Automatic watch movement

Abstract

To provide an automatic winding mechanism that does not hide the movement. [Solution] The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a base (12, 12a, 12b), a gear train (11), a barrel (60), and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel (60). The winding mechanism comprises a winding weight (14) articulated to the base (12a, 12b) by a plurality of rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) so that the winding weight can undergo a circular translational movement. The winding mechanism further comprises transmission means arranged to transmit the movement of the winding weight (14) to the barrel (60). The winding weight (14) is connected to the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) so that its circular translational movement is limited to a plane parallel to the general plane of the watch movement. Furthermore, the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) can freely rotate 360°.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to watch movements with an automatic winding mechanism, which comprises a winding weight arranged to perform a circular translational movement. [Background technology]

[0002] Most automatic winding mechanisms use a semicircular oscillator mounted at the center of the watch movement so that it can rotate along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the movement. The disadvantage of this type of oscillator is that it is located on the case back of the watch, at least partially obscuring the watch movement. This arrangement is not always desirable, especially when the case back is made of sapphire crystal to highlight the unique appearance of the movement.

[0003] To address this issue, Patent Document 1 (CH706350) proposes a watch movement comprising a case, various components such as a barrel and a gear train attached to the case, and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel. The winding mechanism comprises a winding weight and a transmission means for transmitting the movement of the winding weight to the barrel to wind it. The winding weight is pivotally mounted on the case and articulated on at least two arms. The winding weight is further configured to perform a circular translational movement that allows it to complete a full revolution around the case in a plane perpendicular to the general plane of the watch movement.

[0004] Therefore, a significant amount of internal space must be provided within the watch case to allow for movement of the winding weight in that vertical plane, which affects the thickness of the watch case, which must be thick enough to allow the amplitude of the mass movement to effectively wind the barrel.

[0005] Patent Document 2 (CH157093) and Patent Document 3 (CH168493) disclose other examples of automatic watch movements with unconventional oscillators. The winding mechanism comprises, inter alia, a barrel and a frame with a winding weight. The winding weight is connected to the frame by arms whose rotation axes are parallel to the general plane of the watch movement. The distance between the winding weight and the frame varies depending on the position of the weight. As a result, as in Patent Document 1 (CH706350), a sufficient volume must be provided within the watch case to accommodate the movement of the winding weight.

[0006] Furthermore, the plane in which the winding weight oscillates in the above-described mechanism is not optimal for the most common movement of the wearer's arm, which is to rock along the body, which has a significant impact on the winding efficiency of the barrel.

[0007] Patent Document 4 (CH707942A2) relates to an automatic winding mechanism that winds up a barrel by the rotational movement of two winding weights connected to the barrel. The two winding weights are mechanically connected by a rigid synchronizer that serves as a connecting rod. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent No. 706350 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent No. 157093 [Patent Document 3] Swiss Patent No. 168493 [Patent Document 4] Swiss Patent No. 707942 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a watch movement with an automatic winding mechanism that does not conceal the movement, while at least partly overcoming the problems of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is achieved in particular by a watch movement comprising a base, a gear train, a barrel, and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel. The winding mechanism comprises a winding weight articulated to the base by a rotating arm, allowing the winding weight to perform a circular translational movement. The winding mechanism further comprises transmission means arranged to transmit the movement of the winding weight to the barrel. The winding weight is connected to the rotating arm in such a way that its circular translation is limited to a plane parallel to the general plane of the watch movement. Furthermore, the rotating arm is free to swivel 360°.

[0011] In one embodiment, the watch movement further comprises a frame connected to or integrally formed with the winding weight, the rotating arm being pivotally connected to the frame, and the rotating arm being further arranged to pivot in a plane located between the frame and the base.

[0012] In one embodiment, the hoist weight comprises an imbalance generator.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frame comprises at least a first and a second fixed part to which the rotating arm is connected, and at least a first and a second support part for supporting the inertial mass of the winding weight, which together create an unbalanced state of the winding weight. The fixed parts and the support parts are alternately arranged on the frame around the center of the watch movement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the proof mass is located on one side of the frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first fixed part and the second fixed part are each connected to the base by two rotating arms.

[0016] In one embodiment, each inertial mass has an outer surface that is attached facing a portion of the intermediate case of the watch case when the watch movement is assembled in the case, and an inner surface that faces the outer surface, and the inner surface of at least one inertial mass is provided with a recess that partially surrounds at least one component of the watch movement, in particular the gear train, when a circular translation motion is applied to the winding weight.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one proof mass comprises a notch through which a control rod, such as a time setting rod, passes.

[0018] In one embodiment, the hoist weight is articulated on the base via three or four rotating arms.

[0019] In one embodiment, the hoist weight comprises three inertial masses each positioned between two rotating arms.

[0020] In one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a gear train meshing with the barrel ratchet, and at least one of the rotating arms is fixed to a drive shaft, the drive shaft comprising a drive gear meshing with the gear train and arranged to be driven in rotation by rotation of the at least one rotating arm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a pull lever and a push lever, each of which has a pawl at a first end adapted to alternately pull or push the barrel ratchet or the teeth of a wheel meshing with the barrel ratchet, so as to drive the barrel ratchet to rotate in only one direction, and each of which has a second end fixed to one of the (two) rotating arms.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one elastic member is fixed to the winding weight and is arranged to act on the actuating parts of the pull lever and the push lever in order to press the respective pawls against the ratchet of the barrel or against a wheel meshing with the ratchet.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece equipped with a watch movement according to any of the above embodiments.

[0024] Examples of embodiments of the invention are provided in the description (herein) and illustrated in the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a watch movement with a winding weight according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the watch movement of FIG. 1 seen from another direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but without the hoisting weight. [Figure 4a] 4a and 4b are perspective views of the hoist weight of FIG. 1 as seen from a first and second direction. [Figure 4b] 4a and 4b are perspective views of the hoist weight of FIG. 1 as seen from a first and second direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of the watch movement of FIG. 1, seen from the winding weight side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross section (line AA) of the watch movement of FIG. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the kinetic chain linking the winding weight and barrel of a watch movement. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an expanded view of the kinetic chain relationship of FIG. [Figure 9a] Figures 9a to 9d show a sequence of circular translational movements of the winding weight. [Figure 9b] Figures 9a to 9d show the sequence of circular translational movements of the winding weight. [Figure 9c] Figures 9a to 9d show the sequence of circular translational movements of the winding weight. [Figure 9d]Figures 9a to 9d show the sequence of circular translational movements of the winding weight. [Figure 10a] FIG. 10a shows a simplified diagram of a watch movement with means for transmitting the movement of the weights to the barrel according to another embodiment. [Figure 10b] Figure 10b shows a view similar to Figure 10a, but without the hoist weight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] 1 to 8, a watch movement 10 comprises a base 12, 12a, 12b, various components (including a barrel 60 and a gear 11), and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel 60. The winding mechanism comprises a winding weight 14 connected to the base 12 by a number of rotating arms, for example three or four rotating arms 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, for imparting a circular translation to the winding weight 14 in one plane (the orientation of this plane corresponds to the general plane of the watch movement). In this application, "winding weight" refers to a weight with sufficient inertia for its primary function of supplying energy to the winding mechanism.

[0027] The circular transition of the winding weight 14 (of the present invention) allows the thickness of the watch movement to be reduced compared to conventional automatic winding mechanisms with the aforementioned circular transition, and this plane also optimizes barrel winding, in particular because it coincides with the natural swing of the watch wearer's arm when walking.

[0028] For this purpose, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the winding weight 14 comprises a frame 16 and two separate weights 18a, 18b (hereinafter referred to as inertial masses) attached to the frame 16 and which together create an imbalance to optimize the initiation of the winding weight's movement and thus the winding of the barrel. In an alternative embodiment, the two inertial masses 18a, 18b and the frame 16 may be formed as a single unit. The frame 16 is substantially rectangular or square in shape and is arranged around the center of the watch movement 10. This center is visible through the transparent case back of the watch case that surrounds the movement. The transparent case back may, in particular, be made of sapphire crystal.

[0029] More specifically, the frame 16 has two fixed portions 16a, 16b arranged opposite each other on either side of the center of the watch movement, and first and second support portions 16c, 16d to which two inertial masses 18a, 18b of the winding weight 14 are fixed. Preferably, the two support portions 16c, 16d face each other and form support surfaces for the inertial masses that extend substantially perpendicular to the two fixed portions 16a, 16b. Each fixed portion has two counterbore holes 17a, 17b at the openings of the two screw holes. As shown in FIG. 6, a screw 22 is inserted into the screw holes, its end threaded into the hole in each rotating arm, and its head recessed in the counterbore 17. A bearing 23 is arranged between the screw body and the screw hole to allow the frame 16 to rotate relative to the screw 22.

[0030] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the winding weight may comprise three inertial masses, each disposed between two rotating arms that connect the frame to the base of the watch movement. For this purpose, the frame may comprise three fixed parts, each connected to the base by a rotating arm. These three fixed parts are arranged around the center of the watch movement, alternating with three supports to which the three inertial masses are fixed. In an alternative embodiment, the counterweight may be formed integrally with the three supports of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame has a substantially rectangular shape, but in an alternative embodiment, the frame could have a substantially annular shape.

[0031] In another non-illustrated embodiment, the winding weight may have no imbalance. More specifically, the winding weight may consist of a uniform block of mass, e.g., disk-shaped, with sufficient thickness to function as a winding weight. In fact, it is the off-center or offset motion induced by the rotating arm that provides the imbalance configuration comparable to the imbalance.

[0032] According to the example of Fig. 7, three of the four rotating arms 30b, 30c, 30d can be attached to a simple pivot 32, while the fourth arm 30a is attached to a drive shaft as described below. The four rotating arms are attached to two bridges 12a, 12b on opposite sides of the watch movement 10, as shown in Fig. 1. This positions the rotating arms near the four corners of the watch movement, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0033] The axis of each pivot 32 extends perpendicular to the general plane of the watch movement, allowing the four pivot arms to pivot in a plane oriented in the same direction as the general plane of the watch movement and limiting circular movements in this plane. Each pivot arm 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d is further arranged to be free to rotate through 360°, in particular in the plane between the base frame and bridges 12a, 12b, in order to provide circular movements for the winding weight 14, as shown in Figures 9a to 9d.

[0034] 1, the height of the visible surfaces of the two bridges 12a, 12b relative to the base 12 is substantially equal to the thickness of the two inertial masses 18a, 18b of the winding weight 14, so as to form two recessed spaces located on either side of the center of the movement. The two inertial masses 18a, 18b are therefore movable within these two spaces as the winding weight 14 moves in a circular motion.

[0035] The two counterweights 18a, 18b (Figures 4a and 4b) each have an outer surface 19a that is mounted facing a portion of the intermediate case of the watch case when the movement is assembled in the case, and an inner surface 19b that faces the outer surface. The inner surface 19b of at least one of the inertial masses 18a, 18b is provided with a recess 20 that allows the winding weight 14, when given a circular translation, to temporarily surround a portion of the components of the watch movement, in particular one or more wheels 11, without coming into contact with them.

[0036] Preferably, at least one of the counterweights 18a, 18b comprises a notch 21 which, together with the base 12, forms an opening through which a control rod, in particular a winding or time-setting rod 80, passes.

[0037] 6 to 8, the automatic winding mechanism further comprises a transmission means for winding the barrel 60 in response to the circular movement of the winding weight 14. For this purpose, a gear train meshes with the ratchet 70 of the barrel 60 and comprises a drive wheel 42 fixed to the drive shaft 41, which is supported by two bearings 41a, 41b and to which the fourth rotating arm 30a is fixed. The drive wheel 42 meshes with a conventional reversing device 43 comprising a first clutch moving part 44 and a second clutch moving part 45.

[0038] More specifically, the drive wheel 42 meshes with the clutch gear 44a of the first clutch moving part 44. The clutch gear 45a of the second clutch moving part 45 meshes with the clutch gear 44a of the first moving part, and the pinions 44b of both clutch moving parts (only the pinion of the first clutch moving part is visible in FIG. 6) mesh with the first gear 46 of the reduction gear train. The pinion of the first gear 46 meshes with the gear 47a of the second gear 47, and the gear 47b meshes with the ratchet 70 of the barrel to drive the rotation of the barrel shaft. The operation of this type of reversing device is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described here. However, the first and second clutch moving parts can be of various types, such as a ratchet mechanism, a ball mechanism, or a spring mechanism. A wolf-tooth gear 72 fixed to the barrel shaft engages with a pawl 74 provided at the end of a leaf spring 76.

[0039] In another embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the transmission means for winding the barrel according to the circular displacement of the winding weight 14 comprise a pull lever 50 and a push lever 52. These two levers have at their first ends pawls 50a, 52a that are adapted to pull or push respectively the teeth of the barrel ratchet 70 or the teeth of an intermediate wheel that meshes with the ratchet (according to variants not shown).

[0040] Two of the four rotating arms are connected to actuating portions 50b, 52b located at the second ends of the pull lever 50 and the push lever 52 via shafts 56 mounted through openings 51, 53. With this configuration, by operating the pull lever 50 and the push lever 52, the respective pawls 50a, 52a can push or pull the teeth of the barrel ratchet 70. As a result, the ratchet can rotate in only one direction in response to the circular movement of the winding weight 14.

[0041] The frame 16 of the winding weight 14 is provided on its underside with at least one elastic member 54, for example in the form of two leaf springs 54a, 54b, which act on the actuating parts 50b, 52b of the pull lever 50 and the push lever 52 in order to press the respective pawls 50a, 52a against the barrel ratchet 70.

[0042] The operation of the transmission means according to this second embodiment is similar to that of a Pellaton (automatic winding) mechanism in which the eccentric part is replaced by two rotating arms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] Watch Movement 10 Gear 11 base 12 First bridge 12a and second bridge 12b Hoisting weight 14 Box 16 First fixing portion 16a and second fixing portion 16b Counterbore 17 First support portion 16c and second support portion 16d First inertial mass 18a External surface 19a Inner surface 19b Recess 20 2nd inertial mass 18b External surface 19a Inner surface 19b Notch 21 Screw 22 Bearing 23 Arms 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Swivel section 32 Means of communication 40 The following is the first embodiment Drive shaft 41 Bearings 41a, 41b Drive wheels 42 Inverter 43 First clutch movable part 44 Clutch gear 44a Pinion 44b Second clutch movable part 45 Clutch gear 45a First movable part 46 Second movable part 47 Gear 47a Pinion 47b The above is the first embodiment, and the following is the second embodiment. Lever 50 Nail 50a Actuating unit 50b Hole 51 Push lever 52 Nail 52a Actuating portion 52b Hole 53 Elastic member 54 Leaf springs 54a, 54b The above is the second embodiment 60 barrels Ratchet 70 Wolftooth Gear 72 Nail 74 Leaf spring 76 Time setting stick 80

Claims

1. A watch movement (10) comprising a base (12, 12a, 12b), a gear train (11), a barrel (60), and an automatic winding mechanism for winding the barrel (60), the winding mechanism comprises a winding weight (14), the winding weight (14) being articulated to the base (12a, 12b) by a plurality of rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) so that the winding weight (14) can undergo a circular translational movement; In the watch movement (10), the winding mechanism further comprises a transmission means arranged to transmit the movement of the winding weight (14) to the barrel (60), the winding weight (14) is connected to a plurality of the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) such that the circular translational movement of the winding weight (14) is limited to a plane parallel to the general plane of the watch movement; The plurality of rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are capable of freely rotating 360°. A watch movement (10) characterized by:

2. The watch movement further comprises a frame (16) connected to the winding weight (14) or formed integrally with the weight (14); A plurality of the rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) are pivotally connected to the frame, and the rotating arms are disposed between the frame (16) and the base (12a, 12b).

2. A watch movement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. 3. A watch movement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the winding weight (14) comprises an imbalance (18a, 18b).

4. The frame (16) At least a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion (16a, 16b) to which the plurality of rotating arms are connected; At least a first support portion and a second support portion (16c, 16d) each supporting an inertial mass (18a, 18b); Equipped with The plurality of inertial masses together create an imbalance of the winding weight (14), and the fixed parts (16a, 16b) and the supporting parts (16c, 16d) are alternately arranged on the frame around the center of the watch movement, respectively.

3. The watch movement according to claim 2, wherein:

5. 5. A watch movement according to claim 4, characterized in that a plurality of said inertial masses (18a, 18b) are arranged on one side of said frame (16).

6. A watch movement as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least the first fixed part and the second fixed part (16a, 16b) are each connected to the base part (12a, 12b) by two rotating arms of the plurality of rotating arms.

7. Each inertial mass (18a, 18b) has an outer surface (19a) attached to face a part of an intermediate case of the watch case when the watch movement is assembled in the watch case, and an inner surface (19b) facing the outer surface; 7. A watch movement according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the inner surface of at least one of the inertial masses (18a, 18b) comprises a recess (20) which partially surrounds at least one part of the watch movement, in particular the gear train (11), when the winding weight (14) is subjected to a circular translational movement.

8. 8. A watch movement according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the inertial masses (18a, 18b) comprises a notch (21) through which a control rod, such as a time setting rod (80), passes.

9. A watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the winding weight (14) is articulated on the base (12a, 12b) via three or four rotating arms.

10. 10. A watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the winding weight (14) comprises three inertial masses each arranged between two rotating arms.

11. the transmission means includes a gear train that meshes with a barrel ratchet (70), and at least one of the plurality of rotating arms (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) is fixed to a drive shaft (41); A watch movement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the drive shaft is provided with a drive gear (42) that meshes with the gear train, and the drive shaft is arranged so as to be rotationally driven by the rotation of the at least one rotating arm.

12. The transmission means comprises a pull lever (50) and a push lever (52), 11. A watch movement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pull lever and the push lever have at their first ends pawls (50a, 52a) adapted to alternately pull or push the barrel ratchet (70) or the teeth of a gear meshing with the barrel ratchet, such that the barrel ratchet (70) is driven to rotate in only one direction, and the pull lever and the push lever (50, 52) each have a second end fixed to one of the plurality of rotating arms (30a, 30b).

13. The hoisting weight (14) 13. A watch movement (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic member (54) acting on the actuating parts (50b, 52b) of the pull lever (50) and the push lever (52) to press the pawls (50a, 52a) of the pull lever (50) and the push lever (52), respectively, against the barrel ratchet (70) or the gear.

14. A timepiece equipped with a watch movement according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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