A new type of tourbillon structure of a timepiece

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel tourbillon structure of clock, and its technical scheme's main point is including the gear frame fixed through the outer stake in the dial, the gear frame is equipped with the inner toothed ring, the center wheel is located the gear frame center and is driven by the movement, the lower shockproof seat is connected the center wheel, the planet wheel lower clamping plate, the pallet fork clamping plate and the shockproof upper clamping plate are fixed through the inner stake in the lower shockproof seat and revolve around the center wheel axle center, the planet wheel lower clamping plate is equipped with the planet gear and the intermediate gear engaged with the planet gear in the gear frame inner tooth, and the speed regulation mechanism is located in the gear frame and revolves around the center wheel. The utility model discloses the fixed gear frame provides the solid reference for the whole rotating frame, and combines the multilayer clamping plate structure through the inner stake locking, forms the high rigidity "cage frame", effectively resists the impact deformation, and guarantees the stability of long -term operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical watch manufacturing technology, and in particular to a novel tourbillon structure for watches. Background Technology

[0002] When a clock is in a vertical position, due to the effect of gravity, its regulating mechanism, such as the balance wheel and hairspring, will experience imperceptible changes in speed with each swing.

[0003] A tourbillon mechanism compensates for timekeeping errors caused by positional differences by having the regulating mechanism revolve around its axis. However, traditional tourbillon structures typically use a rotating frame (or "cage") to support the regulating mechanism, with the frame's rotational power derived directly or indirectly from the central wheel. In this design, the entire rotating frame is "suspended," lacking a fixed, rigid support foundation. Its main drawback is insufficient frame rigidity; the rotating frame is prone to deformation under impact or during long-term operation, affecting the meshing accuracy of the internal gears and leading to unstable power transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a novel tourbillon structure for watches that can significantly improve the overall rigidity and operational stability of the tourbillon frame.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] A novel tourbillon structure for a watch, characterized by: a gear carrier 5 fixed to the dial by an outer stud 10, the gear carrier 5 having an internal gear ring; a center wheel 22 located at the center of the gear carrier 5 and driven by the movement; a lower shock absorber 6 connected to the center wheel 22; a lower planetary gear plate 8, an escapement fork plate 9, and an upper shock absorber plate 11 fixed to the lower shock absorber 6 by an inner stud 7 and revolving around the axis of the center wheel 22; a planetary gear 12 meshing with the internal gear of the gear carrier 5 and an intermediate gear 13 meshing with the planetary gear 12 on the lower planetary gear plate 8; and a speed regulating mechanism located inside the gear carrier 5 and revolving around the center wheel 22.

[0007] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch described above is characterized in that: the regulating mechanism includes an escape wheel 1 coaxial with the intermediate gear 13, and the escape fork 2 is mounted on the escape fork plate 9 via a pivot 14; the shock-absorbing upper plate 11 is provided with a balance wheel 3 connected by a double disc 15, and a hairspring 4 is coaxially arranged below the balance wheel 3; the double disc 15 is provided with a balance wheel striker 16 that can be struck by one end of the escape fork 2, and the other end of the escape fork 2 is provided with a fork pad 17 that contacts the escape wheel 1.

[0008] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch described above is characterized in that: a shock-absorbing lower plate 18 is provided on the central wheel 22 and rotates with it; the shock-absorbing lower plate 18 is located below the lower shock-absorbing seat 6 and is fixedly connected to the lower shock-absorbing seat 6 by multiple screws.

[0009] The novel tourbillon structure of the clock described above is characterized in that: the planetary gears 12 are two symmetrically arranged, and the intermediate gear 13 meshes with both planetary gears simultaneously.

[0010] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: the upper planetary gear plate 19 is disposed between the lower planetary gear plate 8 and the escapement fork plate 9 via an inner stud 7; the planetary gear 12 is disposed between the upper and lower planetary gear plates via a jewel bearing 20; the lower end of the shaft of the intermediate gear 13 is disposed on the lower planetary gear plate 8 via a jewel bearing 20, the upper end of the shaft of the intermediate gear 13 passes through the upper planetary gear plate 19, and the escapement wheel 1 is disposed above the upper planetary gear plate 19.

[0011] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: the shock-absorbing upper plate 11 is provided with an upper shock absorber 21 coaxial with the double discs 15.

[0012] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: the central wheel 22 is connected to a base 23 via a jewel bearing 20, and the base 23 is located below the shock-absorbing lower plate 18 and is fixed to the dial by screws.

[0013] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: a coaxial regulator 24 is provided below the hairspring 4.

[0014] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: a limiting post 25 is provided on the escapement fork plate 9 to limit the swing amplitude of the escapement fork 2, and the two ends of the rotating shaft 14 are respectively connected to the escapement fork plate 9 and the shock-absorbing upper plate 11 through jewel bearings 20.

[0015] The novel tourbillon structure of the watch as described above is characterized in that: the upper end of the outer stud 10 and the upper end of the inner stud 7 are both provided with threaded structures and are fastened by screws, thereby fixing the plates together.

[0016] This invention introduces a fixed gear carrier as the rigid foundation and positioning reference for the entire tourbillon structure, resulting in the following significant advantages: 1. It provides a stable structural foundation, greatly improving frame rigidity: The fixed gear carrier is securely mounted on the dial via multiple external studs, providing a solid "foundation" for the internal rotating components. Components such as the planetary gear lower plate and escapement fork plate are connected as a whole via internal studs and rotate relying on the gear carrier. This design forms a stable "outer shell-core" structure, effectively resisting external impacts, preventing frame deformation, and ensuring the long-term stability of the internal gear transmission.

[0017] 2. The fixed gear frame provides a solid reference for the entire rotating frame. Combined with the multi-layer clamping structure locked by the internal piles, it forms a high-rigidity "cage" that effectively resists impact deformation and ensures long-term operational stability.

[0018] 3. The power transmission path has been optimized, and the dynamic balance performance has been improved: The planetary gear meshes with the internal teeth of the fixed gear carrier, and its revolution trajectory is strictly limited to a stable circular ring centered on the gear carrier. This design moves the support point of the rotating frame outward, greatly enhancing the torsional stiffness and significantly reducing the wobbling of the tourbillon during revolution. The dynamic balance performance is fundamentally improved, thereby achieving the position difference compensation function more accurately.

[0019] 4. A more stable operating environment for the speed regulating mechanism: Due to the increased rigidity and improved operational smoothness of the entire rotating frame, key speed regulating components such as the escape wheel, escape fork, balance wheel, and hairspring operate in an environment with less vibration and interference. This directly improves the isochronism of the balance wheel and hairspring system, making the timekeeping accuracy of the watch more stable and reliable.

[0020] 5. Enhanced stability through symmetrical design: Two planetary gears are symmetrically distributed and mesh with the central gear. This symmetrical structure makes the rotating frame more evenly stressed, further offsetting internal unbalanced torques and making the revolution smoother and more fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional views of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is the second perspective view of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is one of the exploded views of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is the second exploded view of this utility model.

[0026] In the diagram: 1 is the escape wheel; 2 is the escape fork; 3 is the balance wheel; 4 is the hairspring; 5 is the gear carrier; 6 is the lower shock absorber; 7 is the inner stud; 8 is the lower planetary gear plate; 9 is the escape fork plate; 10 is the outer stud; 11 is the upper shock absorber plate; 12 is the planetary gear; 13 is the intermediate gear; 14 is the pivot; 15 is the double disc; 16 is the balance wheel pin; 17 is the fork bearing; 18 is the lower shock absorber plate; 19 is the upper planetary gear plate; 20 is the jewel bearing; 21 is the upper shock absorber; 22 is the center wheel; 23 is the base; 24 is the regulator; 25 is the limit post. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical features of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can understand them.

[0028] A novel tourbillon structure for a watch includes a gear carrier 5 fixed to the dial by multiple outer studs 10. The gear carrier 5 has a ring of internal teeth and is an overall internal gear structure. A central wheel 22 driven by the watch movement is located at the center of the gear carrier 5. A lower shock absorber 6 is connected to the central wheel 22 and rotates with it. The lower shock absorber 6 is fixed from bottom to top to a planetary gear lower plate 8, an escapement fork plate 9, and a shock absorber upper plate 11 by multiple inner studs 7. The planetary gear lower plate 8, escapement fork plate 9, and shock absorber upper plate 11 are all driven by the central wheel 22 to rotate around the axis of the central wheel 22. A planetary gear 12 that meshes with the internal teeth of the gear carrier 5 is rotatably provided on the planetary gear lower plate 8. An intermediate gear 13 that meshes with the planetary gear 12 is also provided on the planetary gear lower plate 8. A speed regulating mechanism that is driven to rotate around the axis of the central wheel 22 is also provided in the gear carrier 5.

[0029] Planetary gear 12 drives escape wheel 1 to both rotate on its own axis and revolve around the sun. Existing tourbillons lack a gear carrier 5, resulting in poor overall stability during rotation.

[0030] The function of the speed regulating mechanism is to adjust the rotational speed of the second hand, ensuring that it rotates only one division per second. If the energy in the mainspring were directly released to the gear train that drives the hand, it would be uncontrollable. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the speed of power release to ensure the gear train moves in a regular manner. In this application, the speed regulating mechanism is driven to rotate on its own axis by the center wheel 22, while also being driven to revolve around the axis of the center wheel 22, in order to counteract the influence of gravity on timekeeping accuracy.

[0031] As described above, the novel tourbillon structure of the watch includes a regulating mechanism comprising an escape wheel 1 coaxially arranged with the intermediate gear 13, an escape fork 2 on the escape fork bridge 9, the escape fork 2 reciprocating around a pivot 14 on the escape fork bridge 9, and a limiting post 25 on the escape fork bridge 9 to limit the swing amplitude of the escape fork 2. A balance wheel 3, driven by the escape fork 2, is mounted on the shock-absorbing upper bridge 11 via a double disc 15. A hairspring 4 is coaxially arranged below the balance wheel 3. A balance wheel striker 16, which can be struck by one end of the escape fork 2, is located on the double disc 15. A fork bearing 17, which contacts the escape wheel 1, is located at the other end of the escape fork 2. The balance wheel 3, the double disc 15, and the balance wheel striker 16 rotate coaxially and reciprocate.

[0032] When the intermediate gear 13 transmits power to the escape wheel 1, the escape wheel 1 drives the balance wheel 3 to rotate via the escape fork 2. Due to the constraint of the hairspring 4, the balance wheel 3 cannot rotate continuously but instead oscillates periodically. This limits the rotational speed of the escape wheel 1, thereby limiting the release speed of the power in the mainspring, resulting in a regular operation of the entire system. Specifically, the balance wheel striker 16 strikes the escape fork 2, causing the other end of the escape fork 2 to rotate in the opposite direction, releasing the escape wheel 1 locked by the pallet 17. At this time, the specially shaped escape wheel teeth transmit power to the balance wheel striker 16 via the escape fork 2, causing the balance wheel 3 to enter another oscillation. Simultaneously, the pallet 17 on the other side of the escape fork 2 locks the escape wheel 1 until the balance wheel striker 16 strikes the escape fork 2 again. This cycle repeats, achieving a regular periodic motion.

[0033] As described above, the novel tourbillon structure of the watch features a regulator 24 below the hairspring 4 for adjusting its tension. The regulator 24, hairspring 4, and balance wheel 3 are also coaxially aligned. The function of the hairspring 4 is to impede the rotation of the balance wheel 3, causing it to oscillate back and forth rather than rotate in a circle. The regulator 24 can be used to adjust the amplitude of the balance wheel 3's oscillation, thereby regulating the beat of the second hand.

[0034] As described above, the novel tourbillon structure of the watch features a shock-absorbing lower plate 18 that rotates along with the central wheel 22. The shock-absorbing lower plate 18 is located below the lower shock-absorbing seat 6 and is fixedly connected to the lower shock-absorbing seat 6 by multiple screws. The central wheel 22 drives the shock-absorbing lower plate 18 to rotate around the axis of the central wheel 22 via the shock-absorbing lower plate 18.

[0035] As described above, in the novel tourbillon structure of the watch, a base 23 is provided on the center wheel 22 via a jewel bearing 20. The base 23 is located below the shock-absorbing lower plate 18 and is fixed to the dial by screws, and does not rotate with the center wheel 22.

[0036] The upper end of the center wheel 22 is anchored to the fixed dial via the base 23 and jewel bearing 20; simultaneously, the entire rotating frame is connected to the fixed gear carrier 5 via the outer stud 10, forming a stable "double anchor point" structure. When the watch is subjected to axial impact (such as vertical vibration), the impact force is dispersed to the case and gear carrier 5 through the robust base 23 and outer stud 10, preventing the impact energy from being entirely borne by the fragile center wheel axle tip, and greatly reducing the risk of axle tip breakage or bending.

[0037] As described above, in the novel tourbillon structure of the watch, there are two symmetrical planetary gears 12, with a central gear 13 meshing between the two planetary gears 12. Both planetary gears 12 mesh with the internal teeth of the gear carrier 5, and while rotating on their own axes, they also revolve around the axis of the central wheel 22. The arrangement of the two planetary gears 12 rotating along the inner ring of the gear carrier 5 makes the tourbillon more stable.

[0038] As described above, in this novel tourbillon structure, an upper planetary gear plate 19 is fixed between the lower planetary gear bridge 8 and the escapement fork bridge 9 via an inner stud 7. The central shafts of the two planetary gears 12 are respectively positioned on the lower planetary gear bridge 8 and the upper planetary gear bridge 19 via jewel bearings 20. The lower end of the central shaft of the intermediate gear 13 is positioned on the lower planetary gear bridge 8 via a jewel bearing 20, and its upper end passes through the upper planetary gear bridge 19. The escapement wheel 1 is positioned above the upper planetary gear bridge 19. The jewel bearings 20 are made of jewels, which significantly reduce friction between the components, making the watch durable for decades.

[0039] As described above, the novel tourbillon structure of the watch features an upper shock absorber 21 mounted on the upper shock-absorbing plate 11, which is coaxially connected to the double discs 15. The lower end of the pivot 14 is mounted on the escapement fork plate 9 via a jewel bearing 20, and the upper end is mounted on the upper shock-absorbing plate 11 via a jewel bearing 20. The upper ends of the outer stud 10 and the inner stud 7 are fastened together with screws, securing the components on them.

[0040] The key moving components of this invention include the shaft of the planetary gear 12, the pivot 14 of the escapement fork 2, and the shaft of the intermediate gear 13, all of which are supported at both ends by jewel bearings 20. The jewel bearings possess high hardness, low friction, and slight elasticity, while the upper shock absorber 21 provides a buffering function. This design allows the core transmission and speed regulating components to generate displacement within a small range and buffer energy when subjected to radial impacts (such as lateral impacts), rather than hard contact that could lead to gear misalignment, shaft tip deformation, or hairspring deformation. This ensures that the speed regulating mechanism can quickly return to normal operation after an impact.

[0041] This invention comprises a lower shock-absorbing base 6, a lower planetary gear bridge 8, an upper planetary gear bridge 19, an escapement fork bridge 9, and an upper shock-absorbing bridge 11, all secured together as a rigid, integrated frame via internal studs 7 and screws. A robust rotating frame itself provides excellent shock absorption. It ensures that the meshing relationship between the internal gears and the alignment of the escapement fork and escapement wheel remain unchanged despite daily vibrations. This reduces timing errors caused by structural deformation and enhances the durability and reliability of the movement.

[0042] The inventiveness of this invention lies in its innovative design of the traditional open, cantilevered tourbillon frame into a closed, stable "planetary gear" structure with a fixed gear carrier as its outer shell. Existing technologies have consistently focused on improving the materials, lightweighting, or drive mechanisms of the rotating frame itself, never considering using a fixed external gear carrier as a reference to constrain and stabilize the entire rotating body. The core technical feature of this invention, the "fixed, internally toothed gear carrier," combined with the "planetary gears meshing with it and revolving within it," constitutes a completely new tourbillon architecture. The core contribution of this architecture lies not in a simple change in the transmission method, but in providing the tourbillon with an unprecedented rigid positioning reference. This structure directly solves the fundamental problems of "insufficient rigidity of the rotating frame and poor dynamic balance performance" that have long existed in the tourbillon field. Compared to traditional designs, the tourbillon of this invention achieves a qualitative leap in shock resistance, operational stability, and long-term timekeeping accuracy and reliability.

[0043] The embodiments described herein are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the invention. Any modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the design concept of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel tourbillon structure for clocks, characterized in that: The watch includes a gear carrier (5) fixed to the dial by an outer stake (10), the gear carrier (5) having an internal gear ring; a center wheel (22) located at the center of the gear carrier (5) and driven by the movement; a lower shock absorber (6) connected to the center wheel (22); a lower planetary gear plate (8), an escapement fork plate (9) and an upper shock absorber plate (11) fixed to the lower shock absorber (6) by an inner stake (7) and revolving around the axis of the center wheel (22); a planetary gear (12) meshing with the internal gear of the gear carrier (5) and an intermediate gear (13) meshing with the planetary gear (12) are provided on the lower planetary gear plate (8); and a speed regulating mechanism located inside the gear carrier (5) and revolving around the center wheel (22).

2. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The speed regulating mechanism includes an escape wheel (1) coaxial with the intermediate gear (13), and an escape fork (2) mounted on the escape fork clamp (9) via a pivot (14); a balance wheel (3) connected by a double disc (15) is mounted on the upper shock-absorbing clamp (11), and a hairspring (4) is coaxially mounted below the balance wheel (3); a balance wheel punch (16) that can be struck by one end of the escape fork (2) is mounted on the double disc (15), and a fork pad (17) that contacts the escape wheel (1) is mounted on the other end of the escape fork (2).

3. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 1, characterized in that: A shock-absorbing lower clamping plate (18) is provided on the center wheel (22) and rotates with it. The shock-absorbing lower clamping plate (18) is located below the lower shock-absorbing seat (6) and is fixedly connected to the lower shock-absorbing seat (6) by multiple screws.

4. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The planetary gears (12) are two symmetrically arranged, and the intermediate gear (13) meshes with both planetary gears simultaneously.

5. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper planetary gear clamp (19) is located between the lower planetary gear clamp (8) and the escapement fork clamp (9) via the inner stud (7); the planetary gear (12) is located between the upper and lower planetary gear clamps via the jewel bearing (20); the lower end of the shaft of the intermediate gear (13) is located on the lower planetary gear clamp (8) via the jewel bearing (20), the upper end of the shaft of the intermediate gear (13) passes through the upper planetary gear clamp (19), and the escapement wheel (1) is located above the upper planetary gear clamp (19).

6. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shock-absorbing upper clamp (11) is equipped with an upper shock absorber (21) that is coaxial with the double disc (15).

7. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 3, characterized in that: The center wheel (22) is connected to the base (23) via a jewel bearing (20). The base (23) is located below the shock-absorbing lower clamp (18) and is fixed to the dial by screws.

8. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spiral spring (4) is provided with a coaxial speed clamp (24) below it.

9. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pallet fork clamp (9) is provided with a limiting post (25) to limit the swing amplitude of the pallet fork (2). The two ends of the rotating shaft (14) are connected to the pallet fork clamp (9) and the shock-absorbing upper clamp (11) respectively through jewel bearings (20).

10. The novel tourbillon structure of the clock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper ends of the outer pile (10) and the inner pile (7) are both provided with threaded structures and are fastened with screws to fix each clamping plate in a laminated manner.

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