CH715196B1 - Clockwork movement comprising an arm carrying a satellite which comprises a tourbillon or carousel. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clock movement (500) with a regulating member (15) which is a tourbillon (150) or carousel, and comprising a drive mechanism (100), with a pivoting arm (1) subjected to the torque of return of a first energy source (12) and bearing a mechanism (10) comprising a wheel (11), a second energy source (22) subjecting a third mobile (3) on which the wheel (11), 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 holding it in position, which can be disengaged under the action of disengagement control means (13) of the arm (1) at the end of the angular advance stroke of the arm (1) to allow the third mobile (3 ) in one direction under the action of the second energy source (22), causing a retrograde rotation of the arm (1) until the beginning of its angular travel.

Description

Field of the invention

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

[0003] Fans of horological complications are sensitive to a certain animation of the displays of a timepiece, which can be provided by retrograde display mechanisms, or even tourbillon mechanisms or the like, which moreover guarantee better positional insensitivity.

[0004] A bursting of the displays is also appreciated, and makes it possible to offer a new physiognomy of the dial or of the mechanism.

[0005] Retrograde displays are generally limited to driving hands, or more rarely discs.

[0006] The retrograde drive of a tourbillon or carousel cage has never been achieved, because a cage cannot go back on its fixed wheel, and must always turn in the same direction. If we introduce a disengagement system, by cam or similar, to bring the cage back, the march stops during the retrograde movement, which is not admissible.

Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention proposes to develop a watch movement comprising a retrograde drive mechanism which is capable of carrying mobiles with much greater inertia than hands, in particular tourbillons or the like, and therefore to offer completely new displays.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a clock movement according to claim 1.

[0009] The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such drive mechanism.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: FIG. 1 represents, schematically, partially, and in plan view, a clockwork movement according to the invention; figure 2 represents, in a schematic way, and in exploded perspective, the movement of figure 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing a timepiece comprising such a movement; Figures 4 to 9 partially illustrate another variant, operating on an angular travel of 120° of the arm, as seen in Figure 4 in plan view, like Figures 5 to 8 which illustrate the positions of the mobiles at different times, Figure 9 being a side view of this movement; FIG. 10 represents, schematically, and in plan view, yet another alternative movement according to the invention; FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate, in plan view, different layouts on a watch of a movement according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a clockwork movement 500 comprising at least one regulating member 15 which is a tourbillon 150 or a carousel, and comprising 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 new functionalities.

This drive mechanism 100 comprises a structure 110, such as a plate, bridge or the like, on which is mounted an arm 1 pivoting around a main axis D0. This arm 1 carries a first mechanism, which constitutes a satellite 10, which is pivotally mounted on the arm 1 about a first pivot axis D1, which is distant from the main axis D0. 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] The drive mechanism 100 further comprises at least a second energy source 22, which is arranged to subject a third mobile 3 that the drive mechanism 100 comprises to a return torque, directly or indirectly through a second mobile 2 pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis D2, as in the particular and non-limiting variant illustrated by Figures 1 and 2.

This second energy source 22 is the main energy source, and it is arranged to store more energy than the first energy source 12.

[0016] According to the invention, the first wheel 11 is arranged to roll on the third mobile 3 in a regular forward rolling motion, 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 D0, always in the same direction, according to the arrow G (clockwise in Figure 1 ), and at constant speed.

In a manner specific 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 counter-clockwise arrow B in FIGS. 1 and 2, during a second elementary stroke of the stroke of the satellite 10, under the action of the second energy source 22.

And the first wheel 11 drives the tourbillon cage 150 or carousel, or constitutes the tourbillon cage 150 or carousel.

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 stopping, while, when the third mobile 3 is returned under the action of the second energy source 22, the arm 1, which is carried by the third mobile 3, moves retrogradely in the direction of the arrow F , relative to the fixed structure 110, during the second elementary race of the satellite 10.

It is understood that the satellite 10 rolls permanently around the third mobile 3, and 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.

[0022] Due to the successive rotations of the arm in the first direction of advance along the arrow E, and in the second reverse direction along the arrow F, the axis D1 performs a limited angular travel around the main axis D0.

[0023] In a particular and non-limiting way, 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 the latter.

In the advantageous example illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the complete cycle lasts one minute, with fifty-eight seconds of travel at slow speed of the arm 1 in the first elementary race, and two seconds of rapid return of the arm 1 in the first elemental race.

[0025] However, the invention makes it possible to modulate the ratio between the first part of the stroke and the second elementary stroke in another way, it is for example conceivable to obtain a first elementary stroke and a second elementary stroke which are equal.

In the variant illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, to manage the rotational movement of the third mobile 3, the drive mechanism 100 includes stop means 120, which are fixed on the structure 110, and which are more particularly arranged to cooperate with complementary stop means 123 that comprises the third mobile 3 for its maintenance in position, or that comprises another external mobile meshing directly or indirectly with the third mobile 3. The stop means 120 comprise more particularly 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 non-limiting example illustrated by Figures 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 disengagement control means 13 that the arm 1 comprises, when the first wheel 11 completes 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 stroke.

When the third mobile 3 is stationary in an angular stop position, the first wheel 11 performs a first elementary stroke, and the arm 1 moves in angular stroke forward at a slow speed which is its speed display. At the end of this first elementary stroke of the first wheel 11, the disengagement 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 stop position between another pin 123 and the trigger lever 120. And this rotation of the third mobile 3 causes the return arm 1 retrogrades to its position at the start of angular travel, and in particular in the case illustrated at an accelerated speed which is much greater 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 various pivot axes, with suitable cascades of references .

[0030] Of course, it is still possible to subject the third mobile 3 to torque from at least one third energy source, for example in direct mesh.

[0031] The operation of the drive mechanism 100 is dependent on the energy level available at the level of the second energy source 22. In the case where the drive mechanism 100 is integrated into a watch, the second energy source energy is advantageously recharged by an automatic winding mechanism, not detailed here because it is well known to those skilled in the art: the first energy source 12 is permanently reset by the second energy source as long as the latter has enough energy, this first energy source 12 thus constitutes a buffer, and the driving of the satellite 10 by this first energy source 12 is thus a so-called constant-force mechanism, or more precisely a constant-torque mechanism.

In the very compact variant illustrated by Figures 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 recalled in the direction of the arrow D by elastic return means 127, such as a spring or the like. This rocker carries a rocker pin 129.

The arm 1 comprises a ramp 13 forming the disengagement control means, which is arranged to cooperate with the rocker pin 129, at the end of the angular advance stroke 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 support surface 128, which until then held in position a stop pin 123 forming the complementary stop means, which comprises the third mobile 3 (which includes three at 120° in this case). The third mobile 3 is then released, and can turn, its previously immobilized pin 123 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 travel period.

Advantageously, the arm 1 comprises limiting means, which tend to oppose the motor torque of the first energy source 12, and which are arranged to limit the rolling speed of the first wheel 11. Indeed, anything that can slow down the system is advantageous for regular operation of the constant-force mechanism constituted by the invention.

More particularly, these limiting means are braking and/or friction and/or regulating means. They may in particular comprise aerodynamic braking means, by eddy currents, or other. For example, the first wheel 11 can carry a seconds hand.

[0036] Even more particularly, as in the non-limiting case illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the limiting means are means for regulating the rolling 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.

[0037] As seen in a non-limiting variant illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the means for regulating the rolling 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 wheel set of the first wheel 11, or with a fourth wheel set meshing directly or indirectly with the first wheel 11.

In particular and as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the second pivot axis D2 is parallel to the main axis D0 and separate from it.

In particular and as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the third mobile 3 is arranged to pivot around the main axis D0.

[0040] In particular, the satellite 10 constitutes all or part of the limitation means, and is a regulating member 15.

More specifically, the regulator member 15 comprises at least one inertial mass 1700 subjected to an alternating pivoting movement by an anchor 170, which the retainer 17 comprises, and which is arranged to cooperate with a ratchet 18 driven directly or indirectly by the first wheel 11.

[0042] More particularly, the ratchet 18 is coaxial with the first wheel 11.

More particularly this ratchet 18 is an escape wheel.

When the regulator member 15 is a tourbillon 150, the first wheel 11 drives the tourbillon cage 150, or 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.

When the regulator member 15 is a carousel, 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 the regulator member 15 comprises, is a secondary pivot axis, parallel to the first pivot axis D1, for example located at the distal end of a regulator 19 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] More particularly, the regulator member 15 comprises 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 forming a first display of a first temporal quantity.

[0048] Even more particularly, the regulator 19 is a tourbillon or carousel cage.

Each mobile of the movement 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 quantity. This arm can carry off-center displays, for example on stars mounted pivoting on arm 1.

Similarly, more particularly, the third mobile 3 constitutes or drives a display of a third temporal magnitude, for example a minute display advancing by jumps.

[0051] More particularly, the second mobile 2 constitutes or drives a power reserve display.

It is understood that this drive mechanism specific to the invention allows a very lively display of the passage of time, by the very visible rolling of the first wheel 11 on the third mobile 3, and by the periodic retrograde return arm 1. Each mobile can be used to carry an off-center display.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such timepiece movement 500, 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 or other energy source. 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 may conventionally comprise at least one barrel, and/or an electromechanical or other energy source. 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. However, preferably the first energy source 12 is a barrel acting as a buffer, which means that only the second energy source 22 which supplies the first energy source 12 has to be raised.

The principle of the invention is applicable to many other variants, and to many specific applications. This principle is illustrated, in a simplified manner with respect to Figures 1 and 2, by Figures 4 to 9, which only include the first energy source 12, illustrated in the form of a simple flat spring, the arm 1 carrying of the first wheel 11, and the third mobile 3 on which this first wheel 11 rotates. mobile 3 when the third mobile 3 is still in a fixed position, and continues to roll on this third mobile during the 120° retrograde return of the third mobile 3 in the counter-clockwise direction in these figures. Figure 5 shows the assembly in position just after such a retrograde return; Figure 6 shows an intermediate position X; figure 7 shows the extreme angular position of arm 1 in clockwise travel, and figure 8 illustrates the retrograde counter-clockwise return of the third mobile (visible by the change in position of the pins 1, 2, 3) and of arm 1 that he wears.

[0056] Figure 10 illustrates yet another variant, with an arm 1 making winding rake on a winding cylinder of the cage arm, constituting the first energy source 12, which leads the arm 1 cage; under the effect of its torque, the tourbillon cage is driven and makes its rotation on the circumference of the third mobile 3, the arm 1 moves according to the frequency and the gear ratio. The arm 1 leading the cage moves from its first position of 0° and arrives at its maximum position of 120°. At this instant, the second energy source 22 is unlocked, here consisting of the barrel of the base movement of a watch. This barrel is in chain with a reduction mobile 223, and this in connection with the third mobile 3. The force of the movement barrel 22 will drive the reduction mobile 223 and in fact will drive the third mobile 3 in anti-rotation. 120° schedule. The displacement in degrees of the third wheel set 3 is managed via a gear train 221 and positioned by a stop pin at the level of a position lock 224, this wheel train 221 can be linked either with the reduction wheel set 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, resets, the cage continues to operate by moving on the circumference of the third mobile 3. This variant of the figure 10 makes it possible to manage the angular stroke other than by the pins 123 of the variant of figures 1 and 2, which here is replaced by the position gear 221, it is here possible to manage other angular values, for example 360° to display a date pass, or whatever.

[0057] Note that the basic movement barrel spring no longer intercedes with the going train as on a conventional movement. It now has the sole function of giving the impetus necessary for positioning the third mobile 3.

The first energy source 12, here the spring of the cage arm, has a prewinding giving the torque necessary for the operation of the tourbillon, this force will remain constant. The angular travel of 120° in anti-clockwise rotation of the third mobile 3 arms the cage arm spring evenly.

[0059] In this way, it is conceivable to develop several types of displacement of the hour and minute hand, as well as complications such as the indications of the moon, and/or day/night, and/or the power reserve, as seen in Figures 11 to 13, in particular, on the return of the carriage and of the third mobile, or even with the gear train in position where it is no longer necessary to use a roadway, and where the time setting is unidirectional; or with the position cog; with the position gear train and/or the movement barrel, time setting is possible in both directions.

[0060] The winding is done by the crown 220, the main barrel 22 will no longer intercede with the going train as in the usual technique.

[0061] This arrangement also makes it possible to make the correction of the moon directly by the crown, it is no longer necessary to integrate a corrector integrated into the caseband.

It is understood that the invention provides an almost constant driving force to the regulator mechanism, in particular a tourbillon or carousel cage, throughout the power reserve of the main barrel.

[0063] Figures 11 to 14 illustrate the wide latitude offered by the invention for the positioning of the various displays. In the example shown, the hours and minutes are read on a dial at 12 o'clock, that of the power reserve on a sector with a retrograde hand at 9 o'clock, that of the moon and/or day/night display, or even sunset, or other, at 3 o'clock, while the tourbillon has a movement of 120°, and it is possible to orient the movement of the cage over 120° according to a substantially peripheral movement as in FIGS. 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.

[0064] The value of 120° taken for the examples is in no way binding, the angular value depends on the desired hourly stroke duration, the value of the retrograde stroke is also adjustable, for example between 2 and 5 seconds, and makes it possible to obtain a non-abrupt retrograde return, devoid of shock.

[0065] The retrograde return of the carriage makes it possible to supply the passing of the minutes.

The retrograde return is not linked to the frequency of the resonator mechanism, and has no influence on the running 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 system on several floors to manage distinct functions.

Claims (19)

1. Clock movement (500) comprising at least one regulating member (15) which is a tourbillon (150) or a carousel, and comprising a drive mechanism (100) comprising a structure (110) on which is pivotally mounted , about a main axis (D0), an arm (1) carrying a satellite (10) that comprises said tourbillon (150) or said carousel, said satellite (10) being pivotally mounted on said arm (1) around a first pivot axis (D1) remote from said main axis (D0) and comprising a first wheel (11) pivotally mounted around said first pivot axis (D1) or a secondary pivot axis (D11) which is parallel, 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 energy source (22) arranged to subject to a return torque a third mobile (3) that said drive mechanism (100) comprises, directly or indirectly to the through a second mobile (2) pivotally mounted about 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 forward rolling movement in a single direction of rotation, and in that said third mobile (3) is arranged to remain in a fixed position during a first elementary stroke of said satellite (10), and to perform, under the action of said second energy source (22), a rotation in one direction only during a second elementary stroke of the stroke of said satellite (10), and in that said first wheel (11) drives the cage of said tourbillon (150) or of said carousel or constitutes the cage of said tourbillon (150) or of said carousel. 2. Clockwork movement (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that said drive mechanism (100) comprises stop means (120) arranged to cooperate with complementary stop means (123) that comprises said third mobile (3) for maintaining it in position, or which comprises another external mobile meshing directly or indirectly with said third mobile (3), said stop means (120) being disengageable under the action of control means of clutch (13) that said arm (1) comprises when said arm (1) reaches the end of its angular advance stroke, to authorize the pivoting of said third mobile (3) in a single direction under the action of said second source energy (22) by causing a retrograde rotation of said arm (1) until the start of its angular forward stroke. 3. Clock movement (500) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said arm (1) comprises limiting means tending to oppose the motor torque of said first energy source (12), and arranged to limit the running speed of said first wheel (11). 4. Clock movement (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that said limiting means are braking and/or friction and/or regulating means. 5. Clock movement (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that said limiting means are means for regulating the running speed of said first wheel (11) around said third mobile (3). 6. Clock movement (500) 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 meshing directly or indirectly with said first wheel (11). 7. Clock movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second pivot axis (D2) is parallel to said main axis (D0) and distinct from it. 8. Clock movement (500) 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. Clock movement (500) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that said satellite (10) constitutes all or part of said limiting means, and is a regulating member (15). 10. Clock movement (500) 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. Clock movement (500) according to claim 10, characterized in that said ratchet (18) is coaxial with said first wheel (11). 12. Clock movement (500) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said regulator member (15) comprises a regulator (19) driven directly or indirectly by said first wheel (11). 13. Clock movement (500) according to claim 12, characterized in that said regulator (19) is synchronous with said first wheel (11) and constitutes a first display of a first time quantity. 14. Clock movement (500) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said regulator (19) is a tourbillon or carousel cage. 15. Clock movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said arm (1) constitutes or drives a display of a second temporal quantity. 16. Clockwork movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said third mobile (3) constitutes or drives a display of a third time quantity. 17. Clock movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said second mobile (2) constitutes or drives a power reserve display. 18. Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 17. 19. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 18, characterized in that it is a watch, and in that said first energy source (12) and/or said second energy source (22) are barrels.