EP2561410A1

EP2561410A1 - Chronograph mechanism, clockwork movement and timepiece comprising such a mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP2561410A1
Application number: EP11717238A
Authority: EP
Inventors: François-Régis RICHARD
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-22
Publication date: 2013-02-27
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-22
Also published as: CH703008A1; CN102870050A; CN102870050B; EP2561410B1; WO2011131788A1; HK1175262A1; US20130100781A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism for a clockwork movement (1) intended to drive at least one first member (15, 51) for displaying a time unit of a chronometered time. This mechanism comprises a first counter (10) of this time unit, associated with a first display member (15) and able to be driven from a mobile (9) of the clockwork movement, as well as a mobile (44) intended to carry the display member (51) and arranged in such a way as to be able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter (10). The mechanism is characterized in that it comprises a second counter (35) of the same time unit, associated with the display member (51) and able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter (10), the second counter being arranged in such a way that the mobile (44) is driven thereby, whilst being able to exhibit a relative movement in relation thereto.

Description

CHRONOGRAPH MECHANISM, WATCHING MOVEMENT AND PIECE

HORLOGERIE COMPRISING SUCH A MECHANISM Technical field

The present invention relates to a chronograph mechanism for a watch movement intended to drive at least a first display unit of a time unit of a timed time, the mechanism comprising a first counter of this unit of time capable of be driven from a mobile watch movement, and a mobile for carrying the display member and arranged so as to be driven in synchronism with the first counter.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first counter is associated with an additional display member.

By synchronism training, it will be understood in the present text that the coach and driven bodies concerned rotate with the same angular velocity.

State of the art

[0004] The so-called "split-seconds" chronograph mechanisms have all of the features listed above in relation to the display of seconds of a timed time. More specifically, a shaft carrying the seconds hand of the chronograph also carries a heart, generally located on the bridge side of the watch movement and intended to cooperate with a free end of a lever rotatably mounted on a split wheel. The free end of the lever is held in permanent support against the periphery of the heart so that the chronograph and split-seconds hands are superimposed when the split-seconds wheel is free to rotate. Furthermore, the split-second mechanism generally comprises a clamp movable between open and closed positions, the split wheel being held stationary by the clamp to display an intermediate time, in the closed position, and driven in synchronism with the chronograph counter , in the open position. These mechanisms of catch-up have been known for a long time and have known very few developments in recent years.

For example, US Pat. No. 6,842,403, issued January 1, 2005 to Lange Uhren GmbH, describes a mechanism for performing a simultaneous flight return of two hands, one of the chronograph seconds and the other of the catch-up. This document also provides for the implementation of this mechanism in relation to a clockwork movement further comprising a split minute hand.

More recently, the patent application EP 2133760 A2, published December 16, 2009 in the name of the Manufacture La Joux-Perret SA, describes the implementation of an additional split-seconds hand in a watch movement comprising a mechanism of Chronograph already equipped with a first rattrapante.

Furthermore, patent CH 326792, issued November 28, 1902 in the name of the former watchmaking company PATEK, PHILIPPE & Co, describes a double chronograph mechanism. This mechanism comprises a first seconds counter, driven from a mobile of a watch movement and bearing a first indication needle of the timed seconds on a first hollow shaft. A second shaft bearing a second indication needle of the timed seconds is housed in the first hollow shaft. The second shaft is part of a mobile arranged to be driven in synchronism with the first counter seconds timed. For this purpose, the mobile can be moved axially to be driven or not by the first counter. With this mechanism, it is possible to measure a second event when the measurement of a first event is already in progress. Indeed, the second needle can be stopped while the first needle continues its course, then reset and, optionally restarted to measure a new event. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has the main purpose of providing a chronograph mechanism for controlling a display member according to a behavior different from those offered by the known mechanisms.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a chronograph mechanism of the type mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises a second counter of the time unit associated with the second display member and capable of being driven in synchronism with the first counter, the second counter being arranged in such a way that the moving part is driven through it, while being able to present a relative movement with respect to it, that is to say from to be decoupled.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the first counter is a second counter, the mechanism further comprising organs arranged to control the start, stop and reset of the first counter in response to predefined actions of a user.

With these features, there is obtained a chronograph mechanism capable of driving a display member conventionally to display measured times, but which can also provide a novel drive of this display member, the choice of the user. In particular, by way of non-limiting example, it is possible thanks to the mechanism of the invention, to act on the second counter and the mobile associated with the display member so that the latter displays lap times when of a race taking place on several laps. It is indeed possible to act on the mobile to stop at the end of a lap, in order to read the duration of the lap elapsed, while the second counter is reset and immediately released to start the measurement of the duration of the next round. The mobile can then be released at any time to allow the display member to catch the time counted by the second counter and display the time of the next round being measured.

An additional object of the present invention is to broaden the scope of possible applications with reference to that already known from the prior art, namely the split-second function, in relation to the chronograph mechanisms comprising two display members of the same unit of a timed time.

In this case, the first counter is associated with an additional display member. Note that in the particular case where the unit time is the second, the additional display member is actually the display member of the chronograph seconds exhibiting a conventional behavior, while the first display member is that which presents the novel behavior according to the invention.

Thus, the mechanism according to the present invention provides a specific counter for controlling the second display member of the timed time unit, which significantly widens the range of possible applications for chronograph movements in two display organs of the same unit of a timed time.

Indeed, it is possible to act on the mobile carrying the first display member in particular to stop or release, as in the case of the split mechanism, but it also becomes possible to act on the second counter. As a result, it may have a movement different from that of the first counter, while being driven with the same angular velocity as the latter when it is driven, to indicate a timed value in the same unit as that of the chronograph display member, the additional display member here.

For example, it can be expected that two needles start their races at the same time, but a first needle can be stopped on demand and then resume its race, also on demand, without catching the second needle as this is the case in the mechanisms with a catch-up. A possible application of such a mechanism would be to measure the duration of a hike for example. The additional needle or chronograph would measure the total value of the seconds of the hike, while the first hand could be stopped at the beginning of each pause and then restarted at the end of each pause, to make the total effective measurement of the walking during the hiking. Advantageously, the mechanism comprises a device for connecting the mobile to the second meter and a mobile locking member arranged in such a way that the mobile can be driven by the second meter or stopped, while the second meter is driven in response to predefined actions of a user.

In this case, it will be noted that the kinematic relationship between the mobile and the second counter is preferably similar to that of the conventional split wheel with the chronograph counter.

In addition, it can be provided that the mechanism comprises a clutch device arranged to allow or not the drive of the second counter by the first counter, in response to predefined actions of a user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second counters and the additional mobile are coaxial, the clutch device comprising a vertical clutch associated with a disengagement member. Such a vertical clutch can be arranged coaxially with the first and second counters or, alternatively, be disposed laterally to the first and second counters to limit the size of the mechanism in the axial direction. In this case, it can be associated with two wheels, arranged on either side of the clutch and, preferably having respective permanent kinematic links with the first and second counters.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such a chronograph mechanism, arranged to ensure the particular training of two display members of the same unit of a timed time, preferably the second, in such a way that a first display member indicates the total measured value, while the second display member allows the display of partial times. For example, during the timing of a sports race taking place along several laps of the same course, a first display member will measure the seconds corresponding to the total duration of the race, while a second display member will achieve the measurement of seconds corresponding to each race lap. To achieve this goal, it can be provided that the second counter carries a resetting cam associated with a movable resetting member between high positions, said rest, and low in support against the so-called reset cam at zero, the reset member being arranged to reset the second counter to zero in response to a predefined action of the user.

Advantageously, the clutch device and the reset member are arranged to act substantially simultaneously to respectively interrupt the drive of the second counter and reset it. The resetting member preferably comprises a stop for driving the disengaging member when it is itself actuated, in particular to facilitate their synchronization.

To enable the measurement of the following partial time, it is preferable that the mechanism comprises a control comprising an arranged retractable actuating member.

to actuate the reset member and reset the second counter, in response to a predefined user action, and retract and release the reset member, resetting the counter the second counter, to allow the return to the upper position of the resetting member under the effect of the action of elastic means.

With these additional features, the second counter can start the next part time measurement as soon as it has been reset.

Preferably, the mechanism further comprises a control member arranged to control the state of the locking member of the mobile, to lock or not the latter, the control acting on the reset member being arranged to act at least indirectly on this control member and lock the mobile when resetting the second counter. It is thus possible to read the value of one part time while the second counter is reset and begins to count down the next part time.

Advantageously, the mechanism further comprises an additional control arranged to act on this organ of command, in response to a predefined action of the user, to release the mobile.

With this last characteristic, the mobile is released to allow a recovery of the value measured by the second counter, since the reading of the previous part-time, by the first display member which thus displays the value of the new part time being measured.

The present invention also relates to a watch movement and a timepiece comprising a mechanism of the type that has just been described.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

[0032] - Figure 1 shows a partial and schematic top view of a watch movement comprising a chronograph mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latter being visible by its side bridges;

[0033] FIG. 2 represents a schematic perspective view of the watch movement of FIG. 1, and

[0034] - Figure 3 shows a partial and schematic top view of the watch movement of Figure 1, its bridges side, illustrating details of the mechanism of construction according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

The following description seeks to describe a particular embodiment of the present invention, specifically a mechanism for driving two display members of a unit of time. However, the present invention also relates to the case of a mechanism for driving a single display member.

FIG. 1 represents a partial schematic top view of a watch movement comprising a chronograph mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latter being visible by its side bridges. More precisely, FIG. 1 illustrates, in a simplified manner, the main elements of the chronograph mechanism making it possible to drive a conventional display member, namely a chronograph seconds hand (not visible in FIG. 1 ).

It is obvious that this movement is represented by way of non-limiting illustration and that the skilled person can implement the object of the present invention by adapting it to a chronograph mechanism of alternative construction without leaving the framework of the invention.

This movement 1 comprises frame elements including a plate (not visible), on which are mounted mobiles, levers, latches and other watch components, of which only those related to the chronograph mechanism are illustrated and will be described in detail in this presentation.

The chronograph mechanism comprises chronograph counters 10 and 20 minutes.

Each of these counters comprises a mobile (whose wheel 1 1, 21 is visible) intended to be driven in connection with a time base (that of the finishing gear or a time base specific to the chronograph) and is arranged for rotating rotating measured time display members (not shown).

Each counter also comprises a core cam, of which only one, 12, of the seconds counter is represented here, in transparency, each cam being integral in rotation with the corresponding display member and intended to cooperate with a surface adapted from a reset member 3.

The chronograph mechanism illustrated here by way of non-limiting example is of the column wheel type 4. The latter can be rotated on itself by a hook 5, integral with a control 6 whose displacements can be controlled, conventionally, from a pusher (not shown).

Each pressure on the pusher causes a rotation of a step of the column wheel 4, changing the chronograph function from a stopped state to a active state and vice versa. For this purpose, the alternation of solids (columns) and empty acts on different latches to activate or deactivate functions relating to the measurement of time intervals.

The column wheel cooperates in particular with a clutch rocker 7, carrying a clutch return 8 and pivotally mounted on the plate between a first position, rest, and a second driving position. The clutch rocker is arranged here to drive the chronograph train, from a finishing train (not shown), via a seconds wheel 9 and the chronograph wheel 1 1, when this last meshes with the clutch return 8.

The minute counter 20 may be driven from the second counter in a conventional manner.

The column wheel 4 also cooperates with a blocker 30 whose function is, typically, to maintain fixed the angular position of the chronograph wheel 1 1 when the measurement of a time is interrupted. The blocker carries a finger 31 intended to be actuated by the reset member 3 during its descent on the cams to lift the blocker 30 and allow the rotation of the wheel January 1.

Furthermore, the column wheel 4 is arranged to cooperate with the reset member 3, in known manner, to force it to go back to its high position and release the seconds and minutes counters 10, 20 , when the measure of a time is activated.

Note that the core cam 12 is disposed on the dial side relative to the wheel 1 1 seconds for space issues that emerge in particular from the detailed description of Figure 2.

Various springs 330, 340 and 350 have also been shown in a non-limiting manner, these acting respectively on the hook 5, on the clutch rocker 7 and on the blocker 30, to define default positions in a known manner.

Similarly, the reset hammers can be retained in the high position by a pin defining a notch and released by an action of the user on an external control member. FIG. 2 illustrates part of the watch movement of FIG. 1, in a schematic perspective view, on which are more particularly visible the constituent elements of a preferred embodiment of the present invention which complete the mechanism of FIG. chronograph which has just been described above.

It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the seconds mobile device 10 comprises a hollow shaft 14 intended to carry a display member for timed seconds, represented here in the form of a needle 15.

At its opposite end, the shaft 14 carries a first board 34 of a vertical clutch device, the first board being integral in rotation with the chronograph wheel 1 January.

The chronograph mechanism according to the present invention comprises a second counter of the timed seconds 35, arranged here coaxially with the first counter. The second counter has a shaft 36 arranged preferably outside the hollow shaft 14.

The shaft 36 carries a second board 38 of the vertical clutch device and a spring 39 arranged to exert on the second board 38, a force tending to maintain it pressed against the first board 34. The second board 38 is integral in rotation with the shaft 36 but can move in translation along the shaft in a predefined stroke. For this purpose, it can be provided that the shaft has a non-circular section, for example square, on its portion associated with the stroke of the second board, the second board having an opening of complementary shape.

Furthermore, the second counter comprises an additional seconds wheel 40 carrying a first heart cam 41, dial side, and a second heart cam 42, bridge side (partially visible in transparency).

The second cam 42 is part of a connecting device for providing the drive of an additional display mobile 44 seconds timed by the second counter. This connecting device is similar to that for carrying out the driving of a conventional split-seconds hand from the seconds counter. It comprises a lever 45 pivotally mounted on a wheel 46 of the mobile 44 and whose free end is held in abutment against the periphery of the cam 42 under the effect of the action of a spring 48 also carried by the wheel 46.

Thus, by default, the wheel 46 driven in synchronism with the second counter 35 due to the action of the connecting device.

The additional mobile 44 also comprises an axis 50 arranged at least partially inside the hollow shaft 14 to present a free end located outside of the latter, the dial side, in the goald 'y. Another rune 51 displays the seconds timed.

The construction details relating to the mounting of these mobiles on the frame of the watch movement will not be discussed here, to the extent that the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty to implement them according to its own need. However, it can be provided that the frame includes a bridge 52 carrying a bearing 53 for the axis 50 of the additional mobile.

Various commands have also been illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, these commands being arranged to act on the states of the second counter 35 and the additional mobile 44.

[0062] In particular, the ends of a conventional clamp 54 have been illustrated opposite the vertical clutch device. These ends are preferably bevelled to facilitate the separation of the two boards 34, 38 during disengagement.

Furthermore, an additional reset member 56 is provided opposite the first cam 41 of the second counter 35 in order to allow a reset of the latter.

In addition, a locking member having the shape of a clamp 57 is arranged opposite the additional mobile 44 so as to allow locking of its wheel 46 when necessary.

FIG. 3, which shows a partial and schematic top view of the clock movement of FIG. 1, with its bridges side, makes it possible to better understand the above-mentioned com m itments above and / or or interact. Before explaining the operation of the mechanism according to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be recalled that the purpose sought here is to provide a chronograph mechanism arranged to ensure the driving of a first needle Chronograph 15, that is to say display timed seconds. Thus, a first displayed value may for example correspond to the total duration of a race. It is furthermore provided that this chronograph mechanism also makes it possible to ensure the driving of a second display hand of the timed seconds 51, in connection with the measurement of a part-time whose starting point does not necessarily coincide. with the start of the race. Thus, the second display needle 51 makes it possible, for example, to display the seconds associated with each revolution in the case of a race in several laps.

To achieve this goal, it is provided that the mechanism according to the invention can be actuated from first and second additional external control members, preferably pusher type (not shown), the first to stop the second hand of seconds timed 51, while the chronograph works, and the second to release it and start measuring a new part-time.

For this purpose, the mechanism comprises a first partial time control 60, arranged to act on the reset hammer 56 for resetting the second counter 35. In the present preferred embodiment of the invention , the first control is mobile in translation, illustratively non-limiting, being guided by the cooperation of two pins 61 carried by a frame member of the watch movement with two longitudinal slots 62 formed in the body of the first control. Of course, a person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the nature of the guide means of the first control according to his needs, without departing from the scope of the invention.

To allow a new start of the second counter 35, immediately after its reset, in order to start the measurement of the next part-time, it is necessary that the second counter 35 and therefore the reset hammer 56 is released as soon as the second counter is reset.

For this purpose, the first control 60 comprises a flexible finger 64 whose free end 65 has a first surface 66, oriented with a steep slope relative to the direction of movement of the first control 60 and, intended to cooperate with a pin 67 integral with the hammer 56. Thus, when the first control is actuated inward of the watch movement, the first surface 66 drives the pin 67, lowering the hammer 56, by rotation about a tenon 68 fixed relative in the frame of the watch movement, against the first cam 41 of the second counter 35 to reset it.

The stroke of the first control 60 is adjusted so that it has not reached the end of its race when the reset of the second counter is actually performed. The user maintaining his pressure on the corresponding external control member, the first control 60 then continues its course, forcing the finger 64 to deform to the point of retracting and release the pin 67, so the hammer 56 which can then return to its high position and release the second counter 35, under the effect of the action of a spring 69, illustrated here schematically.

The free end 65 of the finger 64 has a second surface 70, adjacent to the first surface 66, but of low slope. Thus, when the first command 60 is released by the user, it goes back to its upper position (as shown in Figure 3) under the effect of the action of a spring 71, illustrated here schematically. In doing so, the free end 65 comes into contact with the pin 67 of the hammer 56 by its second surface 70 whose orientation promotes the deformation of the flexible finger 64, which retracts again to allow the rise of the first control 60 in his rest position.

Furthermore, Figure 3 schematically illustrates the clutch clamp 54 acting on the vertical clutch device ensuring the kinematic connection between the first and second counters. Each half-gripper is pivotally mounted on a pin 72, fixed relative to the frame of the watch movement, and comprises first 73, 74 and second 75, 76 ends, the first ends 73, 74 being intended to act on the vertical clutch device. The second ends 75, 76 cooperate with each other to ensure synchronized positioning of the two half-clips. More precisely, one of the half-grippers carries a pin 78 on which a spring 79 tends to rotate it in the direction of clockwise rotation, or to position it in its remote position or in the engaged position. The end 76 acts on the end 75 to rotate the other half-gripper in the anti-clockwise direction, also towards its spaced apart position. A tenon 80 secured to the frame of the watch movement defines a stop for each of the half-clips in its spaced position.

Thus, by default, the half-clips are in their spaced apart positions, the clutch device being engaged. In this configuration, the second counter is taken in synchronism with the chronograph counter when the chronograph function is active.

However, when resetting the second counter 35, it is preferable to disengage the chronograph counter to prevent premature wear of the clutch device. Thus, the hammer 56 comprises a pin 82 arranged to cooperate with a finger 83 formed on one of the half-clips to drive the latter when actuated. This half-gripper is driven towards its tight position, that is to say in a position in which the clutch device is disengaged. In its rotation, this half-gripper simultaneously drives the other half-gripper, by the game of cooperation between the second ends 75 and 76, so that the two half-grippers act simultaneously on the clutch device to disengage the second counter of the chronograph counter.

Similarly, when the hammer 56 is released and returns to its high position, it releases the clamp 54 which resumes its position apart under the effect of the action of the spring 79. The hammer 56 going back to the reset of the second counter 35, the latter is then immediately driven in synchronism with the chronograph counter, to start the measurement of the next part time.

Furthermore, to allow reading of the part time, it is necessary that the first control 60 also act on a locking member of the additional mobile 44 to immobilize the additional needle 51.

This locking member comprises the clamp 57 mentioned in connection with Figure 2. The clamp 57 can be controlled by a control member of the column wheel type 85 to take two states, one open and one closed (the state open being illustrated in Figure 3). In the preferred embodiment, shown here, by way of nonlimiting illustration, the clamp 57 comprises two half-pliers formed in one piece and held on the watch movement frame by a screw 86. Each of the half-clips comprises, in its median region, a spout 87 arranged to cooperate with the columns of the column wheel 85.

The column wheel 85 is rotatably mounted on the frame between first and second angular positions. In a first position (illustrated in FIG. 3), a column is arranged opposite each spout 87 to open the clamp 57 and leave the additional mobile 44 free. In the second position, the columns are no longer arranged facing the spouts 87 and the clamp 57 can take its closed state to immobilize the additional mobile 44.

The column wheel 85 shown here comprises two saw teeth 91 and 92, each of which is provided to allow a rotation drive of the column wheel in a proper direction of rotation.

Thus, the first control 60 comprises a pin 94 arranged to cooperate with a rocker 95 pivotally mounted on the frame of the watch movement, by a first end 96, while the rocker comprises a second end 97 intended to cooperate with the tooth 91 of the column wheel to rotate the latter in the anticlockwise rotation direction. Therefore, when the first command 60 is actuated, the second counter is reset and immediately released to start a new measurement of a part time, while the additional mobile 44 and thus the additional needle 51 are immobilized. .

The mechanism according to the present invention comprises a second control 98 intended to be actuated by a second external control member and arranged to cause a reverse rotation of the column wheel 85 with reference to what has just been described. Indeed, by way of nonlimiting illustration, the second control is mounted in translation on the frame, similarly to the first control 60.

It is arranged to act on a first end 99 of an additional rocker 100, by its end 101 located towards the center of the watch movement. The latch comprises a second end 102 arranged to cooperate with the tooth 92 of the column wheel 85 and rotate the latter in the clockwise direction of rotation. However, such an action is possible only when the clamp 57 is in its closed state, the tooth 92 being positioned in this case on the stroke of the second end 102 of the rocker 100, which is not the case when the clamp 57 is open.

Thus, when the clamp 57 is open, in response to an action on the second control 98, the additional mobile 44 is released and can catch the angular position of the second counter 35, via the action of the lever 45 on the second cam 42 of the second counter. For example, if the additional needle 51 is immobilized for 10 seconds, following an action on the first control 60 and before the second control 98 is actuated to release it, it moves almost immediately to its position. corresponding to a measurement of 10 seconds when released.

A conventional jumper 104, cooperating with a set of teeth 105, is preferably provided to ensure correct angular positioning of the column wheel 85.

It may be provided, alternatively, that the column wheel 85 is of conventional type, in particular that it comprises a conventional ratchet, with an even number of regularly distributed columns. In this case, the first and second controls must be arranged to rotate in one and the same direction of rotation, to switch alternately from a closed state to an open state of the clamp 57, and vice versa. Note that the second command 98, when used alone, that is to say without first reset the second counter, performs a function similar to that of a conventional split control. It makes it possible to immobilize the additional needle 51, to display the value of an intermediate time, then to release it so that it catches the main needle 15 by successive actions. It will also be noted that, in such a configuration, an exclusive use of the first command 60 makes it possible to measure the seconds of non-consecutive timed partial times. Indeed, a first action on the first command after starting the chronograph causes a resetting of the second counter 35 and an immobilization of the additional needle 51 to indicate the value of a first part time. A second action on the first command from this state causes a new reset of the second counter and the start of the measurement of a new part time with, this time, a simultaneous release of the additional needle 51 which then leaves. from scratch.

Those skilled in the art can choose between the one and the other column wheel versions exposed above, or even a different control member, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that the column wheel structure 85 as illustrated provides a better level of safety against the user's handling errors than the embodiment variant described, in particular because the additional needle 51 can only be released by an action on the second command 98.

It follows from the above that the drive of the additional needle 51 is conditioned by the prior drive of the first needle 15, that is to say by the operation of the basic chronograph mechanism. If the measurement of one time is stopped, the second counter 35 also stops because of the nature of its kinematic link with the chronograph counter.

However, at the time of resetting the chronograph counter, by means of the hammers 3, the second counter can be in a relative position such that the two needles 15 and 51 are not superimposed. It is therefore necessary to provide that the reset of the chronograph counter simultaneously controls that of the second counter by means of the heart cam 41. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the resetting element 3 of the chronograph is provided with a pin (shown diagrammatically with numeral 106 in FIG. 1) arranged to exert a force adapted to the hammer 56 when the reset of the chronograph is controlled by the user. The hammer 56 is then kept in its low position as long as the hammers 3 remain lowered.

As has been mentioned above, the mechanism according to the present invention can be associated with a chronograph mechanism of any type, that is to say, shuttle or column wheel, flight-type operation return in flight or not.

Note that, according to an alternative preferred embodiment, the chronograph mechanism that has just been described can be implemented to ensure the drive of a single display unit of a unit of time d a measured time, namely here the needle 51 integral with the mobile 44. In this case, the first counter can be configured differently, that is to say without shaft for carrying the needle 15. The rest of the mechanism as described could thus remain unchanged. The only display device provided could then present two functions to the choice of the user, according to his needs.

Thus, after a conventional start of the chronograph function by conventional pushers, the user could choose between conventional timing, using only the conventional pushers, and the measurement of lap time. To implement this last function, it would actuate the additional pushers in the same way as described above in the case of driving two display organs. Therefore, a watch implementing such a mechanism is distinguished from an ordinary chronograph only by the fact that it comprises one or two additional pushers.

The foregoing description attempts to describe a particular embodiment by way of non-limiting illustration and, the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example the forms specifically illustrated and described for the various levers, controls, control member and flip-flops. Clamp 57, for example, could be replaced by a single-arm brake. One could also provide for the implementation of an insulator, between the additional mobile and the second counter, in a manner similar to what is known of the splitters mechanisms. Similarly, the vertical clutch could alternatively be disposed laterally to the first and second counters to limit the size of the mechanism in the axial direction. In this case, it could be associated with two wheels, arranged on either side of the clutch and, preferably having respective permanent kinematic links with the first and second counters.

Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs, and implement a two-counter chronograph mechanism of the same unit of time of a timed time. resuming in part the characteristics described here, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is also possible to implement alternative embodiments offering different functionalities from those described in relation to the figures, as explained above.

One can also consider implementing the present teaching by applying it to a chronograph mechanism for driving two second hands and two minute hands.

Claims

Chronograph mechanism for a watch movement (1) intended to drive at least a first display member (15, 51) of a time unit of a timed time, the mechanism comprising

a first counter (10) of said time unit capable of being driven from a mobile (9) of the watch movement,

a mobile (44) intended to carry said first display member (51) and arranged so as to be able to be driven in synchronism with said first counter (10),

characterized in that it comprises a second counter (35) of said time unit associated with said first display member (51) and capable of being driven in synchronism with said first counter (10), said second counter being arranged in such that said mobile (44) is driven by it, while being capable of exhibiting a relative movement with respect to it.

Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a connecting device (42, 45, 48) of said mobile (44) to said second counter (35) as well as a locking member (57) of said mobile arranged in such a way. way that said mobile can be driven by said second counter or stopped, while said second counter is driven, in response to predefined actions of a user.

Mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a clutch device (34, 38, 39) arranged to allow or not the driving of said second counter (35) by said first counter (10), in response to predefined user actions.

Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second counters (10, 35) and said mobile (44) are coaxial, said clutch device comprising a vertical clutch (34, 38, 39) associated with a clutch member. disengagement (54).

Mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that said second counter (35) carries a reset cam (41) associated with a reset member (56) movable between high, so-called rest, and low positions in pressing against said so-called zeroing cam, said zeroing member being arranged to reset said second counter (35) to zero in response to a predefined user action.

6. Mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that said clutch device (34, 38, 39) and said resetting member (56) are arranged to act substantially simultaneously to, respectively, interrupt the drive of said second counter (35) and reset it to zero.

7. Mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that said resetting member (56) comprises a stop (82) for driving said disengagement member (54) when it is itself actuated.

8. Mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a control (60) comprising a retractable actuating member (64) arranged

to actuate said reset member (56) and reset said second counter (35) to zero, in response to a predefined user action, and

to retract and release said zeroing member (56) when resetting said second counter to allow the return to the high position of said zeroing member under the effect of the action of elastic means (69) .

9. Mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 7 and claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a control member (85) arranged to control the state of said locking member (57) of said mobile (44) , to lock or not the latter, said control (60) being arranged to act at least indirectly on said control member (85) and lock said mobile when resetting said second counter (35).

10. Mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises an additional control (98) arranged to act on said control member (85), in response to a predefined action of the user, in order to release said movable (44).

1 1 . Mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first counter (10) is a seconds counter, the mechanism further comprising members arranged to control the starting, stopping and resetting of said first counter in response to predefined user actions.

12. Mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first counter (10) is associated with an additional display member (15).