Automatic movement timepiece
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-08
AI Technical Summary
In high-end watchmaking, automatic winding movements are difficult to observe due to the obstructive nature of the oscillating winding mass, even in transparent or openwork designs, which limits the aesthetic and functional visibility of the timepiece's movement.
The oscillating winding mass is designed with a transparent connecting member, preferably made of anti-reflective sapphire, housed between the movement and the crystal, allowing the mass to be hidden from view while enabling full observation of the movement through a strategically sized opening in the case, minimizing the visible presence of the winding mechanism.
This design enhances the aesthetic appeal by making the winding mass imperceptible, providing unobstructed visibility of the movement's operation, creating a more immersive and visually appealing experience without compromising the functionality of the automatic winding mechanism.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024064947_05122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
TIMEPIECE WITH AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT Technical Field
[0001] In general, the invention relates to a timepiece with an automatic movement, e.g., a self-winding mechanical timekeeping instrument, in particular an automatic wristwatch. More particularly, the invention relates to a timepiece comprising a crystal, placed on the top or bottom of the case of the timepiece, and an oscillating winding mass arranged on the side of the crystal and allowing the reading of the time and / or the observation of the movement essentially unhindered. Technological background
[0002] In the field of watchmaking, particularly high-end or luxury watchmaking, we know of wristwatches with transparent backs allowing their movement to be observed.
[0003] As noted in patent EP 0 957 414 B1, when a watch has a self-winding movement, observation of the movement is always truncated by the presence of the oscillating winding mass which, even if openworked, as is the case in a so-called "skeleton" watch, prevents comfortable observation of the movement. Patent EP 0 957 414 B1 relates to an oscillating winding mass comprising a weighted part fixed to a connecting member connecting the weighted part to an axis integral with a movement, the mass being intended to be rotatably mounted on said axis, characterized in that the connecting member is made of a transparent or translucent material, preferably sapphire. Thanks to the structure of the winding mass, it is possible to make the entire movement of the timepiece it equips permanently visible, which gives it an improved aesthetic appearance.
[0004] The present invention aims to propose an improvement to a timepiece equipped with such an oscillating winding mass. General description of the invention
[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece with an automatic movement. This comprises: - a case comprising a caseband and a crystal closing an opening; - a movement (clock or watch) fixed in the case; and - an oscillating winding mass comprising an edge forming an unbalance mass fixed to a connecting member connecting the edge forming an unbalance mass to an axis capable of winding an energy storage mechanism of the movement (in particular a barrel spring via a reduction gear train), the connecting member being made of a transparent material (preferably sapphire, in particular anti-reflective sapphire). The winding mass connecting member is housed between the movement and the crystal, so as to allow observation of the movement from outside the case, through the crystal and the connecting member. An annular cavity is provided in the caseband or between the caseband and the movement to allow the edge forming the unbalance mass to rotate around the movement. The opening closed by the crystal has a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the edge forming the unbalance mass. The crystal can be held in place by a bezel (top or bottom) or be integrated into the caseband. The caseband can be made of a single piece or several.
[0006] The proposed arrangement of the timepiece makes it possible to make the winding mass substantially imperceptible to a user by sight and sound. By housing the unbalance mass rim radially outside the movement, almost the entire movement is visible - with the exception of the central part hidden by the hub of the winding mass and, possibly, a peripheral part of the movement. Due to the diameter of the opening closed by the crystal being smaller than the inner diameter of the unbalance mass rim, the unbalance mass rim is hidden by the part of the case in which the opening is provided (e.g. a bezel or a back, the caseband or a part thereof) and thus remains essentially invisible to an observer.
[0007] Preferably, the shaft capable of arming the energy storage mechanism may comprise a collar driven into a central hole of the connecting member. This collar may form the hub of the connecting member.
[0008] The axis capable of winding the storage mechanism may be a hollow axis housing inside it a rod fixed to the movement cage carrying a cover housed between the crystal and the connecting member. The cover may be configured so as to cover the collar is completely driven into the central hole of the connecting organ. In this way, only the transparent part of the connecting organ remains exposed, which reinforces the imperceptibility of the oscillating winding mass and contributes to the surprising effect of the mechanism.
[0009] The opening closed by the crystal may have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the movement. Preferably, the difference between the diameters is small (e.g. < 1 mm or < 0.5 mm), so that the hidden peripheral part of the movement is minimal.
[0010] The inner diameter of the edge forming the unbalance mass is preferably greater than the outer diameter of the movement.
[0011] The unbalance mass forming edge may comprise one or more pieces of tungsten or tungsten alloy. However, other materials may be used in said edge, preferably high density materials.
[0012] Advantageously, the timepiece may include spacer pins on the edge forming an imbalance mass to limit axial deformations of the oscillating winding mass.
[0013] The cavity allowing the edge forming the unbalance mass to rotate around the movement can be formed by an annular recess on the inner side of the caseband.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the glass is carried by a bezel on the dial side of the case. According to another embodiment of the invention, the glass is part of the back of the case. The timepiece may comprise, in addition to the first glass, a second glass arranged on the case on the opposite side of the first glass.
[0015] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention or independently of the configuration of the oscillating winding mass and its housing, the timepiece can be equipped with a movement comprising a transparent part.
[0016] The transparent portion of the movement may house a tourbillon or other horological complication. The transparent portion is preferably coordinated with one or more openings in the dial, so as to allow observation of the tourbillon or other horological complication without visual obstruction from the crystal of above and / or from the back glass. Preferably, the tourbillon or other watch complication is supported by one or more bridges or plates made of transparent material (e.g. sapphire), fixed to the cage (the assembly of the plate, bridges and any additional plates) of the movement. The organs of the tourbillon or other watch complication can be made of usual materials, if their transparency is not desired.
[0017] The oscillating winding weight can be pivotally housed on the movement cage by means of a ball bearing, preferably made of ceramic.
[0018] The connecting member may comprise a sapphire crystal ring, e.g., anti-reflective polished sapphire crystal. The thickness of the connecting member may preferably be between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, e.g., 0.4 mm.
[0019] The timepiece may be a self-winding mechanical timekeeping instrument, e.g., a self-winding (wristwatch) or a self-winding (pocketwatch). Brief description of the drawings
[0020] Other features and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of certain advantageous embodiments presented below, by way of illustration, with reference to the appended drawing which shows: Fig. 1: a schematic section of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2: a schematic section of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention
[0021] A first embodiment, shown in Figure 1, relates to a timepiece 10, e.g., a self-winding watch. The timepiece 10 comprises a case (also: a box) with a middle 12, a bezel (of a watch case) 14 fixed on the middle 12 and carrying a top glass 16 (on the dial side, allowing the time to be read), as well as a back 18 composed of a back bezel 20 and a back glass 22.
[0022] The timepiece 10 further comprises a movement 24 fixed inside the caseband 12 and carrying the dial 26. The time can be displayed by one or more hands 28, connected to the movement 24 and able to be moved by it above the dial. Of course, other types of display are possible and compatible with the invention. To avoid cluttering the drawing, the internal life of the movement 24 is not shown in detail - only elements useful for the description of certain embodiments of the invention are represented (schematically).
[0023] The movement 24 can be observed from the bottom of the case, through the back glass 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the dial 26 comprises one or more openings 27 which allow the observation of the movement 24 from above, through the top glass 16.
[0024] The timepiece 10 is equipped with an oscillating winding mass 30. The oscillating winding mass 30 comprises an edge forming an unbalance mass 32, fixed to a connecting member 34 connecting the edge 32 to an axis 36 capable of winding an energy storage mechanism of the movement 24. The connecting member 34 has the shape of a circular crown (ring) made of a transparent material, such as sapphire, which makes it possible to observe the movement 24 through the oscillating winding mass 30 independently of the angular position thereof. It goes without saying that any other transparent material, synthetic or natural, can be used. According to one embodiment, the connecting member 34 comprises a ring made of anti-reflective polished sapphire crystal with a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, e.g., 0.4 mm.
[0025] The connecting member 34 is preferably made as perfectly as possible with axial symmetry, in order to make the rotation of the connecting member 34 imperceptible. The unbalance of the oscillating winding mass 30 is due, entirely or in large part, to the edge forming the unbalance mass 32. This can be made in different ways. For example, the edge forming the unbalance mass 32 can be in the form of an arc present on only part of the perimeter of the connecting member 34, e.g. as an arc having a central angle of < 180°. The edge forming an unbalanced mass 32 may also have an external shape with axial symmetry (and therefore continuous over the entire circumference of the connecting member 34), provided that the edge 32 has a mass distribution creating an unbalance (e.g. one or more elements 38 made of material with a higher mass volume density, arranged in an unbalanced manner relative to the axis of rotation).According to another variant, the. The unbalance mass forming edge 32 may comprise a ring which has an extra thickness over an arc of a circle (e.g., of 180° or less). In the illustrated example, the unbalance mass forming edge 32 comprises within it one or more unbalanced heavy elements 38, e.g., made of tungsten or a tungsten alloy.
[0026] The edge forming the unbalance mass 32 is housed in an annular cavity 48 formed as an annular recess on the inner side of the caseband 12 opposite the outer perimeter of the movement 24, e.g., opposite the casing ring if the movement 24 has one. The cavity 48 corresponds to the space between the caseband 12 and the movement 24 which the edge forming the unbalance mass 32 needs to rotate around the movement 24 including the necessary clearance between the moving elements. Spacer pins 50 are arranged on the edge forming the imbalance mass 32 to limit the axial deformations of the oscillating winding mass 30. These pins 50 act as stops preventing the edge forming the imbalance mass 32 or the connecting member 34 from striking the parts of the case which delimit the annular cavity 48, in particular, in the illustrated case, the back bezel 20 and the circular shoulder 52 of the middle part 12.
[0027] The oscillating winding mass 30 is integral with the axis 36, which is pivotally housed on the cage of the movement 24 by means of a ball bearing 40, preferably made of ceramic. The connecting member 34 has in its center an opening into which the collar 42 of the axis 36 is driven so as to form the hub of the oscillating winding mass 30. The axis 36 comprises a pinion 44, called the oscillating mass pinion, which is engaged with a reduction gear train 46 (with monodirectional or bidirectional winding) to wind the mainspring (also: barrel spring - not shown in the figure) of the movement 24.
[0028] The opening of the back bezel 22 closed by the back glass 22 has a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the edge forming the imbalance mass 32. It is also noted that the opening of the back bezel 22 closed by the back glass 22 has a diameter smaller than the outside diameter (casing diameter) of the movement 24. This arrangement minimizes the gap between the back bezel 22 and the movement 24. As a result, the back bezel 22 and the caseband 12 hide the edge forming the imbalance mass 32. Compared to Figure 1, it should be noted that the dimensions of the parts shown are not to scale; in particular, the differences are shown in an exaggerated manner for the sake of clarity of the drawing.
[0029] The inner diameter of the edge forming the unbalance mass 32 is greater than the outer diameter of the movement 24. The edge forming the unbalance mass 32 is therefore housed in the caseband 12. This allows the person skilled in the art to implement the invention without designing a new movement model (although this is obviously possible). In addition, this detail makes it possible to maximize the diameter of the oscillating winding mass 30 and therefore its unbalance.
[0030] The axis 36 carrying the oscillating winding mass 30 is a hollow axis housing inside it a rod 54 fixed to the movement cage 24. The rod 54 carries a cover 56 housed between the back glass 22 and the connecting member 34, more precisely between the back glass 22 and the hub of the connecting member 34. The cover 56 completely covers the collar 42 driven into the central hole of the connecting member 34. The observer will therefore not be able to see the hub of the oscillating winding mass 30 from outside the case. In particular, the cover 56 prevents observation of the hub (with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass) and makes it even more difficult to detect the movements of the oscillating winding weight 30. The impression of the absence of an oscillating weight can be further reinforced by the application of a structure on the exposed face of the cover 56, such as a logo, an imprint, the watch brand, an engraving, a punch, etc., which is easily perceived as being stationary relative to the case of the timepiece 10.
[0031] The movement 24 comprises a transparent part 58, coordinated with one or more of the openings 27 in the dial 26, housing a horological complication 60, such as, for example, a tourbillon. The horological complication 60 is supported by one or more bridges 60, 62 or plates made of transparent material (preferably sapphire crystal), fixed to the cage of the movement 24. The organs of the horological complication 60 can be made of the usual materials, if their transparency is not desired. The fact that the supports of the horological complication 60 are transparent and therefore essentially invisible creates the impression that the horological complication 60 is floating weightlessly and also allows the horological complication 60 to be observed without visual hindrance from the top glass 16 and from the back glass 22.
[0032] Figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of a timepiece 110, e.g., a self-winding watch, according to the invention. The timepiece 110 comprises an oscillating winding mass 130 mounted on the dial side 126.
[0033] The timepiece 110 comprises a case with a middle 112, a top bezel 114 fixed on the middle 112 and carrying a top glass 116, as well as a back 118 with a back bezel 120 and a back glass 122.
[0034] The timepiece 110 comprises a movement 124 fixed inside the caseband 112 and carrying the dial 126. The time can be displayed by one or more hands 128, connected to the movement 124 and able to be moved by it above the dial. Other types of display are possible and compatible with the invention. Like Figure 1, Figure 2 does not show the internal life of the movement 124 in detail - only elements useful for the description of certain embodiments of the invention are represented (schematically).
[0035] The movement 124 can be observed from the bottom of the case, through the back glass 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the dial 126 comprises one or more openings 127 which allow the observation of the movement 124 from above, through the top glass 116.
[0036] The timepiece 110 is equipped with an oscillating winding mass 130. The oscillating winding mass 30 comprises an edge forming an unbalance mass 32, fixed to a connecting member 134 connecting the edge 132 to an axis 136 capable of winding an energy storage mechanism, e.g., the barrel spring, of the movement 124. The connecting member 134 has the shape of a circular crown made of a transparent material, such as sapphire, which makes it possible to observe the dial 126, and possibly also the movement 124, through the oscillating winding mass 130 independently of the angular position thereof. It goes without saying that any other transparent material, synthetic or natural, can be used. According to one embodiment, the connecting member 134 comprises a ring of anti-reflective polished sapphire crystal with a thickness between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, e.g., 0.4 mm.
[0037] The connecting member 134 is preferably made as perfectly as possible with axial symmetry, in order to make the rotation of the connecting member 134 imperceptible. The unbalance of the oscillating winding mass 130 is due, entirely or in large part, to the edge forming the unbalance mass 132. As in the embodiment described above, this can be made in different ways. For example, the edge forming the unbalance mass 132 can be in the form of an arc present on only part of the perimeter of the connecting member 134, e.g. as an arc having a central angle of < 180°. The edge forming the unbalance mass imbalance 132 may also have an axially symmetrical outer shape (and therefore continuous over the entire circumference of the connecting member 134), provided that the edge 132 has a mass distribution creating an imbalance (e.g. one or more elements 38 made of a material with a higher mass density, arranged in an unbalanced manner relative to the axis of rotation). According to another variant, the edge forming the imbalance mass 132 may comprise a ring which has an excess thickness over an arc of a circle (e.g., of 180° or less). In the example illustrated, the edge forming the imbalance mass 132 comprises in its interior one or more unbalanced heavy elements 138, e.g., made of tungsten or a tungsten alloy.
[0038] The edge forming the unbalance mass 132 is housed in an annular cavity 148 formed as an annular recess on the inner side of the caseband 112 opposite the outer perimeter of the movement 124, e.g., opposite the casing ring if the movement 124 has one. The cavity 148 corresponds to the space between the caseband 112 and the movement 124 which the edge forming the unbalance mass 132 needs to rotate around the movement 124 including the necessary clearance between the movable elements. Spacer pins 150 are arranged on the edge forming the imbalance mass 132 to limit the axial deformations of the oscillating winding mass 130. These pins 150 act as stops preventing the edge forming the imbalance mass 132 or the connecting member 134 from striking the parts of the case which delimit the annular cavity 148, in particular, in the illustrated case, the top bezel 114 and the circular shoulder 152 of the caseband 112.
[0039] The oscillating winding mass 130 is integral with the axis 136, which is pivotally housed on the cage of the movement 124 by means of a ball bearing 140, preferably made of ceramic. The connecting member 134 has in its center an opening into which the collar 142 of the axis 136 is driven so as to form the hub of the oscillating winding mass 130. The axis 136 comprises an oscillating mass pinion 144, which is engaged with a reduction gear train 146 (with monodirectional or bidirectional winding) to wind the spring of the barrel (not shown in the figure) of the movement 124.
[0040] The opening of the top bezel 114 closed by the top crystal 116 has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the edge forming the unbalance mass 132. It is also noted that the opening of the top bezel 114 closed by the top crystal 116 has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the movement 124. This arrangement minimizes the gap between the top bezel 114 and the movement 124. As a result, the top bezel 114 and the caseband 112 conceal the edge forming the imbalance mass 132. It should be noted that the dimensions of the parts shown are not to scale in Figure 2; in particular, the gaps are shown in an exaggerated manner for the sake of clarity of the drawing.
[0041] The inner diameter of the edge forming the unbalance mass 132 is greater than the outer diameter of the movement 124. The edge forming the unbalance mass 132 is housed in the caseband 112. This allows the person skilled in the art to implement the invention without designing a new movement model (although this is possible, obviously). In addition, this detail makes it possible to maximize the diameter of the oscillating winding mass 130 and therefore its unbalance.
[0042] The shaft 136 carrying the oscillating winding mass 130 is a hollow shaft housing inside it one or more hollow shafts 129 carrying the hand(s) 128 of the timepiece 110. In the very center is a stem 154 fixed to the cage of the movement 124. The stem 154 carries a cover 156 housed between the top glass 116 and the connecting member 134, more precisely between the top glass 116 and the hub of the connecting member 134. The cover 156 completely covers the collar 142 of the stem 154 driven into the central hole of the connecting member 134. The observer will therefore not be able to see the hub of the oscillating winding mass 130 from outside the case. In particular, the cover 156 prevents observation of the hub (with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass) and makes it even more difficult to detect the movements of the oscillating winding weight 130.The impression of the absence of an oscillating mass can be further reinforced by the application of a structure on the exposed face of the cover 156, such as a logo, an imprint, the watch brand, an engraving, a punch, etc., which is easily perceived as being stationary relative to the case of the timepiece 110.
[0043] It will be noted that in the case where the oscillating winding mass 130 is arranged between the dial 126 and the hand(s) 128, the cover 156 can be replaced by a cover integrated into the central part of one of the hands 128.
[0044] According to a variant of the embodiment of figure 2, the oscillating winding mass 130 is arranged between the hand(s) 128 and the top crystal 116. In this case, the axis of the oscillating winding mass 130 passes to inside the axis(es) of the needles 128. In this variant, the presence of the cover 156 is preferred.
[0045] The movement 124 comprises a transparent part 158, coordinated with one or more of the openings 127 in the dial 126, housing a horological complication 160, such as, for example, a tourbillon. The horological complication 160 is supported by one or more bridges 161, 162 or plates made of transparent material (preferably sapphire crystal), fixed to the cage of the movement 124. The organs of the horological complication 160 can be made of the usual materials, if their transparency is not desired. The fact that the supports 161, 162 of the watch complication 160 are transparent and therefore essentially invisible creates the impression that the watch complication 160 is floating weightlessly and also allows the watch complication 160 to be observed without visual hindrance from the top glass 116 and from the back glass 122.
[0046] While particular embodiments have just been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives thereto may be developed in light of the overall teaching provided by the present disclosure of the invention. Accordingly, the specific arrangements and / or methods described herein are intended to be given solely by way of illustration, without the intention of limiting the scope of the invention, which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
Claims 1. Timepiece (10, 110) with automatic movement, comprising a case comprising a middle part (12, 112) and a crystal (22, 116) closing an opening; a movement (24, 124) fixed in the case an oscillating winding mass (30, 130) comprising an edge forming an unbalance mass (32, 132) fixed to a connecting member (34, 134) connecting the edge forming an unbalance mass to an axis (36, 136) capable of winding an energy storage mechanism of the movement, the connecting member being made of a transparent material;in which the connecting member of the winding mass is housed between the movement (24, 124) and said crystal (22, 116), so as to allow observation of the movement from outside the case, through the crystal and the connecting member, in which an annular cavity (48, 148) is provided in the caseband or between the caseband and the movement to allow the edge forming the imbalance mass to rotate around the movement, in which the opening closed by said crystal has a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the edge forming the imbalance mass.; 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, in which the axis capable of winding the energy storage mechanism comprises a collar (42, 142) driven into a central hole of the connecting member.
3. Timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, in which said axis is a hollow axis housing inside it a rod (54, 154) fixed on the cage of the movement carrying a cover (56, 156) housed between said glass and the connecting member.
4. Timepiece according to claims 1 and 2 in combination, in which the cover completely covers the collar driven into the central hole of the connecting member.
5. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the opening closed by said glass has a diameter smaller than the external diameter of the movement.
6. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the inner diameter of the edge forming the imbalance mass is greater than the outer diameter of the movement.
7. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the edge forming an imbalance mass comprises one or more parts (38, 138) made of tungsten or tungsten alloy.
8. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising spacer pins (50, 150) on the edge forming an unbalance mass limiting the axial deformations of the oscillating winding mass.
9. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the cavity is formed by an annular recess on the inner side of the caseband.
10. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said crystal (116) is carried by a bezel (114) on the dial side of the case.
11. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said glass (22) forms part of the bottom (18) of the case.
12. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising, in addition to said glass, also called first glass hereinafter, a second glass arranged on the case on the opposite side of the first glass.
13. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the movement comprises a transparent part (58, 158).
14. Timepiece according to claim 13 in which a tourbillon or other horological complication (60, 160) is housed in the transparent part of the movement.
15. Timepiece according to claim 14, in which the tourbillon or other horological complication is supported by one or more bridges or plates (61, 62, 161, 162) made of transparent material, fixed to the movement cage.
16. Timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the oscillating winding mass is pivotally housed on the movement cage by means of a ball bearing (40, 140).
17. A timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the timepiece being a self-winding mechanical timekeeping instrument, e.g., an automatic wristwatch or an automatic pocket watch.