Method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece

Abstract

Method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece, the timepiece comprising at least: - an oscillator, - a going train (99'), - an escapement device, comprising at least a first escapement wheel (1'), a second escapement wheel (2'), and a locking wheel (4'), the method for maintaining the oscillations comprising at least: - a first step, referred to as the first rest step, during which the first escapement wheel (T) blocks the locking wheel (4'), - a second step, referred to as the first pulse step, during which the first escapement wheel (T) drives the locking wheel (4'), - a third step, referred to as the second rest step, during which the second escapement wheel (2') blocks the locking wheel (4'), - a fourth step, referred to as the second pulse step, during which the second escapement wheel (2') drives the locking wheel (4').

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Method for maintaining the oscillations of a timepiece oscillator Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to escapement devices arranged between a drive train and an oscillator of a timepiece, and in particular, the present invention relates to a method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece. According to a particular aspect, the present invention relates to a method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece comprising an escapement device with active two-wave tangential drive. State of the art

[0002] Devices for escapement and maintenance of the oscillations of a timepiece oscillator are known in the prior art from document EP1367462A1. This document EP1367462A1 relates to an escapement arranged between a driving train and a plate to which a balance wheel of a timepiece is attached, the balance wheel being able to travel a free oscillation arc and to receive oscillation maintenance impulses, this escapement comprising first and second toothed wheels meshing with each other, one of these wheels being driven by the train, and a lever cooperating with the oscillator plate. This system may have drawbacks linked to the complexity of the escapement device itself, which leads to low efficiency, so that the method of maintaining the oscillations is not optimal.In particular, it can be noted that in document EP1367462A1, a phase of disengagement of the lever blocked in the rest position by one of the two escape wheels is followed by an impulse phase given by the other escape wheel to the lever. It is therefore necessary to provide precise adjustments to avoid any interference. Clearances are however necessary and require providing angular paths of the lever, and more generally parts of movement of the lever, at. within which the lever is without any contact with either of the two escape wheels, once the latter is disengaged. During these angular paths or parts of the lever's movement, the latter therefore does not receive any impulse from either of the two escape wheels, which leads to low efficiency. Statement of the invention

[0003] An aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose a method of maintaining oscillations which offers good operating efficiency.

[0004] For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece, the timepiece comprising at least: - an oscillator, designed to exhibit periodic oscillations, - a driving train arranged to generate a driving force, comprising for example a driving spring such as a barrel spring, - an escapement device, arranged between the oscillator and the drive train, comprising at least a first rotating escape wheel, a second rotating escape wheel engaged with the first escape wheel, and a rotating blocking wheel, the method of maintaining the oscillations comprising at least: - a first step called first rest, during which the first escape wheel cooperates with the blocking wheel so as to block the blocking wheel in a first blocking position, - a second stage called first impulse, during which the first escape wheel drives the blocking wheel along a first predefined impulse path, - a third step called second rest, during which the second escape wheel cooperates with the blocking wheel so as to block the blocking wheel in a second blocking position, - a fourth stage called second impulse, during which the second escape wheel drives the blocking wheel along a second predefined impulse path.

[0005] According to the above method, the same escape wheel participates: - to the blocking of the locking mobile in a rest position, - and immediately thereafter, to the transmission of the impulse to this blocking mobile. Consequently, a rest phase of the blocking wheel set blocked by one of the escape wheels is (immediately) followed by an impulse phase given to the blocking wheel set by the same escape wheel set, which makes it possible to provide continuous contact between the blocking wheel set and this same escape wheel set, without loss of travel of the blocking wheel set: the efficiency is thus improved.

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

[0007] According to one embodiment, the oscillation maintenance method comprises: - a first intermediate step, called the first unlocking step, inserted between the first step called the first resting step and the second step called the first impulse step, during which the first escape wheel and the blocking wheel pivot in the same first direction of rotation, and / or - a second intermediate step, called the second unlocking step, inserted between the third step called the second resting step and the fourth step called the second impulse step, during which the second escape wheel and the blocking wheel pivot in the same second direction of rotation. According to one embodiment, the first unlocking, and / or the second unlocking may be respectively called the first disengagement, and / or the second disengagement.

[0008] According to one embodiment: - the first intermediate step is caused by a first release action carried out by an oscillator member, preferably pivoting in the second direction of rotation, on the locking mobile, - the second intermediate step is caused by a second disengagement action performed by an oscillator member, preferably pivoting in the first direction of rotation, on the locking wheel. It may be noted that the first disengagement action and the second disengagement action may be performed by an identical or different oscillator member (for example, the same plate pin may be provided, or alternatively, two different portions of the plate or balance wheel may be provided, for example two separate pins).

[0009] According to one embodiment: - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first escape wheel and the blocking wheel pivot in opposite directions of rotation, and / or - during the fourth stage called the second impulse, the second escape wheel and the blocking wheel pivot in opposite directions of rotation.

[0010] According to one embodiment: - the same first escapement portion of the first escapement wheel cooperates and / or remains in contact with the blocking wheel to carry out the first step called first rest and the second step called first impulse, - the same second escapement portion of the second escapement wheel cooperates and / or remains in contact with the blocking wheel to carry out the third step called second rest and the fourth step called second impulse.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the blocking mobile comprises: - a first blocking surface portion and a first pulse input portion, - a second blocking surface portion and a second impulse input portion, the first escape wheel comprising first blocking teeth and a plurality of first blocking surfaces each arranged on one of the first blocking teeth to be able to block the blocking wheel in the first blocking position, the second escape wheel comprising second blocking teeth and a plurality of second blocking surfaces each arranged on one of the second blocking teeth to be able to block the blocking wheel in the second blocking position, and in the method of maintaining the oscillations: - when passing from the first step called first rest to the second step called first impulse, the first blocking surface blocking the blocking mobile in the first blocking position, passes from contact with the first blocking surface portion to contact with the first impulse input portion by passing a first rest beak separating these two first portions, - when passing from the third step called second rest to the fourth step called second impulse, the second blocking surface blocking the blocking mobile in the second blocking position, passes from contact with the second blocking surface portion to contact with the second impulse input portion by passing a second rest beak separating these two second portions.

[0012] In particular, it can be noted that: - the first blocking surface portion is adjacent to the first impulse input portion, in particular, the first blocking surface portion is just separated from the first impulse input portion by the first resting beak (the first resting beak typically being formed by an angular or rounded portion formed by the intersection or boundary of the first blocking surface portion and the first pulse input portion); - the second blocking surface portion is adjacent to the second pulse input portion, in particular, the second blocking surface portion is just separated from the second pulse input portion by the second resting beak (the second resting beak typically being formed by an angular or rounded portion formed by the intersection or boundary of the second blocking surface portion and the second pulse input portion).

[0013] According to one embodiment: - the second step called the first impulse is carried out after the first step called the first rest, and / or - the third stage called second rest is carried out after the second stage called first impulse, and / or - the fourth step called the second impulse is carried out after the third step called the second rest, and / or - the first step, called the first rest, is carried out after the fourth step, called the second impulse. In other words, during an oscillation, the method includes a cycle formed by: - the first stage called first rest, - preferably the first intermediate step called first unlocking, - the second stage called the first impulse, - the third stage called second rest, - preferably the second intermediate step called second unlocking, - the fourth stage called the second impulse.

[0014] According to one embodiment: - during the first stage called first rest, the first escape wheel is in direct contact with the blocking wheel, and / or - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first mobile exhaust is in direct contact with the locking mobile, and / or - during the third stage called second rest, the second escape wheel is in direct contact with the blocking wheel, and / or - during the fourth step called the second impulse, the second escape wheel is in direct contact with the blocking wheel. According to a particular embodiment, during the first step called the first rest, and during the second step called the first impulse, the same portion of the first escape wheel is in direct contact with the blocking wheel. According to a particular embodiment, during the third step called the second rest, and during the fourth step called the second impulse, the same portion of the second escape wheel is in direct contact with the blocking wheel.

[0015] According to one embodiment: - during the second step, called the first impulse, the first escape wheel sets drives the blocking wheel set along the first predefined impulse path, and / or the first escape wheel sets transmits to the blocking wheel set at least part of the driving force received from the drive train, - during the fourth step, called the second impulse, the second escape wheel leads the blocking wheel along the second predefined impulse path, and / or the second escape wheel transmits to the blocking wheel at least part of the driving force received from the drive train, preferably via the first escape wheel.

[0016] According to one embodiment: - during the second step called first impulse, the first escape wheel leads or contacts the blocking wheel via the first impulse input portion, and / or - during the fourth step called second impulse, the second escape wheel leads or contacts the blocking wheel via the second impulse input portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment: - during the second step called the first impulse, the blocking mobile provides a first impulse to the oscillator performing a first alternation, preferably directly, and / or - during the fourth step called second pulse, the blocking mobile provides a second pulse to the oscillator performing a second alternation, preferably directly, and preferably the second alternation immediately follows the first alternation to form a single oscillation of the oscillator.

[0018] According to one embodiment: - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first escapement wheel meshes with and / or drives the second escapement wheel, preferably directly, - during the fourth stage, called the second impulse, the first escapement wheel meshes with and / or drives the second escapement wheel, preferably directly.

[0019] According to one embodiment: - during the second step called the first impulse, the locking mobile moves from the first locking position to the second locking position, - during the fourth step called the second impulse, the locking mobile moves from the second locking position to the first locking position.

[0020] According to one embodiment: - during the first step called first rest, the first escape wheel applies a force to the blocking wheel passing substantially through, preferably passing through, an axis of rotation of the blocking wheel, and / or the first step called first rest is free from placing or maintaining the blocking wheel in abutment on a member other than the first escape wheel, and / or - during the third stage called second rest, the second escape wheel applies a force to the passing blocking wheel substantially by, preferably passing through, the axis of rotation of the locking wheel, and / or the third step called second rest is free from placing or maintaining the locking wheel in abutment on a member other than the second escape wheel. Description of figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of embodiment(s) of the invention given as non-limiting example(s) and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [fig. 1] represents an escapement device comprising in particular a first escapement wheel, a second escapement wheel and a blocking wheel, during a first stage called first rest;

[0023] [fig. 2] represents a view of the first escapement wheel of the escapement device of the figure

[0024] [fig. 3] represents a view of a blocking mobile according to an alternative implementation of the blocking mobile of the escapement device of figure 1;

[0025] [fig. 4] represents a detail of the blocking mobile according to the alternative implementation of figure 3;

[0026] [fig. 5] represents the escape device of figure 1 during a first intermediate stage, called first unlocking;

[0027] [fig. 6] represents the escapement device of figure 1 at the beginning of a second stage called first impulse;

[0028] [fig. 7] represents the escapement device of figure 1 during the course of the second stage called first impulse;

[0029] [fig. 8] represents the escapement device of figure 1 during a third stage called second rest;

[0030] [fig. 9] represents the escape device of figure 1 during a second intermediate step, called second unlocking;

[0031] [fig. 10] represents the escapement device of figure 1 at the beginning of a fourth stage called second impulse;

[0032] [fig. 11] represents the escapement device of figure 1 during the course of the fourth stage called second impulse.

[0033] Detailed description of embodiment(s)

[0034] Figures 1 to 11 illustrate an escapement device comprising in particular a blocking wheel set 4', a first and a second escapement wheel set T and 2'. The escapement device of Figures 1 to 11 is said to have a tangential drive with two active alternations, namely that: - during the impulse phases of the escapement device, one or other of the first and second escapement wheels T and 2' in contact with the blocking wheel 4', and the blocking wheel 4' have rotations in opposite directions, and it is then said that the drive of the blocking wheel by the escape wheel is tangential; - during a complete oscillation of the oscillator, formed by two alternations, the blocking wheel 4' receives a first impulse from the first escape wheel T during a first alternation, and a second impulse from the second escape wheel during a second alternation.

[0035] The detailed description of the escapement device of figures 1 to 11 will be done in three stages: we will start with a structural description of the escapement device, then we will make a description of the interactions between the mobiles of the escapement device, and then we will finish with a description of the method of maintaining the oscillations implemented essentially by the escapement device.

[0036] Structural description of the exhaust system

[0037] Figure 1 represents an overall view of an escapement device arranged between a movement train, here a 99' motor train, and an oscillator in the form of a 5T balance wheel coupled to a spiral spring and comprising a 51T balance wheel plate. The escapement device comprises in particular: - a 4' blocking mobile, - a first escapement mobile T, - a second 2' escapement mobile.

[0038] As is known, the escapement device has the function of maintaining the oscillations of the regulating organ, that is to say the balance 51', and cooperates for this purpose with the oscillator via a pin 511a' mounted on a plate 51 T of the balance 5T. As for the driving train 99', Figure 1 shows schematically that the first escapement wheel T is engaged with a driving wheel of the driving train 99', in particular a wheel 3T (shown in bold dot-and-dash lines) of the driving train 99', via a pinion 13' secured to the first escapement wheel T.

[0039] In particular, the first escapement wheel T is pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation AT, and it is engaged with the driving train 99' of the clockwork movement to receive a driving force, and comprises a plurality of first locking surfaces 121a' arranged on first locking teeth 12T, as well as a first drive toothing 11 forming together (with the first locking teeth 12T) a first main drive toothing. The first main drive toothing is essentially planar, that is to say that the first locking teeth 12T and the first drive toothing 11 are arranged in the same plane. Finally, it can be noted that the first locking teeth 12T have an asymmetrical profile, while the teeth of the first drive toothing 11T have a symmetrical profile, as can be seen in FIG. 2.

[0040] The second escapement wheel 2' is pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation A2', and comprises a plurality of second locking surfaces 221a' arranged on second locking teeth 22T, as well as a second drive toothing 21 T forming together (with the second locking teeth 22T) a second main drive toothing. The second main drive toothing is essentially planar, that is to say that the second locking teeth 22T and the second drive toothing 21 T are arranged in the same plane. Finally, it can be noted that the second locking teeth 22T have an asymmetrical profile, while the teeth of the second drive toothing 21 T have a symmetrical profile.

[0041] The first main drive toothing (comprising the first drive toothing 11 T and the first locking teeth 121') and the second main drive toothing (comprising the second drive toothing 21 T and the second locking teeth 221') cooperate on the one hand with each other and on the other hand with the locking wheel 4' in the manner described below.

[0042] On the one hand, the first drive toothing 11 T and the second drive toothing 21 T are provided to allow their meshing together. The first drive toothing 11 T is also provided to allow its meshing with the second locking teeth 22T, and the second drive toothing 21 T is also provided to allow its meshing with the first locking teeth 121'. Thus, the first escape wheel T and the second escape wheel 2' have a synchronous movement.

[0043] On the other hand, the first locking teeth 12T and the second locking teeth 22T comprise an end respectively forming first and second locking surfaces 121a', 221a' each in the form of a rounded surface intended to cooperate with first and second surface portions of blocking 43a', 43b' and with means for receiving pulses from the blocking mobile 4', as described below with reference to figures 3 and 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, the head diameter DT2 of the first locking teeth 12T and the second locking teeth 22T is greater than the diameter DT1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211', as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 21T do not interact or interfere with the locking wheel set 4'. In a particular construction variant, the diameter DT2 may be of the order of 1,2.DT1. More generally, the following range of values ​​may be provided: 1,1. DT1 < DT2 < 1,3.DT1. It may be noted that Figure 2 illustrates the first escape wheel set T but the references and explanations relating thereto are entirely transposable for the second escape wheel set 2'.

[0045] In this embodiment, the thickness e2 of the first locking teeth 12T and the second locking teeth 22T is advantageously different from the thickness e1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211'. Preferably, the thickness e2 of the first locking teeth 12T and the second locking teeth 22T is greater than the thickness e1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 11T and the second drive toothing 21T as also shown in FIG. 2. In a particular construction variant, the thickness e2 may be of the order of 1.9.e1. Preferably, the following range of values ​​may be provided: 1.8.e1 < e2 < 2.5.e1.

[0046] By "thickness" we mean the distance measured between two flanks of a given tooth, measured at the level of a diameter DP corresponding to or substantially coinciding with the primitive diameter of the toothing considered.

[0047] In this way, the angular indexing of the first and second escapement wheels T, 2' is carried out easily, without risk of error. In particular, during assembly, a given first locking tooth 121' can only be housed between two consecutive teeth of the second drive toothing 21 T, and vice versa. The distribution of the teeth of the first and second main drive toothings around their respective axes means that only one angular indexing configuration is possible between the first and second escapement wheels T, 2'.

[0048] In this particular construction variant, the first and second escapement wheels T, 2' each comprise: - ten teeth for the first drive toothing 11 T and ten teeth for the second drive toothing 21 T and - five first locking teeth 12T and five second locking teeth 221'. In particular, two consecutive teeth of the first drive toothing 11 T and two consecutive teeth of the second drive toothing 21 T are arranged between two consecutive teeth of the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221', respectively.

[0049] Advantageously, the first and second escapement mobiles T, 2' are identical, the first and second escapement mobiles T, 2' can thus be respectively mounted in reverse during assembly of the exhaust device.

[0050] The escapement device according to this embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous with regard to its compactness (an escape wheel being simply reduced to an escape wheel), and its simplicity of assembly (each escape wheel not resulting from an assembly, and the escape wheels not needing to be assembled together with a foolproofing system).

[0051] The blocking mobile 4' (visible in figure 1 and detailed in figures 3 and 4) is pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation A4', and includes impulse reception means which are respectively in the form: - a first impulse input portion 41a', arranged to receive a first impulse from the first escapement wheel T during a first alternation of the balance 51', - a second impulse input portion 41 b', arranged to receive a second impulse from the second escapement wheel 2' during a second alternation of the 5T balance.

[0052] The blocking wheel 4' also comprises impulse transmission means with first and second impulse transmission means which are respectively in the form of a first impulse surface 42a' and a second impulse surface 42b', which form a fork such as that known within a blocker or an anchor of an anchor escapement device. This fork is shaped to cooperate with the pin 511a' of the plate 51 T of the balance 5T.

[0053] Finally, the 4' blocking mobile includes: - a first surface blocking portion 43a', arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces 121a' to block the rotation of the first escape wheel T, - a second surface blocking portion 43b', arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces 221a' to block the rotation of the second escape wheel 2'.

[0054] The first and second escapement wheels T and 2', comprising or forming in particular first and second escapement wheels 12', 22' respectively, are provided to cooperate with the blocking wheel 4' so as to provide the impulses to the sprung balance and thus allow the maintenance of its oscillations around a third axis of rotation A3', as will be described below. Furthermore, the first and second escapement wheels T, 2' mesh with each other in particular by means of the first and second drive teeth formed respectively by teeth 11 T, 21 T, the teeth 11 T and 21 T not being sufficient on their own, as will be explained below.

[0055] Advantageously, the 3T wheel of Figure 1 can be in direct engagement with a seconds wheel set (not shown) of the 99' drive train. Indeed, such a construction makes it possible to generate rotation speeds of the first and second escapement wheels T, 2' which make it possible to implement first and second escapement wheels T, 2' whose respective dimensions are substantially of the same order as those of the blocking wheel set 4' to provide a compact active two-wave escapement device, with dimensions substantially similar to those of a Swiss lever escapement.

[0056] In particular, the first and second escapement wheels T and 2' can respectively be inscribed in a cylinder of diameter D1, D2 each centered on the axis AT, A2' of the same order as the diameter D4' of the cylinder centered on the fourth axis of rotation A4' in which the blocking wheel 4' can be inscribed. In the specific construction illustrated by figure 1, the diameter D4 is greater than the diameter D1 or D2. Furthermore, the axes AT, A2', A4' define the respective ends of a substantially equilateral triangle.

[0057] In the construction variant shown in Figure 1, D4 is equal to approximately 1,4.D1 or 1,4.D2 (D1 and D2 being identical). More generally, D4 is preferably between D1 and 2.D1, or between D2 and 2.D2. By "an element inscribed in a cylinder having a diameter D centered on an axis" is meant that the diameter D is the smallest diameter of a cylinder centered on the axis such that the element is included in the cylinder.

[0058] Figure 3 represents a detailed view of an alternative implementation of the blocking mobile 4' seen from above in a plane. This alternative implementation could be integrated into the escapement device of Figure 1, and the explanations below are entirely valid for the blocking mobile 4' of the escapement device of Figure 1. This Figure 3 highlights in particular an angle a separating a first straight line S1 connecting the first blocking surface portion 43a' to the fourth axis of rotation A4' from a second straight line S2 connecting the second blocking surface portion 43b' to the fourth axis of rotation A4'.In particular, the first straight line S1 connects the fourth axis of rotation A4' to the first blocking surface portion 43a' at the contact zone, in particular at the contact point 431a' (see Figure 4), between the first blocking surface portion 43a' and a first blocking tooth 12T, in particular an end 121a', during a rest phase of the escapement device (see Figure 1). In particular, the second straight line S2 connects the fourth axis of rotation A4' to the second blocking surface portion 43b' at the contact zone, in particular at the contact point 431b' (see Figure 4), between the second blocking surface portion 43b' and a second blocking tooth 22T, in particular an end 221a', during a rest phase of the escapement device.

[0059] In the construction variant shown here as an example, this angle a is approximately equal to 70°. More generally, the following range of values ​​can be provided: 60° < a < 80°.

[0060] Preferably and according to the embodiment shown, the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b' are concave, that is to say they are formed of continuous or discontinuous surfaces forming a V when viewed from one or other of the escapement wheels. In particular, these surfaces form a V whose tip constitutes the most distant location of the V when viewed from one or other of the escapement wheels. the other of the escapement mobiles. Thus, in particular, points 431 a', 431 b' are defined by the hollow point of the "V" (Figure 4).

[0061] These surfaces with continuous or discontinuous, rectilinear or curved portions, highlighted by bold lines in Figure 3, form an angle [3a, [3b at each of the surfaces 43a', 43b'. If the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b' are curved, the angle [3a, [3b can be determined by considering tangents to said blocking surface portions. Advantageously, the angles [3a, [3b are obtuse angles. Preferably, the angles [3a, [3b are approximately equal to 170°. More generally, the angles [3a, [3b are preferably between 140° and 175°. Studies carried out by the applicant show that this angular range represents a good compromise between good blocking security, minimal or no rebound at the end of the impulse and minimal energy loss on release. The angle [3a may or may not be equal to the angle [3b.

[0062] Furthermore, these first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b' are inclined with respect to the normals to the segments S1, S2 (Figure 4). A first surface portion 43aT may for example form an angle [3a1 of the order of 6° with respect to the normal to the line S1. A second surface portion 43a2' may for example form an angle [3a2 of the order of 8° with respect to the normal to the line S1. A first surface portion 43bT may for example form an angle [3b1 of the order of 6° with respect to the normal to the line S2. A second surface portion 43b2' may for example form an angle [3b2 of the order of 8° with respect to the normal to the line S2. If the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b' are curved, the angles [3a1, [3a2, [3b1, [3b2] can be determined by considering tangents to said surface portions.

[0063] It can be noted in this figure 4 that the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b' are respectively adjacent to the first and second pulse input portions 41a', 41b'. Indeed, the first blocking surface portion 43a' joins the first impulse input portion 41a' at a first resting beak 44a' which separates these two functional and adjacent surfaces. In the same way, the second blocking surface portion 43b' joins the second impulse input portion 41b' at a second resting beak 44b' which separates these two functional and adjacent surfaces.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, we can construct an angle y separating: - a third straight line S3, tangent to the first pulse input portion 41a' and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4', - a fourth straight line S4 tangent to the second pulse input portion 41 b' and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4'. Preferably, the angle y is acute (see Figure 3). Preferably, the first and second pulse input portions 41a', 41 b' lie within the angular range of angle a separating the surfaces 43a', 43b'. Thus, the angle y is strictly less than the angle a. In a construction variant, the angle y is approximately equal to 60°. More generally, the following range of values ​​can be provided: 50° < y < 70°.

[0065] The locking mobile 4' may be symmetrical with respect to a plane P normal to the plane of the figure and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4', in particular in the case where the surfaces 41a' and 41b', 42a' and 42b', 43a' and 43b' are identical, respectively. Manufacturing is easier, and the part can be mounted in one direction or another during assembly. Naturally, the locking mobile 4' may not be symmetrical with respect to the plane P.

[0066] Description of the interactions between the blocking wheel and the escape wheels.

[0067] During the rest phases of the escapement device, the ends 121a', 221a' of the first and second locking teeth 12T, 22T are provided to be housed respectively within the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b', more particularly within the "V"s formed by the first and second blocking surface portions 43a', 43b'. Advantageously, the ends 121a', 221a' each have the form of a rounded surface.

[0068] As an example, Figure 1 represents a first step of the oscillation maintenance method which will be described in detail below. The first step is called first rest, in which the end 121a' of a first locking tooth 12T is in abutment against the first locking surface portion 43a', more particularly within the "V" formed by this same first locking surface portion. In this configuration, the pin 511a' can be released from the second impulse surface 42b' under the effect of the rotation of the balance 5T in a first direction of rotation (represented by the arrow in Figure 1), until this pin 511a' regains contact with the second impulse surface 42b' under the effect of the rotation of the balance 5T in a second direction of rotation (opposite to the direction of rotation in Figure 1), and thus allow disengagement.

[0069] As an example, Figure 5 illustrates a first intermediate step, called first unlocking, in which the end 121a' of the first locking tooth 12T leaves the first locking surface portion 43a' under the effect of the pin 511a' which leads the second impulse surface 42b' until the end 121a' passes the first rest beak 44a' and comes into contact with the first impulse input portion 41a', so that this end 121a' can communicate an impulse to the locking wheel set 4' via the first impulse input portion 41a', and the locking wheel set 4' can thus communicate an impulse to the pin 511a' via the first impulse surface 42a', as shown in Figure 6. This second step, called first impulse, continues until a third step, called second rest, shown in Figure 8 in which one end 221a' of a second locking tooth 22T of the second escapement wheel 2' comes into contact with the second blocking surface portion 43b' of the blocking wheel 4'.

[0070] During the second step called the first impulse step, the first impulse input portion 41a' is thus able to receive an impulse generated by the end 121a' of the first blocking tooth 12T of the first escape wheel set T. The blocking wheel set 4' also comprises a second impulse input portion 41b' able to receive an impulse generated by an end 221a' of a second blocking tooth 22T of the second escape wheel set 2'. These first and second impulse input portions 41a', 41b' are preferably convex when viewed from one or other of the escapement wheels, as can be seen in the plan view of FIG. 4. Each of these first and second impulse input portions 41a', 41b' notably comprises a cylinder portion, in particular a cylinder portion whose directrix is ​​an involute of a circle.These first and second pulse input portions 41a', 41b' preferentially cooperate with rounded surfaces 121a', 221a' of the first and second locking teeth 12T, 22T having an asymmetrical profile. Such a conformation of locking teeth makes it possible to optimize the geometries of the surfaces 121a', 221a' and 41a', 41b' with respect to the transmission of the torque to the oscillator. In particular, asymmetrical first and second locking teeth 12T, 22T make it possible to generate a large choice of possible geometries for the first and second pulse input portions 41a', 41b'.

[0071] In summary of the description of the exhaust system given above, the following points can be noted: - the first drive toothing 11 T and the second drive toothing 21 T are provided exclusively to allow the meshing of the first and second escapement wheels T, 2', - the first 12T locking teeth and the second locking teeth 221' are provided to cooperate with the blocking wheel set 4', but also provided to allow the meshing of the first and second escape wheel sets T, 2'. In particular, the first blocking teeth 12T are provided to cooperate successively with the first blocking surface portion 43a' and with the first impulse input portion 41a' of the blocking wheel set 4'. Similarly, the second blocking teeth 221' are provided to cooperate successively with the second blocking surface portion 43b' and with the second impulse input portion 41b' of the blocking wheel set 4'.

[0072] Description of the oscillation maintenance method.

[0073] The escapement device described above makes it possible to implement a particular method of maintaining the oscillations of the oscillator of the timepiece. In fact, the escapement device, arranged between the driving train and the oscillator, makes it possible to implement a cyclical oscillation maintenance method, each cycle of the oscillation maintenance method comprising: - a first step called first rest and shown in figure 1, during which the first escape wheel T cooperates with the blocking wheel 4' so as to block the blocking wheel 4' in a first blocking position, - preferably, a first intermediate step called first unlocking and shown in figure 5, during which the first escape wheel T and the blocking wheel 4' pivot in the same first direction of rotation, - a second step called the first impulse and shown in figures 6 and 7, during which the first escape wheel T drives the blocking wheel 4' along a first predefined impulse path, - a third step called second rest and shown in figure 8, during which the second escape wheel 2' cooperates with the blocking wheel 4' so as to block the blocking wheel 4' in a second blocking position, - preferably, a second intermediate step called second unlocking and shown in figure 9, during which the second escape wheel 2' and the blocking wheel 4' pivot in the same second direction of rotation, - a fourth step called second impulse and shown in figures 10 and 11, during which the second escape wheel 2' drives the blocking wheel 4' along a second predefined impulse path.

[0074] Preferably, the steps described above are sequential and follow and repeat each other chronologically in the order indicated above. The following specific points may be noted.

[0075] During the first step called first rest and shown in FIG. 1, the blocking wheel set 4' is blocked by the first escape wheel set T, a first blocking surface 121a' being engaged with a first blocking surface portion 43a'. It can be noted that the force F exerted by the first escape wheel set T on the blocking wheel set 4' passes substantially through the fourth axis of rotation A4', and preferably the force F exerted by the first escape wheel set T on the blocking wheel set 4' passes through the fourth axis of rotation A4'. Thus, there is no overturning torque applied to the blocking wheel set 4'. The first rest position is stable.

[0076] During the first intermediate step called first unlocking and shown in Figure 5, the blocking wheel set 4' is released from the first escape wheel set T by the balance, this release movement being transmitted to the blocking wheel set 4' by the pin 511a' and the balance wheel plate 5T. It can be noted in Figure 5 that the blocking wheel set 4' and the first escape wheel set T both pivot in a clockwise direction. In detail, the first blocking surface 121a' "slides" on the first blocking surface portion 43a' to pass the first beak of rest 44a' (see figures 3 or 4) and join the first pulse input portion 41 a' (see figures 3 or 4 or 6).

[0077] During the second step, called the first impulse step and shown in Figures 6 and 7, the components of the escapement device are in motion. It can be noted in Figure 6 or 7 that the locking wheel set 4' and the first escapement wheel set 1' both pivot in opposite directions of rotation: clockwise for the locking wheel set 4' and counterclockwise for the first escapement wheel set T. The first escapement wheel set T gives a tangential impulse to the locking wheel set 4' via the first locking surface 121 a' which cooperates with the first impulse input portion 41 a'. Thus, the locking wheel set 4' can simultaneously transmit this impulse to the pin 511 a' which is in contact with the first impulse surface 42a', and more particularly the pin 511 a' is pushed by the first impulse surface 42a'.Also during this second stage called first impulse, the first escapement wheel T synchronously drives the second escapement wheel 2'.

[0078] During the third step called second rest and shown in Figure 8, the blocking wheel set 4' is blocked by the second escape wheel set 2', a second blocking surface 221a' being engaged with a second blocking surface portion 43b'. It can be noted that the force F exerted by the second escape wheel set 2' on the blocking wheel set 4' passes substantially through the fourth axis of rotation A4', and preferably the force F exerted by the second escape wheel set 2' on the blocking wheel set 4' passes through the fourth axis of rotation A4'. Thus, there is no overturning torque applied to the blocking wheel set 4'. The second rest position is stable.

[0079] During the second intermediate step called second unlocking and shown in Figure 9, the blocking wheel 4' is released from the second escape wheel 2' by the balance, this movement of clearance being transmitted to the blocking wheel 4' by the pin 511a' and the balance wheel 5T. It can be noted in Figure 9 that the blocking wheel 4' and the second escapement wheel 2' both pivot counterclockwise. In detail, the second blocking surface 221a' "slides" on the second blocking surface portion 43b' to pass the second rest beak 44b' (see Figures 3 or 4) and join the second impulse input portion 41b' (see Figures 3 or 4 or 10).

[0080] During the fourth step, called the second impulse step and shown in Figures 10 and 11, the components of the escapement device are in motion. It can be noted in Figure 10 or 11 that the locking wheel set 4' and the second escapement wheel set 2' both pivot in opposite directions of rotation: the counterclockwise direction for the locking wheel set 4' and the clockwise direction for the second escapement wheel set 2'. The second escapement wheel set 2' (driven by the first escapement wheel set T) gives a tangential impulse to the locking wheel set 4' via the second locking surface 221a' which cooperates with the second impulse input portion 41b'. Thus, the locking wheel set 4' can simultaneously transmit this impulse to the pin 511a' which is in contact with the second impulse surface 42b' and more particularly the pin 511a' is pushed by the second impulse surface 42b'.

[0081] The fourth stage, called the second impulse, completes the oscillation maintenance cycle and is followed by the first stage, called the first rest.

[0082] It can be noted that: - the first step called first rest is immediately followed by the first intermediate step called first unlocking which is immediately followed by the second step called first impulse, - the first step called first rest, the first intermediate step called first unlocking and the second step called first impulse are all carried out by the direct cooperation of the first mobile escapement T with the blocking mobile 4' and in particular by the same first blocking surface 121a', so that the efficiency is high because there is no lost path in particular between the first intermediate step called first unlocking and the second step called first impulse.

[0083] It can be noted that: - the third step called second rest is immediately followed by the second intermediate step called second unlocking which is immediately followed by the fourth step called second impulse, - the third step called second rest, the second intermediate step called second unlocking and the fourth step called second impulse are all carried out by the direct cooperation of the second escape wheel 2' with the blocking wheel 4' and in particular by the same second blocking surface 221a', so that the efficiency is high because there is no lost path in particular between the second intermediate step called second unlocking and the fourth step called second impulse. Industrial application

[0084] An exhaust device according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0085] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0086] In particular, the method of maintaining the oscillations can be implemented by an escapement device in which the escapement wheels are not planar. For example, it can be provided that each escapement wheel comprises an escape wheel (cooperating exclusively with a blocking wheel) coupled to a wheel drive (cooperating exclusively with a drive wheel of the other escape wheel).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Method for maintaining the oscillations of an oscillator of a timepiece, the timepiece comprising at least: - an oscillator, designed to exhibit periodic oscillations, - a driving train (99') arranged to generate a driving force, comprising for example a driving spring such as a barrel spring, - an escapement device, arranged between the oscillator and the drive train (99'), comprising at least a first escape wheel (T) which is rotatable, a second escape wheel (2') which is rotatable and engaged with the first escape wheel (T), and a locking wheel (4') which is rotatable, the method for maintaining the oscillations comprising at least: - a first step called first rest, during which the first escape wheel (T) cooperates with the blocking wheel (4') so as to block the blocking wheel (4') in a first blocking position, - a second step called the first impulse, during which the first escape wheel (T) drives the blocking wheel (4') along a first predefined impulse path, - a third step called second rest, during which the second escape wheel (2') cooperates with the blocking wheel (4') so as to block the blocking wheel (4') in a second blocking position, - a fourth step called second impulse, during which the second escape wheel (2') drives the blocking wheel (4') along a second predefined impulse path.

2. A method of maintaining oscillations according to claim 1, comprising: - a first intermediate stage, called first unlocking, inserted between the first stage called first resting and the second stage called first impulse, during which the first escape wheel (1') and the blocking wheel (4') pivot in the same first direction of rotation, and / or - a second intermediate step, called second unlocking, inserted between the third step called second rest and the fourth step called second impulse, during which the second escape wheel (2') and the blocking wheel (4') pivot in the same second direction of rotation.

3. A method of maintaining oscillations according to claim 2, wherein: - the first intermediate step is caused by a first release action carried out by an oscillator member, preferably pivoting in the second direction of rotation, on the locking mobile (4'), - the second intermediate step is caused by a second release action carried out by an oscillator member, preferably pivoting in the first direction of rotation, on the locking mobile (4').

4. A method of maintaining oscillations according to claim 1 to 3, wherein: - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first escape wheel (1') and the blocking wheel (4') pivot in opposite directions of rotation, and / or - during the fourth stage called the second impulse, the second escape wheel (2') and the blocking wheel (4') pivot in opposite directions of rotation.

5. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the same first escapement portion of the first escapement wheel (T) cooperates and / or remains in contact with the blocking wheel (4') to carry out the first step called first rest and the second step called first impulse, - the same second escapement portion of the second escapement wheel (2') cooperates and / or remains in contact with the blocking wheel (4') to carry out the third step called second rest and the fourth step called second impulse.

6. Method for maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 5, the locking mobile (4') comprising: - a first blocking surface portion (43a') and a first pulse input portion (41a'), - a second blocking surface portion (43b') and a second impulse input portion (41 b'), the first escape wheel (T) comprising first blocking teeth (121') and a plurality of first blocking surfaces (121a') each arranged on one of the first blocking teeth (121') to be able to block the blocking wheel (4') in the first blocking position, the second escape wheel (2') comprising second blocking teeth (22V) and a plurality of second blocking surfaces (221a') each arranged on one of the second blocking teeth (22V) to be able to block the blocking wheel (4') in the second blocking position, and in the method of maintaining the oscillations: - when passing from the first step called first rest to the second step called first impulse, the first blocking surface (121a') blocking the blocking mobile (4') in the first blocking position, passes from a contact with the first blocking surface portion (43a') to a contact with the first impulse input portion (41a') by passing a first rest beak (44a') separating these two first portions, - when moving from the third stage, called the second rest, to the fourth stage, called the second impulse, the second blocking surface (221a') locking the locking mobile (4') in the second locking position, passes from contact with the second locking surface portion (43b') to contact with the second impulse input portion (41 b') by passing a second resting beak (44b') separating these two second portions.

7. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: - the second step called the first impulse is carried out after the first step called the first rest, and / or - the third stage called second rest is carried out after the second stage called first impulse, and / or - the fourth step called the second impulse is carried out after the third step called the second rest, and / or - the first stage called first rest is carried out after the fourth stage called second impulse.

8. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: - during the first stage called first rest, the first escape wheel (1') is in direct contact with the blocking wheel (4'), and / or - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first escape wheel (1') is in direct contact with the blocking wheel (4'), and / or - during the third stage called second rest, the second escape wheel (2') is in direct contact with the blocking wheel (4'), and / or - during the fourth stage called the second impulse, the second escape wheel (2') is in direct contact with the blocking wheel (4').

9. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: - during the second step called first impulse, the first escape wheel (1') leads the blocking wheel (4') along the first predefined impulse path, and / or the first escape wheel (T) transmits to the blocking mobile (4') at least part of the driving force received from the motor train (99'), - during the fourth step, called the second impulse, the second escape wheel (2') leads the blocking wheel (4') along the second predefined impulse path, and / or the second escape wheel (2') transmits to the blocking wheel (4') at least part of the driving force received from the drive train (99'), preferably via the first escape wheel (T).

10. A method of maintaining oscillations according to claim 9 as dependent on claim 6, wherein: - during the second step called first impulse, the first escape wheel (T) leads or contacts the blocking wheel (4') via the first impulse input portion (41a'), and / or - during the fourth step called second impulse, the second escape wheel (2') drives or contacts the blocking wheel (4') via the second impulse input portion (41 b')

11. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: - during the second step called the first pulse, the blocking mobile (4') provides a first pulse to the oscillator performing a first alternation, preferably directly, and / or - during the fourth step called second pulse, the blocking mobile (4') provides a second pulse to the oscillator performing a second alternation, preferably directly, and in which preferably the second alternation immediately follows the first alternation to form a single oscillation of the oscillator.

12. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: - during the second stage called the first impulse, the first escapement wheel (1') meshes with and / or drives the second wheel exhaust (2'), preferably directly, - during the fourth step called second impulse, the first escapement wheel (1') meshes with and / or drives the second escapement wheel (2'), preferably directly.

13. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: - during the second step called the first impulse, the locking mobile (4') moves from the first locking position to the second locking position, - during the fourth step called the second impulse, the locking mobile (4') moves from the second locking position to the first locking position.

14. A method of maintaining oscillations according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: - during the first step called first rest, the first escape wheel (T) applies a force to the blocking wheel (4') passing substantially through, preferably passing through, an axis of rotation of the blocking wheel (4'), and / or the first step called first rest is free from placing or maintaining the blocking wheel (4') in abutment on a member other than the first escape wheel (T), and / or - during the third step called second rest, the second escape wheel (2') applies a force to the blocking wheel (4') passing substantially through, preferably passing through, the axis of rotation of the blocking wheel (4'), and / or the third step called second rest is free from placing or maintaining the blocking wheel (4') in abutment on a member other than the second escape wheel (2').

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