape than the usual U-shaped form of a screed, which is preferred in the application described here. Preferably, the articulation between the cradle 1 1 or the complementary guide element 7 on the one hand, and the yoke 18 on the other hand, is along a substantially orthogonal articulation axis of direction relative to that of the pivot axis D,

This yoke 18 is arranged to be fixed to the carrier structure 3, or is constituted by an end 19 of the carrier structure 3. It may in particular be the end of a branch of a bracelet 4, or a link of such a bracelet 4, or be attached to such an end.

To return to the geometry of the cam 8, it depends of course on the kinematics that is desired to give the movement of the housing 2. In the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, the cam 8 has as many 14 end zones that rest positions of the housing 2, two in the case illustrated by the figures. Between two consecutive 14 end-of-stroke zones 14A; 14B, the cam 8 has a cam profile 21 comprising successively, in the direction of travel of the finger 9 on the cam 8 which is a single direction:

from a first end-of-travel zone 14A,

a first clearance race substantially parallel to the pivot axis D,

- a beginning of ramp 26,

a substantially helical ramp 22 around the pivot axis D,

a ramp end 23 farthest from the first end-of-travel zone 14A and constituting a cusp point towards a return track 24 substantially parallel to the final pivot axis D,

in the vicinity of a second end-of-travel zone 14B, by an inflection zone 27

and then by a connection track 28 towards the second end-of-travel zone 14B.

In a preferred application, the turning mechanism 1 comprises, in symmetry along the pivot axis D and on either side of the housing 2 or the nacelle 6 arranged to receive the housing 2, two shafts 5 each arranged to be attached to the housing 2 or to a nacelle 6 arranged to receive the housing 2. The mechanism 1 further comprises, arranged to be fixed to the supporting structure 3, and for each guide element 5, in particular a shaft, an element This complementary guiding element 7 is arranged to cooperate with this guiding element 5 by complementary guide surfaces permitting displacement in translation along the axis of pivoting D, or / and pivoting about the axis. of pivoting D, of the guide element 5 with respect to the complementary guide element 7 under the action of the relative movement of a cam 8 that includes the guide element 5, respect the complementary guiding element 7, with respect to a finger 9 which comprises the complementary guide element 7, respectively the guide element 5. Thus the housing 2 is perfectly suspended.

The invention also relates to a carrier structure 3 for watchmaking or jewelery piece 100, this structure 3 comprising at least one yoke 18 to which is fixed a reversal mechanism 1. In particular, this

5

Claims (17)

carrier structure 3 constitutes a bracelet 4 having two ends for fixing at least one housing 2, at least one of whose ends comprises such a reversal mechanism 1. And, preferably, the carrier structure 3 is a bracelet 4 having two ends for fixing at least one housing 2, each end comprising such a reversing mechanism 1, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 12. In FIG. 12 the two mechanisms 1 are represented symmetrical, and respectively comprise shafts 5A, 5B, guiding elements 7A, 7B, cradles 11A, 1 1B, yokes 18A, 18B, the other components have not been renumbered for the sake of simplification of the figure. Advantageously, the carrier structure 3 comprises at least one folding clasp, or a mechanism arranged to change its circumference between an extended position allowing its positioning around the wrist of a user, and a folded position for holding it around the wrist, at a smaller circumference than in the deployed position. It is thus very easy for the user to initiate the reversal movement of the housing, which will be described below: the starting position is one of the rest positions, illustrated by FIGS. 1, 6 and 7; the user, wearing the piece 100 on his wrist, opens the folding clasp if there is one, or at least puts the carrying structure 3, or the bracelet 4 if it is the case, in a deployed position which allows a mobility of the housing 2 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis D and the plane tangent to the wrist of the user; the user authorizes the mobility of the carrier structure 3 to effect traction thereon, substantially in the direction of the pivot axis D; - while pressing lightly on the housing 2, typically on the ice if it is a watch, in this perpendicular direction described above; these movements make it possible to unlock the locking means 17, since during the slight depression of the housing 2, the yoke 18 moves angularly with respect to the cradle 1 1, and the stop means 16 release the relative movement of the 5 relative to the complementary guide element 7, this relative movement is made possible, and is illustrated by the successive passage in the states illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9; a slight pull on the opposite strands of the bracelet, on either side of the casing 2, then makes it possible to begin to pivot the guide element 5 and thus the casing 2, with respect to the complementary guiding element 7 ; - The elastic return means 15 release their energy to bring the housing 2 of the cradle 1 1, and perform, without action of the user, the rest of the pivoting stroke, the path of the helical ramp 22 of the cam for ensure the complete pivoting of the housing 2, 180 ° in the example of the figures, the finger is then at the point of cusp 23; - Then it is sufficient for the user to release the traction on the bracelet 4 or on the supporting structure 3, the finger 9 travels the track 24 back in the indexed position, then the inflection zone, to reach the end zone following race 14, the stop means 16 are engaged again under the action of the locking means 17 which are again armed, the housing 2 is then in a second rest position opposite to the initial rest position ; - The user only has to bring the carrier structure 3 in the folded position, simply by closing the folding clasp. In this preferred embodiment, the housing 2 always pivots in the same direction. The pivoting of the housing is thus performed by the mechanism 1 alone, without any manual assistance to pivoting, and safely. In this preferred embodiment, the turning mechanism 1 is external to the middle part of the timepiece, which avoids any sealing problem. But it is naturally conceivable to transpose the invention inside the middle part. It is also possible to equip, alternatively, a pusher, for example at a horn, to control the translational movement and pivoting of the box 2. Thanks to the invention this reversal can be performed without removing the wrist piece. The invention also relates to a timepiece 100 or jewelery-jewelery, comprising at least one housing 2 pivoting around a pivot axis D, between at least two rest positions, and comprising at least one such a turning mechanism 1. Preferably, this piece 100 of watchmaking or jewelery-making includes such a carrier structure 3. In a preferred application and illustrated by the figures, the watchmaking or jewelery piece 100 is a wristwatch, and the case 2 is a watch case comprising at least one watch movement, and which comprises at least two different faces, each visible in one of the rest positions. claims 1. Turning mechanism (1) pivotally about a pivot axis (D) between at least two rest positions of a housing (2) relative to a supporting structure (3), characterized in that said mechanism (1) comprises at least one guide element (5), in particular a shaft, arranged to be attached to said housing (2) or to a nacelle (6) arranged to receive said housing (2), and it comprises, arranged to be fixed to said carrier structure (3), a complementary guide element (7) which is arranged to cooperate with said guide element (5) by complementary guide surfaces allowing movement in translation along said axis of 6 pivoting (D) or / and pivoting about said pivot axis (D) of said guide member (5) with respect to said complementary guide member (7) under the action of the relative movement of a cam (8) said guide element (5), respectively said complementary guiding element (7), respectively comprises, relative to a finger (9) that comprises said complementary guiding element (7), respectively said guide element (5). 2. overturning mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises, fixed to said complementary guiding element (7), at least one cradle (1 1) having at least one receiving surface (12) arranged to cooperate in a complementary manner, in at least one of said rest positions of said housing (2), with a bearing surface (13) that comprises, as the case, said housing (2) or said nacelle (6) arranged to receive said housing (2), each said rest position corresponding to an end-of-travel zone (14) of said cam (8). 3. overturning mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises movable locking means (17), which are arranged for, in a locking position, cooperate with stop means (16) said guide element (5) comprises, in particular a shaft, for holding said support surface (13) in abutment on said receiving surface (12), and for an unlocking position to allow the relative distance of said bearing surface (13) with respect to said receiving surface (12). 4. overturning mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, between said guide member (5) and said complementary guiding element (7), elastic return means (15). ) to create a relative displacement between said housing (2) and said complementary guiding element (7) and constituting motor means for moving said cam (8) relative to said finger (9). 5. overturning mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that elastic return means (15) tend to bring said housing (2) of said complementary guide element (7). 6. overturning mechanism (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said movable locking means (17) constitute means for armoring said elastic return means (15). 7. overturning mechanism (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said movable locking means (17) are integral with a yoke (18) hingably movable relative to said complementary guiding element (7) or auditing cradle (1 1). 8. overturning mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said yoke (18) is arranged to be fixed to said supporting structure (3), or is constituted by an end (19) of said supporting structure ( 3). 9. overturning mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cam (8) has as many end-of-travel zones (14) as said rest positions of said housing (2), and that between two said end-of-travel zones (14) consecutive (14A; 14B), it has a cam profile (21) comprising successively, in the direction of travel of said finger (9) on said cam (8) which is a one-way direction, from a first end-of-travel zone (14A), a first clearance race (25) substantially parallel to said pivot axis (D), a ramp start (26), a substantially helical ramp (22) around said pivot axis (D), a ramp end (23) furthest from said first end-of-travel zone (14A) and constituting a cusp point towards a return track (24) substantially parallel to said pivot axis (D) ) ending, in the vicinity of a second end-of-travel zone (14B), with an inflex zone ion (27) then via a connecting track (28) to said second end-of-travel zone (14B). 10. overturning mechanism (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in symmetry along said pivot axis (D) and on either side of said housing (2) or said nacelle (6) arranged to receive said housing (2), said two guide elements (5) or shafts each arranged to be attached to said housing (2) or to a nacelle (6) arranged to receive said housing (2), and in that it comprises, arranged to be fixed to said supporting structure (3), and for each said guide element (5) or shaft, a said complementary guiding element (7) which is arranged to cooperate with said element of guiding (5), by complementary guide surfaces allowing displacement in translation along said pivot axis (D) or / and pivoting about said pivot axis (D) of said guide element (5), with respect to said element of complementary guidance (7) under the action of the motion relative to a cam (8) that comprises said guide element (5), in particular a shaft, respectively said complementary guiding element (7), with respect to a finger (9) that comprises said complementary guiding element (7). ), respectively said guide member (5). 1 1. Bearing structure (3) for a watch or jewelery piece (100), comprising at least one yoke (18) to which is fixed a reversing mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 . 12. Support structure (3) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that it constitutes a bracelet (4) having two ends for fixing at least one housing (2), at least one of said ends comprises a mechanism overturning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9. 13. Support structure (3) according to claim 12, characterized in that it constitutes a bracelet (4) having two ends for fixing at least one housing (2), each of said ends comprising a reversing mechanism (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9. 7 14. Supporting structure (3) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one folding clasp or a mechanism arranged to change its circumference between an extended position for positioning around the wrist of a user, and a folded position for maintaining it around said wrist, at a circumference less than in said deployed position. 15. Timepiece (100) of watches or jewelery, comprising at least one casing (2) pivoting around a pivot axis (D), between at least two rest positions, and comprising at least one mechanism overturning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9. 16. Timepiece (100) of watches or jewelery according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a carrier structure (3) according to one of claims 10 to 14. 17. Timepiece (100) of watches or jewelery according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it is a wristwatch, and that said housing (2) is a watch case comprising at least one movement timepiece, and comprises at least two different faces, each visible in one of said rest positions. 8