Escapement device for a timepiece

Abstract

The invention relates to an escapement device (10) for a timepiece, comprising: - a first escape wheel (12), mounted pivotally about a first axis of rotation (A1), comprising teeth having first teeth (121), and second teeth (111), - a second escape wheel (22), mounted pivotally about a second axis of rotation (A2), comprising teeth arranged to at least cooperate with the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12), characterized in that each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection (111a) arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an escapement device for a mechanical timepiece. In particular, the present invention relates to an escapement device comprising two escape wheels. According to one aspect, the present invention may relate to an escapement device comprising escape wheels designed to impart impulses, in particular tangential impulses, to a locking mechanism of the escapement device for a mechanical timepiece. State of the art

[0002] It is known in the prior art of escapement devices to propose, as shown in patent EP4198641, a natural escapement comprising two escape wheels, each designed to cooperate on one side with a hinged anchor, and on the other with impulse pallets provided on the balance wheel to ensure direct cooperation with one or the other of the two escape wheels. However, such an escapement device is bulky and comprises a complex mechanism. Description of the invention

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to address the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to provide an escapement device (or more specifically an escape wheel), which is compact, and / or free of complex parts to manufacture and / or assemble, and / or robust, and / or exhibiting high operating efficiency.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to an escapement device for a timepiece, arranged to receive a driving force from a gear train of the timepiece and to transmit impulses to maintain oscillations of an oscillator of the timepiece, the escapement device comprising: a first escape wheel, pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, comprising teeth having first teeth arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator, and second teeth, a second escape wheel, pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation, comprising teeth arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator and to cooperate with the second teeth of the first escape wheel, characterized in that each second tooth of the first escape wheel has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel.

[0005] According to the above embodiment, the escapement device includes a first escape wheel with teeth that differ from the first teeth (in shape, size, and / or number). The first teeth are arranged or intended to cooperate with at least one locking mechanism (typically to participate in blocking and / or transmitting a pulse). The second teeth are arranged or intended to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel (typically to participate in driving and / or blocking the second escape wheel).To this end, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has an arm or branch shape with at least one extremity projection that allows each second tooth to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel via its tip. This minimizes inertia while allowing for a large number of first and / or second teeth. Thus, the remaining second teeth—that is, the remaining portions or shapes of the second teeth—can be of minimal size. Consequently, the fact that each second tooth of the first escape wheel has at least one extremity projection that allows it to cooperate with the second escape wheel maximizes the thickness of the first escape teeth and / or minimizes the thickness of the second teeth and / or maximizes the number of escape teeth.

[0006] The escapement device can be defined by the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the teeth of the second escape wheel comprise first teeth arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator, and second teeth arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel, and each second tooth of the second escape wheel has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel.

[0008] According to one embodiment: the second teeth of the first escape wheel are arranged to cooperate with the first teeth of the second escape wheel, the cooperation between a second tooth of the first escape wheel and a first tooth of the second escape wheel being effected exclusively or solely by the extremity projection of said second tooth of the first escape wheel, and / or the second teeth of the second escape wheel are arranged to cooperate with the first teeth of the first escape wheel, the cooperation between a second tooth of the second escape wheel and a first tooth of the first escape wheel being effected exclusively or solely by the extremity projection of said second tooth of the second escape wheel.In other words, the remaining second teeth—that is, the remaining portions or shapes of the second teeth of the first or second escape wheel—do not cooperate with the first teeth of the second or first escape wheel, respectively. Consequently, the shape, size, and / or dimensions of the remaining second teeth can be adjusted without regard to their interaction with the first teeth.

[0009] According to one embodiment: The extreme projection of each second tooth of the first escape wheel is designed to cooperate exclusively with the first teeth of the second escape wheel, and / or the extreme projection of each second tooth of the second escape wheel is designed to cooperate exclusively with the first teeth of the first escape wheel. In other words, the remaining second teeth, namely the remaining portions or shapes of the second teeth, of the first or second escape wheel do not cooperate with the first teeth of the second or first escape wheel, respectively, and the extreme projections of the second teeth of the first or second escape wheel cooperate only with the first teeth of the second or first escape wheel, respectively.Consequently, the shape, size, and dimension of the remaining second teeth can be adjusted without regard to cooperation with the first teeth, and the shape, size, and dimension of the extremity projections of the second teeth have no influence on the other components or parts of the escapement device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the escapement device includes a locking mechanism designed to: The mechanism reversibly blocks the rotation of the first and / or second escape wheel, receives impulses from the first and / or second escape wheel, transmits them to the oscillator, and thus maintains the oscillations of said oscillator. In other words, the blocking mechanism is positioned between each of the escape wheels and the oscillator. Consequently, in one embodiment, the escapement device is an indirect impulse device: the escape wheels do not cooperate directly with the oscillator.

[0011] According to one embodiment: The first teeth of the first escape wheel have points that cooperate exclusively with the locking mechanism, the first teeth of the second escape wheel have points that cooperate exclusively with the locking mechanism.

[0012] According to one embodiment, at least one extremity projection of each of the second teeth of the first escape wheel has a first engagement portion arranged to contact the teeth of the second escape wheel during the engagement of each second tooth of the first escape wheel with the teeth of the second escape wheel, and each first engagement portion is arranged between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.94DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.96DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.98DTDD1, DTDD1 being a crown circle diameter of the second teeth of the first escape wheel. In other words, each extremity projection and / or each first engagement portion is arranged at the tip of the second teeth, or near the tip of the second teeth.

[0013] According to one embodiment, each first portion of the commitment comprises: at least one rounded surface, preferably convex and / or protruding and / or at least one flat surface, and / or at least one edge, and / or a pointed shape.

[0014] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has at least one second engagement portion designed to contact the teeth of the second escape wheel during the engagement of each second tooth of the first escape wheel with the teeth of the second escape wheel. These second engagement portions are arranged at least partially between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.50 DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.95 DTDD1 and 0.60 DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.90 DTDD1 and 0.70 DTDD1, where DTDD1 is a crown circle diameter of the second teeth of the first escape wheel. Consequently, each second engagement portion is arranged closer to the center of the escape wheel than each first engagement portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, each second engagement portion includes at least one convex contact surface. In another embodiment, each second engagement portion may include an involute portion of a circle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has a first flank and a second flank opposite each other, and said at least one extremity projection is arranged on, or on the side of the first flank, and said at least one second engagement portion is arranged on, or on the side of the second flank.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first arm-shaped escape wheel has: a second tooth root defining a second tooth root diameter DPDD1, a second tooth thickness EDD1, a second tooth apex defining a second tooth tip circle diameter DTDD1, and, from the base of the second tooth to the apex of the second tooth, the thickness of the second tooth EDD1 varies by less than 40%, preferably by less than 30%, preferably by less than 20%, compared to a thickness of the second tooth EDDPr1 measured at the level of an average diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1 defined by: DPrDD1=DPDD1+DTDD1 / 2

[0018] According to the above implementation, each second tooth of the first escape wheel may have a branch or arm or beam shape having a free end and with a constant thickness or which varies by less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, preferably less than 20% compared to an average thickness (for example the average of the thicknesses measured along the second tooth).

[0019] According to one embodiment, each first tooth of the first escape wheel has: a first tooth root defining a first tooth root diameter DPPD1, a first tooth thickness EPD1, a first tooth apex defining a first tooth tip circle diameter DTPD1, and, from the base of the first tooth to the apex of the first tooth, the first tooth thickness EPD1 varies by at least 40%, preferably by at least 50%, preferably by at least 80%, relative to a first tooth thickness EPDPr1 measured at the level of an average first tooth diameter DPrPD1 defined by: DPrPD1=DPPD1+DTPD1 / 2

[0020] According to the implementation above, each first tooth can have at least one involute portion of a circle.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the root diameter of the second tooth DPDD1 is equal to or substantially equal to the root diameter of the first tooth DPPD1. According to an alternative embodiment, the root diameter of the second tooth DPDD1 may be different from the root diameter of the first tooth DPPD1.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first tooth EPDPr1 measured at the average diameter of the first tooth DPrPD1 is strictly greater than the thickness of the second tooth EDDPr1 measured at the average diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1, and preferably 3. EDDPr1 <EPDPr1, et de préférence 3,5. EDDPr1 <EPDPr1.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second teeth of the first escape wheel are arranged in pairs between the first teeth of the first escape wheel. In other words, two adjacent second teeth are arranged between two successive first teeth.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has a curved arm shape with a radius of curvature of the second tooth.

[0025] In one embodiment, the radii of curvature of two adjacent second teeth of the first escape wheel are opposite. In other words, if a second tooth is curved in the clockwise direction of the escape wheel, an adjacent second tooth is curved in the counterclockwise direction of the escape wheel.

[0026] In one embodiment, two adjacent second teeth of the first escape wheel have a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped form. In another embodiment, the U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped form of two adjacent second teeth is designed to receive a first tooth of the second escape wheel.

[0027] According to one embodiment, two adjacent second teeth of the first escape wheel are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry comprising the first axis of rotation of the first escape wheel.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first escape wheel comprises: between 10 and 14 second teeth, preferably 12 second teeth, and / or between 5 and 7 first teeth, preferably 6 first teeth.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the head diameter of the first tooth DTPD1 is strictly greater than the head diameter of the second tooth DTDD1.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 of the first wheel is substantially equal to or equal to the first tooth head diameter DTPD2 of the second wheel.

[0031] In one embodiment, the teeth of the first escape wheel are identical to the teeth of the second escape wheel. In another embodiment, the first escape wheel is identical to the second escape wheel.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the extremal projection is oriented and / or forms a protrusion along a direction tangential to a circle centered on the first axis of rotation of the first escape wheel and passing through the extremal projection.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention relates to an escapement wheel for an escapement device of a timepiece, arranged to: receive a motive force from a driving gear of the timepiece, transmit impulses to maintain oscillations of an oscillator of the timepiece, cooperate with a locking mechanism of the escapement device, form a first escape wheel of the escapement device, mounted pivoting around a first axis of rotation, and cooperating with another escape wheel forming a second escape wheel of the escapement device pivoting around a second axis of rotation and comprising teeth, the escape wheel comprising a set of teeth including: the first teeth, arranged to cooperate at least with the locking mechanism; the second teeth, arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel, characterized in that each second tooth has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel.

[0034] A third aspect of the invention relates to an escapement wheel of a timepiece escapement device, arranged to: receive a motive force from a driving gear of the timepiece, transmit impulses to maintain oscillations of an oscillator of the timepiece, cooperate with a locking mechanism of the escapement device, form a first escape wheel of the escapement device, mounted pivotally around a first axis of rotation, and cooperating with another escape wheel forming a second escape wheel of the escapement device and comprising teeth, the escape wheel comprising a set of teeth including: the first teeth, arranged to cooperate at least with the locking mechanism; the second teeth, arranged to cooperate with the first teeth and / or with the teeth of the second escape wheel, characterized in that each second tooth has a curved arm shape with a radius of curvature, the radii of curvature of two second adjacent teeth being opposite. In other words, for a pair formed by two second adjacent teeth, a first second tooth is curved in a first direction of rotation or in a first tangential direction, and a second tooth is curved in a second direction of rotation or in a second tangential direction (opposite respectively to the first direction of rotation or to the first tangential direction).

[0035] According to one embodiment, two adjacent second teeth have a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped form.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the teeth of the second escape wheel comprise first teeth and second teeth, and, when a second tooth of the second escape wheel cooperates with a first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel, said second tooth of the second escape wheel has an inner face opposite said first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel, and the inner face of said second tooth of the second escape wheel has a radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of said first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel. Generally, when a second tooth of an escape wheel cooperates with a first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel, said second tooth of said escape wheel has an inner face opposite said first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel, and the inner face of said second tooth of said escape wheel has a radius of curvature smaller than a radius of curvature of said first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the teeth of the second escape wheel comprise first teeth and second teeth, and, when a second tooth of the second escape wheel cooperates with a first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel, said second tooth of the second escape wheel has an inner face opposite said first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel, and the inner face of said second tooth of the second escape wheel has a center of curvature arranged on the same side of the inner face as a center of curvature of said first tooth of the teeth of the first escape wheel. Generally, when a second tooth of an escape wheel cooperates with a first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel, said second tooth of said escape wheel has an inner face opposite said first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel, and the inner face of said second tooth of said escape wheel has a center of curvature arranged on the same side of the inner face as a center of curvature of said first tooth of the teeth of the other escape wheel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the inner face of the second tooth of the second escape wheel is concave, and the first tooth of the first escape wheel is convex. Generally, the inner faces of the second teeth of each escape wheel are concave, to cooperate with the convex first teeth of the first teeth of the other escape wheel.

[0039] A fourth aspect of the invention may relate to a timepiece, comprising an escapement device according to the first aspect. Description of the figures

[0040] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiment(s) of the invention given by way of non-limiting example(s) and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [ fig. 1 ] represents an overview of an escapement device including a first escape wheel, a second escape wheel and a locking mechanism; fig. 2a ] represents a front view of the first escape wheel of the figure 1 ; fig. 2b ] represents a detail of the first escape wheel of the figure 2a ; fig. 3a ] represents a front view of the second escape wheel of the figure 1 ; fig. 3b ] represents a detail of the second escape wheel of the figure 3a ; fig. 4 ] represents a side view of the first escape wheel of the figure 2 or the second exhaust wheel of the figure 3 ; fig. 5 ] represents the first phase of engagement of the first escape wheel of the figure 2 with the second exhaust wheel of the figure 3 ; fig. 6 ] represents a second phase of engagement of the first escape wheel of the figure 2 with the second exhaust wheel of the figure 3 ; fig. 7 ] represents a third phase of engagement of the first escape wheel of the figure 2 with the second exhaust wheel of the figure 3 ; fig. 8 ] represents variants of the teeth of the first escape wheel and / or the second escape wheel. Detailed description of implementation method(s)

[0041] There figure 1 illustrates an overview of an escapement device 10 cooperating with a balance wheel 51 of an oscillator 5 (not shown, but of which a balance wheel plate 511 is shown), the escapement device 10 comprising in particular: a first escapement mobile 1, a second escapement mobile 2, a blocking mobile 4.

[0042] As shown by figure 1 : the first escapement mobile 1 is mobile in rotation about a first axis of rotation A1 and includes a first pinion 13 (intended to mesh with a driving gear of the timepiece) and a first escape wheel 12 which can typically be driven onto a first shaft of rotation, the second escapement mobile 2 is mobile in rotation about a second axis of rotation A2 and includes a second escape wheel 22 which can typically be driven onto a second shaft of rotation, the locking mobile 4 is pivoted about a fourth axis of rotation A4, and includes first and second impulse means 42a, 42b, the balance wheel plate 511 is mounted in rotation about a fifth axis of rotation A5 and includes a pin 511a typically intended to cooperate with the first and second impulse means 42a, 42b of the locking mobile 4.

[0043] During operation, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are alternately in contact with the pivoted locking wheel 4, and the first and second impulse means 42a, 42b are designed to cooperate with the pin 511a of the balance wheel plate 511, so as to provide impulses or to release the balance wheel 51. Advantageously, the teeth of the first escape wheel 12 and the teeth of the second escape wheel 22 are identical. In particular, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are identical, the second escape wheel 22 simply being mounted in reverse relative to the first escape wheel 12. The first escape wheel 1 further includes the pinion 13, coaxial with the first escape wheel 12, which meshes with a wheel of a driving gear not shown.

[0044] As shown by figure 2a The first escape wheel 12 includes teeth comprising: of the first teeth 121, arranged to cooperate at least with the locking mobile 4 as will be explained below; of the second teeth 111, arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel 22 as will be explained below.

[0045] As shown by figure 3a The second escape wheel 22 comprises a toothing system including: of the first teeth 221, arranged to cooperate at least with the locking mobile 4 as will be explained below; of the second teeth 211, arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel 12 as will be explained below.

[0046] The first teeth 121 and 221 of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, respectively, are designed to cooperate by contact with the impulse means 41a and 41b and the locking means 43a and 43b of the locking mechanism 4. These same first teeth 121 and 221 of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, respectively, are also designed to cooperate by contact with the second teeth 211 and 111 of the second escape wheel 22 and the first escape wheel 12, respectively, as will be explained in detail in the relevant sections. Figures 5 à 7 .

[0047] THE figures 2a et 3a illustrate respectively a general view of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, and the figures 2b et 3b illustrate respectively a detailed view of the second teeth 111, 211 respectively of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22.

[0048] Since the first exhaust wheel 12 and the second exhaust wheel 22 are similar, only the figures 2a et 2b are described in detail below.

[0049] There figure 2a This shows, in particular, the second teeth 111 extending from a second tooth root diameter DPDD1 to a second tooth tip diameter DTDD1. The first teeth 121, on the other hand, extend from the second tooth root diameter DPDD1 to a first tooth tip diameter DTPD1. These first teeth 121 each include escape means 121a, in particular escape surfaces 121a at the first tooth tip diameter DTPD1. These means 121a form points 121a. It is these points 121a that cooperate with the impulse means 41a or the locking means 43a of the locking mechanism 4. It can be noted in particular that the figure 1 illustrates the first escape wheel 12 rotating in the counterclockwise direction, and giving, via a point 121a, a tangential impulse by means of impulse 41a of the blocking mobile 4.

[0050] Also, the head diameter of the first tooth DTPD1 is strictly greater than the head diameter of the second tooth DTDD1.

[0051] The first teeth 121 and the second teeth 111 are arranged in the same plane P. In particular, two second teeth 111 are arranged between two successive first teeth 121. The space separating two successive second teeth 111 defines a recess 113 within which a first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22 can engage when the first escape wheel 12 meshes with the second escape wheel 22.

[0052] The second teeth 111 have a thickness EDDPr1 substantially less than the thickness EPDPr1 of the first teeth 121 at the level, for example, of an average diameter of second tooth DPrDD1 on which an arc is located at an equidistance of arcs of second tooth root diameter DPDD1 and second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0053] In particular 3.EDDPr1≤EPDPr1, or even 3.5.EDDPr1≤EPDPr1.

[0054] A distance d1 separating two second teeth 111 at the average diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1, or in other words the extent d1 of the housing 113 at the average diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1, is strictly greater than the thickness EPDPr1 of the first teeth 121. In particular, we can foresee 1.2.EPDPr1 ≤ d1, or even 1.3.EPDPr1 ≤ d1.

[0055] The second teeth 111 each have an extreme projection 111a (for example in the form of a point), arranged at the level of the second tooth head diameter DTDD1, which is intended to cooperate by contact with a first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22, in particular with a flank 221b or 221c of a first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, these extremal projections 111a are in the form of rounded surfaces which are in continuity with the internal flanks 111c of the second teeth 111, which also constitute the walls of the housing 113. In particular, these extremal projections 111a extend from the head diameter of the second tooth DTDD1 to an intermediate diameter of the second tooth DTDD1' with DTDD1' < DTDD1, in particular 1.05.DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1, or even 1.04.DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1, or even 1.02.DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1.

[0057] As an alternative to the form of the figure 1 These extreme projections 111a could take the form of a combination of at least one straight surface and / or at least one curved surface, which may or may not form a continuous surface. Alternatively, these extreme projections 111a could take the form of straight surfaces exclusively. Alternatively still, these extreme projections 111a could take the form of edges.

[0058] These extreme projections 111a are arranged at the level of the second tooth head diameter DTDD1. They are part of the head of the second teeth 111 or constitute the heads of the second teeth 111 in the case where DTDD1'∼ DTDD1, or even DTDD1'= DTDD1.

[0059] Advantageously, the internal flanks 111c are not functional; only the extremity projections 111a are functional to allow the engagement of a first tooth or vice versa. Thus, the internal flanks 111c can be shaped to maximize the size of the housing 113 and / or minimize the thickness EDDPr1 of the second teeth 111.

[0060] Thus, in a specific embodiment, the second teeth 111 are curved, and the inner flanks 111c are thus advantageously recessed from the flanks 221b, 221c of a first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22 during the meshing of the first and second escape wheels 12, 22. In particular, the second teeth 111 are concave when viewed from the housing 113, unlike a conventional tooth whose projection is ogive-shaped and whose flanks are convex when viewed from a space between two successive second teeth ( Figure 2b ou 3b ). Preferably, the second teeth 111 are symmetrical with respect to a plane P1 passing through the first pivot axis A1 of the first escape wheel 12.

[0061] Each of the second teeth 111 also has a functional flank 111b to enable the driving of a second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22, in particular to enable the driving by contact with a functional flank 211b of another second tooth 211. These functional flanks 111b extend from the second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 to the second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0062] These functional flanks 111b are convex when viewed from a space between a second tooth 111 and a first tooth 121, in the manner of a flank of a conventional tooth. This space defines a recess 114. The distance d2 separating a second tooth 111 from a first tooth 121 at the mean diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1, or in other words the extent d2 of the recess 114 at the mean diameter of the second tooth DPrDD1, is strictly greater than the thickness EDDPr1 of the first teeth 121.

[0063] In particular 1,1.EDDPr1≤d2, or even 1,2.EDDPr1≤d2.

[0064] Each of the first teeth 121 comprises functional flanks 121b, 121c extending between the second tooth root diameter DPDD1 and the second tooth tip diameter DTDD1. Specifically, these flanks 121b, 121c are convex when viewed from the space between a second and a first tooth, and are symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 passing through the first pivot axis A1 of the first escape wheel 12, in the manner of a conventional tooth. These flanks are exclusively dedicated to the meshing function of the first and second escape wheels 12 and 22. The portion of the first tooth 121 between the second tooth tip diameter DTDD1 and the first tooth tip diameter DTPD1, ​​which terminates in the point 121a, is dedicated exclusively to the escapement function.

[0065] In the particular, non-limiting example shown, the second escape wheel 22 has the same characteristics as the first escape wheel 12. The numerical references relating to the characteristics begin with a "2" instead of the "1" of the numerical references relating to the characteristics of the first escape wheel 12, as shown in the figures 3a et 3b . Alphabetical references relating to diameters or thicknesses or dimensions end with a "2" instead of the "1" of alphabetical references relating to diameters or thicknesses or dimensions of the first escape wheel 12.

[0066] There figure 4 represents a front view of a first escape wheel 12 or a second escape wheel 22. This wheel advantageously has a single level extending over a plane P, and has a constant height h1. The thickness EDDPr1 of the second teeth 111 (and / or the thickness EDDPr2 of the second teeth 211) is less than the height h1, or even much less than the thickness h1. In particular, 1.5.EDDPr1≤h1.

[0067] THE figures 5 à 7 illustrate different phases of engagement of the first escape wheel 12 with the second escape wheel 22.

[0068] There figure 5 shows the first escape wheel 12 rotating counterclockwise around its first axis of rotation A1 and driving the second escape wheel 22 clockwise around its second axis of rotation A2. This meshing is achieved first by means of a first tooth 121 of the first escape wheel 12, one flank 121b of which acts by contact against a projection 211a of a second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22. The contact between this first tooth 121 and the second tooth 211 is made exclusively by the flank 121b of the first tooth 121 and the projection 211a of the second tooth 211.

[0069] There figure 6 shows the sequence that follows that of the figure 5 , with a second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12 which acts by contact against a second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22. In particular, the flank 111b of the second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12 drives the flank 211b of the second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22.

[0070] There figure 7 shows the sequence that follows that of the figure 6 , with a second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12, successive to the second tooth 111 in engagement of the figure 6 , whose projection 111a acts by contact against a flank 221c of a first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22.

[0071] These different sequences are repeated in order to allow the second escape wheel 22 to be driven by the first escape wheel 12.

[0072] In one specific embodiment, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 each comprise 6 first teeth 121, 221, and 6 pairs of second teeth 111; 211. Naturally, these numbers can differ according to the desired escapement variation.

[0073] There figure 8 represents variants of the realization of the second teeth 111, with to the left of the figure 8 a first embodiment variant in which the second tooth 111 has an internal flank 111c with a straight or flat portion and not curved, as on the figures 2b ou 3b , to the right of the figure 8 a second embodiment in which the second tooth 111 has a pointed projection 111a protruding from the inner flank 111c, and not a curved portion continuous with the inner flank 111c, as on the figures 2b ou 3b .

[0074] Advantageously, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are openworked as much as possible to minimize their inertia. In particular, the first teeth 121, 221 are openworked. The hub of the wheels 12, 22 is also openworked. The small thickness EDDPr1 of the second teeth 111; 211 contributes greatly to minimizing the inertias of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, while allowing the desired number of first teeth to be used for the operation of the escapement in which the wheels participate.

[0075] The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are preferably obtained by a micro-fabrication technique, for example by laser cutting, in particular by femtosecond laser, or by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), or by LIGA.

[0076] The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 may comprise all or part of monocrystalline silicon, regardless of its orientation, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, amorphous silicon dioxide, doped silicon of any type and level of doping, or porous silicon. They may also comprise silicon carbide, glass, ceramic, quartz, ruby, or sapphire. Alternatively, they may be made of metal or a metallic alloy, including a metallic alloy that is at least partially amorphous. For example, these wheels may comprise nickel (Ni) or a nickel-phosphorus alloy (NiP). It is foreseen that the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 may be made of different materials. Industrial application

[0077] An escapement device according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0078] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0079] In particular, it can be expected that the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 will be different from each other, both from the point of view of the dimensions of the hub or the interface with the shaft on which they will be attached and of the materials.

[0080] It is also possible to plan to use at least one of the escape wheels described above in any other type of escapement, such as a natural or direct impulse escapement.

[0081] The second teeth may not be symmetrical in pairs and / or may not have a constant or nearly constant thickness over their entire height.

Claims

1. Escapement device (10) of a timepiece, arranged to receive a motive force from a driving gear of the timepiece and to transmit impulses to maintain oscillations of an oscillator (5) of the timepiece, the escapement device comprising: - a first escape wheel (12), mounted pivotally about a first axis of rotation (A1), comprising teeth having first teeth (121) arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator (5), and second teeth (111), - a second escape wheel (22), mounted pivotally about a second axis of rotation (A2), comprising teeth arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator (5) and to cooperate with the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12), characterized in thatEach second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection (111a) arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22).

2. Escapement device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the teeth of the second escape wheel (22) comprise first teeth (221) arranged to at least transmit the impulses to maintain the oscillations of the oscillator (5), and second teeth (211) arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel (12), wherein each second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) has an arm shape comprising at least one extremal projection (211a) arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel (12).

3. Escapement device (10) according to claim 2, wherein: - the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) are arranged to cooperate with the first teeth (221) of the second escape wheel (22), the cooperation between a second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) and a first tooth (221) of the second escape wheel (22) occurring exclusively through the extremity projection (111a) of said second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12), and / or - the second teeth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) are arranged to cooperate with the first teeth (121) of the first escape wheel (12), the cooperation between a second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) and a first tooth (121) of the first escape wheel (12) being effected exclusively by the extreme projection (211a) of said second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22).

4. Escapement device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: - the extreme projection (111a) of each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) is provided to cooperate exclusively with the first teeth (221) of the second escape wheel (22), and / or - the extreme projection (211a) of each second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) is provided to cooperate exclusively with the first teeth (121) of the first escape wheel (12).

5. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a locking mobile (4) provided to: - reversibly block the rotation of the first escape wheel (12) and / or the second escape wheel (22), - receive the impulses from the first escape wheel (12) and / or the second escape wheel (22) to transmit them to the oscillator (5) and thus maintain the oscillations of said oscillator (5).

6. Escapement device (10): - according to claim 5 wherein the first teeth (121) of the first escape wheel (12) have points (121a) which cooperate exclusively with the locking mobile (4), - according to claim 5 in its dependence on any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the first teeth (221) of the second escape wheel (22) have points (221a) which cooperate exclusively with the locking mobile (4).

7. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each at least one extremal projection (111a) of the first escape wheel (12) has a first engagement portion arranged to come into contact with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22) during the cooperation of each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22), and wherein each first engagement portion is arranged between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.94.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.96.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.98.DTDD1, DTDD1 being a diameter of the head circle of the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12).

8. Escapement device (10) according to claim 7 in which each first engagement portion comprises: - at least one rounded surface, preferably convex and / or protruding and / or - at least one flat surface, and / or - at least one edge.

9. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has at least one second engagement portion intended to come into contact with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22) during the cooperation of each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) with the teeth of the second escape wheel (22), and wherein the second engagement portions are arranged at least partially between two circles of diameter DTDD1 and 0.50.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter 0.95.DTDD1 and 0.60.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameter 0.90.DTDD1 and 0.

70. DTDD1, DTDD1 being a head circle diameter of the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12).

10. Escapement device (10) according to claim 9, wherein each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has a first flank and a second flank opposite, and wherein said at least one extremal projection (111a) is arranged on or on the side of the first flank, and said at least one second engagement portion is arranged on or on the side of the second flank, each second engagement portion comprising in particular at least one convex contact surface.

11. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a first tooth thickness EPDPr1 measured at a mean first tooth diameter DPrPD1 is strictly greater than a second tooth thickness EDDPr1 measured at a mean second tooth diameter DPrDD1, and preferably 3. EDDPr1 <epdpr1, et de préférence 3,5. eddpr1 <epdpr1.

12. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) are arranged in pairs between the first teeth (121) of the first escape wheel (12), and in particular, wherein two adjacent second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry comprising the first axis of rotation (A1) of the first escape wheel (12).

13. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the head diameter of the first tooth DTPD1 is strictly greater than the head diameter of the second tooth DTDD1 14. Escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the teeth of the first escape wheel (12) are identical to the teeth of the second escape wheel (22).

15. Timepiece, comprising at least one escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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