Movement for a timepiece and timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to a movement for a timepiece, comprising a timepiece component (10) having a first energy source (14) and a gear train (16) kinematically connected to at least one time indicator; and a control component (11) comprising a control member (35). The timepiece movement is characterized in that it further comprises a blocking member (56) for the gear train (16); a mobile unit (33) supporting the control component (11); a guide component (12) for the mobile unit (33), comprising at least one track (30, 32); a drive mechanism for the mobile unit (33), arranged to move the mobile unit along the guide component (12); and a release mechanism (13) for the blocking member (56). The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical watchmaking. More specifically, it relates to a watch movement for a timepiece that includes a moving adjustment mechanism.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a movement for a watch, the movement comprising: a counting assembly including a first energy source and a gear train movably connected to at least one time indicator, the counting assembly being part of a first motion chain; and an adjusting assembly including an adjusting mechanism and being part of a second motion chain different from the first motion chain.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a movement. Background Technology

[0004] For a long time, watch movements have been equipped with at least one tourbillon or disc-type regulating mechanism. These mechanisms are designed to improve the isochronism of the watch movement by making it less sensitive to its position. More specifically, the regulating mechanism causes the balance wheel to move over time, so that it occupies different positions. The average value of the isochronism error as a function of the balance wheel position is, in principle, closer to zero than the isochronism error at a given movement position.

[0005] Tourbillon or disc-type regulating mechanisms were originally developed for pocket watches, which were typically kept in a vertical position. This type of regulating mechanism is less relevant to wristwatches, where the position often changes according to the wearer's movements.

[0006] To account for the wearer's variable movements and changes in the watch's position and orientation, various watch movements have been developed, including, for example, two or even three tourbillons that move along different axes (e.g., orthogonal axes). In these designs, each tourbillon has a balance wheel whose axis of rotation remains fixed during the tourbillon's operation.

[0007] There are also movements with a single balance wheel supported by an adjusting mechanism that moves the balance wheel along a non-parallel axis. In known designs based on this principle, the axis of the balance wheel moves along a cone. There are also watch movements that include a balance wheel supported by an adjusting mechanism that moves the axis of the balance wheel along a sphere.

[0008] In all cases, the range of positions that the axis of the balance wheel can reach is very limited and corresponds to a geometric trajectory. Therefore, this displacement cannot be freely chosen.

[0009] No watch movement allows the balance wheel to move to a position and orientation freely chosen by the movement designer. Therefore, various regulating mechanisms have a relatively similar appearance.

[0010] Therefore, it is of interest to develop a watch movement in which the balance wheel can be moved to any position chosen by the movement designer, and these movements are not limited to the geometric trajectory of parts such as straight lines, cones or spheres.

[0011] Patent EP3543797 describes a watch movement with a tourbillon-type regulating mechanism. The tourbillon can move linearly, so that the planes of its movement are always parallel to each other. This watch movement has two distinct motion chains. The first is conventional and responsible for displaying the time. The second motion chain is responsible for moving the regulating system in a direction perpendicular to the overall plane of the watch movement.

[0012] The movement described in this patent does not allow the balance wheel's axis to move freely. In fact, all possible positions for the balance wheel axis are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the two motion chains described in the patent are always separate and never merge to form a single motion chain. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of this invention is to provide a watch movement in which the balance wheel spring can move in a large number of different positions and orientations, which are chosen by the movement designer without being bound by the obligation to follow geometric rules.

[0014] This invention relates to a movement for watch movement as defined in the preamble, characterized in that the movement further comprises:

[0015] • A locking member for the gear train, the locking member forming part of the first kinematic chain and arranged to connect or disconnect the first kinematic chain and the second kinematic chain when the locking member is actuated;

[0016] • The movable component that carries the adjustment component;

[0017] • A guide component for moving components, the guide component including at least one track;

[0018] • A drive mechanism for a moving component, arranged to move the moving component along a guide component; and

[0019] • A mechanism for releasing the locking component.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a watch with a movement as defined above.

[0021] In mechanical watches, different mechanisms perform different functions, which are essentially the same in all movements. These functions include energy accumulation, counting and transfer, distribution, regulation, and finally, time display. In known watches, the various components performing these functions are continuously connected to each other in motion to ensure the operation of the watch movement.

[0022] In the watch movement according to the invention, the components performing these various functions are not always kinetically connected to each other, thus forming two different and independent motion chains at certain moments in the movement's operating cycle. In particular, this allows a component of one motion chain to be moved to any desired position without having to be kinetically connected to an element of the other motion chain for the entire duration of the movement. However, the time display and its accuracy can be guaranteed.

[0023] According to the present invention, the geometry of the movement of the balance wheel axis can be chosen with complete freedom, without being constrained by geometric trajectories such as straight lines, cones, or spheres. Thus, the axis of the balance wheel can take on a large number of different positions, and the isochronism correction of the clock no longer depends on the latter's position.

[0024] The regulating mechanism can be integrated into the watch, making it visible. Its unique way of working gives the watch a remarkable aesthetic appearance, completely different from known regulating mechanisms. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention and its advantages will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and a detailed description of specific embodiments, wherein:

[0026] - Figure 1 This is an overall view of the watch movement according to the present invention;

[0027] - Figure 2 The counting component of the watch movement of the present invention is shown;

[0028] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A view of the adjustment components of the watch movement;

[0029] - Figure 4 A release mechanism for a watch movement according to the invention is shown;

[0030] - Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the moving component that forms part of the watch movement of the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of the moving component;

[0032] - Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A detailed view of a portion of the moving component;

[0033] - Figure 8 The first position is shown. Figure 2 adjustment components and Figure 4 The release mechanism;

[0034] - Figure 9The second position is shown. Figure 8 Adjustment components and release mechanism;

[0035] - Figure 10 The release mechanism in the first position is shown;

[0036] - Figure 11 The second position is shown. Figure 10 The release mechanism;

[0037] - Figure 12 The third position is shown. Figure 10 The release mechanism; and

[0038] - Figure 13 The fourth position is shown. Figure 10 Details of the release mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the movement of the present invention includes... Figure 2 The first component, shown in detail herein, is referred to herein as counting component 10. This counting component performs the functions of energy storage, counting, and transfer. The movement of the present invention includes a second component, referred herein as regulating component 11, and particularly... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, this adjustment component performs allocation and adjustment functions.

[0040] The watch movement according to the invention also includes, in particular Figures 1 to 4 The boot component 12 shown in the figure and especially in Figure 4 The release mechanisms 13 shown in the figure, their functions and structures are explained in detail below.

[0041] Especially referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2 The counting assembly 10 includes a first energy source 14, which can advantageously be in the form of a conventional mainspring barrel 15, i.e., containing a mainspring barrel spring. The counting assembly 10 also includes a gear train 16 powered by the mainspring barrel spring. This gear train 16 can be formed by a central gear transmission 17 including a central gear 18 and a central pinion 19, and an intermediate gear transmission 20 including an intermediate gear 21 and an intermediate pinion 22. The gear train 16 also includes at least one minute indicator 23, which is formed, for example, by a pointer carried by a cannon-pinion 25.

[0042] like Figure 2As shown, the counting assembly 10 of the watch movement according to the invention includes an energy transmission gear drive or transmission gear drive 26 formed by a connecting pinion 27, which is kinematically connected to the gear train 16 of the counting assembly 10, particularly to the intermediate gear 21. The transmission gear drive 26 also includes a toothed transmission wheel 28, the function of which will be explained below. The transmission gear drive 26 also includes a transmission pinion with a return gear ring 29. The connecting pinion 27, the return gear ring 29, and the transmission wheel 28 are integral, such that rotation of one causes rotation of the others.

[0043] From the mainspring barrel 15 to the transmission gear drive 26, the counting assembly 10 forms the first motion chain of the watch movement according to the invention.

[0044] The guide assembly 12 of the watch movement according to the invention comprises two tracks. One track (referred to as drive track 30) is equipped with a rack 31, and the other track (referred to as guide track 32) is smooth. In a preferred embodiment, the two tracks can have any shape, but must always be in a specific geometric relationship, as described below. These tracks are fixed and connected to the plate of the watch movement.

[0045] Adjustment component 11 includes, in particular Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The movable component 33 is shown in the diagram. This movable component 33 carries a second energy source 34 and an adjustment mechanism 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the second energy source 34 includes a helical spring 36, which is integrally formed with a gear ring 37 and a paddle wheel 38. The paddle wheel 38 is held in a raised position by a pawl 39. The gear ring 37 meshes with a pinion of an intermediate gear transmission 41. The gear 42 of the intermediate gear transmission 41, in turn, meshes with a pinion of the drive wheel 44 of the movable component 33. The drive wheel 44 meshes with a rack 31 of a drive track 30 to ensure that the movable component 33 moves along the track when the drive wheel 44 rotates. Figure 7 This is specifically illustrated. When the track is fixed relative to the plate of the movement, the rotation of the drive wheel 44 causes the moving component 33 to move along the track.

[0046] Especially Figure 6As can be seen, the drive wheel 44 is connected to the escape wheel 45 via a mechanism called the "constant force device 46". The escape wheel 45 engages with the balance wheel spring 47 via an anchor 48. The anchor 48 and the balance wheel spring 47 act specifically as an adjusting mechanism 35 to influence the movement of the moving component 33, causing the moving component to move in steps, the frequency of which is specifically adjusted by the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel spring 47. In addition to adjusting the movement of the moving component 33, the anchor 48 and the balance wheel spring 47 also perform the distribution and adjustment functions of a conventional mechanical watch movement.

[0047] As described above, the guide assembly 12 includes a drive rail 30 with a rack 31 and a guide rail 32 along which the moving assembly 33 moves. To ensure constant contact between the drive wheel 44 and the drive rail 30 and to ensure predictable positioning of the moving assembly 33, the moving assembly includes a first guide wheel carrier 49 with at least one double roller 50 designed to press against the portion of the drive rail 30 opposite to the rack 31. The moving assembly 33 also includes a second guide wheel carrier 51, which also has at least one double roller 52 and is arranged to press against the guide rail 32. In a preferred embodiment, one guide wheel carrier, including one double roller, is mounted to pivot on the clamp 53 of the moving assembly, while the other guide wheel carrier includes two double rollers 50. The geometry between the two rails of the guide assembly 12 ensures that the total clearance between the guide wheel carriers 49, 51 and the rails remains substantially constant regardless of the position of the moving assembly or the curvature of the rails. In this way, the moving component 33 is constantly guided between the drive rail 30 and the guide rail 32 via the guide wheel frame.

[0048] The second energy source 34, the balance wheel spring 47, the drive wheel 44, and the elements connected to them form a second kinematic chain, distinct from the first kinematic chain. These two kinematic chains can coordinate at certain times and operate independently at others, as will be explained in detail below.

[0049] The release mechanism 13 is partially supported by the moving component 33 and partially by the plate of the watch movement. The portion of the release mechanism supported by the moving component 33 is referred to as the moving portion 54 of the release mechanism. The portion of the release mechanism supported by the plate is referred to as the pivoting portion 55 of the release mechanism.

[0050] The release mechanism 13 includes a gear-driven locking member 56 arranged to prevent uncontrolled rotation of the gear train 16 of the counting assembly 10. The locking member 56 can act on any moving part of the counting assembly, depending on the movement's construction. The locking member 56 includes a release arm 57 pivoting about axis 58 and connected to a plate (not shown). The locking member 56 is equipped with a lever 59, a return finger 60, and a safety stop 61.

[0051] The moving part 54 of the release mechanism is particularly Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the figure. The movable part 54 includes a release arm 62, which is integrally formed with the clamp 43 of the movable assembly 33. The release arm 62 includes a lever 63, the function of which will be described in detail below.

[0052] The pivot portion 55 of the release mechanism is particularly Figures 8 to 13 As shown in the diagram. The pivoting portion 55 includes a whisk 64 mounted on the movement plate, which is freely pivotable about the whisk axis 65. The whisk 64 includes a ramp 66, the shape and position of which allow it to engage with the lever 63 of the release arm 62 as the moving assembly 33 passes near it. The whisk 64 also has a recess 67 in which the release arm 57 of the locking member 56 can move. The whisk 64 also has a safety shoulder 68 designed to engage with a safety stop 61 on the locking member 56, and a return spring 69 designed to return the whisk 64 to a rest position.

[0053] To prevent the locking member 56 from accidentally releasing the transmission mechanism 26, for example in the event of an impact, the rotation of the locking member 56 about its axis of rotation 58 is restricted by a safety stop 61, which may press against the safety shoulder 68 of the slant handle 64. The lever 59 of the locking member 56 remains in the path of the first tooth 70 of the transmission gear drive 26.

[0054] When the watch movement is running, the counting component 10 is initially kept stationary by the locking member 56 of the release mechanism 13.

[0055] In a position known as the blocking position, corresponding to the rest position of the release arm 57 of the locking member 56, the lever 59 of the locking member contacts the first tooth 70 of the transmission wheel 28 and prevents the transmission gear drive 26 from rotating about its axis of rotation. The elements forming the first kinematic chain are stationary. This position is... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown in the image.

[0056] Energy is concentrated in the helical spring 36 of the second energy source 34 of the regulating assembly 11. This energy actuates the balance wheel spring 47 and the anchor 48 in a conventional manner.

[0057] This energy is also transferred to the drive wheel 44 of the moving component 33. Therefore, with each alternation of movement, the anchor 48 disengages from the gear transmission of the moving device and allows the drive wheel 44 to pivot, thereby causing the moving component 33 to move along the drive track 30 by means of the rack 31. Due to the corresponding positions of the drive track 30 and the guide track 32, and the positions of the guide wheel carriers 49, 51, the moving component 33 is guided along the path defined by the tracks. The moving component 33 moves at a known, constant, and predetermined speed, which depends in particular on the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel spring 47.

[0058] During most of the movement of the moving assembly 33, the moving portion 54 of the release mechanism does not engage with the pivot portion 55 of the release mechanism. The slant handle 64 is stationary and held in that position by the return spring 69.

[0059] During the movement of the moving component 33, when the moving component 33 reaches the predetermined position along its path, such as Figure 9 As shown, the release arm 62 of the moving part 54 of the release mechanism contacts the inclined surface 66 of the inclined handle 64. The contact between the lever 63 of the release arm 62 and the inclined surface 66 causes the inclined handle 64 to pivot about its axis of rotation 65. The release arm 57 of the locking member 56 slides in the groove 67 of the inclined handle 64 under the action of the rotation of the inclined handle about the axis of rotation 65. The pivoting part 55 of the release mechanism is fully raised.

[0060] exist Figure 10 During further movement of the moving assembly 33, the lever 63 of the release arm 62 disengages from the ramp 66 of the slant handle 64. Under the action of the return spring 69, the slant handle 64 falls back by pivoting about its axis 65, storing energy during its fall, causing it to move beyond its rest position. The release arm 57 of the locking member 56 contacts the edge of the recess 67. The locking member 56 then pivots about its axis of rotation 58. This causes the locking member 56 to move to the so-called release position, where the release arm 57 moves so that its lever 59 no longer presses against the first tooth 70 of the transmission wheel 28, thus creating a rearward angle for the transmission wheel. The return finger 60 is positioned between two teeth of the return gear ring 29.

[0061] Then, the transmission gear drive 26 can rotate about its axis under the force transmitted from the spring barrel 15 via the gear train 16 and the transmission pinion 29. This position is... Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0062] During this rotation, the energy supplied by the spring box 15 to the transmission gear drive 26 is transferred to the propeller wheel 38 of the second energy source 34. For this purpose, the third tooth 72 of the transmission wheel 28 contacts the paddle 73 of the propeller wheel 38 of the second energy source. The rotation of the transmission gear drive 26 causes the propeller wheel 38 to rotate and loads the helical spring 36 of the second energy source 34.

[0063] In principle, the transmission wheel 28 rotates in a manner corresponding to one tooth. During this rotation, the second tooth 71 of the return gear ring 29 pushes the return finger 60 of the locking member 56. The locking member pivots about its axis 58 to return to its resting position. Simultaneously, the release arm 57 of the locking member rests on the edge of the groove 67 and returns the slant handle 64 to its resting position.

[0064] At the end of the rotation corresponding to one tooth of the transmission gear 26, the locking member 56 returns to the locked position, in which the fourth tooth 75 of the transmission wheel 28 presses against the lever 59 of the locking member 56 and the second tooth 71 of the return gear ring 29 pushes the return finger 60, so that the lever 59 is in the path of the fourth tooth 75 of the transmission wheel 28. The fourth tooth 75 presses against the lever 59 and causes the locking member 56 to rotate about the axis 58, thereby pressing against the stop 76 on the locking member. Without any stress from the release mechanism 13, the release arm 57 returns to the rest position to prevent further pivoting of the transmission gear 26. This position is... Figure 12 As shown in the image.

[0065] The third tooth 72 of the transmission wheel 28 has pushed the blade 73 so far that one of the blades 74 is locked onto the pawl 39.

[0066] When the transmission gear drive 26 rotates, the energy contained in the first energy source 14 is released and transmitted to the second energy source 34 via the gear train 16, the energy transmission gear drive 26, and the propeller wheel 38. At this time, the first kinematic chain, which includes the mainspring barrel 15 and the transmission gear drive 26, and the second kinematic chain, which includes the second energy source 34 and the escapement mechanism, are kinematically connected.

[0067] The energy transferred from the first energy source 14 to the second energy source 34 is sufficient to move the moving component 33 to the next position, where energy is transferred again from the first energy source to the second energy source.

[0068] The release of locking member 56 also involves the release of gear train 16 and the displacement of minute indicator 23 corresponding to the time taken for moving component 33 to move.

[0069] The second energy source 34 can be replenished by alternating escapement cycles. In this case, the moving component 33 remains stationary during replenishment. It can also be replenished in more than one escapement cycle. In this case, the moving component 33 moves during replenishment.

[0070] When the energy transfer between the first and second energy sources is completed and the locking member 56 has returned to the position that prevents the transmission gear transmission device 26 from rotating, the two kinematic chains separate again and no longer interact.

[0071] The moving component 33 continues its journey along the track, while the counting component 10 remains stationary until the locking component 56 is released next time.

[0072] In the sense that the moving component 33 is replenished with energy from the second energy source 34 when it contacts the slant handle, the assembly including the slant handle 64, the locking member 56, and the transmission gear transmission device 26 can be regarded as a "replenishment station".

[0073] For example, the dimensions of each part can be determined such that the moving component 33 completes one revolution of the track and provides a single supply station within one minute. In this case, when the locking component 56 is released, the time indicator (e.g., minute indicator 23) moves through an angle corresponding to one minute.

[0074] Unlike known watch movements, in the movement described herein, the counter assembly 10 and the regulating assembly 11 do not always cooperate with each other. In fact, except when the regulating assembly 11 is engaged with the bevel 64, the regulating assembly 11 is autonomous and independent of the counter assembly 10 throughout its entire journey. This independence means that the regulating assembly 11 can actually move along any path defined by the track.

[0075] At a certain point along the path of the moving component 33, as in a conventional movement, the counting component 10 and the adjusting component 11 form a single motion chain, and then separate again.

[0076] The invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, many variations are conceivable. In the illustrated embodiment, a single "supply station" is provided. However, multiple stations may be provided along a route taken by the moving component, for example, three stations may be provided at equal or irregular intervals. In this case, each time the counting component and the dispensing component form the same motion chain, the minute indicator moves from a position corresponding to 20 seconds or an appropriate duration.

[0077] In the described implementation, the second energy source is supplied by the first energy source. A separate second energy source can be used; it can be mechanical or even electric.

[0078] The guide element is represented by a roller guide frame. However, these roller guide frames can take other forms.

[0079] A constraint mechanism can also be provided to ensure that the teeth of the drive wheel always remain in contact on the same side of the rack, thereby compensating for the gap between the teeth.

[0080] In principle, each track forms a closed loop, ensuring that the mobile device always moves in the same direction. However, mechanisms can be provided that allow the mobile device to move in two opposite directions. In this case, the tracks may form an open loop.

[0081] In the described example, the function of transferring energy via the mobile device and the function of moving the time indicator are associated and executed when the mobile device is in a given position. However, these two functions can be executed independently. For example, the energy transfer function may be executed twice per revolution of the mobile component, while the time indicator movement function may be executed once or three times per revolution.

Claims

1. A watch movement comprising: • A counting component (10) comprising a first energy source (14) and a gear train (16) kinetically connected to at least one time indicator, the counting component forming part of a first kinematic chain; as well as • Adjustment component (11), the adjustment component includes adjustment mechanism (35) and forms part of a second kinematic chain that is different from the first kinematic chain; The watch movement is characterized in that it further includes: • A locking member (56) for the gear train (16), the locking member (56) forming part of the first kinematic chain and being arranged to connect or disconnect the first kinematic chain and the second kinematic chain when the locking member is actuated; • The moving component (33) that carries the adjustment component (11); • A guide component (12) for the moving component (33), the guide component including at least one track (30, 32). • A drive mechanism for the moving component (33), the drive mechanism being arranged to move the moving component along the guide component (12); and • Release mechanism (13) for releasing the locking member (56).

2. The watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide assembly (12) includes at least one drive rail (30) provided with a rack (31).

3. The watch movement according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guide component (12) includes at least one guide rail (32).

4. The watch movement according to claim 3, characterized in that, The moving component (33) includes at least one guide wheel frame (49, 51) that holds the moving component (33) between the drive rail (30) and the guide rail (32).

5. The watch movement according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive mechanism of the moving component (33) includes a drive wheel (44) that meshes with the rack (31) of the drive track (30) and is movably connected to the adjustment mechanism (35).

6. The watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release mechanism (13) includes a moving part (54) carried by the moving component (33) and a pivoting part (55) carried by the plate of the watch movement.

7. The watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counting component (10) includes at least one transmission gear transmission (26) movably connected to the first energy source (14), and the locking member (56) acts on the transmission gear transmission (26).

8. The watch movement according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pivoting portion (55) of the release mechanism includes a slant handle (64) and a first release arm (57), the slant handle (64) being integral with the plate and pivoting about the slant handle axis (65).

9. The watch movement according to claim 8, characterized in that, The counting component (10) includes at least one transmission gear drive (26) kinetically connected to the first energy source (14) and the locking member (56) acts on the transmission gear drive (26), and the locking member (56) of the release mechanism includes a lever (59) acting on the transmission gear drive (26) and actuated by the first release arm (57).

10. The watch movement according to claim 8, characterized in that, The slant handle (64) includes a slant surface (66) arranged such that when the moving part (54) of the release mechanism acts on the slant surface (66), the slant handle (64) pivots about the slant handle axis (65).

11. The watch movement according to claim 10, characterized in that, The moving portion (54) of the release mechanism includes a second release arm (62) arranged to actuate the ramp (66) of the pivot portion (55) of the release mechanism during the displacement of the moving assembly (33) along the guide assembly (12).

12. The watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating component (11) includes a second energy source (34).

13. The watch movement according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second energy source (34) includes a helical spring (36) kinetically connected to the propeller wheel (38).

14. The watch movement according to claim 12, characterized in that, The watch movement includes at least two energy transfer mechanisms arranged to transfer energy from the first energy source (14) to the second energy source (34).

15. A watch comprising a watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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