Time telling starting control mechanism of mechanical watch

Abstract

The invention discloses a time telling starting control mechanism of a mechanical watch, and the mechanism comprises a starting shifting block which is connected with a travel time wheel. A time-telling starting rod is hinged to the movement, one end of the time-telling starting rod abuts against the starting shifting block, the other end of the time-telling starting rod is connected with a time-telling limiting rod, the time-telling limiting rod abuts against the time-telling starting wheel component, and the time-telling starting wheel component rotates by one circle to complete time telling once. A first limiting end and a second limiting end are arranged at the end, connected with the time telling starting wheel component, of the time telling limiting rod, a starting channel is formed between the first limiting end and the second limiting end, and a starting wheel nail is arranged on the time telling starting wheel component. By arranging the first limiting end and the second limiting end which are distributed in a stepped mode and the starting channel, the time telling starting process is divided into the initial position stage, the clamping waiting position stage and the release state stage, it is structurally guaranteed that the function is stable and reliable, the adjustment difficulty is lowered, and the hourly automatic time telling can be accurately achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical watches, and more particularly to a timekeeping control mechanism for a mechanical watch. Background Technology

[0002] The primary function of a mechanical watch is to tell time. However, with the development of mechanical watches and the increasing demands of consumers, many additional functions have emerged besides timekeeping (such as calendar display, power reserve indicator, and chronograph function). Currently, watch development is increasingly trending towards novelty and uniqueness, leading to the emergence of automatic striking watches. In addition to the normal timekeeping mechanism, a mechanical striking watch includes a striking control mechanism and a striking sound mechanism. The striking control mechanism allows the striking sound to be emitted regularly according to the designer's requirements, further enriching the functionality of the mechanical watch, greatly enhancing its artistry and aesthetic appeal, and satisfying people's personalized needs for novelty and beauty.

[0003] Existing mechanical striking watches mainly offer three functions: hourly chime, live music, and mute. The chime control module and mute module are particularly important. Patent CN102289186B, entitled "A Chime Control Mechanism for a Mechanical Striking Watch," describes a watch with an automatic chime structure developed by the applicant. After years of practical use and evaluation, this automatic chime structure has two problems:

[0004] The first problem is that, ideally, the dial on the minute wheel should leave the starting plate when the chiming starts. However, in actual use, there are situations where the dial on the minute wheel does not leave the starting plate, and even after the chiming ends, the dial remains attached to the starting plate, potentially leading to repeated chiming. This is because, ideally, when the dial moves the starting plate, the time limit lever gradually rises, and the moment the dial leaves the starting plate, the time limit lever also leaves the starting wheel and begins chiming. These two moments should theoretically be synchronized. However, in reality, this synchronization only exists in theory. During assembly and adjustment, although the two moments can be made as consistent as possible, this consistency is unstable after collisions or wear. Therefore, this chiming mechanism is unreliable in actual use.

[0005] The second problem is that there are many springs connected to the starter plate and the timekeeping limit lever. After calculation and actual watch production, it was found that the starting torque of the starter plate driven by the turntable is too large, which has an excessively negative effect on the timekeeping system, thus affecting the accuracy and lifespan of the timekeeping system.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a stable and reliable timekeeping control mechanism that places little burden on the timekeeping system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a time-telling activation control mechanism for a mechanical watch, which is stable and reliable, and places little burden on the timekeeping system. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0008] A striking mechanism for a mechanical watch includes a striking turntable fixedly connected to and rotating with a time-running wheel on the movement. A striking start lever is hinged to the movement; one end of the lever abuts against the striking turntable, and the other end connects to a striking limit lever. The limit lever abuts against a striking start wheel assembly, and one rotation of the striking start wheel assembly completes one striking cycle. The end of the limit lever connected to the striking start wheel assembly has a stepped first and second limit end, with a striking channel between the first and second limit ends. A starter wheel pin is provided. In the initial state, the starter wheel pin abuts against the first limit end. When the starter dial rotates with the timekeeping wheel and abuts against the chime starter lever, it can drive the chime starter lever to rotate and drive the chime limit lever to rotate, causing the starter wheel pin to move from abutting against the first limit end to abutting against the second limit end. After the starter dial continues to rotate and separates from the chime starter lever, the chime limit lever returns to its initial position. At this time, the starter wheel pin can enter the starter channel, the chime starter wheel component is unrestricted and begins to rotate, and the chime state is entered. After the chime ends, the starter wheel pin abuts against the first limit end again, waiting for the next chime.

[0009] Furthermore, the timekeeping limit rod includes a limit arm, which is horizontally spaced from the starter wheel. The end of the limit arm is provided with a first limit plate and a second limit plate. The length of the first limit plate is greater than the length of the second limit plate. The first limit plate is bent downward to form a first limit end, and the second limit plate is bent downward to form a second limit end. The first limit end, the second limit end, and the horizontal section of the first limit plate form a starting channel that allows the starter wheel pin to pass through.

[0010] Furthermore, the timekeeping start wheel component includes a start wheel plate, a start shaft, and a start wheel pin. The start wheel plate is rotatably mounted on the movement via the start shaft, and the start wheel pin is mounted on the start wheel plate and abuts against the first limit end of the timekeeping limit rod in the initial state.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a mute lever component, which is hinged to the movement and has one end located on the outer side of the movement for easy manual operation. The other end of the mute lever component can abut against the starter wheel component. The mute lever component has a mute open state and a mute closed state. When the mute lever component is moved to the mute open state, it abuts against the starter wheel pin, so that even if the chime limit lever rotates, the first limit end releases the restriction on the starter wheel pin, and the chime starter wheel component cannot rotate. When the mute lever component is moved to the mute closed state, it separates from the starter wheel pin, thereby releasing the restriction on the starter wheel pin.

[0012] Furthermore, the starter wheel pin includes a first end disposed on the upper surface of the starter wheel and a second end disposed on the lower surface of the starter wheel. The first end can abut against the alarm limit rod or the mute rod component, and the second end can abut against the mute rod component or the alarm limit rod.

[0013] Furthermore, the mute rod component is connected to a positioning spring, which enables the mute rod component to remain in the mute open or mute closed state.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes an instant start lever, which is hinged to the movement and has one end located on the outer side of the movement for easy pressing. The other end of the instant start lever corresponds to the start linkage, which is fixedly connected to the chime limit lever. The start linkage can drive the chime limit lever to rotate. The start linkage includes a first start end and a second start end. The first start end corresponds to the chime start lever, and the second start end corresponds to the instant start lever. Pressing the instant start lever can drive the chime limit lever to rotate, thereby realizing the function of manually activating the chime.

[0015] Furthermore, the instant start lever is connected to the second return spring. After pressing the instant start lever to complete the start time announcement, the second return spring can drive the instant start lever back to its initial position.

[0016] Furthermore, the alarm limit lever can be reset to its initial position. The alarm limit lever is connected to a reset spring, which can continuously provide a force to reset the alarm limit lever to its initial position.

[0017] Furthermore, the alarm start lever is also connected to the first return spring. When the clock is manually adjusted and the needle is reversed, the first return spring can return the alarm start lever to its original position.

[0018] The striking mechanism of this mechanical watch features an ingenious design and excellent manufacturability. By setting a stepped first and second limit end and a starting channel, the striking initiation process is divided into three stages: initial position, locking and waiting position, and release state. This structural design ensures stable and reliable function, reduces adjustment difficulty, and guarantees higher and more reliable starting accuracy, enabling accurate automatic hourly striking. Furthermore, the number of springs related to striking is reduced, thereby decreasing the starting torque required for the starting lever to actuate the starting plate, effectively reducing the burden on the timekeeping system from the striking control mechanism.

[0019] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the initial positions of each component of the time-announcing control mechanism of the present invention before the time announcing is started;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the initial positions of each component of the time-announcing control mechanism of the present invention before the time announcing is started;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the timekeeping start control mechanism of the present invention when it is in the locking and waiting state;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the timekeeping start control mechanism of the present invention when it is in the release state;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the timekeeping activation control mechanism of the present invention in the silent activation state.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the starting linkage and the timekeeping limit rod of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the starting wheel nail moving into the starting channel according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the manual start timer function triggered by pressing the instant start lever of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the time-telling start wheel component of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better understand the purpose, function, and specific design of this invention, the following detailed description of the timekeeping control mechanism of the mechanical watch of this invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided.

[0031] like Figure 1-9 As shown, the timekeeping control mechanism of the mechanical watch of the present invention includes a starter head 700, which is fixedly connected to the hour wheel on the movement and can rotate with the hour wheel. The hour wheel can be an hour wheel or a minute wheel. In this embodiment, a minute wheel is selected. The minute wheel rotates clockwise and completes one revolution per hour. Since the starter head 700 is fixedly connected to the minute wheel, the starter head 700 also completes one revolution per hour. A timekeeping starter rod 400 is hinged to the movement. One end of the timekeeping starter rod 400 corresponds to the starter head 700, and the other end can abut against the timekeeping limit rod 310. The timekeeping limit rod 310 is connected to the timekeeping starter wheel component 100. The timekeeping starter wheel component 100 is connected in series with the timekeeping speed limiting wheel system and the timekeeping barrel. One revolution of the timekeeping starter wheel component 100 can complete one timekeeping. The end of the timekeeping limit rod 310 connected to the timekeeping starter wheel component 100 is provided with a stepped first limit. A starting channel is provided between end a and the second limiting end b, and between the first limiting end a and the second limiting end b. The alarm starting wheel component 100 is provided with an alarm wheel pin 130. In the initial state, the alarm wheel pin 130 abuts against the first limiting end a. When the starting dial 700 rotates and abuts against the alarm starting rod 400, it can drive the alarm starting rod 400 to rotate, that is, the alarm starting rod 400 is lifted counterclockwise and drives the alarm limiting rod 310 to swing, so that the alarm wheel pin 130 moves from abutting against the first limiting end a to abutting against the second limiting end b. After the starting dial 700 continues to rotate and separates from the alarm starting rod 400, the alarm limiting rod 310 returns to the initial position. At this time, the alarm wheel pin 130 can enter the starting channel. The alarm starting wheel component 100 is unrestricted and begins to rotate. At this time, it enters the alarm state. After the alarm ends, the alarm wheel pin 130 abuts against the first limiting end a again, waiting for the next alarm.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 9As shown, the chime starter wheel assembly 100 includes a starter wheel 110, a starter shaft 120, and a starter wheel pin 130. The starter wheel 110 is rotatably mounted on the movement via the starter shaft 120. The starter wheel pin 130 is mounted on the starter wheel 110 and abuts against the first limit end a of the chime limiter rod 310 in its initial position. The starter wheel 110 is connected in series with the chime speed limiter wheel system and the chime bar box, and the chime bar box continuously provides a clockwise rotational force to the starter wheel 110 via the chime speed limiter wheel system. When the starter wheel pin 130 is released from its limit, the starter wheel 110 rotates clockwise, and the chime bar box drives the sound-emitting structure to emit a corresponding sound or music to chime the time.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 6-7 As shown, the timekeeping limit lever 310 in this embodiment includes a limit arm, which is horizontally spaced from the starter wheel 110. The end of the limit arm is provided with a first limit plate and a second limit plate. The length of the first limit plate is greater than the length of the second limit plate. The first limit plate is bent downwards to form a first limit end a, and the second limit plate is bent downwards to form a second limit end b. The first limit end a, the second limit end b, and the horizontal section of the first limit plate form a starting channel through which the starter wheel stud 130 can pass.

[0034] It is worth noting that, in order to enable the alarm limit lever 310 to return to its initial position after the start dial 700 is separated from the alarm start lever 400, the alarm limit lever 310 is connected to the reset spring 530, and the reset spring 530 can continuously provide the alarm limit lever 310 with a force to return to its initial position.

[0035] Preferred, such as Figure 8 As shown, to add the function of manually activating the chime, this embodiment also includes an instant start lever 600. The instant start lever 600 is hinged to the movement, with one end located on the outer side of the movement for easy pressing. The other end of the instant start lever 600 corresponds to the start link 320. The start link 320 and the chime limit lever 310 are fixedly connected as an integral structure. The start link 320 can drive the chime limit lever 310 to rotate. The start link 320 includes a first start end c and a second start end d. The first start end c corresponds to the chime start lever 400, and the second start end d corresponds to the instant start lever 600. Pressing the instant start lever 600 can drive the chime limit lever 310 to rotate, thereby realizing the function of manually activating the chime. It is worth noting that the instant start lever 600 is connected to the second return spring 520. After pressing the instant start lever 600 to activate the chime, the second return spring 520 can drive the instant start lever 600 back to the initial position.

[0036] Preferably, to enhance the mute function, this embodiment further includes a mute lever component 200. The mute lever component 200 is hinged to the movement, with one end positioned on the outer side of the movement for easy manual operation. The other end of the mute lever component 200 can abut against the chime starter wheel component 100. The mute lever component 200 includes a mute open state and a mute closed state. When the mute lever component 200 is moved to the mute open state, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the mute rod component 200 can abut against the starter wheel pin 130, so that even if the alarm stop rod 310 rotates, the first stop end a releases the restriction on the starter wheel pin 130, and the alarm starter wheel component 100 cannot rotate; the starter wheel pin 130 in this embodiment includes a first end A disposed on the upper surface of the starter wheel piece 110 and a second end B disposed on the lower surface of the starter wheel piece 110. The first end A can abut against the first stop end a or the second stop end b of the alarm stop rod 310, and the second end B can abut against the mute rod component 200. When the mute lever component 200 is moved to the mute-off state, the mute lever component 200 separates from the second end B of the starter wheel pin 130, thereby releasing the restriction on the second end B of the starter wheel pin 130. It is understood that, in another embodiment, the first end A may abut against the mute lever component 200, and the second end B may abut against the first limiting end a or the second limiting end b of the timekeeping limit lever 310. It is worth noting that the mute lever component 200 is connected to the positioning spring 540, which enables the mute lever component 200 to remain in the mute-on or mute-off state.

[0037] Preferably, in this embodiment, the alarm start lever 400 is also connected to the first return spring 510. When manually adjusting the time by reversing the needle, the starter head 700 abuts against the alarm start lever 400, which drives the alarm start lever 400 to rotate clockwise, thereby separating the alarm start lever 400 from the first start end c of the start link 320. After the starter head 700 separates from the alarm start lever 400, the first return spring 510 can return the alarm start lever 400 to its original position and abut against the first start end c of the start link 320 again.

[0038] Compared to the timekeeping control mechanism of a mechanical chiming watch disclosed in CN102289186B, this embodiment has the advantage of having three stages: an initial position abutting against the first limiting end a, a locking waiting position abutting against the second limiting end b, and a release state after passing through the starting channel. The structure described in the prior patent only has two stages, from initial to release, making it very difficult to find the same transient point between these two stages. However, this embodiment does not require finding each transient point; simply adding a locking waiting state solves this problem. That is, it only needs to ensure that at any point before the starting dial 700 separates from the chiming starting lever 400, the first end of the chiming starting wheel pin 130 smoothly switches from the first limiting end a to the second limiting end b for locking waiting.

[0039] In addition, it is understood that the timekeeping control mechanism of the mechanical watch of the present invention can be used not only for the timekeeping function, but also for activating functions such as automaton action or music playback.

[0040] The striking mechanism of this mechanical watch features an ingenious design and excellent manufacturability. By setting a stepped first and second limit end and a starting channel, the striking initiation process is divided into three stages: initial position, locking and waiting position, and release state. This structural design ensures stable and reliable function, reduces adjustment difficulty, and guarantees higher and more reliable starting accuracy, enabling accurate automatic hourly striking. Furthermore, the number of springs related to striking is reduced, thereby decreasing the starting torque required for the starting lever to actuate the starting plate, effectively reducing the burden on the timekeeping system from the striking control mechanism.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A time-telling activation control mechanism for a mechanical watch, characterized in that, The watch includes a starter dial, which is fixedly connected to the timepiece wheel on the movement and can rotate with it; a striking starter lever is hinged to the movement, one end of which abuts against the starter dial, and the other end of which is connected to a striking limit lever. The striking limit lever abuts against the striking starter wheel assembly, and one rotation of the striking starter wheel assembly completes one striking. The end of the striking limit lever connected to the striking starter wheel assembly is provided with a stepped first limit end and a second limit end, and a starting channel is provided between the first limit end and the second limit end. The striking starter wheel assembly is provided with a striking wheel pin. In the initial state, the starting wheel pin abuts against the first limit end. When the starting dial rotates with the timekeeping wheel and abuts against the chime start lever, it can drive the chime start lever to rotate and drive the chime limit lever to rotate, causing the starting wheel pin to move from abutting against the first limit end to abutting against the second limit end. After the starting dial continues to rotate and separates from the chime start lever, the chime limit lever returns to its initial position. At this time, the starting wheel pin can enter the starting channel, the chime start wheel component is unrestricted and begins to rotate, and the chime state is entered. After the chime ends, the starting wheel pin abuts against the first limit end again, waiting for the next chime.

2. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The timekeeping limit lever includes a limit arm, which is horizontally spaced from the starter wheel. The end of the limit arm is provided with a first limit plate and a second limit plate. The length of the first limit plate is greater than the length of the second limit plate. The first limit plate is bent downward to form a first limit end, and the second limit plate is bent downward to form a second limit end. The first limit end, the second limit end, and the horizontal section of the first limit plate form a starting channel that allows the starter wheel stud to pass through.

3. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The timekeeping start wheel assembly includes a start wheel plate, a start shaft, and a timekeeping start wheel pin. The start wheel plate is rotatably mounted on the movement via the start shaft. The start wheel pin is mounted on the start wheel plate and abuts against the first limit end of the timekeeping limit rod in its initial state.

4. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a mute lever component, which is hinged to the movement and has one end located on the outer side of the movement for easy manual operation. The other end of the mute lever component can abut against the starter wheel component. The mute lever component has a mute open state and a mute closed state. When the mute lever component is moved to the mute open state, it abuts against the starter wheel pin, so that even if the chime limit lever rotates, the first limit end releases the restriction on the starter wheel pin, and the starter wheel component cannot rotate. When the mute lever component is moved to the mute closed state, it separates from the starter wheel pin, thereby releasing the restriction on the starter wheel pin.

5. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The starter wheel pin includes a first end disposed on the upper surface of the starter wheel and a second end disposed on the lower surface of the starter wheel. The first end can abut against the timekeeping limit rod or the mute rod component, and the second end can abut against the mute rod component or the timekeeping limit rod.

6. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The mute lever assembly is connected to a positioning spring, which enables the mute lever assembly to remain in the mute open or mute closed state.

7. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an instant start lever, which is hinged to the movement and has one end located on the outer side of the movement for easy pressing. The other end of the instant start lever corresponds to the start linkage, which is fixedly connected to the chime limit lever. The start linkage can drive the chime limit lever to rotate. The start linkage includes a first start end and a second start end. The first start end corresponds to the chime start lever, and the second start end corresponds to the instant start lever. Pressing the instant start lever can drive the chime limit lever to rotate, so as to realize the function of manually starting the chime.

8. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The instant start lever is connected to the second return spring. After pressing the instant start lever to complete the start time announcement, the second return spring can drive the instant start lever back to the initial position.

9. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm limit lever can be reset to its initial position. The alarm limit lever is connected to the reset spring, which can continuously provide a force to reset the alarm limit lever to its initial position.

10. The timekeeping activation control mechanism of the mechanical watch as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm start lever is also connected to the first return spring. When the clock is manually adjusted and the needle is reversed, the first return spring can return the alarm start lever to its original position.

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