Clock including vibration amplifying device

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a housing (2) containing: a movement; at least one device for generating vibrations, the device for generating vibrations being intended to emit at least one sound; at least one device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, the device (16) for amplifying the vibrations comprising a lever (20) connected to a support (22) by an articulation rotating about a single axis of rotation, and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member (28) cooperating with the vibration generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever (20). The device (16) for amplifying the vibrations comprises at least one plate-like element (18) arranged to cooperate with the lever to move according to the vibration movement, the plate-like element (18) being housed in the housing (2) so as to form a free space on the periphery of the plate-like element (18) exceeding at least 70%, preferably at least 80% of the perimeter of the plate-like element (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece, which comprises a housing, the housing containing: a movement; at least one device for generating vibrations, the device for generating vibrations being intended to emit at least one sound; at least one device for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, the device for amplifying the vibrations comprising a lever, the lever being connected to a support via a hinge rotating around a single axis of rotation, the lever being arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever, so that the lever pivots relative to the support of the lever according to the vibrating movement around its axis of rotation. Background Art

[0002] Such a timepiece is, for example, a striking watch (such as a minute repeater, a grande sonnerie, a petite sonnerie or an alarm clock), for which the vibration generating device is, for example, a gong, which is arranged to produce vibrations and thus sound when the striking mechanism is in operation by striking with a hammer-like member. The gong is usually in the form of a metal wire wound around the movement. The gong is mounted so that the gong is integrated with the frame of the watch (plate-like member and bridge assembly) through a heel piece or a gong bracket to transmit the vibration of the gong to the watch assembly (frame, movement, external parts). Therefore, the vibration of the gong is transmitted to the wearer of the watch with maximum intensity.

[0003] Since the transmission of sound is accomplished by causing the entire watch to vibrate, it has been proposed to make the various elements of the watch more rigid in order to improve the vibration of these elements and therefore improve the transmission of said sound.

[0004] This solution provides satisfactory results in terms of the quality of sound transmission, but creates other problems, such as the presence of parasitic sounds. In fact, the greater the sound intensity, the greater the vibrations of the movement and the greater the noise generated by the different parts of the movement when they vibrate. This combination of vibrations generates parasitic noises.

[0005] One solution to amplify the sound is to increase the force with which the hammer strikes the gong. This enables an increase in the sound, but the sound quality is adversely affected by parasitic noise.

[0006] The striking watch described in patent application EP3644133 proposes to solve this problem by using a waterproof sound transmission membrane implemented as a sealed housing to protect the movement and the striking device from moisture and impurities. For example, the membrane can be retained by an O-ring. The waterproof sound transmission membrane is in contact with a sound transmission bridge, which is integral with a movable part with a single degree of freedom in rotation, which is associated with the heel bearing the gong. The sound transmission bridge thus transmits the vibrations generated when the gong is struck by its hammer directly from the heel to the waterproof membrane in an optimal vibration direction, so that the waterproof membrane vibrates, which increases the volume of the sound perceptible from the outside of the watch.

[0007] However, the fact that the waterproof membrane is fixed, by definition, at its periphery to an element of the housing in order to ensure its waterproofing is that, when the membrane receives vibrations from the sound-transmitting bridge, it deforms in its first vibration mode by expanding in one direction and then in the other. These deformations produce significant damping, which has a negative impact on the sound quality. In addition, the contact between the lever and the membrane can be achieved by the lever prestressing the membrane, which amplifies the damping. In the case of fixed contact, the membrane deforms in an asymmetrical manner, which increases the stresses. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a timepiece comprising means for generating vibrations intended to emit at least one sound and means for amplifying these vibrations making it possible to significantly amplify said emitted sound while preserving its sound quality.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a housing containing: a movement; at least one device for generating vibrations, the device for generating vibrations being intended to emit at least one sound; at least one device for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, the device for amplifying the vibrations comprising a lever connected to a support via an articulation rotating around a single axis of rotation, the lever being arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever so that the lever pivots relative to the support of the lever according to a vibrating movement around its axis of rotation.

[0010] According to the present invention, the device for amplifying vibrations comprises at least one plate-like member, which is arranged to cooperate with a lever to move according to the vibration movement, and the plate-like member is accommodated in a housing to form a free space on the outer periphery of the plate-like member exceeding at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, or even 100% of the circumference of the plate-like member.

[0011] Thus, when the plate receives the vibration transmitted by the lever and starts its own vibratory movement, it moves substantially freely, undergoes little deformation, and acts like a piston in the air. The sound emitted by the gong is thus greatly amplified while maintaining high quality.

[0012] According to a first embodiment, the plate is integral with the lever and moves with the lever in a rotational movement about the axis of rotation of said lever.

[0013] According to a first variant, the plate is fixed to the lever by its main surface, so that the periphery of the plate is 100% free.

[0014] According to another variant, the plate is fixed to the lever by its peripheral edge, so that the amplification means are not visible to the user.

[0015] According to a second embodiment, the plate is arranged to cooperate with the lever so as to be driven by a linear translation movement along an axis perpendicular to the plate.

[0016] Advantageously, the plate-like element cooperates with the guide device to perform a linear translation along said axis perpendicular to the plate-like element so as to ensure a linear movement.

[0017] According to a first variant, the guide device comprises at least three flexible appendages regularly distributed over the periphery of the plate-like element and connecting the plate-like element to the connecting support.

[0018] Therefore, the first vibration mode of the plate-like element is a linear displacement of the entire plate-like element by bending the appendages.

[0019] According to another variant, the guide device consists of a support comprising a central plate-like element integral with the plate-like element and at least three elastic arms connecting the central plate-like element to the housing.

[0020] Advantageously, such a bracket enables linear movement of the entire plate, with the periphery of the plate being 100% free to move. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting examples and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figure 1 A view showing the back cover of a timepiece according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0023] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a timepiece according to the invention;

[0024] - Figure 3shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first variant of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] - Figure 4 A perspective view of a lever used in the present invention is shown;

[0026] - Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a rear cover side of another variation of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a rear cover side of another variation of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] - Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view showing another variant of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 8 A view showing a plate-like element according to a first variant of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0030] - Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of a plate-like member in its first vibration mode;

[0031] - Fig.10 A perspective sectional view of the back cover side showing a second variant of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] - Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 A perspective view of the interior of the housing in FIG.

[0033] - Fig.12 A cross-sectional view showing a plate-like member and a lever of a bracket according to a second variant of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0034] - Fig.13 A perspective view showing another embodiment of the cooperation of the transmission member and the lever with the vibration generating device; and

[0035] - Fig.14 Shows Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the lever. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The invention relates to a timepiece, comprising a housing, the housing containing: a movement; at least one device for generating vibrations, the device for generating vibrations being intended to emit at least one sound; at least one device for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, the device for amplifying the vibrations comprising a lever, the lever being connected to a support by a hinge having a single rotational degree of freedom (i.e., rotating around a single rotation axis), the lever being arranged to be further actuated by a transmission member not directly connected to the support and cooperating with the vibration generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever, so that the lever pivots relative to the support of the lever according to a vibration movement about its rotation axis, the device for amplifying the vibrations comprising at least one plate-like member, the plate-like member being arranged to cooperate with the lever and receive the vibrations amplified by the lever to move according to the vibration movement so as to exert pressure on the air to generate a sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece, the plate-like member being accommodated in the housing to form a free space on the outer periphery of the plate-like member exceeding at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, or even 100% of the circumference of the plate-like member, through which a certain airflow can pass.

[0037] Since the actuation point of the lever, the pivot point of the lever on the support, and the connection point of the lever and the plate-like member are positioned so that the displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of the transmission member and the vibration generating device is transmitted to the plate-like member via the lever (actuated by the transmission member), the vibration movement of the plate-like member is amplified, and the vibration movement of the plate-like member is amplified by the lever effect of the lever. Therefore, the amplified vibration displacement of the plate-like member generates an amplified sound.

[0038] Furthermore, the plate is fixed to the lever via a defined area which is as small as possible, the remainder of the plate being in a vacuum and not in contact with any other element of the timepiece.

[0039] The plate is as large as possible in order to displace as much air as possible during its vibrating movement, while the air can pass through the free space left around it to reduce the forces on the plate and dampen the vibrations as little as possible, so as not to negatively affect the quality of the amplified sound. The plate can thus move freely without deformation in order to vibrate with as little damping as possible, thus producing a powerful and clean sound.

[0040] The desired goal is to cause the plate to resonate relative to the vibration generating means so that the propagated sound lasts as long as possible.

[0041] The plate-like member may have a circular or polygonal shape depending on the shape of the housing.

[0042] The plate-like element in the rest state may be substantially flat or convex in the form of a shell, with a radius of curvature greater than the diameter of the watch, preferably greater than 30 mm, more preferably greater than 50 mm, and preferably between 50 mm and 500 mm. Advantageously, the concave side of the convex plate-like element faces the outside of the housing, on the sound outlet side, and the lever is connected to the convex side of the plate-like element. However, the opposite configuration may be adopted.

[0043] In this specification, the term "plate-like member" generally refers to a flat or convex plate-like member.

[0044] Preferably, the plate is made of a very light and stiff material in order to have a large dynamic response during the displacements defined above, without deformations occurring in the centre of the plate and in the free periphery of the plate.

[0045] Advantageously, the plate-like element has a rigidity such that it acts like a piston over a frequency interval of at least two octaves (for example, between 1 kHz and 4 kHz), so that the average displacement of points on the main surface of the plate-like element is greater than 50% of the maximum displacement, preferably greater than 75% of the maximum displacement, that is, the displacement of the points on the main surface of the plate-like element is maximum, so that the plate-like element used in the present invention generally does not exhibit any deformation over its entire surface, especially when it is in a low-frequency state.

[0046] By comparison, the waterproof membrane conventionally used for the knocking mechanism, whose edge is fixed to the housing, deforms according to a parabolic motion so that the average displacement of points on the membrane surface is less than 50% of the maximum displacement.

[0047] The plate-like member is preferably made of a transparent material. For example, the plate-like member can be made of sapphire, mineral glass, organic glass, diamond, composite material, cellulose or composite glass of safety glass type, etc.

[0048] The plate is preferably made of mineral glass, sapphire or diamond.

[0049] When the plate-like member is used as a dial, as described below, the plate-like member is preferably made of an opaque material such as silicon, titanium, carbon or aluminum.

[0050] The plate-like element must be as hard and light as possible. To this end, the thickness of the plate-like element is less than 1 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.15 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0051] The vibration generating device may be a striking gong arranged to be struck by a striking hammer, the striking gong being integrated with the transmission member, and the transmission member being integrated with the lever.

[0052] In another variant, the vibration generating means may be a rotating disc and include engraved grooves arranged to generate sound, the transmission member being a pointer integral with the lever and arranged to follow the grooves on the disc.

[0053] In another variation, the vibration generating device may be a music box comprising a vibrating blade secured by a stud, the transmission member being integral with the stud and the lever.

[0054] In the following description, the vibration generating device is a striking gong struck by a striking hammer, so that the clock includes a striking mechanism for indicating the time (a minute repeater, a large self-sounding watch or a small self-sounding watch) or a striking mechanism for striking at a predetermined time (an alarm clock). The clock is preferably a watch, more preferably a wristwatch that the user intends to wear on his / her wrist.

[0055] Unless otherwise indicated, the remainder of the description of the invention, and in particular of the device for amplifying vibrations, will apply equally to a watch comprising a music box or a rotating disc read by a hand, one end of which is integral with a lever and the other end of which is arranged to read an engraved groove on the rotating disc. The hand is mounted on the lever, for example by embedding or welding, for example, the hand being introduced into a hole provided for this purpose in the lever.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the watch 1 comprises a housing 2 having a middle piece 3, a back cover 4, a bezel 5 and a first glass piece 6. The back cover 4 is annular, and the central opening of the back cover is closed by a second glass piece 7. The bezel and the middle piece can be two different parts, or can be formed as a single integral part. Similarly, the back cover and the middle piece can be two different parts, or can be formed as a single integral part.

[0057] In the following description, the means for amplifying vibrations and the plate-like member are arranged to produce sound from the back cover of the watch. Obviously, the means for amplifying vibrations and the plate-like member can be arranged in a similar but opposite manner to produce sound from the dial side of the watch.

[0058] More specifically, refer to Figure 1 The watch 1 also comprises a movement and a striking mechanism 9, which constitute means for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound. The movement and striking mechanism 9 are housed in the middle piece 3 of the case 2 and mounted on a frame 10 (plate and bridge). The striking mechanism 9 comprises a hammer 12 in a known manner, arranged to strike a striking gong 14, here in the form of a wire gong or a strip spring wound around the movement.

[0059] In order to amplify the sound produced by the gong 14, a device 16 for amplifying the vibrations produced by the gong 14 is provided, comprising a lever 20 connected to a support 22 by an articulation rotating about a single axis of rotation 21, so that the lever is tiltably or pivotally mounted on the support 22 about the axis of rotation 21, and a plate 18 (see Figure 3 and below), the plate-like element is arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and to generate amplified sound from the inside to the outside of the watch. When the sound is transmitted on the back cover side, at least when the plate-like element is in a static position without being affected by the vibrations, the plate-like element 18 is mounted on the back cover side 4 between the movement and the second glass 7 by being positioned parallel to said back cover 4. When the sound is transmitted on the dial side, at least when the plate-like element is in its static position, the plate-like element is mounted on the inside of the bezel 5 between the movement and the first glass 6 by being positioned parallel to said bezel 5.

[0060] Particularly preferably, the lever 20 and the plate 18 are arranged relative to one another such that, at least when the plate 18 is in its rest position, the axis of rotation 21 of the lever 20 is parallel to the plane of the main surface of the plate 18. It can be considered that the other degrees of freedom of the lever 20 are negligible relative to the degree of freedom of the lever to rotate about its axis of rotation 21.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the lever 20 is arranged to be actuated by a transmission member 28, which cooperates with the gong 14 to transmit vibrations to the lever 20. The transmission member 28 is positioned on the same side as the lever 20 relative to the hinge 21 of the lever 20 and the support 22, so that the transmission member 28 is not directly connected to the support 22, and the lever 20 is mounted on the support 22 in an articulated manner. Preferably, the transmission member 28 is integral with the lever 20. The transmission member 28 may, for example, consist of a heel piece or a gong bracket that is integral with the lever 20, and the gong 14 is mounted in the transmission member, for example by embedding, blocking by screws or welding. To this end, the transmission member 28 comprises, for example, an orifice 30, into which the gong 14 is introduced. Therefore, the gong 14 is integral with the lever 20, rather than being fixed to the frame of the watch via a heel piece. As Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the transmission member 28 can be added or formed as one piece with the lever 20. When the transmission member 28 is formed as one piece with the lever 20, the gong is directly assembled to the lever, for example, by welding.

[0062] According to another variant that is not shown, transmission member 28 can be made integral with lever 20 by being arranged to form a clamp in which gong 14 is retained. This arrangement makes it possible to limit the vibration losses as much as possible.

[0063] according to Fig.13 In another variant shown, advantageously, the transmission member 28 integral with the lever 20 does not carry the gong 14 nor constitute the heel of the gong 14, but is arranged to cooperate with the gong 14 by contacting it, so as to be able to capture the vibrations of the gong 14 and accordingly actuate the lever 20, so as to transmit the captured vibrations to the plate 18. The transmission member 28 may cooperate with the gong 14 by simple contact, or it may have the form of a clamp. The gong 14 is then fixed on the heel 64, preferably on an element of the case, such as the middle piece or the back cover, or possibly on an element of the movement. Preferably, the point at which the transmission member 28 captures the gong 14 is relatively close to the embedding area on the heel. In this configuration, advantageously, the point at which the vibrations are captured by the lever 20 is located on the gong 14 and not on its heel, so as to achieve low vibration damping, making the amplitude of the signal more significant.

[0064] Advantageously, the materials of lever 20, gong 14 and transmission member 28 are selected so that these three elements form a single entity. Such a material is selected, for example, from steel or magnesium, as a material for transmitting vibrations.

[0065] The means for amplifying the vibrations, more specifically the support 22 of the lever 20, are advantageously isolated from the movement, the striking mechanism 9 and the frame 10. To this end, the support 22 of the lever 20 can be mounted on an element of the case, more specifically on the bezel 5 if the sound is transmitted on the dial side, and on the back cover 4 if the sound is transmitted through the back cover. When the striking gong 14 is embedded in the transmission member 28 integral with the lever 20, the said gong 14 is not fixed to the frame via the heel, as is conventional, but appears to float around the movement.

[0066] Support 22 of lever 20 may also be mounted on the movement, or even on middle piece 3 , but advantageously via an isolating element, such as a polymer, to ensure that support 22 is isolated from the movement, middle piece and frame.

[0067] When support 22 of lever 20 is mounted on bezel 5 or back cover 4, said bezel 5 or back cover 4, respectively, may be assembled in a conventional manner directly on middle part 3. However, in order to ensure that no parasitic vibrations occur on middle part 3 and therefore on the movement, said bezel 5 or back cover 4, respectively, is advantageously assembled on middle part 3 via an isolating element, for example a polymer.

[0068] Since plate 18 is also isolated from the movement and striking mechanism 9, the device for amplifying the vibrations and the plate are isolated from the movement and the frame, so that all the vibrations of the gong obtained by lever 20 are guided and transmitted to plate 18 and not to the movement, the frame or the middle part.

[0069] Preferably, the lever 20 is made of a very light and very hard material. For example, the lever 20 can be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, composite materials, carbon, glass, sapphire and ceramics.

[0070] Advantageously, the lever 20 can be Figure 1 A single central flexible spherical joint 24 is shown mounted on the support 22 in an articulated or pivoted manner. The flexible spherical joint (more precisely, the flexible pivot, considering the articulated member rotating around a single axis of rotation 21) makes it possible to change the direction of the vibrations when necessary. In particular in the case of a striking gong, the striking gong has a tendency to vibrate radially in the direction of the striking of the hammer. Preferably, the position of the flexible spherical joint 24 (i.e. the flexible pivot) of the lever 20 makes it possible to change the direction of the radial vibrations of the gong by 90°, so as to convert the radial vibrations into a vibrating movement perpendicular to the plane defined, for example, by the back cover (i.e. the plane defined by the plate 18 when the plate is in the rest position) via the pivoting of said lever 20. Preferably, the flexible spherical joint 24 (i.e. the flexible pivot) is positioned on the center of mass of the gong / lever / plate assembly.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the lever 20 can be mounted on the support 20 in an articulated or pivoted manner by means of two flexible ball joints or pivots 24, which are arranged on the outside so that they are as spaced apart from each other as possible to ensure better guidance of the plate-like element 18 by reducing parasitic movements, in particular reducing lateral movements.

[0072] Advantageously, if Figure 4 and Fig.14 As shown, the thickness e of the wall of the flexible ball joint 24 (i.e., the wall of the flexible pivot) can be modified to change the vibration frequency of the lever 20 and the plate 18, and accordingly change the length of the sound produced. Preferably, the thickness e is selected so that the vibration frequency of the lever 20 / plate 18 assembly is a multiple of the natural frequency of the gong 14, so that the lever / plate system begins to resonate with the gong, which will reduce the damping of the sound and thus increase the length of the sound. When using multiple gongs, the average of the frequencies can be selected as the frequency.

[0073] The thickness of the lever 20 can be chosen to be greater on the side of the axis of rotation 21 and to decrease in the direction of the plate 18 in order to maintain the greatest possible rigidity and reduce the inertia of the system.

[0074] The lever 20 can also be mounted in an articulated or pivoted manner on the support 22 by means of a pin which is mounted transversely on the support 22 and which constitutes the axis of rotation 21 of the lever 20. The support 22 is then stressed by a spring.

[0075] More specifically, the lever 20 comprises a first end 20a and a second end 20b, the first end being hingedly or pivotally mounted on the support 22 and integral with the transmission member 28, and the second end being arranged to cooperate with the plate-like member 18. The length of the lever 20, i.e. the distance between the first end 20a and the second end 20b of the lever, varies according to the variants of the invention.

[0076] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the plate-like member 18 is fixed to the lever 20 through a defined area and is integral with the lever 20 , and the plate-like member moves together with the lever 20 according to the vibrating rotational movement around the rotation axis 21 of the lever 20 , that is, has the same rotational freedom as the lever 20 .

[0077] When said plate 18 is in its rest position, it comprises two main surfaces 18a, 18b parallel to the dial and the back cover, namely a face 18a on the back cover side and a face 18b on the dial side, said main surfaces 18a, 18b being connected by a lateral edge 18c.

[0078] according to Figure 3 In the first variant of this first embodiment shown, the plate 18 is fixed to the lever 20 via one of its main surfaces (here, via the face 18 b on the dial side) so that the periphery of the plate 18 is 100% free. The lever 20 can be screwed, for example, by means of a screw 32 into a hole provided in the plate 18 and a hole 34 provided in the second end 20 b of the lever 20 (see Figure 4 ) is fixed to the plate-like member 18, or is fixed to the plate-like member 18 by gluing, welding, etc.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown by the arrows in FIG. 2 , the amount of air movement is greater in the area of ​​the plate-like member 18 that is farthest from the rotation axis 21 .

[0080] Furthermore, since the plate 18 moves parallel to the lever 20 , it is possible to provide a very small gap or even no gap between the plate and the lever, which makes it possible to reduce the volume.

[0081] according to Figure 5In another variant shown, the plate 18 can be cut to include a radial opening 36 in which the lever 20 is housed without being in contact with the plate 18 on either side of the radial opening 36. This makes it possible to integrate the lever 20 in the radial opening 36 by passing it through it, which makes it possible to reduce the volume.

[0082] It is also possible to provide for cutting certain areas of the plate 18 with the aim of integrating said plate 18 in the movement. This enables a reduction in volume. Preferably, said cutting areas are positioned where the least efficient is.

[0083] according to Figure 6 In another variant shown, the timepiece comprises at least two vibration generating devices, at least two levers 20', 20" and at least one first plate-like element 18' and a second plate-like element 14", distributed inside the case 2. The at least two vibration generating devices are, for example, two different gongs 14', 14", and the at least two levers are respectively hinged on their supports 22', 22" and carry the gongs 14', 14", respectively. At least one first plate-like element is associated with one of the levers 14' and the second plate-like element is associated with the other lever 14". According to the invention, the first plate-like element 18' and the second plate-like element 18" may have complementary shapes, which are selected to occupy the internal space of the case 2, leaving a completely free space between the plate-like elements 18', 18" and the peripheral edge of the element of the case 2 closest to the plate-like elements. A free space 23 is also formed between the plates 18', 18", so that the plates 18', 18" can move freely and independently of each other according to their respective vibration movements, according to the vibration movements of their respective levers 20', 20". It is thus possible to amplify the sources in different ways. For example, the treble and bass gongs can be adjusted differently. For example, in the case of a minute repeater, the hour gongs and minute gongs can be adjusted independently.

[0084] The gongs 14', 14" may be positioned facing each other around the plate-like elements 18', 18" or in any other position. Obviously, more than two gongs may be provided.

[0085] according to Figure 7In another variant of the first embodiment of the invention shown, the plate-like element 18 is fixed to the lever 20 by its peripheral edge (for example, by embedding). For this purpose, the lever 20 has a groove 38 formed with an embedding fixture, in which the plate-like element 18 is held compressively by the lever 20 by the periphery of these main faces 18a, 18b. In another variant not shown, an additional plate-like element is provided, which enables the plate-like element 18 to be fixed to the upper surface of the lever 20 by the periphery of these main faces 18a, 18b. The plate-like element 18 can be compressed between the additional plate-like element and the upper surface of the lever 20 by the periphery of the main faces 18a, 18b, or the periphery of the main face 18a of the plate-like element is bonded under the additional plate-like element, which itself is screwed on the upper surface of the lever 20, and the periphery of the main face 18b is in contact with said upper surface of the lever 20. The length of the lever 20 is correspondingly reduced so as to correspond only approximately to the length of the embedding fixture or to the surface required to hold the periphery of the main faces 18a, 18b of the plate-like element 18. Therefore, no element passes through the movement or the dial. In addition, the user will not see the magnification device, which is particularly advantageous when the plate 18 is located on the dial side.

[0086] Advantageously, in order to combine rigidity and lightness of the plate 18, the plate may have a thickness that increases from the peripheral edge to which the lever 20 is fixed to the opposite free peripheral edge. The rigidity is more pronounced near the point where the plate is fixed to the lever 20, and the lightness is more pronounced in the farthest areas of the plate.

[0087] Advantageously, when the plate 18 is on the dial side, it can be arranged to constitute the dial itself by drilling a hole in the center for the pointer to pass through. Preferably, the dial is printed by transfer printing, without decals or other additional elements, so as not to increase the weight of the plate.

[0088] In these variants, the lever 20 advantageously comprises the Figure 4 Two flexible ball joints or pivots 24 are depicted to ensure the guidance of the plate 18 .

[0089] In another variant not shown, the plate 18 can be constructed as a single piece with the lever 20 and the support 22, so that the lever 20 and the support 22 are advantageously formed by the edge of the plate 18 directly embedded in an element of the housing 2, the rest of the plate being in a vacuum so as to be able to vibrate freely. The gong heel is fixed directly to the plate, close to the point where it is embedded in an element of the housing 2. The gong heel and the plate can be constructed as a single piece.

[0090] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the plate 18 is arranged to cooperate with the lever 20 so that the entire plate 18 is driven by a linear translation movement along an axis perpendicular to said plate 18, the axis of rotation 21 of the lever 20 and the plate 18 remaining parallel in the vibration mode. This means that all points of the plate move with the same linear translation movement.

[0091] Preferably, the connection point of the lever 20 to the plate-like member 18 is located at a distance from the center of the plate-like member 18 of less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the width of the plate-like member 18. Particularly preferably, the connection point of the lever 20 to the plate-like member 18 is located at the center of the plate-like member 18 to have a maximum lever effect.

[0092] Advantageously, the plate 18 cooperates with guide means to perform a linear translation along said axis perpendicular to the plate so as to ensure that the movement remains linear.

[0093] according to Figure 8 and 9 In the first variant of the second embodiment shown, the guide device comprises at least three flexible appendages 40 regularly distributed over the periphery of the plate-like element 18 and connecting the plate-like element 18 to a connecting support 42 , for example rigidly connected to an element of the housing 2 .

[0094] Therefore, the first vibration mode of the plate-like member is to cause the entire plate-like member 18 to be linearly displaced by bending the attachment 40, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the attachment guides the vibration displacement of the plate 18 and the lever 20 .

[0095] In this variant, said connection strut 42 constitutes the element of the housing 2 closest to the plate 18 , delimiting together with the plate 18 a free space 44 around the plate 18 between the connection strut 42 and said plate 18 .

[0096] When the plate 18 is circular, the number of attachments 40 can be three (spaced at an angle of 120° from each other), or greater than three. This principle enables the low frequencies to be enhanced by the resonance of the plate / elastic attachment system. The shape of the attachments and their number can be varied to determine the resonant frequency of the plate / attachment system. For example, according to a variant not shown, the attachments can extend concentrically onto the plate, and the number of attachments can be three or more.

[0097] The dimensions of the accessory 40 , in particular the length, are chosen to manage the flexibility (plasticity) of said accessory. Thus, a greater length enables the flexibility of the accessory 40 to be increased.

[0098] Advantageously, the flexible or pliable appendage 40 and the connecting support 42 are formed, for example, by laser cutting into the plate 18. The advantage of laser cutting is to form the appendage 40 very precisely so as to resonate the plate 18 relative to the gong 14. This makes it possible also to precisely determine the width of the space 44 between the plate 18 and the connecting support 42, so as to manage the airflow through said space 44, as described below. Advantageously, the width of the appendage 40 is such that at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, of the periphery of the plate can move freely.

[0099] according to Figures 10 to 12 In another variant of the second embodiment of the invention shown, the guiding device may be composed of a bracket 46 and at least three elastic arms 50, wherein the bracket includes a central plate-like member 48 integral with the plate-like member 18, and at least three elastic arms 50 connect the central plate-like member 48 to an element of the shell 2 (for example, the intermediate member 3).

[0100] Preferably, the arms 50 are regularly distributed around the central plate-like element 48 and have a long length, thereby giving them a certain elasticity or flexibility to ensure linear guidance. These arms can be added to an element of the housing 2 (for example, the intermediate element 3) retained by the seal 52. These arms can also be formed integrally with an element of the housing 2.

[0101] The plate 18 is integral with the central plate 48, for example by screwing, gluing, welding or any other suitable fixing means. The plate 18 is fixed to the central plate 48 by its center, so that the periphery of the plate 18 is 100% free to move.

[0102] In order to give the plate 18 a perfectly linear oscillating movement without deforming the plate, said plate 18 is preferably coupled to the lever by means of a spherical connection.

[0103] This spherical connection can be provided by an additional flexible spherical joint provided between the lever and the central plate 48 at the second end 20 b of the lever 20 .

[0104] Advantageously, and more particularly with reference to Fig.12This spherical connection can also be ensured by providing a contact area 54 on the central plate-like element 48 of the bracket 46, which contacts the second free end 20b of the lever 20, said contact area 54 and said second free end 20b of the lever 20 being rounded. In addition, the central plate-like element 48 and the second free end 20b of the lever 20 respectively comprise central channels 56, 58, perpendicular to the main plane of the plate-like element 18, which communicate with each other. A prestressed elastic wire 60 (for example, a nylon wire) passes through said channels 56, 58, one end of which is integral with the central plate-like element 48 and the other end of which is integral with the second free end 20b of the lever 20. For example, the two ends of the wire 60 can be fixed to the plate-like element 48 and the lever 20, respectively, by gluing. This arrangement makes it possible to connect the lever 20 and the plate-like element 18 by means of a flexible fixing and ensures that the contact between the lever 20 and the plate-like element 18 is stress-free.

[0105] Independently of the embodiment, the free space formed around the plate-like element 18 has a width between the plate-like element 18 and the peripheral edge of the element of the housing 2 closest to the plate-like element of between 10 μm and 500 μm, preferably between 10 μm and 400 μm, preferably between 10 μm and 300 μm, more preferably between 30 μm and 60 μm. Depending on the technology that can be used, widths of less than 10 μm are conceivable. Figure 6 As shown, the same also applies to the free space remaining between the plate-like elements when a plurality of plate-like elements are used.

[0106] The free space formed around the plate 18 is necessary for operation in piston mode and thus reduces the internal friction in said plate 18 , but it creates leak holes whose size must be as small as possible in order to reduce the loss of acoustic power.

[0107] The free space is also relative to the opening 62 (refer to Figure 2 ) is dimensioned, for example, the opening is arranged transversely on the housing 2 and the amplified sound leaves through the opening. The leak hole and the opening 62 can be characterized by their acoustic impedances. The opening 62 has an acoustic impedance that is much lower than the acoustic impedance of the leak hole, so that most of the compressed air leaves through the opening 62 to propagate the amplified sound. The ratio of the acoustic impedances in the effective frequency range between the leak hole and the opening 62 is preferably at least 2, and preferably 5.

[0108] Advantageously, the opening 62 can be closed by an adjustable closing device, which is arranged to be able to adjust the volume of the sound generated by the plate-shaped element 18, or is arranged to close the opening 62 once the sound has been generated (for example, outside the knocking time). These closing devices are arranged to be able to move between a closed position in which the opening 62 is completely closed and a maximum open position of the opening 62, and the intermediate position makes it possible to block the opening 62 more or less to adjust the volume. For example, the closing device may include a rotating element (for example, a ring-shaped element), which is rotatably mounted on the back cover 4 and is arranged to rotate between a closed position in which the opening 62 is completely blocked and a maximum open position of the opening 62.

[0109] Advantageously, when a water-resistant timepiece is sought, each opening 62 can be protected by a filter element that is permeable to air and impermeable to water, so as to prevent impurities or water from entering the housing. Such filters are known to those skilled in the art.

[0110] The timepiece according to the invention makes it possible to significantly amplify the sound by means of an articulated lever which directs the vibrations of the sound source on the correct axis, while at the same time maintaining the sound quality, which is hardly attenuated, by the use of a free plate-like element through which air can pass, which is no longer subject to deformation stresses. Unlike devices using waterproof membranes, in which the damping of vibrations is very important and the sound transmitted is very strong but very short, the invention makes it possible to obtain a resonance of good quality with a strong transmitted sound, which lasts as long as possible.

[0111] For most of the examples described above, a single gong is shown. It will be apparent that multiple gongs can be used in the same manner.

Claims

1. A timepiece (1), comprising a housing (2), the housing containing: a movement; at least one vibration generating device for generating vibrations, the vibration generating device for generating vibrations being intended to emit at least one sound; at least one device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, the device (16) for amplifying the vibrations comprising a lever (20), the lever being connected to a support (22) by a hinge rotating about a single rotation axis (21), the lever being arranged to be actuated by a transmission member (28) cooperating with the vibration generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever (20), so that the lever (20) pivots relative to the support (22) of the lever according to a vibration movement about its rotation axis (21), characterized in that The device (16) for amplifying vibrations comprises at least one plate-like member (18), the plate-like member being arranged to cooperate with the lever to move according to the vibration movement, and the plate-like member (18) being accommodated in the housing (2) to form a free space on the outer periphery of the plate-like member (18) exceeding at least 70% of the circumference of the plate-like member (18), and the plate-like member (18) having rigidity.

2. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that The plate-like element (18) acts like a piston over a frequency interval of at least two octaves, and the average displacement of points on the surface of the plate-like element is greater than 50% of the maximum displacement.

3. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plate-like element (18) is integral with the lever (20) and moves with the lever (20) in a rotational movement about the axis of rotation (21) of the lever (20).

4. The timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that The plate-like element (18) is fixed to the lever (20) via its main surface.

5. The timepiece according to claim 4, characterized in that The plate-like member (18) comprises an opening (36) in which the lever (20) is received.

6. The timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that The plate-like member (18) is fixed to the lever (20) via its peripheral edge.

7. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lever (20) is mounted on the support (22) in an articulated manner via two flexible ball joints (24), which are arranged as far apart from each other as possible.

8. The timepiece according to claim 3, characterized in that The timepiece comprises at least two vibration generating devices, at least two levers (20', 20"), at least one first plate-shaped element (18') associated with one of the levers (20') and a second plate-shaped element (18"), the first plate-shaped element (18') and the second plate-shaped element (18") being free to move independently of each other according to their respective vibration movements.

9. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plate (18) is arranged to cooperate with the lever (20) so as to be driven by a linear translation movement along an axis perpendicular to the plate (18).

10. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that The plate-like member (18) cooperates with the guide device to perform linear translation along the axis perpendicular to the plate-like member (18).

11. The timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that The guide device comprises at least three flexible appendages (40) which are regularly distributed on the periphery of the plate-like member (18) and connect the plate-like member (18) to a connecting support (42).

12. The timepiece according to claim 11, characterized in that The flexible appendage (40) and the connecting support (42) are formed by cutting into the plate-like member (18).

13. The timepiece according to claim 10, characterized in that The guide device is composed of a bracket (46) and at least three elastic arms (50), wherein the bracket includes a central plate-like member (48) integral with the plate-like member (18), and the at least three elastic arms connect the central plate-like member (48) to the housing (2).

14. The timepiece according to claim 9, characterized in that The plate-like member (18) is connected to the lever (20) via a spherical connection.

15. The timepiece according to claim 13, characterized in that The plate-like member (18) is connected to the lever (20) via a spherical connector, the central plate-like member (48) of the bracket (46) includes a contact area (54), the contact area is in contact with the free end (20b) of the lever (20), the contact area (54) and the free end (20b) are circular, and the central plate-like member (48) and the free end (20b) of the lever (20) respectively include central channels (56, 58) perpendicular to the plate-like member (18), the central channels are connected to each other, and a prestressed elastic line (60) passes through the central channel (56, 58), one end of the prestressed elastic line (60) is integrated with the central plate-like member (48), and the other end of the prestressed elastic line (60) is integrated with the free end (20b) of the lever (20).

16. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The free space formed around the plate-shaped member (18) has a width between the plate-shaped member (18) and the peripheral edge of the housing (2) closest to the plate-shaped member (18) of between 10 μm and 500 μm.

17. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vibration generating device is a striking gong (14) arranged to be struck by a striking hammer (12), the striking gong (14) being integrated with the transmission member (28), and the transmission member (28) being integrated with the lever (20).

18. The timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The vibration generating device is a rotating disc comprising a carved groove arranged to generate sound, and the transmission member (28) is a pointer integral with the lever (20) and arranged to follow the carved groove on the rotating disc.

19. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that The plate-shaped member (18) is accommodated in the housing (2) so as to form a free space on the outer periphery of the plate-shaped member (18) exceeding at least 80% of the circumference of the plate-shaped member (18).

20. The timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that The average displacement of points on the surface of the plate-like element is greater than 75% of the maximum displacement.

21. The timepiece according to claim 16, characterized in that The free space formed around the plate-shaped member (18) has a width between the plate-shaped member (18) and the peripheral edge of the housing (2) closest to the plate-shaped member (18) of between 30 μm and 60 μm.

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