CH709061A2 - Mechanism of natural exhaust. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an escapement mechanism (10) comprising a stop (30) between: - a resonator (20), - two exhaust mobiles (40A, 40B) each subjected to a torque. Each escapement wheel (40A; 40B) comprises a magnetized or ferromagnetic track according to a period (PD), said stop (30) comprises at least one polar mass, magnetized or ferromagnetic, movable transversely with respect to the scrolling of a surface of said track, said pole mass or said track (50) creates a magnetic field between said pole mass and said surface, and said pole mass is opposed to a magnetic field barrier (46) on said track just before each transverse movement of said stop ( 30) controlled by the periodic action of said resonator (20), said exhaust movers (40A, 40B) are each arranged to cooperate alternately with said retainer (30), and are connected to each other by a connection direct kinematics.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a clockwork escapement mechanism comprising a stop between a resonator on the one hand, and on the other hand two exhaust mobiles each subjected to a torque.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such movement and / or having at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of clockwork mechanisms for the transmission of movement, and more particularly the field of escape mechanisms.

Background of the invention

The Swiss lever escapement is a widely used device that is part of the regulating organ of mechanical watches. This mechanism simultaneously maintains the movement of a sprung balance resonator and synchronize the rotation of the drive train to the resonator.

To fulfill these functions, the escape wheel interacts with the anchor using mechanical contact forces, and the Swiss lever escapement uses this mechanical contact between the escape wheel and the Swiss anchor. so as to fulfill a first function of transmitting the energy of the escape wheel to the sprung balance on the one hand, and to fulfill on the other hand a second function which consists of releasing and locking the escape wheel by jerks so that it advances a step with each alternation of the pendulum.

The mechanical contacts necessary for the accomplishment of these first and second functions alter performance, isochronism, power reserve, and the life of the watch.

[0008] Various studies have proposed synchronizing the rotation of a drive wheel to a mechanical resonator using a contactless force, such as "Clifford" type escapements. These systems all use an interaction force of magnetic origin which makes it possible to transfer energy from the drive wheel to the resonator at a rate imposed by the natural frequency of the resonator. However, they all suffer from the disadvantage of not completing the second function of jerky release and blockage of the escape wheel with certainty. More precisely, following an impact, the wheel can become out of sync with the mechanical resonator, and consequently the functions of the regulator are no longer ensured.

US Pat. No. 3,518,464 to KAWAKAMI TSUNETA discloses an electromagnetic drive mechanism of a wheel by a resonator. This document mentions that the use of a magnetic drive mechanism as an escapement has an adverse effect on the frequency. This mechanism includes a vibrating blade, but no stop, let alone a multi-stable retainer. During the rotation of the wheel and for a fixed position of the resonator, the force between the wheel and the resonator varies gradually between a minimum (negative) and a maximum (positive) over an angular period.

[0010] The document DE 1 935 486U in the name of JUNGHANS discloses a magnetic ratchet drive mechanism. This mechanism also includes a vibrating blade, but no stop, let alone a multi-stable retainer. This mechanism includes ramps and barriers, which involve combined and simultaneous movements of the wheel and the resonator.

US 3 183 426A in the name of HAYDON ARTHUR describes an all-magnetic escapement comprising a magnetic escape wheel, wherein the energy varies continuously and progressively between a minimum and a maximum when the wheel rotates on a half period then the energy returns to its minimum value over the next half-period. In other words, the magnetic force on the wheel varies gradually between a minimum (negative) and a maximum (positive) over an angular period.

Summary of the invention

The present invention proposes to replace the mechanical contact force between the anchor and the escape wheel by a contactless force of magnetic or electrostatic origin, with an arrangement that ensures with certainty and in all safety the second function of releasing and blocking jerky the escape wheel.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a clockwork escapement mechanism comprising a retainer between a resonator on the one hand, and on the other hand two exhaust mobiles each subjected to a torque, characterized in that each said mobile escapement comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic track, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, with a running period in which its magnetic characteristics, respectively electrostatic, are repeated, said stop having at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic polar mass, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, said polar mass being movable in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of at least one element of a surface of said track, and at least said polar mass or said track creating a magnetic field or electrostatic in an air gap between said least one polar mass and said at least one surface, and further characterized in that said polar mass is opposed to a magnetic or electrostatic field barrier on said track just before each transverse movement of said stop controlled by the periodic action of said resonator, and characterized in that said first exhaust movable subjected to a first torque and said second exhaust movable subjected to a second torque are each arranged able to cooperate alternately with said retainer, and in that said first escapement mobile and said second mobile exhaust pivot about separate axes and are connected to each other by a direct kinematic link.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising at least one such escape mechanism.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such movement and / or having at least one such exhaust mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: <tb> fig. 1 <SEP> schematically represents a first embodiment of an escapement mechanism according to the invention, comprising a retainer in the form of a rod-anchor with a single magnetic pole mass, at the level of an anchor rod, and which cooperates with an escape wheel which is magnetized with a plurality of concentric secondary tracks, each of these tracks comprising a succession of magnetized zones with different intensities, and exerting different repulsion forces in interaction with the polar mass of the anchor-wand when the latter is in their immediate vicinity, the areas immediately adjacent to two concentric neighboring tracks being also of different magnetization level. This fig. 1 represents a simplified version with two tracks, inside and outside; <tb> fig. 2 <SEP> shows, schematically and in plan view, the distribution of potential magnetic interaction energy seen by the polar mass of the rod-anchor of FIG. 1 according to its position with respect to the escape wheel, and the crenellated broken line illustrates the trajectory of the polar mass of the anchor during its operation, alternately facing the inner track and the outer track of the fig. 1; <tb> fig. 3 <SEP> is a diagram illustrating, again for the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the variation of the potential energy, along the ordinate, along the magnetized tracks, as a function of the angle at the center on the abscissa, for each of the two tracks of FIG. 1: internal track in solid line, and external track in broken line, this diagram showing the accumulation of potential energy taken from the escape wheel on sections P1-P2 and P3-P4 each corresponding to half a period, and its restitution by the pendulum anchor during the change of track of the polar mass P2-P3 and P4-P5; <tb> fig. 4 <SEP> shows schematically and in perspective a second embodiment of an escapement mechanism according to the invention, comprising an anchor comprising a plurality of magnetic polar masses, here in the form of two forks with each two polar masses on either side of the plane of an escape wheel, the two forks being distributed on either side of the pivot point of the anchor, similarly to the pallets of a conventional Swiss anchor . The escape wheel is provided with a succession of ramps each formed of a sequence of magnets of variable and increasing intensity, each ramp being limited by a barrier of magnets, these different magnets being arranged to interact successively with the two forks of the anchor; <tb> fig. <SEP> is a sectional view of a fork of the anchor of FIG. 4, and the direction of the fields of the various magnetized sectors of the anchor and the escape wheel; <tb> fig. 6 <SEP> represents, in section in a transverse plane in which cooperate an exhaust mobile and a stopper according to the invention, different variants of arrangement of magnets in cooperation to concentrate a magnetic field in a gap zone; <tb> figs. 7 to 10 <SEP> illustrate, in sectional view in a plane passing through the axis of an escape wheel and by a polar mass antagonist of a stop in the cooperation position, their respective compositions in different variants of execution: <tb> fig. 7 <SEP> illustrates a magnetized structure of variable thickness or intensity deposited on an escape wheel, in interaction with a magnetic field created by a magnetic circuit integral with an anchor, the interaction then being able to be repulsive or attractive; <tb> fig. 8 <SEP> illustrates a ferromagnetic structure of variable thickness at an exhaust wheel track, creating a variable air gap interacting with the magnetic field created by a magnetic circuit integral with an anchor; <tb> fig. 9 <SEP> represents an escape wheel with two disks consisting of magnetized structures of variable thickness or intensity deposited on two surfaces of an escape wheel interacting with the magnetic field created by a magnet secured to an anchor, that frame these two surfaces, the interaction can be repulsive or attractive; <tb> fig. <SEP> represents a structure mechanically similar to FIG. 9, with, on the two surfaces of the escapement wheel facing each other, ferromagnetic structures of variable thickness creating a variable air gap interacting with the magnetic field created by a magnet secured to the anchor; <tb> figs. 11 to 14 <SEP> show, schematically, the magnetic field distribution in a transverse plane, passing through the pivot axis of the escape wheel of the mechanism of FIG. 1, on the two secondary tracks, internal and external, in correlation with the positions illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3: fig. 11: point P1 (and equivalent to the point P5 shifted by an entire period), fig. 12: point P2, fig. 13: point P3, fig. 14: point P4; <tb> fig. <SEP> represents, in the form of a block diagram, a timepiece comprising a movement which incorporates an escape mechanism according to the invention; <tb> fig. 16 <SEP> illustrates a variant where the escape wheel is a cylinder, the stop having a moving polar mass near a generator of this cylinder; <tb> fig. 17 <SEP> illustrates another variant where the escape wheel is a continuous strip; <tb> fig. 18 <SEP> illustrates the movement of a polar mass facing a surface of a track of a left-hand escapement; <tb> fig. 19 <SEP> shows the periodicity of movement of a polar mass along a track with two parallel secondary tracks; <tb> figs. 20 to 25 <SEP> illustrate ramp and barrier profiles, and the transmitted energy corresponding to each of these profiles; <tb> fig. <SEP> illustrates, in part, an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 4, but having two concentric rows of magnets of increasing magnetization, those of the inner race being polarized upwards, and those of the outer race being polarized downwards; <tb> fig. SEP illustrates schematically the orientation of the field lines in a cross section corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 26; <tb> fig. 28 <SEP> illustrates the distribution of potential in this same example, with broken line centering on the track, and solid line a draw; <tb> fig. 28A <SEP> illustrates the variation, throughout the running period, of a part of the energy level on the upper diagram, and secondly of the braking torque on the lower diagram, which is aligned in abscissa on the upper diagram: <tb> figs. 29 to 34 <SEP> illustrate a natural escape mechanism according to the invention: <tb> figs. 29 and 30 <SEP> represent, schematically and in perspective, the same mechanism comprising a resonator here constituted by a conventional balance-hairspring assembly, which cooperates with a radial retainer, which cooperates alternately with one or the other of two escape mobiles, which are linked by gearing, and which comprise a plurality of magnetic tracks here, forming ramps and barriers, to cooperate with a polar mass of this retainer, FIG. 30 being shown without the gear wheels that comprise these mobiles; <tb> figs. 31 to 34 <SEP> illustrate, in plan view, the kinematics of the alternation of this stop between these two escape wheels.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention proposes to replace the usual mechanical contact force between a stopper and an escape wheel by a contactless force of magnetic or electrostatic origin.

The invention relates to a clockwork exhaust mechanism comprising a stop 30 between a resonator 20 and an escapement wheel 40.

According to the invention, the escapement mobile 40 comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic track 50, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, with a scrolling period PD according to which its magnetic characteristics, respectively electrostatic, are repeated.

The invention is illustrated here in the preferred case of a pivoting movement, with an angular scroll, and an angular scrolling period PD.

According to this run period PD this track 50 has identical characteristics, geometric and physical, including its constitution (materials), its relief, its possible coating, its magnetization or possible electrification.

This stopper 30 comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic polar mass 3, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive.

This polar mass 3 is movable in a transverse direction DT relative to the direction of movement DD of at least one element of a surface 4 of the track 50. This transverse mobility does not imply a total output of the the track concerned, the arrangement is variable according to the embodiments, and in some of them, the polar mass leaves the track during part of the movement.

At least the polar mass 3 or the track 50 creates a magnetic or electrostatic field in an air gap 5 between the at least one polar mass 3 and this at least one surface 4.

The polar mass 3 is opposite a barrier 46 of magnetic or electrostatic field on the track 50 just before each transverse movement of the retainer 30, which transverse movement is controlled by the periodic action of the resonator 20.

This stop 30 is muiti-stable, and is arranged to occupy at least two stable positions.

Preferably, the magnetic or electrostatic field, created by this at least one polar mass 3 or by the track 50, in an air gap 5 between this at least one polar mass 3 and this at least one surface 4, generates a torque or a force exerted on this at least one polar mass 3 and this at least one surface 4. And this torque or effort is a periodic torque or braking force according to the angular displacement period PD, with, starting from a zero value of the torque or effort, a first half-period comprising a potential ramp where the torque or braking force is substantially constant around a first value V1, and a second period portion comprising a potential barrier where said torque or braking force increases and reaches its maximum value which is a second value V2 at least triple of the first value V1, and with the same sign as the first value V1, as visible in FIG. 28A.

More particularly, each track 50 comprises, before each barrier 46, a ramp 45 interacting increasingly with a polar mass 3 with a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, whose intensity varies so as to produce an increasing potential energy, this ramp 45 taking energy from the exhaust mobile 40 and each potential barrier is steeper than each potential ramp.

More particularly, the escape wheel 40 comprises, between two successive ramps 45 of the same track 50 or two neighboring tracks 50 in the direction of travel DD, such a magnetic field potential barrier, respectively electrostatic, to trigger a momentary stopping of the escape wheel 40 prior to tilting of the stop 30 under the periodic action of the oscillator 20.

More particularly, and as shown in FIG. 28A, the torque or effort is a torque or periodic braking force according to the angular travel period PD. And, starting from a zero value of the torque or effort at the beginning of the PD period, this torque or braking force is of positive intensity with an increasing value during a first angle T1 until a landing is reached. and with a first substantially constant value V1 on a second angle T2, the set of the first angle T1 and the second angle T2 constituting a potential ramp, until a threshold S is reached, after which the intensity increases. then to a second maximum value V2 greater than the first value V1 during a third angle 13. The end of said third angle T3 corresponds to a peak MC at a maximum level of torque or effort at the second value V2, after which the intensity of the torque or force drops on a fourth angle T4 to reach a zero value, which corresponds to a maximum level of energy ME. The whole of the third angle T3 and the fourth angle T4 constitutes a potential barrier on which the torque or braking force is positive. Then beyond the torque or braking effort continues its fall during a fifth angle T5 to a minimum negative intensity in a hollow me, before going up, on a sixth angle T6 to return to positive value and to address the next period, and where TD = T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6, and where T1 + T2 ≥ TD / 2.

More particularly, the barrier 46 defines a discontinuity threshold by sudden increase or decrease in the torque or force, on a stroke corresponding to the third angle T3, and this third angle T3 is less than one-third of the second angle T2.

More particularly, the second maximum value V2 is greater than six times the first value V1.

Advantageously, the mechanism 10 further comprises mechanical stop means to prevent the stop 30 to move in negative torque during a fifth angle T5 or a sixth angle T6 of the second half-period.

In a particular embodiment, this escapement mechanism 10 accumulates energy received from the escape mobile 40 during each half of the PD period, stores a portion of it in the form of potential energy, and restores it Periodically to the resonator 20. By analogy, this accumulation function is equivalent to the progressive arming of a spring in a mechanism. This restitution of energy takes place between these half-periods, during the transversal movement of the stop 30 controlled by the periodic action of the resonator 20. The polar mass 3 then passes a first half-stroke PDC transverse relative to the exhaust mobile 40 to a second relative transverse DDC half relative to the escapement mobile 40, or vice versa. This polar mass 3 faces such a barrier 46 of magnetic or electrostatic field on the track 50 just before each transverse movement of the stop 30 controlled by the resonator 20 by tilting from one half-stroke to the other.

In a particular embodiment, the magnetic or electrostatic field, generated by the polar mass 3 and / or the track 50, is of greater intensity in the first half-stroke PDC than in the second half-stroke DDC during a first half of said running period PD, and of a greater intensity in the second half-stroke DDC than in the first half-stroke PDC during a second half of the running period PD.

More particularly, the resonator 20 comprises at least one oscillator 2 with periodic movement. The escape wheel 40 is powered by a power source such as a barrel or the like. On the one hand, the stopper 30 provides a first function for transmitting the energy of the escapement wheel 40 to the resonator 20, and on the other hand a second function of release and blocking by jerks of the escapement wheel 40 for its advance of one step during a movement of the stop 30 controlled by the resonator 20 with each alternation of the oscillator 2. This at least one track 50 is animated by a scrolling movement along a scrolling path TD.

Preferably each pole mass 3 is movable in a transverse direction DT relative to the track 50, according to a first half-path PDD and a second half-stroke DDC on either side of a fixed central position PM , along a transverse trajectory TT, preferably substantially orthogonal to the trajectory of travel TD of the track 50.

It is at an air gap 5 between such a polar mass 3 and a surface 4 that includes such a track 50 and which faces the polar mass 3, this track 50 or / and this polar mass 3 creates this magnetic or electrostatic field which makes it possible to create a system of magnetic or electrostatic forces on the stopper 30 and on the escapement wheel 40, in place of the mechanical forces of the prior art.

The escape mechanism 10 according to the invention accumulates potential energy transmitted from the power source via the escape mobile 40 during each first half or second half of the scroll period PD. At the end of each half-period, polar mass 3 is then faced with a barrier 46 of magnetic or electrostatic field at the part of track 50 in front of which it evolves, just before the transverse movement of the controlled stop 30 by the resonator 20. It is then that the escape mechanism 10 returns the energy corresponding to the oscillator 2 during the transverse movement of the stop 30 controlled periodically by the resonator 20 between the first half and second half of the PD scroll period. During this transverse movement, this polar mass 3 goes from the first half-stroke PDC to the second half-stroke DDC, or vice versa.

The exhaust mobile 4 may be constituted in different ways: in the conventional form of an escape wheel 400 as in Figs. 1, 4 and 29, a double wheel as in Figs. 9 and 10, or in the form of a cylinder as shown in FIG. 16, or a continuous band as shown in FIG. 17, or other. This presentation relates to the general case of a mobile (not necessarily pivoting), and the watchmaker will be able to apply it to the component that interests him, including a single or multiple wheel.

Preferably, the characteristics of the magnetic or electrostatic field are alternated between the first half-stroke PDC and the second half-stroke DDC, with a phase shift of one half of the running period PD of the track 50 with respect to the polar mass 3. But it is also possible to operate the device with, for example, different field strengths, while respecting the differential distribution of the field between different sectors. This may be the case for example in the embodiment of FIG. 1, where angular sectors delimited by different radii will not necessarily have exactly the same characteristics.

Here we call transverse direction DT a direction which is substantially parallel to the transverse trajectory TT of the polar mass 3, or which the tangent in its median position PM, as visible in FIG. 18.

Here we call axial direction DA a direction which is orthogonal to both a transverse direction DT substantially parallel to the transverse trajectory TT of the polar mass, and to the direction of movement DF of the track 50, tangent to the trajectory TD scrolling at the middle position PM.

The plane defined by the median position PM, the transverse direction DT and the direction of movement DF are called plane plane plane PP.

Preferably, at least one of the two antagonistic components (here "antagonists" are understood to mean that these components face each other, without there being any repulsion, annoyance, or other interaction between them. ), formed by the polar mass 3 and the bearing track 50 carrying the surface 4 which faces it at the gap 5 at least over a portion of their relative stroke, comprises magnetic active means, respectively electrostatic, which are arranged to create this magnetic field, respectively electrostatic.

Here means "active" means that creates a field, and "passive" means that undergoes a field. The term "active" does not imply here that a component is traversed by a current.

In a particular variant, the component of this field in the axial direction DA is greater than its component in this plane of track PP, at their interface in the gap 5 between the polar mass 3 and the surface 4 who faces him.

In a particular variant, the direction of this magnetic or electrostatic field is substantially parallel to this axial direction DA of the escapement wheel 40. The term "substantially parallel" a field whose component in the axial direction DA is at less than four times its component in the PP plan.

The other antagonistic component at the air gap 5 then comprises, or magnetic passive means, respectively electrostatic, to cooperate with the field thus created, or also magnetic means, respectively electrostatic, which are arranged to create a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic at the air gap 5, this field being able, depending on the case, to be in concordance or in opposition with the field emitted by the first component, so as to generate a repulsion or on the contrary an attraction at the gap 5.

In a particular embodiment, visible in the first embodiment in FIG. 1 and in a second embodiment in FIG. 4, the stop 30 is disposed between a spiral balance spring resonator 2 of pivot axis A, and at least one escape wheel 400 which pivots about a pivot axis D (which defines with the axis pivoting of the sprung balance Has an angular reference direction DREF). This stop 30 provides the second function of releasing and blocking by jerks of the escapement wheel 40 for its advance of one step at each alternation of the sprung balance 2.

The polar mass 3 is arranged to move, on at least part of its transverse stroke, facing at least one element of a surface 4 of the exhaust mobile 40. In the first mode of the fig . 1, the polar mass is always facing such a surface 4; in the second mode of fig. 4, the stop 30 comprises two polar masses 3A, 3B, and each of them is, for a half-period facing such a surface 4, and during the other half-period remote from this surface 4, in a position where the magnetic or electrostatic interaction between it is negligible.

In a variant, each of the two antagonistic components on either side of the air gap 5, constituted by the polar mass 3 and the bearing track 50 of the surface 4 which faces it at least on a part of their relative stroke, comprises magnetic active means, electrostatic respectively, which are arranged to create a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, direction substantially parallel to the axial direction DA, at their interface in the gap 5.

In an advantageous embodiment, the polar mass 3 and / or the track 50 carrying the surface 4 facing it at this gap 5 comprises magnetic means, respectively electrostatic, which are arranged to create in the air gap 5, in at least one transverse plane PT defined by the median position PM of the polar mass 3, the transverse direction DT and the axial direction DA, and in the transverse range, in the said transverse direction, the relative displacement of the polar mass 3 and the surface 4, a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, variable intensity and non-zero both as a function of the transverse position of the polar mass 3 in the transverse direction DT, and as a function of time.

In a particular embodiment, each such pole mass 3 and each such track 50 carrying the surface 4 facing it comprises such magnetic means, respectively electrostatic, which are arranged to create a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, between at least one such polar mass 3 and at least one surface 4, in at least this transverse plane PT. This magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, created by these antagonistic components, is variable intensity and non-zero both as a function of the radial position of the polar mass 3 in the transverse direction DT, and as a function of time.

It is understood that it is necessary to create the conditions for creating a force of magnetic or electrostatic origin between Parrêtoir 30 and the mobile 40 exhaust, so as to allow a drive, or contrario a braking , between these two components, without direct mechanical contact between them.

The conditions for creating a magnetic or electrostatic field by one of the components, and of receiving this field by the antagonistic component, which is capable of emitting a magnetic or electrostatic field, make it possible to envisage different types of operation, repulsion or relative attraction of these antagonistic components. In particular, multilevel architectures allow a balancing of the torques or forces in a direction of pivoting of the escapement wheel 40 (in particular the direction of the pivot axis if the mobile 40 pivots about a single axis), and a relative maintenance in position in the axial direction DA between the stop 30 and the escapement 40, as will be explained below.

In a particular embodiment, the component of the magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, in the axial direction DA, is the same direction over the entire range of the relative displacement of the polar mass 3 and the surface 4 which faces it.

Different configurations are feasible, depending on the nature of the field, and whether the stop 30, and / or the escapement mobile 40, plays an active or passive role with respect to the establishment of a magnetic field or electrostatic in at least one gap between this retainer 30, and the escapement mobile 40, in fact, there may exist several air gaps 5 between different polar masses 3 of the retainer 30 and different tracks of the escapement mobile 40. In a nonlimiting manner, various advantageous variants are described below.

Thus, in a variant, each polar mass 3 that carries the stopper 30 is magnetized, respectively electrified, permanently, and generates a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, constant, and each surface 4 cooperating with each polar mass 3 defines with the polar mass 3 concerned a gap 5 in which the magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, is variable according to the advance of the escapement wheel 40 on its trajectory and is variable according to the relative transverse position of the polar mass 3 concerned by relative to the escapement wheel 40 and which is related to the angular movement of the stop 30 if it is pivoting as in the case of an anchor, or to its transverse movement if it is otherwise driven by the resonator 20.

In another variant, each polar mass 3 carried by the stopper 30 is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, permanently, and each surface 4 cooperating with each polar mass 3 defines with the polar mass 3 concerned a gap 5 in which the magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, is variable according to the advance of the escapement wheel 40 on its trajectory and is variable according to the relative transverse position of the pole mass 3 concerned with respect to the escapement wheel 40 and which is related to the angular movement of the stop 30 if it is pivoting as in the case of an anchor, or its transverse displacement if it is otherwise driven by the resonator 20.

In another variant, each track 50 carrying such an antagonistic surface 4 is magnetized, respectively electrified, permanently and uniformly, and generates a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, constant at its surface facing the polar mass 3 concerned, and comprises a relief arranged to generate a variable gap height in the gap 5, which gap height varies according to the advance of the escapement wheel 40 on its path, and varies according to the relative angular position of the Polar mass 3 concerned with respect to the escapement wheel 40.

In another variant, each track 50 carrying a surface of this type 4 is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, permanently, and comprises a relief arranged to generate a gap height in the gap 5, which height of The air gap is variable according to the advance of the escapement wheel 40 on its trajectory, and is variable according to the relative transverse position of the polar mass 3 concerned with respect to the escapement wheel 40.

In another variant, each track 50 carrying such a surface 4 is magnetized, respectively electrified, permanently and variable depending on the local position on this track, and generates a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, which is variable according to the advance of the escape wheel 40 on its trajectory, and is variable according to the relative transverse position of the polar mass 3 concerned with respect to the escapement mobile 40, at its surface facing the polar mass 3 concerned.

In another variant, each track 50 carrying such a surface 4 is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, permanently and variable depending on the local position on this track, so as to vary the magnetic force, respectively electrostatic, exerted between the retainer 3 and the escapement wheel 40 under the effect of their relative movement, which force is variable according to the advance of the escapement wheel 40 on its trajectory and is variable according to the relative transverse position of the mass. polar 3 concerned with respect to the escapement mobile 40, at its surface facing the polar mass 3 concerned.

In another variant, each polar mass 3 circulates between two surfaces 4 of the escapement wheel 40, and such a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, is exerted on each side of the polar mass 3 in the axial direction DA of symmetrical manner on either side of the polar mass 3 so as to exert equal and opposite torques or forces on the polar mass 3 in the axial direction DA. This results in axial balancing and minimal torque or effort on the possible pivots, and thus minimal friction losses.

In another variant, each surface 4 of the escapement wheel 40 circulates between two surfaces 31, 32, of each polar mass 3, and such a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, is exerted on each side of the surface 4 in the axial direction DA symmetrically on either side of the surface 4, so as to exert equal and opposite torques or forces on the bearing track 50 of the surface 4 in the axial direction DA.

In another embodiment, the track 50 of the escapement mobile 40 comprises, on one of its two lateral surfaces 41, 42, a plurality of secondary tracks 43 adjacent to each other.

In the particular application where the escapement wheel 40 is an escape wheel 400, these tracks are concentric with each other with respect to the pivot axis D of an escapement wheel 400. as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which show two such secondary tracks, internal 43 INT and external 43 EXT, and where each secondary track 43 comprises an angular succession of elementary primary zones 44, each primary zone 44 having a magnetic behavior, respectively electrostatic, which is different, on the one hand, that of each other adjacent primary zone 44 on the secondary track 43 to which it belongs, and on the other hand that of each other primary zone 44 which is adjacent to it and which is situated on another secondary track 43 adjacent to his.

In other embodiments where the track 50 is not comparable to a disk, for example on the examples of Figs. 16 and 17, the secondary tracks 43 are not concentric, but adjacent and preferably substantially parallel to each other. But the difference in magnetic behavior, respectively electrostatic, of two primary zones 44 immediately adjacent, applies in the same way. Figs. 18 and 19 show the deflection of a polar mass 3 in a variant comprising two parallel tracks 43A and 43B, adjacent and parallel, phase shifted by half a period.

More particularly, the succession of these primary zones 44 on each such secondary track 43 given is periodic according to a spatial period T, angular or linear depending on the case, constituting an entire submultiple of a revolution of the mobile escape 40. This spatial period T corresponds to the run period PD of the track 50.

In an advantageous embodiment, each such secondary track 43 comprises, on each such spatial period T, a ramp 45 comprising a succession, particularly monotonous, of such primary zones 44 interacting increasingly with such a polar mass 3 with a field magnetic, respectively electrostatic, whose intensity varies so as to produce an increasing potential energy from a minimum interaction area 4MIN to a maximum interaction area 4MAX, the ramp 45 taking energy from the escape mobile 40.

In a particular way and specific to the invention, the escapement mobile 40 comprises, between two such successive ramps 45 and in the same direction, such a barrier 46 of magnetic field potential, respectively electrostatic, to trigger a momentary stop exhaust mobile 40 prior to a tilting of the stop 30 under the action of the resonator 20, including a sprung balance 2.

Preferably, each such potential barrier 46 is steeper than each such ramp 45, with respect to its potential gradient.

It is a question of creating energy barriers: in the embodiments presented, these barriers are constituted by field barriers. The illustrated variants thus correspond to magnetic fields, respectively electrostatic field field, and field barriers.

More specifically, the escapement wheel 40 is immobilized in a position where the potential gradient is equivalent to the driving torque.

This immobilization is not instantaneous, there is indeed a rebound phenomenon, which is damped, either by natural friction, including pivoting, in the mechanism, or by friction created for this purpose, viscous type such as friction by eddy currents (for example on a copper surface or the like secured to the escapement wheel 40) or aerodynamic or other friction, or else dry friction type spring jumper or other. Typically, the escape wheel 40 is stretched by an upstream mechanism with constant torque or constant force, typically a cylinder. The escapement wheel 4 therefore oscillates, before stopping in position, before the transverse tilting of the polar mass 3, and the losses are necessary to stop the oscillation in a time interval compatible with the kinematics.

The transition between the ramp and the barrier can be designed and adjusted so as to obtain a particular dependence of the energy transmitted to the resonator as a function of the driving torque.

If a ramp without a break in slope makes it possible to operate the invention, it is more advantageous to combine a ramp 45 with a certain gradient, and a barrier 46 with another gradient, the shape of the transition zone between the ramp 45 and the barrier 46 having a significant influence on the operation.

It is understood that, according to the invention, the system accumulates energy during the ramp ramp, and restores energy to the resonator during the transverse movement of the polar mass. The stopping point defines the quantity of energy thus restored, which depends on the shape of this transition zone between ramp and barrier.

Figs. 20, 22 and 24 illustrate non-limiting examples of ramp profile and barrier, with the abscissa scrolling, here a pivot angle e, and ordered the energy Ui expressed in mJ. Figs. 21, 23, and 25 illustrate the transmitted energy, correlated with each ramp and barrier profile, with the same abscissa, and, on the ordinate, the CM pair in mN.m.

Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate a smooth transition with a radius between the ramp and the barrier, the breakpoint of the system depends on the applied torque, and the energy transmitted to the resonator also depends on this applied torque.

Figs. 22 and 23 show a transition with slope break between ramp and barrier, the point where the system stops then does not depend on the applied torque, and the energy transmitted to the resonator is constant.

Figs. 24 and 25 relate to an exponential transition between ramp and barrier, chosen so that the energy transmitted to the resonator, which is approximately proportional to the applied torque, and in particular in a particular variant, is substantially equal to the driving torque. This example is interesting because it approaches closer to a Swiss lever escapement and thus allows to incorporate the present invention in an existing movement with the minimum of changes.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the exhaust mobile 40 further comprises, at the end of each such ramp 45 and just before each barrier 46, a transverse variation of magnetic or electrostatic field distribution when the surface 4 is magnetized, respectively electrified, or a profile variation when the surface 4 is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, so as to cause a pull on the polar mass 3.

Advantageously, the escape wheel 40 comprises, after each such barrier 46 of magnetic or electrostatic field potential, an anti-shock mechanical stop.

In a variant, when the escape wheel 40 has several secondary tracks 43, at least two such adjacent secondary tracks 43 comprise, with respect to each other, an alternation of such minimal interaction zones 4MIN. and such areas of maximum 4MAX interaction with an angular phase shift corresponding to half of the spatial period T.

In a variant of the invention, the stop 30 comprises a plurality of such polar masses 3 arranged to cooperate simultaneously with such separate secondary tracks 43, as can be seen in particular in the second embodiment of the invention of FIG. fig. 4, with separate polar masses 3A and 3B, each having two magnets 31 and 32 on each side of the escape wheel 400.

In particular, in a particular embodiment not illustrated, the stop 30 may comprise a comb extending parallel to the surface 4 of the escapement wheel 40 and comprising such polar masses 3 arranged side by side.

In a variant of the invention, the stop 30 is pivotable about a real or virtual pivot 35, and comprises such a single polar mass 3 arranged to cooperate with primary zones 44 that include such surfaces 4 located on different ranges of the escape wheel 40 (or respectively different diameters in the case of an escape wheel 400), with which the polar mass 3 has a variable interaction during the advance (or respectively of the revolution ) These primary zones 44 are alternately arranged around the periphery (or respectively the periphery) of the escapement wheel 40 to constrain the polar mass 3 to a transverse movement with respect to the escapement wheel 40 when the search for equilibrium position of the polar mass 3.

In another variant of the invention, the stopper 30 is pivotable about a real or virtual pivot 35 and comprises a plurality of such polar masses 3 arranged to cooperate each with primary zones 44 that includes at least one such surface 4 located on at least one range (respectively a diameter) of the escapement wheel 40, with which each such pole mass 3 has a variable interaction during the advance (or respectively of the revolution) of the escape wheel 40 These primary zones 44 are alternately arranged around the periphery or the periphery of the escapement wheel 40 to constrain the polar mass 3 to a transverse movement with respect to the escapement wheel 40 during the search for the equilibrium position of the Polar mass 3.

In a particular embodiment, at each instant at least one such polar mass 3 of the retainer 30 is in interaction with at least one such surface 4 of the escapement wheel 40.

In a particular embodiment, the stopper 30 cooperates, on both sides, with a first mobile exhaust and a second mobile exhaust.

In a particular embodiment, these first and second exhaust movers rotate integrally.

In a particular embodiment, these first and second exhaust mobiles pivot independently of one another.

In a particular embodiment, these first and second escape mobiles are coaxial.

In a particular embodiment, the stopper 30 cooperates, on both sides, with a first escape wheel 401 and a second escape wheel 402, each forming such an escape wheel 40.

In a particular embodiment, these first 401 and second 402 exhaust wheels pivot integrally.

In a particular embodiment, these first 401 and second 402 escape wheels pivot independently of one another.

In a particular embodiment, these first 401 and second 402 escape wheels are coaxial.

In a variant illustrated in FIG. 16, the escapement wheel 40 comprises at least one cylindrical surface 4 around a pivot axis D parallel to the transverse direction DT, and which carries electrostatic or electrostatic tracks, and this at least one polar mass 3 of the stop 30 is movable parallel to this pivot axis D.

[0101] FIG. 17 shows a generalization according to which the escapement wheel 40 is a mechanism extending in a direction D, represented here by an endless band running on two rollers of axes parallel to the transverse direction T, this band being carrying at least one surface 4.

Of course other configurations are imaginable to ensure a spatial periodicity of surfaces 4 on the track or tracks 50, for example on a chain, a ring, a helix, or other.

According to the invention, and not limitation, the surface 4 may comprise a magnetized layer of variable thickness, or respectively an electrified layer of variable thickness, or a magnetized layer of constant thickness but variable magnetization, or respectively an electrified layer of constant thickness but of variable electrification, or a variable surface density of micro-magnets, or respectively a variable surface density of electrets, or a ferromagnetic layer of variable thickness, or an electrostatically conductive layer respectively; variable thickness, or a ferromagnetic layer of variable shape, or respectively an electrostatically conductive layer of variable shape, or a ferromagnetic layer with a variable surface density of holes, or respectively an electrostatically conductive layer with a variable surface density of holes.

In a particular embodiment, the stop 30 is an anchor.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 100 comprising at least one such escape mechanism 10.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 200, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such movement 100 and / or having at least one such escape mechanism 10.

The invention is applicable to different scales of timepieces, including watches. It is interesting for static parts such as clocks, living room clocks, morbiers, and the like; the spectacular and innovative character of the operation of the mechanism according to the invention brings an additional new interest in the highlighting of the mechanism, and an attraction for the user or the viewer.

The figures illustrate a particular embodiment, not limiting, where the stop 30 is an anchor, and show how the invention makes it possible to replace the usual mechanical contact force between an anchor and an escape wheel by a force without contact of magnetic or electrostatic origin.

Two non-limiting embodiments are proposed: a first mode with a single polar mass and a second mode with several polar masses.

The first mode is illustrated in a magnetic version only, by FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0111] FIG. 1 schematically represents an exhaust mechanism 10 with a magnetic retainer 10, where this retainer 30 is an anchor. The regulator device comprises a spiral balance resonator 20, a magnetic anchor 30, and an escapement wheel 40 formed by a magnetized escape wheel 400. The magnet 3 of the anchor interacts repulsively with concentric magnetized secondary tracks 43 INT, 43 EXT, of the escapement wheel 40.

The symbols - / - / + / ++, on the secondary tracks 43 are representative of the intensity of the magnetization, increasing from - to ++: a zone - weakly regrows the magnet 3 of the anchor 30 while an area ++ strongly repels it.

In this block diagram of FIG. 1, the interaction force between the stop 30 and the escapement wheel 40 results from the interaction between a polar mass 3, in particular a magnet, placed on the anchor 30 and a magnetized structure placed on the mobile 40. This magnetized structure is composed of two secondary tracks 43 (inner 43 INT and outer 43 EXT) whose magnetization intensity varies as a function of the angular position so as to produce the magnetic interaction potential shown in FIG. . 2. Along each secondary track 43, there is a succession of ramps 45 and potential barriers 46 as shown in FIG. 3. The ramps 45 have the effect of taking energy from the escapement mobile 40, and the barriers 46 have the effect of blocking the advance of the mobile 40. The energy taken by a ramp 45 is then restored to the resonator 20. balance-spring when the anchor 30 rocking from one position to another.

[0114] FIG. 2 represents, schematically, the potential magnetic interaction energy seen by the magnet 3 of the anchor 30 as a function of its position on the escapement wheel 40. The dashed line shows the trajectory of a reference point M of the magnet 3 of the anchor 30 in operation.

[0115] FIG. 3 represents, schematically, the variation of the potential energy along the magnetized secondary tracks 43 of the mobile 40. When the polar mass 3 of the anchor passes from the point P1 to the point P2 on the internal secondary track 43 INT, the The system draws energy from the escape wheel 40 to store it as potential energy. The system then stops at P2 under the combined effect of the potential barrier 46 and the friction of the mobile 40. Finally, when the anchor 30 tilts under the action of the balance-spring 2 on the opposite end of the anchor 30, the previously stored energy is restored to the balance spring resonator 20, while the system goes from P2 to P3, which corresponds to the change of track, the polar mass 3 coming in P3 on the external secondary track 43 EXT. The same cycle then starts again on the other secondary track 43 EXT passing from P3 to P4 and from P4 to P5 with the return to P5 on the inner track 43 INT.

In this magnetic variant of this first embodiment, the form of the magnetic interaction potential is preferably such that:

The friction of the mobile 40 allows the immobilization of the system at the foot of the barrier 46 of potential.

To maintain the safety of the anchor in case of impact, it is advantageous to have mechanical stops just after each barrier 46 of magnetic potential (these mechanical stops are not shown in Figure 1 to avoid overloading) . In normal operation, the magnetic anchor never touches these mechanical stops. However, in case of shock large enough for the system to come through a barrier 46 potential, these mechanical stops can block it to not lose step.

In this variant, the amount of energy transmitted to the balance spring resonator 20 is still almost the same, provided that the potential barriers 46 are much steeper than the energy ramps 45. This condition is easy to achieve in practice.

The tilting of the anchor 30 is decoupled from the movement of the escapement wheel 40. More specifically, when the anchor 30 tilts, the potential energy can be restored to the balance spring resonator 20 20, even if the Mobile exhaust 40 remains motionless. The speed of the pulse is thus not limited by the inertia of the escapement wheel 40.

Several solutions are conceivable to create the potential proposed in FIG. 1. The magnetized structure placed on the escape wheel may be, without limitation, made with:

The second embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 10. This second embodiment operates in the same way as the first embodiment. The main differences are:

Advantageously, a polar mass 3, instead of being exactly above a track 50 (or 43 as the case may be), is slightly offset in a transverse direction DT with respect to the axis of the track concerned. , so that the interaction between the mobile 40 and the polar mass 3 permanently produces a small transverse force component, which keeps the stopper 30 in position. The value of the offset is then adjusted so that the force produced stably maintains the polar mass 3 in each of its extreme positions, first half-stroke and second half-stroke.

[0124] FIG. 4 thus illustrates a regulator device consisting of a spiral balance resonator 20, a magnetic anchor 30, and a magnetized escape wheel 40. The escapement wheel 40 is provided with a magnet track 49 of variable intensity which interact with the two magnets 31 and 32 of the anchor 30. This FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of magnets 49 of increasing magnetization (in particular by increasing dimensions) so as to form ramps 45 (from P11 to P18) before stopping on barriers 46 formed for example of several magnets P20.

A major part of the draw is produced by a fine adjustment of the transverse position of the polar mass 3 with respect to the track 50 with which it interacts. More specifically, when the stopper 30 is positioned at the end of the first half-stroke (PDC) or at the end of the second half-stroke (DDC), the transverse position of the polar mass 3 which interacts with the Track 50 is adjusted (by a small transverse shift) so that the polar mass 3 undergoes a transverse force, called pulling force, large enough to maintain the polar mass 3 in its end position stably. At the moment when the resonator 20 triggers the tilting of the stop 30, it must overcome this pulling force before your magnetic or electrostatic force takes over to cause the stop 30 in the following tilting, and thus transmit the potential energy accumulated at the resonator 20. The effect of a draw obtained by a transverse offset of 2 mm is illustrated in FIG. 28, on the particular embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27.

It is understood that, on an exhaust mechanism according to the invention, the resonator 20, including the balance 2, gives the initial impetus to the stop 30. But, as soon as the draw is overcome, the forces of magnetic origin or electrostatic take over and do their work to move in a transverse direction DT polar mass 3 to its new position.

Advantageously, at least one recessed magnet 48 (here placed on an upper positioning radius), with respect to the centering of a ramp 45 along a given radius, strengthens the pulling effect just before the barrier 46. The effect of the ramps 45 and barriers 46 is similar to that of the first mode, the relative distribution is similar to FIG. 2.

[0128] FIG. 5 shows the detail of their arrangement of the magnets 31 and 32 of the anchor relative to the magnets 49 of the escape wheel 40.

[0129] FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 4, but having two concentric rows of magnets of increasing magnetization, those of the inner track 43INT being upwardly polarized, and those of the outer track 43 EXT being polarized downwards. The polar masses 3 have the inverse configurations: an upper inner polar mass 3SINT is polarized downward, an upper outer polar mass 3SEXT is polarized upwards, a lower inner polar mass 3IINT is polarized downwards, and a lower polar mass 3IEXT exterior is polarized upwards. Fig. 27 schematically illustrates the orientation of the field lines in a cross section corresponding to this embodiment, where the field lines are substantially normal to the plane PP of the wheel 40 in the magnets, and substantially parallel to this plane in each gap 5. The resulting potential, visible in FIG. 28, has alternating ramps and barriers.

In this second mode, the anchor 30 is tilting. Preferably, at a given moment, at most only one polar mass 3A or 3B is opposite the surface 4 of magnets 49 of the escapement wheel 40.

[0131] FIG. 6 shows how to reinforce the concentration of the field in a gap 5, in a magnetic example:

Still in this purely magnetic example, we can consider several ways to create the magnetic interaction between a retainer 30 (including anchor) and a mobile escape 40 (including escape wheel). Four possible configurations are presented in figs. 7 to 10, and are in no way limiting. The configurations of figs. 9 and 10 have the advantage of better confining the magnetic field lines, which is important for reducing the sensitivity of the system to external magnetic fields.

According to FIG. 7, a magnetized structure of variable thickness or intensity deposited on an escape wheel comes into interaction with a magnetic field created by a magnetic circuit integral with an anchor. The interaction can be repulsive or attractive.

[0134] In FIG. 8, a ferromagnetic structure of variable thickness (or with a variable air gap) comes into interaction with a magnetic field created by a magnetic circuit integral with an anchor.

[0135] FIG. 9 shows two magnetized structures of variable thickness or intensity deposited on two faces of an escape wheel, in interaction with a magnetic field created by a magnet secured to an anchor, or with a magnetic circuit without a solid field source d 'an anchor. The interaction can be repulsive or attractive.

[0136] FIG. 10 illustrates two ferromagnetic structures of variable thickness (or with a variable gap) on two faces of an escape wheel, which interact with a magnetic field created by a magnet or a magnetic circuit with a solid field source of an anchor.

On the opposite side to the polar mass 3, or the polar masses 3 if the stop has several, the retainer 30, including an anchor, comprises means for cooperating with the resonator 20 (including a spring balance 2 ), which interact with this resonator to trigger the transverse movement of the polar mass 3. In known manner, these cooperation means can use a mechanical contact, such as an anchor fork cooperating with a rocker pin. The extrapolation of the arresting-mobile escape cooperation proposed by the invention is conceivable in the resonator-stop cooperation, which then makes it possible to use here also a force of magnetic or electrostatic origin with the aim of further minimizing the friction. An additional advantage due to the removal of a plateau pin is to allow cooperation over angular ranges greater than 360 °, for example with a helical track.

In a particular variant of the invention, the polar mass 3 is symmetrical in the transverse direction.

In an exemplary embodiment based on the second embodiment of FIG. 4, satisfactory results are obtained with the following values:

[0140] Figs. 29 to 34 illustrate a natural escape mechanism according to the invention.

As shown above, this watchmaking escapement mechanism comprises a stopper 30 between a resonator 20 on the one hand and a first exhaust mobile 40A on the other hand and a second mobile mobile 40A. 40B exhaust each subjected to a couple. More particularly, each of these 40A, 40B exhaust mobiles has its own gear train.

The invention is described here in a particular case, advantageous in terms of size, with only two escape mobiles 40 substantially coplanar. The invention is nevertheless applicable to a greater number of escape wheels, in particular distributed over several parallel levels, and cooperating with as many levels of a single stop cooperating with the resonator. The invention also allows three-dimensional architectures, because the interaction between the retainer 30 and the mobiles is not necessarily flat.

According to the invention, and preferably, each such exhaust mobile 40A, 40B, comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic track 50, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, with a scrolling period PD according to which its magnetic characteristics, respectively electrostatic, are repeated.

The stopper 30 comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic polar mass 3, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, said polar mass 3 being movable in a transverse direction DT with respect to the direction of movement DD of at least one element d a surface 4 of the track 50 to which the stopper 30 faces. And at least the polar mass 3 or the track 50, or both, creates a magnetic or electrostatic field in an air gap 5 between this at least one polar mass 3 and this at least one surface 4.

The polar mass 3 is opposite a barrier 46 of magnetic or electrostatic field on the track 50, just before each transverse movement of the stop 30 controlled by the periodic action of the resonator 20.

The first 40A exhaust mobile is subjected to a first pair and the second 40B exhaust mobile is subjected to a second pair; they are each arranged adapted to cooperate alternately with the stop 30. The first exhaust movable 40A and the second exhaust movable 40B are connected to each other by a direct kinematic link. And, preferably, the first exhaust mobile 40A and the second exhaust mobile 40B pivot about distinct axes D1, D2, in particular parallel to each other.

The particular arrangements described above and illustrated by all the figures are applicable to this natural escape mechanism, which is only shown in its general architecture, for the readability of the figures.

In an advantageous variant, the escapement mechanism 10 comprises means of catching up on the level of the direct kinematic link between the first mobile 40A exhaust and the second mobile 40B exhaust, to minimize the game Operating.

In a particular embodiment, the escape mechanism 10 is integrated in a movement 100, which comprises means for applying a torque to the first mobile 40A, and a second torque to the second mobile 40B. In a particular way, the first couple is equal to the second pair.

Preferably, and as visible in FIGS. 29 and 30, the first exhaust movable 40A and the second exhaust movable 40B pivot about their respective axes D1, D2, in a synchronous movement and with a direction of rotation opposite.

In an advantageous embodiment facilitating assembly, the first movable exhaust 40A and the second exhaust 40B are spaced apart from each other, and the retainer 30 has two polar masses 3 spaced apart. one of the other: a first polar mass 3A arranged to cooperate with the first exhaust mobile 40A, and a second polar mass 3B arranged to cooperate with the second mobile 40B exhaust.

Preferably, the escape mechanism 10 is arranged in such a way that, at each instant, at least one polar mass 3 of the stopper 30 is in interaction with at least one surface 4 of one of the mobile devices. exhaust 40A; 40B.

Preferably, the barriers 46 that comprises the first exhaust mobile 40A and the second exhaust mobile 40B y are distributed uniformly at the same pitch, and are offset by a half-step between the first mobile of 40A exhaust and the second 40B exhaust mobile.

As already stated above, preferably, at least on one of the escape wheels 40A, 40B, or on each of them, each track 50 comprises, before each barrier 46, a ramp 45 extending in a curvilinear direction of ramp DR and interacting increasingly, from a bottom of ramp 451 to a ramp top 452 located in the vicinity of barrier 46, with a polar mass 3 with a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, whose intensity varies so as to produce an increasing potential energy, the ramp 45 taking energy from the relevant escapement mobile 40A, 40B.

Preferably, the escapement wheel 40A, 40B, comprises, between two successive ramps 45, such a barrier 46 of magnetic field potential, respectively electrostatic, to trigger a momentary stopping of the escape wheel 40A, 40B, prior to a tilting of the stop 30 under the periodic action of the oscillator 20.

In a particular variant, at least one exhaust mobile 40A; 40B (or more particularly one and the other) comprises, at the end of each ramp 45 and just before each barrier 46, a radial variation of magnetic or electrostatic field distribution when the surface 4 is magnetized, respectively electrified, or a profile variation when said surface 4 is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, so as to cause a pull on the polar mass 3 whose effect is to maintain the stopper 30 in one of its stable positions before triggering the switchover.

In particular, the resonator 20 comprises an anchor, such as a plateau pin or the like, which is arranged to cooperate with a fork or an actuator that includes the retainer 30, so as to cause a clearance (cancellation said draw) followed by a tilting of the polar mass 3 of the stop 3, in a direction tangential to the plane defined by the axes D1, D2 of the first escapement 40A and the second escapement 40B, when these axes D1 and D2 are coplanar.

In particular, during such a tilting, the polar mass 3 of the stopper 30 is brought from a ramp level 452 of a first ramp 45 to a ramp level 451 of a ramp. second ramp 45 adjacent to this first ramp, so that the polar mass 3 is subjected to a thrust force of magnetic origin or respectively electrostatic.

In particular, the polar mass 3 of the retainer 30 is movable, at the level of the first escapement wheel 40A and the second escapement wheel 40B, between and at equal distances from two symmetrical surfaces and from magnetic characteristics. or electrostatic respectively identical to each other.

In particular, at least one escapement wheel 40A, 40B, or both, comprises, between two successive ramps 45 of the same track 50 or two tracks 50 neighbors according to the direction DD scroll, a magnetic field potential barrier 46 respectively electrostatic, to trigger a momentary shutdown of the relevant escapement mobile 40A, 40B, prior to a tilting of the stop 30 under the periodic action of the oscillator 20 .

[0161] Preferably, the potential slope of each potential barrier 46 is steeper than that of each ramp 45.

In particular, the escape mechanism 10 accumulates potential energy received from at least one escape wheel 40A, 40B, during each half of the PD period, and restores it to the resonator 20 between the halves period during the transverse movement of the stop 30 controlled by the periodic action of the resonator 20, where the pole mass 3 passes a first transverse PDC relative half-course relative to the escapement 40A, 40B, a second relative transverse DDC half relative to the 40A.40B exhaust mobile, or vice versa.

In particular, each of the two antagonistic components, constituted by the polar mass 3 and the bearing track 50 carrying the surface 4 which faces it at least over part of their relative stroke, comprises magnetic, respectively electrostatic, active means. , which are arranged to create a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, direction substantially parallel to the axial direction DA, at their interface in the gap 5 between the polar mass 3 and the surface 4 which faces it.

In particular, the stopper 30 is pivotable about a real or virtual pivot 35, and comprises a single polar mass 3 arranged to cooperate with primary zones 44 that comprise said surfaces 4 located on different diameters of the mobile exhaust 40A, 40B, with which the polar mass 3 has a variable interaction during the revolution of the escapement 40A, 40B, these primary zones 44 being arranged alternately on the periphery of the escapement 40A, 40B to constrain this polar mass 3 to a radial movement, with respect to an axial direction DA which is orthogonal to both a transverse direction DT substantially parallel to the transverse trajectory TT of the polar mass 3, and to a direction of movement DF from runway 50.

In a variant, the stopper 30 is pivoted about a real or virtual pivot 35 and comprises a plurality of polar masses 3 arranged to cooperate each with primary zones 44 that comprises at least one of the surfaces 4 located on a the range of the escapement wheel 40A, 40B, with which each polar mass 3 has a variable interaction during the revolution of the escapement wheel 40A, 40B, these primary zones 44 being arranged alternately on the periphery of the escapement wheel 40A .40B, to constrain polar mass 3 to a radial movement with respect to an axial direction DA which is orthogonal to both a transverse direction DT substantially parallel to the transverse path TT of the polar mass 3, and to a direction of movement DF from runway 50.

In a particular variant, the two escape mobiles 40A, 40B are different in nature, and their interaction with the stopper 30 is of a different nature. It is still conceivable to create a hybrid exhaust mechanism with one of the escapement mobiles in magnetic or electrostatic interaction, and the other in conventional mechanical interaction.

In particular, at least one escape wheel 40A, 40B, is an escape wheel 400.

In particular, the stop 30 is an anchor.

Figs. 31 to 34 briefly illustrate the kinematics, in a magnetic variant:

The invention also relates to a watch movement 100 comprising at least one such escape mechanism 10.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 200 comprising at least one such movement 100, or / and comprising at least one such escape mechanism 10.

In summary, the potential for magnetic interaction, or / and electrostatic, composed of alternating ramps with barriers provides a behavior as close as possible to the traditional Swiss anchor escapement. The optimization of the shape of the potential gradients makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the exhaust.

The replacement of the mechanical contact force by a non-contact force of magnetic or electrostatic origin, according to the invention, thus provides many advantages because it makes it possible to:

Claims (24)

1. Exhaust mechanism (10) including a stop watch (30) * between a resonator (20) on the one hand, and a second exhaust mobile (40A) and a second mobile exhaust (40B) each subjected to a torque, characterized in that each said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B) comprises at least one magnetized or ferromagnetic track (50), respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, with a running period (PD ) according to which its magnetic characteristics, respectively electrostatic, are repeated, said stopper (30) comprising at least one polar mass (3) magnetized or ferromagnetic, respectively electrified or electrostatically conductive, said polar mass (3) being movable in a transverse direction ( DT) relative to the direction of travel (DD) of at least one element of a surface (4) of said track (50), and at least said polar mass (3) or said udder te (50) creating a magnetic or electrostatic field in an air gap (5) between said at least one polar mass (3) and said at least one surface (4), and further characterized in that said polar mass (3) is opposite a barrier (46) of magnetic or electrostatic field on said track (50) immediately before each transverse movement of said stop (30) controlled by the periodic action of said resonator (20), characterized in that said first movable exhaust ( 40A) subjected to a first pair and said second escapement wheel (40B) subjected to a second pair are each arranged adapted to cooperate alternately with said retainer (30), and in that said first escape wheel (40A) and said second mobile escapement (40B) pivot about distinct axes (D1; D2) and are connected to each other by a direct kinematic link. 2. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises means for catching play at said direct kinematic link to minimize the operating clearance. 3. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first pair is equal to said second pair. 4. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first movable exhaust (40A) and said second movable exhaust (40B) pivot about their respective said axes ( D1; D2) according to a synchronous movement and with a direction of opposite rotation. 5. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first movable exhaust (40A) and said second movable exhaust (40B) are spaced one of the other, and in that said retainer (30) comprises two said polar masses (3) spaced apart from each other, a first pole mass (3A) arranged to cooperate with said first escape mobile (40A), and a second polar mass (3B) arranged to cooperate with said second mobile escapement (40B). 6. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at each moment at least one said polar mass (3) of said retainer (30) is in interaction with at least one said surface (4) said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B). 7. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said barriers (46) that includes said first mobile exhaust (40A) and said second mobile exhaust (40B) are distributed uniformly at the same pitch, and are shifted by half a step between said first mobile exhaust (40A) and said second mobile exhaust (40B). 8. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least on said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B), each said track (50) comprises, before each said barrier ( 46), a ramp (45) extending in a curvilinear ramp direction (DR) and increasingly interacting from a ramp bottom (451) to a ramp top (452) in the vicinity of said barrier (46). ), with a said polar mass (3) with a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, whose intensity varies so as to produce an increasing potential energy, said ramp (45) taking energy from said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B). 9. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, on each said exhaust mobile (40A, 40B), each said track (50) comprises, before each said barrier (46), a ramp (45) extending in a curvilinear ramp direction (DR) and increasingly interacting from a ramp bottom (451) to a ramp top (452) in the vicinity of said barrier (46), with a said polar mass (3) with a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, whose intensity varies to produce an increasing potential energy, said ramp (45) taking energy from said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B). 10. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said exhaust mobile (40A; 40B) comprises, between two said ramps (45) successive, a said barrier (46) of potential of magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, for triggering a momentary stopping of said mobile escapement (40A; 40B) prior to tilting said retainer (30) under the periodic action of said oscillator (20). 11. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said at least one exhaust movable (40A; 40B) comprises, at the end of each said ramp (45) and just before each said barrier (46). ), a radial variation in magnetic or electrostatic field distribution when said surface (4) is magnetized, respectively electrified, or a profile variation when said surface (4) is ferromagnetic, respectively electrostatically conductive, so as to cause a pull on said polar mass (3), the effect of which is to maintain said stop (30) in one of its stable positions before triggering a tilting. 12. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that said resonator (20) comprises a pin arranged to cooperate with a fork or an actuator that includes said retainer (30), so as to cause a disengagement a tilting of said polar mass (3) of said retainer (3), in a direction tangential to the plane defined by said axes (D1, D2) of said first exhaust mobile (40A) and said second exhaust mobile (40B ). 13. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that during a said tilting, said polar mass (3) of said retainer (30) is fed from a top level of ramp (452) d a first ramp (45) at a lower ramp level (451) of a second said ramp (45) adjacent to said first ramp (45), so that said polar mass (3) is subjected to an effort thrust of magnetic origin or respectively electrostatic. 14. exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said polar mass (3) of said retainer (30) is movable at said first movable exhaust (40A) and said second mobile exhaust (40B), between and equidistant from two symmetrical surfaces and magnetic or electrostatic characteristics identical to each other. 15. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one escapement wheel (40A; 40B) comprises, between two said ramps (45) successive of the same said track ( 50) or two said tracks (50) adjacent in said direction of travel (DD), a said barrier (46) of magnetic field potential, respectively electrostatic, to trigger a momentary stop of said mobile escape (40A; 40B) prior to tilting said retainer (30) under the periodic action of said oscillator (20). 16. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the potential slope of each said barrier (46) potential is steeper than that of each said ramp (45). 17. Watch exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said exhaust mechanism (10) accumulates potential energy received from at least one said exhaust mobile ( 40A; 40B) during each half of said period (PD), and returns it to said resonator (20) between said half-periods during said transverse movement of said stop (30) controlled by the periodic action of said resonator (20), wherein said polar mass (3) passes from a first relative transverse half-stroke (PDC) with respect to said escapement wheel (40A; 40B) to a relative transverse second half-stroke (DDC) relative to said escape wheel (40A); 40B), or vice versa. 18. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that each of the two antagonistic components, consisting of said polar mass (3) and said track (50) bearing said surface (4) which faces the less on a part of their relative stroke, comprises magnetic active means, respectively electrostatic, which are arranged to create a magnetic field, respectively electrostatic, direction substantially parallel to said axial direction (DA), at their interface in said air gap (5) between said polar mass (3) and said surface (4) facing it. 19. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retainer (30) is pivotable about a pivot (35) real or virtual and comprises a said polar mass (3) arranged single for cooperating with primary zones (44) that comprise said surfaces (4) located on different diameters of said at least one escapement wheel (40A; 40B) with which said polar mass (3) has a variable interaction during the revolution of said at least one escape wheel (40A; 40B), said primary zones (44) being arranged alternately on the periphery of said at least one escape wheel (40A; 40B) to constrain said polar mass (3) to a radial movement with respect to an axial direction (DA) which is orthogonal to both a transverse direction (DT) substantially parallel to the transverse trajectory (TT) of said polar mass (3), and to a running direction ( DF) of said track (50). 20. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said retainer (30) is pivotable about a pivot (35) real or virtual and comprises a plurality of said polar masses ( 3) arranged to cooperate each with primary zones (44) that comprises at least one of said surfaces (4) located on a beach of said at least one escapement wheel (40A; 40B) with which each said polar mass (3) has a variable interaction during the revolution of said at least one escapement wheel (40A; 40B), said primary zones (44) being alternately disposed on the periphery of said at least one escapement wheel (40A; 40B) to constrain said polar mass (3) with a radial movement with respect to an axial direction (DA) which is orthogonal to both a transverse direction (DT) substantially parallel to the transverse trajectory (TT) of said polar mass (3), and a direction of defilemen t (DF) of said track (50). 21. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one said mobile exhaust (40A, 40B) is an escape wheel (400). 22. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retainer (30) is an anchor. 23. Watch movement (100) comprising at least one exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the preceding claims. 24. Timepiece (200) comprising at least one movement (100) according to claim 23 or / and comprising at least one exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 22.