One-piece wheel set, horological movement comprising the one-piece wheel set, and timepiece comprising the horological movement

Abstract

To provide gear trains of horological complications that allow additional information to be displayed on the basis of a going train of a horological movement.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a one-piece wheel set 20 including a first toothing 203 formed on the periphery of a first platform 201, and a second toothing 204 formed on the periphery of a second platform 202 integral with the first platform, the first toothing having a number of teeth that is an integer multiple of the number of teeth in the second toothing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch movement, and more particularly to a gear train of a watch complication mechanism that allows additional information to be displayed based on a gear train of the watch movement, for example, a wheel train.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to an integrated double-toothed wheel set that gives a double function to a watch movement.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a watch movement including such an integrated double-toothed wheel set.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a watch, for example, a wristwatch, comprising a watch movement including such an integrated double gear set.

Background Art

[0005] In watchmaking, there have been quite a few proposals for watch movements equipped with complication mechanisms such as calendar mechanisms or moon phase mechanisms. These complication mechanisms include associated drive trains that are powered by the wheel train of the watch movement.

[0006] Such drive trains include multiple wheel sets that provide the necessary gear reduction from the wheel train. Some complication mechanisms also require the use of index (positioning) jumpers associated with specific wheels in the drive train to ensure that the display is held securely in a stable position and, if necessary, to compensate for play between the gears.

[0007] As the number of wheel sets in a watch movement increases, the size of the watch movement increases. This is always a problem because ideally the watch movement should occupy as little space as possible.

[0008] Furthermore, increasing the number of wheel sets in the drive train means increasing the number of gears, which increases the chain of tolerances between the wheel train and the display of the complex mechanism, resulting in increased play between the gears and potentially causing jitter or inaccurate display.

[0009] Ultimately, increasing the number of wheels in the gear train also means increasing the energy consumption of the timepiece movement.

[0010] To avoid this unnecessary play, wheel sets with so-called flexible teeth are used to compensate for a predetermined amount of play in the drive train. However, these solutions are complex to manufacture and implement. Furthermore, reducing the size of the timepiece movement is not allowed.

[0011] As a result, there is a need for improvement in timepiece movements that include complex mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In this context, the present invention relates to an integrated wheel set including a first toothing formed on the periphery of a first platform and a second toothing formed on the periphery of a second platform integral with the first platform, wherein the first toothing includes a certain number of teeth that is an integer multiple of the number of teeth in the second toothing.

[0013] This type of integrated wheel set can perform a dual function by providing toothings over multiple levels.

[0014] This type of integrated wheel set ensures perfect alignment between two toothing levels and eliminates alignment problems when mounting multiple wheels on the same wheel set arbor.

[0015] Preferably, the first level of the integrated wheel set is configured to cooperate with the jumper, and the second level of the integrated wheel set is configured to be kinematically linked to the drive wheel, for example, a wheel kinematically linked in a wheel train. That is, such an integrated wheel set makes it possible to reduce the number of wheel sets in the gear train by combining multiple functions with one integrated wheel set.

[0016] In addition to the features described above, the integrated wheel set according to the present invention has features considered on an individual basis or according to any combination considered technically possible, that is, · The first tooth part is configured to mesh with the toothed drive wheel; · The second tooth part is configured to cooperate with the jumper to position the integrated wheel set in a plurality of steps; · The number of teeth in the second tooth part corresponds to the number of steps by which the integrated wheel set is driven to make one complete rotation; · The teeth in the second tooth part are aligned with the teeth in the first tooth part; · The teeth in the second tooth part are continuous with a predetermined tooth in the first tooth part, and their alternating arrangement corresponds to the ratio of the number of teeth in the first tooth part to the number of teeth in the second tooth part; · The integrated wheel set is made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic material; · The integrated wheel set may have one or more complementary features from among being obtained by milling.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a timepiece movement including the integrated wheel set according to the present invention. Such an integrated wheel set may be, for example, part of a gear train that drives a complication display.

[0018] Preferably, the timepiece movement includes a wheel train for displaying time information and a secondary drive train for displaying additional information, the secondary drive train meshing with the wheel train and the integral wheel set belonging to the secondary drive train.

[0019] Preferably, the secondary drive train includes a jumper cooperating with a second tooth portion of the integral wheel set, and a first tooth portion of the integral wheel set cooperates with a toothed drive wheel belonging to the wheel train or the secondary drive train.

[0020] The present invention further relates to a timepiece including the timepiece movement according to the present invention.

[0021] The timepiece is, for example, a wristwatch including a wristwatch case configured to receive and house the timepiece movement according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description given below with reference to the following drawings.

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0024] In all the drawings, common elements are given the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the present invention proposes a timepiece 200, such as a wristwatch, including a timepiece movement 100 according to the present invention.

[0026] The timepiece movement 100 is mounted in the case 10 of the timepiece 200.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, the timepiece movement 100 includes a wheel train 400 for displaying time information.

[0028] The timepiece movement 100 further includes a secondary drive train 300 configured to be able to display additional information, such as a date, calendar-related information, or, in a broad sense, information related to a solar cycle or a lunar cycle.

[0029] The secondary drive train 300 is kinematically linked to the wheel train 400. Specifically, the secondary drive train 300 is kinematically linked to the wheel set of the wheel train 400. By way of example, the secondary drive train 300 is kinematically linked and meshed with a wheel that rotates once every 12 hours or a wheel that rotates once every 24 hours.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary drive train 300 includes an integrated dual-toothed wheel set 20 that can perform a dual function while providing a compact solution.

[0031] The integrated wheel set 20 includes a first tooth portion 203 formed on the periphery of the first platform 201 and a second tooth portion 204 formed on the periphery of the second platform 202 integral with the first platform 201.

[0032] The integrated wheel set 20 is rigidly connected to a mandrel or shaft so as to be pivotable about the rotation axis A.

[0033] The first tooth portion 203 of the integrated wheel set 20 has a number of teeth that is an integer multiple of the number of teeth of the second tooth portion 204.

[0034] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first tooth portion 203 has 36 teeth and the second tooth portion 204 has 12 teeth. In this example, a ratio of 3 exists between the two tooth portions 203, 204 of the integral wheel set 20. The ratio between the two tooth portions can be adapted according to the requirements and the number of steps required to make one complete revolution.

[0035] The number of teeth in the second tooth portion 204 corresponds to the number of steps by which the integral wheel set 20 is driven to make one complete revolution.

[0036] The integral wheel set 20 is rotated by a toothed drive wheel 40 configured to cooperate with the first tooth portion 203.

[0037] The toothed drive wheel 40 may belong to a secondary drive train or train of wheels 400.

[0038] Preferably, the toothed drive wheel 40 meshes with the first tooth portion 203 of the integral wheel set 20.

[0039] The second tooth portion 204 is configured to cooperate with a jumper 30 included in the secondary drive train 300. The jumper 30 is used to position the integral wheel set 20 in a plurality of successive steps.

[0040] Typically, the jumper 30 cooperates with a spring (not shown) configured to contact the ends of the jumper 30 against two successive teeth in the second tooth portion 204.

[0041] The ends of the jumper 30 have two inclined surfaces supported between the tips of two successive teeth of the second tooth portion 204 of the integral wheel set 20.

[0042] The teeth in the second tooth portion 204 are aligned with the teeth in the first tooth portion 203.

[0043] The teeth in the second tooth portion 204 are axially continuous with a predetermined tooth in the first tooth portion 203, and their alternating arrangement corresponds to the ratio of the number of teeth in the first tooth portion 203 to the number of teeth in the second tooth portion 203.

[0044] That is, the teeth in the second tooth portion 204 coincide with a predetermined tooth in the first tooth portion 203 and form teeth extending across both levels of the platforms 201, 202.

[0045] That is, the teeth in the second tooth portion 204 have tips that coincide with the tips of the teeth in the first tooth portion 203 and form common teeth across both levels of the platforms 201, 202.

[0046] The one-piece wheel set 20 may be made of a metal, a metal alloy or a ceramic material.

[0047] The one-piece wheel set 20 is manufactured by milling. Preferably, the second tooth portion 204 forming the second level of the one-piece wheel set 20 is manufactured by milling from the already milled first tooth portion 203. Thereby, perfect alignment between the two tooth portions 203, 204 of the one-piece wheel set 20 is ensured.

Claims

1. An integrated wheel set (20) including a first tooth portion (203) formed on the periphery of a first platform (201) and a second tooth portion (204) formed on the periphery of a second platform (202) integral with the first platform (201), wherein the first tooth portion (203) includes a number of teeth that is an integer multiple of the number of teeth of the second tooth portion (204).

2. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first tooth portion (203) is configured to mesh with a toothed driving wheel (40).

3. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the second tooth portion (204) is configured to cooperate with a jumper (30) to position the integrated wheel set (20) in a plurality of steps.

4. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the number of teeth of the second tooth portion (204) corresponds to the number of steps by which the integrated wheel set (20) is driven to make one complete rotation.

5. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the teeth of the second tooth portion (204) are aligned with the teeth of the first tooth portion (203).

6. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the teeth of the second tooth portion (204) are continuous with a predetermined tooth of the first tooth portion (203), and the alternating arrangement corresponds to the ratio of the number of teeth of the first tooth portion (203) to the number of teeth of the second tooth portion (204).

7. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the integrated wheel set (20) is made of a metal, a metal alloy or a ceramic material.

8. The integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1, wherein the integrated wheel set (20) is obtained by milling.

9. A timepiece movement (100) including the integrated wheel set (20) according to claim 1.

10. The timepiece movement (100) includes a wheel train (400) for displaying time information and a secondary drive train (300) for displaying additional information, the secondary drive train (300) meshing with the wheel train (400), and the integrated wheel set (20) belonging to the secondary drive train (300), the timepiece movement (100) according to claim 9.

11. The secondary drive train (300) includes a jumper (30) cooperating with the second tooth portion (204) of the integrated wheel set (20), and the first tooth portion (203) of the integrated wheel set (20) cooperating with a toothed drive wheel (40) belonging to the wheel train (400) or the secondary drive train (300), the timepiece movement (100) according to claim 9.

12. A timepiece (200) including the timepiece movement (100) according to claim 9.

13. The timepiece (200) is a wristwatch including a wristwatch case (10) configured to receive and house the timepiece movement (100) according to claim 9, the timepiece (200) according to claim 12.

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