Timepiece escapement mechanism with improved lubrication

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to an escapement mechanism (100) comprising an escape wheel (1) with teeth (2) extending on either side of a median plane (PM) and comprising at least two teeth (2), each carrying at least one angle break (20) connected to the impulse surface (4) of the tooth (2), the angle breaks (20) of two different teeth (2) each having a different geometric orientation in space with respect to the respective impulse surface (4) of the tooth (2) carrying that angle break (20). The invention further relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such an escapement mechanism (100).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a watch escapement mechanism comprising at least one escape wheel mounted pivoting about an escapement axis and arranged to cooperate with an anchor comprising an entry pallet and an exit pallet, or with a mechanism comprising an entry pallet and an exit pallet, or with a detent carrying a rest, or with a notched cylinder comprising an entry lip and an exit lip, said escape wheel comprising a plurality of teeth extending substantially radially with respect to said escapement axis, on either side of a median plane orthogonal to said escapement axis, and each comprising a substantially radial resting surface and a substantially tangential impulse surface extending between a point and a heel, which heel delimiting a reverse on the opposite side of said resting surface with respect to said tooth.

[0002] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such escapement mechanism.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of escapement mechanisms for watch parts. Technological background

[0004] Maintaining proper lubrication of the intermediate mechanism between the oscillator and the gear train is challenging throughout the lifespan of a timepiece. Lubricant must be applied in precisely the necessary quantity, avoiding any excess that would inevitably contaminate the entire mechanism. The primary goal is to distribute the initial amount of lubricant deposited in the movement during its initial manufacture, judiciously applying it to the contact surfaces, whether pivoting or distribution surfaces. However, effectively lubricating the surfaces of the counting components, such as balance wheel pivots, pallet forks and escapements, and escape wheel teeth, is difficult. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to implement means to improve the lubrication of an exhaust mechanism.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch escapement mechanism according to claim 1.

[0007] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such escapement mechanism. Brief description of the figures

[0008] The goals, advantages, and characteristics will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached figures, where: there figure 1 represents, schematically and in perspective, an escape wheel of an escapement mechanism according to the invention, some or all of whose teeth have bevels in different directions, on either side of the median plane of the teeth, to improve lubrication; the figure 2 represents an enlarged detail of the figure 1 showing three different types of angle breaks; the figure 3represents another enlarged detail of the figure 1 showing two types of angle breaking opposite to the median plane of the teeth, according to a first geometry and a second geometry; there figure 4 represents, schematically and in plan view, an example of traditional escape wheel teeth; the figure 5 represents, in elevation, the escape wheel of the figure 1 , comprising three different angle-breaking geometries: the first geometry and the second geometry of figure 4 tangents to the impulse surface on the periphery of the escape wheel, and a third geometry, also visible in figure 1 and in figure 2 , substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the escape wheel; the figure 6 represents, in plan view, a detail of angle breaking according to the third geometry; the figure 7represents, schematically, and in cross-section passing through the pivot axis of the escape wheel, particular tooth profiles, where the impulse surface of the tooth is bordered by angular breaks according to the first geometry, or by the second geometry, or both by the first and second geometries; the vertical position, along the direction of the pivot axis, of the impulse surface varies from one tooth to another; the Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an example of cyclic distribution, on the circumference of the escape wheel, of the positioning of the teeth of the figure 7 , with an ascending sequence of pulse surfaces, then a return to the lowest level for the following period; the figure 9 illustrates, in cross-section, the distribution of the impulse surfaces of the teeth of the figure 8 ; there Figure 10 illustrious, in a similar way to the figure 8 , another variant, still with the teeth according to the figure 7, but with alternating ascending and descending sequences; the figure 11 illustrates yet another variant of the escape wheel whose impulse surface has a substantially tangential slot delimited by inclined surfaces, one according to a first geometry and the other according to a second geometry; the figure 12 represents, schematically and in front view, a timepiece, in particular a watch, incorporating such an escapement mechanism. Detailed description of the invention

[0009] The invention consists of improving the lubrication of the contact between an escape wheel and an opposing mechanism such as an anchor or similar.

[0010] The invention thus relates to a watch escapement mechanism 100 comprising at least one escape wheel 1, which is pivotally mounted about an escapement axis DE, and which is arranged to cooperate with a distribution mechanism downstream of the oscillator. This distribution mechanism may, without limitation, comprise an anchor having an entry lever and an exit lever. This distribution mechanism may also include an entry pallet and an exit pallet, or a detent carrying a rest, or a notched cylinder having an entry lip and an exit lip, or the like.

[0011] The escape wheel 1 has a plurality of teeth 2, which extend substantially radially with respect to the escapement axis DE, on either side of a median plane PM orthogonal to the escapement axis DE. Each of these teeth 2 has a substantially radial resting surface 3 and a substantially tangential impulse surface 4 extending between a point 5 and a heel 6, which heel 6 delimits a reverse 7 opposite the resting surface 3 with respect to the body of the tooth 2. The point 5 is in contact with the pallets of the anchor, as can be seen on the figure 4 .

[0012] According to the invention, the escape wheel 1 has at least two teeth 2, each carrying at least one angle break 20 connected to the impulse surface 4 of the tooth 2. The angle breaks 20 of at least two different teeth 2 each have a different geometric orientation in space with respect to the respective impulse surface 4 of the tooth 2 carrying this angle break 20.

[0013] The surface of each angle break 20 forms an obtuse angle with the impulse surface, easily crossed by drops or micro-droplets of lubricant, which, thanks to the angle break, remain for a prolonged period on the tooth 2.

[0014] The difference in geometric orientation of the angle breaks 20, or even their simple alternation, avoids wear always in the same place, both of the teeth of the escape wheel and of the opposing lifts or pallets.

[0015] A more random positioning of the angle breaks on the periphery of the escape wheel thus proves advantageous for the long-term durability of the mechanisms.

[0016] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has such an angle break 20 which has a substantially flat surface in an oblique plane intersecting the escape axis DE.

[0017] More particularly, at least one tooth 2 carrying at least one angle break 20 has an angle break 20, according to a first geometry 21, which extends towards a first upper side 11 of the escape wheel 1.

[0018] More particularly, at least one tooth 2 carrying at least one angle break 20 has an angle break 20, according to a second geometry 22, which extends towards a second lower side 12 of the escape wheel 1.

[0019] More particularly, the escape wheel 1 has at least one tooth 2 carrying at least one angle break 20, according to the first geometry 21, extending towards a first upper side 11 of the escape wheel 1, and at least one tooth 2 carrying at least one said angle break 20, according to the second geometry 22, extending towards a second lower side 12 of the escape wheel 1.

[0020] More particularly, at least one angle break 20 of a first tooth 2 extends according to the first geometry 21 essentially from a first side of the median plane PM, towards the first upper side 11 of the escape wheel 1, and at least one angle break 20 of a second tooth 2 extends according to the second geometry 22 essentially from a second side of the median plane PM, towards the second lower side 11 of the escape wheel 1.

[0021] More particularly, at least one angle break 20 of a first tooth 2 extends according to the first geometry 21 in its entirety from the first side of the median plane PM, towards the first upper side 11 of the escape wheel 1, and at least one angle break 20 of a second tooth 2 extends according to the second geometry 22 in its entirety from the second side of the median plane PM, towards the second lower side 11 of the escape wheel 1.

[0022] More particularly, at least one tooth 2 has at least one angle break 20 according to the first geometry 21 or according to the second geometry 22, connected to the impulse surface 4, and which delimits a first edge 25 which is substantially circular and is located in a plane perpendicular to the escape axis DE.

[0023] More specifically, said angle break 20 extends, in projection along the direction of the escape axis DE, over an angle break height HC between 50% and 66% of the projection of the remaining height HR of the impulse surface 4.

[0024] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has an angle break 20 which extends along the third geometry 23. This third geometry may extend on either side of the median plane PM and include a substantially flat surface in a plane substantially parallel, or parallel, to the escape axis DE, or extend over the entire height of tooth HD of the tooth 2 having the angle break 20, along the direction of the escape axis DE, or extend connected to the impulse surface 4 and delimit a second rear edge 26 substantially straight and located in a plane substantially parallel, or parallel, to the escape axis DE. The geometric extension of this angle break 23 can either meet another tooth 2 than the tooth 2 carrying the obtuse angle break 23 forming an obtuse angle with the impulse surface 4, or meet the tooth 2 carrying the acute angle break 23.More particularly, the escape wheel 1 has at least one tooth 2 carrying an acute angle break 23 re-entrant whose geometric extension meets the tooth 2 carrying the angle break 20, and at least one tooth 2 carrying an obtuse angle break 23 whose geometric extension meets a different tooth 2 than the tooth 2 carrying the angle break 20.

[0025] More specifically, the angle break 23 extends, in planar projection along the direction of the escape axis DE on a plane parallel to the median plane PM, over an angle break width LC less than the projection of the resultant width LR of the pulse surface 4, this resultant width LR must be large, to have a second pulse phase sufficiently long.

[0026] There figure 7schematically illustrates a variant where the teeth 2 have particular profiles, and where the impulse surface 4 of the tooth 2 is bordered by angle breaks according to the first geometry 21 as frame A, or by the second geometry 22 as frame D, or both by the first geometry 21 and by the second geometry 22, as frames B and C; the position in height, according to the direction of the pivot axis DE, of the impulse surface 4 is variable according to the type of tooth, thus frame B and frame C have impulse surfaces 4 offset in height from each other.

[0027] THE figures 8 and 9 illustrate an example of cyclic distribution, on the circumference of the escape wheel, of the positioning of teeth A, B, C, D, of the figure 7 , with an ascending sequence of pulse surfaces 4, then a return to the lowest level for the following period. Sections A, B, C, D, E, of the figure 9show the position of the impulse surface 4 of each step in comparison to the tooth height HD.

[0028] There Figure 10 illustrates another variant, similar to the figure 8 , always with the teeth according to the figure 7 , but with an alternation of ascending and descending sequences.

[0029] There figure 11 This illustrates yet another variant of the escape wheel in which the impulse surface has a substantially tangential slot delimited by inclined surfaces, one according to the first geometry 21 and the other according to the second geometry 22, which is equivalent to two separate impulse surfaces. The slot can, in particular, vary in height and depth to improve lubrication.

[0030] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has an angle break 20 whose surface is flat.

[0031] More specifically, each tooth 2, having an angle break 20, has an angle break 20 whose surface is flat.

[0032] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has an angle break 20 whose surface is concave.

[0033] More specifically, each tooth 2, having an angle break 20, has an angle break 20 whose surface is concave.

[0034] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has an angle break 20 whose surface is microstriated or has at least one microcavity, and which is arranged to retain a lubricating product.

[0035] More specifically, the exhaust wheel 1 includes a plate whose total thickness ET along the direction of the exhaust axis DE is greater than the tooth height HD of each tooth 2 along the direction of the exhaust axis DE.

[0036] More specifically, the geometries of the angle breaks 20 are aperiodic on the periphery of the escape wheel 1.

[0037] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has at least one oiler 30 in the vicinity of the impulse surface 4.

[0038] More specifically, at least one tooth 2 has at least one angle break 20 connected to the impulse surface 4 and at least one oiler 30 in the vicinity of this at least one angle break 20.

[0039] More specifically, each corner break has a surface finish between 0.05 micrometers Ra and 0.8 micrometers Ra.

[0040] More specifically, the escape wheel 1 has an even number of teeth 2.

[0041] The invention also relates to a 1000 piece of horology, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such 100 horological escapement mechanism.

[0042] The invention is well suited to traditional machining of watch escape wheels, and with a low additional machining cost, provides improved longevity to the escapement mechanism.

Claims

1. A clockwork escapement mechanism (100) comprising at least one escape wheel (1) mounted pivotally about an escapement axis (DE) and arranged to cooperate with an anchor having an entry pallet and an exit pallet, or with a mechanism having an entry pallet and an exit pallet, or with a detent carrying a rest, or with a notched cylinder having an entry lip and an exit lip, said escape wheel (1) having a plurality of teeth (2) extending substantially radially with respect to said escapement axis (DE), on either side of a median plane (PM) orthogonal to said escapement axis (DE), and each having a substantially radial resting surface (3) and a substantially tangential impulse surface (4) extending between a tip (5) and a heel (6), which heel delimiting a reverse (7) opposite said resting surface (3) with respect to said tooth (2), characterized in thatsaid escape wheel (1) has at least two teeth (2) each carrying at least one angle break (20) connected to said impulse surface (4), said angle breaks (20) of at least two said teeth (2) different each having a different geometric orientation in space with respect to the respective impulse surface (4) of said tooth (2) carrying said angle break (20).

2. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) includes a said angle break (20) which includes a substantially flat surface in an oblique plane intersecting said escape axis (DE).

3. Watch escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) carrying at least one said angle break (20) includes an angle break (20) which extends towards a first upper side (11) of said escape wheel (1).

4. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) carrying at least one said angle break (20) includes an angle break (20) which extends towards a second lower side (12) of said escape wheel (1).

5. Watch escapement mechanism (100) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said escape wheel (1) comprises at least one said tooth (2) carrying at least one said angle break (20) extending towards a first upper side (11) of said escape wheel (1), and at least one said tooth (2) carrying at least one said angle break (20) extending towards a second lower side (12) of said escape wheel (1).

6. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in thatat least one said angle break (20) of a first tooth (2) extends according to a first geometry (21) essentially from a first side of said median plane (PM), towards said first upper side (11) of said escape wheel (1), and in that at least one said angle break (20) of a second tooth (2) extends according to a second geometry (22) essentially from a second side of said median plane (PM), towards said second lower side (11) of said escape wheel (1).

7. Clockwork escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at least one tooth (2) has at least one angle break (20) according to said first geometry (21) or said second geometry (22), connected to said impulse surface (4), and which delimits a first edge (25) substantially circular and located in a plane perpendicular to said escape axis (DE).

8. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that said angle break (20) extends, in projection along the direction of said escape axis (DE), over an angle break height (HC) between 50% and 66% of the projection of the remaining height (HR) of said impulse surface (4).

9. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) includes a said angle break (20) which extends according to a third geometry (23) on either side of said median plane (PM) and which includes a substantially flat surface in a plane parallel to said escape axis (DE).

10. Clockwork escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) includes a said angle break (20) which extends according to a third geometry (23) over the entire tooth height (HD) of said tooth (2) including said angle break (20), along the direction of said escape axis (DE).

11. Watchmaking escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one tooth (2) has at least one angle break (20) according to said third geometry (23), connected to said impulse surface (4), and which delimits a second rear edge (26) substantially straight and located in a plane parallel to said escape axis (DE).

12. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) includes a said angle break (20) which includes at least one sloping surface comprising steps.

13. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) comprises a said impulse surface (4) which comprises a substantially tangential slot delimited by inclined surfaces.

14. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in thatat least one said tooth (2) has a said angle break (20) whose surface is flat.

15. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) has a said angle break (20) whose surface is concave.

16. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one said tooth (2) has said angle break (20) whose surface is microstriated or has at least one microcavity, and which is arranged to retain a lubricating product.

17. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said escape wheel (1) comprises a plate whose total thickness (ET) along the direction of said escape axis (DE) is greater than the tooth height (HD) of each said tooth (2) along the direction of said escape axis (DE).

18. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the geometries of said angle breaks (20) are aperiodic on the periphery of said escape wheel (1).

19. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one tooth (2) has at least one oiler (30) in the vicinity of said impulse surface (4).

20. Watchmaking escapement mechanism (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one tooth (2) has at least one angle break (20) connected to said impulse surface (4) and at least one oiler (30) in the vicinity of said at least one angle break (20).

21. Watch escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that each said angle break has a surface finish between 0.05 micrometers Ra and 0.8 micrometers Ra.

22. Clock escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that said escape wheel (1) has an even number of said teeth (2).

23. Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one timepiece escapement mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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