EP0240778A1 - Push button mechanism for a time piece - Google Patents

Push button mechanism for a time piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0240778A1
EP0240778A1 EP87103803A EP87103803A EP0240778A1 EP 0240778 A1 EP0240778 A1 EP 0240778A1 EP 87103803 A EP87103803 A EP 87103803A EP 87103803 A EP87103803 A EP 87103803A EP 0240778 A1 EP0240778 A1 EP 0240778A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pusher
branch
heel
mechanism according
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP87103803A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0240778B1 (en
Inventor
Alphonse Bron
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Original Assignee
Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG, Eta SA Fabriques dEbauches filed Critical Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
Publication of EP0240778A1 publication Critical patent/EP0240778A1/en
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Publication of EP0240778B1 publication Critical patent/EP0240778B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C3/00—Electromechanical clocks or watches independent of other time-pieces and in which the movement is maintained by electric means
    • G04C3/001—Electromechanical switches for setting or display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B3/00—Normal winding of clockworks by hand or mechanically; Winding up several mainsprings or driving weights simultaneously
    • G04B3/04—Rigidly-mounted keys, knobs or crowns
    • G04B3/048—Operation exclusively by axial movement of a push-button, e.g. for chronographs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/016—Application timepiece
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
    • Y10T74/18—Mechanical movements
    • Y10T74/18992—Reciprocating to reciprocating

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a control mechanism for a timepiece, in particular for a chronograph comprising a pusher intended to occupy a first rest position and a second depressed position and means for returning the pusher from the depressed position to the position of rest, mechanism arranged so that the force applied to the pusher passes through a maximum in an intermediate position.
  • the pushers commonly used in relation to mechanical timepieces always act on a mechanism, either to correct an indication, or to start or start a particular function, for example a count (chronograph). Due to this action on a mechanism which passes from one state to another, there is a discontinuity or an abrupt variation in the force exerted on the pusher by the user, which results in a generally audible click. , accompanied by the very clear perception of the change in the pushing force. The user therefore knows, without having to visually verify it, that he has effectively ordered and implemented the function concerned.
  • patent CH 629,647 (US 4,451,719) proposes a pusher comprising a rod sliding in a tube against the return force of a spring, a pusher in which an elastic member is interposed between the rod and the tube. This member is retained axially in a housing formed in the rod and cooperates with a surface carried by the tube, said surface having a sufficient variation in slope for a click or detachment to occur when the elastic member crosses this variation in slope. It appears from what has just been said that the entire click mechanism is incorporated in the pusher, which complicates its construction and increases its size, especially in diameter, which makes it ill-suited to a chronograph of thin.
  • the triggering effect of the return means of the pusher according to the invention does not depend on the way in which they are installed on the plate or on their cooperation with elements which are integral with this plate, but only depends the configuration of said return means themselves.
  • they comprise two support members arranged to cooperate with each other and connected by an elastic member, said support members and said elastic member being made in one piece.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of the mechanism according to the invention.
  • This mechanism comprises a pusher not shown and symbolized only by its force of application F1.
  • This pusher acts on return means 1 of the pusher from a depressed position to a rest position.
  • These return means comprise two support members 2 and 3 and an elastic member 4 which connects these support members.
  • Figure 1 shows that the support members 2 and 3 and the elastic member 4 are made in one piece. This unique piece can be cut from a sheet of steel for example.
  • the support members 2 and 3 are arranged to cooperate together in the manner which will be better explained with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2d.
  • Figure 1 shows the mechanism in the idle state when no force is applied to the pusher.
  • the return means 1 have a general U shape.
  • the first branch 5 of the U is articulated at its base 6 and can bend angularly under the action of the pusher which is exerted in F1 .
  • the second branch 7 of the U can slide elastically in the longitudinal direction (arrow 8) and this by bending the thinned base 9 of the U-shape, which tends to move this base in the direction of the arrow 10.
  • the first branch 5 is articulated at its base 6 on a support 11, while the second branch 7 is guided in a slide formed by the elements 12 and 13.
  • the support member 3 comprises an oblong hole 14 into which a guide pin 15 enters.
  • the support 11, the sliding elements 12 and 13 and the pin 15 form part of the plate of the clockwork movement on which the spring 1 rests.
  • a plate (not shown) limits the spring play in the thickness direction of the timepiece.
  • the spring 1 is sandwiched between the plate and a spacer, made for example of plastic material, spacer which includes the supports 11, 12 and 13.
  • the support member 2 has the form of a spout having a frontal inclined plane 16 and the support member 3 has the shape of a heel shaped to cooperate with the spout.
  • Figure 1 also shows that the return means 1 further comprise an electrical contact element 21 which acts for example on track 23 of a printed circuit 22.
  • contact 21 closes an electrical circuit constituted by the U-shaped element and track 23.
  • FIG. 1 shows that the contact 21 is also produced in one piece with the return means 1. It is an extension of the branch 5, an extension which is advantageously folded out of the spout and at the point of contact 21.
  • FIG. 1 also shows that a great latitude is left at the point of application of the force F1 on the branch 5.
  • This point of application could be at F2 for example or at any other point situated between F1 and F2.
  • the proposed construction does not require great precision as to the position of the pusher relative to the branch 5, which simplifies the execution of the system and makes its application more universal. At most, there will be slight differences in the force to be applied to the pusher depending on the point of application of this force to fulfill the requested function, differences due to the lever arm of branch 5.
  • FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention derived from that which has just been discussed.
  • the U-shaped return means 1 are no longer articulated on a support but around an axis formed by a screw 25 which passes through the U-shaped part. This way of doing things avoids the use of the slide formed by the supports 12 and 13 which appeared in the execution according to FIG. 1.
  • the longitudinal guidance of the branch 7 will always be carried out by means of the pin 15 and the oblong hole 14 (see FIG. 1).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Or Mechanical Vibrators, Or Delay Or Filter Circuits (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)

Abstract

The pushpiece mechanism for a timepiece comprises pushpiece return means arranged so that the force applied to the pushpiece passes through a maximum at an intermediate position thereof between a rest position and the pushed-in position of the pushpiece. To this end the return means are provided with two bearing elements arranged to cooperate with one another and comprising respectively a beak and a heel coupled by an elastic member, such bearing elements and elastic member being formed as a single piece. The mechanism may be applied in particular to electronic timepieces including a chronograph function.

Description

L'invention est relative à un mécanisme de commande pour pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour chronographe comportant un poussoir destiné à occuper une première position de repos et une seconde position enfoncée et des moyens de rappel du poussoir de la position enfoncée à la position de repos, mécanisme agencé de manière à ce que la force appliquée au poussoir passe par un maximum dans une position intermédiaire.The invention relates to a control mechanism for a timepiece, in particular for a chronograph comprising a pusher intended to occupy a first rest position and a second depressed position and means for returning the pusher from the depressed position to the position of rest, mechanism arranged so that the force applied to the pusher passes through a maximum in an intermediate position.

Les poussoirs couramment utilisés en relation avec des pièces d'horlogerie mécaniques agissent toujours sur un mécanisme, soit pour corriger une indication, soit pour enclencher ou déclencher une fonction particulière, par exemple un comptage (chronographe). Du fait de cette action sur un mécanisme qui passe d'un état à l'autre, il se produit une discontinuité ou une variation brusque dans la force exercée sur le poussoir par l'utilisateur, ce qui se traduit par un déclic en général audible, accompagné par la percep­tion très nette au toucher de la variation de la force de poussée. L'utilisateur sait donc, sans qu'il lui soit nécessaire de le vérifier visuellement, qu'il a effectivement commandé et mis en oeuvre la fonction concernée.The pushers commonly used in relation to mechanical timepieces always act on a mechanism, either to correct an indication, or to start or start a particular function, for example a count (chronograph). Due to this action on a mechanism which passes from one state to another, there is a discontinuity or an abrupt variation in the force exerted on the pusher by the user, which results in a generally audible click. , accompanied by the very clear perception of the change in the pushing force. The user therefore knows, without having to visually verify it, that he has effectively ordered and implemented the function concerned.

Dans les pièces d'horlogerie électroniques usuelles, les fonctions sont assumées par des circuits électroniques et leur mise en oeuvre se fait au moyen d'interrupteurs à simple contact comman­dés par l'utilisateur par l'intermédiaire de poussoirs. Du fait de la suppression des mécanismes devenus superflus, la mise en oeuvre de la fonction n'est plus ressentie de façon certaine par l'utilisa­teur. Le doute lui est donc permis sur la réalité de cette mise en oeuvre et il n'a alors pas d'autre possibilité - et encore, cette possibilité n'existe-t-elle pas toujours - que le contrôle visuel. Cette situation est encore aggravée par une hésitation toujours possible ou un tremblement de la main de l'utilisateur. S'il cons­tate que son action de commande n'est pas suivie d'effet, il lui faut réitérer et en vérifier à nouveau le résultat. Si son premier geste de commande était synchronisé avec un évènement servant de point de départ par exemple à une comptage, la mise en oeuvre effec­tive ne correspond pas à cet évènement, et il y aura une incertitude sur le résultat de la mesure effective, incertitude dépendant du temps de réaction de l'utilisateur. Cette incertitude est des plus fâcheuse si, comme il est maintenant très banal, on veut mesurer un intervalle de temps au centième de seconde, ce que l'électronique permet sans difficultés intrinsèques.In the usual electronic timepieces, the functions are assumed by electronic circuits and their implementation is done by means of single contact switches controlled by the user by means of pushers. Due to the elimination of mechanisms that have become superfluous, the implementation of the function is no longer felt for certain by the user. Doubt is therefore allowed on the reality of this implementation and he then has no other possibility - and again, this possibility does not always exist - than visual control. This situation is further exacerbated by a possible hesitation or trembling of the user's hand. If he finds that his control action has not been followed up, he must reiterate and check the result again. If his first command gesture was synchronized with an event serving starting point for example to a count, the effective implementation does not correspond to this event, and there will be an uncertainty on the result of the effective measurement, uncertainty depending on the reaction time of the user. This uncertainty is most annoying if, as it is now very commonplace, we want to measure a time interval to the hundredth of a second, which electronics allow without intrinsic difficulties.

Des tentatives ont été faites pour remédier à ces inconvé­nients. Par exemple le brevet CH 629 647 (US 4 451 719) propose un poussoir compremant une tige coulissant dans un tube contre la force de rappel d'un ressort, poussoir dans lequel un organe élastique est interposé entre la tige et le tube. Cet organe est retenu axialement dans un logement ménagé dans la tige et coopère avec une surface portée par le tube, ladite surface présentant une variation suffi­sante de pente pour qu'un déclic ou décrochement se produise lorsque l'organe élastique franchit cette variation de pente. Il ressort de ce qui vient d'être dit que tout le mécanisme à déclic est incorporé dans le poussoir, ce qui complique sa construction et accroît son encombrement, en diamètre surtout, ce qui fait qu'il s'adapte mal à un chronographe de faible épaisseur.Attempts have been made to remedy these drawbacks. For example, patent CH 629,647 (US 4,451,719) proposes a pusher comprising a rod sliding in a tube against the return force of a spring, a pusher in which an elastic member is interposed between the rod and the tube. This member is retained axially in a housing formed in the rod and cooperates with a surface carried by the tube, said surface having a sufficient variation in slope for a click or detachment to occur when the elastic member crosses this variation in slope. It appears from what has just been said that the entire click mechanism is incorporated in the pusher, which complicates its construction and increases its size, especially in diameter, which makes it ill-suited to a chronograph of thin.

On a également tenté de remédier aux inconvénients qui viennent d'être cités en incorporant le mécanisme à décrochement directement au mouvement de la pièce d'horlogerie, ce mécanisme étant alors commandé par un poussoir réduit à sa plus simple expression. Une telle construction est exposée dans la demande de modèle d'utilité JP 7 812/79 publiée le 11 avril 1979. Dans cette construction, un simple poussoir agit sur un ressort monté sur la platine d'un mouvement d'horlogerie. Le ressort maintient le poussoir dans sa position de repos. Ce ressort comporte une partie servant à sa fixation sur la platine, une partie élastique, une partie en forme de U et enfin une partie d'engagement servant à collaborer avec un tenon chassé dans la platine. Lorsque le poussoir passe de la position de repos à la position enfoncée, la partie d'engagement bute tout d'abord contre le tenon puis monte sur lui en produisant l'effet de déclic ou de décrochement recherché. Cette construction, pour fonctionner correctement, exige un positionnement très précis du tenon chassé dans la platine par rapport au point de fixation du ressort sur ladite platine. Dans cette réalisation, les inévi­tables tolérances de fabrication auront pour résultat que la force appliquée au poussoir variera dans de grandes limites variant en fonction de ces tolérances. Non seulement le ressort doit être découpé avec précision mais encore doit coopérer avec des points fixes qui doivent être positionnés avec une tolérance qui ne dépend pas de la découpe du ressort mais de l'implantation de ces points fixes par rapport à la platine. On comprendra également que dans les cas où la force du décrochement est très élevée, l'usure du tenon pourra être très rapide ce qui entraînera une diminution de cette force, voire une durée de vie écourtée du mécanisme à poussoir.We have also tried to remedy the drawbacks which have just been mentioned by incorporating the hook mechanism directly into the movement of the timepiece, this mechanism then being controlled by a pusher reduced to its simplest expression. Such a construction is exposed in the application for utility model JP 7 812/79 published on April 11, 1979. In this construction, a simple pusher acts on a spring mounted on the plate of a watch movement. The spring keeps the pusher in its rest position. This spring has a part used for its attachment to the plate, an elastic part, a U-shaped part and finally an engagement part used to collaborate with a post driven into the plate. When the pusher passes from the rest position to the depressed position, the engagement part first abuts against the post and then rises on it, producing the desired click or unhooking effect. This construction, in order to function properly, requires very precise positioning of the post driven into the plate relative to the fixing point. of the spring on said plate. In this embodiment, the inevitable manufacturing tolerances will result in the force applied to the pusher varying within wide limits varying as a function of these tolerances. Not only must the spring be cut with precision but also must cooperate with fixed points which must be positioned with a tolerance which does not depend on the cutting of the spring but on the location of these fixed points relative to the plate. It will also be understood that in cases where the detachment force is very high, the wear of the post may be very rapid, which will cause a reduction in this force, or even a shortened service life of the pusher mechanism.

Pour obvier à ces inconvénients, l'effet de déclic des moyens de rappel du poussoir selon l'invention ne dépend pas de la façon dont ils sont implantés sur la platine ou de leur coopération avec des éléments faisant corps avec cette platine, mais dépend unique­ment de la configuration desdits moyens de rappel eux-mêmes. A cet effet, ils comprennent deux organes d'appui arrangés pour coopérer l'un avec l'autre et reliés par un organe élastique, lesdits organes d'appui et ledit organe élastique étant faits d'une pièce.To overcome these drawbacks, the triggering effect of the return means of the pusher according to the invention does not depend on the way in which they are installed on the plate or on their cooperation with elements which are integral with this plate, but only depends the configuration of said return means themselves. To this end, they comprise two support members arranged to cooperate with each other and connected by an elastic member, said support members and said elastic member being made in one piece.

L'invention sera comprise maintenant à l'aide de la description qui suit et du dessin qui l'illustre à titre d'exemple et dans lequel :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue en plan du mécanisme selon l'inven­tion et comportant des moyens de rappel composés de deux organes d'appui reliés par un organe élastique;
  • - les figures 2a à 2d montrent comment travaillent les organes d'appui quand le poussoir passe de la position de repos à la position enfoncée; et
  • - la figure 3 montre un autre mode d'exécution de l'invention dérivé de l'exécution représentée en figure 1.
The invention will now be understood with the aid of the description which follows and of the drawing which illustrates it by way of example and in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a plan view of the mechanism according to the invention and comprising return means composed of two support members connected by an elastic member;
  • - Figures 2a to 2d show how the support members work when the pusher passes from the rest position to the depressed position; and
  • - Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the invention derived from the execution shown in Figure 1.

La figure 1 est une vue en plan du mécanisme selon l'invention. Ce mécanisme comporte un poussoir non représenté et symbolisé seulement par sa force d'application F1. Ce poussoir agit sur des moyens de rappel 1 du poussoir d'une position enfoncée à une posi­tion de repos. Ces moyens de rappel comportent deux organes d'appui 2 et 3 et un organe élastique 4 qui relie ces organes d'appui. La figure 1 montre que les organes d'appui 2 et 3 et l'organe élastique 4 sont faits d'une seule pièce. Cette pièce unique peut être décou­pée dans une feuille d'acier par exemple. Les organes d'appui 2 et 3 sont arrangés pour coopérer ensemble de la manière qui sera mieux expliquée à propos des figures 2a à 2d. La figure 1 montre le mécanisme à l'état de repos quand aucune force n'est appliquée sur le poussoir.Figure 1 is a plan view of the mechanism according to the invention. This mechanism comprises a pusher not shown and symbolized only by its force of application F1. This pusher acts on return means 1 of the pusher from a depressed position to a rest position. These return means comprise two support members 2 and 3 and an elastic member 4 which connects these support members. Figure 1 shows that the support members 2 and 3 and the elastic member 4 are made in one piece. This unique piece can be cut from a sheet of steel for example. The support members 2 and 3 are arranged to cooperate together in the manner which will be better explained with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2d. Figure 1 shows the mechanism in the idle state when no force is applied to the pusher.

Dans l'exemple particulier de la figure 1, les moyens de rappel 1 présentent une forme générale en U. La première branche 5 du U est articulée à sa base 6 et peut fléchir angulairement sous l'action du poussoir qui s'exerce en F1. La seconde branche 7 du U peut coulis­ser élastiquement dans le sens longitudinal (flèche 8) et ceci par flexion de la base amincie 9 de la forme en U, ce qui tend à dépla­cer cette base dans le sens de la flèche 10. Toujours selon la réalisation particulière montrée en figure 1, la première branche 5 est articulée à sa base 6 sur un appui 11, tandis que la seconde branche 7 est guidée dans une coulisse formée par les éléments 12 et 13. Enfin l'organe d'appui 3 comporte un trou oblong 14 dans lequel pénètre une goupille de guidage 15. L'appui 11, les éléments de coulisse 12 et 13 et la goupille 15 font partie de la platine du mouvement d'horlogerie sur laquelle repose le ressort 1. Une plaque (non représentée) limite l'ébat du ressort dans le sens de l'épais­seur de la pièce d'horlogerie. Dans une autre construction, le ressort 1 est pris en sandwich entre la platine et une entretoise, faite par exemple en matière plastique, entretoise qui comporte les appuis 11, 12 et 13. L'organe d'appui 2 présente la forme d'un bec ayant un plan incliné frontal 16 et l'organe d'appui 3 présente la forme d'un talon conformé pour coopérer avec le bec.In the particular example of FIG. 1, the return means 1 have a general U shape. The first branch 5 of the U is articulated at its base 6 and can bend angularly under the action of the pusher which is exerted in F1 . The second branch 7 of the U can slide elastically in the longitudinal direction (arrow 8) and this by bending the thinned base 9 of the U-shape, which tends to move this base in the direction of the arrow 10. Always according to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first branch 5 is articulated at its base 6 on a support 11, while the second branch 7 is guided in a slide formed by the elements 12 and 13. Finally the support member 3 comprises an oblong hole 14 into which a guide pin 15 enters. The support 11, the sliding elements 12 and 13 and the pin 15 form part of the plate of the clockwork movement on which the spring 1 rests. A plate (not shown) limits the spring play in the thickness direction of the timepiece. In another construction, the spring 1 is sandwiched between the plate and a spacer, made for example of plastic material, spacer which includes the supports 11, 12 and 13. The support member 2 has the form of a spout having a frontal inclined plane 16 and the support member 3 has the shape of a heel shaped to cooperate with the spout.

A l'aide de la figure 1 et des figures 2a à 2d, on va expliquer maintenant comment travaille le mécanisme, objet de l'invention.Using Figure 1 and Figures 2a to 2d, we will now explain how the mechanism works, object of the invention.

Lorsqu'aucune force n'est exercée sur le poussoir, le bec 2 et le talon 3 se trouvent séparés l'un de l'autre par un espace 17 et le poussoir occupe sa position de repos (figures 1 et 2a). Lorsqu'on exerce une force F1 sur le poussoir, la branche 5 fléchit angulaire­ment jusqu'à ce que le plan incliné 16 du bec 2 entre en contact avec un coin 18 du talon 3. La force exercée dans ce premier temps est faible, par exemple 0,3 N (figure 2b). La position représentée en figure 2b constitue en quelque sorte une position de cran d'arrêt à partir de laquelle il faudra exercer une force bien plus grande si l'on veut poursuivre le mouvement d'enfoncement du poussoir. Cette force plus élevée, par exemple de l'ordre de 8 N, fait glisser le coin 18 du talon 3 sur le plan incliné 16 du bec 2 en même temps que toute la branche 7 cède longitudinalement dans le sens de la flèche 8 par flexion de la base 9 de la forme en U (figures 1 et 2c). Quand le bec et la talon ont atteint les positions respectives représentées en figure 2c et que l'on continue à appuyer sur le poussoir, le bord inférieur 19 du bec 2 glisse sur l'arête 20 du talon 3 jusqu'à ce que les branches du U viennent dans la position représentée en figure 2d, ce qui représente la fin de course du poussoir ou sa position dite enfoncée. La position de fin de course du poussoir pourrait être celle où la branche 5 entre en contact avec le talon 3. Cependant, pour éviter de solliciter par trop la goupille 15, on préfère faire buter le poussoir lui-même contre la platine, ce qui laissera un jeu de sécurité 21 entre la branche 5 et le talon 3. Comme le bec n'a plus à faire fléchir la base élastique 9 de la forme en U mais seulement à vaincre la force de frottement du bord 19 sur l'arête 20, la force à exercer sur le poussoir va diminuer quand les organes d'appui 2 et 3 passent de la position représentée en figure 2c à la position présentée en figure 2d. Cette force est par exemple de l'ordre de 1 N.When no force is exerted on the pusher, the spout 2 and the heel 3 are separated from each other by a space 17 and the pusher occupies its rest position (Figures 1 and 2a). When a force F1 is exerted on the pusher, the branch 5 bends angularly until the inclined plane 16 of the spout 2 comes into contact with a wedge 18 of the heel 3. The force exerted in this first step is weak, by example 0.3 N (Figure 2b). The position shown in FIG. 2b constitutes in a way a stop notch position from which it will be necessary to exert a much greater force if we want to continue the pushing down movement. This higher force, for example of the order of 8 N, causes the wedge 18 of the heel 3 to slide on the inclined plane 16 of the spout 2 at the same time as the entire branch 7 yields longitudinally in the direction of the arrow 8 by bending of the base 9 of the U-shape (Figures 1 and 2c). When the beak and the heel have reached the respective positions represented in FIG. 2c and that the push-button is continued to be pressed, the lower edge 19 of the beak 2 slides over the edge 20 of the heel 3 until the branches U come in the position shown in Figure 2d, which represents the end of travel of the pusher or its so-called pressed position. The end position of the pusher could be that in which the branch 5 comes into contact with the heel 3. However, to avoid overstressing the pin 15, it is preferable to abut the pusher itself against the plate, which will leave a clearance 21 between the branch 5 and the heel 3. As the spout no longer has to bend the elastic base 9 of the U-shape but only to overcome the frictional force of the edge 19 on the edge 20 , the force to be exerted on the pusher will decrease when the support members 2 and 3 pass from the position shown in FIG. 2c to the position presented in FIG. 2d. This force is for example of the order of 1 N.

Les explications qui viennent d'être données ont montré que la force appliquée au poussoir passe par un maximum dans une position intermédiaire de la course dudit poussoir et que la fonction recher­chée décrite dans le préambule est bien remplie. Cette fonction cependant n'est dépendante que des seuls moyens de rappel 1 qui sont réalisés en une pièce unique et la précision de fonctionnement qui en résulte va dépendre uniquement de la précision qu'on mettra à réaliser cette pièce unique, ce qui ne présente pas de difficulté majeure si cette pièce est découpée. En d'autre terms, le point dur qui est recherché fait référence à la seule forme de la pièce 1 et non pas à un tenon se trouvant sur la platine comme c'était le cas de la construction exposée dans le document JP 7 812/79 cité plus haut.The explanations which have just been given have shown that the force applied to the pusher passes through a maximum in an intermediate position of the stroke of said pusher and that the desired function described in the preamble is well fulfilled. This function, however, is dependent only on the return means 1 which are produced in a single part and the operating precision which results therefrom will depend solely on the precision which it will take to produce this single part, which does not have of major difficulty if this piece is cut. In other words, the hard point that is sought refers to the only shape of the part 1 and not to a stud located on the plate as was the case of the construction exposed in the document JP 7 812 / 79 cited above.

La figure 1 montre aussi que les moyens de rappel 1 comportent en outre un élément de contact électrique 21 qui agit par exemple sur la piste 23 d'un circuit imprimé 22. Quand la branche 5 du U est en position enfoncée, le contact 21 ferme un circuit électrique constitué par l'élément en forme de U et la piste 23. La figure 1 montre que le contact 21 est aussi réalisé en une pièce avec les moyens de rappel 1. Il s'agit d'un prolongement de la branche 5, prolongement qui est avantageusement plié au sortir du bec et à l'endroit du contact 21.Figure 1 also shows that the return means 1 further comprise an electrical contact element 21 which acts for example on track 23 of a printed circuit 22. When branch 5 of the U is in the depressed position, contact 21 closes an electrical circuit constituted by the U-shaped element and track 23. FIG. 1 shows that the contact 21 is also produced in one piece with the return means 1. It is an extension of the branch 5, an extension which is advantageously folded out of the spout and at the point of contact 21.

La figure 1 montre encore qu'une grande latitude est laissée au point d'application de la force F1 sur la branche 5. Ce point d'application pourrait être en F2 par exemple ou en tout autre point situé entre F1 et F2. Ainsi la construction proposée n'exige-t-elle pas une grande précision quant à la position du poussoir par rapport à la branche 5, ce qui simplifie l'exécution du système et rend son application plus universelle. Tout au plus enregistrera-t-on de légères différences dans la force à appliquer au poussoir suivant le point d'application de cette force pour remplir la fonction deman­dée, différences dues au bras de levier de la branche 5.FIG. 1 also shows that a great latitude is left at the point of application of the force F1 on the branch 5. This point of application could be at F2 for example or at any other point situated between F1 and F2. Thus the proposed construction does not require great precision as to the position of the pusher relative to the branch 5, which simplifies the execution of the system and makes its application more universal. At most, there will be slight differences in the force to be applied to the pusher depending on the point of application of this force to fulfill the requested function, differences due to the lever arm of branch 5.

La figure 3 est un autre mode d'exécution de l'invention dérivé de celui qui vient d'être discuté. Ici les moyens de rappel 1 en forme de U sont articulés non plus sur un appui mais autour d'un axe formé par une vis 25 qui traverse la pièce en U. Cette façon de faire évite l'utilisation de la coulisse formée par les appuis 12 et 13 qui apparaissaient dans l'exécution selon la figure 1. Le guidage longitudinal de la branche 7 sera toujours effectué au moyen de la goupille 15 et du trou oblong 14 (voir figure 1).Figure 3 is another embodiment of the invention derived from that which has just been discussed. Here the U-shaped return means 1 are no longer articulated on a support but around an axis formed by a screw 25 which passes through the U-shaped part. This way of doing things avoids the use of the slide formed by the supports 12 and 13 which appeared in the execution according to FIG. 1. The longitudinal guidance of the branch 7 will always be carried out by means of the pin 15 and the oblong hole 14 (see FIG. 1).

Il va de soi que l'invention n'est pas limitée à la forme de la découpe des moyens de rappel 1 présentés en figure 1. D'autres formes pourraient être envisagées, pourvu que le concept général décrit ci-dessus reste le même.It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the shape of the cutting of the return means 1 presented in FIG. 1. Other shapes could be envisaged, provided that the general concept described above remains the same.

Claims (6)

1. Mécanisme de commande pour pièce d'horlogerie, notamment pour chronographe comportant un poussoir destiné à occuper une première position de repos et une seconde position enfoncée et des moyens de rappel (1) du poussoir de la position enfoncée à la position de repos, mécanisme agencé de manière à ce que la force appliquée au poussoir passe par un maximum dans une position inter­médiaire, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de rappel (1) comprennent deux organes d'appui (2, 3) arrangés pour coopérer l'un avec l'autre et reliés par un organe élastique (4), lesdits organes d'appui et ledit organe élastique étant faits d'une pièce.1. Control mechanism for a timepiece, in particular for a chronograph comprising a pusher intended to occupy a first rest position and a second depressed position and means (1) for returning the pusher from the depressed position to the rest position, mechanism arranged in such a way that the force applied to the pusher passes through a maximum in an intermediate position, characterized in that the return means (1) include two support members (2, 3) arranged to cooperate one with the other and connected by an elastic member (4), said support members and said elastic member being made in one piece. 2. Mécanisme selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de rappel du poussoir comportent en outre en élément de contact électrique (21) arrangé pour agir sur un circuit élec­trique (23) quand le poussoir est en position enfoncée.2. Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for returning the pusher further comprise an electrical contact element (21) arranged to act on an electrical circuit (23) when the pusher is in the depressed position. 3. Mécanisme selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que les moyens de rappel du poussoir présentent une forme générale en U qui comporte une première branche (5) articulée à sa base (6) et apte à fléchir angulairement sous l'action du poussoir et une seconde branche (7) susceptible de coulisser élastiquement dans le sens longitudinal par flexion de la base (9) de la forme en U, l'extrémité libre des première et seconde branches comprenant respectivement un bec (2) et un talon (3) formant lesdits organes d'appui et conformés de telle façon que successivement le bec appuie sur le talon, le fait céder et glisse sur lui quand le poussoir passe de la première position de repos à la seconde position enfoncée.3. Mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the return means of the pusher have a general U-shape which includes a first branch (5) articulated at its base (6) and capable of bending angularly under the action of pusher and a second branch (7) capable of sliding elastically in the longitudinal direction by bending the base (9) of the U-shape, the free end of the first and second branches respectively comprising a spout (2) and a heel ( 3) forming said support members and shaped so that successively the spout presses on the heel, causes it to give way and slide over it when the pusher passes from the first rest position to the second depressed position. 4. Mécanisme selon la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que la première branche (5) est articulée à sa base (6) sur un appui (11), que la seconde branche (7) est guidée dans une coulisse (12, 13) et que le talon (3) comporte un trou oblong (14) dans lequel pénètre une goupille de guidage (15).4. Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the first branch (5) is articulated at its base (6) on a support (11), that the second branch (7) is guided in a slide (12, 13 ) and that the heel (3) has an oblong hole (14) into which a guide pin (15) penetrates. 5. Mécanisme selon la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que la première branche (5) est articulée à sa base (6) autour d'un axe (25) la traversant et que le talon (3) comporte un trou oblong (14) dans lequel pénètre une goupille de guidage (15).5. Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the first branch (5) is articulated at its base (6) around an axis (25) passing through it and that the heel (3) has an oblong hole (14 ) into which a guide pin (15) enters. 6. Mécanisme selon la revendication 3, caractérisé par le fait que le bec (2) comprend un plan incliné frontal (16) qui vient buter contre le talon (3) pour former avec lui un cran d'arrêt définissant ladite position intermédiaire pour laquelle la force appliquée au poussoir est maximum.6. Mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the spout (2) comprises a front inclined plane (16) which abuts against the heel (3) to form with it a notch defining said intermediate position for which the force applied to the pusher is maximum.
EP87103803A 1986-04-09 1987-03-16 Push button mechanism for a time piece Expired EP0240778B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH138986A CH664863GA3 (en) 1986-04-09 1986-04-09
CH1389/86 1986-04-09

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EP0240778A1 true EP0240778A1 (en) 1987-10-14
EP0240778B1 EP0240778B1 (en) 1989-11-29

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EP87103803A Expired EP0240778B1 (en) 1986-04-09 1987-03-16 Push button mechanism for a time piece

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US (1) US4818830A (en)
EP (1) EP0240778B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0636039B2 (en)
CH (1) CH664863GA3 (en)
DE (1) DE3761062D1 (en)
HK (1) HK2095A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0404469A2 (en) * 1989-06-19 1990-12-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
EP0498212A1 (en) * 1991-02-05 1992-08-12 Complications S.A. Push-button mechanism for a timepiece
US5339297A (en) * 1989-06-19 1994-08-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Switching arrangement for applying battery voltage to circuitry block in an analog timepiece
CH685583GA3 (en) * 1994-04-12 1995-08-31 Manuf Cec 2 S A Control push-button for watch or clock timepiece
EP2565726A2 (en) 2011-09-05 2013-03-06 Richemont International S.A. Command device for timepieces
CH718698A1 (en) * 2021-06-01 2022-12-15 Dubois & Depraz Sa Clockwork mechanism for correcting several displays.

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US5187876A (en) * 1989-08-04 1993-02-23 Hatheway Alson E Precision motion transducer
JP3404956B2 (en) * 1995-01-31 2003-05-12 松下電器産業株式会社 Push switch
DE69940346D1 (en) 1999-09-29 2009-03-12 Swatch Group Man Serv Ag Contact clip for multifunctional push button
ATE470204T1 (en) 2007-09-05 2010-06-15 Vidiom Sa METHOD FOR ROTating IMAGES
US9140185B2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2015-09-22 Honeywell International Inc. Locating mechanism for turbocharger bearing
EP3489766A1 (en) * 2017-11-27 2019-05-29 Montres Breguet S.A. Mechanism for correcting a function of a timepiece movement

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CH629647B (en) * 1978-03-24 Suisse Horlogerie PUSH-BUTTON SWITCH FOR WATCH PART.

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CH624261B (en) * 1978-07-12 Baumgartner Freres Sa STOPWATCH.

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0404469A2 (en) * 1989-06-19 1990-12-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
EP0404467A2 (en) * 1989-06-19 1990-12-27 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
EP0404469A3 (en) * 1989-06-19 1991-12-04 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
US5339297A (en) * 1989-06-19 1994-08-16 Seiko Epson Corporation Switching arrangement for applying battery voltage to circuitry block in an analog timepiece
EP0404467B1 (en) * 1989-06-19 1994-12-14 Seiko Epson Corporation Timepiece
EP0498212A1 (en) * 1991-02-05 1992-08-12 Complications S.A. Push-button mechanism for a timepiece
US5172351A (en) * 1991-02-05 1992-12-15 Complications Sa Piece mechanisms for watch movements
CH681189GA3 (en) * 1991-02-05 1993-02-15
CH685583GA3 (en) * 1994-04-12 1995-08-31 Manuf Cec 2 S A Control push-button for watch or clock timepiece
EP2565726A2 (en) 2011-09-05 2013-03-06 Richemont International S.A. Command device for timepieces
CH718698A1 (en) * 2021-06-01 2022-12-15 Dubois & Depraz Sa Clockwork mechanism for correcting several displays.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0636039B2 (en) 1994-05-11
EP0240778B1 (en) 1989-11-29
CH664863GA3 (en) 1988-04-15
US4818830A (en) 1989-04-04
HK2095A (en) 1995-01-13
JPS62245181A (en) 1987-10-26
DE3761062D1 (en) 1990-01-04

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