Timepiece movement comprising automatic winding mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece movement (10), in particular comprising a base (12, 12a, 12b), a gear (11), a barrel (60) and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel (60). The winding mechanism comprises a weight (14) hingedly mounted on a base (12a, 12b) by means of a rotating arm (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) such that the weight (14) can perform a circular translational movement. The winding mechanism further comprises a transmission arranged to transmit movement of the hammer (14) to the barrel (60). The spring hammer (14) is connected to the rotating arm (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) in order to constrain the circular translational movement of the hammer (14) in a plane parallel to the general plane of the timepiece movement. The rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are also free to pivot over 360 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horology, and more specifically to a watch movement including an automatic winding mechanism. The mechanism includes a mainspring hammer arranged to perform a circular translational movement. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic winding mechanisms most often employ a oscillating weight, which is semi-circular and pivotally mounted at the center of the movement along an axis perpendicular to the overall plane of the watch movement. A disadvantage of this type of oscillating weight is its position on the back of the watch case, at least partially concealing the movement. Such an arrangement is not always desirable, especially when the back of the case is made of sapphire crystal to allow the movement's distinctive visual appearance to be visible.

[0003] To address this problem, CH706350 proposes a watch movement comprising a frame, various components on which the mainspring barrel and gears are mounted, and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the mainspring barrel. This winding mechanism includes a mainspring hammer and a transmission device arranged to transmit movement of the mainspring hammer to the mainspring barrel for winding. The mainspring hammer is hinged to at least two arms pivotally mounted on the frame. The mainspring hammer is further arranged to perform a circular translational movement that can be performed around the frame in a plane perpendicular to the overall plane of the watch movement.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a significant volume within the watch case to allow the mainspring hammer to move in the aforementioned vertical plane. This affects the thickness of the watch case, which must be sufficient to ensure that the range of movement of the hammer allows for effective winding of the mainspring barrel.

[0005] CH157093 and CH168493 disclose another example of an automatic winding watch movement including an unconventional pendulum. The winding mechanism includes a frame and a mainspring hammer, the frame specifically including the mainspring barrel. The mainspring hammer is connected to the frame via multiple arms whose axes of rotation are parallel to the overall plane of the watch movement. The distance between the mainspring hammer and the frame varies depending on the hammer's position. Therefore, as with CH706350, it is necessary to provide sufficient volume within the watch case for the movement of the mainspring hammer.

[0006] Furthermore, the plane in which the mainspring hammer oscillates in the aforementioned mechanism is not optimally aligned with the wearer's arm for the most common overall movement (its swinging motion along the body). This has a significant impact on the winding efficiency of the mainspring barrel.

[0007] CH707942A2 relates to an automatic winding mechanism for a watch movement, comprising two mainspring hammers connected to the mainspring barrel for winding the mainspring barrel by rotational movement. The two mainspring hammers have a synchronous rigid mechanical coupling in the form of a connecting rod between them.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a watch movement including an automatic winding mechanism that does not conceal the movement, while at least partially solving the aforementioned problems of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This objective is achieved by a watch movement specifically comprising a base, gears, a mainspring barrel, and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the mainspring barrel. The winding mechanism includes a mainspring hammer hinged to the base via a rotating arm, allowing the mainspring hammer to perform a circular translational movement. The winding mechanism further includes a transmission mechanism arranged to transmit the movement of the mainspring hammer to the mainspring barrel. The mainspring hammer is connected to the rotating arm to constrain the circular translational movement of the hammer within a plane parallel to the overall plane of the watch movement. The rotating arm also pivots freely in a 360° radius.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the watch movement further includes a frame connected to or formed as a single piece with the mainspring hammer. A rotating arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The rotating arm is further arranged to pivot in a plane located between the frame and the base.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the clockwork hammer includes a counterweight.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the frame includes at least a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion to which the rotating arm is connected, and at least a first support member and a second support member, each support member supporting the inertial weight of the mainspring hammer. The inertial weights together form the counterweight of the mainspring hammer. The fixed portions and support members are each alternately arranged on the frame around the central portion of the watch movement.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the inertial weight is arranged on one side of the frame.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the first fixed part and the second fixed part are each connected to the base via two rotating arms.

[0015] According to an embodiment, each inertial weight has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, the outer surface being designed to be mounted opposite to a portion of the intermediate shell of the watch case when the watch movement is mounted in the watch case. The inner surface of at least one of the inertial weights includes a recess to partially surround at least one component of the watch movement, particularly a gear, when a circular translational movement is applied to the mainspring hammer.

[0016] According to an embodiment, at least one of the inertial weights includes a cutout for a control lever (such as a time setting lever) to pass through.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the spring-loaded hammer is hinged to the base via three or four rotating arms.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the clockwork hammer includes three inertial weights, each arranged between two rotating arms.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the transmission device includes a gear train that engages with a ratchet in the mainspring barrel. At least one of the rotating arms is fixed to a drive shaft, which includes a drive wheel that meshes with the gear train and is arranged to be driven to rotate by rotation of the at least one rotating arm.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the transmission device includes a pull rod and a push rod. Both the pull rod and the push rod include a pawl at a first end, the pawl being configured to alternately pull and push the teeth of a mainspring barrel ratchet or a wheel meshing with the mainspring barrel ratchet, such that the mainspring barrel ratchet is driven to rotate in only one direction. Each of the pull rod and the push rod includes a second end fixed to one of the rotating arms.

[0021] According to an embodiment, at least one resilient member is fixed to the spring hammer. This resilient member is arranged to act on the actuating portions of the drawbar and pusher to push their respective pawls against the spring barrel ratchet or a wheel engaging with the ratchet.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a watch movement comprising one of the embodiments mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Examples of embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A perspective view of a watch movement including a mainspring hammer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; - Figure 2 Showing the view from another orientation Figure 1 A perspective view of a watch movement; - Figure 3 Showing a similar design without a clockwork hammer Figure 2 The view; - Figure 4a and Figure 4b Showing the first and second orientations Figure 1 A perspective view of the clockwork hammer; - Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A top view of the watch movement on the side of the mainspring hammer; - Figure 6 Show Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the watch movement along line AA; - Figure 7 A perspective view showing the motion chain that connects the mainspring hammer to the mainspring barrel of the watch movement; - Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A magnified view of the motion chain; - Figures 9a to 9d The diagram illustrates the sequence of circular translational movements of the spring-loaded hammer. - Figure 10a A simplified view of a watch movement according to another embodiment is shown, the movement including means for transmitting the movement of a hammer to the mainspring barrel, and - Figure 10b Showing the case without the clockwork hammer. Figure 10a A similar view. Detailed Implementation

[0024] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The watch movement 10 includes a base 12, 12a, 12b, and various components, including a mainspring barrel 60, gears 11, and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the mainspring barrel 60. The winding mechanism includes a mainspring hammer 14 connected to the base 12 via several rotating arms (e.g., three or four rotating arms 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d), such that circular translational movement can be imparted to the mainspring hammer 14 in a single plane, the orientation of which corresponds to the overall plane of the watch movement. In this application, the term "mainspring hammer" refers to a hammer with sufficient inertia to perform its primary function (providing energy to the winding mechanism).

[0025] Compared to existing automatic winding mechanisms with circular translation mentioned earlier, the circular translation of the mainspring hammer 14 allows for a reduction in the thickness of the watch movement. This also optimizes the winding of the mainspring barrel, especially since the plane corresponds to the natural swinging motion of the wearer's arm as they walk.

[0026] Therefore, such as Figure 4a and Figure 4b As seen in the diagram, the mainspring hammer 14 comprises a frame 16 and two separate hammers 18a and 18b (hereinafter referred to as inertial weights). The hammers 18a and 18b are fixed to the frame 16 and together form a counterweight to optimize the initiation of the mainspring hammer's movement, and thus optimize the initiation of the winding of the mainspring barrel. According to a variation, the two inertial weights 18a and 18b and the frame 16 may be a single piece. The frame 16 has a substantially rectangular or square shape and is arranged around the central portion of the watch movement 10, such that this central portion is visible through the transparent case back surrounding the watch case. The transparent case back may, in particular, be made of sapphire crystal.

[0027] More specifically, the frame 16 includes two fixed portions 16a and 16b arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the central portion of the watch movement, and a first support 16c and a second support 16d. Two inertial weights 18a and 18b of the mainspring hammer 14 are fixed to the first support 16c and the second support 16d. Preferably, the two supports 16c and 16d form support surfaces for the inertial weights, extending opposite to each other and substantially perpendicular to the two fixed portions 16a and 16b. Each fixed portion includes two countersunk holes 17a and 17b at the openings of two screw holes. Screws 22 are inserted into the screw holes, with the ends of the screws 22 screwed into holes in each rotating arm, and the heads of the screws 22 embedded in the countersunk holes 17a and 17b, respectively. Figure 6 As illustrated in the diagram, bearing 23 is arranged between the screw body and the screw hole to ensure rotation of frame 16 relative to screw 22.

[0028] According to an embodiment not shown, the mainspring hammer may include three inertial weights, each positioned between two rotating arms that connect the frame to the base of the watch movement. For this purpose, the frame may include three fixed portions, each connected to the base via rotating arms. These three fixed portions are arranged around the central portion of the watch movement, alternating with three supports to which the three inertial weights are fixed. According to a variation, the three inertial weights may be integrally formed with the three supports of the frame. While the frame is substantially rectangular in shape according to the illustrated embodiment, according to a variation, the frame may have a substantially annular shape.

[0029] According to another embodiment not shown, the clockwork hammer may be without a counterweight. More specifically, the clockwork hammer may consist of a uniform mass block, for example in the form of a disc and having sufficient thickness to function as a clockwork hammer. In fact, it is the eccentric or offset movement caused by the rotating arm that gives the clockwork hammer an unbalanced arrangement comparable to the counterweight.

[0030] according to Figure 7 In the example shown, three of the four rotating arms, 30b, 30c, and 30d, can be mounted on a simple pivot 32, while the fourth arm, 30a, is mounted on a drive shaft, as described in more detail below. The four rotating arms are mounted on two bridges 12a and 12b located on opposite sides of the watch movement 10. Figure 1 This positions the rotating arms near the four corners of the watch movement, such as... Figure 3 This can be seen from the text.

[0031] Each pivot 32 extends perpendicular to the overall plane of the watch movement, allowing the four rotating arms to pivot in a plane whose orientation is the same as the overall plane of the watch movement, thereby constraining the circular translational movement within this plane. Each rotating arm 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d is further arranged such that it can rotate freely in 360°, particularly in the plane between the bridges 12a, 12b located between the frame and the base, so as to impart a sequence of circular translational movements to the mainspring hammer 14, as... Figures 9a to 9d As shown in the diagram.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 The visible surfaces of the two bridging elements 12a and 12b, with their height relative to the base 12, substantially correspond to the thickness of the two inertial weights 18a and 18b of the mainspring hammer 14, forming two recessed volumes arranged on either side of the central portion of the movement. Therefore, the two inertial weights 18a and 18b can move within these two volumes according to the circular translational movement of the mainspring hammer 14.

[0033] Two inertial weights 18a and 18b Figure 4a and Figure 4b Each includes an outer surface 19a and an inner surface 19b opposite to the outer surface, the outer surface 19a being designed to be mounted opposite to a portion of the middle case of the watch case when the movement is mounted in the case. The inner surface 19b of at least one of the inertial weights 18a, 18b includes a recess 20 such that when a circular translational movement is imparted to the mainspring hammer 14, the mainspring hammer 14 can partially and temporarily surround the components of the watch movement (particularly one or more gears 11) without contacting them.

[0034] Preferably, at least one of the inertial weights 18a and 18b includes a cutout 21 to form an opening together with the base 12 for the passage of a control lever, particularly a wind-up lever or a time-setting lever 80.

[0035] refer to Figures 6 to 8 The automatic winding mechanism further includes a transmission for winding the mainspring barrel 60 according to the circular translational movement of the mainspring hammer 14. For this purpose, a gear train engages with a ratchet 70 of the mainspring barrel 60 and includes a drive wheel 42 fixed to a drive shaft 41, which is mounted on two bearings 41a, 41b, and a fourth rotating arm 30a is fixed to the drive shaft 41. The drive wheel 42 engages with a conventional reversing device 43, which includes a first clutch movement 44 and a second clutch movement 45.

[0036] More specifically, the transmission wheel 42 engages with the clutch wheel 44a of the first clutch moving member 44. The clutch wheel 45a of the second clutch moving member 45 engages with the clutch wheel 44a of the first moving member, while the pinions 44b of the two clutch moving members (in...) Figure 6The pinion of the first clutch actuator (only the pinion of the first clutch actuator is visible) meshes with the first actuator 46 of the reduction gear train. The pinion of the first actuator 46 meshes with the wheel 47a of the second actuator 47, and the pinion 47b of the second actuator 47 meshes with the ratchet 70 of the mainspring barrel to drive the rotation of the mainspring barrel shaft. The operation of this type of reversing mechanism is well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described. However, it should be noted that the first and second clutch actuators can be of various types, such as ratchet, ball, or spring mechanisms. The wolf gear 72 fixed to the mainspring barrel shaft cooperates with the pawl 74 located at the end of the leaf spring 76.

[0037] according to Figure 10a and Figure 10b In another embodiment illustrated, the transmission mechanism for winding the mainspring on the barrel according to the circular translational movement of the mainspring hammer 14 includes a pull rod 50 and a push rod 52. According to a variant not shown, these two rods have pawls 50a and 52a at their first ends, the pawls 50a and 52a being configured to pull and push the teeth of the mainspring barrel ratchet 70 or the teeth of the intermediate wheel that meshes with the ratchet, respectively.

[0038] Two of the four rotating arms are connected via shafts 56 mounted through openings 51 and 53 to actuated portions 50b and 52b located at the second ends of the pull rod 50 and push rod 52. This allows the pull rod 50 and push rod 52 to be actuated such that their corresponding pawls 50a and 52a pull and push the teeth of the mainspring barrel ratchet 70. Thus, the ratchet can be rotated in a single direction in response to the circular translational movement of the mainspring hammer 14.

[0039] The frame 16 of the clockwork hammer 14 includes at least one elastic member 54 on its underside, which is, for example, in the form of two leaf springs 54a and 54b arranged to act on the actuated portions 50b and 52b of the pull rod 50 and push rod 52 to push their respective pawls 50a and 52a against the clockwork box ratchet 70.

[0040] According to this second embodiment, the operation of these transmission devices is similar to that of a Pellaton-type mechanism, wherein the eccentric element is replaced by two rotating arms.

[0041] Reference number list

Claims

1. A watch movement (10), particularly comprising a base (12, 12a, 12b), a gear (11), a mainspring barrel (60), and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the mainspring barrel (60), the winding mechanism comprising a mainspring hammer (14) hinged to the base (12a, 12b) by rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) such that the mainspring hammer (14) can perform a circular translational movement, the winding mechanism further comprising a transmission device arranged to transmit the movement of the mainspring hammer (14) to the mainspring barrel (60), characterized in that, The mainspring hammer (14) is connected to the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) so as to constrain the circular translational movement of the hammer (14) in a plane parallel to the overall plane of the watch movement, and the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are free to pivot in 360°.

2. The watch movement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The watch movement (10) further includes a frame (16) connected to or formed as a single piece with the mainspring hammer (14), and the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are pivotally connected to the frame (16) and arranged between the frame (16) and the base (12a, 12b).

3. The watch movement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The spring-loaded hammer (14) includes counterweights (18a, 18b).

4. The watch movement according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame (16) includes at least a first fixed portion (16a) and a second fixed portion (16b) to which the rotating arm is connected, and at least a first support member (16c) and a second support member (16d), each support member supporting an inertial weight (18a, 18b), the inertial weights together forming the counterweight of the mainspring hammer (14), the fixed portions (16a, 16b) and the support members (16c, 16d) being alternately arranged on the frame (16) around the central portion of the watch movement.

5. The watch movement according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The inertial weights (18a, 18b) are arranged on one side of the frame (16).

6. The watch movement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The at least first fixed portion (16a) and the second fixed portion (16b) are each connected to the base (12a, 12b) via two arms of the rotating arm.

7. The watch movement according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, Each inertial weight (18a, 18b) includes an outer surface (19a) and an inner surface (19b) opposite to the outer surface, the outer surface (19a) being designed to be mounted opposite to a portion of the intermediate shell of the watch case when the watch movement is mounted in the watch case, and the inner surface (19b) of at least one of the inertial weights (18a, 18b) including a recess (20) to partially surround at least one component of the watch movement, in particular a gear (11), when a circular translational movement is applied to the mainspring hammer (14).

8. The watch movement according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, At least one of the inertial weights (18a, 18b) includes a cutout (21) for a control lever, such as a time setting lever (80), to pass through.

9. The watch movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spring-loaded hammer (14) is hinged to the base (12a, 12b) via three or four rotating arms.

10. The watch movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The clockwork hammer includes three inertial weights, each arranged between two rotating arms.

11. The watch movement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The transmission device includes a gear engaging with a ratchet (70) of the spring barrel, and at least one of the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) is fixed to a drive shaft (41), the drive shaft (41) including a drive wheel (42) meshing with the gear, and is arranged to be driven to rotate by rotation of the at least one rotating arm.

12. The watch movement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The transmission device includes a pull rod (50) and a push rod (52), the pull rod and the push rod having pawls (50a, 52a) at a first end, the pawls being configured to alternately pull and push the teeth of the mainspring barrel ratchet (70) or the teeth of a wheel meshing with the mainspring barrel ratchet, such that the mainspring barrel ratchet (70) is driven to rotate in only one direction, each of the pull rod (50) and the push rod (52) including a second end fixed to one of the rotating arms (30a, 30b).

13. The watch movement (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The clockwork hammer (14) includes at least one elastic member (54) that acts on the actuated portions (50b, 52b) of the pull rod (50) and the push rod (52) to push their respective pawls (50a, 52a) against the clockwork ratchet (70) or the wheel.

14. A clock or watch, comprising a clock or watch movement according to any one of the preceding claims.

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