Watch movement system

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch movement control system for controlling the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism, thus defining several operating modes. It comprises a power source arranged to drive a constant-speed finishing gear train. The finishing gear train cooperates with a constant-speed shaft whose axis is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the power source. The constant-speed shaft cooperates with a first input of a differential system. The system further comprises a variable-speed shaft whose axis is perpendicular to the power source. The variable-speed shaft cooperates with a second input of said differential system. The variable-speed shaft is arranged to define a variable output speed.The differential system is arranged 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 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.

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 with at least one 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 system for a watch movement to control the speed and / or direction of movement of a driven mechanism, preferably allowing for the definition of several operating modes. This system comprises or includes a power source arranged to drive a finishing gear train at a constant speed, the finishing gear train cooperating with a constant-speed shaft which in turn cooperates with a first input of a differential system.In some embodiments (or forms of execution), the axis of the speed shaft is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the energy source, which implies a differential with perpendicular gears (similar to those of cars), while other embodiments may include shafts (with constant and variable speeds) whose axes are parallel (to each other and to that of the energy source), by rearranging the different components in the same orientation, provided that there is sufficient space in the movement, and the essential structural modification will concern the differential which will then be more in the form of a differential gear more classic in the field of watchmaking, but preferably with the originality of relating several speeds as described in the present application.The present description and its figures illustrate only the embodiments with shafts perpendicular to the energy source, which are more complex. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate the feasibility of shafts parallel to the axis of the energy source based on their general knowledge. In particular, it is possible to design a movement comprising one or more barrels mounted "vertically," that is, perpendicular to the plane of the watch movement considered as a whole (e.g., the mainplate, the watch, or the watch component).

[0010] The system further comprises a variable-speed shaft cooperating with a second input of said differential system, the variable-speed shaft being arranged to define a variable output speed, preferably a variable output speed on said second input. Preferably, the system includes an intermediate variable-speed gear train V2, for example, a variable-speed gear train, cooperating with said variable-speed shaft, the axis (AxV) of which is perpendicular to the energy source in certain embodiments. For the purposes of this application, the term "energy source" means any energy source known in the field (in particular, a drum, for example), but it is possible to use several drums or several identical or different sources.

[0011] The differential system is preferably arranged 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, 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. 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, especially in various embodiments that allow for achieving a ratio with different speeds, including opposing speeds, for example by essentially 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.

[0012] In other words, the differential system is preferably arranged to achieve the ratio, for example the average, between the speed of the shaft at constant speed and the rotational speed of the shaft train at variable speed.

[0013] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the variable-speed shaft and the constant-speed shaft are oriented substantially perpendicular to the power source. This optimizes the distribution of movement components to minimize the movement's size. This facilitates the arrangement of gear train components, particularly finishing or intermediate gears. However, as mentioned above, it remains possible to use barrels whose axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of the shafts and the movement's mainplate, but it is also possible to change the arrangement of the shafts and barrels to make them collinear while remaining perpendicular to the plane of the mainplate (and / or the movement as a whole).

[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] Advantageously, the differential calculates the ratio between the speeds of the two inputs—namely, the constant-speed shaft and the variable-speed shaft—to define the differential's output speed. Since the speed of the constant shaft is, by definition, constant, when the speed of the variable-speed shaft changes, the differential's output speed also changes. The differential's output is coupled to the mechanism to be driven or controlled, for example, a vortex cage. Thus, for instance, the speed and / or direction of rotation of the vortex cage can be modified or controlled by varying the speed of the variable-speed shaft, thereby changing the speed ratio between the differential's inputs.

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

[0017] Thus, in some embodiments, the system is arranged to control the speed of movement of a driven mechanism. Furthermore, in non-exclusive embodiments, the system is arranged to control the direction of movement of a driven mechanism.

[0018] Advantageously, the present invention, in particular the differential, makes it possible to control the speed and / or direction of rotation of a mechanism to be controlled, for example a tourbillon.

[0019] Advantageously, the differential's role is to control the torque or force, but above all to vary (via the speed on the variable shaft) the rotational speed of the differential's output, which 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 by the differential, which manages these two speeds in a coordinated manner. Thus, this control is performed without affecting the time displayed on the watch.For example, it is possible to change the direction and / or speed of rotation of the tourbillon without influencing the time displayed on the watch while maintaining a constant force / torque on the constant speed shaft which controls the time displayed.

[0020] In one embodiment, a fixed wheel, for example arranged perpendicular to the power source, is arranged to lock the variable speed shaft.

[0021] Preferably, the power source is arranged to drive the intermediate moving parts. Thus, the power source is arranged to supply power to the variable-speed shaft.

[0022] Preferably, the energy from the energy source arrives at two inputs of the differential via a constant speed shaft and a variable speed shaft.

[0023] Preferably, for an even more impressive effect, a reversing gear is arranged between the variable-speed shaft and the constant-speed shaft. In one embodiment, the system includes a sliding gear system comprising one or more sliding gear levers, preferably each associated with a sliding gear lever, arranged to determine a rotational speed of the variable-speed shaft. The variable rotational speed of the variable-speed shaft is preferably determined based on the output gear ratios of the variable-speed shaft.

[0024] Preferably, the system includes a cam selector arranged to control the sliding system, for example using levers.

[0025] According to this preferred form of execution, the cam is arranged to be controlled by actuating a slide to define several operating modes, each of the selected operating positions being visible to a user through display means.

[0026] According to this preferred form of execution, the system includes an operating mode that activates a turbo slide arranged to rotate a turbo cam which, via levers for example, allows the sliding system to be moved and an accelerated operating speed to be defined that is higher than the constant speed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the system is arranged to be connected to a vortex by means of said differential system allowing to keep a constant speed on the constant speed shaft.

[0028] In one embodiment, 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.

[0029] In another, non-exclusive embodiment concerning a mode of operation, the rotation of the variable-speed shaft is in the same direction as the rotation of the constant-speed shaft, 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.

[0030] In another embodiment, which is not exclusive because it relates to a mode of operation, the rotation of the variable speed shaft is in the opposite direction and at a higher speed than the rotation of the constant speed shaft, so as to move, at a fixed or variable speed, the mechanism to be controlled in the opposite direction to the determined direction, for example an anti-clockwise direction.

[0031] In one variant, the intermediate moving parts train or intermediate gears can be modified, for example by a rocker system.

[0032] Preferably, the speed and / or direction of rotation of the intermediate gear train can be changed by operating a winding crown, a pusher or a lever.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a system according to the invention.

[0034] The invention according to the present invention may comprise one embodiment or several embodiments (or forms of execution) in combination.

[0035] 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

[0036] 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 top view of a system arranged to immobilize a vortex mechanism; The figure 3represents a top view of a system arranged to drive a vortex mechanism at a standard speed and in a direction of rotation opposite to the conventional direction of rotation; figure 4 represents a top view of a system arranged to drive a vortex mechanism at an accelerated speed, relative to the standard operating speed; and The figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the variable speed shaft according to certain embodiments of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION'S IMPLEMENTATION

[0037] 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.

[0038] As illustrated, but not limited to, in the figure 1 A system for a watch movement to control the speed and direction of movement of a driven mechanism in order to define several operating modes, comprises, in certain embodiments: a barrel 1 arranged to drive a finishing gear train 2, 3 at constant speed V1, the finishing gear train cooperating with a constant speed shaft 30 whose axis AxC is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the barrel 1, the constant speed shaft 30 cooperating with a first input 5A of a differential system 5; an intermediate gear train cooperating with a variable speed shaft 40 whose axis AxV is perpendicular to the barrel, the variable speed shaft 40 cooperating with a second input 5B of said differential system 5, the variable speed shaft 40 being arranged to define a variable output speed V2.

[0039] In this example, the mechanism to be driven is a tourbillon. 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 tourbillon mechanism to be driven, the system maintaining a constant speed on the finishing gear 2, 3.

[0040] In this example, the system includes a fixed wheel 11, for example arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the barrel 1, and arranged to lock the variable speed shaft 40.

[0041] To rotate the tourbillon clockwise or counterclockwise, the system includes a rotation direction change pinion 20 arranged between the variable speed shaft 40 and the constant speed shaft 30.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system includes a system of sliding gears 13, 18, each respectively associated with at least one sliding gear lever 12, 17 arranged to determine a rotational speed of the variable speed shaft 40, said variable rotational speed V2 of the variable speed shaft 40 being determined according to the output gear ratios of said variable speed shaft 40. A cam selector 14 is arranged to control the system of sliding gears 13, 18, in particular by means of levers 12, 17. The cam 14 is arranged to be controlled by actuating a slide 16 to define several operating modes, each of the selected operating positions being visible to a user by means of display means 19.The system also includes an operating mode that activates a turbo slide 22 arranged to rotate a turbo cam 21, which, via levers 23, moves the sliding system 13, 18 and sets an accelerated operating speed V3 higher than the constant speed V1. It is understood that this results in a mechanism that allows for several operating modes corresponding to variable and selectable speeds, as well as a reverse rotation mode, as detailed in the examples described below.

[0043] In the illustrated examples, the system is arranged to be connected to a vortex 10 by means of a differential 5, allowing a constant speed (V1) to be maintained on the constant speed shaft 30. In the example illustrated in the figure 2, energy comes from barrel 1 and arrives at two inputs 5A, 5B of differential 5 via a constant speed shaft 30 and a variable speed shaft 40. These gears are interconnected.

[0044] In this example, the variable speed drive is implemented using an automotive-style gearbox. This gearbox is divided into two shafts, one with a constant speed (30) and the other with a variable speed (40). To achieve this speed change on the variable speed shaft (40), a series of output gears rotates freely around a central axis. These gears are connected to the constant speed shaft (30) with different gear ratios. The gears rotate continuously. To rotate the shaft, a system of sliding sleeves (13, 18), guided by pivots sliding on squares, uses saw-like edge teeth, or Breguet teeth, to couple and thus provide a rotational speed based on the ratios of the output gears.

[0045] The user must be able to interact with this gearbox to determine the rotation speed. A cam system 14 controls the sliders 13 and 18 using levers 17. This cam 14 is controlled by the user by actuating the selection slider 16. As illustrated, this system allows three positions to be displayed to the user on a subdial using lever 15 and pointer 19 (in this example, display means 19). A fourth position can be obtained by activating the turbo slider 22, which will rotate a turbo cam 21. This turbo cam, via turbo lever 23, can move the sliders 13 and 18, as well as the display system 19, to obtain the fourth position.

[0046] In this example, the vortex 10 is in Neutral mode, which allows for a rotational speed at the output of the variable speed shaft 40 of x(-1) relative to the constant speed shaft 30 thanks to the sliding sleeve 13 which fits into the output pinion 24 (see figure 5 ) of the variable speed shaft 40 which results in the vortex cage 10 not rotating, therefore at a rotation speed of 0 rpm.

[0047] In the example illustrated in the figure 3 The tourbillon is in reverse mode, which allows for a variable speed output shaft of x(-2) at 40, compared to the constant speed shaft 30, thanks to the sliding sleeve 18 which fits into the output pinion 25 (see figure 5 ) of the variable speed shaft 40 which has the consequence of rotating the vortex cage 10 at a rotation speed of - 1 revolution / min.

[0048] In the example illustrated in the figure 4The vortex is in Turbo Mode, which allows for a variable speed output shaft of x1 (40) compared to the constant speed shaft (30), thanks to the sliding sleeve (18) which fits into the output pinion (26) (see figure 5 ) of the variable speed shaft 40 which results in the vortex cage 10 rotating at a rotational speed of 2 revolutions / min.

[0049] We understand examples of figures 2 to 4The rotational speeds of the gears are obtained based on the ratio between the rotational speeds of the variable-speed and constant-speed shafts. In one example, the variable-speed shaft rotates in the opposite direction and at the same speed as the constant-speed shaft, thus rendering the controlled mechanism static. In another example (or user-selected operating mode), the variable-speed shaft rotates in the same direction as the constant-speed shaft, thus moving the controlled mechanism in a specific direction, such as clockwise, at either a fixed or variable speed. 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

[0050] The system according to the present invention has been presented in illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the shafts (in particular perpendicular to the energy source, the mainplate). The mechanism is presented in this application as being connected to a tourbillon by means of a differential that maintains a constant speed on the constant-speed shaft 30, independent of the speed of the variable-speed shaft 40, but it can nevertheless control the speed of an animation or any other horological device.

[0051] The system according to the present invention allows the user to vary the speed of a watch gear with the use of a mechanical gearbox (for example of the automotive type) which makes the speed variations even more impressive when switching from one operating mode to another without disturbing the standard operation of the watch.

[0052] List of references in the figures: 1. Barrel 2, 3. Finishing gear train 10. Tourbillon 5. Differential system 5A. First differential input 5B. Second differential input 30. Constant speed shaft AxC. Constant speed shaft axis 40. Variable speed shaft AxC. Variable speed shaft axis 13, 18. Sliding gear system 12, 17. Sliding gear levers 14. Cam selector 15. Sub-dial lever 16. Selector slide 19. Display means (needle) 20. Rotation direction change pinion 21. Turbo cam 21 22. Turbo slide 23. Turbo levers 24. Variable speed shaft output pinion (at speed -1) 25. Variable speed shaft output pinion (at speed -2) 26. Variable speed shaft output pinion (at speed +1)

Claims

1. System for watch movement to control 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), the finishing gear train cooperating with a shaft (30) at constant speed having an axis (AxC) of rotation and cooperating with a first input (5A) of a differential system (5);- an intermediate gear train (4) with variable speed (V2) cooperating with a variable speed shaft (40) having an axis (AxV) of rotation and cooperating with a second input (5B) of said differential system (5), the variable speed shaft (40) being arranged to define a variable output speed (V2) on said second input (5B), the differential system being arranged to control the ratio between the rotational speed of the finishing gear (V1) and the rotational speed of the intermediate gear train (V2) so as to control, at the output of the differential, the speed and / or the 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 rotation of the variable speed shaft (40) is in the opposite direction and at the same speed as that of the constant speed shaft (30), so as to make the mechanism to be controlled static.

3. System according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the variable speed shaft (40) is in the same direction as that of the constant speed shaft (30), so as to move, at 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 variable speed shaft (40) is in the opposite direction and at a higher speed than the rotation of the constant speed shaft (30), 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 the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a fixed wheel (11), arranged to lock the variable speed shaft (40).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism to be driven is a vortex.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a rotation direction change pinion (20) arranged between the variable speed shaft (40) and the constant speed shaft (30).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a sliding system (13, 18) arranged to determine a rotational speed of the variable speed shaft (40).

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the system comprises a cam selector (14) arranged to control the sliding system (13, 18).

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the cam (14) is arranged to be controlled by actuating a slide (16) to define several operating modes, each of the selected operating positions being visible to a user through display means (19).

11. System according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the system includes an operating mode enabling the activation of a turbo slide (22) arranged to rotate a turbo cam (21) which, through levers (23), enables the movement of the sliding system (13, 18) and sets an accelerated operating speed (V3) greater than the constant speed (V1).

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the intermediate moving parts train (4) is modifiable, for example by a tilting system.

13. System according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the speed and / or direction of rotation of the intermediate gear train (V2) is modifiable by an actuation of a winding crown, a pusher or a lever.

14. System according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the axis (AxC) of the constant speed shaft (30) and the axis (AxV) of the variable speed shaft (40) are parallel to each other but perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the energy source (1), said fixed wheel (11) for locking the variable speed shaft (40) preferably also being arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the energy source (1).

15. Wristwatch comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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