Clock movement comprising a power reserve display device including a planetary mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch movement comprising at least one barrel (11, 12) and a power reserve display device (10), said device comprising: - a winding device comprising a winding gear train (22), - a reduction gear train (15) meshed with the barrel or one of the barrels (11; 12), - a differential (13) arranged so as to kinematically connect the winding gear train (22) and the barrel (11) by a first input of the differential (13), said differential (13) comprising a second input by which it is connected to the reduction gear train (15), and comprising an output, - a power reserve display module (16) comprising a planetary mechanism (160) cooperating with the output of the differential (13).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of watchmaking and relates in particular to a watch movement comprising a power reserve display device including a planetary mechanism. Technological background

[0002] In a watch movement, a power reserve indicator is a horological complication that allows the user to know the level of energy available for displaying the time or any other time indication. In other words, a power reserve indicator shows the charge level of the mainspring barrel(s) in the watch movement.

[0003] A power reserve display device includes a power reserve indicator, such as a needle, and a differential linking the indicator to the barrel(s), as described in document EP3333637.

[0004] Power reserve indicator devices typically contain numerous components to achieve the appropriate reduction ratios between the watch movement's mainspring barrel(s) and the power reserve indicator. These numerous components significantly impact the cost of the watch movements in which they are integrated and require substantial production volumes for their integration within said movements. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention solves the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing for this purpose a watch movement comprising at least one barrel and a power reserve display device.

[0006] The power reserve indicator comprises a winding mechanism including a winding train, a reduction train engaged by one or both of the mainspring barrels, and a differential arranged to kinematically connect the winding train and the mainspring barrel via a first input. The differential includes a second input through which it is connected to the reduction train, and an output. The first and second inputs and the output of the differential are preferably arranged coaxially with respect to each other.

[0007] The power reserve display device further includes a power reserve display module comprising a planetary mechanism cooperating with the differential output.

[0008] These characteristics advantageously allow for a reduction in the number of components in the power reserve display device, and consequently, its size.

[0009] In addition, thanks to the planetary mechanism, the reduction ratio between the barrel(s) and a power reserve indicator of the power reserve display module can be relatively large, in a relatively small volume.

[0010] In particular embodiments, the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the planetary mechanism comprises a planetary input wheel mounted on a planetary shaft equipped with a planetary pinion meshing with a satellite. The planetary mechanism further comprises a crown fixed to a structure of the watch movement and having internal teeth by which the crown meshes with the satellite.

[0012] The satellite is carried by a satellite carrier capable of driving a planetary output pinion rotating around the planetary axis.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the planet carrier is friction-fitted to the planetary output pinion.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the power reserve display module includes a power reserve indicator shaft arranged to rotate freely in the crown and rotationally fixed to the planetary output pinion so that the rotation of the latter causes the rotation of the power reserve indicator shaft.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the differential includes a differential satellite carried by a differential satellite carrier fixed free to rotate on a differential axis, the differential satellite carrier constituting the first input of the differential and meshing with the barrel.

[0016] In particular embodiments, the second input of the differential is constituted by a solar mobile mounted movably in rotation on the differential axis, the solar mobile comprising a solar wheel meshing with the reduction gear and a solar pinion meshing with the differential satellite.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the output of the differential is formed by a first and a second output wheel fixed to the differential shaft in a rotationally rigid manner.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the planetary mechanism cooperates with the output of the differential via a reduction gear, the reduction gear comprising a reduction wheel meshing with the second output wheel of the differential, and a reduction pinion meshing with the input wheel of the planetary gear.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the watch movement comprises a first and a second barrel, each having a ratchet wheel meshing with the other with a linkage, the first barrel comprising a drum by which it is connected to the differential and the second barrel comprising a drum by which it is connected to the reduction gear. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: there figure 1 represents a perspective view from below of two barrels and a power reserve display device of a watch movement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the figure 2 represents a top perspective view of two barrels and a power reserve display device of a watch movement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the figure 3 represents a detailed view of the figure 2 , on which is visible a differential of the display device and a planetary mechanism, the figure 4 represents a cross-sectional view of the differential of the power reserve display device of the figure 3 , there figure 5 represents a cross-sectional view of the planetary mechanism of the power reserve display device of the figure 3 .

[0021] Note that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for reasons of clarity. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] THE figures 1 and 2 show two barrels and a power reserve display device 10 of a watch movement according to a preferred example of the invention.

[0023] As seen on the figure 1 , the watch movement according to the invention comprises a first barrel 11 and a second barrel 12 kinematically connected to each other by a linkage 20 and each comprising a barrel spring, in a manner known per se to a person skilled in the art.

[0024] More specifically, the first and second barrels 11 and 12 each have a drum 110 and 120, and a ratchet wheel 111 and 121 preferentially engaging one or the other with the link 20.

[0025] The drum 110 of the first barrel 11 cooperates with a pawl 21 such that said drum 110 is blocked in one direction of rotation by said pawl 21, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The spring of the second barrel 12 is unwound during the operation of the watch movement in a manner known as such, and drives a finishing gear (not shown in the figures) in rotation via the drum 120.

[0026] The power reserve display device 10 includes a differential 13 kinematically interposed between a winding gear 22 of a winding device and the first barrel 11. In other words, the differential 13 is arranged so as to kinematically link the winding gear 22 and the first barrel 11.

[0027] The winding mechanism can be operated by means of a winding crown connected to a winding stem, and / or by means of an oscillating weight. The winding mechanism is known as such to those skilled in the art, and is therefore not described in further detail in the following text.

[0028] The differential 13 cooperates with the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 via a first input consisting, in the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, of a differential planet carrier 130 carrying a differential planet 131. More precisely, the differential 13 comprises a differential shaft 132 on which the differential planet carrier 130 is mounted for free rotation, as shown in particular by the figure 4 .

[0029] The differential 13 also includes a second input connected to the second barrel 12 by means of a reduction gear 15. The second input consists of a solar mobile 133 mounted freely in rotation on the differential axis 132, said solar mobile 133 comprising a solar wheel 1331 meshing with the reduction gear 15 and a solar pinion meshing with the differential satellite 131.

[0030] The winding of the springs of the first and second barrels 11 and 12 is achieved by driving the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 by the differential satellite carrier 130, in a given direction of rotation, following a winding of the winding train 22 in a winding direction.

[0031] As shown by figure 4The differential 13 has an output consisting of a first output wheel 134 and a second output wheel 135 driven onto the differential shaft 132. The first output wheel 134 meshes with the differential satellite 131, so that the differential satellite 131 is able to roll around the first output wheel 134 or to drive it in rotation.

[0032] Advantageously, the first and second inputs and the first and second output wheels 134 and 135 of the differential 13 are arranged coaxially with each other. This feature reduces the volume occupied by the differential 13 within the watch movement. This particularly compact arrangement contributes to reducing the volume required within the watch movement to integrate the differential 13.

[0033] The power reserve display device 10 includes a power reserve display module 16 cooperating with the output of the differential 13, and more specifically with the second output wheel 135. In particular, the second output wheel 135 is connected to a planetary mechanism 160 of the power reserve display module 16, preferably via a reduction gear 17, as shown in detail in the figure 4 .

[0034] In the example of implementation shown in the figures and in particular visible on the figure 5 The planetary mechanism 160 includes a planetary input wheel 161 meshing with the reduction wheel 17. The planetary input wheel 161 is driven onto a planetary shaft 162 comprising a planetary pinion in contact with a planet 163 carried by a planet carrier 164.

[0035] In particular, the reduction unit 17 includes a reduction wheel meshing with the second output wheel 135 of the differential 13, and a reduction pinion meshing with the input wheel of the planetary gear 161.

[0036] The planetary mechanism 160 further comprises a ring 165 with internal teeth into which the satellite 163 meshes. As can be seen on the figures 2 And 3 , the 165 crown is fixed without degrees of freedom on a structure of the watch movement, for example a bridge or a plate.

[0037] The planetary mechanism 160 further includes a planetary output pinion 166 suitable for being driven in rotation around the planetary axis 162. More precisely, the planetary output pinion 166 is mounted freely for rotation on the planetary axis 162.

[0038] As seen on the figures 2 , 3 and 5The planet carrier 164 is preferably adjusted by friction on the planetary output pinion 166. The planet carrier 164 is therefore able to transmit a torque to the planetary output pinion 166 so as to drive it in rotation, up to a maximum torque from which the planet carrier 164 slides on said planetary output pinion 166.

[0039] In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, and in particular in the figures 3 to 5 The planet carrier 164 consists of a rim carrying the planet 163 and two elastic arms whose ends are connected to the rim. The elastic arms are arranged to define a hole into which an annular portion of the planetary output pinion 166 is engaged.

[0040] Advantageously, the power reserve display module 16 includes a power reserve indicator shaft 167 arranged in a movably rotatable manner within the crown 165, that is to say, within the body of the part forming the crown 165, as seen on the figures 3 and 5 In particular, this power reserve indicator shaft 167 is rotationally fixed to the planetary output pinion 166, so that the rotation of the latter causes the rotation of the power reserve indicator shaft 167. More specifically, a rack 168 is driven onto the power reserve indicator shaft 167 and meshes with the planetary output pinion 166. An indicator (not shown in the figures), such as a pointer or a disc, is fixed to the power reserve indicator shaft 167.

[0041] Advantageously, the power reserve display module 16 includes a spring 169 arranged to bear against the power reserve indicator shaft 167 so as to subject it to a restoring force. In particular, the rack 168 may have a notch in which one end of the spring 169 is housed.

[0042] As is known, the power reserve indicator shaft 167 has two extreme angular positions, in one of which it indicates the complete winding of the mainsprings, and in the other of which it indicates the complete unwinding of the mainsprings. These extreme angular positions are, for example, delimited by end stops (not shown in the figures) fixed to the crown 165 or to a structure of the watch movement, such as a mainplate or a bridge, and against which the power reserve indicator shaft 167, in particular the rack 168, is intended to rest.

[0043] In summary, when the winding train 22 is wound in the winding direction, the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 is rotated by means of the differential planet carrier 130, as shown by the thick arrows in the figures. The differential planet carrier 130 drives the differential satellite 131 in a circular motion centered around the differential axis 132. The differential satellite 131 then rotates around the first output wheel 134, driving it in rotation, and rolls around the sun pinion without transmitting any motion to it.

[0044] The second output wheel 135 is driven in rotation by the first output wheel 134 and causes the rotation of the planetary input wheel 161 via the reduction gear 17. As can be seen on the figure 5In particular, by rotating, the planetary input wheel 161 causes the satellite 163 to rotate around its axis and around the planetary axis 162, and consequently the planet carrier 164 to rotate. The planet carrier 164 transmits by friction a torque to the planetary output pinion 166, causing its rotation, which causes the rack 168 to rotate and consequently the power reserve indicator shaft 167 to move.

[0045] The power reserve indicator shaft 167 is driven in a direction in which the indicator shows an increase in power reserve.

[0046] This movement is carried out until the power reserve indicator shaft 167 reaches one of its extreme angular positions, the planet carrier 164 then sliding against the planetary output pinion 166 due to the blocking of the rotation of the rack 168 by the end stop.

[0047] During the movement described above, the second barrel 12 is progressively wound by the first barrel 11. In particular, once the spring of the second barrel 12 is sufficiently wound, it drives the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 in rotation, thereby triggering the actuating of the winding gear train and thus setting the watch movement in motion. The rotation of the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 causes the rotation of the sun wheel 1331 via the reduction gear 15.

[0048] Furthermore, when the winding gear 22 is not under stress and the springs of the first and second barrels 11 and 12 are unloaded, that is to say, during the running of the watch movement, the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 transmits, via the reduction gear 15, a rotational movement to the sun wheel 1331, as described previously, and to the differential satellite 131.

[0049] During its rotation, the differential satellite 131 drives the rotation of the first output wheel 134 of the differential, and consequently, the rotation of the second output wheel 135 of the differential. The planetary input wheel 161 is then driven in rotation by the reduction gear 17, and in turn drives the planet carrier 164, via the satellite 163.

[0050] In a manner analogous to what has been described previously, the planet carrier 164 transmits by friction a torque to the planetary output pinion 166, causing its rotation, which causes the rack 168 to rotate and consequently the movement of the power reserve indicator shaft 167.

[0051] The power reserve indicator shaft 167 is driven in a direction in which the indicator shows a decrease in power reserve.

[0052] The arrangement of the differential 13 and the planetary mechanism 160 advantageously allows a large reduction of movement between the rotation of the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 and that of the power reserve indicator in a restricted volume, when the mainspring of the first barrel 11 is wound. As an example, the power reserve indicator can be driven by a fraction of a turn, for example between 0.1 and 0.2 turns, when the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 is driven by several tens of turns, for example between 25 and 30 turns.

[0053] Similarly, when unloading the springs of the first and second barrels 11 and 12, thanks to the reduction gear 15, and thanks to the arrangement of the differential 13 and the planetary mechanism 160, the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 can make several tens of turns, for example between 25 and 30 turns, and cause the power reserve indicator to make a fraction of a turn, for example between 0.1 and 0.2 turns.

[0054] In another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, it is conceivable that the watch movement according to the invention comprises a single barrel including a mainspring in a manner known per se to those skilled in the art. The barrel also includes a drum and a ratchet wheel.

[0055] In this embodiment, the ratchet wheel is kinematically linked to the differential planet carrier so that it is driven in rotation by the latter, following a winding action on the winding train 22. This feature allows the mainspring of the barrel to be wound. In this embodiment of the invention, a linkage 20 is interposed between the ratchet wheel and the differential planet carrier.

[0056] Similar to what was described previously, the ratchet wheel cooperates with a pawl so that it is prevented from rotating when the watch movement is running. Only the drum is then driven to rotate by the unwinding of the mainspring.

[0057] The drum is connected to the second input of the differential 13, i.e. the sun wheel 1331, via the reduction gear 15.

[0058] More generally, it should be noted that the implementation and execution methods considered above have been described as non-limiting examples, and that other variants are therefore conceivable.

[0059] In particular, it is conceivable that the power reserve display module 16 includes at least one return wheel engaging with a moving part carrying a power reserve indicator in order to relocate the power reserve display.

Claims

1. A watch movement comprising at least one mainspring barrel (11, 12) and a power reserve indicator (10), the watch movement being characterized in that said device comprises: - a winding device including a winding gear train (22), - a reduction gear train (15) meshed with the barrel or one of the barrels (11; 12), - a differential (13) arranged to kinematically connect the winding gear train (22) and the barrel (11) by a first input of the differential (13), said differential (13) including a second input by which it is connected to the reduction gear train (15), and including an output, - a power reserve display module (16) including a planetary mechanism (160) cooperating with the output of the differential (13).

2. Watch movement according to claim 1, in which the planetary mechanism (160) comprises a planetary input wheel (161) driven onto a planetary shaft (162) having a planetary pinion in contact with a satellite (163), the planetary mechanism (160) further comprises a crown (165) immobilized on a structure of the watch movement and having internal teeth with which the satellite (163) is meshed, the planetary mechanism (160) comprising a satellite carrier (164) carrying the satellite (163) and being capable of driving a planetary output pinion (166) in rotation around the planetary shaft (162).

3. Watch movement according to claim 2, wherein the power reserve display module (16) comprises a power reserve indicator shaft (167) arranged to rotate movablely in the crown (165) and rotationally fixed with the planetary output pinion (166) such that the rotation of the latter causes the rotation of the power reserve indicator shaft (167).

4. Watch movement according to claim 2 or 3, in which the planet carrier (164) is friction-mounted on the planetary output pinion (166).

5. Watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the differential (13) comprises a differential satellite (131) carried by a differential satellite carrier (130) fixed free to rotate on a differential axis (132), the differential satellite carrier (130) constituting the first input of the differential (13) and meshing with the barrel (11).

6. Clock movement according to claim 5, in which the second input of the differential (13) is constituted by a solar mobile (133) mounted movably in rotation on the differential axis (132), the solar mobile (133) comprising a solar wheel (1331) meshing with the reduction gear (15) and a solar pinion meshing with the differential satellite (131).

7. Clock movement according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the output of the differential (13) is formed by a first and a second output wheel (134, 135) fixed to the differential shaft (132) in a rotationally fixed manner.

8. Clock movement according to claims 2 and 7, in which the planetary mechanism (160) cooperates with the output of the differential (13) by means of a reduction wheel (17), the reduction wheel (17) comprising a reduction wheel meshing with the second output wheel (135) of the differential (13), and a reduction pinion meshing with the input wheel of the planetary gear (161).

9. Watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a first and a second barrel (11, 12) each having a ratchet wheel (111, 121) meshing with each other with a gearbox (20), the first barrel (11) comprising a drum (110) by which it is connected to the differential (13) and the second barrel (12) comprising a drum (120) by which it is connected to the reduction gear (15).

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