Magnetic control and / or drive mechanism through the watch case

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to a timepiece assembly (2000) including a watch (1000) and an adjustment tool (200) for driving a first movable body (1) inside the watch (1000) without direct contact through the entire case of the watch (1000) for adjustment and / or energy charging, the adjustment tool (200) including a first magnetic area (210) that moves between an active position and an inactive position without the adjustment tool (200) by attractive or repulsive forces. The adjustment tool (200) cooperates with a first movable body (1) which is pivotally axially movable about a first axis (D1) relative to a resilient return means (5) fastened to the case (10), and in an effective position, the adjustment tool (200) pulls the first movable body (1) towards the travel end face (6) at an engagement position with a second movable body (7) inside the case (10), and in a non-effective position, the resilient return means (5) keeps the first movable body (1) separated from the second movable body (7).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece assembly, which comprises at least one watch and an adjustment tool, which drives, without direct contact, a first movable body inside the watch through the watch case for adjustment and / or energy charging.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of regulating and / or drive control mechanisms for timepieces. [Background technology]

[0003] There are numerous systems for mechanically regulating the functions of the watch through the casing: push pieces, crowns, etc. However, any mechanical element that passes through the casing must be made waterproof, for example by the use of O-rings or other seals, with the attendant problems that O-rings or other seals pose.

[0004] Furthermore, some movement adjustments, such as speed, are best done when the watch is closed, as the encapsulation process often introduces differences between the adjustments made to the movement and those made to the finished watch.

[0005] For these two main reasons, it is desirable to have a mechanical coupling system to the internal features of the watch that can pass through the casing in a manner other than through a mechanical stem with a seal. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The aim of the invention is to implement a means of transmitting torque or force through the watch casing by means of a magnetic coupler after the watch is completed (enclosed with the movement) in order to perform mechanical adjustments, such as speed adjustments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a timepiece assembly as claimed in claim 1.

[0008] The objects, advantages and features will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a diagram of a first variant of a timepiece assembly according to the invention, comprising an adjustment tool adapted to cooperate with a given type of watch specific to this particular timepiece assembly. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of such a watch, partly in section through the axis of rotation of a first mobile body inside the watch, which is axially mobile and rotatable about this first axis, and which holds a control pinion, here shown in an isolated position relative to a plate containing the internal mechanism of the watch. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a first variant of a timepiece assembly according to the invention, which includes an adjustment tool adapted to cooperate with a given type of watch specific to said timepiece assembly. Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of this first mobile body, in this case a ferromagnetic cross. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3 shows a diagram of a first variant of a timepiece assembly according to the invention, comprising an adjustment tool adapted to cooperate with a given type of watch specific to said timepiece assembly. Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the elastic return means, in this case a spiral spring, which is capable of returning the first mobile body to its separated position as seen in Fig. 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a diagram of a first variant of a timepiece assembly according to the invention, comprising an adjustment tool adapted to cooperate with a given type of watch specific to said timepiece assembly. Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of the adjustment tool, which is used in pairs with said first mobile body, which comprises four magnets of alternating polarity on the same radius in a cross, in this case a ferromagnetic cross. [Diagram 5]It is a diagram of a first variant of a timepiece assembly according to the invention, comprising an adjustment tool adapted to cooperate with a given type of watch specific to this timepiece assembly. Figure 5, similar to Figure 1, shows the cooperation of the adjustment tool of Figure 4 with the first mobile body of Figure 2, which brings the first mobile body into its engagement position, in which the pinion engages with the plate and which is now in a front stop position relative to the crystal of the watch case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a second generic variant in which the first internal movable body now has an irregular profile, which in a non-limiting example includes five arms that are not equally distributed at angles and have a variable radial width, and the corresponding adjustment tool includes five magnets, three of which are on the same radius and the other two on other radius values, and of these five magnets, four magnets have the same polarity facing the first internal movable body, while only one magnet has the opposite polarity. FIG. 6 is mirrored in a schematic plan view reflecting this first internal movable body with five unequal arms, and an external adjustment tool is paired with this first movable body and includes five magnets as described above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a second generic variant in which the first internal movable body has an irregular profile here, which in a non-limiting example includes five arms that are not equally distributed in angle and have a variable radial width, and the corresponding adjustment tool includes five magnets, three of which are on the same radius and the other two on other radius values, and of these five magnets, four magnets have the same polarity facing the first internal movable body, while only one magnet has the opposite polarity. FIG. 7 shows the cooperation between the adjustment tool and the first movable body of FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 5, and between the first movable body of FIG. 6 and the adjustment tool (and the retraction of the pinion to the separated position shown in dashed lines), with the first axis D1 and the second axis D2 aligned. The loops of magnetic flux through the ferromagnetic regions of the first internal movable body and the magnets of the adjustment tool are diagrammed by closed loops, one in solid lines and the other in dashed lines. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a timepiece assembly including a single adjustment tool, which is capable of cooperating with various watches in the assembly including the same first internal movable body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] EP 3252545 A1 describes a system of magnetic coupling between the inside and outside of the casing, which allows the winding stem to engage the speed adjustment system by modifying the inertia of a special balance wheel. In particular, an encrypted external magnetic key with a permanent magnet rotates an internal ring with a ferromagnetic target by magneto-mechanical coupling. The ring is locked in rotation by elastically holding it axially against a blocking body or by a blocking device fixed against the axial movement of the shaft, thus ensuring the retention of the ring against rotational shocks.

[0011] This high-performance system essentially serves to relay the torque of the axle and is the only one that guarantees the functioning of the internal mechanism if the inertia of the specific balance changes. Therefore, this high-performance system alone is not suitable to provide the torque required for the considered adjustment or to charge the energy. The magnetic feed-through system must cooperate with another energy supply system and must also be adapted to relay the magnetism. Thus, overall, it forms a relatively complex system.

[0012] The present invention proposes a system similar to that described in patent document EP3252545A1, but independent of any push piece or axle, allowing direct torque / force generation, the new system is encrypted and has its own mechanical locking / unlocking function, the implementation of the system is simplified.

[0013] The present invention therefore relates to a timepiece assembly 2000, comprising at least one watch 1000 and at least one adjustment tool 200, configured to be able to drive, without direct contact, the first internal mobile body 1 comprised by each watch 1000 of this timepiece assembly 2000 through the entire case 10 comprised by each watch 1000, so as to carry out the adjustment and / or energy charging. Each adjustment tool 200 comprises a first magnetic region 210, which is configured to cooperate complementarily with the first internal mobile body 1 by means of attractive or repulsive forces, the first internal mobile body 1 being ferromagnetic or comprising a second magnetic region.

[0014] The invention describes several variants in which this cooperation occurs through attractive forces, although of course alternative mechanisms based on cooperation through repulsive forces may also be developed.

[0015] According to the invention, the first internal movable body 1 is pivotally movable around a first axis D1 and is also axially movable according to the direction of the first axis D1 relative to an elastic return means 5, which is fastened to the case 10 or to an element 2 of the case 10 or to a fixed element of the internal structure of the watch 1000, such as the case 10 or a plate. This axial mobility of the first internal movable body 1 takes place between one active position and the other inactive position without the adjustment tool 200, in which in the active position the adjustment tool 200 is placed against or in the vicinity of the watch 1000, and in the engagement position between the first drive element 3 fixed to or formed by the first internal movable body 1 and the second internal movable body 7 inside the case 10, it attracts the first internal movable body 1 towards the travel end face 6 by an attractive force in an exemplary operating alternative, or in another operating alternative, it pushes the first internal movable body 1 back by a repulsive force, the travel end face 6 being contained within the elastic return means 5 or element 2 or a fixed element of the internal structure of the case 10 or the watch 1000, and in the inactive position the elastic return means 5 keeps the first drive element 3 or the first internal movable body 1 itself separated from the second internal movable body 7, depending on the configuration adopted.

[0016] More specifically, the first magnetic region 210 is configured, in the active position, to cooperate complementarily with the first internal movable body 1 by means of an axial attractive or repulsive force parallel to the direction of the first axis D1.

[0017] More specifically, the first internal movable body 1 includes a plurality of radial arms 101, 102 protruding on a plane perpendicular to the first axis D1 and defining a particular geometric shape, and the first magnetic region 210 includes a plurality of magnets 201, 202 arranged radially around the second axis D2 according to a particular geometric shape, so as to achieve an encrypted magnetic-mechanical connection unique to the one timepiece assembly 2000 considered.

[0018] In one variant, the first magnetic region 210 comprises a plurality of magnets 201, 202 arranged radially around the second axis D2 according to the direction in which the magnetic field axis extends and with alternating polarities.

[0019] In a particular variant, the first inner movable body 1 is ferromagnetic.

[0020] In a particular variant, the first internal movable body 1 comprises at least one magnet.

[0021] More specifically, the first ferromagnetic internal movable body 1 has a particular shape, which is configured to minimize the effects of attractive, rotating or repulsive forces of a uniform external magnetic field, typically of 1.5 Tesla, and in particular to minimize rotation of the ferromagnetic first internal movable body 1 under the action of a uniform external magnetic field, typically of 1.5 Tesla.

[0022] A user, or a repairman from outside the manufacturer network, cannot rotate the first internal movable body 1 with one magnet of any size and strength. These users or repairmen can essentially engage the clutch, but cannot rotate the first internal movable body 1.

[0023] More specifically, the first ferromagnetic internal movable body 1 includes a plurality of radial arms 101, 102 extending radially to a maximum radius to which the first internal movable body 1 can move around the first axis D1.

[0024] More particularly, element 2 is a component made of a non-magnetic material, such as glass, sapphire, ceramic, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, stainless steel or plastic, etc. Also more particularly, element 2 is a crystal.

[0025] More specifically, the first internal movable body 1 is guided pivotally about a first axis D1 by a shaft 4 or bearing that the at least one watch 1000 comprises.

[0026] More specifically, at least one clock 1000 of the timepiece assembly 2000 is a non-magnetic clock. Even more specifically, each clock 1000 in the timepiece assembly 2000 is a non-magnetic clock.

[0027] More specifically, at least one clock 1000 of the timing assembly 2000 is a non-magnetic clock. Even more specifically, each clock 1000 of the timing assembly 2000 is a mechanical clock.

[0028] More specifically, at least one timepiece 1000 of the timepiece assembly 2000 is a non-magnetic timepiece. Even more specifically, each timepiece 1000 of the timepiece assembly 2000 is an electromechanical or electronic timepiece.

[0029] More specifically, the second internal movable body 7 is a movable body which controls the speed setting of a regulating member contained within at least one timepiece 1000 .

[0030] More specifically, the second internal movable body 7 is a movable body which controls the time setting of at least one clock 1000 .

[0031] More specifically, the second internal movable body 7 is a movable body which controls the setting of the calendar mechanism contained within at least one watch 1000 .

[0032] More specifically, the second internal movable body 7 is a winding control movable body for at least one watch 1000 .

[0033] More specifically, the second internal movable body 7 is a movable body which controls the setting of an alarm and / or striking mechanism contained within at least one watch 1000 .

[0034] More specifically, the first internal movable body 1 is invisible to a user of the at least one watch 1000 .

[0035] More particularly, at least one watch 1000 is devoid of any external mechanical adjustment members passing through the watch 1000 casing.

[0036] More specifically, the at least one watch 1000 is sealed against gas and ambient moisture, and the casing of the watch 1000 comprises for this purpose at least one sealing area suitable for a metal or ceramic or glass sealing process in a vacuum or neutral gas atmosphere.

[0037] More specifically, the at least one watch 1000 is evacuated and sealed so as to be insensitive to internal pressure variations caused by temperature variations.

[0038] More specifically, at least one watch 1000 is equipped with an RFID chip or passive identification means which makes it possible, during after-sales servicing, to directly identify the type of timepiece assembly 2000 to which the watch 1000 belongs and the adjustment tool 200 used.

[0039] The non-limiting example illustrated by Figures 1 to 5 relates to such a timepiece assembly 2000, at least one timepiece 1000 comprising a first internal mobile body 1, here consisting of a ferromagnetic cross inside a casing, visible here in the plan view of Figure 2, a case 10 containing a crystal 2 on the back of the watch, visible here in Figure 1 showing the mechanism in cross section. This ferromagnetic cross body 1 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 4 according to a first axis D1 and is also axially slidable along this first axis D1. In this same example, the cross 1 is fixed to a first drive element 3, which is a clutch pinion, and a spring, visible in the plan view of FIG. 3 and forming an elastic return means 5, which in a particular embodiment is a spiral spring, keeps this clutch pinion away from its coupling position with the second internal mobile body 7, which here comprises a plate that is drivingly connected, within the movement, to the function to be performed (in the case shown, it is particularly suitable for adjusting the speed of said hairspring by modifying its stiffness).

[0040] 4 shows in plan view the adjustment tool 200 specific to the family of timepieces 1000 of the timepiece assembly 2000. In a very simple variant, this adjustment tool 200 comprises four magnets 201 and 202 distributed on the same radius around the second axis D2. When this adjustment tool 200, which is equivalent to a screwdriver, approaches, the ferromagnetic cross 1 is attracted towards the crystal 2 under the compression of the spring 5 and strikes it with its pivot end, where the drive plate 7 is engaged with the pinion 3. The rotation of the adjustment tool 200 acts against the arm of the ferromagnetic cross 1, causing the internal stage to rotate.

[0041] Another non-limiting example is shown by Figures 6 to 8, where at least one watch 1000 includes a first internal movable body 1, which here has an irregular contour, in this example, five arms of variable radial width, not equally distributed in angle, and a corresponding adjustment tool 200 includes five magnets, three of which are on the same radius and the other two on other radius values, and of these five magnets, four magnets have the same polarity on the first internal movable body, while only one magnet has the opposite polarity. This adjustment tool has a magnetic yoke configured to face the first internal movable body.

[0042] It should be understood that the cooperation between the first internal movable body 1 and the adjustment tool 200 can act on both shapes and special polarity combinations to improve the tamper resistance of the system. Similarly, the first internal movable body 1 can include ferromagnetic point areas and / or point magnets. The adjustment tool 200 can have any coded shape.

[0043] Advantageously, the first internal movable body 1 has a fairly compact shape so as to minimise the magnetic position determining torque due to external magnetic fields.

[0044] Figure 8 shows the cooperation between the first movable body and the adjustment tool of Figures 6 and 7 (and the retraction to the separated position shown in dashed lines), with the first axis D1 and the second axis D2 aligned. The loops of magnetic flux through the ferromagnetic regions of the first inner movable body 1 and the magnets of the adjustment tool 200 are diagrammed by closed loops, one in solid lines and the other in dashed lines.

[0045] The residual magnetism of the internal elements of the mechanism, i.e. the cross, the moving body, must be low enough so as not to impair the movement or any other function of the watch.

[0046] The actual size of the system must remain small compared to the main internal functions of the watch.

[0047] The operation of the mechanism according to the invention is reserved for the factory or specialized shops or after-sales services authorized by the manufacturer, to avoid problems such as unintentional destruction by the customer or third parties. The cross and the key are therefore made in a size that prevents operation with a conventional magnet. The shape of the cross is special and complex, may or may not be hidden by an opaque layer, and may cooperate with special screwdrivers that are difficult to find on the market, having magnets of special configuration and dimensions. The cross must be adaptable when subjected to the same kind of external magnetic field of high strength (several Teslas) and should move axially as little as possible.

[0048] This system completely replaces the traditional push piece and stem and may enable the production of automatic or other watches that are significantly more water resistant than current models.

Claims

1. A timekeeping assembly (2000) comprising at least one watch (1000) and at least one adjustment tool (200), said at least one adjustment tool (200) being configured to allow the driving, without direct contact, of a first internal movable body (1) contained in each of said watches (1000) of said watchmaking assembly (2000) through a case (10) contained in each of said watches (1000), in order to carry out the adjustment and / or energy charging, The adjustment tool (200) includes a first magnetic region (210) configured to cooperate complementarily with the first ferromagnetic internal movable body (1) by means of an attractive or repulsive force, or includes a second magnetic region, in which the first internal movable body (1) is pivotally movable about a first axis (D1) and can be moved in one effective position and in the other effective position without the adjustment tool (200) with respect to an elastic return means (5) fastened to an element (2) of the case (10). a first drive element (3) fixed to or formed by the first internal movable body (1) and a second internal movable body (7) inside the case (10), the adjustment tool (200) being arranged in contact with or in the vicinity of the watch (1000) and attracting or pushing back the first internal movable body (1) towards a travel end face (6) comprised by the elastic return means (5) or the element (2) or the case (10), in the engagement position between the first drive element (3) fixed to or formed by the first internal movable body (1) and a second internal movable body (7) inside the case (10), the elastic return means (5) keeping the first drive element (3) separated from the second internal movable body (7), the elastic return means being configured to provide the desired torque by itself and to ensure the adjustment.

2. A timepiece assembly (2000) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, in the effective position, the first magnetic region (210) is configured to cooperate complementarily with the first internal movable body (1) by an attractive or repulsive force parallel to the direction of the first axis (D1).

3. A timepiece assembly (2000) as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first internal movable body (1) includes a plurality of radial arms (101, 102) protruding on a plane perpendicular to the first axis (D1) and defining a specific geometric shape, and the first magnetic area (210) includes a plurality of magnets (201, 202) arranged radially around the second axis (D2) according to the specific geometric shape, so as to achieve an encrypted magnetic-mechanical connection unique only to the timepiece assembly (2000).

4. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first magnetic region (210) comprises a plurality of magnets (201, 202) arranged radially around the second axis (D2) according to the direction in which the magnetic field axis extends and of alternating polarity.

5. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first internal movable body (1) is ferromagnetic.

6. The timepiece assembly (2000) of claim 5, characterized in that the first ferromagnetic internal movable body (1) has a specific shape, which is configured to minimize the effects of attractive, rotating or repulsive forces of a uniform external magnetic field, typically of 1.5 Tesla, and to prevent the first ferromagnetic internal movable body (1) from rotating under the action of the uniform external magnetic field, typically of 1.5 Tesla.

7. The timepiece assembly (2000) of claim 6, characterized in that the first ferromagnetic internal movable body (1) includes a plurality of radial arms (101, 102), which extend radially to a maximum radius to which the first internal movable body (1) can move around the first axis (D1).

8. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said element (2) is a component made of non-magnetic material.

9. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first internal movable body (1) is pivotally guided around a first axis (D1) by a shaft (4) or bearing contained in at least one of the clocks (1000).

10. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each said timepiece (1000) is a non-magnetic timepiece.

11. A timekeeping assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one said timepiece (1000) is a mechanical timepiece.

12. A timekeeping assembly (2000) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said timepiece (1000) is an electromechanical or electronic timepiece.

13. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second internal movable body (7) is a movable body that controls the speed adjustment of an adjusting member contained in at least one of the clocks (1000).

14. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second internal movable body (7) is a movable body which controls the time setting of at least one of the clocks (1000).

15. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second internal movable body (7) is a movable body that controls the setting of a calendar mechanism contained in at least one of the clocks (1000).

16. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second internal movable body (7) is a movable body that controls the winding of at least one of the timepieces (1000).

17. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second internal movable body (7) is a movable body which controls the setting of an alarm and / or striking mechanism contained in at least one of the clocks (1000).

18. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the first internal movable body (1) is invisible to a user of the at least one watch (1000).

19. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at least one of said timepieces (1000) is free of any external mechanical adjustment members passing through the casing of said timepiece (1000).

20. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least one said timepiece (1000) is sealed against gas and ambient moisture, said casing comprising for this purpose at least one sealing area suitable for carrying out a metal or ceramic or glass sealing process in a vacuum or neutral gas atmosphere.

21. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one of said timepieces (1000) is sealed under reduced pressure so as to be insensitive to internal pressure variations caused by temperature variations.

22. A timepiece assembly (2000) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that at least one of the watches (1000) is equipped with an RFID chip or a passive identification means, which allows direct identification, after sale, of the type of the timepiece assembly (2000) to which the watch (1000) belongs and of the adjustment tool (200) used.

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