Escapement device for timepiece

Abstract

To propose, particularly, first of all, an escapement device (or more specifically an escape wheel) that is compact, and / or devoid of complex pieces to manufacture and / or assemble, and / or robust, and / or that has high operating efficiency.SOLUTION: The invention relates to an escapement device 10 of a timepiece. The escapement device includes a first escape wheel 12 pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation A1, the first escape wheel comprising toothing equipped with first teeth and with second teeth, and a second escape wheel 22 pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation A2, the second escape wheel comprising toothing arranged to at least cooperate with the second teeth of the first escape wheel. In the escapement device, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has an arm shape comprising at least one extreme protrusion arranged to cooperate with the toothing of the second escape wheel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to an escapement device for a mechanical timepiece. In particular, the present invention relates to an escapement device including two escape wheels. According to one aspect, the present invention can relate to an escapement device including an escape wheel arranged to apply an impact, in particular a tangential impact, to a blocking movable element of the escapement device for a mechanical timepiece. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art of escapement devices, it is known to propose a natural escapement including two escape wheels, each of which cooperates on the one hand with an articulating pallet and on the other hand with an impulse jewel provided on the balance, so as to ensure direct cooperation with one of the two escape wheels. However, such an escapement device is bulky and has a complicated mechanism, as shown in EP 4198641. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above, and in particular to propose an escapement device (or more specifically an escape wheel) that is first of all compact, does not include complex parts to manufacture and / or assemble, is robust, and / or has high operating efficiency.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to an escapement device for a timepiece, adapted to receive a driving force from a drive train of the timepiece and to transmit impulses in order to maintain the oscillation of an oscillator of the timepiece, said escapement device comprising: a first escape wheel pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, the first escape wheel including a toothing with a first tooth and a second tooth configured to transmit at least an impulse to maintain oscillation of the oscillator; a second escape wheel pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation, the second escape wheel including teeth adapted to transmit at least impulses to maintain oscillation of the oscillator and to cooperate with a second tooth of the first escape wheel; wherein the escapement device comprises: Each second tooth of the first escape wheel has an arm shape including at least one tip protrusion configured to cooperate with a tooth portion of the second escape wheel.

[0005] According to the above-described implementation, the escapement device includes a first escape wheel including a toothing having a first tooth and a second tooth different from the first tooth (different in shape, size, and / or number). The first tooth is configured or provided to cooperate with at least the blocking movable element (generally involved in blocking and / or transmitting impulses). The second tooth is configured or provided to cooperate with the toothing of the second escape wheel (generally involved in driving and / or blocking the second escape wheel). For this purpose, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has an arm or branch shape including at least one tip protrusion that allows each second tooth to cooperate with the toothing of the second escape wheel via its end, thereby minimizing inertia and enabling the provision of a large number of first and / or second teeth. In this way, the remainder of the second teeth, i.e., the remaining part or structure of the second teeth, can have a minimal size. Therefore, by having each second tooth of the first escape wheel have at least one tip protrusion that enables each second tooth to cooperate with the second escape wheel, it is possible to maximize the thickness of the first escape tooth, minimize the thickness of the second tooth, and / or maximize the number of escape teeth.

[0006] The escapement device may be defined by the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination:

[0007] According to one embodiment, the teeth of the second escape wheel include first teeth configured to transmit at least an impulse to maintain oscillation of the oscillator and second teeth configured to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel, and each second tooth of the second escape wheel has an arm shape including at least one tip protrusion configured to cooperate with the teeth of the first escape wheel.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the second tooth of the first escape wheel is configured to cooperate with the first tooth of the second escape wheel, and the cooperation between the second tooth of the first escape wheel and the first tooth of the second escape wheel is caused exclusively or only by the tip protrusion of the second tooth of the first escape wheel; and / or The second tooth of the second escape wheel is configured to cooperate with the first tooth of the first escape wheel, and the cooperation between the second tooth of the second escape wheel and the first tooth of the first escape wheel occurs exclusively or only by the tip protrusion of the second tooth of the second escape wheel. In other words, the remainder of the second tooth of the first escape wheel or the second escape wheel, i.e., the remaining part or structure of the second tooth, does not cooperate with the first tooth of the second escape wheel or the first escape wheel, respectively. Therefore, the shape, size, and / or dimensions of the remainder of the second tooth can be adjusted without taking into account the cooperation with the first tooth.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the tip projection of each second tooth of the first escape wheel is arranged to cooperate exclusively with a first tooth of the second escape wheel; and / or - the tip projection of each second tooth of the second escape wheel is arranged to cooperate exclusively with the first tooth of the first escape wheel. In other words, the remainder of the second tooth of the first escape wheel or the second escape wheel, i.e., the remaining part or structure of the second tooth, does not cooperate with the first tooth of the second escape wheel or the first escape wheel, respectively, and the tip projection of the second tooth of the first escape wheel or the second escape wheel only cooperates with the first tooth of the second escape wheel or the first escape wheel, respectively. Therefore, the shape, size, and dimensions of the remainder of the second tooth can be adjusted without taking into account cooperation with the first tooth, and the shape, size, and dimensions of the tip projection of the second tooth do not affect other components or parts of the escapement device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the escapement device comprises a blocking movable element, which includes: -reversibly blocking the rotation of the first escape wheel and / or the second escape wheel; receiving impulses from the first escape wheel and / or the second escape wheel in order to transmit the impulses to the oscillator and thus maintain the oscillation of the oscillator; In other words, a blocking mobile element is arranged between each of the escape wheels and the oscillator. Thus, according to one embodiment, the escapement device is an indirect impact device, and the escape wheels do not cooperate directly with the oscillator.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first tooth of the first escape wheel has a tip which cooperates exclusively with the blocking movable element, the first tooth of the second escape wheel has a tip which cooperates exclusively with the blocking mobile element;

[0012] According to one embodiment, each at least one tip protrusion of each of the second teeth of the first escape wheel has a first engagement portion configured to contact a toothing of the second escape wheel during cooperation of each second tooth of the first escape wheel with a toothing of the second escape wheel; Each first engagement portion is disposed between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.94.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.96.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.98.DTDD1, where DTDD1 is the head circle diameter of the second tooth of the first escape wheel. In other words, each tip protrusion and / or each first engagement portion is disposed at or near the end of the second tooth.

[0013] According to one embodiment, each first engagement portion comprises: at least one rounded, preferably convex and / or protruding surface, - at least one flat surface, - at least one ridge, and / or -Has a tip shape.

[0014] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has at least one second engagement portion arranged to contact a toothing of the second escape wheel during cooperation between each second tooth of the first escape wheel and a toothing of the second escape wheel; The second engagement portions are at least partially disposed between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.50.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.95.DTDD1 and 0.60.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.90.DTDD1 and 0.70.DTDD1, where DTDD1 is the head circle diameter of the second tooth of the first escape wheel. Thus, each second engagement portion is disposed closer to the center of the escape wheel than each first engagement portion.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each second engagement portion includes at least one convex contact surface. According to one embodiment, each second engagement portion may include an involute portion of a circle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first escape wheel has a first side surface and a second side surface facing opposite to each other, and at least one tip protrusion is disposed on or beside the first side surface, and at least one second engagement portion is disposed on or beside the second side surface.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each second tooth of the first arm shape of the escape wheel has: a second tooth foot defining a second tooth foot diameter DPDD1; a second tooth thickness EDD1; and a second tooth tip defining a second tooth head diameter DTDD1; and From the second tooth foot to the second tooth tip, the second tooth thickness EDD1 varies by less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, preferably less than 20% relative to the second tooth thickness EDDPr1 measured at the second tooth average diameter DPrDD1 defined by the following formula: DPrDD1=(DPDD1+DTDD1) / 2

[0018] According to the above implementation, each second tooth of the first escape wheel may have a branch or arm shape, or even a beam shape, with a free end and a constant thickness or a thickness that varies by less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, preferably less than 20% relative to the average thickness (e.g., the average thickness measured along the second tooth).

[0019] According to one embodiment, each first tooth of the first escape wheel has: a first tooth foot defining a first tooth foot diameter DPPD1; a first tooth thickness EPD1, and a first tooth tip defining a first tooth head diameter DTPD1; and From the first tooth foot to the first tooth tip, the first tooth thickness EPD1 varies by at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 80% relative to the first tooth thickness EPDPr1 measured at the first tooth average diameter DPrPD1 defined by the following formula: DPrPD1 = (DPPD1 + DTPD1) / 2

[0020] According to the above implementation form, each first tooth may have at least one involute portion of a circle.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the second tooth root diameter DPDD1 is equal to or substantially equal to the first tooth root diameter DPPD1. According to one alternative embodiment, the second tooth root diameter DPDD1 may be different from the first tooth root diameter DPPD1.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first tooth thickness EPDPr1 measured at the average diameter DPrPD1 of the first tooth is strictly greater than the second tooth thickness EDDPr1 measured at the average diameter DPrDD1 of the second tooth, preferably 3·EDDPr1 < EPDPr1, preferably 3.5·EDDPr1 < EPDPr1.

[0023] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ According to one embodiment, two adjacent second teeth of the first escape wheel are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry that includes the first axis of rotation of the first escape wheel.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first escape wheel is 10 to 14 second teeth, preferably 12 second teeth, and / or - 5 to 7 first teeth, preferably 6 first teeth.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 is strictly greater than the second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 of the first gear is substantially equal to or equal to the first tooth head diameter DTPD2 of the second gear.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the teeth of the first escape wheel are identical to the teeth of the second escape wheel. According to one embodiment, the first escape wheel is identical to the second escape wheel.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the tip protrusion is oriented and / or forms a protrusion along a tangent direction of a circle centered on the first axis of rotation of the first escape wheel and passing through the tip protrusion.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention may relate to an escape wheel for a timepiece escapement, the escape wheel comprising: - Receives driving force from the clock's drivetrain, -Transmits impulses to maintain the vibration of the watch oscillator, - cooperating with the blocking element of the escapement device, another escape wheel pivoting about a second axis of rotation, the escape wheel including teeth and forming the second escape wheel of the escapement device; a further escape wheel pivotally mounted about the first axis of rotation and cooperating with the other escape wheel, the escape wheel including teeth and forming the first escape wheel of the escapement device; It is structured as follows: The escape wheel includes a tooth portion, and the tooth portion a first tooth adapted to cooperate with at least the blocking movable element; a second tooth adapted to cooperate with a second escape wheel tooth; In the escape wheel, Each second tooth is characterized in that it has the shape of an arm including at least one tip protrusion configured to cooperate with a tooth portion of the second escape wheel.

[0034] A third aspect of the invention may relate to an escape wheel of an escapement device of a timepiece, the escape wheel comprising: - Receives driving force from the clock's drivetrain, -Transmits impulses to maintain the vibration of the watch oscillator, - cooperating with the blocking element of the escapement device, - forming a first escape wheel of the escapement device pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, the first escape wheel forming a second escape wheel of the escapement device and cooperating with another escape wheel including teeth, It is structured as follows: The escape wheel includes a tooth portion, and the tooth portion a first tooth adapted to cooperate with at least the blocking movable element; a second tooth adapted to cooperate with the first tooth and / or the second escape wheel toothing; In the escape wheel, Each second tooth has the shape of an arm curved along a radius of curvature, and the radii of curvature of two adjacent second teeth are opposite to each other. In other words, for a pair of two adjacent second teeth, the first and second teeth are curved along a first rotational direction or a first tangential direction, and the second tooth is curved along a second rotational direction or a second tangential direction (opposite to the first rotational direction or the first tangential direction, respectively).

[0035] According to one embodiment, two adjacent second teeth have a U-shape or a horseshoe shape.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the second escape wheel teeth include a first tooth and a second tooth, when the second tooth of the second escape wheel cooperates with the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing portion, the second tooth of the second escape wheel has an inner surface facing the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing portion, The inner surface of the second tooth of the second escape wheel has a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing. Generally, when the second tooth of the escape wheel cooperates with the first tooth of the other escape wheel toothing, the second tooth of the escape wheel has an inner surface facing the first tooth of the other escape wheel toothing, The inner surface of the second tooth of the escape wheel has a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first tooth of the other escape wheel toothing.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second escape wheel teeth include a first tooth and a second tooth, when the second tooth of the second escape wheel cooperates with the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing portion, the second tooth of the second escape wheel has an inner surface facing the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing portion, The inner surface of the second tooth of the second escape wheel has a center of curvature located on the same inner surface side as the center of curvature of the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing. Generally, when the second tooth of the escape wheel cooperates with the first tooth of the other escape wheel toothing, the second tooth of the escape wheel has an inner surface facing the first tooth of the other escape wheel toothing, The inner surface of the second tooth of the escape wheel has a center of curvature that is arranged on the same inner surface side as the center of curvature of the first tooth of the other escape wheel tooth portion.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the second tooth of the second escape wheel is concave and the first tooth of the first escape wheel toothing is convex. Generally, the inner surface of the second tooth of each escape wheel is concave to cooperate with the first convex tooth of the first tooth of the other escape wheel.

[0039] A fourth aspect of the invention may relate to a timepiece including an escapement device according to the first aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 shows a general view of the escapement mechanism, including in particular the first escape wheel, the second escape wheel and the blocking moving element.

[0042] [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the first escape wheel of FIG. 1.

[0043] [Figure 2b] 2b shows a diagram showing a detail of the first escape wheel of FIG. 2a.

[0044] [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the second escape wheel of FIG. 1.

[0045] [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b shows a diagram showing a detail of the second escape wheel of FIG. 3a.

[0046] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first escape wheel of FIG. 2 or the second escape wheel of FIG. 3.

[0047] [Figure 5] This shows the first stage in which the first escape wheel of FIG. 2 meshes with the second escape wheel of FIG. 3.

[0048] [Figure 6] This shows the second stage where the first escape wheel of FIG. 2 meshes with the second escape wheel of FIG. 3.

[0049] [Figure 7] This represents the third stage in which the first escape wheel of FIG. 2 meshes with the second escape wheel of FIG. 3.

[0050] [Figure 8]10A-10C show alternative embodiments of the teeth of the first escape wheel and / or the second escape wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a general view of an escapement device 10 cooperating with a balance 51 (not shown, but whose balance plate 511 is shown) of an oscillator 5, which escapement device 10 in particular comprises: a first escapement movable element 1, a second escapement movable element 2, a blocking movable element 4, Includes.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, a first escapement movable element 1 rotatable about a first axis of rotation A1 and including a first pinion 13 (provided to engage the drive train of the timepiece) and a first escape wheel 12 that can generally be driven on a first shaft of rotation; the second escapement movable element 2 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation A2 and generally includes a second escape wheel 22 that can be driven on a second shaft of rotation; the blocking mobile element 4 is pivoted about a fourth axis of rotation A4 and comprises first and second impact means 42a, 42b; the balance plate 511 is mounted to rotate about a fifth axis of rotation A5 and generally includes a pin 511a arranged to cooperate with the first impact means 42a and the second impact means 42b of the blocking mobile element 4;

[0053] In operation, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 alternately come into contact with the pivoted blocking mobile element 4, and the first impact means 42a and the second impact means 42b are arranged to cooperate with the pin 511a of the balance plate 511 so as to impart an impact or enable the release of the balance 51. Advantageously, the toothing of the first escape wheel 12 and the toothing of the second escape wheel 22 are identical. In particular, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are identical, the second escape wheel 22 simply being mounted inside out relative to the first escape wheel 12. The first escape wheel 12 further comprises a pinion 13 coaxial with the first escape wheel 12, which pinion 13 engages with a mobile element of the drive train, not shown.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2a, the first escape wheel 12 includes a toothing portion, which includes: a first tooth 121 adapted to cooperate with at least the blocking mobile element 4, as will be explained below; a second tooth 111 configured to cooperate with the toothing of the second escape wheel 22, as will be explained below.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3a, the second escape wheel 22 includes teeth, which are a first tooth 221 adapted to cooperate with at least the blocking mobile element 4, as will be explained below; a second tooth 211 configured to cooperate with the toothing of the first escape wheel 12, as explained below.

[0056] The first teeth 121, 221 of each of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are respectively provided to cooperate by contact with the impact means 41a, 41b and the blocking means 43a, 43b of the blocking movable element 4. These same first teeth 121, 221 of each of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are also provided to cooperate by contact with the second teeth 211, 111 of the second escape wheel 22 and the first escape wheel 12, respectively, as will be described in detail in the sections corresponding to Figures 5 to 7.

[0057] Figures 2a and 3a show overall views of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, respectively, and Figures 2b and 3b show detailed views of the second teeth 111, 211 of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, respectively.

[0058] The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are similar and only Figures 2a and 2b will be described in detail below.

[0059] 2a shows in particular the second tooth 111, which extends from the second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 to the second tooth head diameter DTDD1. The first tooth 121 extends from the second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 to the first tooth head diameter DTPD1. These first teeth 121 each include an escapement means 121a, in particular an escapement face 121a, at the first tooth head diameter DTPD1. These means 121a form tips 121a, which cooperate with the impact means 41a or the blocking means 43a of the blocking mobile element 4. It should be noted that FIG. 1 in particular shows the first escape wheel 12, which rotates counterclockwise and provides a tangential impact via its tip 121a to the impact means 41a of the blocking mobile element 4.

[0060] Also, the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 is strictly larger than the second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0061] The first teeth 121 and the second teeth 111 are arranged in the same plane P. In particular, two second teeth 111 are arranged between two consecutive first teeth 121. The space separating two consecutive second teeth 111 defines a housing 113 that can accommodate the first teeth 221 of the second escape wheel 22 while the first escape wheel 12 is engaged with the second escape wheel 22.

[0062] The second tooth 111 has a thickness EDDPr1 that is substantially smaller than the thickness EDPPr1 of the first tooth 121, for example, at a second tooth average diameter DPrDD1 whose arc is located equidistant from the arc of the second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 and the arc of the second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0063] In particular, 3·EDDPr1 ≤ EPDPr1, or 3.5·EDDPr1 ≤ EPDPr1.

[0064] The distance d1 separating the two second teeth 111 at the mean diameter DPrDD1 of the second teeth, or alternatively the spread d1 of the housing 113 at the mean diameter DPrDD1 of the second teeth, is strictly greater than the thickness EPDPr1 of the first tooth 121. In particular, 1.2·EPDPr1 ≤ d1, or 1.3·EPDPr1 ≤ d1 can be adopted.

[0065] Each of the second teeth 111 has a tip projection 111a (for example, in the form of a tip) disposed at the second tooth head diameter DTDD1, and the tip projection 111a is provided to cooperate by contacting the side surface 221b or 221c of the first tooth 221 of the second bevel gear 22, particularly the first tooth 221 of the second bevel gear 22.

[0066] In one particular embodiment, these tip projections 111a are in the form of a rounded surface that is continuous with the inner side surface 111c of the second tooth 111, and the inner side surface 111c constitutes the wall portion of the housing 113. In particular, these tip projections 111a extend from the second tooth head diameter DTDD1 to an intermediate second tooth diameter DTDD1', where DTDD1' < DTDD1, particularly 1.05·DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1, or 1.04·DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1, or 1.02·DTDD1' ≤ DTDD1.

[0067] Instead of the shape of FIG. 1, these tip projections 111a may take the form of a combination of at least one straight surface and / or at least one curved surface, and the combined form may or may not form a continuous surface. Alternatively, these tip projections 111a may exclusively take the form of a straight surface. Alternatively, these tip projections 111a may take the form of a protrusion.

[0068] These tip projections 111a are arranged at the second tooth head diameter DTDD1 and form part of the head of the second tooth 111, or constitute the head of the second tooth 111 when DTDD1' - DTDD1 or DTDD1' = DTDD1.

[0069] Advantageously, the inner side surface 111c is non-functional and only the tip projection 111a is functional to enable the actuation of the first tooth, and vice versa. Thus, the inner side surface 111c can be shaped to maximize the dimensions of the housing 113 and / or to minimize the thickness EDDPr1 of the second tooth 111.

[0070] Thus, in one particular embodiment, the second tooth 111 is curved, so that the inner side surface 111c is advantageously set back from the side surfaces 221b, 221c of the first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22 during the meshing of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22. In particular, the second tooth 111 is concave when viewed from the housing 113, and unlike conventional teeth, its protrusion is ogive-shaped, and its side surface is convex when viewed from the space between two consecutive second teeth (FIG. 2b or FIG. 3b). Preferably, the second tooth 111 is symmetrical with respect to a plane P1 passing through the first pivot axis A1 of the first escape wheel 12.

[0071] Each of the second teeth 111 also has a functional side surface 111b to enable driving of a second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22, in particular by contact with a functional side surface 211b of another second tooth 211. These functional side surfaces 111b extend from a second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 to a second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

[0072] These functional sides 111b are convex, like the sides of conventional teeth, when viewed from the space between the second teeth 111 and the first teeth 121. This space defines a housing 114. The distance d2 separating the second teeth 111 from the first teeth 121 at the average diameter DPrDD1 of the second teeth, or in other words the extent d2 of the housing 114 at the average diameter DPrDD1 of the second teeth, is strictly greater than the thickness EDDPr1 of the first teeth 121.

[0073] In particular, 1.1.EDDPr1≦d2, or 1.2.EDDPr1≦d2.

[0074] Each of the first teeth 121 includes functional side surfaces 121b, 121c extending between the second tooth foot diameter DPDD1 and the second tooth head diameter DTDD1 for a portion thereof. In particular, these side surfaces 121b, 121c are convex when viewed from the space between the second tooth and the first tooth and, like conventional teeth, are symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 passing through the first pivot axis A1 of the first escape wheel 12. These side surfaces are dedicated solely to the function of meshing the first escape wheel 12 with the second escape wheel 22. The first tooth portion 121 included between the second tooth head diameter DTDD1 and the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 and ending at the tip 121a is dedicated solely to the escapement function.

[0075] In the particular non-limiting example shown, the second escape wheel 22 has the same characteristics as the first escape wheel 12. The reference number associated with its characteristics begins with a "2" instead of the "1" of the reference number associated with the characteristics of the first escape wheel 12, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The alphabetical reference number associated with its diameter, thickness, or dimension ends with a "2" instead of the "1" of the alphabetical reference number associated with the diameter, thickness, or dimension of the first escape wheel 12.

[0076] 4 shows a front view of the first escape wheel 12 or the second escape wheel 22. This escape wheel advantageously has a single horizontal surface extending on the plane P and has a constant height h1. The thickness EDDPr1 of the second tooth 111 (and / or the thickness EDDPr2 of the second tooth 211) is smaller than the height h1 or is much smaller than the thickness h1. In particular, 1.5.EDDPr1≦h1.

[0077] 5 to 7 show different stages of meshing between the first escape wheel and pinion 12 and the second escape wheel and pinion 22.

[0078] 5 shows the first escape wheel 12 rotating counterclockwise around the first rotation axis A1 of the first escape wheel 12 to drive the second escape wheel 22 clockwise around its second rotation axis A2. This engagement is first performed by the first tooth 121 of the first escape wheel 12, and the side surface 121b of this tooth acts by contacting the protruding portion 211a of the second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22. This contact between the first tooth 121 and the second tooth 211 is performed exclusively by the side surface 121b of the first tooth 121 and the protruding portion 211a of the second tooth 211.

[0079] 6 shows a sequence following that of FIG. 5, in which the second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12 acts by contacting the second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22. In particular, the side surface 111b of the second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12 drives the side surface 211b of the second tooth 211 of the second escape wheel 22.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a sequence following that of Figure 6, in which the second tooth 111 of the first escape wheel 12 follows the engaged second tooth 111 of Figure 6 and acts by contacting the protruding portion 111a of that tooth against the side surface 221c of the first tooth 221 of the second escape wheel 22.

[0081] These different sequences are repeated, allowing the first escape wheel 12 to drive the second escape wheel 22.

[0082] In one particular embodiment, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 each include six first teeth 121, 221 and six pairs of second teeth 111, 211. Naturally, these numbers may vary depending on the desired version of the escapement.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the second tooth 111; On the left side of FIG. 8 is a first variant embodiment in which the second tooth 111 has an inner flank 111c that is straight or planar and has a non-curved portion, as in FIG. 2b or 3b; -The right side of Figure 8 is a second modified embodiment in which the second tooth 111 has a protrusion 111a at its tip that protrudes toward the inner side surface 111c, as in Figure 2b or Figure 3b, and does not have a curved portion that is continuous with the inner side surface 111c.

[0084] Advantageously, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are perforated as much as possible to minimize their inertia. In particular, the first teeth 121, 221 are perforated. The hubs of the escape wheels 12, 22 are also perforated. The small thickness EDDPr1 of the second teeth 111, 211 contributes significantly to minimizing the inertia of the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22, and makes it possible to install the desired number of first teeth with respect to the operation of the escapement in which these escape wheels are involved.

[0085] The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 are preferably obtained by micromachining techniques, for example by laser cutting, in particular by femtosecond laser, or by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), or by LIGA.

[0086] The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 may comprise all or part of single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, amorphous silicon dioxide, doped silicon regardless of the type and level of doping, or porous silicon, regardless of the orientation. They may also comprise silicon carbide, glass, ceramic, quartz, ruby, or sapphire. Alternatively, they may be made of a metal or a metal alloy, in particular an at least partially amorphous metal alloy. For example, they may comprise nickel Ni or a nickel-phosphorus alloy NiP. The first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 may be provided to be made of different materials. industrial use

[0087] The escapement device according to the invention and its manufacture are suitable for industrial applications.

[0088] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0089] In particular, the first escape wheel 12 and the second escape wheel 22 can be provided so as to differ from one another both in terms of the dimensions of the hub or its interface with the shaft to which it is added, and in terms of material.

[0090] It is also possible to provide at least one of the escape wheels described above for use in any other type of escapement, such as, for example, a natural escapement or a direct impulse escapement.

[0091] The second teeth may not be symmetrical in pairs and / or may not have a constant or nearly constant thickness throughout their height.

Claims

1. An escapement device (10) for a timepiece configured to receive a driving force from a drive train of the timepiece and to transmit impulses to maintain oscillation of an oscillator (5) of said timepiece, a first escape wheel (12) pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation (A1), the first escape wheel (12) including a toothing with a first tooth (121) and a second tooth (111) configured to transmit at least said impulses in order to maintain said oscillation of said oscillator (5); a second escape wheel (22) pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation (A2), the second escape wheel (22) transmitting at least said impulses to maintain said oscillations of said oscillator (5) and including a toothing adapted to cooperate with said second tooth (111) of said first escape wheel (12); An escapement device (10) comprising: an escapement device (10) characterized in that each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has an arm shape including at least one tip protrusion (111 a) configured to cooperate with the tooth portion of the second escape wheel (22).

2. 2. The escapement device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the toothing of the second escape wheel (22) includes a first tooth (221) configured to at least transmit the impulse to maintain the oscillation of the oscillator (5) and a second tooth (211) configured to cooperate with the toothing of the first escape wheel (12), and each second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) has an arm shape including at least one tip protrusion (211 a) configured to cooperate with the toothing of the first escape wheel (12).

3. the second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) is configured to cooperate with the first tooth (221) of the second escape wheel (22), and the cooperation between the second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) and the first tooth (221) of the second escape wheel (22) is caused exclusively by the tip protrusion (111a) of the second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12); and / or the second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) is configured to cooperate with the first tooth (121) of the first escape wheel (12), and the cooperation between the second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) and the first tooth (121) of the first escape wheel (12) is caused exclusively by the tip protrusion (211a) of the second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22); 3. An escapement device (10) according to claim 2.

4. the tip projection (111a) of each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) is arranged to cooperate exclusively with the first tooth (221) of the second escape wheel (22); and / or the tip projection (211a) of each second tooth (211) of the second escape wheel (22) is arranged to cooperate exclusively with the first tooth (121) of the first escape wheel (12); An escapement device (10) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. - reversibly blocking the rotation of said first escape wheel (12) and / or said second escape wheel (22); - receiving said impulses from said first escape wheel (12) and / or said second escape wheel (22) in order to transmit said impulses to said oscillator (5) and thus maintain said oscillation of said oscillator (5); a blocking movable element (4) arranged so as to An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. An escapement device (10) according to claim 5, in which the first tooth (121) of the first escape wheel (12) has a tip (121a) which cooperates exclusively with the blocking mobile element (4), - depending on any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, in which the first tooth (221) of the second escape wheel (22) has a tip (221a) which cooperates exclusively with the blocking mobile element (4); 6. An escapement device (10) according to claim 5.

7. Each at least one tip protrusion (111a) of the first escape wheel (12) has a first engagement portion configured to contact the tooth portion of the second escape wheel (22) during the cooperation between each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) and the tooth portion of the second escape wheel (22), Each first engagement portion is disposed between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.94.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.96.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.98.DTDD1, and DTDD1 is the head circle diameter of the second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12); An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Each first engagement portion is at least one rounded, preferably convex and / or protruding surface, at least one flat surface, and / or - at least one ridge 8. The escapement device (10) of claim 7, comprising:

9. Each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has at least one second engagement portion provided to contact the tooth portion of the second escape wheel (22) during the cooperation between each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) and the tooth portion of the second escape wheel (22), the second engagement portion is at least partially disposed between two circles of diameters DTDD1 and 0.50.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.95.DTDD1 and 0.60.DTDD1, preferably between two circles of diameters 0.90.DTDD1 and 0.70.DTDD1, DTDD1 being the head circle diameter of the second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12); An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 10. An escapement device (10) according to claim 9, wherein each second tooth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) has oppositely facing first and second sides, the at least one tip projection (111 a) is arranged on or beside the first side, and the at least one second engagement portion is arranged on or beside the second side, each second engagement portion comprising in particular at least one convex contact surface.

11. 11. An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first tooth thickness EPDPr1 measured at the mean diameter DPrPD1 of the first teeth is strictly greater than the second tooth thickness EDDPr1 measured at the mean diameter DPrDD1 of the second teeth, preferably 3. EDDPr1<EPDPr1, preferably 3.

5. EDDPr1<EPDPr1.

12. The second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) are arranged in pairs between the first teeth (121) of the first escape wheel (12), An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in particular, wherein two adjacent second teeth (111) of the first escape wheel (12) are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the first axis of rotation (A1) of the first escape wheel (12).

13. An escapement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tooth head diameter DTPD1 is strictly greater than said second tooth head diameter DTDD1.

14. 14. An escapement device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the toothing of the first escape wheel (12) is identical to the toothing of the second escape wheel (22).

15. A timepiece including at least one escapement device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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