CH716897A2 - Set of stamps for a striking mechanism of a watch. - Google Patents

Abstract

The set (1) according to the invention comprises several stamps (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' ''), which are connected to at least one stamp holder (3, 3 ', 3' ') for a striking mechanism of a watch, at least two (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') are made of different materials.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a set of at least two gongs connected to at least one gong holder for a striking mechanism of a watch. Each gong must be designed with a particular material to also take into account the space available in the watch case while ensuring that a rich sound is generated when each gong is struck.

STATE OF THE ART

In the field of watchmaking, a watch movement can be provided with a striking mechanism. To do this, at least one stamp, which is a metal wire of circular shape, for example made of steel, can be provided. Generally, this metal wire is placed around the movement, in the watch case. This stamp is fixed, for example by soldering or brazing, to a stamp holder, which is itself integral with the plate or the middle part of the watch case. The vibration of the gong is produced by the impact generally near the gong holder of at least one hammer. This vibration is made up of several natural or partial frequencies, the number and intensity of which, in particular in the audible range between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, depend on the geometry of the timbre and the physical properties of the material used. Partials are defined in the case where frequencies above the fundamental are no longer whole multiples of the lowest frequency.

The gong in the form of a metal wire can also be designed in gold as defined in patent EP 2 107 436 B1 to have a lot of partials in the sound vibration generated by the strike of the hammer. The creation of a gold gong brings great richness to the sound generated when a hammer is struck on the striking mechanism. On the other hand, if several gold gongs are provided in the striking mechanism to generate different notes, there may be dissonance problems during the tuning of the gongs or during the succession of sounds of the gongs successively struck by a hammer, which is a drawback.

[0004] Patent application CH 707 078 A1 describes the addition of a different material for each stamp to modify the sound generated. To do this, each timbre is configured to generate a sound that is well determined in pitch and its frequency composition. Each gong is able to adjust the agreement between different neighboring gongs in a striking mechanism. To adjust a frequency deviation or to configure its vibratory behavior, the gong may include at least one opening in the main body of its spring blade, which is filled with a material other than that of the base spring blade of the gong. However, making openings in each stamp to be filled with another material complicates the production of each stamp and its vibration frequency adjustment, which is a drawback.

[0005] Patent application WO 2012/151710 A1 describes two sub-percutors made with different materials, but without modification of each stamp made from the same material. Thus, this does not make it possible to eliminate any problem of dissonance during the tuning of the timbres or during the succession of sounds of the timbres successively struck by a hammer of the striking mechanism, which constitutes a drawback.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a set of gongs for a striking mechanism of a watch and capable of eliminating any problem of dissonance when tuning the gongs or during the succession of sounds of gongs successively struck by at least one hammer of the striking mechanism.

To this end, the invention relates to a set of stamps comprising the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.

[0008] Particular embodiments of the set of stamps are defined in dependent claims 2 to 17.

An advantage of the set of stamps lies in the fact that it comprises at least two stamps connected to at least one stamp holder, and which are each made with a different material. Each timbre is configured to generate a particular note and the realization of these timbres or group of timbres in different materials makes it possible to avoid any dissonance, especially already during the tuning of the timbres. In the case of a set of four stamps, of which two stamps can each be connected to their own stamp holder, while the other two stamps can be linked to the same stamp holder, the use of different materials makes it possible to aim for precise notes to obtain a melody by eliminating any dissonance, especially when tuning timbres.

Advantageously, each stamp connected to each respective stamp holder and a group of at least two stamps connected to the same stamp holder can each be made in one-piece form. For example, a first stamp connected to a first stamp holder are produced in one piece in monobloc form, the same for a second stamp connected to a second stamp holder. The group of two stamps connected to the same stamp holder is also produced as a single piece in monobloc form. Thus, the stamp holders can each be in the form of a plate of thickness equivalent to each stamp. They can be screwed for example on a watch movement plate easily and without too much space. They can also preferably be screwed onto a rim of the middle part of the watch case to reduce the bulk in the small space of the watch case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, advantages and characteristics of a set of gongs for a striking mechanism of a watch will appear better in the following description, in particular with regard to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents a top view of an assembly of gongs for a striking mechanism of a watch according to the invention, FIGS. 2a to 2c represent a top view of each of the gongs connected to their gong holder of the set of gongs of FIG. 1 according to the invention , Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of a part of a striking watch having a set with two gongs according to the invention, Figure 4 shows a partial sectional view of a part of a striking watch having a set of four timbres according to the invention, and FIGS. 5a to 5c represent different spectra of notes to be played of a set of timbres according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, all the parts of a striking mechanism of a watch, which comprises a set of gongs connected to at least one gong holder, which are well known in this technical field, are only described summarily. The main focus is on the set of gongs for the striking mechanism in the watch case with its layout and design peculiarities.

Figure 1 shows a set 1 of stamps, which comprises at least two stamps 2, 2 ', which can be connected to at least one stamp holder 3 or each to their own stamp holder 3, 3' as shown partly in Figure 1. The two stamps 2, 2 'are made of different materials from each other. The set 1 of stamps can further comprise more than two stamps 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '', which can be connected to the same stamp holder 3 in a simplified embodiment, and in this case , each 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' stamp can be made in a different material from each other 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' stamp. The stamp holder 3, of which a first end of each stamp 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' can be connected, while each second end of the stamps 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' can be free of movement, can be fixed on a plate of a watch movement of the striking watch or even on a rim or a wall of the middle part of the watch case, and below a watch dial. According to a particular embodiment, the gongs of generally circular shape can be arranged in part around the watch movement.

As shown in more detail in Figure 1, the set 1 of stamps comprises four stamps 2, 2 ', 2 ", 2" ". A first stamp 2 is connected to a first stamp holder 3, and is made of a first material. A second stamp 2 'is connected to a second stamp holder 3', and is made of a second material different from the first material. A third stamp 2 '' and a fourth stamp 2 '' 'are connected to the same third stamp holder 3' ', and are made of a third material different from the first material and the second material. However, it can be envisaged to have at least two different materials for the production of the four stamps.

A first end of the first gong 2 is connected to the first gong holder 3, while a second end of the first gong 2 is free to move. A first end of the second gong 2 'is connected to the second gong holder 3', while a second end of the second gong 2 'is free to move. A first end of the third stamp 2 '' is connected to a first side of the third stamp holder 3 ", while a first end of the fourth stamp 2 '' 'is connected to a second side of the third stamp holder 3' ' opposite to the first side A second end of the third gong 2 "and a second end of the fourth gong 2" are free to move.

Each stamp holder 3, 3 ', 3' 'shown in Figure 1 is in the form of a plate, but other forms of stamp holder can be considered. The thickness of each plate is close to the thickness of each stamp 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' ''. Each stamp is in a circular shape and with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the watch glass, while describing a portion of a circle at an angle which may be between 150 ° and 250 °, preferably between 185 ° and 220 °. Each gong can be provided to surround a part of the watch movement, not shown. The stamp holders 3, 3 ', 3' 'are provided with certain openings for fixing, for example on a plate supporting the watch movement or preferably on a rim or a wall of the middle part of the watch case. The third stamp holder 3 '' can be arranged and fixed in the same plane as the first 3 and second 3 'stamp holders on the rim of the caseband for example and between the first 3 and second 3' stamp holders. The three stamp holders 3, 3 ', 3' 'are arranged in a circular manner, for example in the continuity of all the stamps 2, 2', 2 '', 2 '' 'of circular shape. However, provision can also be made to fix the gong holders on the movement plate.

The first stamp 2 and the first stamp holder 3 can also form a single piece in one-piece form made with the same material. Thus the plate forming the stamp holder 3 comprises holes for fixing, for example by means of screws, the stamp 2 on a corresponding part of a middle part of the watch case or of a plate of the watch movement. The gong holder can also be of another shape and of a different thickness or come integral with a portion of the watchband. The second stamp 2 'and the second stamp holder 3' can also form a single piece in monobloc form made with the same material different from the material of the first stamp 2 and the first stamp holder 3. The third stamp 2 ' 'and the fourth stamp 2' '' connected to the third stamp holder 3 '' can also form a single piece in monobloc form made with the same material, which is different from the material of the first stamp 2 with the first holder. stamp 3 and the second stamp 2 'with the second stamp holder 3'. However, it can be envisaged to have at least two different materials for the production of the four stamps.

Each stamp 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' linked to its respective stamp holder 3, 3 ', 3' 'to be mounted in the watch case, is generally part of a mechanism ringing, which further preferably comprises one hammer per gong to strike the respective gong in predetermined times. An impact portion of each hammer, not shown in FIG. 1, generally strikes the corresponding gong near its connection to its gong holder to generate acoustic resonance. With four gongs provided, the striking mechanism comprises four hammers rotatably mounted on the plate to strike each corresponding gong in predefined instants to generate a melody of a carillon, for example the Westminster carillon.

Figures 2a to 2c represent the four timbres configured and tuned to generate a specific melody. The first gong 2 having a thickness less than 1 mm and connected to the first gong holder 3, is made of a first material and configured to surround a part of the watch movement to generate a first note. The second gong 2 ', which may have a thickness equivalent to the first gong 2, and connected to the second gong holder 3', is made with a second material and configured to surround part of the watch movement to generate a second note different from the first note. The third gong 2 '', which may have a thickness equivalent to the first gong 2, and connected to the third gong holder 3 '', is made with a third material and configured to surround part of the watch movement to generate a third note different from the first note and the second note. The fourth gong 2 '' ', which may have a thickness equivalent to the first gong 2, and connected to the third gong holder 3' ', is made with the third material and configured to surround part of the watch movement to generate a fourth note different from first note, second note and third note.

As precisely specified according to the invention, at least two different materials are to be provided to produce the timbres and to be able to eliminate any problem of dissonance during the tuning of the timbres or during the succession of sounds of timbres successively struck by a respective hammer of the striking mechanism.

The materials to be used for the present invention for each stamp differently in part from one another can be chosen from the materials, such as: a copper and bronze base alloy, a metallic glass base palladium or copper or zirconium or platinum or other, a cobalt-based alloy, a steel with a percentage of iron greater than or equal to 60% by mass and containing at least one element such as Cr, Ni, Mn, Al, Si, C, Mo, V, such as hardened steels or spring steels for example , an alloy of silver, gold, palladium or platinum, a tungsten-based alloy.

Each stamp 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' with its stamp holder 3, 3 ', 3' 'can be produced by milling, electroerosion, laser machining, molding, casting, hot pressing or another machining method suitable in this technical field. The stamp (s) 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' can also be obtained from cast products or from hot-pressed products or from hot or cold deformed products. This implies that the 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' stamps can be anisotropic or isotropic. These characteristics can have an influence on the acoustic properties.

Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of part of a striking watch, which comprises at least two gongs 2, 2 '' 'for a minute repeater according to the invention. The first timbre 2 of circular shape for example is placed below the second timbre 2 '' 'of circular shape for example, but of different length to generate a different note than the first timbre once activated. The first stamp 2 is made of a first material different from the second material of the second stamp 2 '' '.

The second stamp 2 '' 'can be located just below a dial 4 of a watch, while the first stamp 2 is below the second stamp 2' '' and above an inner rim 5 'of the caseband 5 of the watch. A joint portion 6 connects the dial to the caseband 5. A reduced space 10 for the placement of the gongs 2, 2 "" is provided. The not shown stamp holders can be fixed on the inner rim 5 'if they form a plate of the same thickness as each stamp.

Each stamp 2, 2 '' 'is of width I1 equal to or greater than 0.4 mm. The second gong 2 '' 'is spaced from the dial 4 by a height h1 of about the value of its cross section. The first stamp 2 is spaced by a height h2 of value less than twice its cross section from the second stamp 2 '' '. Finally, the first gong 2 is spaced by a height h3 of about the value of its cross section of the lower and inner rim 5 'of the middle 5. The first and second gongs 2, 2' '' are spaced apart from the middle 5 by a distance d1 equal to or less than twice the value of their cross section.

Figure 4 shows a partial sectional view of a part of a striking watch, which comprises four gongs 2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '' for example for a melody or a chime according to the invention . A second stamp 2 'is mounted coaxially inward and in the same plane as the first stamp 2. A third stamp 2' 'is mounted coaxially inward and in the same plane as a fourth stamp 2' '' . The third gong 2 '' and the fourth gong 2 '' 'are mounted above the second gong 2' and the first gong 2 just below the dial 4 of the watch. Each timbre is of a different length and / or of a different shape or thickness so as to each generate a different particular note once activated. The space between the first and fourth stamps 2, 2 '' 'and between the second and third stamps 2', 2 '' is approximately of their cross section.

It should be noted that there can also be provided a set of four stamps where each stamp is connected to its own stamp holder and where each stamp is made of a material different from each other stamp. In addition, it can also be envisaged that each gong connected to its own gong holder forms only one piece in one-piece form.

The theory of acoustics and the phenomenon of dissonance are explained below in order to fully understand the present invention with the production of the gongs in different materials.

There is a semitone between each successive note making up a scale. We can qualify the interval between two notes according to the number of semitones between the two notes. For example, a semitone difference between two notes is called a minor second, for example between C and C # or between E and F. A difference of seven semitones between two notes is called a perfect fifth. Certain intervals are pleasant to hear, we will say that they are consonant. Other intervals are not pleasant to hear, we will say that they are dissonant.

We usually classify the intervals from the most consonant to the most dissonant in the following order: unison, octave, perfect fifth, perfect fourth, major third, major sixth, minor third, minor sixth, minor seventh, major second, tritone, major seventh, then minor second.

A note corresponds to a fundamental frequency which can be determined by the following formula: fn: Frequency of the desired note, f0: Frequency of the reference note (A3 at 440 Hz in the tempered range) n: Semitone above the note

[0032] This gives the following frequencies in Hertz according to the different octaves: do 32.703 65.406 130.81 261.63 523.25 1046.5 2093. 4186. 8372. 16744. do # 34.648 69.296 138.59 277.18 554.37 1108.7 2217.5 4434.9 8869.8 17740. d 36.708 11.4166 146.87 587.33 2349.3 4698.6 9397.3 18795. d # 38.891 77.782 155.56 311.13 622.25 1244.5 2489. 4978. 9956.1 19912. mi 41.203 82.407 164.81 329.63 659.26 1318.5 2637. 5274. 10548. 21096. fa 43.654 87.307 174.61 349.23 6917.86 551. 46.249 92.499 185. 369.99 739.99 1480. 2960. 5919.9 11840. 23680. sol 48.999 97.999 196. 392. 783.99 1568. 3136. 6271.9 12544. 25088. sol # 51.913 103.83 207.65 415.3 830.61 1661.2 3322.4 6644.9 13290. 26580. the 55. 110 220. 440. 880. 1760. 3520. 7040. 11080. 28160. la # 58.27 116.54 233.08 466.16 932.33 1864.7 3729.3 7458.6 14917. 29834. si 61.735 123.47 246.94 493.88 987.77 1975.5 3951.1 7002.1 15804. 31609.

An example of use of the mixing method is given below.

For a chime watch, the search for precise notes is necessary to build a melody pleasing to the ear. The method of tuning a timbre consists of targeting a note at a given frequency and the other partials obtained are dependent on the target frequency. For example, for the tuning of the 5N gold timbre to the note Si, the length of the timbre is retouched to best approach the target frequency of 1975.5 Hz. Other frequencies are also generated when typing. These frequency modes will be different, for example depending in particular on the geometry and the material of the stamp.

The succession of two consecutive notes can lead to dissonances if the different partials do not agree. For example, it is well known that a minor second, that is, a semitone difference between two notes, is very dissonant. A semitone difference is found, for example, between the note "a" and the note "a #" or between the note "si" and the note "do". This means that two notes separated by a semitone played at the same time or in succession will sound dissonant to the ear.

Then, a rich sound is characterized by many modes in the audible frequency range while a poor sound will have fewer frequency modes in the audible frequency range and will appear more crystalline. A rich sound can therefore be very pleasing to the ear, but there will be a higher chance of having dissonances if several notes with a rich sound are played in succession. The method of mixing material would make it possible to avoid this kind of dissonance.

For example, we can take a material like gold, which is known to generate rich sounds. A timbre, as defined below, in 5N gold tuned to generate the note Si at 1975.5 Hz may for example have a spectrum as shown in FIG. 5a. The height of the peaks is not representative. A timbre, as defined below, in 5N gold tuned to generate the note Fa # at 2960 Hz may for example have a spectrum as shown in FIG. 5b. The height of the peaks is not representative. A timbre, as defined below, made of steel tuned to generate the note Fa # at 2960 Hz may for example have a spectrum as shown in FIG. 5c. The height of the peaks is not representative.

If we consider the interesting frequency modes for the construction of a melody between 1000Hz and 10000Hz, we notice that for the succession for example of the notes B and F in 5N gold, there are 4 modes which are dissonant. During a melody, a weak damping of the notes can be sought. In this case, successively generating the notes B and F on two 5N gold gongs could generate 4 minor seconds (see table below), which is dissonant.

In this case for example, a steel gong could therefore be used to successively play the note Si on a gold gong and F on a steel gong. We would then have the agreements below:

Thus, in this example, if two notes are played successively, B and F #, the mixing of materials of the two 5N gold and steel stamps makes it possible to avoid the dissonances that are generated with two stamps in gold.

This example gives a concrete vision of the use of this mixing method but is not limited to that. The acoustic analysis and the feeling of the human ear will be preponderant on the detection of dissonance. Indeed, in the example above, certain frequencies leading to dissonances cannot be heard by the ear. In other words, it is mainly the human ear that will detect these dissonances, which can be avoided by a mixture of the materials of the stamp.

In addition to the mixing of material, it is conceivable to also mix the size of the stamps to also avoid dissonance phenomena. For example, it is possible to play with the shape and size of the sections of the stamps. It is possible to assemble a stamp of round cross section and a stamp of square cross section. It is also possible to have a stamp of round cross section and a stamp of square cross section connected to the same stamp holder or to two different stamp holders. It is also possible to assemble a stamp of round cross section to a stamp of round cross section of different diameter, or to have the stamps of round cross section connected to the same stamp holder or to two different stamp holders. It is also possible to assemble a stamp of square cross section of a first area, for example 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm with a stamp of square cross section of a second area, for example 0.65 mm x 0.65 mm. It is also possible to have a stamp of square cross section on the first surface, for example 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm and a stamp of square cross section on the second surface, for example 0.65 mm x 0.65 mm connected to the same holder. stamp or two different stamp holders.

Of course, other dimensional values of the gongs can be applied depending on the size of the watch equipped with the striking mechanism.

From the description which has just been given, several variants of the set of gongs for a striking mechanism of a watch can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the defined invention. by the claims.

Claims (17)

1. Set (1) of at least two gongs (2, 2 ') connected to at least one gong holder (3, 3') for a striking mechanism of a watch, characterized in that at least the two stamps (2, 2 ') are made from different materials. 2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each stamp (2, 2 ') is connected to its own stamp holder (3, 3'). 3. Assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that each stamp (2, 2 ') connected to its stamp holder (3, 3') are made in one piece in monobloc form. 4. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises more than two stamps (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' ''), in that a first stamp (2) is connected to a first stamp holder (3), in that a second stamp (2 ') is connected to a second stamp holder (3'), in that a third stamp (2 '') is connected to a third stamp holder (3 ''), and in that a fourth stamp (2 '' ') is connected to a fourth stamp holder. 5. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises more than two stamps (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' ''), in that a first stamp (2) is connected to a first stamp holder (3), in that a second stamp (2 ') is connected to a second stamp holder (3'), and in that a third stamp (2 '') and a fourth stamp (2 '' ') are connected to the same third stamp holder (3' '). 6. An assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the third stamp (2 '') is connected at one end to a first side of the same third stamp holder (3 ''), while the fourth stamp ( 2 '' ') is connected at one end to a second side of the same third stamp holder (3' ') opposite to the first side. 7. An assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the third stamp (2 '') and the fourth stamp (2 '' ') connected to the same third stamp holder (3' ') are made in a single piece in one-piece form, in that the other gongs (2, 2 ') connected to their respective gong holder (3, 3') are each made in one piece in one-piece form, and in that the third gong (2 '') and the fourth stamp (2 '' ') are made of the same material different from the other stamps (2, 2'), which are also made of different materials. 8. Assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each stamp holder (3, 3 ', 3' ') is in the form of a wafer of thickness close to the thickness of each stamp (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' ''). 9. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises several stamps (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') connected to one or more stamp holders (3, 3 ', 3 '') by one of their ends, and in that the other end of each gong is free of movement. 10. An assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that each stamp holder (3, 3 ', 3' ') connected to one or two stamps (2, 2', 2 '', 2 '' ') are made in a single piece in monobloc form. 11. An assembly (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first stamp (2) connected to the first stamp holder (3) is made of a first material, in that the second stamp (2 ') connected to the second stamp holder (3 ') is made of a second material different from the first material, and in that the third stamp (2' ') and the fourth stamp (2' '') connected to the third stamp holder (3 '' ) are made of a third material different from the first material and the second material. 12. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the two gongs (2, 2 '' ') are capable of being able to be arranged one above the other in a watch case. and having different lengths so as to each generate a different particular note when activated for a minute repeater. 13. Set (1) according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the four timbres (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2' '') have different lengths so as to each generate a particular note different when activated for a chime, in that the first gong (2) and the fourth gong (2 '' ') are capable of being arranged one above the other in a watch case, in that the second gong (2 ') and the third gong (2' ') are capable of being arranged one above the other in a watch case, in that the second gong (2') is intended to be mounted coaxially inward and in the same plane as the first stamp (2), and in that the third stamp (2 '') is intended to be mounted coaxially inward and in the same plane than the fourth stamp (2 '' '). 14. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the materials for each stamp can be selected from materials, such as a tungsten alloy, an alloy based on copper and bronze, a metallic glass. based on palladium or copper or zirconium or platinum, a cobalt-based alloy, a steel with a percentage of iron greater than 60% by mass and containing elements such as Cr, Ni, Mn, Al, Si, C, Mo , V, such as a hardened steel or a spring steel, for example, an alloy of silver, gold, palladium or platinum. 15. Assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stamp of round cross section is assembled to a stamp of square cross section. 16. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a stamp of round cross section is assembled to another stamp of round cross section of different diameter. 17. Assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a stamp of square cross section of a first surface is assembled to a stamp of square cross section of a second area different from the first. area.