Watch movement with power reserve indicator device

Abstract

We offer watch movements equipped with a power reserve indicator device. [Solution] The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising at least one mainspring barrel 11, 12 and a device for displaying a power reserve 10, wherein the watch movement comprises a winding mechanism comprising a winding gear train 15, a reduction gear train 16 meshing with one of the mainspring barrels, a differential arranged to kinematically couple the winding gear train and the mainspring barrel via a first inlet on a differential 14, the differential having a second inlet and an outlet, coupled to the reduction gear train by the second inlet, the first and second inlets and outlet on the differential being coaxial, and a power reserve indicator module engaging with the outlet of the differential.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watches, and more particularly to a watch movement provided with a device for displaying power reserve.

Background Art

[0002] In a watch movement, a power reserve display device is a watch complication that enables a user to know the level of energy available for displaying time or any other indication of time. In other words, the power reserve display device makes it possible to indicate the charge level of the barrel in the watch movement.

[0003] The power reserve display device comprises, for example, a power reserve indicator such as a pointer, and a differential device that couples the indicator to the barrel, as described in European Patent Application Publication No. 3333637.

[0004] The power reserve display device generally comprises a number of components in order to display an appropriate reduction ratio between the barrel in the watch movement and the power reserve indicator. These numerous components have a significant impact on the cost of the watch movement to be incorporated. Furthermore, since the power reserve display device is relatively bulky, it is difficult to incorporate it into the watch movement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention improves upon the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a watch movement comprising at least one mainspring barrel and a device for displaying the power reserve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The power reserve indicator device is - A hoisting mechanism equipped with a hoisting gear train, - A reduction gear train that meshes with one of the mainspring barrels, - A differential gear arranged to kinematically couple a hoisting gear train and a barrel via a first inlet on the differential gear, wherein the differential gear comprises a second inlet and an outlet, coupled to a reduction gear train by the second inlet, and the first and second inlets and the outlet on the differential gear are coaxial. - It includes a power reserve indicator module that engages with the output of the differential.

[0008] These characteristics are advantageous because they reduce the number of components in the power reserve indicator device, thereby reducing the overall volume.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the present invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] In certain embodiments, the differential includes a satellite driven by a satellite carrier wheel that is rotatably fixed to a shaft, the satellite carrier wheel constituting a first inlet on the differential and having external teeth that mesh with the barrel and winding mechanism.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the second differential gear inlet comprises a solar wheel mounted to be rotatably movable on an axis.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the differential includes a crown that is frictionally rotatably fixed to a pipe constituting the outlet of the differential, the pipe being rotatably movable on an axis, the crown having internal teeth, which kinematically couple to a satellite, preferably via an intermediate wheel that is driven by a satellite carrier wheel and meshes with the satellite.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the power reserve indicator module comprises an index cam fixed to the pipe, a feeler spindle positioned to abut the pipe, and a power reserve indicator coupled to the feeler spindle, wherein the movement of the cam drives the movement of the power reserve indicator.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the clock movement comprises first and second barrels, each having a ratchet wheel and both meshing with a drive wheel, the first barrel comprising a drum coupling the first barrel to a differential, and the second barrel comprising a drum coupling the second barrel to a reduction gear train. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given by non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a bottom-up perspective view of two mainspring barrels and a device for displaying the power reserve in a watch movement according to a preferred typical embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the differential in the power reserve indicator device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the differential engaging with the power reserve indicator module. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of an incense box and a power reserve display device in a watch movement according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Note that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates two incense boxes and a device 10 for displaying power reserve in a watch movement according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] As seen in FIG. 1, a watch movement according to the present invention includes a first incense box 11 and a second incense box 12, which are kinematically coupled to each other by a drive wheel 13 and each include an incense box spring in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

[0020] More specifically, the first incense box 11 and the second incense box 12 each include a drum 110, 120 and a ratchet wheel 111, 121 that preferentially meshes with the drive wheel 13 together. <​​​​​The power reserve indicator device 10 includes a differential gear 14 kinematically inserted between the winding gear train 15 and the first barrel 11 on the winding mechanism. In other words, the differential gear 14 is positioned to kinematically couple the winding gear train 15 and the first barrel 11. The winding mechanism 15, as seen in Figure 1, preferably consists of only two movable parts that are fixed to rotation.

[0023] The winding mechanism can be actuated by a winding crown coupled to the winding stem and / or via an oscillating mass. The winding mechanism is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail below.

[0024] In particular, in a typical embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the differential gear 14 engages with the winding mechanism 15 and the drum 110 on the first barrel 11 via a first inlet consisting of a satellite carrier wheel 140.

[0025] Thus, after the winding mechanism 15 acts in the winding direction, the drum 110 on the first barrel 11 is driven by the satellite carrier wheel 140 in a given rotational direction, for example clockwise as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 1, thereby winding the mainsprings in the first barrel 11 and the second barrel 12. The satellite carrier wheel 140 is equipped with external teeth for this purpose, which engage with the teeth of the drum 110 on the first barrel 11.

[0026] The differential gear 14 also includes a second inlet, through which it is coupled to a second barrel 12 by a reduction gear train 16. The second inlet consists of a solar wheel 141 that is rotatably mounted relative to the satellite carrier wheel 140. In particular, the differential gear 14 includes a shaft 142 on which the satellite carrier wheel 140 is driven, as shown in Figure 2, and the solar wheel 141 is mounted on the shaft 142 to rotate freely.

[0027] As particularly illustrated in Figure 2, in a typical embodiment of the present invention, the solar wheel 141 meshes with a satellite 143, which is driven by a satellite carrier wheel 140. The differential 14 includes a crown 144, which is kinematically coupled to the satellite 143, preferably by an intermediate wheel 145, so as to rotate freely by the satellite carrier wheel 140. In particular, the intermediate wheel 145 meshes with the internal teeth of the crown 144.

[0028] More specifically, the satellite 143 preferably comprises a pinion that meshes with the solar wheel 141 and a wheel that meshes with the intermediate wheel 145.

[0029] In a particular typical embodiment shown, the crown 144 is coaxial with the satellite carrier wheel 140 and is rotatably fixed by friction with a pipe 147 that is rotatable on an axis 142.

[0030] Pipe 147 forms the outlet of the differential gear 14. Advantageously, as shown in Figure 2, the first and second inlets and outlets of the differential gear 14 are coaxially positioned. This characteristic reduces the volume occupied by the differential gear within the watch movement. This particularly compact arrangement makes it possible to reduce the volume required within the watch movement to incorporate the differential gear 14.

[0031] The power reserve indicator device 10 includes a power reserve indicator module 17 that engages with the outlet of the differential 14, as shown in detail in Figure 3.

[0032] In a typical embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the power reserve indicator module 17 includes an indicator, such as a needle or a disc, fixed to the pipe 147, for example, by a swivel shank.

[0033] In another typical embodiment of the present invention, as particularly shown in Figure 3, the power reserve indicator module 17 may include an index cam 146 driven by a pipe 147, which means that it is rotated and fixed by friction with the crown 144.

[0034] Advantageously, as seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the crown 144 is pressed against the index cam 146 by a friction spring 149, such as a convex or concave washer, which is held axially as a stopper against the radial lip of the pipe 147. Alternatively, the crown 144 may be formed by a friction wheel (not shown), which may have a rim with two elastic arms joined at their ends, the elastic arms positioned relative to each other to define a hole into which the pipe 147 engages.

[0035] In a typical embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, a peg 148 is fixed to the index cam 146 and extends along an axis parallel to the shaft 142. As the index cam 146 rotates, the peg 148 is designed to move within a groove provided for this purpose in a structure on the watch movement, such as a bar or plate. This groove (not shown) extends curvilinearly around the shaft 142 between its ends. After the mainsprings of the first barrel 11 and the second barrel 12 are fully wound or fully unwound, the peg 148 abuts against one of these ends, respectively, thereby allowing the crown 144 to slide against the pipe 147 and the index cam 146.

[0036] In this typical embodiment of the present invention, the power reserve indicator module 17 further comprises a rack 171 positioned to abut against the outline of the index cam 146 via a feeler spindle 170, and an indicator pinion 172 on which an indicator for displaying the power reserve is fixed. The indicator pinion 172 meshes with the teeth of the rack 171 and rotates with the movement of the feeler spindle 170 on the outline of the index cam 146.

[0037] The power reserve indicator module 17 also includes a return spring 173 that engages with the indicator pinion 172 to restrain the feeler spindle 170, which contacts the outer shape of the index cam 146, and is positioned to compensate for gear slack. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the return spring 173 is positioned in particular to abut against a peg fixed to the radial lip of the indicator pinion 172.

[0038] In summary, when the hoisting mechanism 15 acts in the hoisting direction, as symbolized by the thick arrow in Figure 1, the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 is rotated by the satellite carrier wheel 140, which rotates itself due to the hoisting mechanism 15. Meanwhile, the satellite carrier wheel 140 drives the satellite 143 and the intermediate wheel 145 in circular motion around the shaft 142 of the differential gear 14. Note that as the satellite carrier wheel 140 rotates, the satellite 143 also engages with the solar wheel 141 and therefore rotates around its axis.

[0039] As described above, when the satellite 143 rotates, the intermediate wheel 145 rotates around its axis, which in turn rotates the crown 144, and as a result the index cam 146 rotates. The feeler spindle 170, which engages with the index cam 146, drives the power reserve indicator, showing the increase in power reserve.

[0040] At the same time, the ratchet wheel 121 of the second barrel 12 rotates via the drive wheel 13 by the ratchet wheel 111 of the first barrel 11, gradually winding the mainspring inside the second barrel 12.

[0041] When the mainspring in the second barrel 12 is fully wound, the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 rotates, releasing the finishing gear train and starting the watch movement. The rotation of the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 rotates the solar wheel 141 via the reduction gear train 16.

[0042] Furthermore, when the winding gear train 15 is not operating and the mainsprings of the first barrel 11 and the second barrel 12 are unspooled, i.e., when the watch movement is operating, the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 transmits rotational motion to the solar wheel 141 via the reduction gear train 16 as described above, and the satellite carrier wheel 140 is fixed. The satellite 143, intermediate wheel 145, and crown 144 rotate around their respective axes. The rotation of the crown 144 rotates the index cam 146 by friction drive, which in turn moves the feeler spindle 170 to drive the power reserve indicator, showing the decrease in power reserve.

[0043] The arrangement of the differential gear 14 is advantageous in that it provides a high reduction ratio between the rotation of the power reserve indicator and the rotation of the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 when the satellite carrier wheel 140 is driven while the mainsprings in the first barrel 11 and the second barrel 12 are being wound. For example, when the drum 110 of the first barrel 11 is driven for several tens of revolutions, for example 25 to 30 revolutions, the power reserve indicator is driven by a partial rotation, for example 0.1 to 0.2 revolutions.

[0044] Similarly, while the mainsprings of the first barrel 11 and the second barrel 12 are unspun, the reduction gear train 16 and the arrangement of the differential 14 can drive the drum 120 of the second barrel 12 to make several tens of revolutions, for example 25 to 30 revolutions, and to make partial revolutions, for example 0.1 to 0.2 revolutions, which can drive the power reserve indicator.

[0045] In another typical embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 4, it can be predicted that the watch movement according to the present invention comprises a single barrel 11 with a mainspring, in a manner originally known to those skilled in the art. The barrel 11 also comprises a drum 110 and a ratchet wheel 111.

[0046] In a typical embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the ratchet wheel 111 is kinematically coupled to the satellite carrier wheel 140, and is rotated by the satellite carrier wheel 140 when the winding gear train 15 acts in the winding direction. This characteristic allows the mainspring barrel 11 to be wound. In this typical embodiment of the present invention, an intermediate wheel 113 is inserted between the ratchet wheel 111 and the satellite carrier wheel 140.

[0047] Similar to the above, the ratchet wheel 111 engages with the click 112 and is locked to rotate by the click 112. Subsequently, only the drum 110 rotates due to the downward action of the mainspring barrel.

[0048] The drum 110 is coupled to the second inlet of the differential 14, namely the solar wheel 141, via the reduction gear train 16.

[0049] More generally, the embodiments and uses described above are non-limiting examples, and it should be noted that other modifications are possible.

[0050] In particular, the power reserve display module 17 may include at least one intermediate wheel that engages with a movable part that moves the power reserve indicator in order to shift the power reserve display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10 Power Reserve Indicator Device 11 The first incense box 12. The second incense box 13. Drive wheels, transmission wheels 14 Differential device 15. Hoisting gear train, hoisting mechanism 16 Reduction gear train 17 Power Reserve Indicator Module 110 drums 111 Ratchet Wheel 112 clicks 113 Intermediate Wheel 120 drums 121 Ratchet Wheel 140 Satellite Carrier Wheel 141 Solar Wheel 142 axes 143 Satellite 144 Crown 145 Intermediate Wheel 146 Indexcam 147 pipes 148 pegs 149 Friction spring 170 Feel Spindle 171 racks 172 Indicator Pinion 173 Spring

Claims

1. A watch movement comprising at least one mainspring barrel (11, 12) and a device for displaying the power reserve (10), wherein the watch movement is such that the device is - A hoisting mechanism equipped with a hoisting gear train (15), - A reduction gear train (16) that meshes with one of the aforementioned mainspring barrels (11; 12), - A differential gear (14) is arranged to kinematically couple the hoisting gear train (15) and the mainspring barrel (11) via a first inlet on the differential gear (14), wherein the differential gear (14) comprises a second inlet and an outlet, and is coupled to the reduction gear train (16) by the second inlet, A watch movement characterized by comprising a power reserve indicator module (17) that engages with the outlet of the differential (14).

2. The watch movement according to claim 1, wherein the differential (14) comprises a satellite (143) moved by a satellite carrier wheel (140) rotatably fixed to a shaft (142), the satellite carrier wheel (140) constituting the first inlet on the differential and having external teeth that mesh with the barrel (11) and the winding mechanism (15).

3. The clock movement according to claim 2, wherein the second inlet (14) of the differential is comprised of a solar wheel (141) rotatably mounted on the shaft (142).

4. The watch movement according to claim 3, wherein the differential (14) comprises a crown (144) that is rotatably fixed by friction to a pipe (147) constituting the outlet of the differential, the pipe is rotatably supported on the shaft (142), and the crown (144) has internal teeth and is kinematically coupled to the satellite (143) by the internal teeth.

5. The watch movement according to claim 4, wherein the crown (144) is moved by the satellite carrier wheel (140) and kinematically coupled to the satellite (143) via an intermediate wheel (145) that meshes with the satellite (143).

6. The watch movement according to claim 4, wherein the power reserve indicator module (17) comprises an index cam (146) fixed to the pipe (147), a feeler spindle (170) positioned to abut against the pipe, and a power reserve indicator coupled to the feeler spindle (170), the movement of the index cam drives the movement of the power reserve indicator.

7. The watch movement according to claim 5, wherein the power reserve indicator module (17) comprises an index cam (146) fixed to the pipe (147), a feeler spindle (170) positioned to abut against the pipe, and a power reserve indicator coupled to the feeler spindle (170), the movement of the index cam drives the movement of the power reserve indicator.

8. A watch movement according to claim 1, comprising first and second barrels (11, 12), each having a ratchet wheel l (111, 121), and both meshing with a drive wheel (13), wherein the first barrel (11) comprises a drum (110) that couples the first barrel (11) to the differential (14), and the second barrel (12) comprises a drum (120) that couples the second barrel (12) to the reduction gear train.

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