Timepiece movement comprising a timepiece mechanism
By using a differential connector to separately drive the timing and time gear trains in the mechanical watch movement, and by utilizing an independent energy source and a differential ball joint, the problem of uneven energy consumption of the timing mechanism under different operating conditions is solved, achieving low-energy consumption, high-precision power transmission and stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BLANCPAIN SA
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
The energy consumption of existing mechanical watch movements is uneven between different activation states of the timing mechanism, resulting in changes in the movement speed and the movement speed of the regulating components. Furthermore, existing connectors are complex and have unstable energy consumption.
A differential connector is used to drive the timing mechanism and the timing wheel system separately. The timing wheel system is connected to the adjustment component as needed through the differential connector. The timing wheel system is driven by an independent second energy source, and the connection and disconnection are achieved with low energy consumption and high precision through the differential ball connector.
It achieves low-energy consumption and high-precision power transmission of the timing mechanism, reduces energy consumption fluctuations, simplifies the connector structure, and improves the stability and responsiveness of the movement.
Smart Images
Figure CN117289584B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a watch movement including a timing mechanism.
[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a timing mechanism that works in conjunction with an auxiliary power source, which is not the primary power source dedicated to the movement or to time indication.
[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector for quickly connecting the adjusting components of a watch movement to the timing mechanism when the timing mechanism is activated.
[0004] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. Background Technology
[0005] Existing mechanical watch movements that include timing mechanisms have several drawbacks, such as variations in the movement rate or the amplitude of the regulating components between different active states of the timing mechanism (e.g., between the working and stopped states of the timing mechanism).
[0006] These variations in the rate of motion or isochronism of the regulating components are at least partly due to the fact that the energy consumed is not the same, depending on the triggered function of the timing mechanism (in particular whether the timing mechanism is active or stopped).
[0007] One proposed solution to overcome this drawback involves separating the chronograph train from the main energy source of the watch movement's rouage horaire, so that this energy source is exclusively dedicated to the rouage horaire and time indication. Therefore, the watch movement's power reserve is not dependent on the activation (operation or deactivation) of the chronograph mechanism.
[0008] Such a solution is specifically described in Swiss Patent No. 703797B 1. This document describes the use of a mainspring barrel driving the timing train, which actuates the hour and minute display devices, including adjusting members of the regulating mechanism (balancier spiral) and escapement mechanism to adjust the timing train; and the use of a secondary mainspring barrel specifically for the chronograph mechanism and driving the chronograph train. When the chronograph mechanism is activated via the chronograph start / stop control device, a coupling is used to connect and adjust the chronograph train using the movement's adjusting members.
[0009] The proposed coupling includes a wolf tooth integrated with the escape wheel, which cooperates with the coupling wheel assembly, which carries the jumping seconds pinion shaft, a first star wheel with 6 teeth integrated with the jumping seconds pinion, and a second star wheel with 6 teeth, which is freely mounted on the jumping seconds pinion shaft and connected to the first star wheel by a pin passing through an elliptical groove in the second star wheel.
[0010] However, such couplings are complex and bulky to manufacture, and require the escape wheel to be made even more complex, as the escape wheel is an extremely sensitive part in a watch movement.
[0011] Furthermore, the energy consumption of such connectors differs depending on whether the chronograph movement is in operation or stopped, which raises questions.
[0012] Therefore, there is a need to improve watch movements equipped with timing mechanisms that are powered by an energy source that is not the primary energy source for the time train (used to indicate time). Summary of the Invention
[0013] In this context, the present invention proposes a watch movement comprising a timing mechanism and a coupling that enables the timing mechanism to be coupled to the adjustment members of the movement on demand, instantly, and with low power consumption.
[0014] In this case, the present invention relates to a watch movement comprising:
[0015] - A time gear system dedicated to time division of the watch movement, the time gear system being driven by a first energy source;
[0016] - Adjustment components used to adjust the time gear train;
[0017] - A timing mechanism comprising a timing wheel system driven by a second energy source;
[0018] - A connector configured to connect the timing gear train to an adjusting member as needed, so as to adjust the timing gear train using the adjusting member;
[0019] - Timing start / stop control device that works in conjunction with the connector;
[0020] The connector is characterized as a differential connector, comprising:
[0021] - A first input wheel, which is driven by the time wheel system and has a rotational speed adjustable by an adjusting member;
[0022] - Output wheel, which meshes with the timing wheel train;
[0023] - The second input wheel is an idler wheel, which works directly or indirectly with the timing start / stop control device;
[0024] The connector includes a drive assembly configured to cause the output wheel to rotate at the rotational speed adjusted by an adjusting member when the rotation of the second input wheel is blocked by a timing start / stop control device.
[0025] In addition to the features mentioned above, the watch movement according to the invention may have one or more supplementary features, which may be considered individually or in any combination that is technically possible:
[0026] - The differential coupler is a differential ball coupler;
[0027] - The first input wheel is incorporated into the time wheel system;
[0028] - The output wheel is parallel to the first input wheel, and the output wheel meshes directly or indirectly with the timing wheel train;
[0029] -The first input wheel and the output wheel are coaxial;
[0030] - The drive assembly consists of balls and elastic elements, the balls being carried by a second input wheel and configured to roll between a first input wheel and an output wheel, and the elastic elements being configured to push the first input wheel and the output wheel toward each other, thereby producing non-slip rolling of the balls in contact with the first input wheel and the output wheel;
[0031] -The elastic element is a spring washer;
[0032] -The time wheel system drives the hour display device and the minute display device;
[0033] - The second energy source is dedicated to the timing wheel system;
[0034] -The second energy source is a spring-loaded drum;
[0035] -The timing wheel system includes a timing minute counter and a timing second counter;
[0036] - The timing gear system includes fractional second counters;
[0037] - The timing mechanism includes a reset mechanism for resetting at least one timing counter included in the timing gear train to zero;
[0038] - The regulating component includes a high-frequency oscillator with an oscillation frequency greater than or equal to 5Hz;
[0039] - The timing start / stop control device includes a connecting yoke configured to block the free rotation of the second input wheel when the start / stop control member is activated.
[0040] Another aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement according to the invention. The timepiece is preferably a wristwatch comprising a case configured to receive and house the watch movement according to the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0041] The objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0042] - Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of the watch movement according to the present invention;
[0043] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the watch movement according to the present invention is shown below;
[0044] - Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the differential coupling of a watch movement according to the present invention.
[0045] In all the figures, unless otherwise stated, common elements have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation
[0046] Figure 1 A schematic plan view of a watch movement 100 according to the present invention is shown.
[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the watch movement 100 according to the present invention shown illustrates the interaction between the various components of the watch movement 100, which will be described below.
[0048] The watch movement 100 according to the present invention includes a time train 110 dedicated to time division, and the time train 110 is driven by a first energy source 50, which is referred to as the main energy source.
[0049] The first energy source 50 is, for example, a spring drum, which serves as an energy reserve to power the time gear train 110.
[0050] The time wheel system 110 drives the hands of the time display device, particularly the hour hand 111 which cooperates with the hour scale, the minute hand 112 which cooperates with the minute scale, and the second hand 113 or the second hand which cooperates with the second scale.
[0051] The time wheel system 110 typically includes an hour wheel for the hour hand 111 that carries the time display device, a minute wheel for the minute hand 112 that carries the time display device, and a second wheel for the second hand 113 that carries the time display device.
[0052] The time gear train 110 may be further included as needed, including intermediate gear pairs.
[0053] The time wheel system 110 is adjusted by the adjusting component 120.
[0054] The adjusting component 120 typically includes an oscillator 121 and an escapement mechanism 122.
[0055] Oscillator 121 is an electronic or mechanical oscillator.
[0056] For example, oscillator 121 is a mechanically speed-regulating oscillator. Such a speed-regulating mechanism has an oscillation frequency, for example, between 2.5 and 4 Hz.
[0057] For example, oscillator 121 is a high-frequency electronic or mechanical oscillator, that is, oscillating at a frequency greater than 4Hz.
[0058] For example, oscillator 121 is a high-frequency electronic or mechanical oscillator, that is, oscillating at a frequency greater than or equal to 5 Hz.
[0059] The watch movement 100 also includes a timing mechanism 130.
[0060] The timing mechanism 130 includes a timing wheel train 140 driven by a second energy source 40, which is referred to as a secondary energy source and is different from the primary energy source 50.
[0061] Therefore, the entire timing gear train 140 is powered by the second energy source 40, independent of the first energy source of the actuation timing gear train 110.
[0062] Preferably, the second energy source 40 is dedicated to driving the timing gear train 140. However, the second energy source 40 can also be used to power additional complex components of the watch movement 100.
[0063] The second energy source 40 is, for example, a spring drum, which constitutes an energy reserve specifically for the timing gear train 140. Therefore, the spring drum is designed and sized to provide the energy required to operate the timing mechanism 130.
[0064] Therefore, when the first energy source 50 and the second energy source 40 are spring drums, all the energy consumed by the timing gear train 140 is output by the second spring drum 40, and all the energy of the first spring drum 50 is used only for the timing gear train 110, thereby increasing the power reserve of the timing gear train 110.
[0065] The timing wheel system 140 specifically includes a minute counter 141 and a second counter 142.
[0066] The minute counter 141 includes a minute counter wheel 144 that drives the minute hand 145.
[0067] The chronograph 142 includes a second counter wheel 146 that drives the chronograph second hand 147.
[0068] In the example shown, the timing gear train 140 also includes a fractional second counter 143 or a jumping second counter, which has a jumping second pinion 148 that drives the timing jumping second hand 149.
[0069] The chronograph train 140 includes intermediate chronograph gear sets to achieve the desired ratio between the different counters 141, 142, and 143. Furthermore, the chronograph train 140 may also include additional intermediate gear sets, depending on the needs and structure of the movement and the layout of the minute counter 141, second counter 142, and jumping second counter 143 in the watch movement 100.
[0070] The minute counter 141, second counter 142, and jumping second counter 143 typically include a reset cam, such as a snail, heart, or similar shape, for use with the timer reset mechanism 200 (see...). Figure 2 (The block diagram in the image) resets the counter to the reference position.
[0071] The zeroing mechanism 200 typically includes a zeroing controller 210 that can be operated by a user (e.g., via a button or actuation pin). The zeroing controller 210 works directly or indirectly with a zeroing hammer 220, which works with corresponding zeroing cams of different counters 141, 142, 143.
[0072] Since the zeroing mechanism 200 is a conventional timer / counter zeroing mechanism known to those skilled in the art, the present invention can be implemented without further description.
[0073] The watch movement 100 includes a connector 150, which is configured to:
[0074] - The timing wheel train 140 is connected to the adjustment member 120 of the watch movement 100 as needed, so that the timing wheel train 140 can be adjusted in sync with the adjustment member 120 and thus the various chronographs 141, 142, 143 can be adjusted.
[0075] - Disconnect the timing gear train 140 from the adjusting member 120 to stop the timing gear train 140 and the various pointers 145, 147, and 149 of the timing counters 141, 142, and 143.
[0076] Therefore, the connector 150 allows the timing wheel train 140 to be kinematically connected to the escapement 122 as needed via the timing start / stop control device 250.
[0077] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector 150 of the watch movement 100 according to the present invention.
[0078] The connector 150 is a differential connector, with its first input being the timing gear train 110, its second input being the timing start / stop control device 250, and its output being the timing gear train 140.
[0079] More specifically, the differential connector 150 includes:
[0080] - First input wheel 151, which is driven by time wheel train 110 and thus has a rotational speed adjusted by adjustment member 120;
[0081] - Output wheel 152, which meshes with the timing wheel train 140;
[0082] - Second input wheel 153, which is an idler wheel, works directly or indirectly with timing start / stop control device 250.
[0083] The output wheel 152 is parallel to the first input wheel 151.
[0084] Preferably, the first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152 are coaxial.
[0085] Preferably, the first input wheel 151, the second input wheel 153, and the output wheel 152 are coaxial.
[0086] The differential coupling 150 also includes drive assemblies 165 and 166, which are configured to cause the output wheel 152 to rotate at the rotational speed adjusted by the adjusting member 120 when the rotation of the second input wheel 153 is blocked by the timing start / stop control device 250.
[0087] Preferably, the differential connector 150 is a differential ball connector. Therefore, the drive assembly is formed by the cooperation of the ball 165 and the elastic element formed by the spring washer 166, ensuring that the ball 165 rolls without slippage on the first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152.
[0088] The first input gear 151 is integrated with the connecting shaft 155. The input pinion 161 is riveted to the connecting shaft 155, so that the input pinion 161 and the first input gear 151 form an input gear pair.
[0089] For example, the input gear pair is incorporated into the timing gear train 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the input gear pair is inserted between the second gear pair 115 and the multiplier gear pair 116 that meshes with the escapement mechanism 122 in the timing gear train 110. Therefore, the input gear pair is incorporated into the first kinematic chain formed by the entire gear train between the first energy source 50 and the adjusting member 120.
[0090] More specifically, the first input gear 151 meshes with the multiplier gear 116, and the input pinion 161 meshes with the second gear pair 115 of the time gear train 110.
[0091] The output wheel 152 of the differential connector 150 is located at the end of the motion chain of the timing gear train 140. Therefore, a second motion chain is formed between the second energy source 40 and the differential connector 150 (and especially the output wheel 152).
[0092] The output wheel 152 is freely mounted around the connecting shaft 155, for example by means of a ball bearing 156.
[0093] The second input wheel 153 is an idler wheel, which is mounted to rotate freely around the connecting shaft 155. The second input wheel 153 controls the connection between the first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152.
[0094] The balls 165 that drive the rotation of the output wheel 152 are arranged to pass through the plate 157 of the second input wheel 153. The balls 165 are supported against the first input wheel 151 and against the output wheel 152.
[0095] The first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152 are kept under pressure by the spring washer 166, ensuring that the ball 165 rolls without slippage on the plate of the first input wheel 151 and the plate of the output wheel 152.
[0096] Therefore, when the timing mechanism 130 is activated by the timing start / stop control device 250, this differential coupler 150 allows the timing wheel train 140 to be connected via the output wheel 152 to the time wheel train 110, which is adjusted by the adjustment member 120 via the first input wheel 151.
[0097] The timing start / stop control device 250 includes a start / stop control member 252 that initiates operation of the connecting yoke 251, which is configured to prevent free rotation of the second input wheel 153. The start / stop control member 252 may be formed from a combination of a start controller and a stop controller, which need not be combined into a single component.
[0098] The output wheel 152 is driven by the connection that blocks the rotation of the second input wheel 153, so that the output wheel rotates under the adjustment of the adjustment member 120 of the time wheel train 110.
[0099] Such a drive is possible because the ball bearing 165 rolls without slippage on the respective plates of the first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152.
[0100] In the configuration shown, the first input wheel 151 and the output wheel 152 have the same rotational speed and rate, but rotate in opposite directions.
[0101] When the timing mechanism 130 is stopped, the connecting yoke 251 releases the second input wheel 153, allowing it to rotate freely. Therefore, the output wheel 152 is disconnected from the first input wheel 151. In this stopped position of the timing mechanism 130, the output wheel 152 is stopped, while the two input wheels 151 and 153 rotate forward.
[0102] The timing start / stop control device 250 may further include conventional means for holding the timing counter in the appropriate position when the timing stops.
[0103] Such differential couplings 150 (which preferably include balls as proposed in this application) allow complex devices (e.g., timing mechanisms 130 with a dedicated power source 40) to be adjusted as needed.
[0104] Therefore, this type of differential connector 150 eliminates the need for a second regulating member (with its associated synchronization complexity).
[0105] The differential connector 150 according to the invention enables complex devices (in this case, timing mechanisms 130) to be connected and disconnected very quickly.
[0106] Due to the reliable gap that needs to be overcome between the coupling position (effective timing mechanism) and the disconnection position (ineffective timing mechanism) of the connector, the differential connector 150 according to the invention is a reactive high-precision connector.
[0107] Therefore, such differential couplers are particularly suitable for watch movements that include high-frequency oscillators and / or jumping seconds that display the seconds division. More specifically, given the very small time divisions (fractions of a second) and / or the high frequency of the oscillations of the high-frequency oscillator, these two exemplary applications require a high degree of responsiveness from such couplers.
[0108] The present invention also relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, that includes such a watch movement.
Claims
1. A watch movement (100), the watch movement comprising: - A time gear train (110) dedicated to the time division of the watch movement, the time gear train (110) being driven by a first energy source (50); - Adjustment member (120) for adjusting the time gear train (110); - Timing mechanism (130), the timing mechanism including timing wheel train (140) driven by a second energy source (40); - A connector (150) configured to connect the timing gear train (140) to the adjustment member (120) as needed, so as to adjust the timing gear train (140) using the adjustment member (120). - A timing start / stop control device (250) that works in conjunction with the connector (150); The connector (150) is characterized in that it is a differential connector, comprising: The first input wheel (151) is driven by the time wheel system (110) and has a rotational speed adjusted by the adjustment member (120); Output wheel (152), which meshes with the timing wheel train (140); The second input wheel (153) is an idler wheel, which works directly or indirectly with the timing start / stop control device (250); The connector (150) includes drive components (165, 166) configured to cause the output wheel (152) to rotate at the rotational speed adjusted by the adjustment member (120) when the rotation of the second input wheel (153) is blocked by the timing start / stop control device (250).
2. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential connector (150) is a differential ball connector.
3. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first input wheel (151) is incorporated into the time wheel system (110).
4. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The output wheel (152) is parallel to the first input wheel (151), and the output wheel (152) is directly or indirectly engaged with the timing wheel system (140).
5. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first input wheel (151) and the output wheel (152) are coaxial.
6. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly is formed of balls (165) and elastic elements (166), the balls being carried by the second input wheel (153) and configured to roll between the first input wheel (151) and the output wheel (152), the elastic elements being configured to push the first input wheel (151) and the output wheel (152) toward each other, thereby producing non-slip rolling of the balls (165) in contact with the first input wheel (153) and the output wheel (152).
7. The watch movement (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic element (166) is a spring washer.
8. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time wheel system (110) drives the hour display device (111) and the minute display device (112).
9. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second energy source (40) is dedicated to the timing gear train (140).
10. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second energy source (40) is a spring drum.
11. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The timing gear train (140) includes a minute counter (141) and a second counter (142).
12. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The timing gear train (140) includes a fractional-second counter (143).
13. The watch movement (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The timing mechanism (130) includes a reset mechanism (200) for resetting at least one timing counter (141, 142, 143) included in the timing gear train (140) to zero.
14. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adjustment component (120) includes a high-frequency oscillator (121) with an oscillation frequency greater than or equal to 5 Hz.
15. The watch movement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The timing start / stop control device (250) includes a connecting yoke (251) configured to block the free rotation of the second input wheel (153) when the start / stop control member (252) is activated.
16. A timepiece comprising a watch movement (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.