A clock that generates sound

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical watch (1) including a case (2) having a central portion (3), a case back (4), and a bezel (5); a vibration generating device housed within the case (2) that generates vibrations intended to generate at least one sound; a vibration amplifier (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device; and a membrane (18) arranged to receive the amplified vibrations and generate sound from the interior of the watch to the exterior. The vibration generating device is a rotating element (13) having a reading surface including at least one groove (15) arranged to generate sound. The watch (1) also includes means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13), means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13), and a transmission member (28) that cooperates with the rotating element (13) to transmit the vibrations generated by the grooves during rotational movement of the rotating element (13) to the vibration amplifier (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical watch, and more specifically, to a case having a central part, a back cover, and a bezel, a device for generating vibrations for the purpose of generating at least one sound, which is housed within this case, a device for amplifying the vibrations generated by this vibration generating device, and a membrane arranged to receive the amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the watch, more specifically, a mechanical wristwatch.

Background Art

[0002] In this specification, the expression "mechanical watch or wristwatch" means that the watch or wristwatch includes only mechanical elements for performing its different functions, and more specifically, that sound and its amplification are generated using only mechanical elements.

[0003] Such a watch is, for example, a wristwatch equipped with a striking mechanism (minute repeater, grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, alarm, etc.) where the vibration generating device is a gong arranged to be struck by a hammer when the striking mechanism is used to generate vibrations to produce sound. Watches equipped with a striking mechanism generally include two gongs, one for generating a deep sound and the other for generating a high sound. Even if changes are made to the two gongs or the time of striking is changed differently from a quarter hour or minute, watches equipped with a striking mechanism are limited to only two different sounds corresponding to each of the two gongs.

[0004] Furthermore, as described in CH4918 (Patent Document 1), it is known that a pocket watch can talk time. The pocket watch includes a stylus and a disk including 48 concentric grooves. The stylus is controlled to be disposed above the assigned groove corresponding to the time to be talked. The disk is lifted to contact the stylus and starts to rotate so that the stylus can read the time talked on the groove. Therefore, the generated sound is very short, only a few seconds, which is just enough time for the time to be talked.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a wristwatch that enables the generation of combinations of more than two different sounds and, for example, enables the reproduction of music or words within the limited space of a wristwatch.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present invention aims to propose a timepiece that enables the generation of sound for a length of time sufficient to reproduce, for example, a piece of music or speech.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to enable amplification to a considerable extent of the generated sound, preferably to limit or even cancel out unwanted noise.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a mechanical wristwatch, comprising a case having a central part, a back cover, and a bezel, a device for generating vibrations aimed at generating at least one sound, which is housed within the case, a device for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, and a membrane arranged to receive the amplified vibrations and generate a sound from the inside to the outside of the wristwatch.

[0010] According to the present invention, the vibration generating device is a rotating element having a reading surface including at least one groove arranged to generate a sound, and the wristwatch includes means for rotationally driving the rotating element, means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element, and a transmission member that cooperates with the rotating element to transmit the vibrations generated by the groove during the rotational movement of the rotating element to the amplification device.

[0011] Advantageously, the rotating element can include at least one groove with several helical coils extending across its reading surface, and the transmission member and the rotating element are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member moves across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element.

[0012] Preferably, the vibration amplification device is a lever pivotally mounted on a support in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane, the lever being arranged to be actuated by the transmission member to transmit vibrations to the lever, and the lever being at least translationally integral with the membrane in the pivot plane, so that the movement of the transmission member, which is generated by the vibrations of the transmission member connected to the rotating element and transmitted to the membrane via the lever actuated by the transmission member, generates an amplified movement of the membrane to generate an amplified sound. The vibration amplification device includes the lever.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention enables the generation of several sound combinations, preferably for a period of several seconds, preferably at least about 10 seconds, more preferably at least 1 minute or even several minutes, enables the reproduction of a piece of music or words, and significantly amplifies the sound by limiting or even canceling out unwanted noise within the limited space of a mechanical wristwatch.

[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a mechanical watch comprising a case having a central part, a back cover, and a bezel, a device for generating vibrations aimed at generating at least one sound, housed within the case, a device for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, and a membrane arranged to receive the amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside of the watch to the outside.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, the vibration generating device is a rotating element comprising a reading surface including at least one groove with several spiral coils, at least one groove being arranged to generate sound, extending across the reading surface, the watch comprising means for rotationally driving the rotating element, means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element, and a transmission member cooperating with the rotating element to transmit the vibrations generated by the groove during rotation of the rotating element to the amplification device, the transmission member and the rotating element being arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member moves across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element.

[0016] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device comprises means for linearly guiding in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane, the means being arranged such that when the rotating element rotates more than one revolution, the means enables the amplification device to follow the movement of the transmission member across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element, and means for a movable connection between the amplification device and the membrane, the means being arranged such that the means enables the amplification device to remain connected to the membrane while it is moving.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention enables the generation of several combinations of sounds during a time period of several seconds to several minutes, enables the reproduction of a piece of music or speech using a mechanical clock, limits or even cancels unnecessary noises related to the vibrations of the movement parts, and the sound is amplified to a considerable extent.

[0018] Other configurations and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following detailed description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the present invention provided as non-limiting examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a mechanical wristwatch intended to be worn by a user around the wrist. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 10, the wristwatch 1 includes a case 2 having a central part 3, a back cover 4 closed by a glass 7, and a bezel 5 closed by a glass 6, at least one device for generating vibrations for the purpose of mechanically generating sound housed in the case 2, a device 16 for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, and a membrane arranged to mechanically receive the amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the wristwatch 1. The bezel and the central part may be two different parts or may form a single monoblock piece. Similarly, the back cover and the central part may be two different parts or may form a single monoblock piece. The case 2 can also enclose a mechanical watch movement that can display time using hands 11 arranged between the membrane 18 and the glass 6. The vibration generating device and the vibration amplifying device may be in the form of modules and independent of the movement as long as no link to an alarm is required.

[0021] According to the present invention, the vibration generating device is a rotating element 13 having a reading surface including at least one groove 15 arranged to generate sound, and the wristwatch includes means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13, means for operating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13, and a transmission member 28 that cooperates with the rotating element 13 to transmit the vibrations generated by the groove 15 during the rotational movement of the rotating element 13 to the amplification device 16.

[0022] In the following description, the vibration generating device, the vibration amplifying device, and the membrane are arranged to generate sound on the dial side of the wristwatch, more specifically through the glass 6. Obviously, the vibration generating device, the vibration amplifying device, and the membrane can be arranged in the same way to generate sound from the back cover side of the wristwatch, more specifically through the glass 7, but they may be arranged in the reverse way.

[0023] The rotating element 13 includes acoustic information generated in the form of grooves 15. These grooves 15 are etched onto the rotating element 13 in a suitable manner to generate sounds in the form of any type of sound, for example, sounds in the form of words (e.g., speech) or music (classical music, electronic music, etc.). The rotation of the rotating element 13 enables the generation of vibrations on the diaphragm 18 via the transmission member 28 and the vibration amplification device 16. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the rotating element 13 can include one or more grooves each formed by a coil, and the coils are concentric in the case of multiple grooves, or the rotating element 13 can include one or more grooves each formed by several helical coils, and the grooves are discontinuous if multiple tracks are intended to be formed.

[0024] Advantageously, the rotating element 13 is a flat disk attached to the bezel 5 parallel to the dial (or the back cover) of the watch so as to be rotatable (e.g., around the spindle of the needle 11). This flat disk can also be arranged to form the dial of the wristwatch. The disk can be manufactured from metal (steel, CuBe, etc.). The grooves 15 are etched mechanically (using a milling machine, an etching needle, etc.) or by a laser. The disk can also be manufactured by galvanic growth (LIGA [lithography, electroplating, and molding]). It can also be made from silicon manufactured by DRIE. Ceramics, composite materials, or polymers can also be used.

[0025] The rotating element 13 can also be formed by a cylinder arranged around the movement with grooves arranged on its inner or outer circumference.

[0026] The rotating element 13 should have the minimum possible mass and inertia, must be balanced to obtain rapid acceleration, and should not be affected by accelerations (gravity, impact, etc.).

[0027] Preferably, the transmission member 28 is a needle arranged to follow at least one groove 15 of the rotating element 13, and the needle is integral with the vibration amplification device 16. Such a needle is shown in FIG. 5. It has to be thin and hard so that it does not wear out too quickly. It can be made of steel, CuBe, ceramics, hard metals, ruby, etc. Its end 28a for reading the groove can be spherical or conical as shown.

[0028] Since it is the friction of the transmission member 28 in the groove 15 that generates the vibration, the tribological torque between the rotating element 13 and the transmission member 28 is high to ensure that the sound can be heard multiple times. When worn, it directly affects the acoustic quality.

[0029] Advantageously, the means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13 includes a barrel spring type spring. The spring is configured to provide the energy required for the operation of the rotating element 13 to ensure one or multiple readings.

[0030] The wristwatch also includes a spring winding mechanism. In the case of a one-time reading, the spring can be wound by a slide of the minute repeater type. In the case of a mechanism allowing multiple readings, the spring can be wound by a winding stem, similar to the barrel of the movement.

[0031] Furthermore, the wristwatch includes a regulator arranged to control the rotation speed of the rotating element 13. This regulator can be of the flywheel type (similar to that used in the minute repeater), the escapement type with a balance or a flexible guide, the vane type, or can be adjusted by its own inertia.

[0032] The means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element can be of different types, based on the driving means, the reading of one or more rotations, and the function of the generated sound. Thus, the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element can include a slide of the miniatur repeater type, winding the spring as described above, and engaging the rotation of the rotating element 13. Optionally, the slide can also be arranged to bring the transmission member to the initial reading position at the beginning of the reading surface, as will be described in detail below.

[0033] The means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element can also include a push button arranged such that when the push button is actuated, it brings the transmission member to the initial reading position at the start of the reading surface, as will be described in detail below, and then, when the push button is released, it actuates the rotation of the rotating element 13 to enable reading.

[0034] When the generated sound is used as an alarm, the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element can include an engagement mechanism associated with a predetermined time and cooperating with the operation of the clock.

[0035] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the device 16 for amplifying the vibration generated by the rotating element 13 to amplify the sound generated by the rotating element 13 includes a lever 20 connected to the support 22 by a joint along a single rotation axis, such that the lever 20 is mounted on the support 22 so as to be tiltable or pivotable about the rotation axis in a pivot plane that is not parallel to the plane of the membrane 18.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the lever 20 is pivotably mounted on the support 22 so as to tilt in a pivot plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the membrane 18.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the lever 20 is pivotally attached to the support 22 via a flexible ball joint 24. The flexible ball joint enables the direction of vibration to be changed as required. A pin that is attached laterally to the support 22 and constitutes the pivot axis of the lever 20 can also be used.

[0038] The lever 20 is actuated by a transmission member 28 that cooperates with the rotating element 13 and is configured to transmit the vibration generated by the groove 15 to the lever 20. The transmission member 28 (a needle in this case) is preferably integral with the lever 20. It is attached, for example, by embedding or brazing. For this purpose, the lever 20 includes an orifice 29 into which the needle is inserted.

[0039] The lever 20 is also at least translationally integrated with the diaphragm 18 within the pivot plane of the lever 20 so that the diaphragm 18 can be moved within the pivot plane of the lever 20 when the lever 20 is tilted. Thus, the movement of the transmission member 28, which is transmitted to the diaphragm 18 via the lever 20 that is connected to the rotating element and actuated by the transmission member 28, generates an amplified movement of the diaphragm 18 and an amplified sound. Generating the amplified sound is the linear movement of the diaphragm 18 driven by the lever 20.

[0040] More specifically, the lever 20 is pivotally attached to the support 22 in a pivot plane that is not parallel to the plane of the diaphragm 18, as will be described below, and includes a first end 20a that is integral with the transmission member 28 and a second end 20b that is at least translationally integrated with the diaphragm 18 within the pivot plane of the lever 20.

[0041] A rotating element including a single groove formed by a single coil or a set of grooves with concentric coils (in this case, the wristwatch includes a mechanism for positioning the transmission member, which is arranged to position the transmission member facing the assigned groove). In this case, the transmission member 28 is fixed relative to the rotating element 13 during reading. Thus, the lever 20 is fixed translationally and fixedly connected to the membrane 18, that is, it is integrated with the membrane 18 rotationally and translationally. The lever 20 can be fixed to the membrane 18, for example, by screws screwed into holes provided in the membrane 18 and holes provided in the lever 20, or by adhesive bonding, welding, etc.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the rotating element 13 includes at least one groove formed by several helical coils extending across its reading surface, enabling the reading of the rotating element 13 over several rotations, thereby increasing the reading time. In this case, the transmission member 28 and the rotating element 13 are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member 28 moves over at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element 13. This means that either the transmission member 28 is moved while the rotating element 13 remains fixed in a predetermined position, or conversely, the transmission member 28 remains fixed in a predetermined position while the rotating element 13 is moved.

[0043] Preferably, in the illustrated variant, the transmission member 28 is moved while the rotating element 13 remains fixed in a predetermined position.

[0044] Therefore, the vibration amplification device 16 integrated with the transmission member 28 must be arranged to follow the operation of the transmission member 28. Thus, a movable connection between the lever 20 and the membrane 18 must be provided.

[0045] For this purpose, the vibration amplification device 16 includes means for inducing translation in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18, which means are arranged such that when the rotating element 13 rotates more than one revolution, the amplification device 16 follows the movement of the transmission member 28 over at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element, and means for a movable connection between the amplification device 16 and the membrane 18, which means are arranged such that the membrane 18 remains connected when the amplification device moves.

[0046] Advantageously, the means for inducing translation of the amplification device is a bearing element 50 integral with the case 2, along which the support 22 of the lever 20 can be supported and slide in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18. A spring 51 can ensure good support of the support 22 on the bearing element 50. The bearing element 50 can be attached to the bezel 5 when the sound is generated on the dial side, to the back cover 4 when the sound is generated on the back cover side, or even centrally. It is made of a hard material. It has a length sufficient to allow the guidance of the support 22 throughout its operation.

[0047] The movable connection means includes a fork 52 integral with the second end 20b of the lever and a stud 54 integral with the membrane 18 and having a groove 56 for receiving the two prongs 52a, 52b of the fork. Thus, the fork 52 is engaged with the stud 54, more specifically, in contact with the side surface of the stud 54 in its groove 56, so that the fork 52 is translationally integral with the stud 54 in the pivoting plane and can slide on either side of the stud 54 in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18 while supporting the stud 54. Thus, the movement of the needle generated by the vibration of the needle connected to the rotating element 13 and transmitted to the membrane 18 via the lever 20 actuated by the needle generates an amplified movement of the membrane 18 and an amplified sound.

[0048] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device 16 includes an articulated stabilization arm 58 that is integral with the lever 20. These arms 58 can be in the form of a pantograph, the tip 58a of the pantograph being integral with the support 22 of the lever 20 and the opposite tip 58b being integral with the case 2 (bezel, back cover, or central part) or the movement of the watch. The joints can advantageously be in the form of flexible ball joints 58c. To limit the movement of the pantograph, a locking part 58d can be provided.

[0049] When the reading of the rotating element 13 is carried out over several rotations, the watch includes a mechanism for bringing the transmission member 28 to an initial position corresponding to the start of the reading surface of the rotating element 13, before or simultaneously with the actuation of the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13. This mechanism cooperates, for example, with the slide or push button described above.

[0050] The actuation point of the lever 20 by the transmission member 28, the pivot point of the lever 20, and the point where the lever 20 is connected to the membrane 18 are arranged such that the movement of the transmission member 28 generated by the vibration of the transmission member 28 transmitted to the membrane 18 via the lever 20 that is connected to the rotating element 13 and actuated by the transmission member 28 generates an amplified movement of the membrane 18 by a mechanical lever arm effect, thereby generating an amplified sound.

[0051] Preferably, the flexible ball joint 24 is arranged above the center of gravity of the transmission member / lever / membrane assembly.

[0052] Preferably, the point where the lever 20 is connected to the membrane 18 is arranged at a distance from the center of the membrane 18 that is less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the width of the membrane 18. Particularly preferably, in order to maximize the lever arm effect, the point where the lever 20 is connected to the membrane 18 is arranged at the center of the membrane 18.

[0053] In another variant, the connection point can be arranged at the periphery of the membrane to utilize the elasticity of the fixed point and the torsion of the membrane.

[0054] When the transmission member 28 and the lever 20 are moved and the rotating element 13 remains fixed in place, the reduction in the amplification of sound due to the reduction of the lever arm effect is compensated by increasing the amplitude of the vibration generated by the groove read by the transmission member 28.

[0055] A protection system is provided in case of impact so as not to damage the rotating element 13 and / or the transmission member 28.

[0056] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device, more specifically the support 22 of the lever 20, is isolated from the movement and the frame. For this purpose, the support 22 of the lever 20 can be attached to an external part, more specifically to the bezel 5 when the sound is transmitted from the dial side, or to the back cover 4 when the sound is transmitted through the back cover.

[0057] The support 22 of the lever 20 can also be attached to the movement, or even to the central part 3, by means of an isolation element such as a polymer, in order to reliably isolate the support 22 from the movement, the central part, and the frame.

[0058] When the support 22 of the lever 20 is attached to one of the elements of the case (bezel 5, central part 3, back cover 4), it is likewise possible to separate the movement from the rest of the watch by arranging a separating device on the movement between the movement and the element of the case that supports the support 22 of the lever 20. Such a separating device can be, for example, a brass ring associated with a flat gasket or a separating ring of carbon-filled polyether ether ketone (PEEK). For example, for separating the movement, the latter can be flange-fixed to a PEEK separating ring that is itself screwed into the central part of the case.

[0059] When the support 22 of the lever 20 is attached to the bezel 5 or the back cover 4, the bezel 5 or the back cover 4 could conventionally be attached directly to the central part 3. However, in order to ensure that little or no unwanted vibration reaches the central part 3 and thus the movement, the bezel 5 or the back cover 4 is attached to the central part 3 by a separating element such as a polymer.

[0060] The membrane 18 is attached to the back cover 4 when the sound is transmitted through the back cover, and is attached to the bezel 5 when the sound is transmitted from the dial side. Thus, the membrane 18 is also separated from the movement.

[0061] As a result, since the vibration amplification device and the membrane are separated from the movement and the frame, all the vibrations of the rotating element 13 recovered by the lever 20 are directed towards and transmitted to the membrane 18 without being transmitted to the movement, the frame, or the central part.

[0062] The lever 20 is preferably made of a very lightweight and very high-rigidity material. For example, the lever 20 can be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, composite materials, carbon, glass, sapphire, and ceramics.

[0063] The membrane 18 must be able to vibrate freely. It is preferably made of a very lightweight and high-rigidity material so that it has a large dynamic response and does not deform during movement. The membrane 18 is preferably made of a transparent material. For example, the membrane 18 can be made in the form of a plate such as sapphire, mineral glass, or plexiglass. Thus, the membrane 18 can be constituted by an inner glass disposed under the glass 6 (or glass 7 if applicable). The membrane 18 can also be made of composite materials, cellulose, or laminated glass of the safety glass type. Clearly, the membrane 18 can also be made of a material that is not completely transparent, such as a semi-transparent or opaque material such as metallic glass, titanium, silicon, ceramics, carbon fiber composite materials, cellulose, or kevlar.

[0064] The membrane 18 must be as rigid and lightweight as possible. For this purpose, its thickness is less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm.

[0065] More specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the membrane 18 is preferably mounted on the suspension so that it can vibrate freely while ensuring the airtightness of the seal. The suspension can be provided between the membrane 18 and the bezel 5 (or the back cover 4 if applicable) via a formed gasket arranged around the membrane 18 or an O-ring gasket arranged around the periphery on either side of the membrane 18. Similarly, it is possible to texture the membrane 18, for example by means of a groove 38 provided around the membrane 18, to improve its flexibility. It is also possible to utilize the thickness of the membrane 18.

[0066] Advantageously, the wristwatch further includes a compression chamber 40 arranged to amplify the sound already generated by the operation of the membrane that has been amplified initially before it exits to the outside.

[0067] The compression chamber 40 is arranged downstream of the membrane 18 and is closed by a wall having at least one opening 42 directed towards the outside of the watch. The dimensions of the opening 42 are selected in relation to the surface area of the membrane 18 as a function of the desired sound amplification.

[0068] Preferably, when the membrane 18 is arranged on the bezel (or the back cover 4), the wall is constituted by the glass 6 (or the glass 7). The glass 6 or 7 must be strong and scratch-resistant. It is preferably made of sapphire.

[0069] The wall arranged downstream of the membrane 18 makes it possible to generate a certain volume of air within the compression chamber 40. The operation of the membrane 18 compresses this air. The ratio between the surface area of the movable membrane 18 defining the volume of air and the size of the opening will make it possible to achieve a second amplification of the sound.

[0070] The opening 42 can take various forms: a hole in the center of the wall (in this case, the glass 6), multiple lateral holes, numerous fine holes, etc. To further amplify the sound, the shape of the outlet opening can be conical. Advantageously, when the membrane 18 is disposed on the back cover 4, as shown in FIG. 10, the opening 42 extends around the central portion. It can take the form of one or more longitudinal grooves that are parallel to the plane of movement and obtained, for example, by leaving a space between the back cover 4 and the central portion 3. Such a lateral opening 42 advantageously enables redirecting the sound generated by the membrane 18 towards the wrist of the wearer of the watch, giving the wearer a feeling of further amplified sound.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 7 - 9, the watch advantageously includes adjustable closing means 44 for the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to enable adjustment of the volume of the sound generated by the membrane 18. These closing means 44 are arranged to be movable between a closed position where the opening 42 is completely closed and an open position where the opening 42 is at its maximum, and the intermediate positions enable blocking the opening 42 to a greater or lesser extent for adjusting the volume. For example, when the opening 42 is a lateral opening, the closing means 44 can include a rotating element such as a ring that is rotatably attached to the bezel 5 (or the back cover 4 as appropriate) and is arranged to rotate between a closed position where the opening 42 is completely blocked, as shown in FIG. 8, and an open position where the opening 42 is at its maximum, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0072] Advantageously, the opening 42 can be protected by a breathable and waterproof filter to prevent impurities from entering the compression chamber 40. Such filters are known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] Advantageously, referring to FIG. 10 where the device and the membrane are arranged on the back cover side and sound is generated on the back cover side, the wristwatch can include a mechanism for closing the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40, which is arranged to close the opening 42 when sound is generated, for example, outside the time-striking time. Such a mechanism can suppress the intrusion of impurities when the vibration generating device is not in use. In particular, when the opening 42 is a lateral opening, the closing mechanism can include a closing member 46 such as a ring, which is controlled by the time-striking mechanism to automatically close the opening 42 when the time-striking is completed. Such a mechanism is described, for example, in Patent CH704940 and is incorporated by reference.

[0074] When the membrane 18 is arranged on the back cover 4 and sound is generated from the back cover side, it is also possible to provide a reflector arranged to allow the generated sound to rise from the side of the watch. Such a reflector is arranged, for example, outside the back cover, surrounds the back cover, and has a conical outer wall directed towards the watch.

[0075] The wristwatch according to the present invention uses a rotating element including etched grooves to enable the generation of several sound combinations, preferably for a period of several seconds to several minutes, and to reproduce a piece of music or speech within the limited space of a mechanical wristwatch.

[0076] Furthermore, the wristwatch according to the present invention enables significant sound amplification. The first amplification ratio achieved via the lever 20 is on the order of 10 to 16. Furthermore, due to the ratio between the moving surface area of the membrane 18 and the opening 42 (a surface area ratio of 20 to 30), the second amplification ratio is on the order of 1.5. The total amplification ratio achieved by the watch according to the present invention is such that a sound exceeding 80 dB, or even 90 dB, can be obtained compared to the standard minute repeater sound of 60 dB.

[0077] Furthermore, due to the structure and attachment of the amplification device, the rotating element and the membrane can be separated from the movement, the frame, and the central part. As a result, all vibrations are directed towards the membrane via the lever without passing through the movement. Therefore, little or no unwanted sound associated with the vibration of the movement components is generated generally.

[0078] Furthermore, since the amplification device with the membrane is integrated with the back cover or the bezel, it is possible to easily access the movement simply by removing the back cover or the bezel.

[0079] Finally, the structure of the amplification device with the membrane is different from the principles of all other miniaturized repeaters, for example, such that the sealing of the case does not affect the volume. This is because the membrane with its suspension makes the system leak - free except for the compression chamber 40. The compression chamber 40 can be made leak - free by a filter system.

[0080] According to another aspect, the present invention more generally relates to a watch 1 having a case 2 with a central part 3, a back cover 4, and a bezel 5, a device for generating vibrations for the purpose of mechanically generating at least one sound, housed in the case 2, a device 16 for mechanically amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, and a membrane 18 arranged to receive the mechanically amplified vibrations and generate a sound from the inside to the outside of the watch. The vibration generating device is a rotating element 13 having a reading surface including at least one groove 15 formed by several helical coils, the grooves being arranged to generate a sound and extending across the reading surface, and relates to a mechanical watch 1. The watch includes means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13, means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13, and a transmission member 28 arranged to cooperate with the rotating element 13 and transmit the vibrations generated by the groove 15 during the rotation of the rotating element 13 to the amplification device 16. The transmission member 28 and the rotating element 13 are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element 13 rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member 28 moves across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element 13.

[0081] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device 16 includes means for linearly guiding in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18, which means are arranged such that when the rotating element 13 rotates more than one revolution, the amplification device 16 can follow the movement of the transmission member 28 across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element 13, and means for a movable connection between the amplification device 16 and the membrane 18, which means are arranged such that the amplification device remains connected to the membrane 18 when it is moving.

[0082] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device 16 includes a lever 20 having a first end 20a that is integral with the transmission member 28 and is pivotably mounted on the support 22 within a pivot plane that is not parallel to the plane of the membrane 18, so that it can be actuated by the transmission member 28 to transmit the vibrations generated by the rotating element 13 to the lever 20. The means for inducing translation of the amplification device is a bearing element 50 that is integral with the case 2, and the support 22 of the lever 20 can be supported and slide within a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18 along the bearing element 50. The means for movable connection includes a fork 52 that is integral with the second end 20b of the lever 20 and a stud 54 that is integral with the membrane 18. The fork 52 engages with the stud 54 so as to slide on either side of the stud 54 within a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane 18 while being translationally integral with the stud 54 within the pivot plane. Thus, the movement of the needle generated by the vibration of the needle connected to the rotating element 13 and transmitted to the membrane 18 via the lever 20 actuated by the needle generates an amplified movement of the membrane 18 and an amplified sound.

[0083] Advantageously, the vibration amplification device 16 includes an articulated stabilizing arm 58 that is integral with the lever 20.

[0084] The timepiece further includes a mechanism for bringing the transmission member 28 to an initial position corresponding to the start of the reading surface of the rotating element 13 before or simultaneously with the actuation of the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element 13.

[0085] The transmission member is preferably a needle arranged to follow the groove 15 of the rotating element 13, and the needle is integral with the vibration amplification device 16.

[0086] Preferably, the rotating element 13 is a flat disk or cylinder. It can be a flat disk arranged to form the dial of the timepiece.

[0087] Advantageously, the groove 15 provided in the rotating element is arranged to generate sound in the form of words or music.

[0088] Advantageously, the watch includes a compression chamber 40 arranged to amplify the sound generated by the operation of the membrane 18 before it exits externally. The compression chamber 40 can be closed by a wall arranged downstream of the membrane 18 and having at least one opening 42, and its dimensions are selected in relation to the surface area of the membrane 18 as a function of the desired sound amplification.

[0089] The details and advantages of the structure of the wristwatch according to the first aspect of the present invention, particularly with respect to the vibration amplification device, means for translational guidance, and movable coupling means, similarly apply to the watch according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanical wristwatch (1), comprising: A case (2) having a central part (3), a back cover (4), and a bezel (5); A vibration generating device housed within the case (2) and configured to generate vibrations for the purpose of generating at least one sound; A vibration amplification device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device; A membrane (18) configured to receive the amplified vibrations and arranged to generate sound from the interior to the exterior of the wristwatch. In the wristwatch (1), The vibration generating device is a rotating element (13) having a reading surface, which Includes at least one groove (15) formed from a coil, and when there are multiple grooves, the coil is concentric, or Includes at least one groove formed by several helical coils extending on the reading surface of the rotating element (13); The at least one groove is arranged to generate sound; The wristwatch (1) further includes: Means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13); Means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13); A transmission member (28) configured to cooperate with the rotating element (13) to transmit vibrations generated by the groove during rotation of the rotating element (13) to the vibration amplification device (16); The transmission member (28) and the rotating element (13) are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element (13) rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member (28) moves across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element (13); The vibration amplification device (16) includes a lever (20) pivotally attached to a support (22) in a pivoting plane that is not parallel to the plane of the membrane (18). The lever (20) is arranged to be actuated by the transmission member (28) so as to transmit vibration to the lever (20). Similarly, the lever (20) is at least translationally integral with the membrane (18) in the pivoting plane. Thereby, the movement of the transmission member (28) generated by the vibration of the transmission member (28) connected to the rotating element (13) and transmitted to the membrane (18) via the lever (20) actuated by the transmission member (28) generates an amplified movement of the membrane (18) by a mechanical lever arm effect to generate an amplified sound. A wristwatch characterized by that.

2. The means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13) comprises a spring and a winding mechanism for the spring. The wristwatch according to claim 1, characterized by that.

3. A wristwatch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising a regulator arranged to control the rotational speed of the rotating element (13).

4. The means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13) comprises a slide, a push button, or an engagement mechanism associated with a predetermined time and cooperating with the movement of the watch. The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that.

5. A wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by including a compression chamber (40) arranged to amplify the sound generated by the amplified movement of the membrane (18) before it exits to the outside.

6. The compression chamber (40) is closed by a wall having at least one opening (42) arranged downstream of the membrane (18). The size of the opening (42) is selected in relation to the surface area of the membrane (18) as a function of the desired sound amplification. The wristwatch according to claim 5, characterized by that.

7. The vibration amplification device (16) is Means for translational guidance in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane (18). When the rotating element (13) rotates more than one revolution, the means for translational guidance is arranged such that the vibration amplification device (16) can follow the movement of the transmission member (28) over at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element (13). Means for translational guidance Means for a movable connection between the vibration amplification device (16) and the membrane (18), wherein the means for the movable connection is arranged to enable the membrane (18) to remain connected while the vibration amplification device (16) is moving, and the wristwatch according to claim 6, characterized by comprising means for the movable connection.

8. The lever (20) has a first end (20a), and the first end (20a) is pivotally mounted on a support (22) in a pivot plane that is not parallel to the plane of the membrane (18), and is integral with the transmission member (28). The means for guiding the vibration amplification device in translation is a bearing element (50) integral with the case (2), and the support (22) of the lever (20) can be supported and slide along the bearing element (50) in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane, and includes the bearing element (50). The means for the movable connection comprises a fork (52) integral with a second end (20b) of the lever (20) and a stud (54) integral with the membrane (18), and the fork (52) is integral with the stud (54) translationally in the pivot plane and engages with the stud (54) to slide on either side of the stud (54) in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane (18). The wristwatch according to claim 7, characterized by this.

9. The vibration amplification device (16) is provided with an articulated stabilizing arm (58) integral with the lever (20). The wristwatch according to claim 8, characterized by this.

10. Before or simultaneously with the actuation of the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13), a mechanism is provided for bringing the transmission member (28) to an initial position corresponding to the start of the reading surface of the rotating element (13). The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by this.

11. The transmission member (28) is a needle arranged to follow at least one groove (15) of the rotating element (13), and the needle is integral with the vibration amplification device (16). The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by this.

12. The rotating element (13) is a flat disk or cylinder. The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by this.

13. The wristwatch according to claim 12, wherein the rotating element (13) is a flat disk arranged to form the dial of the wristwatch.

14. The wristwatch according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the groove (15) provided in the rotating element is arranged to generate sound in the form of words or music.

15. A mechanical clock (1), A case (2) having a central part (3), a back cover (4), and a bezel (5), A vibration generating device housed in the case (2) and generating vibrations for the purpose of generating at least one sound, A vibration amplifying device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device, In the clock (1), comprising a diaphragm (18) arranged to receive the amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the clock. The vibration generating device is a rotating element (13) having a reading surface including at least one groove (15) formed by several helical coils, the at least one groove (15) being arranged to generate sound and extending across the reading surface. The clock Means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13), Means for operating the means for rotationally driving the rotating element (13), A transmission member (28) arranged to cooperate with the rotating element (13) and transmitting the vibrations generated by the groove (15) during rotation of the rotating element (13) to the vibration amplifying device (16). The transmission member (28) and the rotating element (13) are arranged to be movable relative to each other such that when the rotating element (13) rotates more than one revolution, the transmission member (28) moves across at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element (13). The vibration amplifying device (16) comprises a lever (20) pivotally attached to a support (22) in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the diaphragm (18). The lever (20) is arranged to be actuated by the transmission member (28) so as to transmit vibration to the lever (20), and the lever (20) is likewise at least translationally integral with the membrane (18) in the pivoting plane, whereby generated by the vibration of the transmission member (28) connected to the rotating element (13) and transmitted to the membrane (18) via the lever (20) actuated by the transmission member (28), the operation of the transmission member (28) generates an amplified operation of the membrane (18) by a mechanical lever arm effect to generate an amplified sound. A clock characterized by that.

16. The vibration amplification device (16) is Means for inducing translation in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane (18), and when the rotating element (13) rotates more than one revolution, the means for inducing translation causes the support (22) of the lever (20) to move along at least a part of the reading surface of the rotating element (13). Means for inducing translation arranged to be able to follow the operation of the transmission member (28), Means for a movable connection between the lever (20) and the membrane (18), the means for the movable connection being arranged to allow the lever (20) to remain connected to the membrane (18) when it is moving. The clock according to claim 15, characterized by comprising means for a movable connection.

17. The lever (20) has a first end (20a), and the first end (20a) is pivotally mounted on the support (22) in a pivoting plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane (18) and is integral with the transmission member (28). The means for inducing translation of the vibration amplification device is a bearing element (50) integral with the case (2), and along the bearing element (50), the support (22) of the lever (20) is arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the membrane (18). A bearing element (50) on which it can be supported and slide. The means for said movable connection comprises a fork (52) integral with the second end (20b) of said lever (20) and a stud (54) integral with said membrane (18), said fork (52) being engaged with said stud (54) so as to slide on either side of said stud (54) in a plane parallel to the plane of said membrane (18) while being in translation with said stud (54) in said pivoting plane. The timepiece according to claim 16, characterized in that.

18. The timepiece according to claim 17, characterized in that said vibration amplification device (16) comprises an articulated stabilizing arm (58) integral with said lever (20).

19. Before or simultaneously with the actuation of the means for actuating the means for rotationally driving said rotating element (13), a mechanism for bringing said transmission member (28) to an initial position corresponding to the start of said reading surface of said rotating element (13) is provided. The timepiece according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that.

20. Said transmission member (28) is a needle arranged to follow said groove (15) of said rotating element (13), said needle being integral with said vibration amplification device (16). The wristwatch according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that.

21. The timepiece according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that said rotating element (13) is a flat disk or cylinder.

22. The timepiece according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that said groove (15) provided in said rotating element is arranged to generate sound in the form of words or music.

23. The timepiece according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a compression chamber (40) arranged to amplify the sound generated by the amplified movement of said membrane (18) before it exits to the outside.

24. The compression chamber (40) is closed by a wall having at least one opening (42) arranged downstream of said membrane (18), the dimensions of said opening (42) being selected in relation to the surface area of said membrane (18) as a function of the desired sound amplification. The timepiece according to claim 23, characterized in that.

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