CH708038B1 - Watch movement with three-dimensional resonance regulator. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece oscillator (1, 10), characterized in that it comprises at least two resonant oscillating systems (23, 33) whose axes (22, 32) have a different orientation. The invention also relates to a timepiece such as a wristwatch having such a regulator.

Description

Description

Introduction [0001] The present invention relates to an oscillating regulator for a timepiece, and a watchmaking assembly incorporating such a regulator. It therefore also relates to a timepiece as such incorporating such a regulator, and a watch, such as a wristwatch, as such incorporating such a regulator.

STATE OF THE ART [0002] The accuracy of a conventional mechanical watch rests largely on the operation of its regulator. The latter is generally in the form of an oscillating system, most often comprising a pendulum-balance or a pendulum. This oscillating system has a clean and stable operating frequency, which is exploited to impose a measure of time controlled watch. It is linked to an energy accumulator, like a cylinder, which dispenses energy to an escapement by a cog. The escapement then periodically transmits pulses to the oscillating system to sustain its oscillations in a sustainable manner. The oscillating system power distribution system is designed to maintain oscillation movements without disturbing them.

The operation of such a regulator of the state of the art remains however imperfect, because of intrinsic imperfections of the oscillating system and / or the associated power distribution system, which will shift its operation of ideal and theoretical operation. In addition, the regulator is also subject to the influence of the gravitational force which can vary if the orientation of the regulator changes, which is the case in a wristwatch. These different phenomena lead to a loss of precision of the time measurement of a timepiece.

To overcome some of these disadvantages, some solutions rely on complex mechanical systems. For example, to reduce the influence of gravitation, there are in particular vortex-based solutions, whose principle is the setting in motion of the regulator around one or more axes of rotation to finally make its overall operation less dependent on its orientation. These complex solutions are very expensive and the improvement of the accuracy of the oscillating system-based regulator is only achieved at the cost of a development of a complex mechanical system, which is not easy.

[0005] Other solutions for improving the accuracy of time measurement by an oscillating system based regulator have been proposed, such as that described by way of example in document EP 1 640 821. This document describes a movement of horology using a plurality of resonance-operated balances. This principle theoretically makes it possible to overcome the defects of a single pendulum and to obtain a time measurement that is globally improved, since the possible different defects of each pendulum are supposed to be offset by the other pendulums which will probably not have the same defects. at the same time. The global regulator formed by the meeting resonance balances and present an operation on average more accurate and reliable than that of each independent balance constituting it. This solution is based on a theoretical approach. However, putting it into practice poses technical problems that have not been overcome. Indeed, to obtain the stable operation in resonance of different rockers, it is necessary that these rockers are provided with the same oscillatory properties, are preferably identical in weight, geometry, adjustment of operation, and undergo at all times exactly the same external influences. Since these conditions are rarely achieved, the principle of resonance has not been able to provide the expected results for the measurement of time in the state of the art.

Thus, the general object of the invention is to provide a time measurement solution for a timepiece that does not include all or part of the disadvantages of the solutions of the state of the art.

More specifically, a first object of the invention is to provide a solution for measuring time to achieve high accuracy, especially for use within a wristwatch.

A second object of the invention is to provide a solution for measuring space-saving time, compatible with use within a watch, including a wristwatch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0009] For this purpose, the invention is based on an oscillating timepiece controller, comprising at least two resonant oscillating systems and whose axes have a different orientation.

Advantageously, the oscillating regulator comprises at least one platform connecting all the oscillating systems to each other.

In addition, the oscillating regulator may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: three or an odd number of resonant oscillating systems greater than three, of different orientations, where all its oscillating systems are equidistributed around a central axis, o the axis of rotation of each oscillating system of said regulator is mounted on the same platform, o it comprises a lower platform and an upper platform, all oscillating systems of the regulator being mounted on these two platforms lower and upper so at least partially arranged between these two lower and upper platforms, where all the oscillating systems of said regulator are of the same type, in particular of the spring-balance or pendulum type, where the axes of rotation of each of its oscillating systems are oriented regularly in the different directions of space and can be spread on faces c ontigues of a cube.

The invention also relates to a watch, in particular a wristwatch, which comprises such an oscillating regulator.

The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0014] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made in a non-limiting manner with reference to the appended figures among which:

Fig. 1 is a simplified perspective view of an oscillating regulator according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the oscillating regulator according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the oscillating regulator according to the embodiment of the invention.

The principle implemented in the embodiment that will be described below is based firstly on the fact of using several resonance-operated balances and secondly on the fact of using at least two pendulums d different orientation, to achieve a regulator solution that will simply be called a three-dimensional resonance regulator.

FIG. 1 thus represents a three-dimensional resonance oscillating regulator, according to one embodiment, which comprises a lower platform 1 and an upper platform 10, between which are arranged three resonance-operated oscillating systems, spiral-balance type in this embodiment . As a remark, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used because the regulator according to the embodiment described is intended for a particular orientation as represented by the figures, in which the gravitational force is parallel to the central axis 15 when the timepiece is positioned horizontally. However, any alternative embodiment with different orientations is also covered by these terms, which could be replaced by "first" and "second".

The upper platform 10 comprises four surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14 substantially planar. The first surface 11, which we will call the support surface, is intended for mounting substantially parallel to the plate and the dial within a wristwatch. The other three surfaces 12, 13, 14 are homogeneously distributed around the axis 15 centered and perpendicular to the first surface 11, which forms a central and reference axis of the overall architecture. They define support surfaces of respectively each of the three identical oscillating systems.

The lower platform 1 also comprises three surfaces 2, 3, 4 respectively parallel to the surfaces 12, 13, 14 of the upper platform 10. It has a pyramidal shape in this embodiment, the top of which is positioned on the central axis 15.

In note, in this construction, the lower platform 1 behaves similarly to a watch plate and the upper platform as a balance bridge.

In this embodiment, each oscillating system is spiral balance type. The first balance spring is arranged around an axis of rotation 22, which comprises a first end 22a connected to the surface 12 of the upper platform 10 and a second end 22b connected to the parallel surface 2 of the lower platform 1. Each of these two surfaces 2, 12 is therefore equipped with a device for connecting an axis of rotation of an oscillating system. This oscillating system furthermore comprises, in a known manner, a rocker 23, fulfilling the function of flywheel, rotatably mounted around this axis of rotation 22, by means of a spiral spring simply called a spiral 24. Spiral balance is commonly used in the field of watchmaking and will not be more detailed here. Similarly, two other sets of balance spring type are arranged around axes of rotation 32, 42 arranged between the surfaces 13, 14 of the upper platform 10 and surfaces 3, 4 respectively parallel to the lower platform 1.

Thus, in this embodiment, the oscillating regulator is composed of three complementary oscillating systems, all of which have different orientations. To clarify these orientations, we consider the axes 16, 17, 18 corresponding to the respective directions of the respective axes of rotation 22, 32, 42 of the three oscillating systems. It appears that the three planes formed respectively by each of these axes and the central axis 15 are homogeneously distributed around the central axis 15, with angles β of 120 degrees between them, as is clear from FIG. 2. This allows a homogeneous distribution of the three systems oscillating about the axis 15. On the other hand, these oscillating systems are inclined with respect to the direction of the central axis 15. In this embodiment, the angles α2, α3, a4 respectively formed between the axes 16, 17, 18 and the central axis 15 are equal and of the order of 60 degrees, more precisely of the order of 58 degrees, and more exactly equal to 57.51 degrees. By this construction, the various oscillating systems are thus distributed equally around the same axis 15, and these oscillating systems are positioned coaxially, their axes 16, 17, 18 intersecting at the same point disposed on the central axis 15.

In note, a technical problem of such a three-dimensional resonance oscillating controller configuration comes from the size it requires due to the use of several oscillating systems. For this purpose, a technical solution consists in minimizing the overall height of the regulator, that is to say the distance between the upper and lower platforms. For this, the surfaces 12, 13, 14 distributed around the support surface 11 are preferably slightly inclined, that is to say that the angles a2, a3, a4 are preferably less than or equal to 60 degrees, or lower or equal to 50 degrees.

The operation of this regulator will now be explained. It is associated, in a timepiece not shown, with a conventional energy distribution system, which allows for example the same single escape wheel 5 to be linked to the three oscillating systems to transmit them in a manner coordinated energy pulses maintaining their oscillations, via anchors 6, 7, 8 respectively related to each oscillating system. As a variant, this escape wheel 5 may be replaced by an escape wheel comprising three superimposed escape wheels each having the function of supplying energy to one of the anchors 6, 7, 8. The exhaust wheel or wheels mentioned are positioned parallel to the support surface 11 of the upper platform 10 in this embodiment and centered (s) on the central axis 15. More specifically, in the embodiment chosen, the upper platform 10 is secured to the the axis of rotation of the escape wheel 5, which extends along the central axis 15, by means of a ball bearing. As a remark, in this embodiment, the anchors 6, 7, 8 are thus curved, to operate on the one hand in the plane of the escape wheel, and on the other hand to have horns in a plane perpendicular to the axis pendulums.

Alternatively, each oscillating system could be associated with a distribution system more or less distinct or totally separate, each being linked to its own exhaust system. The oscillating regulator of this embodiment, however, remains mounted in a timepiece with preferably a single energy storage element, such as a single cylinder, related to the various oscillating systems of the regulator. As a variant, several barrels could be used, for example two barrels, advantageously fewer than the number of oscillating systems of the regulator.

The three oscillating systems of this embodiment are of the same nature, and have the same oscillating geometries. They will naturally tend towards coherent oscillations, in phase, by the phenomenon called resonance in the state of the art. To optimize this resonance and its efficiency, it is deliberately chosen to have at least two oscillating systems in resonance oriented differently, which gives them more chance of resisting external harmful influences. In particular, this configuration makes it possible for the regulator to be less dependent on the effect of the gravitational force, to have a function that is less dependent on its orientation, which is particularly interesting in an implementation within a watch case. bracelet. Indeed, when a first oscillating system of the regulator will have its axis oriented in an unfavorable direction, increasing the friction and the resistances to its natural oscillation, in particular for example when its balance is in a perpendicular direction (i.e. say that its axis of rotation is horizontal), at least one other oscillating system will not be in this unfavorable direction. The influence of this other system oscillating on the first oscillating system will oppose the harmful influence of the gravitational force and the result obtained at the output of the regulator will be on the one hand more precise than if there were that the first oscillating system, and secondly more stable, since less dependent on the orientation of the regulator. For example, in the embodiment chosen, when a rocker is in a vertical position, in which gravity generally upsets its ideal operation, at least one other rocker will be in a non-vertical position, and preferably close to the horizontal, of so to benefit from a functioning less, if at all, disturbed by the gravity. In any case, when gravity modifies the operation of one of the pendulums, it will not modify that of the other pendulums in the same way: the average result resulting from the resonance between the different pendulums will thus remain insensitive to gravity. Thus, the regulator used implements a three-dimensional resonance solution, by the choice of at least two oscillating systems operating in resonance and oriented differently. This three-dimensional resonance makes it possible to obtain an astonishingly more accurate result than all the resonance solutions previously tested in the state of the art.

In the embodiment shown, the controller comprises three oscillating systems. Other embodiments may be obtained by selecting any other number of oscillating systems, at least two. On the other hand, as has been seen, at least two oscillating systems do not have the same orientation. Preferably, all the oscillating systems will have a different orientation, and will be distributed homogeneously in space to optimize their non-dependence on the orientation of the regulator. For example, their axes of rotation can be equidistributed around a certain axis. In a complementary manner, the main components of the oscillating systems, such as a balance wheel, a balance spring, a pendulum, etc., can also be distributed homogeneously around this same axis. On the other hand, it will also be advantageous to provide an odd number of oscillating systems, three or even five, representing the best compromise between performance and simplicity.

Claims (18)

The oscillating systems selected in the embodiment described are of the spring-balance type. Of course, any other oscillating system can alternatively be used, such as pendulum-based oscillating systems. Each oscillating system is adjustable to determine the ideal setting for their resonance operation. On the other hand, the oscillating systems are interconnected via two platforms, on which the ends of their axes are mounted. These platforms and the oscillating systems then form a compact and integral assembly having an own oscillating property, a proper oscillation frequency, called resonance frequency. The platforms favor the appearance of the resonance phenomenon between the oscillating systems, because they transmit the vibrations between these oscillating systems and imply their own vibratory properties. It is thus advantageous to use a platform in one piece, monolithic, and providing an arrangement with a small distance between the various oscillating systems. On the other hand, the platform will advantageously be in a material with favorable vibratory properties, such as brass, a noble metal, and so on. Alternatively, a platform could be composed of separate parts fixed together. According to another variant, a single platform could be used, other conventional parts of a watch replacing the second platform. In addition, some ends of oscillating systems could be linked to a platform and other ends could remain free, that is to say that all the oscillating systems of the regulator are not necessarily linked to the same platform. Finally, at least one specific, dedicated platform has been provided in the embodiment. However, as a variant, the platform function can be filled by a component of the timepiece such as a plate, a dial, a bridge, etc. According to an advantageous embodiment, the platforms, or at least one of them, on which are mounted the various oscillating systems, are fixed on the timepiece in a mobile manner, to promote their vibrations and their shareholdings. the resonance of oscillating systems. For this, a platform can for example be fixed on a frame of a watch, the plate or a bridge for example, by a fastening element type feet-screw. To provide the mobility provided by this embodiment, one or more elastic elements may be associated with the fastening elements, such as O-ring type joints. The entire platform or platforms with associated oscillating systems thus form a single oscillating component, according to its own frequency. On the other hand, the geometry of the upper platform has been described by way of non-limiting example. It could naturally occupy any other form, be formed of several surfaces not necessarily planar, but curved, or even a single curved surface, since it allows the assembly in different orientations of at least two oscillating systems. The planes perpendicular to the axes of the different oscillating systems can thus form part of an irregular polyhedron, that is to say that some surfaces of an irregular polyhedron could be perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the oscillating systems of the regulator. According to an advantageous variant, especially to reduce at best the harmful influence of gravity, the three oscillating systems could be arranged on three contiguous faces of a cube, that is to say that the surfaces 12, 13 , 14 would be perpendicular to each other and coincide with the three faces of a cube. In another variant, these surfaces could coincide with certain surfaces of a regular polyhedron, not necessarily cubic. The regulator described above is particularly effective within a wristwatch. Naturally, it also remains useful for any implementation more broadly within any watch movement, for any timepiece. On the other hand, the principle of the three-dimensional resonance controller remains compatible with other approaches to improve the accuracy of the regulator. Thus, it can for example be combined with a vortex type solution. Finally, the three-dimensional resonance regulator makes it possible to greatly reduce, or even cancel, the harmful effect of gravity and more generally the various defects of the oscillating systems on the isochronism of the watch. claims 1. oscillating timepiece controller, characterized in that it comprises at least two resonant oscillating systems each comprising an axis of rotation and in that their axes of rotation have a different orientation. 2. Clock oscillator for timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises three or an odd number of resonant oscillating systems greater than three, of different orientations. Clock oscillator for a timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all its oscillating systems are equidistributed around a central axis (15). 4. Clock oscillating regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one platform (1; 10) connecting all the oscillating systems between them. 5. Clock oscillator for timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axis of rotation (22, 32, 42) of each oscillating system is mounted on the same at least one platform (1; 10). Clock oscillator for a timepiece according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one platform is a lower platform (1) and an upper platform (10) and in that all the oscillating systems of the regulator are mounted on these two lower platforms (1) and upper (10) at least partially arranged between these two platforms lower (1) and upper (10). 7. Clock oscillator for timepiece according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one platform (1; 10) is monolithic. 8. Oscillating timepiece regulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oscillating systems are all of the same type, including spiral balance type or pendulum. Clock oscillator for a timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of rotation (22, 32, 42) of each of its oscillating systems are oriented equidistantly so as to form an angle ( α2, α3, a4) of identical inclination with respect to the same central axis (15), the different oscillating systems thus being distributed evenly around the same axis (15). Clock oscillator for a timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of rotation (22, 32, 42) of each of its oscillating systems are oriented at an angle less than or equal to 60 degrees by relative to a central axis (15), or in that the rotational axes of each of its oscillating systems are mounted on contiguous faces of a cube. 11. Timepiece, characterized in that it comprises an oscillating regulator according to one of claims 1 to 10. 12. Watch, characterized in that it comprises an oscillating regulator according to one of claims 1 to 10. 13. Watch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a dial and in that the oscillating systems of the oscillating regulator are equidistributed around a central axis (15) substantially perpendicular to the dial. 14. Watch according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises a single source of energy, linked to each oscillating system of the oscillating regulator by one or more wheels. 15. Watch according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises only one escape wheel (5), connected to different oscillating systems by anchors (6, 7, 8) curved. 16. Watch according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of superimposed parallel exhaust wheels, connected to different oscillating systems by anchors (6, 7, 8) curved. 17. Watch according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one platform on which are mounted all the axes of rotation of the oscillating systems of its oscillating regulator, and in that this at least one platform is attached to the watch by means of at least one elastic element allowing the vibration of the at least one platform relative to the watch. 18. Watch according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it is a wristwatch.