Second hand reset device for a timepiece

Abstract

A setting device for a timepiece comprising a second-indicating element (1) and at least one other time-indicating element comprises a first manual control element (2) that can occupy a neutral position and a position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements, and a mechanism (3) for resetting the second-indicating element (1) to zero, connected to the first manual control element (2). The reset mechanism (3) comprises a second manual control element (6) and is configured so that actuating the second manual control element (6) resets the second-indicating element (1) to zero when the first manual control element (2) is in the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements and has no effect on the second-indicating element (1) when the first manual control element (2) is in the neutral position.

Description

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following detailed description, given in reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the setting device according to the invention in a configuration wherein a winding stem of the device is in a neutral position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the setting device according to the invention in a configuration wherein the winding stem is in an intermediate pulled-out position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the setting device according to the invention in a configuration wherein the winding stem is in a fully pulled-out position.

Claims

1. Setting device for a timepiece, the timepiece comprising a second-indicating element and at least one other time-indicating element, the setting device comprising a first manual control element that can occupy a neutral position and a position for setting the other time indicating element or elements and a mechanism for resetting the second-indicating element to zero, connected to the first manual control element, wherein the mechanism for resetting the second-indicating element to zero comprises a second manual control element and is configured so that actuating the second manual control element resets the second-indicating element to zero when the first manual control element is in the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements and has no effect on the second-indicating element when the first manual control element is in the neutral position.

2. Setting device according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for resetting the second-indicating element to zero comprises a cam made to be rigidly connected with the second-indicating element, a hammer subjected to the action of a first spring which tends to move the hammer toward the cam, a first retaining element which retains the hammer against the action of the first spring when the second manual control element is not actuated and which does not retain the hammer when the second manual control element is actuated, and a second retaining element which retains the hammer against the action of the first spring when the first manual control element is in the neutral position and which does not retain the hammer when the first manual control element is in the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements.

3. Setting device according to claim 2, wherein the first retaining element is a first rocker that can be pivoted against the action of a second spring by actuating the second manual control element, this first rocker comprising a stud which is disposed in a seat of the hammer so as to retain the hammer when the second manual control element is not actuated and is out of the seat when the second manual control element is actuated.

4. Setting device according to claim 2, wherein the second retaining element is a second rocker whose angular position depends on the position of the first manual control element, and one end of this second rocker cooperates with a stop surface of the hammer so as to retain the hammer when the first manual control element is in its neutral position and is out of contact with the stop surface when the first manual control element is in its position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements.

5. Setting device according to claim 4, wherein the stop surface has a profile substantially forming an arc of a circle whose center coincides with the pivot of the second rocker when the hammer is retained by the second rocker.

6. Setting device according to claim 5, wherein the first manual control element can occupy an intermediate position between the neutral position and the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements, and in this intermediate position of the first manual control element, the end of the second rocker is in contact with the stop surface so as to retain the hammer.

7. Setting device according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate position of the first manual control element is a date-setting position.

8. Setting device according to claim 4, wherein the reset mechanism is configured so that after the second-indicating element is reset to zero, the end of the second rocker cooperates with a second surface of the hammer, adjacent to the stop surface, during a movement of the first manual control element from the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements to the neutral position so as to return the hammer to its initial position.

9. Setting device according to claim 4, further comprising a first lever actuated by the second rocker so as to stop a balance of the timepiece when the first manual control element is in the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements.

10. Setting device according to claim 4, wherein the first manual control element is a stem that is axially movable between the neutral position and the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements, and a second lever comprising a stud engaged in a groove of the stem is also provided, this second lever controlling the second rocker.

11. Setting device according to claim 2, wherein the cam is heart-shaped.

12. Setting device according to claim 1, wherein the first manual control element is a stem that is axially movable between the neutral position and the position for setting the other time-indicating element or elements and the second manual control element is a push button.

13. Setting device according to claim 1, wherein the other time-indicating elements comprise hour- and minute-indicating hands, and the second-indicating element is a small hand, offset relative to the hour and minute hands.

14. Timepiece comprising a setting device according to claim 1.