CH715195A2 - Clockwork drive mechanism. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clockwork drive mechanism (100), comprising a structure (110) on which an arm (1) pivots subjected to the return torque of a first energy source (12), said arm ( 1) carrying a satellite (10) comprising a wheel (11), a second energy source (22) subjecting a restoring torque to a third mobile (3) on which the wheel (11) rolls, under the action of the first energy source (12), the structure (110) carries stop means (120) cooperating with complementary stop means (123) of the third mobile (3) for its maintenance in position, which are disengageable under the action of declutching control means (13) of the arm (1) at the end of the angular advance travel of the arm (1) to allow the third mobile (3) to pivot in one direction under the action of the second energy source (22), causing a retrograde rotation of the arm (1) until the start of its angular travel.

Description

Description Field of the Invention The invention relates to a clockwork drive mechanism, comprising a structure on which is pivotally mounted, about a main axis, an arm carrying a first mechanism, which is mounted pivoting on said arm about a first pivot axis remote from said main axis and comprises a first wheel pivotally mounted around said first pivot axis or a pivot axis which is parallel to it, said arm being subjected to the return torque d 'a first source of energy, said drive mechanism further comprising at least a second source of energy arranged to subject to a restoring torque a third mobile that comprises said drive mechanism, directly or indirectly through a second mobile mounted to pivot about a second pivot axis.

The invention relates to the field of clockwork drive mechanisms, and the field of clockwork display mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lovers of horological complications are sensitive to a certain animation of the displays of a timepiece, which can be obtained by retrograde display mechanisms, or by tourbillon mechanisms or the like. , which also guarantee better insensitivity to positions.

A bursting of the displays is also appreciated, and makes it possible to offer a new physiognomy of the dial or of the mechanism.

Retrograde displays are generally limited to driving needles, or more rarely discs.

The retrograde drive of a tourbillon or carousel cage has never been possible, because a cage cannot go back on its fixed wheel, and must always rotate in the same direction. If we introduce a declutching system, by cam or similar, to bring the cage back, walking stops during the retrograde movement, which is not admissible.

Claims (24)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention proposes to develop a retrograde drive mechanism which is capable of carrying mobiles of inertia much greater than needles, in particular vortices or the like, and therefore offer completely new displays. To this end, the invention relates to a drive mechanism according to claim 1. The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such drive mechanism. Brief description of the drawings [0010] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: fig. 1 shows, schematically, and in plan view, a mechanism according to the invention; fig. 2 shows, schematically, and in exploded perspective, the mechanism of FIG. 1 fig. 3 is a block diagram representing a timepiece comprising such a mechanism; fig. 4 to 9 illustrate, partially, another variant, operating on an angular travel of 120 ° of the arm, as visible in FIG. 4 in plan view, as in fig. 5 to 8 which illustrate the positions of the mobiles at different times, FIG. 9 being a side view of this mechanism; fig. 10 shows schematically, and in plan view, yet another variant of the mechanism according to the invention; fig. 11 to 14 illustrate, in plan view, different layouts on a watch of a mechanism according to the invention. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments The invention relates to a clockwork drive mechanism 100, which has the advantage of being able to be used in a watch, or even in a static timepiece, with functionalities new. This drive mechanism 100 has a structure 110, such as a plate, bridge or the like, on which is mounted an arm 1 pivoting about a main axis D0. This arm 1 carries a first mechanism which constitutes a satellite 10, which is pivotally mounted on the arm 1 around a first pivot axis D1, which is distant from the main axis DO. This satellite 10 comprises a first wheel 11, which is pivotally mounted around the first pivot axis D1 or a secondary pivot axis D11 which is parallel to it. The arm 1 is subjected to the restoring torque of a first energy source 12, such as a barrel, a weight system, or the like. The drive mechanism 100 further comprises at least a second energy source 22, which is arranged to subject a third torque to a restoring torque 3 that comprises the drive mechanism 100, directly or indirectly through d 'A second mobile 2 pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis D2, as in the particular and non-limiting variant illustrated in the figures. This second energy source 22 is the main energy source, and it is arranged to store more energy than the first energy source 12. According to the invention, the first wheel 11 is arranged to roll on the third mobile 3 in a rolling movement of regular advance, under the action of the restoring torque of the first energy source 12. The satellite 10 thus constitutes a planetary mobile, which moves in rotation around the third mobile 3, around the main axis DO, always in the same direction, according to the arrow G (clockwise in FIG. 1), and at constant speed. Specifically to the invention, the third mobile 3 is arranged to remain in a fixed position during a first elementary stroke of the satellite 10, and to perform a rotation, and in particular a rapid rotation, always in one direction , that of arrow B anti-clockwise in fig. 1 and 2, during a second elementary race of the race of the satellite 10, under the action of the second energy source 22. Particularly and specific to the invention, the satellite 10 is or has a regulating member 15. The first wheel drives an element of this regulating member 15. More particularly, this regulating member 15 is a whirlwind 150 or a carousel . More particularly still, the first wheel 11 drives the cage of this tourbillon 150 or carousel, or constitutes this cage. Thus, relative to the fixed structure 110, the arm 1 moves in the direction of the arrow E under the action of the first energy source 12 relative to the third mobile 3 when the latter is at stop, while, when the third mobile 3 is recalled under the action of the second energy source 22, the arm 1, which is carried by the third mobile 3, moves retrograde in the direction of the arrow F , with respect to the fixed structure 110, during the second elementary race of the satellite 10. It is understood that the satellite 10 is continuously rolling around the third mobile 3, and that it continues to rotate relative to the third mobile 3 during the rotation of the latter. There is therefore an alternation of first elementary races and second elementary races. Due to the successive rotations of the arm in the first direction of advance along arrow E, and in the second reverse direction along arrow F, axis D1 performs a limited angular travel around the main axis D0. In particular and not limited to, the first elementary race of the satellite 10, is much greater than the second elementary race of the race, in particular more than twenty times greater than this. In the advantageous example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the complete cycle lasts one minute, with fifty-eight seconds of slow speed travel of arm 1 in the first elementary race, and two seconds of rapid return of arm 1 in the first elementary race. The invention however makes it possible to otherwise modulate the ratio between the first part of the race and the second elementary race of the race, it is for example conceivable to obtain a first elementary race and a second equal elementary race. In the variant illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, to manage the rotational movement of the third mobile 3, the drive mechanism 100 includes stop means 120, which are fixed to the structure 110, and which are more particularly arranged to cooperate with means of complementary stop 123 that the third mobile 3 comprises for maintaining it in position, or that includes another external mobile engaging directly or indirectly with the third mobile 3. The stop means 120 more particularly comprise a trigger lever, which is arranged to cooperate successively with pins distributed on the third mobile 3, and which constitute these complementary stop means 123 in the nonlimiting example illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example illustrated, these pins are arranged angularly in a regular manner. It is nevertheless possible to design other angular spacings, to produce particular displays. These stop means 120 are disengageable, under the action of declutching control means 13 that comprises the arm 1, when the first wheel 11 ends its first elementary stroke, to allow the pivoting of the third mobile 3 in a one way (anti-clockwise arrow B) under the action of the second energy source 22 by causing a retrograde rotation of the arm 1 until the start of its angular travel. When the third mobile 3 is stopped in an angular abutment position, the first wheel 11 performs a first elementary stroke, and the arm 1 moves in angular advance stroke at a slow speed which is its speed display. At the end of this first elementary stroke of the first wheel 11, the declutching control means 13 disengage the stop means 120, and the third mobile 3 is then free and subjected to the torque of the second energy source 22, directly or through the second mobile 2 depending on the construction variant selected. The third mobile 3 then performs a rotation, and more particularly a sudden and almost instantaneous rotation, before returning to another angular abutment position between another pin 123 and the trigger lever 120. And this rotation of the third mobile 3 causes the return retrograde of the arm 1 to its angular start position, and in particular in the case illustrated at an accelerated speed which is much higher than its slow display speed. In another variant, the first wheel 11 is arranged to roll inside the third mobile 3. Many other configurations are possible, in particular concerning the relative positions of the different pivot axes, with cascades of suitable references . Naturally it is still possible to subject the third mobile 3 to the couple of at least one third energy source, for example in direct meshing. The operation of the drive mechanism 100 is dependent on the level of energy available at the second energy source 22. In the case where the drive mechanism 100 is integrated in a watch, the second source d energy is advantageously recharged by an automatic winding mechanism, not detailed here as well known to those skilled in the art: the first energy source 11 is permanently reset by the second energy source as long as the latter has sufficient energy, this first energy source 11 thus constitutes a buffer, and the drive of the satellite 10 by this first energy source 11 is thus a mechanism known as constant force, or more precisely constant torque. In the very compact variant illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stop means 120 comprise a rocker, which forms a trigger lever, and which is pivotally mounted on a rocker axis D12, and which is returned in the direction of the arrow D by elastic return means 127 , such as spring or the like. This rocker carries a rocker pin 129. The arm 1 comprises a ramp 13, which is arranged to cooperate with the rocker pin 129, at the end of the angular advance travel of the arm 1, and to push the rocker in the direction of the arrow C, which makes it possible to eclipse a beak of the rocker comprising a bearing surface 128, which hitherto held in position a stop pin 123, which comprises the third mobile 3 (which comprises three at 120 ° in the present case ). The third mobile 3 is then released, and can rotate, its pin 123 previously immobilized being able to pass under the arm 1. The position of the pins 123 directs the triggering, they guarantee the precision of the duration of a total running period. Advantageously, the arm 1 includes limiting means 20, which tend to oppose the driving torque of the first energy source 12, and which are arranged to limit the running speed of the first wheel 11 Indeed, anything that can slow down the system is advantageous for regular operation of the constant force mechanism that the invention constitutes. More particularly, these limiting means 20 are braking and / or friction and / or regulation means. They may in particular include aerodynamic braking means, by eddy currents, or the like. For example, the first street 11 can carry a second hand. More particularly still, as in the nonlimiting case illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the limiting means 20 are means for regulating the running speed of the first wheel 11 around the third mobile 3. The regulating mechanism is preferably at the level of the satellite 10 which constitutes a planetary mobile. As visible in a nonlimiting variant illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the means for regulating the running speed of the first wheel 11 around the third mobile 3 comprise a stopper 17, such as an anchor or the like, and which is arranged to cooperate discontinuously with the first wheel 11 , or with a synchronous mobile of the first wheel 11, or with a fourth mobile meshing directly or indirectly with the first wheel 11. In particular and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second pivot axis D2 is parallel to the main axis D0 and separate from it. In particular and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the third mobile 3 is arranged to pivot around the main axis D0. In particular, the satellite 10 constitutes all or part of the limiting means 20, and is a regulating member 15. More particularly, the regulating member 15 comprises at least one inertial mass 1700 subjected to an alternating pivoting movement by an anchor 170, which includes the retainer 17, and which is arranged to cooperate with a ratchet 18 driven directly or indirectly by the first wheel 11. More particularly, the ratchet 18 is coaxial with the first wheel 11. More particularly, this ratchet 18 is an escape wheel. In a particular embodiment, the regulating member 15.is a tourbillon 150, and the first wheel 11 drives the tourbillon cage 150, or else constitutes the tourbillon cage 150. In this case, the axis of the resonator mechanism , typically a balance-spring, which comprises the regulating member 15, coincides with the first pivot axis D1. In another similar particular embodiment, the regulating member 15 is a carousel, and the first wheel 11 drives the carousel cage or constitutes the carousel cage. In this case, the axis of the resonator mechanism, typically a balance-spring, which comprises the regulating member 15, is a secondary pivot axis, parallel to the first pivot axis D1, for example located at the distal end of a regulator 19 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. More particularly, the regulator member 15, whirlpool or carousel, or the like, comprises such a regulator 19, which is driven directly or indirectly by the first wheel 1. More particularly, this regulator 19 is synchronous with the first wheel 11, and is capable of constituting a first display of a first time quantity. More particularly still, the regulator 19 is a tourbillon or carousel cage. Each mobile of the drive mechanism according to the invention can be used for a particular display. Thus, more particularly, the arm 1 constitutes or drives a display of a second temporal magnitude. This arm can carry eccentric displays, for example on stars pivotally mounted on the arm 1. Similarly, more particularly, the third mobile 3 constitutes or drives a display of a third temporal magnitude, for example a display of the minutes advancing by jumps. More particularly, the second mobile 2 constitutes or drives a power reserve display. It is understood that the drive mechanism according to the invention allows a very lively display of the passage of time, speaks very visible rolling of the first wheel 11 on the third mobile 3, and speaks periodic retrograde return of the arm 1 Each mobile can be used to carry an off-center display. The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such drive mechanism 100. The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such drive mechanism 100, and which in a first variant is a watch. Its first energy source 12 and / or its second energy source 22 may conventionally comprise at least one barrel, and / or an electromechanical energy source, or the like. Advantageously, the second energy source 22 is recharged by an automatic winding mechanism. In another variant, the timepiece 1000 is static, and may in particular be a pendulum. Its first energy source 12 and / or its second energy source 22 can conventionally comprise at least one barrel, and / or one source: electromechanical energy, or other. Or its first energy source 12 and / or its second energy source 22 comprises at least one weight, and this timepiece 1000 then comprises means for winding each weight. Preferably, however, the first energy source 12 is a buffer barrel, which means that only the second energy source 22 which feeds the first energy source 12 has to be raised. The principle of the invention is applicable to many other variants, and to many particular applications. This principle is illustrated, in a simplified manner with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, by figs. 4 to 9, which comprise only the first energy source 12, illustrated in the form of a simple flat spring, the arm 1 carrying the first wheel 11, and the third mobile 3 on which this first wheel 11 rotates. In this example, a tourbillon cage, carried by the first wheel 11, makes one revolution per minute, the first wheel 11 moves on the third mobile 3 for approximately 18 seconds when the third mobile 3 is still in the fixed position, and continues to roll on this third mobile during the two seconds that the retrograde return of 120 ° of the third mobile 3 lasts anticlockwise in these figures. Fig. 5 shows the assembly in position just after such a retrograde return; fig. 6 shows an intermediate position X; fig. 7 shows the extreme angular position of the arm 1 in time travel, and FIG. 8 illustrates the retrograde return in an anti-clockwise direction of the third mobile (visible by the change of position of the pins 1,2,3) and of the arm 1 which it carries. [0057] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another variant, with an arm 1 forming a winding rake on a winding barrel of the cage arm, constituting the first energy source 12, which leads the arm 1 of the cage; under the effect of its torque, the tourbillon cage is driven and rotated around the circumference of the third mobile 3, the arm 1 moves as a function of the frequency and of the gear ratio. The arm 1 leading the cage moves from its initial position by 0 ° and arrives at its maximum position 120 °. There is an unlocking of the second energy source 22, here constituted by the barrel of the basic movement of a watch. This barrel is in chain with a reduction mobile 223, and the latter in connection with the third mobile 3. The force of the movement barrel 22 will drive the reduction mobile 223 and in fact will lead the third mobile 3 in anti-rotation 120 ° hourly. The movement in degrees of the third mobile 3 is managed via a gear train 221 and positioned by a stop pin at the level of a position lock 223, this train 221 can be linked either to the reduction mobile 223, or with the movement barrel 22. To manage the return over a period of approximately 2 seconds, a regulator with inverter, comprising in particular a pinion 110, a ratchet 18, an anchor 170, is in series with the third mobile 3, and allows to adjust the duration of the retrograde return, in particular between 1 and 10 seconds. During the 120 ° movement of the third mobile 3, the first energy source 12, here the spring of the cage arm, rearms, the cage continues to operate by moving around the circumference of the third mobile 3. This variant of the fig. 10 allows the angular travel to be managed differently than by the pins 123 of the variant of FIGS. 1 and 2, which is replaced here by the gear train 221, it is here possible to manage other angular values, for example 360 ° to display a date passage, or other. It is noted that the basic movement barrel spring no longer intercedes with the gear train as on a conventional movement. It now has the unique function of providing the necessary impetus for positioning the third mobile 3. The first energy source 12, here the spring of the cage arm, has a pre-arm giving the torque necessary for the operation of the vortex, this force will remain constant. The angular travel of 120 ° in counterclockwise rotation of the third mobile 3 regularly arms the cage arm spring. In this way, it is conceivable to develop several types of movement of the hour and minute hand, as well as complications such as indications of the moon, and / or day / night, and / or the power reserve, as visible in fig. 11 to 13, in particular, on the return from the cage and the third mobile, or even with the cog in position where it is no longer necessary to use a roadway, and where the time setting is unidirectional; or with the gear train; with the gear train and / or the movement barrel, the time setting is possible in both directions. The reassembly is done by the crown 220, the main barrel 22 will no longer intercede with the gear train as in the usual technique. This arrangement allows, again, to make the correction of the moon directly by the crown, it is no longer necessary to integrate a corrector integrated in the middle. It is understood that the invention provides an almost constant driving force to the regulating mechanism, in particular a tourbillon or carousel cage, throughout the power reserve of the main barrel. Figs. 11 to 14 illustrate the wide latitude offered by the invention for the positioning of the various displays. In the example illustrated, the hours and minutes are read on a dial at 12 o'clock, that of the power reserve on a sector with retrograde hand at 9 o'clock, that of the moon and / or day display / night, or sunset, or other, at 3 o'clock, while the tourbillon has a displacement of 120 °, and it is possible to orient the movement of the cage over 120 ° according to a substantially peripheral movement as on fig. 11 and 14, or according to a movement around a maximum eccentric axis as in Figs. 12 and 13, with a retrograde movement of the cage respectively from left to right, or from right to left. The value of 120 ° taken for the examples is in no way binding, the angular value depends on the duration of the desired hourly stroke, the value of the retrograde stroke is also adjustable, for example between 2 and 5 seconds, and provides an abrupt retrograde return, devoid of shock. The retrograde return of the cage makes it possible to feed the passage of the minutes. The retrograde return is not linked to the frequency of the resonator mechanism, and has no influence on the progress of the movement. In other alternative embodiments it is possible to equip the third mobile with several satellites 10 on its periphery. It is also possible to design a multi-stage system to manage separate functions. claims 1. Clockwork drive mechanism (100), comprising a structure (110) on which is pivotally mounted, around a main axis (D0), an arm (1) carrying a satellite (10), which is pivotally mounted on said arm (1) about a first pivot axis (D1) remote from said main axis (D0) and comprises a first wheel (11) pivotally mounted around said first pivot axis (D1) or of a secondary pivot axis (D11) which is parallel to it, said arm (1) being subjected to the return torque of a first energy source (12), said drive mechanism (100) further comprising at least a second source energy (22) arranged to subject to a restoring torque a third mobile (3) that comprises said drive mechanism (100), directly or indirectly through a second mobile (2) pivotally mounted around a second pivot axis (D2), characterized in that said first wheel (11.) is arranged to roll, under the action of said first energy source (12), on said third mobile (3) in a regular movement of rolling in advance in one direction of rotation, and in that said third mobile (3) is arranged to remain in a fixed position during a first elementary race of said satellite (10), and to effect, under the action of said second energy source (22), a rotation in one direction during a second race elementary of the race of said satellite (10). 2. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said drive mechanism (100) comprises stop means (120) arranged to cooperate with complementary stop means (123) which comprises said third mobile (3), or that includes another external mobile meshing directly or indirectly with said third mobile (3), to hold it in position, said stop means (120) being disengageable under the action of control means clutch (13) that comprises said arm (1) when said arm (1) reaches the end of its angular advance stroke, to allow the pivoting of said third mobile (3) in a single direction under the action of said second energy source (22) by causing a retrograde rotation of said arm (1) until the start of its said angular travel. 3. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said arm (1) comprises limiting means (20) tending to oppose the driving torque of said first source of energy (12 ), and arranged to limit the running speed of said first wheel (11). 4. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that said limiting means (20) are braking and / or friction and / or regulation means. 5. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that said limiting means (20) are means for regulating the running speed of said first wheel (11) around said third mobile (3). 6. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that said means for regulating the running speed of said first wheel (11) around said third mobile (3) comprise a stopper (17) arranged to cooperate discontinuously with said first wheel (11) or with a fourth mobile engaging directly or indirectly with said first wheel (11). 7. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second pivot axis (D2) is parallel to said main axis (D0) and separate from it. 8. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said third mobile (3) is arranged to pivot around said main axis (D0). 9. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 3 and one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said satellite (10) constitutes all or part of said limiting means (20), and is a regulating member ( 15). 10. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said regulating member (15) comprises a resonator mechanism with at least one inertial mass (1700) subjected to an alternating pivoting movement by an anchor (170) cooperating with a ratchet (18) driven directly or indirectly by said first wheel (11). 11. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that said ratchet (18) is coaxial with said first wheel (11). 12. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said regulating member (15) .is a vortex (150) or carousel and in that said first wheel (11) drives the cage of said tourbillon (150) or carousel or constitutes the cage of said tourbillon (150) or carousel. 13. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said regulating member (15) is a carousel and in that said first wheel (11) drives the cage of said carousel or constitutes the cage of said carousel. 14. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that said regulating member (15) comprises a regulator (19) driven directly or indirectly by said first wheel (1). 15. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that said regulator (19) is synchronous with said first wheel (11) and constitutes a first display of a first time quantity. 16. Drive mechanism (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that said regulator (19) is a tourbillon or carousel cage. 17. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said arm (1) constitutes or drives a display of a second time quantity. 18. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said third mobile (3) constitutes or drives a display of a third time magnitude. 19. Drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said second mobile (2) constitutes or drives a power reserve display. 20. Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one drive mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 19. 21. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 20, characterized in that it is a watch. 22. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 21, characterized in that said first energy source (12) and / or said second energy source (22) is a barrel. 23. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 20, characterized in that it is a pendulum. 24. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 23, characterized in that said first energy source (12) and / or said second energy source (22) comprises at least one weight, and in that said timepiece (1000) comprises means for winding each said weight. 150 19 D1 D11