Member for transmitting energy between two regulating organs and clock movement equipped with same

Abstract

An energy transmission element comprising a central shaft (18), engaged with the energy source (2), an upper gear (21), rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (18), and engaged with a gear (14a) of a first regulating element (6a), and a lower wheel (22), rotatably mounted relative to the shaft (18), and engaged with a gear (14b) of a second regulating element (6b). The element further comprises a sun wheel (27), fixed to a shaft (18) and mounted in a cage (23), a satellite gear (28), mounted on the cage (23) to mesh on one side with the sun wheel (27), and on the other with the upper gear (21), and a spring (32), providing the connection between the cage (23) and the lower wheel (22) and arranged to exert a torque on the lower wheel (22). The invention also relates to a movement comprising said organ and a timepiece comprising said movement.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy transmission device between two regulating organs, intended for a clockwork movement. The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising the transmission device according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a mechanical watch comprising the clockwork movement according to the invention. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] We know of watch movements equipped with differentials. For example, document CH 698622 describes a movement for a timepiece with two escapements driven by a differential gear train comprising a pinion meshing with the finishing gear and fixed to a vertical shaft, a satellite pinion carried by this shaft and mounted on a pivoting axis perpendicular to it, and two identical wheels pivoting on the shaft on either side of the satellite pinion. Each wheel has a pinion meshing with it, these wheels engaging respectively with the cages of the two escapements, which may be tourbillon escapements. In this movement, the energy from the mainspring barrel is distributed equally between the two escapements by the differential.

[0003] Document CH 708658 describes a clock movement comprising another type of differential mechanism. In this document, the movement described comprises a mechanical power source, a first regulating organ and a first escapement connected by a first gear train to said power source, the first gear train, the first escapement and the first regulating organ defining a first assembly, a second regulating organ and a second escapement connected by a second gear train to said power source, the second gear train, the second escapement and the second regulating organ defining a second assembly, at least one differential gear arranged to provide a kinematic link between the first assembly and the power source on the one hand and between the second assembly and the power source on the other hand.

[0004] The mechanism described in document CH 708658 functions as a differential where energy is distributed to the regulating element of each assembly via a pre-reset spring. Each assembly is energy-independent: the spring of the first regulating element supplies energy to the first regulating element, and the second spring supplies energy to the second regulating element.

[0005] However, the use of a differential gear in a transmission mechanism presents certain drawbacks. When both kinematic chains (one comprising the first set and the other the second) are simultaneously activated, energy will first be supplied to the kinematic chain requiring less power. Only then will the second kinematic chain receive energy. Consequently, the energy used to maintain the regulating organ of the second kinematic chain will be lost. This is because, since the activation of the regulating organ will have already occurred, the escapement will already be at rest. This results in a loss of amplitude in the second balance wheel and an increase in amplitude in the first balance wheel, which is detrimental to the regular operation of the timepiece.

[0006] Furthermore, in existing differential mechanisms for clockwork movements, when one of the two regulating elements malfunctions, it also affects the other regulating element that is functioning normally. If one of the two regulating elements is blocked, the gear train coupled to the differential blocks the latter, which can no longer transmit energy to the normally functioning regulating element. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One object of the present invention is therefore to resolve, or at least minimize, the disadvantages of the existing devices described above.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to propose an energy transmission device that avoids or minimizes the disadvantages of existing energy transmission devices.

[0009] These objects are at least partially affected by the present invention.

[0010] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to an energy transmission device between two regulating devices, arranged to ensure a kinematic link, on the one hand between an energy source and a first regulating device, and on the other hand between the energy source and a second regulating device, comprising: a central shaft, in contact with the energy source, an upper moving part, mounted to rotate relative to the shaft, and in contact with a moving part of the first regulating organ, and a lower wheel, mounted to rotate relative to the shaft, and in contact with a moving part of the second regulating organ.

[0011] The energy transmission unit is characterized in that it further comprises: a cage, mounted coaxially, pivoting relative to the shaft, and positioned between the upper wheel and the lower wheel, a solar wheel, fixed to the shaft and mounted in the cage, a satellite wheel, mounted on the cage so as to mesh on one side with the solar wheel, and on the other side with the upper wheel, and a spring, ensuring the connection between the cage and the lower wheel and arranged to exert a torque on the lower wheel.

[0012] The energy transmission unit allows a source of mechanical energy to be connected to two regulating units and provides each of the two regulating units with the energy it needs without disturbing or stopping the other regulating unit.

[0013] In other words, the energy transmission organ according to the present invention provides an additional degree of freedom to the system so that it can immediately transmit the energy to each of the two regulating organs that it needs without disturbing the other regulating organ.

[0014] This degree of freedom is achieved by means of a cage that moves along the axis of the transmission element (which can be, for example, a differential, a planetary gear, or both, as explained below). A planet gear is mounted in this cage. A spring is connected to one of the output wheels of the transmission element. The spring is an example of a spring-like component, in other words, an elastic module, for example, a spiral spring. The invention is not limited to the spring. The spring or spring-like component allows each of the two regulating elements to be immediately supplied with the energy it requires without disturbing the other regulating element. This makes it possible to eliminate or minimize the energy losses or excesses due to differential or planetary gears known in the prior art.

[0015] Thus, the energy transmission element according to the invention ensures a constant energy distribution without disrupting the operation of either of the regulating elements. The cage, as well as the satellite wheel that makes up the energy transmission element, is linked to the spring or spring element, for example, a spiral.

[0016] Preferably, the central shaft is coupled to the seconds wheel, for example the seconds wheel is mounted on the central shaft.

[0017] In a system comprising two (or at least two) regulating elements coupled to a differential transmission element, mechanical blocking or opposition can be observed, originating from the regulating elements themselves. This blocking occurs, for example, if the balance wheels vibrate at different frequencies, or if one of the two regulating elements becomes desynchronized. This phenomenon is called the "bean effect" by analogy with the shape of a phase graph between two slightly desynchronized oscillators, in other words, oscillators with opposite phase or amplitude.

[0018] In the present invention, the transmission element is arranged to counteract this "bean effect." To this end, the transmission element comprises a satellite mounted in a freely rotating cage. The cage is coupled to an elastic module, spring, or spring-like element, which can store the energy not transmitted to one or more regulating elements so as not to disrupt the operation of the other regulating element(s). The regulating element in normal operation receives the energy necessary for its functioning. The excess energy that would have been destined for the blocked regulating element is stored in the spring-like element and is then returned to the blocked regulating element when the blockage is lifted, again without disrupting the operation of the other regulating element(s).

[0019] Under normal operating conditions, i.e., without mechanical blockage, the regulating elements are functioning normally. The transmission element according to the present invention acts as a differential, distributing energy to the regulating elements or mechanical oscillators. The transmission element distributes the energy necessary for the operation of the regulating elements.

[0020] When a mechanical blockage occurs, the regulating organ distributes the energy required for normal operation and stores the energy intended for the blocked regulating organ via the spring or elastic module. This stored energy is then released by the spring to the blocked regulating organ when the blockage is lifted.

[0021] For example, consider a system with two regulating organs of the balance spring type, where the first regulating organ is coupled to an upper wheel (i.e., upper moving part) connected to the transmission organ by a gear. The second regulating organ is coupled to a lower wheel (i.e., lower moving part) connected to the transmission organ by the spring.

[0022] In normal operation, that is, without mechanical blocking, when the anchor of each regulating organ releases the escape wheel, the transmission organ transmits energy to the regulating organ. The energy from the mainspring barrel enters the transmission organ, which drives the central shaft in conjunction with the sun wheel, which in turn drives the satellite. The satellite, in turn, drives the upper wheel via a gear train to transmit energy to the first regulating organ. The satellite also drives the rotation of the cage around the central shaft, which in turn drives the spring to drive the lower wheel and supply the energy required by the second regulating organ.

[0023] In the event of a mechanical blockage, for example, if the first regulating element coupled to the upper wheel is blocked, the spring or spring assembly will supply the necessary energy to the second regulating element during normal operation and store the energy intended for the first regulating element. Then, the spring or spring assembly will release this energy to the first blocked regulating element once the blockage is lifted.

[0024] In other words, for the second regulating element in normal operation, the satellite drives the rotation of the cage around the central shaft, which actuates the spring to drive the lower wheel and provide the necessary energy to the second regulating element. The spring retains the excess energy that was intended for the first regulating element when it is blocked. For the first regulating element, when the blockage is released, the released spring energy actuates the cage, which drives the satellite, which in turn drives the gear meshing with the first regulating element to provide the necessary energy to the first regulating element.

[0025] Conversely, if the second regulating element coupled to the lower wheel is blocked, the spring or spring assembly will supply the necessary energy to the first regulating element during normal operation and store energy for the second regulating element. Then, the spring or spring assembly will release this energy to the second, blocked regulating element once the blockage is released.

[0026] In other words, for the first regulating element in normal operation, the satellite drives the gear meshing with the first regulating element to supply the necessary energy to the first regulating element. For the second regulating element, the satellite drives the rotation of the cage around the central shaft, which actuates the spring that stores the energy destined for the second regulating element. When the lock is released, the spring actuates the lower wheel, which supplies the necessary energy to the second regulating element.

[0027] The spring holds the cage in a neutral position. The spring or spring element leaves its neutral position to temporarily store energy during a mechanical blockage of the transmission element, then returns to its neutral position once the energy has been released.

[0028] When a regulating organ consumes more energy, the cage will rotate and thus accumulate energy in the spring or spring organ which will then directly redistribute it to the other regulating organ.

[0029] When a regulating organ is blocked, the spring organ transmits energy to the normally functioning regulating organ and temporarily stores energy intended for the blocked regulating organ, then returns this stored energy to it when the blockage is lifted.

[0030] The satellite, mounted on a free-rotating cage—in other words, a flying satellite—has the capacity to store and release energy thanks to a spring or spring mechanism. This compensates for imbalances caused by blockages or mechanical resistance among the regulating components.

[0031] The cage can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise; it is completely free. Thanks to the spring or spring mechanism, the forces to be accumulated can be stored in both directions of rotation.

[0032] The transmission element according to the present invention has a differential function and controls the speed ratio between the regulating elements. The transmission element distributes the necessary energy to the regulating elements. For example, the transmission element averages the movements of the regulating elements, such as balance wheel-type oscillators, to control the movement's rate, in particular the display of the seconds hand when the seconds wheel or oscillating wheel is coupled to the central shaft. In the event of a mechanical blockage, for example of one of the regulating elements, the ratio control, such as the average, is no longer performed, but the regularity of the movement's rate is not disturbed and is ensured by the regulating element during normal operation. In particular, the display of the seconds hand is ensured by the regulating element during normal operation thanks to the spring or spring mechanism and the rotating free cage.

[0033] Preferably, the first regulating organ should have a vibration frequency identical to the frequency of the second regulating organ.

[0034] Advantageously, the satellite mobile is part of a planetary gear coupled to one of the ruling organs.

[0035] The gear train's multiplication ratio can be determined based on the frequencies of the regulating elements. Preferably, the first regulating element has a different vibration frequency than the second regulating element. For example, if one of the two regulating elements has a higher or lower frequency than the other, the multiplication ratio of the planetary gear train's moving parts is adjusted to maintain synchronization between the two regulating elements.

[0036] In other words, the transmission element according to the present invention can have a planetary function in addition to its differential function. Advantageously, the planetary function allows the motion between the axes of the gear to be transformed with varying ratios by a multiplying gear train between the shaft coupled to the barrel and the regulating elements.

[0037] Preferably, the multiplication ratio of the moving parts that make up said planetary gear is adjusted according to the frequencies of the first regulating organ and the second regulating organ. Preferably, said moving parts of the planetary gear comprise the solar moving part, the satellite moving part, and the upper moving part.

[0038] For example, the gear ratios of the gear train between the central shaft and the wheel (i.e., the moving part) coupled to a regulating element are determined according to the frequency of the regulating element. The gear train may include the solar moving part, the satellite moving part meshed with said solar moving part, and one or more return moving parts driven by the satellite moving part and coupled to the regulating element.

[0039] For example, the satellite mobile may have a gear that meshes with a pinion that is coaxial, and which is fixed at the lower part of the upper mobile.

[0040] Preferably, the spring or spring element or elastic module can be a spiral, which can be fixed by one of its ends to a lower part of the cage and by another of its ends to an upper part of the lower wheel.

[0041] Preferably, the cage can include a base circle and an upper circle.

[0042] Advantageously, the base circle can be equipped with a lower bearing keeping the satellite mobile in rotation, and the upper circle can be equipped with an upper bearing keeping the satellite mobile in rotation.

[0043] Preferably, the cage may include a counterweight to balance it.

[0044] Preferably, the counterweight can be held on the base circle using a pin.

[0045] The pin can advantageously be used to fix the spring at one of its ends.

[0046] The central shaft may preferably include a pinion meshing with a gear and with the power source.

[0047] According to a second aspect of the invention, a watch movement may include a mechanical energy source, a first and a second regulating element, and an energy transmission element according to the present invention, preferably arranged to ensure a kinematic and dynamic link on the one hand between the energy source and the first regulating element and on the other hand between the energy source and the second regulating element.

[0048] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a movement according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0049] Other advantages, purposes and particular features of the invention will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: there Figure 1is a cross-sectional view of part of a clockwork mechanism comprising a mechanical power source, two regulating organs, and a power transmission organ according to the invention; The Figure 2 is an isometric view of the energy transmission organ of the Figure 1 ; There Figure 3 is a side view of the power transmission organ of the Figure 1 ; there Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the energy transmission organ of the Figure 1 . DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION'S IMPLEMENTATION

[0050] This description is not exhaustive; each feature of one embodiment can be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment. It should be noted from the outset that the figures are not to scale.

[0051] A mechanical watch incorporates a watch movement 1 which includes a frame consisting of a mainplate and at least one bridge between which the various levers and rockers pivot, and a finishing or mainspring gear train of the watch (not shown in the Figures). This is a set of wheels and pinions that transmits the driving force from a mechanical energy source 2 generated by a mainspring held in a drum of a barrel 3 (see Fig. 1 ). The driving force of the spring-motor is transmitted to a mobile of center (or large average) 35 in contact with a mobile of large average 4.

[0052] The watch movement 1 comprises two regulating organs 6a and 6b. The first regulating organ 6a and the second regulating organ 6b comprise a balance wheel 8a with a balance spring 9a fixed to a shaft 11a forming a mechanical oscillator. The second regulating organ 6b comprises a balance wheel 8b with a balance spring 9b fixed to a shaft 11b forming a mechanical oscillator.

[0053] The first regulating organ 6a includes an escapement 12a which maintains the oscillations of the regulating organ 6a. The second regulating organ 6b includes an escapement 12b which maintains the oscillations of the regulating organ 6b. The first escapement 12a includes an escape wheel 14a and an anchor with a fork 16a. The second escapement 12b includes an escape wheel 14b and an anchor with a fork 16b.

[0054] According to the invention, the watch movement 1 includes an energy transmission organ 17 arranged to ensure a kinematic link between the first regulating organ 6a and the energy source 2 on the one hand, and between the second regulating organ 6b and the energy source 2 on the other hand.

[0055] The energy transmission unit 17 includes a central shaft 18 on which a pinion 19 is mounted. The pinion 19 meshes with the large middle moving part 4, then with the center moving part 35 which is itself connected to the energy source 2.

[0056] The power transmission element 17 comprises an upper moving part 21, mounted to rotate freely relative to the shaft 18 by means of a suitable bearing 21a. The upper moving part is, for example, a top wheel. The upper moving part 21 meshes with a gear train, which includes the escape wheel 14a of the first regulating element 6a.

[0057] The power transmission element 17 comprises a lower wheel 22, mounted to rotate freely relative to the shaft 18 by means of a suitable bearing 22a. The lower wheel is an example of a lower gear. The lower wheel 22 meshes with a gear train, which includes the escapement gear 14b of the second regulating element 6b.

[0058] The second 36 mobile, depicted on the figure 1 with the seconds hand, is mounted on the shaft 18 of the energy transmission organ 17.

[0059] The power transmission element 17 comprises a cage 23 mounted coaxially and free to pivot relative to the shaft 18, thanks to a suitable bearing. The cage 23 is positioned between the upper wheel 21 and the lower wheel 22. The cage 23 has two interconnected parts, a base circle 24 and an upper circle 26. The base circle 24 and the upper circle are free to pivot relative to the shaft 18, being mounted respectively on a base bearing 24a and an upper bearing 26a.

[0060] The energy transmission unit 17 includes a solar wheel 27 (visible in Fig. 4), which is attached to the shaft 18, and which is mounted in the cage 23 at the level of the base circle 24. The solar wheel 27 thus rotates with the shaft 18, with the pinion 19 and with the large average mobile 4.

[0061] The energy transmission unit 17 includes a satellite mobile 28 mounted on the cage 23. The satellite mobile 28 meshes with the solar wheel 27 and with the upper mobile 21.

[0062] Regarding the connection with the upper moving part 21, the satellite moving part 28 has an additional upper wheel 29 meshing with a pinion 31 coaxial with the upper moving part 21. The pinion 31 is fixed to the lower face 21b of the upper moving part 21. To stabilize and maintain the rotation of the satellite moving part 28, the base circle 24 of the cage 23 is equipped with a lower bearing 28a and a flange 26a of the upper circle 26 overhanging the satellite moving part 28 is equipped with an upper bearing 28b.

[0063] The energy transmission element 17 comprises a spring 32 fixed to the cage 23 and the lower wheel 22. The spring 32 is interposed between the base circle 24 and the lower wheel 22. The spring 32 thus provides the mechanical connection between the cage 23 and the lower wheel 22 and is arranged to exert a rotational torque on the lower wheel 22. The spring 32 is a spiral, fixed at one of its ends 32a to a lower part of the base circle 24 of the cage 23 and at another of its ends to a central part forming the hub of the lower wheel 22.

[0064] The cage 23 includes a counterweight 33 to balance its rotation. The counterweight 33 is placed on the base circle 24. The counterweight 33 is held on the base circle 24 by a pin 34 passing through the base circle 24. The pin 34 secures one end 32a of the spring 32.

[0065] The satellite mobile 28, which is mounted on the freely rotating cage 23 and has the capacity to store and release energy thanks to the spring 32, thus ensures the link of the solar wheel 27 rotating with the shaft 18, in connection with the energy source 2, with both the upper moving part 21, in connection with the first regulating organ 6a, the lower wheel 22, in connection with the second regulating organ 6b.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Numerous modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0067] In particular, the watch movement may include several energy transmission organs that follow one another, placed between a first main energy transmission organ, located closest to the energy source, and the escapement of the first and / or second regulating organ.

[0068] In this case, the first energy transmission element between the main energy transmission element and the first exhaust can be more specifically arranged between the outlet of the main energy transmission element and the inlet of the next cooperating element, namely a second energy transmission element. Similarly, the second energy transmission element between the main energy transmission element and the second exhaust can be more specifically arranged between the outlet of the main energy transmission element and the inlet of the next cooperating element, namely a third energy transmission element.

[0069] The energy transmission unit may also include two satellite mobiles, preferably mounted symmetrically on the cage so as to mesh on one side with the solar wheel, and on the other side with the upper mobile.

[0070] The regulating elements, or at least one of them, may also be vortices. The regulating elements may be arranged in various parallel positions and also in all types of inclined positions.

[0071] This application describes various technical features and advantages with reference to the figures and / or various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with features of another embodiment unless the contrary is explicitly stated, or it is obvious that such features are incompatible, or that the combination does not provide a solution to at least one of the technical problems mentioned in this application. Furthermore, the technical features described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other features of that embodiment unless the contrary is explicitly stated.

Claims

1. Energy transmission element between two regulating elements (6a, 6b), arranged to ensure a kinematic link, on the one hand between an energy source (2) and a first regulating element (6a), and on the other hand between the energy source (2) and a second regulating element (6b), comprising - a central shaft (18), in contact with the energy source (2), - an upper moving part (21), mounted to rotate relative to the shaft (18), and in contact with a moving part (14a) of the first regulating element (6a), and - a lower wheel (22), mounted to rotate relative to the shaft (18), and in contact with a moving part (14b) of the second regulating element (6b), characterized in thatIt comprises - a cage (23), mounted coaxially, pivoting relative to the shaft (18), and positioned between the upper wheel (21) and the lower wheel (22), - a solar wheel (27), fixed to the shaft (18) and mounted in the cage (23), - a satellite wheel (28), mounted on the cage (23) so as to mesh on one side with the solar wheel (27), and on the other side with the upper wheel (21), and - a spring (32), ensuring the connection between the cage (23) and the lower wheel (22) and arranged to exert a torque on the lower wheel (22).

2. Organ according to claim 1, in which the satellite mobile (28) has a wheel (29), meshing with a coaxial pinion (31), and secured in the lower part (21b) to the upper mobile (21).

3. A component according to claim 1 or 2, in which the spring is a spiral (32), fixed by one of its ends (32a) on a lower part of the cage (23) and by another of its ends (32b) on an upper part of the lower wheel (22).

4. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cage (23) comprises a base circle (24) and an upper circle (26).

5. Organ according to claim 4, wherein the base circle (24) is equipped with a lower bearing (28a) maintaining the satellite mobile (28) in rotation, and the upper circle (26) is equipped with an upper bearing (28b) maintaining the satellite mobile (28) in rotation.

6. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cage (23) comprises a counterweight (33).

7. Component according to claim 6, in which the pin (34) allows the spring (32) to be fixed.

8. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the central shaft (18) includes a pinion (19) meshing with a moving part (4) in connection with the energy source (2).

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first regulating device (6a) has a vibration frequency identical to the frequency of the second regulating device (6b).

10. Organ according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the satellite mobile is part of a planetary gear coupled to one of the ruling organs.

11. Organ according to claim 10, in which the multiplication ratio of the moving parts which make up said planetary gear is adjusted according to the frequencies of the first regulating organ (6a) and the second regulating organ (6b).

12. Component according to claim 11, wherein said mobiles comprise the solar mobile (27), the satellite mobile (27) and the upper mobile (21).

13. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the first regulating device (6a) has a vibration frequency different from the frequency of the second regulating device (6b).

14. Watch movement comprising - a mechanical energy source (2), - a first and a second regulating organ (6a, 6b), and - an energy transmission organ (17) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Timepiece comprising the movement according to the preceding claim.

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