MECHANISM FOR A STRIKING CLOCK

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for a watch movement. The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such a mechanism. Finally, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising such a mechanism and / or such a movement. Prior art

[0002] A clockwork striking mechanism is highly complicated. It is complex due to the number and nature of the kinematics of its components.

[0003] Typically, in striking mechanisms, particularly in classic repeating striking mechanisms, a minute snail—that is, a cam with notches to regulate the minute striking that cooperates with a feeler on a minute counter—is directly fixed to a wheel that carries a minute hand at its end. This arrangement ensures a mechanism with no discrepancy between the position of the minute hand relative to the minute scale on the dial and the number of minute strikes. The same applies to a quarter snail—that is, a cam with notches to regulate the quarter-hour striking that cooperates with a feeler on a quarter counter.

[0004] Such an architecture presents problems with the assembly and adjustment of the snail cams to ensure that the bells are perfectly synchronized with the positions of the points. Documents EP 3 492 997 and CH 701 201 present alternative architectures. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a mechanism that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and improves upon known prior art mechanisms. In particular, the invention proposes a simple mechanism that facilitates the mounting of the cams of a striking mechanism and the synchronization of the striking mechanism with the display of the timepiece. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a mechanism is defined by claim 1.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the invention, different embodiments of the mechanism are defined by claims 2 to 6.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the invention, a watch movement is defined by claim 7.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the invention, an embodiment of the movement is defined by claim 8.

[0010] According to the first aspect of the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 9.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the invention, objects are defined by the following propositions: 1. Mechanism (100) for a striking clock movement (200), comprising: a first winding (1), a second winding (2), a gear linkage (14, 15, 21) between the first winding (1) and the second winding (2), and a device (16) for compensating for backlash in the gear linkage. 2.Mechanism (100) according to Proposition 1, characterized in that the gear connection (14, 15, 21) between the first roadway (1) and the second roadway (2) comprises: a first wheel (15) fixed on the first roadway (1), a second wheel (14) mounted in a pivot connection relative to the first roadway, and a third wheel (21) fixed on the second roadway (2), the first and second wheels meshing with the third wheel, and the backlash compensation device (16) of the gear connection being arranged so as to exert a restoring force on the first and second wheels against: the opposite flanks of at least one tooth of the third wheel (21), and / or the adjacent flanks of at least two consecutive teeth of the third wheel (21). 3.Mechanism (100) according to Proposition 2, characterized in that the backlash compensation device (16) comprises a return force adjustment element (131), the adjustment element (131) comprising, for example, a gripping notch (131) for rotating the second toothed wheel (14) relative to the first bearing (1). 4. Mechanism (100) according to any one of Propositions 1 to 3, characterized in that the backlash compensation device (16) comprises a spring (16), in particular a leaf spring (16), fixed: on the one hand, in particular at one of its ends, to the first bearing (1), and on the other hand, in particular at its other end, to the second wheel (14). 5. Mechanism (100) according to propositions 2 and 4, characterized in that the spring (16) is fixed: at one of its ends via a pin (163) to the second wheel (14), and at the other of its ends via a ring (161) of the spring (16) to the first wheel (1). 6.Mechanism (100) according to any one of propositions 1 to 5, characterized in that the first bearing (1) is intended to receive a first minute indicator, such as a minute hand (61). 7. Mechanism (100) according to any one of propositions 1 to 6, characterized in that the second bearing (2) is intended to receive at least one striking cam (22, 23, 24), in particular a minute snail (22) and / or a surprise (23) and / or a quarter snail (24). 8. Clock movement (200) comprising: a mechanism (100) according to any one of propositions 1 to 7, and a finishing gear (99) driving one of the first and second bearings (1, 2). 9. Watch movement (200) according to proposition 8, characterized in that the movement comprises a frame (90), in particular a mainplate (91), in that the first wheel (1) is mounted on the frame on the dial side and in that the second wheel (2) is mounted on the frame on the bridge side. 10.Timepiece (300), in particular wristwatch (300) with chime, comprising: a mechanism (100) according to one of propositions 1 to 7, and / or a clock movement (200) according to one of propositions 8 and 9. Presentation of the figures

[0012] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment given by way of non-limiting agreement in relation to the accompanying figures. There figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional and perspective view of how the timepiece is made. figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of how the timepiece is made. figure 4 is a perspective view of part of the method of making the timepiece. Detailed description

[0013] A method for manufacturing a 300 timepiece is described in detail below with reference to figures 1 to 4 The timepiece 300 is, for example, a watch, specifically a wristwatch and / or a chiming timepiece. The timepiece 300 comprises a chiming watch movement 200, intended to be mounted in a case or box to protect it from the external environment. The watch movement 200 may be a mechanical movement, including an automatic movement.

[0014] The 200 watch movement includes: a frame 90, in particular a blank or a plate 91, a first wheel 19, a second wheel 29, a finishing gear 99 driving one of the first and second wheels.

[0015] The first-stage wheel 19 comprises a first stage 1. The first-stage wheel, in particular the first stage 1, is pivoted on the frame 90, specifically pivoted on a first axis 18 mounted, specifically driven, for example at its end 93, into the frame 90. The first axis 18 may be a center tube. The first-stage wheel 19 comprises various elements 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 mounted on the first stage 1. The first-stage wheel 19 is advantageously mounted on the dial side of the frame 90.

[0016] The second roadway moving part 29 comprises a second roadway 2. The second roadway moving part, in particular the second roadway 2, is pivoted on the frame 90, in particular pivoted on a second axis 28 mounted, in particular driven, for example at its end 92, into the frame 90. The second roadway moving part 29 may comprise various elements 21, 22, 23, 24, mounted on the second roadway 2. The second roadway moving part 29 is advantageously mounted on the bridge side on the frame 90.

[0017] In other words, the 200 watch movement comprises a 100 mechanism including: the first roadway 1 or the mobile 19 of the first roadway, and the second roadway 2 or the mobile 29 of the second roadway.

[0018] Mechanism 100 also includes: a link 14, 15, 21 by gear, in particular by direct gear (or without return), between the first roadway 1 and the second roadway 2, and a device 16 for compensating for backlash in the gear link.

[0019] As shown in the figures, the first-floor mobile 19 is advantageously mounted on the axis 18 driven into the frame 90 and defining a first axis A1 of rotation of the first-floor mobile 19 relative to the frame 90.

[0020] Preferably, the first-floor mobile unit 19 includes: the first roadway 1, a first toothed roadway 11 mounted by friction on the roadway 1 and arranged to mesh with the finishing gear 99 (as shown on the figure 4with the hour wheel 17 removed) or to form part of the finishing train 99, a one-piece pinion 12 with the first wheel 1 or fixed, in particular driven, onto the first wheel 1, this pinion 12 being arranged to mesh with a minute wheel 98 of a minute wheel (as shown on the figure 4with the hour wheel 17 removed), a second toothed wheel 14 mounted movably to rotate on the first bearing 1 around the axis A1, the second toothed wheel 14 comprising teeth 141 and a plate 13, teeth 141 being arranged to mesh with a toothed wheel 21 of the second bearing, a third toothed wheel 15 one-piece with the first bearing 1 or fixed, in particular pressed, onto the first bearing 1, this wheel 15 being arranged to mesh with the wheel 21 of the second bearing 2, an hour wheel 17 mounted movably to rotate on the first bearing 1 around the axis A1, the hour wheel 17 being arranged to mesh with a minute pinion 97 of the minute wheel assembly, an hour hand 62 fixed, in particular pressed, onto the hour wheel, and a minute hand 61 fixed, in particular chased, on the first road 1.

[0021] Preferably, mobile unit 29 of the second carriageway includes: the second roadway 2, a fourth toothed wheel 21 one-piece with the second roadway 1 or fixed, in particular driven, onto the second roadway 2, this wheel 21 being arranged to mesh with the wheels 14 and 15 mentioned previously.

[0022] Preferably, the geared connection 14, 15, 21 between the first carriageway 1 and the second carriageway 2 comprises: the third toothed wheel 15 fixed on the first roadway 1, the second toothed wheel 14 mounted in pivot connection relative to the first roadway 1, and a fourth toothed wheel 21 fixed on the second roadway 2.

[0023] The second and third gear wheels 14, 15 mesh with the fourth gear 21.

[0024] Preferably, the backlash compensation device 16 in the gear linkage is arranged so as to exert a restoring force on the second and third wheels 14, 15 against: the opposite sides of at least one tooth of the fourth wheel 21, and / or the adjacent sides of at least two consecutive teeth of the fourth wheel 21.

[0025] Advantageously, the play compensation device 16 may include a spring 16, in particular a leaf spring 16, fixed: on the one hand, in particular at one of its ends, at the first carriageway 1, and on the other hand, in particular at the other of its ends, at the second wheel 14.

[0026] More specifically, the spring 16 can be fixed at one of its ends via a pin 163 to the second wheel 14.

[0027] In addition, the spring 16 can be fixed at a second of its ends to the first roadway, via a ring 161 driven onto the roadway.

[0028] The play compensation device 16 includes a return force adjustment element 131. To achieve this, the plate 13 may have a notch 131 allowing the second wheel 14 to rotate relative to the first wheel. This notch can be manipulated using a tool. The manipulation can be performed in either direction around the axis A1. Once the spring 16 has been deformed to obtain the desired return force: the second gear 14 and the third gear 15, on the one hand, and the fourth gear 21, on the other hand, are installed in a pre-stressed meshing situation. The second wheel is then in gear contact with the fourth wheel, and the third wheel is then in gear contact with the fourth wheel. The teeth are thus pre-stressed. It should be noted that the restoring force must be adjusted to a value just sufficient to prevent any play between the first and second bearing surfaces, relative to each other, under normal operating conditions of the timepiece. Indeed, a High intensity of return effort leads to energy losses and, consequently, a loss of energy autonomy of the timepiece.

[0029] In the embodiment described above, an angular return element connecting two gears to each other is used to create a backlash-free gear. However, alternatively, other means of creating a backlash-free gear can be used. In particular, it is possible to use flexible tooth profiles on the first and / or second gear, notably teeth with vertically split teeth.

[0030] In the embodiment described above, the play compensation device 16, i.e., the prestressing device, is located on the first carriageway. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the play compensation device 16 may be located on the second carriageway.

[0031] Regardless of the embodiment or variant, the transmission ratio of the gear linking the first and second carriages is advantageously 1.

[0032] Regardless of the method of implementation or variant, the second roadway may only carry one snail.

[0033] In the embodiment described above, the finishing gear drives the first carriageway, which in turn drives the second carriageway. Alternatively, regardless of the embodiment or variant, the finishing gear can drive the second carriageway, which in turn drives the first carriageway.

[0034] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to assemble: timekeeping hands around a first axis A1, and one or more striking cams around a second axis A2, The first and second axes being: distinct and / or distant from each other, and parallel (as in the embodiment shown) or non-parallel.

[0035] This solution provides great architectural flexibility to place the various components of the timepiece in different locations within the watch movement.

[0036] Thanks to the invention, it is also possible to mount a first winding on one side of the watch movement and a second winding on the other side. This facilitates the assembly and adjustment of the watch movement.

[0037] The first and second carriageways are mounted so that they mesh directly with each other, without any intermediate linkage. This significantly reduces the number of dimensions required to position the first and second carriageways relative to each other. Furthermore, any play that might exist between the first and second carriageways is compensated for by the solutions described. Consequently, thanks to these solutions, the first and second carriageways can be precisely synchronized in rotation around their respective axes A1 and A2.

Claims

1. A mechanism (100) for a striking timepiece movement (200), comprising: - a first cannon pinion (1), - a second cannon pinion (2), - a geared connection (14, 15, 21) between the first cannon pinion (1) and the second cannon pinion (2), and - a device (16) for compensating for the lash in the geared connection, wherein the geared connection (14, 15, 21) between the first cannon pinion (1) and the second cannon pinion (2) comprises: - a first wheel (15) fixed on the first cannon pinion (1), - a second wheel (14) pivot-mounted relative to the first cannon pinion, and - a third wheel (21) fixed on the second cannon pinion (2), the first and second wheels meshing with the third wheel, and the device (16) for compensating for the lash in the geared connection being arranged in such a way as to apply a return force returning the first and second wheels against: - the opposite flanks of at least one tooth of the third wheel (21), and / or - the adjacent flanks of at least two consecutive teeth of the third wheel (21).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lash-compensation device (16) comprises an element (131) for regulating the return force, the regulating element (131) comprising for example grippable notching (131) to allow the second gearwheel (14) to be rotated relative to the first cannon pinion (1).

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the lash-compensation device (16) comprises a spring (16), notably a leaf spring (16), fixed: - firstly, notably at one of its ends, to the first cannon pinion (1), and - secondly, notably at the other of its ends, to the second wheel (14).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the spring (16) is fixed: - at one of its ends to the second wheel (14) using a pin (163), and - at the other of its ends to the first cannon pinion (1) via a ring (161) that belongs to the spring (16).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cannon pinion (1) is intended to take a first minutes indicator, such as a minute hand (61).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the second cannon pinion (2) is intended to take at least a striking-work cam (22, 23, 24), notably a minutes snail (22) and / or a surprise piece (23) and / or a quarter-hour snail (24).

7. A timepiece movement (200) comprising: - a mechanism (100) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, and - a finishing gear (99) driving one of the first and second cannon pinions (1, 2).

8. The timepiece movement (200) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the movement comprises a frame (90), notably a mainplate (91), wherein the first cannon pinion (1) is mounted on the dial side of the frame and the second cannon pinion (2) is mounted on the bridge side of the frame.

9. A timepiece (300), notably a striking wristwatch (300), comprising: - a mechanism (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, and / or - a timepiece movement (200) as claimed in one of claims 7 and 8.