Clockwork comprising a regulating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a power source, intended to deliver a driving force to a train, and a regulating device (1) for regulating the driving force arranged downstream of the power source, said regulating device (1) comprising a winding wheel (2) arranged to be able to be driven by the power source periodically during normal operation of the movement, an output wheel (8) arranged to power the train, at least one control wheel set (12) comprising a control cam (14) secured to a control wheel (16) kinematically connected to the output wheel (8), a locking device for the winding wheel (2) controlled by said control cam (14) to block said winding wheel (2) and release it periodically, and an elastic member (18) comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel (2) and a second end secured to the output wheel (8),said elastic member (18) being arranged to be armed periodically by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel (2) is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel (8) by disarming when said winding wheel (2) is blocked by the locking device. According to the invention, the locking device comprises two anchors (20, 22) distinct from one another, each being arranged to follow the profile of the control cam (14) in order to cooperate or not with the winding wheel (2), said profile of the control cam (14) comprising an alternation of lifts (24) and hollows (26) configured to control said anchors (20, 22) so that one can block then release the winding wheel (2) alternately with the other.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising an energy source, intended to deliver a driving force to a train, and a device for regulating the driving force arranged downstream of the energy source, said regulating device comprising a winding wheel arranged to be able to be driven by the energy source periodically during normal operation of the movement, an output wheel arranged to power the train, at least one control wheel set comprising a control cam secured to a control wheel kinematically connected to the output wheel, a device for locking the winding wheel controlled by said control cam to block said winding wheel and release it periodically, and an elastic member comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel and a second end secured to the output wheel,said elastic member being arranged to be periodically armed by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel by disarming when said winding wheel is blocked by the locking device.,

[0002] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. State of the art

[0003] In mechanical watchmaking, the term "regulating device", also called "constant force device", typically refers to a mechanism inserted in the going train connecting the energy source to the escapement and comprising a permanently charged intermediate spring, in order to transmit a relatively constant torque to the escapement, corresponding to the tension of the intermediate spring. The constant force device temporarily blocks the upstream part of the going train, then periodically releases it to re-tension the intermediate spring. Thus, variations in the torque of the energy source or the torque of the going train are completely invisible to the regulating organ, the amplitude and frequency of which are then more stable.

[0004] Such constant force devices have been developed from a weight for pendulums for the simplest forms, to flamed blade systems for the most advanced forms, through to fusee chain or equality winding systems. Constant force or regulating devices similar to the regulating device mentioned in the preamble are described for example in applications EP 2166419 and CH 712101. In these documents, the winding wheel locking device comprises a single anchor controlled by a control cam, said anchor being provided with two pallets cooperating alternately with the winding wheel to block or release it periodically.

[0005] However, in most known constant force devices using this type of anchor, the safeties are often very weak due to the size and design of these devices.

[0006] Another disadvantage of the embodiments is the lack of unlocking torque management and its imbalance. This does not allow for balanced consumption between the input and output of the constant force device. Another disadvantage is that each of the known constant force devices has its own efficiency.

[0007] Furthermore, most known constant force systems are not self-starting. Some constant force systems can be self-starting but do not allow the full power reserve to be used. Indeed, the presence of the spring element of the constant force device, between the barrel and the balance, causes the movement to stop when the force of the barrel spring is no longer sufficient to wind the spring of the constant force device. This has the effect of not being able to use the full power reserve.

[0008] Another disadvantage is the sensitivity of adjustment on systems with springs mounted on the escape wheel, because the torques are very low and the slightest defect is noticeable.

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy at least in part these drawbacks by proposing a watch movement comprising a regulating or constant force device which makes it possible to deliver at the output, for example to the regulating organ, the smoothest possible torque and which thus makes it possible to compensate for variations in torque of the energy source and, where appropriate, that of the finishing gear, while proposing a system which has improved operating safety. Advantageously, this system can also be self-starting and can also have optimized consumption making it possible to use the entire power reserve. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a watch movement comprising a power source, intended to deliver a driving force to a gear train, for example to maintain the oscillating movement of a regulating organ via a finishing gear train or to power the striking gear train typically of a minute repeater, and a device for regulating the driving force arranged downstream of the power source, for example between the power source and the escapement associated with the regulating organ or between the power source and the striking regulator.Said regulating device comprises a winding wheel arranged to be able to be driven by the energy source periodically during normal operation of the movement, an output wheel arranged to power the gear train, at least one control wheel set comprising a control cam secured to a control wheel kinematically connected to the output wheel, a device for locking the winding wheel controlled by said control cam to block said winding wheel and release it periodically, and an elastic member comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel and a second end secured to the output wheel.Said elastic member is arranged to be armed periodically by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel by disarming when said winding wheel is blocked by the locking device.

[0011] According to the invention, the locking device comprises two anchors distinct from one another, each being arranged to follow the profile of the control cam in order to cooperate or not with the winding wheel, said profile of the control cam comprising an alternation of lifts and hollows configured to control said anchors so that one can block then release the winding wheel alternately with the other.

[0012] Advantageously, the control cam profile is configured to control the anchors so that one of the anchors is approaching the winding wheel while the other anchor is in contact with said winding wheel so that said one of the anchors comes into contact with the winding wheel after the other anchor has released the winding wheel. This improves operating safety. Thus, by decoupling the entry and exit of a standard anchor, the operating sequences are optimized.

[0013] Advantageously, the winding wheel comprises teeth each having a resting plane and the anchors are arranged relative to the winding wheel so as to be able to be in contact with a resting plane of a tooth of said winding wheel to block it so that said winding wheel works with each of the anchors at rest with outgoing friction. This allows the mechanism to be much less sensitive to friction, which makes the system more robust, or even improves its performance.

[0014] Preferably, the lifts of the control cam are configured so that the pressure angle of an anchor on the control cam is greater than 10°. This particular geometry of the control cam allows the mechanism of the invention to be self-starting.

[0015] Preferably, the output wheel comprises at least one drive means arranged to be able to cooperate with the winding wheel in order to simultaneously drive said winding wheel and said output wheel at the same speed when the energy supplied by the energy source is no longer sufficient to wind the elastic member. This makes it possible to have a mechanism which operates even when the torque of the energy source is no longer sufficient to wind the regulating device. It is thus possible to benefit from the entire power reserve of the movement.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a watch movement as defined above. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: there Figure 1 is a schematic view of a regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention; figures 2 to 5 represent different operating sequences of the regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention during a blocking and release cycle carried out by one of the anchors, and the figures 6 to 9 represent different operating sequences of the regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention during a blocking and release cycle carried out by the other anchor. Embodiments of the invention

[0018] The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a power source intended to deliver a driving force to a gear train. This gear train may be any type of gear train such as a striking gear train or a finishing gear train as taken as an example in the preferred embodiment which is illustrated by the appended figures and which will be described below. This power source could thus maintain the oscillating movement of a regulating organ via a finishing gear train and an escapement associated with the regulating organ, or power a striking mechanism, in particular a minute repeater via the striking gear train. The watch movement of the present invention further comprises a regulating device or constant force device arranged downstream of the power source, for example between the power source and the escapement or between the power source and the striking regulator.The power source is for example a barrel but could be any power source capable of providing engine torque.

[0019] In reference to the Figure 1, said regulating device 1 comprises a winding wheel 2 in the form of a toothed crown connected to a central hub of center A by two radial arms 3, 4 whose role will be described below. The winding wheel 2 is arranged to be able to be driven by the energy source periodically during normal operation of the movement, that is to say when the energy source has sufficient energy to wind the regulating device 1. For this purpose, the winding wheel 2 is coaxial and integral with an input pinion 5 rotatably mounted on the frame of the watch movement around an axis passing through the center of rotation A. The input pinion 5 is arranged to be kinematically connected to the energy source via elements of the finishing gear train provided between said input pinion 5 and the energy source. In the figures, the winding wheel 2 is arranged to be able to rotate clockwise.

[0020] The winding wheel 2 is provided, on the outer periphery of its crown, with teeth 6 each having, at the front in the direction of rotation of the winding wheel 2, an inclined plane constituting a rest plane 6a and, at the rear in the direction of rotation of the winding wheel 2, a radial plane 6b. The angle between the radial plane 6b and the inclined rest plane 6b is approximately 45° in the trigonometric direction. The role of the rest planes 6a will be detailed below.

[0021] The regulating device 1 also comprises an output wheel 8 arranged to control the escapement. The output wheel 8 is mounted freely on the axis passing through the center of rotation A, coaxially with the winding wheel 2. Preferably, the output wheel 8 is arranged under the winding wheel 2 as seen in the drawings and has a diameter greater than that of the winding wheel 2. The output wheel 8 is kinematically connected to the escapement via elements of the finishing gear train provided between said output wheel 8 and the escapement. For this purpose, the output wheel 8 comprises an external peripheral toothing 8a meshing for example with a pinion 10 of the finishing gear train. Alternatively, such a pinion 10 could be replaced directly by the escapement pinion or by a gear train located downstream of the regulating device 1 called constant force. The toothing 8a is provided on the periphery of a crown connected to a central hub of center A by means of radial arms 9.In the figures, the output wheel 8 is arranged to rotate clockwise.

[0022] The regulating device 1 also comprises at least one control wheel 12 comprising a control cam 14 secured to a control wheel 16 kinematically connected to the output wheel 8. The control wheel 12 is rotatably mounted on the frame of the movement around an axis passing through the center of rotation B and is arranged so that the control wheel 16 meshes with the outer peripheral toothing 8a of the output wheel 8. Thus, in the example of the present embodiment, the control wheel 12 is rotated counterclockwise by the output wheel 8. The control cam 14 is arranged at the height of the winding wheel 2 and has a specific profile described below.

[0023] The regulating device 1 also comprises a device for locking the winding wheel 2 controlled by said control cam 14 to periodically block and release said winding wheel 2, and which will be described in detail below.

[0024] Also provided is an elastic member 18 comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel 2 and a second end secured to the output wheel 8. Advantageously, the elastic member 18 is constituted by a leaf spring secured at one end to the winding wheel 2 and at the other end to the output wheel 8. For example, such a leaf spring could be fixed by one end to the radial arm 4 of the winding wheel 2 and by the other end to a pin (not shown) secured to the output wheel 8. This elastic member 18 can be a separate part or be integrated into at least one of the parts that it connects. In particular, it can constitute a part of the winding wheel 2, as illustrated in the figures, or a part of the output wheel 8.Said elastic member 18 is arranged to be compressed periodically in order to store the energy supplied by the energy source when the winding wheel 2 released by the locking device is driven in rotation by the input pinion 5, and to restore the energy to the output wheel 8 by relaxing when said winding wheel 2 is blocked by the locking device.

[0025] The force of the elastic member 18 is sized according to the application for which the constant force regulating device 1 is intended and / or according to the location where this device is located between the energy source and the oscillator or the regulator. Typically, if the constant force device is located close to the energy source, namely upstream of the gear train, it will have to be sized so as to be able to provide a more powerful torque than if it were intended to take place downstream of the gear train, for example shortly before the oscillator associated with the escapement or the regulator in the case of a striking mechanism.

[0026] According to the invention, the locking device comprises a first anchor 20 and a second anchor 22 distinct from each other. The first anchor 20 is rotatably mounted on the frame of the watch movement around an axis passing through the center of rotation C and the second anchor 22 is rotatably mounted on the frame of the watch movement around an axis passing through the center of rotation D. Each anchor 20, 22 is arranged to, on the one hand, follow the profile of the control cam 14 in order, on the other hand, to cooperate or not with the winding wheel 2 to block it, respectively release it. To do this, the profile of the control cam 14 comprises an alternation of lifts 24 and hollows 26 configured to control said anchors 20, 22 so that one can successively block then release the winding wheel 2 alternately with the other.

[0027] More particularly, the lifts 24 and the hollows 26 are configured so that, as long as an anchor 20, 22 is in contact with a lift 24, said anchor 20, 22 is immobilized in contact with the winding wheel 2 and so that when an anchor 20, 22 is in contact with a hollow 26, said anchor 20, 22 is not in contact with the winding wheel 2 and can pivot around its axis.

[0028] Furthermore, the lifts 24 and the hollows 26 are distributed on the profile of the control cam 14 so that when one of the anchors 20, 22 is in contact with a lift 24, the other anchor 20, 22 is in contact with a hollow 26.

[0029] Advantageously, the profile of the control cam 14 is configured to control the first and second anchors 20, 22 so that one of the anchors 20, 22 is approaching the winding wheel 2 while the other anchor 20, 22 is in contact with said winding wheel 2 so that said one of the anchors 20, 22 comes into contact with the winding wheel 2 after the other anchor has released said winding wheel 2.

[0030] More particularly, the lifts 24 and the hollows 26 are configured so that, when one of the anchors 20, 22 engages on the entrance of a lift 24, follows said lift 24, arrives at the exit of said lift 24, while blocking the winding wheel 2, and engages on the entrance of the adjacent hollow 26 having released said winding wheel 2, which defines a blocking and releasing cycle, in a synchronized manner the other anchor 20, 22 engages on the entrance of a hollow 26, follows said hollow 26, arrives at the exit of said hollow 26, approaching the winding wheel 2, and engages on the entrance of the adjacent lift 24 in order to in turn block the winding wheel 2.

[0031] In this way, the operating sequences are optimized so that operating safety is improved.

[0032] Advantageously, the first and second anchors 20, 22 are arranged relative to the winding wheel 2 so as to be able to be in contact with a rest plane 6a of a tooth 6 of said winding wheel 2, when said winding wheel 2 is blocked, so that said winding wheel 2 works with each of the first and second anchors 20, 22 in rest with outgoing friction. Rest with outgoing friction means that the winding wheel 2 and the anchors 20, 22 are arranged relative to each other so that the pressure angles between the winding wheel 2 and the anchor 20, 22 in contact are favorable to the release of the anchor when the winding wheel rotates in the chosen direction, here the clockwise direction. Furthermore, the pressure angles, on the one hand between the winding wheel and the anchor 20 and on the other hand between the winding wheel and the anchor 22, are configured to be balanced, making this system independent of the friction coefficients.The winding wheel 2 presses said anchor 20, 22 via the rest plane 6a of one of its teeth 6 with a tendency to move said anchor 20, 22 away from the line of centers connecting the center of rotation C or D of the anchor 20 or 22 and the center of rotation A of the winding wheel 2.

[0033] Thus, the regulating device 1 is much less sensitive to friction than known devices, and therefore has better efficiency.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second anchors 20, 22 are arranged on each side of a line connecting the center of rotation B of the control wheel and the center of rotation A of the winding wheel 2. The first anchor 20 comprises a single arm pivotally mounted at C by one end, and provided at its other free end with a head 27 which has, on the side of the winding wheel 2, a beak 28, and on the side of the control cam 14, a point 30. The beak 28 is arranged to be able to cooperate with the rest plane 6a of a tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2 when said winding wheel 2 is blocked by the first anchor 20, and the point 30 is arranged to follow the profile of the control cam 14 when said control cam 14 is driven in rotation. The second anchor 22 comprises two arms 22a, 22b extending on either side of its center of rotation D.One of said arms 22a is provided at its free end with a beak 32 arranged to be able to cooperate with the rest plane 6a of a tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2 when said winding wheel 2 is blocked by the second anchor 22. The other arm 22b is provided at its free end with a point 34 following the profile of the control cam 14 when said control cam 14 is driven in rotation.

[0035] Preferably, the first anchor 20 is arranged upstream of the control cam 14 relative to the direction of rotation of the winding wheel 2, its head 27 being positioned between the winding wheel 2 and the control cam 14 near the shortest distance between said winding wheel 2 and said control cam 14.

[0036] Preferably, the first and second anchors 20, 22 are configured so that the moments of the reaction forces exerted by said anchors 20, 22 bearing on the rest plane 6a of the teeth 6 of the winding wheel 2 are equal. The same applies to the moments of the forces exerted by the anchors 20, 22 bearing on the lifts 24 of the control cam 14. This makes it possible to balance the release torques of the winding wheel 2.

[0037] Advantageously, the lifts of the control cam 14 are configured so that the pressure angle α of an anchor 20, 22 on the control cam 14 is greater than 10°, and preferably between 13° and 27°, and preferably of the order of 15°, typically depending on the materials present. Such a favorable pressure angle α makes it possible to never block the mechanism and to have a regulating device which is self-starting in the event of winding of the barrel constituting the energy source after a stoppage of the watch movement.

[0038] It is known that the torque delivered by a barrel varies depending on the degree of winding of its spring. This torque has an influence on the efficiency of the present regulating device 1. Indeed, the higher the barrel torque, the lower the efficiency of the regulating device will be due to the forces involved therein. The tension of the elastic member 18 is also influenced by the barrel torque. During each winding and unwinding cycle of the elastic member 18, this tension varies in a range extending between a high value and a low value. The geometry of the control cam 14 and that of the winding wheel 2 are preferably configured so that the range of variation of the tension of the elastic member 18 is low, preferably as low as possible, or even zero in a particular configuration in which operational safety would then be lost.Thus, at each cycle, the anchors release the winding wheel 2 during a short time interval which is preferably as short as possible. This time interval can be translated by an angular value of displacement of the winding wheel 2, an angular value which can typically be of the order of 2°. Indeed, the winding wheel 2 moves of the order of 6° during a cycle covering both the winding and the unwinding of the elastic member 18. The winding phase typically operates during an angular displacement of 4° thus leaving the unwinding phase with a displacement of the order of only 2°. These angular values ​​are a function of the geometry of the control cam 14 and that of the winding wheel 2.Also, it will be noted that due to the jump of the winding wheel during the 2 degrees of the unwinding phase, the winding wheel 2 turns slightly less quickly than the output wheel 8, which precisely allows the winding wheel 2 to wind via the elastic member 18.

[0039] Advantageously, the elastic member 18 is arranged so as not to be completely disarmed when the winding wheel 2 is released, which makes it possible to maintain operational safety. In addition, the output wheel 8 carries at least one drive means, such as a pin 36 arranged on at least one of the radial arms 9 to be able to cooperate with the winding wheel 2 in order to secure said winding wheel 2 and said output wheel 8 which catches the winding wheel 2 when the torque provided by the energy source, which is typically a barrel, is no longer sufficient to wind the elastic member 18. Such a pin 36 could be replaced by any other mechanical means making it possible to achieve cooperation between the output wheel 8 and the winding wheel 2.Also, by the aforementioned verb to solidarize, it will be understood that the driving of the winding wheel 2 by the output wheel is carried out simultaneously at the same speed, typically by contact between these two wheels without one necessarily being secured to the other.

[0040] Thus, when the energy source weakens and drives the winding wheel 2 with the elastic member 18, the latter finishes disarming, so that the output wheel 8 catches up with the winding wheel 2, and these are secured thanks to the pin 36 or one of the pins 36 of the output wheel 8 in contact with the lower face of the arm 3 of the winding wheel 2. The winding wheel 2 and the output wheel 8 then rotate together at the same speed and transmit the remaining energy from the energy source to the escapement. The anchors 20, 22 and the control cam 14 are simply freely driven by the output wheel 8, so that there are no longer any intentional constraints between the anchors 20, 22 and the control cam 14 or the winding wheel 2; only simple friction remains due to the sliding of the anchors on the surfaces in play of these elements.Since there is no longer any tension in the elastic member 18 of the winding wheel 2 when completely unwound, there is no longer any blocking on said winding wheel 2 which continues to rotate in solidarity with the output wheel 8 until the end of the power reserve. Even if the advantage of the constant force is lost at the end of the power reserve, this advantageously allows the entire power reserve to be used for driving the watch movement.

[0041] The operation of the watch movement according to the invention during a blocking and release cycle carried out by the first anchor 20 is described in relation to the figures 2 to 5 This operation corresponds to normal operation of the movement, the torque of the energy source being sufficient to arm the elastic member 18.

[0042] At the beginning of this cycle, as shown in the Figure 2, the elastic member 18 is armed. The winding wheel 2 is blocked by the beak 28 of the first anchor 20 resting on the rest plane 6a of the tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2, the rest being done by outgoing friction, as defined above. The point 30 of the first anchor 20 is positioned on the entrance of the lift 24 of the control cam 14. In parallel, the point 34 of the second anchor 22 is located at the entrance of the hollow 26 of the control cam 14, the beak 32 of the second anchor 22 having just left the tooth 6' and released the winding wheel 2 during the previous cycle.

[0043] The output wheel 8 is driven to rotate regularly in a clockwise direction due to the disarming of the wound elastic member 18 during the release of the winding wheel 2 by the second anchor 22 during the previous cycle. The rotation of the output wheel 8 causes the rotation of the pinion 10 to power the elements of the finishing gear train up to the regulating member. The rotation of the output wheel 8 also causes the rotation of the control wheel 16 and therefore of the control cam 14 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0044] In reference to the Figure 3, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise. The control cam 14 continues to rotate counterclockwise so that the tip 30 of the first anchor 20 follows the lift 24, the beak 28 remaining in contact with the resting plane 6a of the tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2 in order to control its position by keeping it blocked. In parallel, the tip 34 of the second anchor 22 follows the hollow 26 by moving towards the adjacent lift 24' so that the second anchor 22 pivots around its axis D in the clockwise direction to begin to position itself for the next cycle, its beak 32 beginning to move closer to the adjacent tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2.

[0045] In reference to the Figure 4, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise, the control cam 14 continuing its rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the tip 30 of the first anchor 20 continues to follow the lift 24 while heading towards its exit, the beak 28 remaining in support on the rest plane 6a of the tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2 to keep it blocked, the rest always being done with outgoing friction. In parallel, the tip 34 of the second anchor 22 follows the hollow 26 while approaching its exit so that the second anchor 22 continues to pivot around its axis D, its beak 32 continuing to approach the tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2.

[0046] In reference to the Figure 5, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise, the control cam 14 continuing its rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the tip 30 of the first anchor 20 arrives at the exit of the lift 24 so that said first anchor 20 is about to fall into the adjacent hollow 26', which will have the effect of releasing the winding wheel 2, the first anchor 20 being released from the resting plane 6a of the tooth 6. In parallel, the second anchor 22 arrives at the exit of the hollow 26 at the junction of the lift 24' so that its beak 32 comes to position itself close to the resting plane 6a" of the tooth 6" and is ready to block the winding wheel 2 as soon as the latter has rotated clockwise after having been released by the first anchor 20.

[0047] This cycle of blocking and releasing the winding wheel 2 carried out by the first anchor 20 ends with the release of said winding wheel 2 when the first anchor 20 falls into the hollow 26' of the control cam 14 and pivots around its axis C in the counterclockwise direction to disengage from the rest plane 6a of the tooth 6 of the winding wheel 2. The winding wheel 2 thus released is driven in rotation in the clockwise direction by the input pinion 5, which has the effect of winding the elastic member 18 again.

[0048] The winding wheel 2 rotates clockwise until the resting plane 6a" of the tooth 6" comes into contact with the beak 32 of the second anchor 22 which has been positioned for this purpose beforehand by following the hollow 26 as described above. The winding wheel 2 is then blocked again but by the second anchor 22 so that a new blocking and release cycle begins, but carried out by the second anchor 22. As shown in the Figure 6, the beak 32 of the second anchor 22 blocks the winding wheel 2, said beak 32 being supported on the rest plane 6a" of the tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2, the rest being done with outgoing friction, as defined above. The point 34 of the second anchor 22 is positioned on the entry of the lift 24' of the control cam 14. In parallel, the point 30 of the first anchor 20 is located at the entry of the hollow 26' of the control cam 14, the beak 28 of the first anchor 20 having just left the tooth 6 and released the winding wheel 2 during the previous cycle described above.

[0049] In reference to the Figure 7, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise. The control cam 14 continues to rotate counterclockwise so that the tip 34 of the second anchor 22 follows the lift 24', the beak 32 remaining in contact with the resting plane 6a" of the tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2 in order to control its position by keeping it blocked. In parallel, the tip 30 of the first anchor 20 follows the hollow 26' so that the first anchor 20 pivots around its axis C in the clockwise direction to begin to position itself for the next cycle, its beak 28 beginning to move closer to the adjacent tooth 6'" of the winding wheel 2.

[0050] In reference to the figure 8, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise, the control cam 14 continuing its rotation counterclockwise. Thus, the point 34 of the second anchor 22 continues to follow the lift 24' while heading towards its exit, the beak 32 remaining in support on the rest plane 6a" of the tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2 to keep it blocked, the rest always being done with outgoing friction. In parallel, the point 30 of the first anchor 20 follows the hollow 26' while approaching its exit so that the first anchor 20 continues to pivot around its axis C, its beak 28 continuing to approach the tooth 6‴ of the winding wheel 2.

[0051] In reference to the Figure 9, the output wheel 8 continues to rotate clockwise, the control cam 14 continuing its rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the tip 34 of the second anchor 22 arrives at the exit of the lift 24' so that said second anchor 22 is about to fall into the adjacent hollow, which will have the effect of releasing the winding wheel 2, the second anchor 22 being released from the resting plane 6a" of the tooth 6". In parallel, the first anchor 20 arrives at the exit of the hollow 26' adjoining a lift so that its beak 28 comes to position itself close to the resting plane of the tooth 6"' and is ready to block the winding wheel 2 as soon as the latter has rotated clockwise after having been released by the second anchor 22.

[0052] This cycle of blocking and releasing the winding wheel 2 carried out by the second anchor 22 ends with the release of said winding wheel 2 when the second anchor 22 falls into the next hollow of the control cam 14 and pivots around its axis D in the counterclockwise direction to disengage from the rest plane 6a" of the tooth 6" of the winding wheel 2. The winding wheel 2 thus released is driven in rotation in the clockwise direction by the input pinion 5, which has the effect of re-winding the elastic member 18. A new cycle of blocking and releasing carried out by the first anchor 20 as described above begins again, and so on.

[0053] The regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention makes it possible to deliver a torque to the regulating organ as smooth as possible and thus to compensate for the variations in torque of the energy source and that of the finishing gear, while proposing a system which presents improved operating safety. Indeed, the use of two separate anchors advantageously makes it possible to decouple the entry and exit of a standard anchor and to optimize the operating sequences. The use of two separate anchors also advantageously makes it possible to always work in rest with outgoing friction, thus significantly reducing the friction in play between each of the anchors and the teeth of the winding wheel. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the mechanism and to have optimized consumption.

[0054] Furthermore, the particular geometry of the control cam 14, and in particular of the lifts 24 configured to have favorable pressure angles between the anchors 20, 22 and the control cam 14, allows the regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention to be self-starting in the event of winding of the energy source after a stoppage of the watch movement.

[0055] The regulating device used in the watch movement according to the invention also makes it possible to use the entire power reserve.

[0056] According to the preferred embodiment, the gear train is a finishing gear train, the energy source is intended to maintain the oscillating movement of a regulating member by means of said finishing gear train and a regulating member, and the regulating device 1 is arranged between the energy source and the escapement. The energy source is typically in this case a barrel.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the gear train is a striking gear train, the energy source is intended to power a striking mechanism, preferably of the minute repeater type, via said striking mechanism and a striking regulator, and the regulating device 1 is arranged between the energy source and the striking regulator. The energy source is typically in this case a striking barrel.

[0058] The invention is not limited to the example described. For example, although the embodiment described above suggests an arrangement of the winding wheel 2, the anchors 20, 22 and the control cam 14 in the same plane to benefit from a minimal thickness, it could nevertheless be possible to superimpose at least part of its elements, for example to arrange them on the same axis or to arrange the control cam coaxially with a mobile such as the pinion 10.

[0059] Furthermore, in the example described above, the regulating device comprises a control wheel set 12 and therefore a control cam 14. It would also be possible to provide, according to another embodiment, two control wheels and therefore two control cams, synchronized with respect to each other, configured so that each of them can actuate one of the two anchors, and arranged appropriately to work at rest with outgoing friction for each anchor.

Claims

1. A watch movement comprising a power source, intended to deliver a driving force to a train, and a regulating device (1) for regulating the driving force arranged downstream of the power source, said regulating device (1) comprising: - a winding wheel (2) arranged to be able to be driven by the power source periodically during normal operation of the movement, - an output wheel (8) arranged to power the train, - at least one control wheel set (12) comprising a control cam (14) secured to a control wheel (16) kinematically connected to the output wheel (8), - a locking device for the winding wheel (2) controlled by said control cam (14) to block said winding wheel (2) and release it periodically, - an elastic member (18) comprising a first end secured to the winding wheel (2) and a second end secured to the output wheel (8),said elastic member (18) being arranged to be armed periodically by storing energy supplied by the energy source when said winding wheel (2) is released by the locking device, and to restore the energy to the output wheel (8) by disarming when said winding wheel (2) is blocked by the locking device, , characterized in that the locking device comprises two anchors (20, 22) distinct from one another, each being arranged to follow the profile of the control cam (14) in order to cooperate or not with the winding wheel (2), said profile of the control cam (14) comprising an alternation of lifts (24) and hollows (26) configured to control said anchors (20, 22) so that one can block then release the winding wheel (2) alternately with the other.

2. Watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe profile of the control cam (14) is configured to control the anchors (20, 22) so that one of the anchors is approaching the winding wheel (2) while the other anchor is in contact with said winding wheel (2) so that said one of the anchors comes into contact with the winding wheel (2) after the other anchor has released the winding wheel (2).

3. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the winding wheel (2) comprises teeth (6, 6', 6", 6'") each having a rest plane (6a, 6a', 6a") and in that the anchors (20, 22) are arranged relative to the winding wheel (2) so as to be able to be in contact with a rest plane (6a, 6a', 6a") of a tooth (6, 6', 6", 6'") of said winding wheel (2) so that said winding wheel (2) works with each of the anchors (20, 22) at rest with outgoing friction.

4. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe anchors (20, 22) are arranged on each side of a line connecting the centers of rotation of the control wheel (12) and the winding wheel (2), and in that a first anchor (20) comprises an arm provided at its free end with a beak (28) arranged to be able to cooperate with the rest plane (6a, 6a', 6a") of a tooth (6, 6', 6", 6'") of the winding wheel (2) and a point (30) following the profile of the control cam (14), and in that the second anchor (22) comprises two arms (22a, 22b), one of said arms (22a) being provided at its free end with a beak (32) arranged to be able to cooperate with the rest plane (6a, 6a', 6a") of a tooth (6, 6', 6", 6'") of the winding wheel (2), the other arm (22b) being provided at its free end with a point (34) following the profile of the control cam (14).

5. Watch movement according to claim 4, characterized in thatthe first anchor (20) is arranged upstream of the control cam (14) relative to the direction of rotation of the winding wheel 2.

6. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchors (20, 22) are configured so that the moments of the reaction forces exerted by the anchors (20, 22) on the rest plane (6a, 6a', 6a") of the teeth (6, 6', 6", 6"') of the winding wheel (2) are equal.

7. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifts (24) of the control cam (14) are configured so that the pressure angle (α) of an anchor (20, 22) on the control cam (14) is greater than 10°, and preferably between 13° and 27°.

8. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic member (18) is arranged so as not to be completely disarmed when the winding wheel (2) is released and in thatthe output wheel (8) comprises at least one drive means (36) arranged to be able to cooperate with the winding wheel (2) in order to simultaneously drive said winding wheel (2) and said output wheel (8) at the same speed when the torque supplied by the energy source is no longer sufficient to wind the elastic member (18).

9. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic member (18) is a leaf spring secured at one end to the winding wheel (2) and at the other end to the output wheel (8).

10. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cog is a finishing cog, in that the energy source is intended to maintain the oscillating movement of a regulating organ via said finishing gear and a regulating organ, and in that the regulating device (1) is arranged between the energy source and the exhaust.

11. Watch movement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cog is a striking cog, in that the energy source is intended to power a striking mechanism, preferably of the minute repeater type, via said striking mechanism and a striking regulator, and in that the regulating device (1) is arranged between the energy source and the ringing regulator.

12. Watch movement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy source is a barrel.

13. Timepiece comprising a watch movement according to one of the preceding claims.

Images