CH716422A2 - Clockwork limiting device for a watch comprising at least one tourbillon or one carousel. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a clockwork limiter device for a watch comprising an oscillator (200) carried by the cage (10) of a tourbillon (300) or carousel. The device comprises two drive transmissions integral with shafts (61; 62) pivoted in a reverse rotation plate, one of which is driven by an engagement rod (3) cooperating with a control member external to the tourbillon ( 300) or carousel. The transmissions each carry at least one elastic element (71; 72), which is arranged to bear on a moving part of the oscillator (200) to stop it when the control member passes from one position resting in an active position in which each elastic element (71; 72) bears against this moving part of the oscillator (200) or against the cage (10), and to remain at a distance from the cage (10) and from any mobile of the oscillator (200) when the control member is in its rest position.

Description

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a timepiece limiting device for a watch, comprising an oscillator, and comprising means for limiting the rate deviation of this oscillator in the different positions of said watch in space, said device comprising at least one tourbillon or a carrousel, which comprises a cage which is pivotally mounted about a cage axis with respect to a plate, which carries a fixed wheel when the said limiting device comprises a tourbillon, which cage carries said oscillator and comprises a cage wheel designed to be driven by a source of energy from the watch or by a movement through a gear train, and which cage carries an escapement mechanism designed to cooperate with said oscillator, and comprising an escapement pinion meshing with said fixed wheel when said limiter device comprises a tourbillon or else meshing with an average wheel or a second wheel, which said gear train comprises, when said limiter device comprises a carousel.

[0002] The invention also relates to a watch comprising a timepiece movement comprising energy storage means, an oscillator, time-setting means, and such a limiting device.

The invention relates to the field of high-precision chronometric mechanical watches equipped with tourbillons or carousels, and so-called stop-second or stop-cage mechanisms for performing fine adjustment of the state of the watch.

Background of the invention

The document GB674764 in the name of HEPTINSTALL describes a finger-spring for locking a pendulum.

[0005] The document EP1617305B1 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET describes a stop control, manual by the stem, of levers with pads for locking a balance wheel.

[0006] The document EP2787400B1 in the name of CHOPARD describes a stop element, integral in rotation with a cage, and which is a disc coaxial with this cage, moved axially for axial friction with a pendulum.

[0007] The document EP2085832B1 in the name of FREDERIC PIGUET describes a friction clutch mechanism, by radial plating of clutch elements at the ends of star-shaped arms in a cylindrical surface of a drive plate, under the axial action of a clutch spring.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention proposes to stop a tourbillon or carousel cage when setting the time in order to be able to adjust a watch to the nearest second.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece limiting device for limiting the deviation of the rate of an oscillator that comprises a watch, according to claim 1.

[0010] The invention also relates to a watch comprising a timepiece movement comprising energy storage means, an oscillator, time-setting means, and such a limiting device.

Brief description of the drawings

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

- Figure 1 shows, schematically, partially, and in perspective from above, that is to say as visible by the user of the watch, a timepiece limiting device for limiting the rate variation an oscillator, this balance-spring oscillator being carried by the cage of a tourbillon; two shafts each carrying an elastic cantilever element are pivoted in a plate not shown, and their opposite rotation is controlled by transmissions visible under the interior bridge of the tourbillon cage, and the rotation of which of one of the two is controlled by an engagement rod moved by a control member of the watch, here constituted by a winding and time-setting stem; a dial barrel represented in transparency serves as a rear stop for the elastic elements, here present in a rest position in which the oscillator is free; this dial barrel advantageously constitutes a display scale, with which cooperates an index of the upper cage bridge, visible above the balance wheel;

- figure 2 represents, in a similar way, in view from below, that is to say from the opposite side, the mechanism of figure 1, where the elastic elements are no longer visible, but where the articulated control mechanism is voll the engagement rod to activate the transmissions; this view shows, under the end of the rod farthest from the stem, the escapement pinion which meshes with a fixed wheel to move the cage; the positions corresponding to positions T1 and T2 of the rod are represented in Superposition;

- Figure 3 is similar to Figure 1, in the same rest position, and includes the representation of the plate, with the control rod and the pull tab in their Service position;

- Figure 4 is a detail in the position of Figure 2, showing the joints of the engagement rod, and the game of the two counter-rotating transmissions;

- Figure 5 shows, from Tagen schematically and in section passing through the axes of the shafts of the transmissions, the two mobile assemblies each consist of a transmission pinion, a shaft pivoted in the plate, and an elastic element, this the latter being limited by the dial barrel;

- Figure 6 shows, similar to figure 3, the same mechanism in an active position where the two elastic elements bear against the balance, and stop it, by applying to this balance couples of opposite directions;

- figure 7 shows, similar to figure 6, the same mechanism in an active position where the two elastic elements are supported, but this time one on the balance, and the other on the upper bridge of the tourbillon cage ;

- Figure 8 is a partial top view corresponding to the position of Figure 6;

- Figure 9 is a partial top view corresponding to the position of Figure 7;

- Figure 10 is a block diagram representing a watch comprising a clock movement comprising energy storage means, an oscillator, time-setting means, and such a limiting device.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0012] The invention relates to the field of mechanical watches with high chronometric performance.

[0013] In order to improve the insensitivity to the positions of a watch 1000, it is known to equip it with a watchmaking limiting device 100, comprising an oscillator, and capable of limiting the variation in rate of this oscillator 200 , in the different positions of the watch 1000 in space.

[0014] This device 100 comprises at least one tourbillon 300 or a carrousel, which, in one or the other case, comprises a cage 10 which is pivotally mounted around a cage axis D with respect to a plate 900.

This plate 900 carries a fixed wheel 210 when the limiter device 100 includes a tourbillon 300.

The cage 10 comprises an interior bridge 11 and an upper bridge 12. The lower bridge 11 of the cage 10 carries the oscillator 200, and comprises a cage wheel 41, which is arranged to be driven by a source of energy 400 of the watch 1000 or of a movement 800 that comprises the watch, through a gear train. This energy source 400 may in particular comprise at least one barrel or the like.

The lower bridge 11 still carries part of the escapement mechanism 700, which is arranged to cooperate with the oscillator 200, and which includes an escapement pinion 201.

[0018] A cage upper bridge 12 protects both the oscillator 200, the escapement mechanism 700 held by an escapement bridge 203; this upper bridge 12 can still protect part of the mechanism according to the invention.

[0019] This escapement pinion meshes with the fixed wheel 210 when the limiter device 100 comprises a tourbillon 300, or else meshes with an average wheel or a second wheel, which the gear train comprises, when the limiter device 100 comprises a carousel.

The limiter device 100 according to the invention makes it possible to stop a moving part of the oscillator 200, in particular an inertial moving part such as a pendulum 91, carried by a cage 10 of a tourbillon or carousel, during the setting operation. on time. The mechanism is designed to also stop cage 10.

The figures illustrate a particular, non-limiting variant, where the mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to stop a balance-spring assembly, which constitutes the oscillator 200, on a cage 10 that includes a tourbillon 300, during the operation time setting.

[0022] Thus, compared to a classic tourbillon or carousel, which comprises a cage 10, which itself carries an oscillator 200, in particular but not limited to a balance-spring as in the case of the figures, the mechanism according to the invention comprises a limited number of specific components, mounted on a cage wheel 41 that comprises the cage 10:

- an engagement rod 3, controlled by a control member of the watch, which comprises in particular in the case of the figures a winding and time-setting stem 1, articulated with a pull tab 2;

- two drive transmissions 51 and 52, meshing Tun with each other so as to rotate in the opposite direction, and of which Tunengrene with a rack 31, or a toothed sector, which comprises the engagement rod 3; each drive transmission 51,52, is carried by a respective shaft 61, 62, pivots in the plate 900;

- each drive transmission 51,52 carries, at the other end of its shaft 61,62, at least one elastic element 71,72, itself comprising at least one elastic blade and/or at least one elastic thread , and which is arranged to rest on a moving part of the oscillator 200, which is the balance 91 in the particular case of the figures, and which is also capable of resting on the upper cage bridge 12, and has for this purpose the elasticity necessary to ensure support on different diameters.

[0023] Advantageously, the mechanism according to the invention further comprises a dial barrel 8, arranged to accommodate and protect the elastic elements 71 and 72.

Thus, according to the invention, the device 100 comprises a first drive gear 51 and a second drive gear 52 both pivoted in the plate 900 and of opposite rotation Tun to the other and of which Tun of the two East

driven in rotation by an engagement rod 3 arranged to cooperate with an external control member to the tourbillon 300 or carousel, for a synchronous rotation of the first drive return 51 and the second drive return 52 under the action of a movement exerted by the control member.

The first drive return 51 and the second drive return 52 each carry at least one elastic element 71, 72, comprising at least one elastic blade and/or an elastic thread. Each elastic element 71, 72, is arranged to bear on at least one moving part of the oscillator 200 to stop the oscillator 200 during a passage of the control member from a rest position to an active position in which each elastic element 71, 72 bears against a mobile of the oscillator 200, or on the upper bridge 12 of the cage 10, and to remain at a distance from the upper bridge 12 and from any mobile of the oscillator 200 when the control member is in its rest position.

[0026] More particularly, the first drive gear 51 and the second drive gear 52 each have sufficient angular movement to allow an elastic element 71, 72 to bear on an upper bridge 12 of the cage 10 , when this bridge 12 occurs in the angular sector covered by the elastic element 71,72, considered.

[0027] More particularly, the device 100 comprises time-setting means 500, which constitute or control the control member, which is arranged to move the engagement rod 3 in a first direction of activation during passage of the time setting means 500 from a rest position T1 to an activated position T2, and to move the engagement rod 3 in a second direction contrary to the first direction when the passage of the setting means hour 500 from the activated position T2 to the rest position T1.

[0028] More particularly, the control member comprises a pull rod 2 pivotally mounted and arranged for, during a translation of a control rod 1 controlling the pivoting of the pull rod 2, to print a translation of the engagement rod 3, which comprises a rack 31, or a toothed sector, meshing with the first driving gear 51 or the second driving gear 52 for the passage from the rest position to the activated position, or vice versa.

[0029] More particularly, the tourbillon 300 or carousel comprises a dial barrel 8 comprising a substantially cylindrical wall around its cage 10. Thus, in the rest position, the elastic elements 71,72 are protected and hidden by the barrel of dial 8, and are folded down in contact with the inner surface of the substantially cylindrical wall or in its immediate vicinity.

[0030] More particularly, this dial barrel 8 comprises a substantially annular front display surface 81, facing which is movable a display index 13 that the cage 10 comprises, for example for the display of the seconds, or other.

[0031] More particularly, each elastic element 71, 72 extends cantilevered with respect to a shaft 61, 62 carrying the first drive gear 51 or the second drive gear 52 respectively.

[0032] More particularly, each elastic element 71,72 has a convex surface on the side of the cage 10.

[0033] More particularly, each elastic element 71, 72 comprises, opposite its respective shaft 61, 62, a distal end comprising a loop with a concavity in the same direction as the elastic element 71, 72, and a radius of curvature smaller than that of the part arranged to come into contact with the mobile of the oscillator 200.

More particularly, the oscillator 200 is a balance-spring assembly.

The invention also relates to a watch 1000 comprising a clock movement 800 comprising energy storage means 400, an oscillator 200, time-setting means 500, and such a limiting device 100 incorporating this oscillator 200.

[0036] More particularly, the tourbillon 300 or carousel constitutes a display member of the watch 1000 or is arranged to drive at least one display member of the watch 1, and the time-setting means 500 constitute or control the control device.

[0037] The operation is as follows:

In rest position T1, the mechanism is presented under the following conditions:

The pull tab 2 is fixed, comprises a bezel pin 24 which holds in place a first slot 34 of the engagement rod 3, which, in this particular non-limiting case, is linearly movable thanks to two oblongs 32 and 33 which cooperate with pins 320 and 330 fixed in the plate 900. This rod 3 has a toothing 31 which meshes with one of the 51.52 drive transmissions. This drive gear meshes with the other drive gear. These two transmissions are integral with pivot shafts 61,62, at one of their ends, and form the balance of the assembly between the plate 900 and a bridge, in particular a barrel bridge. On the other end of the shafts 61,62, there are the elastic elements 71,72, which are advantageously in tension against the dial barrel 8. The tourbillon cage 10 is in free rotation inside the dial barrel 8 , the elastic elements 71,72, not being on the path of the balance-spring 9.

In position T2, the mechanism presents itself under the following conditions:

Claims (11)

Winding stem 1 is pulled and moves slider 2 to Position T2. The zipper 2 then moves the engagement rod 3. In its movement, it rotates the drive transmissions 51.52. The first transmission pivots in one direction and the second in the opposite direction. Being integral with the pivot axes 61, 62, which carry the elastic elements 71,72, the rotation of the drive transmissions 51,52 separates the elastic elements 71,72 from the wall of the dial barrel 8 and brings them into contact with the balance-spring 9. [0038] At this precise moment, two situations may exist: - The elastic elements 71,72 both come into contact with the balance-spring 9 and stop the cage 10 of the tourbillon; - only one of the elastic elements 71,72 comes into contact with an arm of the tourbillon cage and the other of the elastic elements 71,72 comes into contact with the balance 91. This also causes the cage 10 to stop. [0039] The arrangement of the elements (references 51,52, shafts 61,62, and elastic elements 71,72) makes it possible to guarantee that in any angular position of the tourbillon cage 10, if an elastic element 71,72, touches an arm of the upper bridge 12 of the cage 10, the other of the elastic elements 71,72, necessarily touches the pendulum 91. In short, the invention makes it possible to: - Instantly stop an inertial mass of an oscillator, in particular a pendulum; - instantly stop a tourbillon or carousel cage; - guarantee a restart of the oscillator following a time setting for which the oscillator has been stopped beforehand; - set the time to the nearest second; - stop the cage for any angular position of the tourbillon or carousel; - hide the device in the dial barrel; and this without causing an overload on the cage. [0041] This mechanism is compact, its manufacture is based on standard technologies, and its cost is therefore moderate. Claims 1. Timepiece limiting device (100) for a watch, comprising an oscillator (200) and comprising means for limiting the rate deviation of this oscillator (200) in the different positions of said watch (1000) in space, said device (100) comprising at least one tourbillon (300), or a carrousel, which comprises a cage (10) which is pivotally mounted around a cage axis (D) with respect to a plate (900 ) carrying a fixed wheel (210) when said limiting device (100) comprises a tourbillon, which cage (10) carries said oscillator (200) and comprises a cage wheel (41) arranged to be driven by a source of energy (400) of the watch (1000) or of a movement (800) through a gear train, and which cage (10) carries an escapement mechanism (700) arranged to cooperate with said oscillator (200), and comprising an escapement pinion (201) meshing with said fixed wheel (210) when said limiter device (100) comprises a tourbillon or else meshing with an average wheel or a second wheel, which said gear train comprises, when said device limiter (100) comprises a carrousel, characterized in that said device (100) is capable of blocking said oscillator (200) and comprises for this purpose a first driving gear (51) and a second driving gear (52) , integral with shafts (61; 62) both pivoted in said plate (900), and of opposite rotation Tun to the other and of which Tun two is driven in rotation by an engagement rod (3) arranged to cooperate with a control member external to said tourbillon ( 300) or carousel, for synchronous rotation of said first drive transmission (51) and said second drive transmission (52) under the action of a movement exerted by said control member, and in that said first transmission (51) and said second drive transmission (52) each carry at least one elastic element (71; 72), comprising at least one elastic blade and/or an elastic thread, which is arranged to rest on at least at least one moving part of said oscillator (200) to stop said oscillator (200) when said control member passes from a rest position to an active position in which each said elastic element (71; 72) bears on a mobile of said oscillator (200) or on said upper bridge (12) of said cage (10), and to remain at a distance from said upper bridge (12) and any mobile of said oscillator (200) when said control device is in its said rest position. 2. Limiter device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first drive gear (51) and said second drive gear (52) each have an angular movement sufficient to allow said elastic element (71; 72 ) to bear on an upper bridge (12) of said cage (10). 3. Limiter device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said device (100) comprises time-setting means (500) which constitute or control said control member, which is arranged to move said engagement rod (3) in a first direction of activation when said time-setting means (500) pass from a rest position T1 to an activated position T2, and to move said engagement rod ( 3) in a second direction contrary to said first direction when said time-setting means (500) pass from said activated position T2 to said rest position T1. 4. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control member comprises a pull rod (2) pivotally mounted and arranged for, during a translation of a control rod (1 ) controlling the pivoting of said pull rod (2), imparting a translation of said engagement rod (3) which comprises a rack (31) meshing with said first drive transmission (51) or said second drive transmission (52 ) for the passage from the rest position to the activated position, or vice versa. 5. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said tourbillon (300) or carousel comprises a dial barrel (8) comprising a substantially cylindrical wall around its said cage (10), and in that, in said rest position, said elastic elements (71; 72) are protected and hidden by said dial barrel (8), and are folded down in contact with the internal surface of said substantially cylindrical wall or in its vicinity immediate. 6. Limiter device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that said dial barrel (8) comprises a front display surface (81) substantially annular, opposite which is movable a display index (13) that comprises said cage (10). 7. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each said elastic element (71; 72) extends cantilevered relative to said shaft (61; 62) said first drive gear (51) or respectively second drive gear (52). 8. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each said elastic element (71; 72) has a convex surface on the side of said cage (10). 9. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each said elastic element (71; 72) comprises, opposite its respective shaft (61; 62), a distal end comprising a loop with a concavity in the same direction as said elastic element (71; 72) and a radius of curvature smaller than that of the part arranged to come into contact with said moving part of the oscillator (200). 10. Limiter device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said oscillator (200) is a balance-spring assembly. 11. Watch (1000) comprising a clock movement (800) comprising energy storage means (400), an oscillator (200), time-setting means (500), and a limiting device ( 100) according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising said oscillator (200), characterized in that said tourbillon (300) or carousel constitutes a display member of said watch (1000) or is arranged to drive at least one display of said watch (1), and in that said time-setting means (500) constitute or control said Control Unit.