Watch movement system

Abstract

The invention describes a system for a watch movement to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism. The system comprises a power source arranged to drive a finishing gear train at a constant speed, cooperating with a first input of a differential system; and a variable intermediate gear train cooperating with a second input of said differential system. This intermediate gear train is arranged to define a variable output speed. The differential system is arranged to control the ratio between the rotational speed of the finishing gear and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train so as to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism, the system maintaining a constant speed on the finishing gear.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It concerns in particular a system for watch movement, arranged to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Mechanical watches typically include a dial that displays various time information. Some mechanical watches also feature complex functions or animations, offering a unique visual experience. However, adjusting or modifying these animations, as well as the display type, to suit user preferences or circumstances remains difficult. This limitation presents a challenge in customizing the display and visualization of mechanical watch functions.

[0003] Document CH270584 discloses a timepiece comprising a movement including a mainspring barrel, a finishing gear train, an escapement, a regulating organ, and a display comprising at least one moving part, the moving part. However, the moving part is arranged so that it can be wound manually on demand, which is not convenient for the user.

[0004] Prior art document EP2527930 is known to disclose a mechanical watch comprising an animation disc subjected to jerky rotation in order to reveal, through an aperture in the dial, an animation formed by a sequence of images displayed on the disc. This document illustrates the use of a mechanical device that transforms the continuous rotation of the mechanical movement into a jerky rotation of the animation disc. This makes it possible, in particular, to freeze each image of the disc for a relatively long time behind the aperture, and then to replace that image as quickly as possible with the next. However, this type of mechanism does not allow for varying the display mode or controlling the image between different modes. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One object of the present invention is therefore to resolve, or at least minimize, the disadvantages of the existing systems described above.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to propose a system for watch movement to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven, without affecting the normal operation of the watch or its display.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to propose a system for watch movement, arranged to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven in order to propose an original way of animating a mechanism to be driven.

[0008] These objects are at least partially achieved by certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] To this end, a first aspect (or certain embodiments) of the present invention relates to a watch movement control system for controlling the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism. This system comprises or includes a power source arranged to drive a constant-speed finishing gear train cooperating with a first input of a differential system. The system further comprises at least one intermediate gear train, for example, variable or selectable, cooperating with a second input of said differential system. This intermediate gear train is arranged to define a variable output speed on said second input by modifying or selecting the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train.

[0010] The differential system is designed to control the ratio, for example by averaging, between the rotational speed of the finishing gear and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train. This allows the system to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism, while maintaining a constant speed on the finishing gear. While the term "average" is commonly used for a differential, it is clear to those skilled in the art that it is in fact a ratio. Furthermore, various embodiments allow for achieving a ratio between different speeds, including opposing speeds, for example, by performing an addition, as detailed in this application (though not exhaustively), since those skilled in the art are familiar with the possibilities offered by differentials.

[0011] According to the present invention, the differential preferably calculates the ratio between the speeds of the two inputs, namely that of the constant-speed finishing gear and that of the variable-speed intermediate gear train, to define the output speed of the differential. Since the speed of the finishing gear is constant, when the speed of the variable-speed intermediate gear train varies, the output speed of the differential also varies. The output of the differential is coupled to the mechanism to be driven or regulated, for example, a tourbillon cage. Thus, for example, the speed and / or direction of rotation of the tourbillon cage can be modified or controlled by varying the speed of the variable-speed intermediate gear train, thereby allowing the speed ratio between the differential inputs to be varied.

[0012] For example, the differential system is arranged to perform the average between constant speed and variable speed, or an addition, or any other ratio.

[0013] Advantageously, the role of the differential is to control the torque or force, but above all to vary (via variable speed) the rotational speed of the differential output that powers the mechanism being controlled, for example, the tourbillon. Indeed, a tourbillon has two inputs: the tourbillon cage and the drive wheel (e.g., the "seconds wheel"), as well as one output, which is the escapement pinion with a fixed speed imposed by the regulating organ. Adjusting the two inputs allows the tourbillon's speed to be varied thanks to the differential, which manages these two speeds in a coordinated manner. Thus, this control is carried out without disturbing the time displayed on the watch. For example, it is possible to change the direction and / or the rotational speed of the tourbillon without affecting the time displayed on the watch, while maintaining a constant force or torque on the constant speed shaft that controls the displayed time.

[0014] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention allows the user to vary the speed and / or direction of a mechanism to be controlled using a differential, for example, a mechanical gearbox of the automotive type. This makes the speed variations even more impressive when switching from one operating mode to another, from a fast mode to a slower mode, for example, without disrupting the standard operation of the watch to display the time.

[0015] In other words, the system according to the present invention makes it possible to vary the direction and / or speed of rotation of a mechanism to be controlled, for example the tourbillon cage, while keeping a constant speed on the classic finishing gear to display the time.

[0016] Preferably, the system is arranged to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism. In some embodiments, the system is arranged to control the speed of movement of a driven mechanism. In some embodiments, the system is arranged to control the direction of movement of a driven mechanism.

[0017] Preferably, the energy source is arranged to drive the intermediate moving parts train. Thus, the energy source is arranged to supply energy to the intermediate moving parts train, for example via a variable speed shaft, just as energy is supplied to the finishing gear (by the same source or a different source), for example via a constant speed shaft.

[0018] Preferably, the energy from the energy source arrives at two inputs of the differential via a constant speed shaft and a variable speed shaft.

[0019] In some embodiments, the output of the differential is directly connected to a vortex cage wheel via a cage-driving mobile (or gear) train.

[0020] In some forms of implementation, a second mobile is connected to the second input of the differential.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the differential links a cage-driving train of mobiles and a seconds-driving mobile or gear (or a train of mobiles or gears), so that a tourbillon rotates outside a wheel of said seconds mobile.

[0022] In one form of execution, the rotational speed of the finishing gear and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train are identical but in opposite directions, so as to make the mechanism to be controlled static.

[0023] In another, non-exclusive embodiment concerning a mode of operation (e.g., selectable), the rotational speed of the finishing gear is in the same direction as that of the intermediate gear train, so as to move the mechanism to be controlled in a specific direction, for example, clockwise, at a fixed or variable speed. The rotational speeds of the two shafts can be identical or different, depending on the desired final speed.

[0024] In another form of embodiment, not exclusive because it concerns a mode of operation (e.g., selectable), the rotation of the finishing gear (V1) is in the opposite direction and at a lower speed than that of the rotation of the intermediate gear train (V2) so as to move, at a fixed or variable speed, the mechanism to be controlled in a direction opposite to the determined direction, for example an anti-clockwise direction.

[0025] Preferably, the speed and / or direction of rotation of the intermediate gear train or moving parts can be changed, for example by operating a winding crown, a pusher or a lever.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a system according to the invention.

[0027] The invention according to the present invention may comprise one embodiment or several embodiments (or forms of execution) in combination.

[0028] The embodiments described for the system according to the present invention also apply to the watch according to the invention mutatis mutandis and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] The features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of a given embodiment, provided solely by way of example and not limiting in any way, with reference to the schematic figures, in which: There figure 1 represents a top view of a system arranged to drive a vortex mechanism at a standard speed and conventional direction of rotation; figure 2 represents a side view of the system of the figure 1 ; There figure 3 represents, in perspective of the system of the figure 1 ; There figure 4A represents a top view of a wristwatch comprising a movement and system according to the present invention; and The figure 4B represents a top view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION'S IMPLEMENTATION

[0030] The terms "gear" and "moving part" are used interchangeably in this application, even though a gear typically comprises several moving parts, since the only difference in the context of the present invention lies in the gear ratio and therefore the rotational speeds. Similarly, these terms are used interchangeably with the terms "gear train" and "moving part train," which are also treated interchangeably.

[0031] As illustrated, but not limited to, in figures 1 to 3 , a system for watch movement to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism, for example tourbillon, comprises, in some embodiments, a barrel 1 arranged to drive a finishing gear train 2, 3 at constant speed V1 cooperating with a first input 5A of a differential system 5.

[0032] The system further comprises a train of intermediate moving parts 4 cooperating with a second input 5B of said differential system 5, said train of intermediate moving parts 4 being arranged to define a variable output speed V2.

[0033] The differential system is arranged to average the rotational speed of the finishing gear V1 and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train V2 in order to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven, the system keeping a constant speed on the finishing gear 2, 3.

[0034] In this example, the output of the differential 5 is directly connected to a vortex cage wheel 9 10 via a train of mobile cage drive wheels 6.

[0035] Still according to this example illustrated in the figure 1A seconds wheel 8 is connected to the second input 5B of the differential 5. This seconds wheel 8 communicates with the escapement wheel, and while in a conventional tourbillon the wheel of the seconds wheel 8 is fixed, in this case, this wheel 8 can have several different speeds. The differential 5 connects (or is coupled to) a driving wheel (or a train of driving wheels) with cage 6 and a driving wheel 7 (or train of driving wheels) of the seconds wheel 8. These gear trains 6, 7 thus form a kinematic chain that runs from the differential 5B to the pinion of the seconds wheel 8, so that a tourbillon 10 rotates outside a wheel (for example, a sun wheel) of the seconds wheel 8.

[0036] As illustrated in Figures 4A And 4BThe intermediate gear train 4 is replaced by a gearbox system inspired by the automotive world. This gearbox is divided into two shafts (30, 40), one shaft 30 with a constant speed and the other shaft 40 with a variable speed controlled by a lever, cam, and slide system operated by a user. Thus, a user can vary the speed and direction of the tourbillon cage 9. The energy from the barrel 1 arrives at two inputs of the differential via a conventional finishing gear that defines a constant speed and a modifiable (i.e., selectable) intermediate gear train—in this example, to obtain a variable speed. Its gears are interconnected. Different embodiments of this gearbox can be implemented to create this variable speed.In this example, the differential averages the speeds of the two inputs to determine the output speed, or more precisely, the sum of these speeds, but potentially any ratio depending on the desired result. This output is directly connected to the vortex cage wheel via the cage drive train 6. Thus, the rotational speed of the vortex cage 9 can be controlled by varying the speed ratio between the differential inputs. To vary this ratio, the rotational speed of the intermediate drive train must be modified.

[0037] It is quite clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the shape of the cages can vary, as well as the location of the tourbillons in the timepiece.

[0038] According to the example illustrated in the figure 4A With different ratios, three operating scenarios are possible: Either the tourbillon cage remains fixed; Or the tourbillon cage rotates clockwise at variable speeds; Or the tourbillon cage rotates counterclockwise at variable speeds.

[0039] It is therefore understood from the present application that various embodiments of the system according to the present invention make it possible to vary the direction and / or the speed of rotation of the tourbillon cage while keeping a constant speed on the classic finishing gear to display the time without disturbing it.

[0040] It is understood from the examples provided in this application that the rotational speeds of the gears are obtained as a function of the ratio between the variable and constant speeds. In one example, the rotation of the variable-speed shaft is in the opposite direction and at the same speed as that of the constant-speed shaft, so as to render the mechanism to be controlled static. In another example (or operating mode selected by the user), the rotation of the variable-speed shaft is in the same direction as that of the constant-speed shaft, so as to move the mechanism to be controlled, at a fixed or variable speed, in a specific direction, for example, clockwise. In such a case, the rotational speeds of the two shafts can be identical or different, depending on the desired final speed.In yet another example (operating mode), the variable-speed shaft rotates in the opposite direction and at a higher speed than the constant-speed shaft, so as to move the controlled mechanism, at either a fixed or variable speed, in the opposite direction to the intended direction, for example, counterclockwise. In a final example, the fixed gear 11 blocks the rotation of the variable-speed shaft 40, so that the speed and direction of rotation of the differential output are identical to those of the constant-speed shaft 30. Those skilled in the art, with their general knowledge of differentials, will understand that these examples are not exhaustive and that the "average" or "ratio" achieved by the differential is preferably, in this case, the sum of the two pairs of speeds and directions of rotation, but that any other variation is possible by adjusting the sizes of the differential gears in the conventional manner.We can therefore summarize these examples by the following table illustrating non-limiting speed ratios and showing the output speed of the differential obtained: . Speeds / Select R N D T Constant speed input 1 1 1 1 Variable input -2 -1 0 1 Exit -1 0 1 2

[0041] The system according to the present invention has been presented in illustrative and non-limiting embodiments which allow the speed of a watch gear to be varied, which can make the speed variations even more impressive when switching from one operating mode to another, without disturbing the standard operation of the watch. List of references for the figures :

[0042] 1. Barrel 2. 3. Finishing gear 4. Intermediate gear train 5. Differential 5A. Constant speed input 5B. Variable speed input 6. Cage drive gear train 7. Seconds drive gear 8. Seconds gear 9. Tourbillon cage gear 10. Tourbillon 30. Constant speed shaft 40. Variable speed shaft V1. Finishing gear speed V2. Intermediate gear train speed

Claims

1. System for watch movement for controlling the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven, the system comprising: - an energy source (1) arranged to drive a finishing gear train (2, 3) at constant speed (V1) cooperating with a first input (5A) of a differential system (5); - a train of intermediate moving parts (4) cooperating with a second input (5B) of said differential system (5), said intermediate gear train (4) being arranged to define at its output, a variable speed (V2) on said second input (5B), the differential system being arranged to control the ratio between the rotational speed at the first input (5A) and the rotational speed at the second input (5B) so as to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and / or direction of movement of a mechanism to be driven, the system keeping a constant speed on the finishing gear (2, 3).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the rotational speed of the finishing gear (V1) and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train (V2) are identical and in opposite directions, so as to make the mechanism to be controlled static.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the finishing gear (V1) is in the same direction as the rotation of the intermediate gear train (V2) so as to move, at a fixed or variable speed, the mechanism to be controlled in a determined direction, for example a clockwise direction.

4. System according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the finishing gear (V1) is in the opposite direction and at a lower speed than the rotation of the intermediate gear train (V2) so as to move, at a fixed or variable speed, the mechanism to be controlled in a direction opposite to the determined direction, for example an anti-clockwise direction.

5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output of the differential (5) is coupled with a vortex cage wheel (9) (10) via a train of mobile cage drive wheels (6).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a fixed second gear (8) is connected to the second input (5B) of the differential (5), by a second driving gear (7).

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the differential (5) is coupled to a cage-driving train (6) and a seconds-driving gear (7), so that a tourbillon (10) rotates outside a wheel of the seconds gear (8).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train (V2) is modifiable by an actuation of a winding crown, a pusher or a lever.

9. Wristwatch comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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