Atypical gong, watch with chiming mechanism comprising same, and method for manufacturing the gong

Abstract

The gong (3) is made of a wire or a blade with an atypical shape for a watch striking mechanism. The gong comprises a straight section (3a) connected to a curved section (3b). The straight section and / or the curved section are connected to the same gong holder (2). The gong includes several notches made at defined geometric points along a portion of its length to adapt its natural vibration frequencies within an audible band between 1 kHz and 5 kHz, so that the sound generated by the vibrating gong is harmonious.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a gong of atypical shape for a striking mechanism of a watch.

[0002] The invention also relates to a watch with a striking mechanism comprising at least one gong of atypical shape.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for producing a gong of atypical shape for a striking mechanism of a watch. Background of the invention

[0004] In the field of watchmaking, a traditional architecture is used to produce movements equipped with striking mechanisms, such as minute repeaters. In these designs, the gong(s) used are each made of a metal wire, generally circular in shape and placed in a plane parallel to the watch dial. The metal wire of each gong is generally arranged around the movement, in the watch cage and above a plate on which the various parts of the movement are mounted. One end or several ends of each gong is fixed, for example by soldering, to a gong holder secured to the plate, for example, which may be unique for all the gongs. The other end of each gong may generally be free.

[0005] The watch's striking mechanism also includes at least one hammer operated at predetermined times. The vibration of each gong is produced by the impact of the corresponding hammer on the gong near the gong-carrier. Each hammer generally performs a partial rotation in the plane of the gong(s) so as to strike the corresponding gong and make it vibrate in its plane, that is to say in an X - Y plane parallel to the back or dial of the watch. Part of the gong's vibration is still transmitted to the plate by the gong-carrier.

[0006] With a traditional arrangement of the timbre in the form of an arc around the watch movement, it is not easy to make the sound purer or more harmonious following the hammer strike, which is often a disadvantage.

[0007] In minute repeater watches, to improve vibro-acoustic radiation, it may be envisaged to limit the noise of the mechanism by regulating elements, and on the other hand, to increase the acoustic level by various exterior elements. On the other hand, it is not often considered to optimize the timbre generating the vibrations radiated by the exterior of the watch.

[0008] As mentioned above, the gong is usually in the form of an arc of a circle arranged around or above the watch movement. Depending on the dimensions of the gong, i.e. its length and cross-section and the material it is made of, a vibration frequency is adapted.

[0009] However, the intrinsic frequencies of each vibrating gong are not well controlled, because the harmonics, which make up the vibrating gong, are not tuned to each other. Thus, when struck by a corresponding hammer, the gong(s) of the striking mechanism generate a sound with certain dissonances, and therefore with a non-harmonious sound, which constitutes a disadvantage.

[0010] In this respect, we can cite patent application CH 708 036 A2, which describes a striking clockwork device with at least one gong made of titanium or titanium alloy. Two vibrating gongs may be provided, each struck by a corresponding hammer. One of the gongs comprises along its length several through holes or non-through hollows in defined positions to obtain the desired musical pitch and sound duration. The gongs are configured as portions of a circle. However, nothing is described concerning the tuning of several main vibration frequencies of each gong to obtain a harmonious sound and a sufficient number of partials in the audible range depending on the size of the gong, which constitutes some disadvantages.

[0011] US Patent 3,013,460 describes a musical keyboard with a number of reeds, all of which are connected to a heel made directly from the reeds. The keyboard can be fixed to a plate by screws, which pass through openings in a cover plate on top of the heel, and openings in the heel. The thickness of the reeds is adjusted by a machining wheel, which can be moved from the heel and over a portion of each reed to adjust the melody of the keyboard. A cover of the plate serves to hide the machined portions of each reed. However, nothing is described concerning the tuning of several main frequencies of vibration of each reed to obtain a harmonious sound, which is a disadvantage.

[0012] US Patent 7,746,732 B2 describes a gong of a striking device. This gong can be configured between its attachment to a gong holder and its free-moving end with a cross-section that increases or with continuous variations in cross-section along its length so as to increase the richness and quality of the sound emitted when the gong is struck. As in previous documents, nothing is described concerning how to tune several main vibration frequencies of the gong to obtain a harmonious sound, which is a disadvantage. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art by providing a stamp of atypical shape for a mechanism of progressively narrower connection of its curved part to the fixing element to adjust its natural frequency. Nothing is described concerning the manner of tuning several main frequencies of vibration of the stamp to obtain a harmonious sound, which constitutes a disadvantage.

[0014] Patent FR 396 538 A describes a gong of a striking mechanism, which has a straight part connected to a curved part. This curved part extends along the inner periphery of the watch case. One end of the straight part is fixed towards the center of the watch. Nothing is described concerning how to tune several main vibration frequencies of the gong to obtain a harmonious sound, which is a disadvantage.

[0015] Patent application EP 2 720 091 A1 describes a gong for a striking mechanism. The gong is a generally circular blade for surrounding the watch movement. The gong is attached at one end to a gong holder mounted on a watch plate. One or more through openings are formed in the main body of the gong. With these openings, it is possible to modify the vibrational behavior of the gong, i.e., to adapt the pitch. Nothing is described concerning how to tune several main vibration frequencies of the gong to obtain a harmonious sound, which is a disadvantage. Summary of the invention

[0016] The invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a gong of atypical shape for a striking mechanism of a watch, in order to produce more favourably audible vibrations and with a harmonious sound without dissonances.

[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a gong of atypical shape for a striking mechanism of a watch cited above, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.

[0018] The invention also relates to a set of atypically shaped gongs for a striking mechanism of a watch cited above, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 2.

[0019] Particular embodiments of the stamp are defined in dependent claims 3 to 9.

[0020] An advantage of the atypical gong of a striking mechanism according to the invention lies in the fact that it is configured in such a way as to guarantee consonant harmonic and melodic intervals. The gong comprises geometric tuning points, which are preferably notches arranged along the gong. The gong may comprise at least two notches made at defined locations along its length. Preferably, once the gong is mounted in the watch case, these notches are made on a part not visible from the outside of the watch case.

[0021] Advantageously, it may be possible to make more than two notches on a part of the gong that is not visible from the outside in order to finely adjust several frequencies. Thus, it may be possible to adjust at least two frequencies, or even three or four frequencies or more depending on the number of notches. With the notches made and arranged in well-defined locations along the length of the gong, it is possible on the one hand to increase the number of partials of the gong in vibration in the audible range of 0 to 5 kHz, even with a shorter gong than usual. Frequencies above 5 kHz make it possible to add intensity, richness and brilliance to the sound. It is possible to finely adjust the frequencies manually or automatically with the help of a machining robot with the creation of these notches.

[0022] Advantageously, it is possible to configure said timbre to ensure well-tuned main vibration frequencies. These tuned frequencies can be defined according to Western, Eastern or African musical chords.

[0023] Advantageously, the gong comprises at least one straight portion and one curved portion. At least one end of the gong is intended to be fixed to a gong holder, but it is conceivable to have both ends of the gong fixed to the same gong holder. At least one notch is made on the straight portion and another notch is made on the curved portion. In addition, the curved portion may have a retouch so as to aesthetically represent a B shape. This aesthetic appearance may be sought, given that the gong is visible from outside the watch case through the watch crystal.

[0024] To this end, the invention also relates to a watch with a striking mechanism, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 10.

[0025] Particular embodiments of the watch are defined in dependent claims 11 to 14.

[0026] Advantageously, with the atypically shaped gong configured for the striking mechanism mounted in the watch case, an improvement in the acoustic level of the watch in the audible band can still be achieved. It is thus possible to tune the partials of the gong(s) with the natural frequencies of the casing. In addition, with the creation of the notches on the gong(s), this ensures uniformity of melodic tuning between all watches manufactured.

[0027] Advantageously, the striking mechanism comprises two gongs each fixed to a gong holder and tuned differently from each other to each generate a specific sound to indicate hours or minutes.

[0028] Each gong has at least two notches along its length to produce a harmonious sound. The gongs are mounted parallel to the dial and below the watch glass so that they are visible through the watch glass. The gong notches are therefore made on a surface that is not visible from the outside of the watch.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing at least one gong of atypical shape for a striking mechanism of a watch, which comprises the characteristics of independent claim 15.

[0030] Particular steps of the method of manufacturing the stamp are defined in dependent claims 16 and 17. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the atypically shaped gong for a striking mechanism of a watch, and of the watch with a striking mechanism will appear better in the following description, in particular with regard to the drawings in which: there figure 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a gong of atypical shape of a striking mechanism, with adaptation of the vibration frequencies according to the invention, the figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the stamp shown in figure 1 with a retouch from an aesthetic point of view according to the invention, the figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stamp of the figure 2 in particular of the rectilinear part showing the fine adjustment notches of several frequencies for the generation of a harmonious sound according to the invention, the figure 4 represents a bottom view of an embodiment of gongs forming part of the striking mechanism according to the invention, and the Figure 5represents a three-dimensional view of a watch with a striking mechanism which includes at least one gong as shown in figure 2 according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] In the following description, all elements of the watch with a striking mechanism, which includes at least one gong intended to be struck by a hammer, which are well known in this technical field, will be described only briefly.

[0033] There figure 1shows an embodiment of a gong 3 of atypical shape, which is normally part of a striking mechanism (not shown) of a watch. The gong 3 is in the form of a wire or a blade of a certain length, width and thickness. The gong 3 is configured and made so as to be able to generate a harmonious sound without dissonance, when struck by a hammer of the striking mechanism. The gong 3 is shown in a top view, as it can for example be seen through a watch crystal. It can be fixed by one of its ends to a gong holder 2 of the striking mechanism, or as shown, fixed by its two ends to the gong holder 2. The gong 3 comprises a straight part 3a connected to a curved part 3b, which can be of partially circular shape. Broken lines in the figures show the connection limit between the straight part 3a and the curved part 3b.The straight part 3a and the curved part 3b are preferably in the same plane, which may be parallel to the watch dial once mounted.

[0034] The stamp 3 may be obtained by a molding or rolling or wire cutting or stamping operation of a plate of a metallic material in a machining machine. The stamp 3 may be made in one piece with the stamp holder 2, but may also be fixed by welding or brazing to said stamp holder 2. Preferably, the stamp comprises a rectangular cross-section, but may also be circular. Preferably, the cross-section is identical along the entire length of the stamp before adjusting the vibration frequencies. The stamp may be made of amorphous metal or metallic glass, or also of gold or platinum, or even of brass, titanium, aluminum or another metal material or alloy having a density, a Young's modulus and an elastic limit, which are similar.Metallic glass can be based, for example, on zirconium, gold, platinum or gold with palladium, platinum and silver or another metal capable of solidifying in amorphous form.

[0035] As shown in the figure 2 , the stamp 3 may further comprise a retouch 3c carried out on the curved part 3b. This retouch 3c is carried out on a middle portion of the curved part 3b so as to represent a letter in top view, for example a B. This B-shaped stamp can be seen through the watch crystal once mounted in the watch case and defines a symbol of the watch brand.

[0036] The dimensioning of this type of stamp 3 with the straight part 3a, the curved part 3b and possibly the retouching 3c on the curved part 3b is done in three main stages of production.

[0037] The first step is to determine the active lengths of the snare independently of each other so that the parts can generate natural frequencies, which approach the target values selected for the desired musical tuning. To do this, the straight part 3a is dimensioned alone, and the curved part 3b is also dimensioned alone. The two parts 3a and 3b together give the so-called roughly dimensioned snare 3. The two parts 3a and 3b can be connected to the same snare holder 2, but it is also possible to have only the straight part 3a connected to the snare holder 2 or the curved part 3b connected to the snare holder 2.

[0038] The second step consists of modifying the shape of the stamp somewhat so as to define a particular structure of a desired aesthetic appearance. This particular structure may be in the form of a letter, such as the letter B representing a symbol of a watch brand. For this purpose, as previously mentioned, a retouch 3c is made on the curved part 3b, for example at a middle portion of said curved part 3b.

[0039] Finally, the third step consists of refining the natural frequencies of timbre 3 by making notches 5a, 5b as shown in figure 3 or hollows or grooves. The notches 5a and 5b shown in the figure 3are made in the straight part 3a, but other notches or hollows or grooves can also be made on the curved part 3b. These notches 5a and 5b are made from a lower surface of the gong 3, so as not to be directly visible through a watch glass once the gong is mounted in the watch case.

[0040] Each notch 5a, 5b is machined in particular by milling by a machining robot programmed to define a hollow of a certain depth in the thickness of the stamp and over the entire width of the stamp. The first notch 5a or groove can be machined over a length d1 in the rectilinear part 3a of the stamp and with a depth defined in the general thickness of the stamp. The second notch 5b can be machined over a length d2 in the rectilinear part 3a of the stamp and with a depth defined in the general thickness of the stamp. The two depths of the notches produced can preferably be similar, but it may be conceivable to produce them with a different depth in the general thickness of the stamp. The two notches 5a, 5b can be machined over the entire width of the stamp 3.

[0041] It should be noted that the notches 5a, 5b or hollows or grooves produced locally reduce the stiffness of the gong 3. The vibration duration of the gong 3 after a hammer strike is also increased, without the resistance to external shocks being reduced, which is advantageous. As shown, the first notch 5a in the straight part 3a is produced near the gong holder 2, while the second notch 5b is produced near the connection of the straight part 3a to the curved part 3b. The notches 5a, 5b or hollows or grooves allow in particular fine tuning of the frequencies of the gong, in order to obtain the desired frequencies and at geometric points, which are nodes and / or antinodes of certain natural modes of the gong.

[0042] This also makes it possible to significantly increase the number of partials of a vibrating timbre in the audible band without changing its size, that is to say its length. The sound generated by the vibration of the timbre radiated by the watch casing can then be accurate and rich from a melodic point of view.

[0043] In the traditional and simple geometries of the prior art for the dimensioning of a timbre, there can be no selective tuning of the frequencies generated by the timbre. A geometric modification determines a significant overall drift, for example more than 100 Hz, of all the frequencies generated or of a large majority of these frequencies.

[0044] As an example of sizing and tuning such a non-limiting timbre, the timbre is configured to generate, for example, a note similar to an F-sharp. To produce this tone in a multi-frequency sound, timbre 3 must at least have natural frequencies equal to 1,480 Hz, which corresponds to the note F-sharp 5 and 2,960 Hz, which corresponds to the note F-sharp 6 as shown in the table below.

[0045] Of course, other musical notes can be selected depending on the length, width and thickness of the timbre 3, its shape and the material it is made of. It is possible to ensure that the main vibration frequencies of the timbre 3 are tuned to each other according to Western musical chords, i.e. C minor, C major, D major, G major, or other, or also to Eastern or African culture.

[0046] Without being represented by figures for a timbre 3, it is possible to define the modal shape and the frequency of one of the natural modes of the rectilinear part 3a and those of the curved part 3b of the timbre. This is defined for support-plane boundary conditions at the free end of the two parts 3a, 3b, so that there is a continuity of the modal shape, that is to say with the presence of a node at the end. The geometry of these two parts 3a, 3b is optimized independently so that their frequencies approach the desired frequency. With the timbre 3 constituted by the rectilinear part 3a and the curved part 3b connected to the timbre holder 2, the modal shape of the rectilinear part 3a can have two antinodes, while the modal shape of the curved part 3b can have three antinodes. Under these conditions, a notch can be provided on each antinode of the modal deformation of each part of the stamp 3.

[0047] This procedure described above is repeated to obtain another natural frequency, which is close to the desired frequency of 2,960 Hz. As an example, the following table groups the natural frequencies in the audible band of a timbre according to the figure 1 without retouching and without notches, according to the figure 2 with 3c retouching but without notches, and according to the figures 2 And 3 with retouch 3c and notches 5a, 5b. In Hz Stamp without retouching and without notches Stamp with retouching and without notches Stamp with retouching and notches f 1 85 85 62 f 2 268 270 227 f 3 562 563 431 f 4 884 886 659 f 5 1'529 1'532 1'205 f 6 1'967 1'975 1'471 = F#5 f 7 2'880 2'900 2'567 f 8 3'554 3'554 2'961 = F#6 f 9 4'602 4'621 3'502 f 10 5'632 5'613 4'750 f 11 6'737 6'720 5'391 f 12 8'125 8'148 7'443 f 13 9'357 9'358 7'988 f 14 10'964 10'912 9'100 f 15 12'488 12'177 11'125 f 16 14'134 14'027 12'040 f 17 15'798 14'513 12'112 f 18 16'473 16'633 12'949 f 19 17'104 17'202 13'340 f 20 18'478 19'206 14'964 f 21 - - 15'133 f 22 - - 16'512 f 23 - - 17'483 f 24 - - 18'250 f 25 - - 18'651 f 26 - - 19'654

[0048] As previously mentioned, the notches or hollows or grooves allow for fine tuning of the timbre frequencies to obtain the desired frequencies. These are the frequencies, which are marked in bold in the table above. A significant increase in the number of partials of a timbre in the audible band is also achieved as shown in the 3rd column of the table, particularly between 0 and 5 kHz, because the tone of the sound is determined by its frequency content in this audible band. For frequencies above 5 kHz, this allows for adding intensity, richness and brilliance to the sound. This allows the timbre to vibrate with a harmonious and melodic sound and without dissonance.

[0049] There figure 4shows an embodiment of an arrangement of two gongs 3, 3', which are part of the striking mechanism of a watch. Only the two gongs 3, 3' are shown in a view from below and attached to a respective gong holder 2 2' or to the same gong holder 2. The first gong 3 has been described with reference to figures 1 to 3 above and is the hour stamp. The second stamp 3' also includes a straight part 3a' and a curved part 3b' and is the minute stamp. The first stamp 3 is made, for example, longer than the second stamp 3'.

[0050] The two rectilinear parts 3a, 3a' of the two gongs 3, 3' of the striking mechanism are preferably arranged parallel to each other. However, the two rectilinear parts 3a, 3a' may also be arranged at an angle to each other. The curved part 3b of the first gong 3 extends from a free end of the rectilinear part 3a in an opposite direction from the curved part 3b' of the second gong 3', which extends from a free end of its rectilinear part 3a'. The rectilinear parts 3a, 3a' and the curved parts 3b, 3b' are preferably arranged in the same plane, which is parallel to a watch dial as shown below.

[0051] The first stamp 3 is preferably fixed by its two ends to the stamp holder 2, while the second stamp 3' is fixed to the stamp holder 2' only by one end of the straight part 3a'. The other end of the second stamp 3', which is one end of the curved part 3b', is free. However, it may also be envisaged to fix the second stamp 3' by its curved part 3b' to the stamp holder 2' and leave one end of the straight part 3a' free.

[0052] As a non-limiting example of the production of such an arrangement of two gongs 3, 3' for a striking mechanism of a watch, it may be provided to produce these gongs 3, 3' in a precious metal, for example white gold. The gongs 3, 3' are preferably produced in the form of a blade with a rectangular section. They may form a single piece with the gong holder 2.

[0053] The first stamp 3 may have a rectilinear or linear portion 3a of length between 25 mm and 35 mm, for example of the order of 30.1 mm, and a curved portion 3b in the form of an arc of a circle of radius between 15 mm and 20 mm, for example of the order of 17.3 mm. The retouching portion 3c from an aesthetic point of view only is produced according to two radii of 7 mm and 3.7 mm in the middle portion of the curved portion 3b. The width of the stamp 3 may be between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.6 mm and preferably of identical width from one end of the first stamp 3 to the other. The general thickness of the stamp 3 may also be identical over its entire length and between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, for example 0.25 mm for the first stamp 3.

[0054] For the first stamp 3, two notches 5a and 5b are made on the straight part 3a, and three notches 5c, 5d and 5e on the curved part 3b. The notches 5a to 5e or grooves are made over the entire width of the first stamp 3 and all have a length of between 1 and 2 mm, preferably 1.2 mm each. Each notch can be made with the same depth of between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably 0.15 mm for the first stamp with a thickness of 0.25 mm.

[0055] The first notch 5a made on the straight part 3a is arranged between 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably 3.9 mm, from the attachment to the stamp holder 2 of the straight part 3a, while the second notch 5b made is arranged between 22 mm and 26 mm, preferably 24.1 mm. The third notch 5c made on the curved part 3b is arranged between 22 mm and 26 mm, preferably 24.7 mm from the attachment to the stamp holder 2 of the straight part 3a in perpendicular vision. The fourth notch 5d made is at the level of the retouching part 3c of the curved part 3b and arranged between 14 mm and 7 mm, preferably 15.4 mm from the attachment to the stamp holder 2 of the straight part 3a in perpendicular vision. Finally, the fifth notch 5e made is placed between 8 mm and 12 mm, preferably 9.9 mm from the attachment to the stamp holder 2 of the rectilinear part 3a in perpendicular vision.

[0056] Depending on their positions on the first timbre 3, the notches 5a to 5e are intended to tune the timbre, so that its frequencies are closer to those of the desired note, for example F sharp. This also makes it possible to increase the number of frequencies with the partials to enrich the sound produced by the vibrating timbre. Their positions are optimized so that the frequency difference between two consecutive frequencies of the timbre is sufficient to avoid any risk of beating and / or dissonance of the generated sound.

[0057] Thanks to this geometry of the first timbre 3, two frequencies between 1.5 kHz and 5 kHz were optimized to get closer to the F# 5 and F#6 as mentioned in the table above. These frequencies are selected between 1 kHz and 5 kHz so that the ear of a person wearing the watch is able to differentiate the tone of a sound. Thus, at least two natural vibration frequencies are adapted in an audible band between 1 kHz and 5 kHz. Moreover, the ratio between these two frequencies is a number N+d, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and d / N is between -0.01 and +0.01, so that the sound generated by the vibrating gong is harmonious.

[0058] For the second stamp 3', a notch 5a' is made on the straight part 3a', and two notches 5b' and 5c' on the curved part 3b'. The notches 5a' to 5c' or grooves are made over the entire width of the second stamp 3'. Each notch can be made with the same depth between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm for the second stamp 3' with a thickness of 0.3 mm. The straight part 3a' of this second stamp 3' can have a length of between 8 mm and 12 mm, for example of the order of 10.3 mm, and a curved part 3b in the form of at least one arc of a circle with a radius of between 10 mm and 13 mm, for example of the order of 11.7 mm. Preferably, the curved part is made according to several radii and not completely circular.

[0059] The first notch 5a' made on the rectilinear or linear part 3a' is arranged directly from the attachment to the stamp holder 2' of the rectilinear part 3a'. This first notch 5a' can be of length between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1.6 mm. A second notch 5b' made on the curved part 3b' is arranged between 6 mm and 8 mm relative to the rectilinear part from the connection of the curved part 3b' to the rectilinear part 3a'. The length of this second notch 5b' is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably 1.25 mm. Finally, the third notch 5c' is made at the free end of the curved part 3b' and of length between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, for example 0.5 mm.

[0060] The lengths, depths and positioning of these notches 5a' to 5c' of this second 3' timbre are coupled parameters to ensure good tuning and good vibrational response of the timbre. In this configuration of the second 3' timbre, there are two natural frequencies, which are optimized in the frequency band between 1.5 kHz and 5 kHz, in order to get closer to the frequencies corresponding to the If 5 and If 6.

[0061] It should also be noted that the melodic tuning obtained between the first hour 3 and the second minute 3' thus corresponds to a perfect fourth.

[0062] There Figure 5is a three-dimensional top view of a watch 1 with a striking mechanism. The watch comprises a well-known watch or clock movement, not shown, which is arranged under a watch dial 6. Time-indicating hands 7 rotate on said watch dial 6. The watch also comprises a striking mechanism, which may be part of the watch movement. This striking mechanism comprises at least a first gong 3 fixed to a gong-carrier 2, which is generally fixed on a plate of the watch movement or arranged in contact with an inner wall of the case middle 8 or the bezel or the bottom of the watch case 1. The gong is generally a metal or glass wire or blade. The gong 3 extends above the watch movement or parallel to the watch dial 6.The mechanism also comprises at least a first hammer 4 for striking the gong 3 from below in a vertical direction Z, that is to say in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the gong or the watch movement on a watch plate.

[0063] Preferably, two gongs 3, 3' may be provided, fixed to the same gong holder 2 or respectively to two gong carriers 2, 2'. These first and second gongs 3, 3' are intended to be struck each by a respective hammer 4, 4'. The first hammer 4 is intended to strike the first gong 3 from below and in a vertical direction and preferably close to the gong carrier 2 on the straight part 3a of the gong. The second hammer 4', which is parallel to the first hammer 4, is intended to strike the second gong 3' from below and in a vertical direction and preferably also close to the gong carrier 2' on the straight part 3a' of the gong.

[0064] As shown in detail in the Figure 5 of the watch 1 with striking mechanism, the two hammers 4, 4' can be arranged to rotate around the same axis of rotation parallel to the watch dial 6. These hammers 4, 4' can strike each gong 3, 3' at different or identical times depending on their actuation in the striking mechanism.

[0065] The two gongs 3, 3' may therefore have two rectilinear parts 3a, 3b extending in a diametrical direction or slightly offset from the center of the watch, from the gong holder(s) 2, 2'. These gong holders 2, 2' are arranged close to or in direct contact with an inner wall of a case middle 8 or the bezel or the back of the watch case. These gong holders 2, 2' are preferably glued to each other. Each gong 3, 3' comprises a curved part 3b, 3b' starting at the free end of each rectilinear part 3a, 3a' and extending in a direction opposite to that of the other gong.

[0066] Of course, even if not shown on the Figure 5, notches or hollows or grooves are made from a lower surface of each gong 3, 3' to tune the desired frequencies in order to generate a harmonious sound. These notches or hollows or grooves are advantageously not visible through a watch crystal 1 not shown so as to maintain a good aesthetic appearance of the visible gongs 3, 3'.

[0067] From the description which has just been given, several variants of embodiment of the atypical gong and of the watch with striking mechanism comprising it can be designed by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. It can be provided to have a first gong fixed to a first gong holder and a second gong fixed to a second gong holder distant from the first gong holder and with the two gongs in the same plane or in a different plane. The notches or hollows or grooves can be made from an upper surface of the gong or on the sides of the gong.

Claims

1. A gong (3, 3') for a striking work of a watch (1), the gong (3, 3') in the form of a wire or of a blade comprising a straight part (3a, 3a') connected to a curved part (3b, 3b'), characterised in that the gong comprises at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves at geometric points, which are nodes and / or antinodes of certain natural vibration frequencies of the gong, defined over a portion of its length so as to adjust at least two natural vibration frequencies within an audible range between 1 kHz and 5 kHz, and in that the ratio between these two frequencies is a number N+d, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and d / N is comprised between -0.01 and +0.01, so that the sound produced by the vibrating gong has consonant harmonic intervals, and in that at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves are made in the curved part (3b, 3b').

2. A set of gongs (3, 3') for a striking work of a watch (1), the set of gongs comprising at least two gongs, each gong being in the form of a wire or of a blade comprising a straight part (3a, 3a') connected to a curved part (3b, 3b'), characterised in that each gong comprises at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves at geometric points, which are nodes and / or antinodes of certain natural vibration frequencies of each gong, defined over a portion of its length so as to adjust at least two natural vibration frequencies within an audible range between 1 kHz and 5 kHz, and that the ratio between these two frequencies is a number N+d, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and d / N is comprised between -0.01 and +0.01, so that the sounds produced by the vibrating gongs form consonant harmonic intervals, and in that at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves are made in the curved part (3b, 3b') of each gong.

3. The gong (3, 3') according to claim 1, or set of gongs according to claim 2, characterised in that two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves are made in the straight part (3a, 3a').

4. The gong (3, 3') according to claim 1, or set of gongs according to claim 2, characterised in that at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves are made in the straight part (3a), and in that at least three notches (5c, 5d, 5e) or grooves are made in the curved part (3b) of circular shape in order to tune at least two natural vibration frequencies within the audible range from 1 kHz to 5 kHz to obtain a desired note or sound.

5. The gong (3, 3') according to claim 1, or set of gongs according to claim 2, characterised in that one notch (5a') or groove is made in the straight part (3a') and in that two notches (5b', 5c') or grooves are made in the curved part (3b').

6. The gong (3, 3'), respectively set of gongs, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each notch (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or groove is made over the entire width of each gong (3, 3').

7. The gong (3, 3'), respectively set of gongs, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that two ends of each gong are designed to be attached to a single gong holder (2) on the striking work, and in that each gong with its straight part (3a) and its curved part (3b) takes the form of a letter of the alphabet, a retouche part (3c) being defined in a median portion of the curved part (3b).

8. The gong (3, 3') according to claim 1, or set of gongs according to claim 2, characterised in that each notch (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') is positioned on the length of each gong in correspondence with one of the antinodes of one and only one of the mode shapes whose frequency is comprised between 1 kHz and 5 kHz.

9. The gong (3, 3'), respectively set of gongs, according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thickness of each gong is identical over its entire length, and in that the depth of each notch (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or groove in the general thickness of the gong is identical.

10. A striking watch (1) comprising a striking work provided with at least one gong (3, 3'), respectively a set of gongs, according to any of the preceding claims, the striking work comprising at least one gong holder (2), to which each gong (3, 3) is connected, and at least one hammer (4, 4') capable of striking, at set times, each gong from below in a vertical direction and substantially perpendicular to the plane comprising the gong, the gong holder (2) being integral with a plate or positioned in contact with an inner wall of a middle (8) or of a bezel or of a back on a watchcase.

11. The striking watch (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that each gong holder (2) is attached in contact with an inner wall of a middle (8) or of a bezel or of a back of a watchcase, in that at least one end of the straight part (3a, 3a') or of the curved part (3b, 3b') of each gong (3, 3') is attached to the respective gong holder, and in that at least an upper surface of each gong (3, 3') is visible through a glass on the watch (1) with the notches (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or grooves made on a lower surface of the gong.

12. The striking watch (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the striking work comprises a first gong (3) capable of being struck by a first hammer (4) from below and a second gong (3') capable of being struck by a second hammer (4') from below, in that the first gong (3) has two ends attached to at least one gong holder (2), in that the second gong (3') has one end of the straight part (3a') or of the curved part (3b') attached to the same gong holder (2) or to a second gong holder (2') positioned in contact with the inner wall of the middle (8).

13. The striking watch (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the first gong (3) and the second gong (3') are made in one piece with the gong holder (2), in that the straight part (3a) of the first gong (3) is positioned parallel to the straight part (3a') of the second gong (3'), the end of which is attached to the gong holder (2), and in that the two gongs (3, 3') are arranged in the same plane with the notches (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or grooves made in a lower surface of each gong.

14. The striking watch (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that the first gong (3) comprises at least two notches (5a, 5b) or grooves on the straight part (3a) and at least three notches (5c, 5d, 5e) on the curved part (3b), and in that the second gong (3') comprises at least one notch (5a') or groove on the straight part (3a') and at least two notches (5b', 5c') on the curved part (3b').

15. A method for manufacturing at least one gong (3, 3'), respectively a set of gongs, according to any of claims 1 to 9, for a striking work of a watch (1), characterised in that the method comprises the steps of - determining active lengths for the straight part (3a, 3a') and for the curved part (3b, 3b') of each gong (3, 3') by dimensioning each part separately from the others to produce natural frequencies close to selected target values when each gong vibrates, - adjusting or refining the natural frequencies of each gong (3, 3') by making notches (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or grooves on a lower surface of the gong (3, 3') at geometric points, which are nodes and / or antinodes of certain natural frequencies of the gong, defined over the length of the gong to produce a sound with consonant harmonic and melodic intervals from the vibrating gong.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterised in that the notches (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e; 5a', 5b', 5c') or grooves are made by milling in the general thickness of the gong over the entire width of the gong.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 15, characterised in that it further comprises a step 5 consisting in changing the shape of the curved part (3b) of each gong on a median portion so as to define a structure in the shape of a letter.

Images