CH719351B1 - Timepiece with selection device for auxiliary function mechanism and automaton comprising such a part. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a first auxiliary function mechanism associated with a first drive means (2) and a second auxiliary function mechanism associated with a second drive means (3) which is capable of be selectively placed in an activated status or in an inhibited status, the timepiece further comprising a selection device (1) comprising: - a clutch device (30), arranged between the first drive means (2 ) and the second drive means (3), movable between an engaged configuration, associated with the activated status, and a disengaged configuration, associated with the inhibited status, - a selection member (10) operable and arranged to pass the device from clutch (30) from its engaged configuration to its disengaged configuration or vice versa, - a blocking device (100) capable of cooperating with the clutch device, in which the blocking device (100) is arranged to cooperate with said device clutch (30) and prevent a transition from the activated status to the inhibited status when the selection member is operated during operation of the first auxiliary function mechanism. The invention also relates to an automaton comprising such a timepiece.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a device for selecting auxiliary function mechanisms of a timepiece.

State of the art

[0003] A timepiece is provided with a movement comprising a motor member, an oscillating system, an escapement, means for displaying a physical quantity, for example the current time. Very often the movement is enriched with one or more auxiliary function mechanisms, for example visual or acoustic, to transmit additional information, create a particular, unexpected aesthetic or even increase the perceived value. In the case where several auxiliary function mechanisms are present in the timepiece, their coordination is crucial for their proper functioning and in particular when the auxiliary functions combine to offer a set of coordinated auxiliary functions.

[0004] Devices for selecting mechanisms for auxiliary functions are well known in mechanical watchmaking, such as alarm clock mechanisms where one can choose to ring the hour or not at a chosen time. However, this choice is made independently of any other auxiliary function mechanism and in particular independently of the operation of said other auxiliary function mechanism.

Brief summary of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to secure the status, activated or inhibited, of an auxiliary function mechanism according to the operation of another auxiliary function mechanism. More particularly, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a first auxiliary function mechanism associated with a first drive means and a second auxiliary function mechanism associated with a second drive means which is capable of being selectively activated. in an activated status or in an inhibited status, the timepiece further comprising a selection device comprising: – a clutch device arranged between the first drive means and the second drive means, movable between a configuration engaged, associated with the activated status, and a disengaged configuration, associated with the inhibited status, – an operable selection member arranged to move the clutch device from its engaged configuration to its disengaged configuration or vice versa, – a blocking device capable of to cooperate with the clutch device, in which the blocking device is arranged to cooperate with the clutch device and prevent a transition from the activated status to the inhibited status when the selection member is operated during operation of the first clutch mechanism auxiliary function.

[0006] The invention also relates to an automaton comprising such a timepiece.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description given with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

[0008] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: • Figure 1 is an isometric view of a selection device according to one embodiment of the invention . • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the drive means, the clutch device and the first connecting device of the selection device of Figure 1 where the status of the second auxiliary function mechanism is inhibited. • Figure 3 is a sectional view of the drive means, the clutch device and the first connecting device of the selection device of Figure 1 where the status of the second auxiliary function mechanism is activated. • Figure 4 is an isometric view of the selection member of the selection device of Figure 1. • Figure 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment where the second auxiliary function mechanism is in an activated status and the first auxiliary function mechanism is not in operation. • Figure 6 is an illustration of the embodiment of Figure 5 where the second auxiliary function mechanism is in an inhibited state and the first auxiliary function mechanism is not in operation. • Figure 7 is an illustration of the embodiment of Figure 5 where the second auxiliary function mechanism is in an activated state and the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation. • Figure 8 is an illustration of the embodiment of Figure 5 where the second auxiliary function mechanism is in an inhibited state and the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation.

Description of the invention

[0009] A timepiece comprises a selection device 1 comprising a clutch device 30. The timepiece further comprises a first drive means 2 of a first auxiliary function mechanism (not illustrated), which may be in operation or not, linked to a kinematic connection 20. The timepiece also comprises a second drive means 3 of a second auxiliary function mechanism (not illustrated), which may be in operation or not, it is that is to say to be in an activated status or in an inhibited status, capable of being connected to the clutch device 30, itself capable of cooperating with a blocking device 100. This blocking device 100 is integral with a fixed element 50 (visible in Figure 2) of a frame of the timepiece such as a bridge or a plate. Furthermore, the selection device 1 comprises a selection member 10 for selecting the status, activated or inhibited, of the second auxiliary function mechanism as described below.

[0010] The first auxiliary function mechanism, when in operation, operates for a first duration and the second auxiliary function mechanism, when in an activated state, operates for a second duration, the first and second durations being able to be be different depending on the desired effects. Preferably the first and second durations are substantially equal. In particular the first and second durations are between 10 seconds and 10 minutes, preferably between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, for example one minute.

[0011] In a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the kinematic connection 20 comprises a shaft, capable of being driven in rotation, and a first connection device 200, which can be a second pin assembled in the shaft 20 for example by driving or screwing. The second pin 200 is preferably cylindrical and can naturally be made in one piece or in one piece with the shaft 20. When the first and second durations are substantially equal, the shaft 20 preferably makes only one revolution. Several turns are possible, or even one or more fractions of a turn.

The clutch device 30, in this embodiment, preferably comes in one piece and comprises several zones having different uses. The clutch device 30 is preferably mounted coaxially and freely in rotation on the shaft 20.

The clutch device 30 comprises a first zone 31 comprising a second groove 34 intended to cooperate with the second pin 200. The second groove 34 is preferably of substantially rectilinear shape and substantially parallel to a main longitudinal axis of the device clutch 30. A play or sliding fit exists between the second pin 200 and the second groove 34 so that the second pin can freely engage or extract from the second groove. The length of the second groove 34 is such that the second pin 200, in particular its diameter, can be entirely included in the second groove. The first zone 31 further comprises a bearing surface 38 capable, if necessary (described later in the description), of cooperating with the second pin 200.

The clutch device 30 also comprises a second zone 33 comprising a coupling with the second drive means 3 of a second auxiliary function mechanism, the coupling being able to be intermittent, that is to say linked or not linked to the second drive means 3, depending on the engaged or disengaged configuration of the clutch device 30. Preferably the coupling comprises teeth 33a.

The clutch device 30 further comprises a third zone 35 comprising a first groove 32 intended to cooperate with the blocking device 100 which can be a first pin 100. The first pin 100 is preferably cylindrical and can naturally come from material or in one piece with the fixed element 50. The first groove 32 is preferably substantially rectilinear and substantially parallel to a main longitudinal axis of the clutch device 30. A play or sliding fit exists between the first pin 100 and the first groove 32 so that the first pin can engage or extract freely from the first groove. The length of the first groove is such that the first pin, in particular its diameter, can be entirely included in the first groove. The third zone 35 further comprises a surface 36 capable, if necessary (described later in the description), of cooperating with the first pin 100. Preferably the first and second grooves 32, 34 are substantially aligned along their main longitudinal axis to facilitate synchronization of the first and second auxiliary function mechanisms.

The clutch device 30 comprises a fourth zone 37 linking the third zone 35 to a fifth zone 39.

The fifth zone 39 of the clutch device 30 essentially comprises a groove 40 capable of cooperating with a second connecting device 15. A clearance or sliding fit exists between the groove 40 and the second connecting device 15 so that 'a movement of the groove relative to the second connecting device is possible when the clutch device is in the engaged configuration.

Referring in particular to Figures 1 and 4, the selection member 10 comprises a gripping arm 17 capable of moving angularly between two stops 11 and 11' which limit the angular travel of the arm 17, a fixing 16, a first lever 12 comprising a first end pivotally mounted to the fixing 16 and a second end pivotally mounted to a second lever 13. The first lever 12 comprises a third connecting device 12', for example a fourth pin assembled or made from material or in one piece with said first lever, the fourth pin 12' being intended to cooperate with elastic return means, visible in Figure 4, assembled or made in one piece or in one piece with the arm 17. These elastic return means can be a leaf spring , preferably two leaf springs 14a and 14b. For example when the arm 17 is moved in one direction, the blade 14a cooperates with the fourth pin 12' and when the arm 17 is moved in the other direction the blade 14b then cooperates with the fourth pin 12'. The second lever 13 carries a pivoting roller 19, mounted on a bearing or ball bearing for example, and the second connecting device 15 which can be a third pin assembled or made in one piece or in one piece with said second lever. The selection member 10 further comprises a jumper 18 cooperating with the roller 19. The rotation of the roller 19 allows a bi-stable position of the second lever 13, and more generally of the selection member 10, avoiding the situation where the first and second pins remain engaged in the first and second grooves, for example another stable position linked to the friction of a non-pivoting roller with the jumper. When the arm 17 is moved between the stops 11 and 11', at least one of the leaf springs 14a or 14b acts on the fourth pin 12' causing a pivoting of the first lever 12. The pivoting of the first lever 12 causes a pivoting of the second lever 13 which, via the roller 19, deforms the jumper 18 and moves the third pin 15. This movement of the third pin 15 causes a translational movement of the clutch device 30. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 implies that a rotation of the arm 17 in one direction will drive the second lever 13 in the other direction of rotation but other forms of execution within the reach of those skilled in the art are possible.

According to the embodiment described above, the selection device 1 operates as follows. The selection member 10 is in a first state corresponding to an activated status of the second auxiliary function mechanism 3. The first pin 100 is outside the first groove 32 while the second pin 200 is engaged in the second groove 34 to cooperate together, as also visible in Figure 3. Preferably the first and second grooves 32, 34 are rectilinear or even aligned. Thus when the first drive means 2 is in operation and thus the kinematic connection 20 is active and driven in rotation, the clutch device 30 is also driven in rotation. The first pin 100 is then no longer permanently aligned with the first groove 32 and it is then no longer possible to change the status of the second drive means 3 by the selection member, the first pin 100 blocking this change abutting against the surface 36 of the third zone 35 of the clutch device 30.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates in section the selection device 1 of Figure 1, where the second auxiliary function mechanism is in an inhibited status, the selection member 10 then being in a second state (not visible in the figure 2). The first pin 100 is engaged in the first groove 32 to cooperate together while the second pin 200 is outside the second groove 34. Thus when the first drive means 2 is in operation and thus the kinematic connection 20 is active and driven in rotation, the first pin 100 blocks the drive of the clutch device 30 which is then not driven in rotation. The second pin 200 is then no longer permanently aligned with the second groove 34 and it is then no longer possible to change the status of the second auxiliary function mechanism by the selection member 10, the second pin 200 blocking this change abutting against the surface 38 of the first zone 31 of the clutch device 30.

Figure 4 illustrates the selection member 10 arranged to move the clutch device 30 from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or vice versa. The jumper 18 makes it possible to maintain the selection member 10 in position in the first state, associated with an activated status of the second auxiliary function mechanism corresponding to the engaged configuration of the clutch device 30, or in the second state, associated with an inhibited status of the second auxiliary function mechanism corresponding to the disengaged configuration of the clutch device 30. When the first auxiliary function mechanism is not in operation, the second auxiliary function mechanism can freely switch from the inhibited status to the activated status or vice versa, by operating the arm 17 of the selection member 10. On the other hand, as described previously, when the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation, it is not possible to change the status (inhibited or activated) of the second auxiliary function mechanism. However, the arm 17 can be maneuvered without any negative or harmful consequences. Indeed, even if the arm 17 is operated during the operation of the first auxiliary function mechanism, the spring blades 14a, 14b will return the arm to the position corresponding to the status in which the second auxiliary function mechanism was at the start of the first mechanism. auxiliary function. Thus any disturbances linked to hazardous manipulations by a user are prevented.

Naturally, in the first embodiment described above, the first zone 31 and/or the third zone 35 may comprise several grooves, particularly in the case where the first and second durations are different or in the case where the shaft 20 makes several turns or fractions of a turn. One or more blocking devices cooperate with these several grooves of the first zone 31 respectively of the third zone 35. The coupling of a pin with a groove can be changed by any coupling within the reach of those skilled in the art such as the coupling of a key with a mortise or similar. In the case where more auxiliary function mechanisms are present, the clutch device 30 includes several couplings (not shown in the figures). The clutch device 30 is then further provided with grooves, for example circumferential, possibly crossing the first groove 32 and cooperating with a blocking device to block the change of status of one of the auxiliary function mechanisms.

[0023] In a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the kinematic connection 310 and the clutch device 320 pivot along offset parallel axes. The clutch device 320 is integral with a support 350 movable in rotation along an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the clutch device 320. The clutch device 320 comprises for example a gear wheel which can essentially be in an engaged or meshed position (Figures 5 and 7) or disengaged (Figures 6 and 8) with the second drive means 3. The wheel 320 comprises a cylindrical portion 330 projecting from one of the two main faces of the wheel. The cylindrical portion 330 has an interior wall 334 and an exterior wall 332 as well as an opening 340 defining a through passage for a blocking device 300 secured to a fixed element 50 of the frame of the timepiece, for example a pin or similar. The selection member 10 rotates the support 350 and thus the clutch device 320 so that the pin 300 can be inside or outside the cylindrical portion 330 by crossing the cylindrical portion 330 by the opening 340 when the pin 300 is aligned with the opening 340. A clearance or sliding fit exists between the pin 300 and the opening 340 allowing the pin 300 to pass through the cylindrical portion 330 through the opening 340.

[0024] In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the selection device 1 operates as follows. In the case where the selection member 10 is in a first state corresponding to an activated status of the second auxiliary function mechanism, the clutch device 320 is then meshed with the second drive means 3 as visible in the figure 5. The pin 300 is outside the cylindrical portion 330. Thus when the first drive means 2 is in operation and thus the kinematic connection 310 is active and driven in rotation, the clutch device 320 is also driven in rotation and drives the second drive means 3. The pin 300 is then no longer aligned with the opening 340 and it is then no longer possible to change the status of the second drive means 3 by the control member. selection 10, the pin 300 blocking this change by abutting against the outer wall 332 of the cylindrical portion 330 as visible in Figure 7.

[0025] In the case where the selection member 10 is in a second state corresponding to an inhibited status of the second auxiliary function mechanism, the clutch device 320 is then disengaged from the second drive means 3 as visible at the Figure 6. The pin 300 is engaged in the opening 340 until it is inside the cylindrical portion 330. Thus when the first drive means 2 is in operation and thus the kinematic connection 310 is active and driven in rotation, the pin 300 is then no longer aligned with the opening 340 and it is then no longer possible to change the status of the second auxiliary function mechanism by the selection member 10, the pin 300 blocking this change by stopping against the interior wall 334 of the cylindrical portion 330.

[0026] Naturally the operation can be reversed with respect to the second embodiment without changing the invention, that is to say that the pin 300 can be outside the cylindrical portion 330 when the operating mechanism auxiliary is in an activated status, like any adaptation within the reach of those skilled in the art.

[0027] In the embodiments which precede the terms "auxiliary function mechanism" can for example be translated by an animation, a ringing, a temporary display of a physical quantity, where temporary is to be understood as having a finite duration during the normal operation of the timepiece, or even an animated object or an animated figurine. According to one example, the first auxiliary function mechanism is an animation, a temporary display of a physical quantity, an animated object or an animated figurine and the second auxiliary function mechanism is a ringtone.

[0028] Naturally if the auxiliary function mechanisms are not linked to a function of measuring or displaying (visual or acoustic) time such as a chronograph, countdown, alarm clock, current hour-minute-second, date or similar, a selection device similar to the previous embodiments can then in this case be independent of the operation or not of a first auxiliary function mechanism. A first drive means linked to a kinematic connection remains to drive a clutch device linked to a second drive means of the auxiliary function mechanism. Thus the selection device allows the activated or inhibited status of the auxiliary function mechanism to be maintained when said auxiliary function mechanism is in operation.

[0029] A automaton may include a timepiece as described above.

The invention is not limited to the number of auxiliary function mechanisms or selection devices of the embodiments described, thus the timepiece can contain more auxiliary function mechanisms or selection devices than in the forms of execution described.

Claims (18)

1. Timepiece comprising a first auxiliary function mechanism associated with a first drive means (2) and a second auxiliary function mechanism associated with a second drive means (3) which is capable of being selectively activated in an activated status or in an inhibited status, the timepiece further comprising a selection device (1) comprising: – a clutch device (30, 320), arranged between the first drive means (2) and the second drive means (3), movable between an engaged configuration, associated with the activated status, and a disengaged configuration, associated with the inhibited status, – an operable selection member (10) arranged to move the clutch device (30,320) from its engaged configuration to its disengaged configuration or vice versa, – a blocking device (100, 300) capable of cooperating with the clutch device, in which the blocking device (100, 300) is arranged to cooperate with said clutch device (30, 320) and prevent a transition from the activated status to the inhibited status when the selection member is operated during operation of the first mechanism auxiliary function. 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, in which the blocking device (100, 300) is integral with a fixed element (50) of the timepiece. 3. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, in which the clutch device (30) comprises a bearing (36) and the blocking device (100) prevents the passage from the activated status to the inhibited status of the second clutch mechanism. auxiliary function by abutting against said surface (36) of the clutch device (30). 4. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clutch device (30) is capable of pivoting when the second auxiliary function mechanism is in the activated status, and in which the blocking device (100 ) is arranged to prevent the clutch device (30) from pivoting when the second auxiliary function mechanism is in the inhibited status. 5. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: – a first connection device (200) between said first drive means (2) and said second drive means (3), in which the first connection device (200) is arranged to prevent a transition from the inhibited status to the activated status when the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation. 6. Timepiece according to claim 5, in which the clutch device (30) is arranged so as to be able to be rotated by the first drive means (2), via the first connecting device (200). ), when the second auxiliary function mechanism is in the activated status. 7. Timepiece according to claim 5 or 6, in which the clutch device (30) comprises a surface (38) and the first connecting device (200) prevents the transition from the inhibited status to the activated status by abutting against said scope (38) when the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation. 8. Timepiece according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the clutch device (30) comprises a first groove (32) capable of cooperating with the blocking device (100) and a second groove (34 ) capable of cooperating with the first connection device (200). 9. Timepiece according to claim 8, in which the first groove (32) and the second groove (34) are of substantially rectilinear shape. 10. Timepiece according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first groove (32) and the second groove (34) are substantially aligned. 11. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, in which the clutch device (320) comprises a gear wheel carrying a projecting cylindrical portion (330), said cylindrical portion (330) having an opening (340). ) defining a through passage for the blocking device (300). 12. Timepiece according to claim 11, in which the cylindrical portion (330) comprises an interior wall (334) and an exterior wall (332), defining stops for the blocking device (300), to block the change from the activated status to the inhibited status or from the inhibited status to the activated status of the second auxiliary function mechanism when the first auxiliary function mechanism is in operation. 13. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the selection member (10) comprises a second connecting device (15) intended to move the clutch device (30, 320) when the The selection member (10) is operated. 14. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which the selection member (10) comprises a roller (19) arranged to cooperate with a jumper (18), the roller (19) being movable in rotation so that the selection member (10) is bi-stable. 15. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which the first auxiliary function mechanism operates for a first determined duration when it is in operation and the second auxiliary function mechanism operates for a second determined duration when it is in the activated status, preferably the first and second determined durations are substantially equal. 16. Timepiece according to claim 15, in which the first and second determined durations last between 10 seconds and 10 minutes, preferably between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. 17. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which the first auxiliary function mechanism is an animation, a temporary display of a physical quantity, an animated object or figurine and the second auxiliary function mechanism is a ring. 18. Automation comprising a timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 17.