Striking mechanism with flexible translation guide

Abstract

The invention relates to a striking mechanism (1) for a timepiece movement, the striking mechanism (1) comprising a vibrating element (11) and a striking device (12) for the vibrating element (11), the striking device (12) comprising a movable hammer (13) for striking the vibrating element (11), and a flexible guide (5) suspending the hammer (13), the striking mechanism (1) being characterized in that the striking device (12) is arranged on the flexible guide (5). According to the invention, the flexible guide (5) comprises at least two flexible blades (22, 23), preferably two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25), the flexible blades (22, 23) or pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) being arranged laterally on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) extending in the plane of movement of the hammer (13) such that the movement of the hammer (13) is translated, preferably substantially linear.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511709698.9 (22) Application Date 2025.11.20 (30) Priority Data 24216234.5 2024.11.28 EP (71) Applicant Montreux-Bleuge Co., Ltd. Address Switzerland (72) Inventors M. Chaplon, J. Metz, Y. Cadmili (74) Patent Agency Beijing Zhongzi Law Firm 11247 Patent Attorneys Mi Fenghua, Wu Peng (51) Int.Cl. G04B 21 / 06 (2006.01) (54) Title of Invention: Time-Striking Mechanism Equipped with Flexible Translational Guide (57) Abstract: This invention relates to a time-striking mechanism (1) for a watch movement, the time-striking mechanism (1) comprising a vibrating element (11) and a striking device (12) for the vibrating element (11), the striking device (12) comprising a movable hammer (13) for striking the vibrating element (11), and a flexible guide (5) suspending the hammer (13), the time-striking mechanism (1) being characterized in that the flexible guide (5) comprises at least two flexible blades (22, 23), preferably two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25), the flexible blades (22, 23) or the pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) extending in the plane of motion of the hammer (13) such that the motion of the hammer (13) is translational, preferably a substantially linear translation. Claims 1 page, Description 4 pages, Drawings 1 page CN 122110647 A 2026.05.29 CN 1 22 11 06 47 A 1. A striking mechanism (1) for a watch movement, the striking mechanism (1) comprising a vibrating element (11) and a striking device (12) for the vibrating element (11), the striking device (12) comprising a movable hammer (13) for striking the vibrating element (11), and a flexible guide (5) suspending the hammer (13), the striking mechanism (1) being characterized in that the flexible guide (5) comprises at least two flexible blades (22, 23), preferably two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25), the flexible blades (22, 23) or the pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) being laterally arranged on both sides of the vibrating element (1 ... suspending the hammer (11), the flexible blades (22, 23) being suspending the hammer (11), the flexible blades (22, 23) 23) Extends within the motion plane of the hammer (13) such that the motion of the hammer (13) is a translation, preferably a translation of a basic straight line.2. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the striking device (12) is in the rest position, the flexible blades (22, 23) are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hammer (13). 3. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible blades (22, 23) in the same pair of flexible blades (15, 25) are substantially parallel. 4. The timekeeping mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel of the hammer (13). 5. The timekeeping mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the striking device (12) is in the rest position, the two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) are substantially collinear. 6. The timekeeping mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible guide (5) comprises two supports (4, 6), each pair of flexible blades (15, 25) being connected to a different support (4, 6). 7. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the support members (6) includes at least one elongated hole (18) for positioning the hammer (13) relative to the reed (2), wherein the elongated hole is arranged substantially parallel to the flexible blades (22, 23) of the flexible guide (5) in a rest position. 8. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the timekeeping mechanism includes a power-accumulating mechanism (20) for accumulating power on the striking device (12), the power-accumulating mechanism (20) being configured to move the hammer (12) away from the vibrating element (11) in order to impart kinetic energy to the hammer (12) for striking the reed (2). 9. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the power-accumulating mechanism (20) includes a protrusion (14) arranged on the hammer (13) and a lifting member (8) for rotatably moving the hammer (13). 10. The striking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hammer (13) and the flexible guide (5) are, for example, made of silicon as a single piece. 11. A watch movement, characterized in that the watch movement includes a striking mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Claims 1 / 1 page 2 CN 122110647 A Striking Mechanism Equipped with Flexible Translation Guide Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watch complications, and more particularly to a striking mechanism in a wristwatch.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a striking mechanism having a flexible guide.

[0003] This striking mechanism can be adapted to any type of striking device, such as a quarter-hour striking device, a minute repeater, a grand sonnerie, a petite sonnerie, or an alarm clock device.Background Art

[0004] The striking mechanism of a watch typically includes a hammer for striking a vibrating element (e.g., a gong).

[0005] Specifically, the hammer is pressed against the vibrating element by means of a spring, and the hammer is charged by an actuation mechanism (such as a lifter or other dedicated mechanism), which means keeping the hammer away from the gong.

[0006] The vibrating element typically extends in a curved direction inside the watch case, for example, around the central axis of the watch case. When the hammer strikes the vibrating element, stress is generated on the vibrating element, causing it to vibrate, thereby producing sound from the striking mechanism. These stresses include normal and tangential components, the tangential component representing the frictional force of the hammer on the vibrating element.

[0007] Specifically, the vibration of the vibrating element is primarily generated by the normal component of the stress applied by the hammer, and therefore it is necessary to control and maximize this normal component to control the effectiveness of the hammer's impact on the vibrating element and the sound produced by such impact.

[0008] New striking mechanisms are designed to be equipped with flexible guides that include at least one flexible blade suspending the hammer. The hammer is movable, so the deformable hammer, aided by a flexible guide, can strike the vibrating element, while the flexible guide also acts as a return spring.

[0009] Patent applications EP4310604 and EP4310605 describe examples of a striking mechanism equipped with a flexible guide. In these documents, the hammer performs a rotational motion to strike the vibrating element.

[0010] However, when the hammer rotates, it does not strike the reed from a direction precisely perpendicular to the surface of the reed. This results in a loss of sound intensity in the striking mechanism because the energy transmitted to the reed is not optimal. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages by proposing a striking mechanism for a watch movement, comprising a vibrating element and a striking device for striking the vibrating element, the striking device comprising a movable hammer for striking the vibrating element and a flexible guide suspending the hammer.

[0012] A significant feature of the present invention is that the flexible guide comprises at least two flexible blades, preferably two pairs of flexible blades, said blades or pairs of blades being arranged laterally on both sides of the hammer, said blades extending in the plane of motion of the hammer such that the movement of the hammer is translational, preferably a substantially linear translation.

[0013] This configuration allows the hammer to move in a direction perpendicular to the contact point between the hammer and the vibrating element when striking the vibrating element, thereby increasing the impact force of the hammer on the vibrating element.

[0014] In fact, the hammer strikes the vibrating element in a linear translational manner, preferably in a substantially linear translational manner.

[0015] Furthermore, the hammer is securely held in place by the flexible guide.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, when the striking device is in the resting position, the flexible blades are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hammer.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible blades in the same pair of flexible blades are substantially parallel.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two pairs of flexible blades are arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel of the hammer.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the striking device is in the rest position, the two pairs of flexible blades are substantially collinear.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible guide includes two supports, each pair of flexible blades being connected to a different support.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the supports includes at least one elongated hole for positioning the hammer horizontally and laterally relative to the reed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the striking mechanism includes a winding means for accumulating momentum for the striking device, the winding means being configured to move the hammer away from the vibrating element to impart kinetic energy to the hammer striking the reed.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the power-accumulating mechanism includes a brom stud arranged on the hammer, and a lifting member for rotatable movement of the hammer. According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the hammer and the flexible guide are made as a single piece. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] 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:

[0025] - FIG1 shows a schematic top view of a striking mechanism including a striking device in a resting state according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - FIG2 shows a schematic view of the bottom of the striking mechanism in FIG1. ​​Detailed Description

[0027] FIG1 shows a striking mechanism 1 for a watch movement of a wristwatch according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028] The striking mechanism 1 includes a vibrating element 11 and a striking device 12 for striking the vibrating element 11 to generate sound.

[0029] The vibrating element 11 is fastened to the structure of the watch movement by the body 3, for example, to the plate, mechanism plate, etc. In this example, the body 3 includes two holes 19 for screws or pins. The vibrating element 11 also includes a reed 2 for producing sound when struck, and the body 3 is fastened to the reed 2. In this example, the vibrating element 11 has a curved shape so that it can be easily installed in a round watch case.

[0030] Furthermore, the striking device 12 includes a hammer 13 arranged within the curvature of the reed 2. The hammer 13 can translate, preferably along a substantially straight line, so that it can strike the reed 2. The hammer 13 moves along an axis substantially perpendicular to the contact point between the hammer 13 and the reed 2 so as to vibrate the vibrating element 11 as effectively as possible.

[0031] In this embodiment, the hammer 13 is substantially square and includes a protrusion 21 that is arranged to contact the reed 2 when the hammer 13 is pushed against the vibrating element 11. The hammer 13 is also equipped with a pin 14 arranged on the body so that the hammer 13 can be moved.

[0032] The striking device 12 also includes a flexible guide 5 for suspending the hammer 13.

[0033] Preferably, the hammer 13 moves in a plane that coincides with the plane formed by the reed 2. Specification 2 / 4 pages 4 CN 122110647 A

[0034] Alternatively, the hammer moves in a plane different from the plane formed by the reed 2.

[0035] The flexible guide 5 includes a plurality of flexible blades 22, 23. The flexible blades 22, 23 are elastically deformable and are used in this invention to guide and drive the hammer 13.

[0036] According to the invention, the flexible guide 5 includes two pairs of flexible blades 15, 25 arranged on both sides of the hammer 13. Each pair of flexible blades 15, 25 includes two blades 22, 23, which are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0037] Alternatively, in a variant not shown in the figures, the flexible guide includes two flexible blades arranged on both sides of the hammer. In this case, a single flexible blade is arranged on each side of the hammer, instead of a pair of flexible blades as shown.

[0038] Preferably, when the striking device 12 is in a resting state, i.e., in a balanced position, each blade 22, 23 is substantially straight.

[0039] Preferably, the flexible blades 22, 23 extend in the plane of motion of the hammer 13. The blades 22, 23 are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hammer 13.

[0040] The two pairs of flexible blades 22, 23 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the movable hammer 13.

[0041] Preferably, when the flexible guide 5 is in its rest position, the two flexible blades 22, 23 of each pair are substantially collinear.

[0042] The flexible guide 5 includes two supports 4, 6, each pair of blades 15, 25 connecting one of the supports 4, 6 to the hammer 13. The supports 4, 6 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel of the hammer 13.

[0043] One of the supports 4, 6 includes at least one elongated hole 18 for receiving a screw or pin, thereby enabling the hammer 13 to be positioned relative to the reed 2, particularly setting the direction of travel of the hammer 13.

[0044] Preferably, both supports include at least one elongated hole 18, preferably two elongated holes, for positioning the hammer 13 vertically and laterally.

[0045] When the flexible guide 5 is in its rest position, the longitudinal axis of the elongated hole is substantially parallel to the blades 22, 23 of the flexible guide 5.

[0046] The striking device 12 further includes a power storage mechanism 20, which is configured to move the hammer 13 away from the vibrating element 11 so that the hammer 13 can be provided with kinetic energy to strike the reed 2 through the elastic action of the flexible blades 22 and 23 of the flexible guide 5.

[0047] The power storage mechanism 20 includes a rotatable lifting member 8, which engages with a protrusion 14 on the hammer 13 to push the hammer 13 away from the vibrating element, thereby forcing the blades 15 and 25 to gradually deform until a power storage state is reached.

[0048] The lifting member 8 includes a body, which is equipped with teeth 9 and a slot 7 on its outer periphery, and it is also provided with a hole that allows the lifting member 8 to rotate about a rotation axis. The slot 7 contacts the protrusion 14 on the hammer 13.

[0049] The power storage mechanism 20 also includes a rack 27 equipped with teeth 28, which engage with the teeth 9 on the lifting member 8 so that the lifting member 8 can rotate. The rack thus engages with tooth 9 to cause the lifting member 8 to rotate about its axis of rotation.

[0050] As the lifting member 8 rotates about its axis, the slot 7 pushes the protrusion 14 to move the hammer 13 away from the vibrating element 11.

[0051] In this way, the protrusion 14 slides along the slot 7 until the protrusion 14 is released from the slot 7. The hammer 13 is thus released, causing the flexible guide 5 to move the hammer 13 back to abut against the vibrating element 11 to produce sound.

[0052] When the current time has passed a predetermined time value, or according to the user's instruction, the power storage mechanism 20 is actuated. The power storage mechanism then releases the hammer 13, at which point the hammer 13 strikes the vibrating element 11 under the drive of the elastic restoring force of the blades 22, 23, and the striking device 12 is in a striking state.

[0053] The power storage mechanism 20 includes a return spring 24 for the lifting member 8 to return the hammer 13 to its initial position after the hammer 13 strikes the reed 2. In particular, the slot 7 is kept in contact with the protrusion 14 on the hammer 13 during this process. (Page 3 / 4 of the specification, CN 122110647 A)

[0054] Thus, the lifting member 8 can push the hammer 13 back again for another strike. In this example, the return spring 24 is a blade that abuts against a pin 26 located on one side of the lifting member 8.

[0055] Preferably, when the hammer 13 is in the resting position, a safe distance is provided between the hammer 13 and the vibrating element 11 to prevent any accidental impact.

[0056] Preferably, the flexible guide 5 and the hammer 13 are made as a single piece. Therefore, the striking device 12 is particularly easy to manufacture, and manufacturing costs are minimized. Furthermore, the mechanism does not suffer from power loss during striking due to potential mechanical backlash, which could exist if the striking device 12 were an assembly design of multiple parts.

[0057] In particular, the striking device 12 may be made of amorphous metal, for example by casting or hot forming, or of nickel or nickel-phosphorus alloy, for example using the LIGA method.

[0058] Alternatively, the striking device 12, especially the blades 22 and 23, can be made of silicon, for example, by a dry etching process, and more specifically by a deep reactive ion etching process, a manufacturing method well known to those skilled in the art, abbreviated as DRIE. As an alternative, the blades 22 and 23 can also be made of steel and processed using laser machining (especially femtosecond lasers) or electrical discharge machining.

[0059] In particular, the hammer 13 may include one or more counterweights made of a metallic material (e.g., tungsten, gold, or steel), to which the blades 22 and 23 are fastened by press-fitting, bonding, screwing, or pinning.

[0060] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and various modifications are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in addition to the pairs of flexible blades disposed on both sides of the hammer, auxiliary blades may be added.Description Page 4 / 4 Page 6 CN 122110647 A Figure 1 Figure 2 Description Drawings Page 1 / 1 Page 7 CN 122110647 A Abstract The present invention relates to a striking mechanism (1) for a horology movement including a vibrating element (11) and a striking device (12) on said vibrating element (11), the striking device (12) including a mobile hammer (13) for striking the vibrating element (11), and a flexible guide (5) from which the mobile hammer (13) is suspended. The said striking mechanism (1) is characterized in that the flexible guide (5) includes at least two flexible blades, preferably two pairs (15, 25) of flexible blades (22, 23), the blades or pairs (15, 25) of blades (22, 23) being laterally arranged on either side of the hammer (13), the blades (22, 23) extending in the plane of movement of the hammer (13), such that the movement of the hammer (13) is translational, preferably substantially straight.。

Claims

1. A striking mechanism (1) for a watch movement, the striking mechanism (1) comprising a vibrating element (11) and a striking device (12) for the vibrating element (11), the striking device (12) comprising a movable hammer (13) for striking the vibrating element (11) and a flexible guide (5) suspending the hammer (13), the striking mechanism (1) being characterized in that the flexible guide (5) comprises at least two flexible blades (22, 23), preferably two pairs of flexible blades (15, 25), the flexible blades (22, 23) or the pairs of flexible blades (15, 25) being laterally arranged on both sides of the hammer (13), the flexible blades (22, 23) extending in the plane of motion of the hammer (13) such that the motion of the hammer (13) is a translation, preferably a substantially linear translation.

2. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, When the striking device (12) is in the rest position, the flexible blades (22, 23) are arranged perpendicular to the direction of travel of the hammer (13).

3. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexible blades (22, 23) in the same flexible blade pair (15, 25) are basically parallel.

4. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The two flexible blade pairs (15, 25) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the direction of travel of the hammer (13).

5. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the striking device (12) is in the rest position, the two flexible blade pairs (15, 25) are substantially collinear.

6. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The flexible guide (5) includes two support members (4, 6), and each flexible blade pair (15, 25) is connected to a different support member (4, 6).

7. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the support members (6) includes at least one elongated hole (18) for positioning the hammer (13) relative to the reed (2), wherein the elongated hole is arranged substantially parallel to the flexible blades (22, 23) of the flexible guide (5) in the rest position.

8. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The timekeeping mechanism includes a power storage mechanism (20) for powering the striking device (12), the power storage mechanism (20) being configured to move the hammer (12) away from the vibrating element (11) so as to give the hammer (12) kinetic energy to strike the reed (2).

9. The timekeeping mechanism according to claim 8, wherein, The power storage mechanism (20) includes a protrusion (14) arranged on the hammer (13) and a lifting member (8) for rotatable movement of the hammer (13).

10. The timekeeping mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hammer (13) and the flexible guide (5) are, for example, made of silicon as a single piece.

11. A watch movement, characterized in that, The watch movement includes a striking mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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