CH710307B1 - Watch movement. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a horological movement (300) comprising a horological mechanism (200) comprising a horological regulator system (100). The movement includes a movable element (1) relative to a frame (2). The system comprises: a device (4) for blocking the mobile element, the blocking device being able to present a state of blocking of the mobile element and a state of release of the mobile element, and a computer (5 ), in particular a computer comprising an auxiliary oscillator such as a quartz crystal or a resonant electrical circuit or a resonant electronic circuit, the computer being able to successively control the blocking and release states.

Description

[0001] In recent years, solutions relating to the autonomy of a watch mechanism have formed a family of complications on their own.

[0002] For more than two centuries, pocket watches or wristwatches have been satisfied with an autonomy, which has been called, failing that, "power reserve", an average of 72 hours, to such an extent that these 3 days of power reserve have become standard.

[0003] We can say that in mechanical watches there are two ways of accumulating energy in order to increase the autonomy of the mechanism.

The first consists in multiplying the number of barrels, that is to say containers of mechanical energy, the barrel consisting of a drum containing a steel leaf spring wound on itself in a spiral and which, when this blade is concentrated in the center of the drum, it is ready to unfold and release its energy, which powers a gear train allowing the mechanical watch to run throughout its operation, and therefore its autonomy.

The second solution is to increase the size of the barrel drum, more precisely to increase the volume receiving a steel leaf spring considering that the volume available in this container is directly proportional to the accumulated energy.

[0006] In this document, we consider that the term "power reserve" is synonymous with complete autonomy, that is to say the time elapsing from the complete winding of the watch until it stops. -this.

[0007] In the past, it was considered essential to use high pendulum oscillation frequencies, for example 21,600 vibrations per hour or 28,800 vibrations per hour, in order to be able to obtain correct chronometric performances. The frequencies currently most used in watchmaking are those of 21,600 vibrations per hour and 28,800 vibrations per hour. More than 90% of Swiss mechanical movements use these two frequencies. Parts are also known whose oscillators operate at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour.

[0008] But at these frequencies, the speeds of movement of the moving elements are such that the watch mechanism thus produced becomes extremely delicate, both in development, in assembly, in manufacture and in wear. It will be easily understood that the more the moving parts are stressed, the more they will wear out quickly.

[0009] Contemporary mechanical watchmaking must be satisfied with a compromise between the precision of the watch, the lifespan of the components and general autonomy, all this under the guise of quality assurance so as to be able to guarantee that this watchmaking mechanism will work. at least for the next ten years.

[0010] Breaking with this evolution of precision research via a high oscillation frequency of the balance wheel, the present invention allows an increase in the precision of the watch as well as an increase in autonomy, while greatly reducing the frequency of the pendulum.

Object of the invention

[0011] The invention makes it possible to combine two technologies in the same watch mechanism or, more precisely, the technology of the mechanical watch for the accumulation of energy and an auxiliary oscillator such as a quartz oscillator or a resonant electrical circuit. or a resonant electronic circuit for precision, all without the need to change the batteries of the watch and thus keep the visual aspect of a mechanical watch.

[0012] According to the invention, a watch movement comprises a watch mechanism comprising a watch regulator system. The movement includes a movable element relative to a frame. The system includes: a device for blocking the mobile element, the blocking device being capable of presenting a state of blocking of the mobile element and a state of release of the mobile element, and a computer, in particular a computer comprising an auxiliary oscillator such as a quartz or a resonant electric circuit or a resonant electronic circuit, the computer being able to successively control the blocking and release states.

It should be noted that, preferably, the blocking device does not block or immobilize the movable element as soon as it is in a blocking state. Preferably, the blocking device blocks or immobilizes the mobile element when it is in a blocking state and the mobile element reaches a particular or determined position.

[0014] Various embodiments are defined by claims 2 to 8.

According to the invention, a timepiece is defined by claim 9.

According to the invention, a method is defined by claim 10.

[0017] Different embodiments of the method are defined by claims 11 to 15.

The accompanying drawing shows, by way of example, one embodiment of the subject of the invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a timepiece according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an operating method of a timepiece regulator system according to the invention.

An embodiment of a timepiece 400 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. It comprises a movement 300, in particular a mechanical movement. Preferably, the mechanical movement comprises a source of mechanical energy such as a barrel and a mechanical oscillator such as a balance-spring oscillator.

[0020] Advantageously, the movement comprises a counting train including a seconds counting mobile, the counting train being arranged so that the seconds counting mobile performs a movement corresponding to a duration of 0.5 seconds, or even 1 second, even 5 seconds, even 10 seconds, even 30 seconds when an escape wheel moves one step.

[0021]Also advantageously, the movement comprises a counting train including a minute counting mobile, the counting train being arranged so that the minute counting mobile performs a movement corresponding to a duration of 10 seconds, or even 20 seconds, or even 30 seconds, or even a minute when an escape wheel moves one step.

The movement comprises a clockwork mechanism 200 including a clockwork regulator system 100 and a clockwork escapement 20.

[0023] The system 100 of a watch regulator for a watch movement includes a balance wheel 1 that is movable relative to a frame 2, the system comprising: a device 4 for blocking the mobile element, the blocking device being able to present a state of blocking of the mobile element and a state of release of the mobile element, and a computer 5, in particular a computer comprising an auxiliary oscillator 51 such as a quartz or a resonant electric circuit or a resonant electronic circuit, the computer being able to successively control the blocking and release states.

The system advantageously comprises an actuator 6, in particular an electromagnetic or piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator. The actuator is arranged so as to control the state of the blocking device. The actuator is arranged so as to be controlled by the computer. In fact, the actuator makes it possible, for example, to move the blocking device radially relative to the rocker arm.

The locking device comprises a first stop 7 provided on the balance and a second stop 8 integral with a frame of the system. The first and second stops are intended to cooperate with each other by obstacle.

The second stop 8 may comprise a plate 41 on which is fixed a flexible blade 42 at a first end 43 of the blade. The plate 41 also comprises, close to a second end 45 of the flexible strip 42, a pin 44 against which the flexible strip comes into contact when it is not under stress. The second end 45 of the flexible blade cooperates with the first stop 7 provided on the rocker arm to immobilize the latter. The actuator 6 can be provided to move only the flexible blade 42 from the second stop. The plate can then remain fixed relative to the frame 2.

The computer 5 is for example mounted on the movable element or on the frame.

[0028] The rocker arm and the frame may comprise electromagnetic elements arranged so as to convert the kinematic energy of the mobile element into electrical energy.

In the described embodiment, the movable element 1 is a pendulum. However, the mobile element can be of another nature. It may be an escape wheel blocker, in particular an anchor, or an escape wheel or a moving part of a going train or a barrel.

In the embodiment described, the second stop is moved by the actuator 6. Alternatively, the locking device may comprise a deformable part of the movable element, in particular deformable under the effect of an electric field or of a magnetic field.

[0031] The central point of the invention consists in reducing the frequency so that from one oscillation of the pendulum until the next oscillation, there is a time, for example, of one minute. It is of course impossible within the usual dimensions of a watch to design a balance wheel and its escapement which would take 30 seconds to go out, i.e. an alternation, and 30 seconds to return, i.e. say another alternation. The dimension of such a pendulum would be totally disproportionate. To achieve this aim, means are used which make it possible to stop the movements of the pendulum for a certain time.

To this end, it is possible to use a stop-second device. This notion of stopping the balance wheel exists in watchmaking, it is called the “stop-second” function. Such a device is used when it is desired to stop the movement of the hands, in particular that of the seconds, during setting the time. The stop-second device is able to act on the balance to immobilize the latter. In this way, with the use of a stop-second, one can bring the seconds hand to a certain place on the time indicator dial and press a button, for example, to stop and restart the balance wheel of a watch.

In the invention, automatic activation and deactivation means of such a device, in particular a stop-second device, are implemented. For example, mechanical means located outside the oscillator, for example on the plate, can mechanically stop the balance wheel. A computer, in particular a computer integrating a quartz oscillator, placed in the watch mechanism counts the time with precision and an electronic circuit manages the time between two stop and start orders of the oscillator.

[0034] It is as if, between the first "Tic-Tac" and the following "Tic-Tac", we waited for example exactly 60 seconds. The 60 seconds is the time it takes for the minute hand to advance one notch or step in its minute display.

[0035] Throughout the escapement system, the anchor also has a pendular back-and-forth movement. Its period is the same as that of the oscillator. Also in this escapement, the escapement wheel (also called anchor wheel) which generally has between 15 and 21 teeth, moves in a rotational movement in jerks with of course as many jerks as there are alternations in the oscillator and as the escapement wheel is directly connected by a gear train to the display of hours, minutes and seconds, one can observe very distinctly the jerks due to the alternations of the oscillator at the end of the seconds hand.

[0036] We can therefore say that this seconds hand “beats”. In general, it beats having as many beats between each indication of a second as there are alternations of the oscillator. In the same example of a 5 Hz oscillator, since there are 10 vibrations per second, the end of the seconds hand will beat at the rate of 10 beats between each second.

At the level of the escapement wheel, the advance or the movement is of the unidirectional incremented type, that is to say advancing step by step, tooth by tooth, beat by beat. We can more easily say that a watch indicates the second or that it beats the second. In a watch, the seconds hand has a rhythm of a number of beats per minute depending on the frequency of the oscillator.

All this said, the following frequencies are usually used: A 2.5 Hz oscillator can be recognized at 5 beats/second on the seconds hand and therefore has 18,000 vibrations/hour. A 3 Hz oscillator can be recognized at 6 beats / second on the seconds hand and therefore has 21,600 vibrations / hour A 3.5 Hz oscillator can be recognized at 7 beats/second on the seconds hand and therefore has 25,200 vibrations/hour A 4 Hz oscillator can be recognized at 8 beats / second on the seconds hand and therefore has 28,800 vibrations / hour A 5 Hz oscillator can be recognized at 10 beats / second on the seconds hand and therefore has 36,000 vibrations / hour

A few attempts at higher frequencies between 7 and 10 Hz have been made, but these are tests associated more with research than with commercial products.

Operation of the mechanism

[0040] In order to implement the regulator system, we can use a “Swiss lever” type escapement. As in this type of escapement the escapement wheel, i.e. the escapement wheel, advances by one tooth at each oscillation, it can therefore be assumed that at each oscillation, that is- that is to say once per minute, the escapement mobile advances angularly by one step, that is to say by one tooth.

[0041] A pinion mounted integral with this escapement wheel set transmits this angular movement to another wheel set so that one tooth of the escape wheel corresponds to the one-minute indication on this wheel set controlled by the exhaust mobile.

[0042] The source of mechanical energy, that is to say the barrel of the watch or all of the barrels, is wound by conventional means, either manual or automatic.

[0043] In a conventional watch, the barrel meshes directly with a center mobile in most cases. In the case of the invention, the barrel can mesh directly with a mobile which carries the minute hand. A so-called timer gear train can drive an entirely conventional hour wheel arranged concentrically or not with the minute wheel set. The watch incorporating a regulator system according to the invention may have a completely conventional appearance. The time can be set by a conventional system for setting the time of a mechanical watch.

[0044] On the other hand, compared to a conventional watch movement, in a watch movement according to the invention, all or part of what is called the finishing gear train, or else the counter train train, is eliminated. It can be reduced to or replaced by a center mobile, driven directly by the barrel drum, and in turn driving an escapement mobile pinion.

[0045] The escape wheel of this escape wheel actuates the anchor of the escapement which transmits the movements in a completely conventional manner to the balance wheel, via for example a double plate, that is to say via the plate pin, positioned under the balance wheel and allowing it to receive the energy giving it its alternating movement.

The oscillator is itself equipped with a simple hairspring, preferably without any racking, that is to say without the need to adjust the active length of the hairspring.

For this system to operate at a very low frequency, that is to say for example at 120 vibrations per hour, that is to say 0.01666 Hz, the regulator system comprises a device making it possible to stop the balance, for example towards the end of its alternation, this moment being perhaps the best since the angular speed of the balance is zero or low or, towards the start of the next alternation, when the balance starts again. This device comprises for example a system for stopping the pendulum. This device can act as a stop-second device. At this point, a computer counts the time required through an auxiliary oscillator such as a quartz to determine when the balance wheel will be released again so that it performs an oscillation. After this oscillation, the pendulum is stopped again.

Thus, in one embodiment of the operating method of a regulator system according to the invention: the balance is released (step 510) which was previously stopped towards the end of its alternation so that it can set off again on its own in its next alternation thanks to the force stored in the hairspring; the balance wheel is blocked near the end of its alternation; the time is counted using the computer 5 and, after a certain time, the order is given, via an actuator 6, to the locking device with abutment 7, 8 to release the pendulum, repeat the above steps.

In the computer, an electric or electronic oscillator, possibly quartz 5 can be equipped with a divider circuit and a control element 6. The computer determines the actuation of the locking device of the balance which allows the blocking and the release of the movement of the balance wheel 1 or any other mobile member located between the balance wheel and the driving member of the watch mechanism.

[0050] The blocking and release alternations of the rocker arm 1 take place at a controlled position for optimum restarting of the latter. The sum of the blocking and releasing times represents a constant time interval, the precision of which is defined by the computer and adapted to the display mechanism.

Any stop-second device could be suitable for implementing the invention, provided that it can be activated and deactivated on command from the computer.

[0052] However, preference will be given to a stop-second device making it possible to stop the balance wheel in a determined position, in particular a position in which the spiral spring is constrained. Thus, it is possible to limit the time during which the device is configured in a release state in order to allow the pendulum to restart.

[0053] In the event of immobilization of the pendulum in any position, there will be a doubt as to the degree of movement of the pendulum which will have been achieved for a given period when the locking device is in the released state before it is blocked again.

An exemplary mode of execution of the method of operation is shown in Figure 2.

According to this example, the following steps are iterated.

It is assumed that the mobile element is initially immobilized.

In a first step 510, the blocking device is moved from a blocked state to a released state. Thus, the mobile element starts moving. In particular, the balance wheel is set in motion by the action of the hairspring. The passage can be achieved by displacement under an action of the actuator 6 of the abutment 8, in particular a displacement moving the abutment 8 away from the movable element. In Figure 1, the stop 8 moves for example to the right. This movement can include a movement of the flexible blade relative to the plate 41. The flexible blade is then no longer in contact with the first stop and the pendulum starts moving. In Figure 1, the first stop then passes under the flexible blade.

In a second step 520, a time counter is initialized.

In a third step 530, the time counter is triggered.

In a fourth step 540, it is tested whether the time counter has reached a determined time Time_1. If this is not the case, we loop to step 540. If this is the case, we go to a fifth step 550.

In the fifth step 550, the blocking device is moved from a released state to a blocked state. Thus, the movable element will be immobilized as soon as it reaches a determined position of cooperation of the stops 7 and 8. The stop 8 can comprise or consist of a flexible blade. The passage can be achieved by movement under an action of the actuator 6 of the stop 8, in particular a movement bringing the stop 8 closer to the movable element. The stop 8 then moves, for example, to the left to return to its position illustrated in FIG. 1. This movement may include a movement of the flexible blade relative to the plate 41. Thus, the first stop 7 approaches the until you come into contact with it. Under the effect of the inertia of the pendulum, the action of the first stop causes a bending of the blade from its first end 43 until the first stop passes above the blade. Once the first stop is over the blade and the first stop comes back against the blade, it is immobilized because the blade is less flexible because it rests against the pin 44.

[0062] It will be noted that although the rocker arm is released from a contact position of the first abutment against the blade, it returns to a position going beyond this contact position due to the energy it received exhaust 20 during the two alternations covered.

In a sixth step 560, it is tested whether the time counter has reached a determined time Time_2. If this is not the case, we loop to step 560. If this is the case, we loop to step 510.

The transition from the blocked state to the released state is carried out at regular time intervals.

It will also be noted that the natural frequency of the mechanical oscillator, in particular the natural frequency of the balance-spring, is of very little importance in the embodiments according to the invention. Indeed, this natural frequency must only be greater than the inverse of the period Time_2. Thus, for Time_2 period values equal to 1 second and 1 minute, the natural frequencies of the oscillator must be higher than 1 Hz and 0.17 Hz respectively.

Preferably, as seen previously, according to the invention, the movable element is immobilized each time the movable element oscillations or once per oscillation of the movable element. To do this, the duration Time_1 must be less than the proper period of the mobile element.

Claims (14)

1. Watch movement (300) comprising a watch mechanism (200) comprising a watch regulator system (100), the watch movement including a movable element (1) relative to a frame (2), the movable element being a balance ( 1) or an escape wheel blocker, in particular an anchor, or an escape wheel or a moving part of a going train or a barrel, the system comprising: – a device (4) for blocking the mobile element, the blocking device being able to present a state of blocking of the mobile element and a state of release of the mobile element, and – a computer (5) for controlling the blocking and release states, in particular a computer comprising an auxiliary oscillator (51) such as a quartz oscillator or a resonant electric circuit or a resonant electronic circuit, the computer counting the time and being able to successively control the blocking and release states. 2. Movement according to claim 1, in which the system comprises an actuator (6), in particular an electromagnetic or piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuator, the actuator being arranged so as to control the state of the blocking device, the actuator being arranged so as to be controlled by the computer. 3. Movement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking device comprises a first stop (7) on the movable element and a second stop (8) integral with a frame of the system, the first and second stops being intended to cooperate with each other by obstacle so as to immobilize the movable element. 4. Movement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer is mounted on the movable element or on the frame. 5. Movement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element and the frame comprise electromagnetic elements arranged so as to convert the kinematic energy of the movable element into electrical energy. 6. Movement according to one of the preceding claims, the movement comprising a counting train including a mobile for counting the seconds, the counting train being arranged so that the mobile for counting the seconds performs a movement corresponding to a duration of 0 .5 seconds or 1 second or 5 seconds or 10 seconds or 30 seconds when an escape wheel moves one step. 7. Movement according to one of the preceding claims, the movement comprising a counting train including a wheel set for counting the minutes, the counting wheel being arranged so that the wheel set for counting the minutes performs a movement corresponding to a duration of 10 seconds or 20 seconds or 30 seconds or one minute when an escape wheel moves one step. 8. Timepiece (400) comprising a movement according to one of the preceding claims. 9. Method of operating a movement according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising iterations of the following steps: – Release the mobile element; then – Block the mobile element relative to the frame, in particular block the mobile element in a predefined position; the mobile element release actions occurring at regular time intervals of a first duration (Time_2). 10. Operating method according to the preceding claim, wherein, upon release of the movable element, a time counter is initialized (520) and triggered (530), and wherein on expiry of the first duration (Time_2), the mobile element is released (510) again. 11. Operating method according to claim 9 or 10, in which the first duration (Time_2) is equal to or greater than 0.5 seconds or equal to or greater than 1 second or equal to or greater than 5 seconds or equal to or greater than 10 seconds or equal to or greater than 30 seconds or equal to or greater than 1 minute or between 1 second and 1 minute or between 1 minute and 60 minutes or between 1 hour and 24 hours or between 1 day and 365 days or between 1 year and 1 century. 12. Operating method according to one of claims 9 to 11, in which the mobile element is released for a duration (Time_1) and in which the ratio of the duration (Time_2 - Time_1) where the blocking device is configured in the blocking state of the mobile element and the duration (Time_1) where the blocking device is configured in the free state of the mobile element is greater than 10 or greater than 180 or greater than 200 or greater than 500. 13. Operating method according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the configuration of the device in the blocking state of the mobile element is a rest configuration and the configuration of the device in the release state of the The moving element is an active configuration or an energy consuming configuration. 14. Operating method according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the movable element is immobilized once per oscillation of the movable element.