EP1522003B1 - Tourbillon - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tourbillon (1) with respect to a tourbillon module comprising a main bearing (20). The outer ring (21) of the main bearing (20) is actively connected to the platform (2) of the tourbillon (1). The inner ring (22) of the main bearing (20) is actively connected in a fixed manner to the base (3) of the tourbillon (1). The invention is suited for realizing a tourbillon (1) with a particularly low overall height.

Description

The invention relates to a tourbillon, respectively a tourbillon module, according to the preamble of the independent claim.

From the state of the art movements with a tourbillon are known, which are usually complicated. This results in disadvantages in the production and maintenance. In addition, there is no way to achieve a tourbillon with a particularly flat structure.

Out EP 0 681 227 is known a centric Tourbillon, which is mounted in front of a barrel. This structure is very expensive in terms of installation and maintenance and therefore expensive. Especially in case of a defect, it is necessary to disassemble the entire movement to gain access to the tourbillon. The tourbillon is also visible only from the front.

Out CH 691 831 is a tourbillon with a main bearing for supporting a bogie housing the tourbillon over the clockwork known in which the inner ring of the main bearing is operatively connected to the bogie housing of the tourbillon and the outer ring of the main bearing with the clockwork is fixedly operatively connected.

The company IWC, Schaffhausen, builds since 1993 a flying tourbillon with a one-sided ball bearing in the model "II Destriera Scafusia". This has a rotating base which is connected to the outer ring of the bearing. The inner ring of the bearing is fixed. A significant disadvantage of this design is that it does not allow a tourbillon of low height. Another disadvantage is that the tourbillon, in particular its bearings, are not accessible from the outside in the installed state. In order for the tourbillon and its bearings are accessible, the entire movement must be disassembled.

The object of the invention disclosed here is a tourbillon, respectively a tourbillon module with a maintenance-friendly, simple construction and improved Accuracy to show that has a particularly low height of the tourbillon when needed.

The tourbillon according to the invention preferably has a modular construction. The actual tourbillon mechanism, including all essential parts, are preferably combined in a tourbillon module, which has a normalized interface to the rest of the movement and can be easily solved by this.

The tourbillon preferably has a platform which is mounted on one side (flying tourbillon). For storage, a ball bearing (main bearing) is preferably used, wherein the outer ring of this ball bearing rotates with the platform of the tourbillon. The platform and the outer ring can be formed in one piece if necessary. As a result of the chosen construction, it is possible to arrange the balls of the ball bearing substantially at the height of the platform. This has a positive influence on the height. The inner ring of the central bearing of the platform is fixed to a base and does not rotate. Thus, the bearing clearance can be easily adjusted, it is possible to design the inner and / or outer ring in two parts. A balance is stored by means of an upper and a lower balance bearing. In certain embodiments, both balance bearings rotate with the platform. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the lower balance bearing stationary on the side of the base. Depending on the design, this has an advantageous effect on the overall height.

The Tourbillon constructions known from the prior art generally have the disadvantage that an adjustment and maintenance of the tourbillon, respectively the bearings of the tourbillon, in the installed state is not possible. If a tourbillon is to be serviced, the entire movement usually has to be disassembled. The tourbillon disclosed herein has a structure that allows easy maintenance. The bearings are preferably arranged so that they can be easily controlled, adjusted and maintained even when installed. Thus, both a lower bearing of the balance (balance bearing) and the main bearing of the platform of the tourbillon are freely accessible, the inner ring of the main bearing of the platform preferably has a diameter which is so large that the lower bearing of the balance (balance bearing) in his Center is located and if necessary, especially for maintenance purposes, is accessible. By a coaxial arrangement is ensures that forces are discharged particularly efficiently as a result of external impacts and impacts. Another advantage is that the balance bearings can be arranged far apart in a coaxial arrangement, so that the balance axis has a comparatively maximum length, whereby the reaction forces due to occurring moments, are minimized comparatively. In addition, manufacturing tolerances usually have less influence.

In particular, due to the storage of the platform of the tourbillon, the invention makes it possible to build very flat tourbillons whose height is less than 5 mm and, if necessary, less than 4 mm. This is achieved, inter alia, that in the very flat embodiments, the means for supporting the tourbillon platform (in a ball bearing, the balls) are preferably arranged approximately at the height of the main plane of the tourbillon platform. The tourbillon platform has a correspondingly large opening for this purpose. In these embodiments, the outer ring of the main bearing of the platform is preferably integrated into the platform. A kinematic reversal of the bearing parts of the main bearing is possible in certain embodiments. In this case, the means for supporting the tourbillon platform come to lie approximately at the height of the base, wherein the outer ring of the main bearing fixed and the inner ring is arranged to rotate.

In particular, in embodiments in which the balls of the main bearing are arranged approximately at the level of the platform, respectively the base, it makes sense to arrange the lower bearing of the balance inside the main bearing coaxially, on the fixed side (clockwork side). As a result, the height is additionally reduced if necessary.

The lower bearing of the balance and the main bearing the platform of the tourbillon are preferably arranged substantially coaxially, as this mechanical shocks and vibrations are particularly well derived.

Instead of an integrated main bearing, an industrial bearing can also be used. However, this increases the number of parts and the bearing clearance can not be optimally adjusted, depending on the embodiment. Finished bearings are preferably fixed by pressing or gluing.

• Fig. 1 eine erste Ausführungsform eines Tourbillonmoduls in einer Draufsicht;
• Fig. 2 einen Schnitt durch das Tourbillonmoduls gemäss Figur 1;
• Fig. 3 eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Tourbillonmoduls in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• Fig. 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Tourbillonmoduls aus Figur 3 von schräg unten;
• Fig. 5 eine Schnittdarstellung durch das Tourbillonmodul gemäss Figur 3.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. It shows schematically and simplified:

• Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a tourbillon module in a plan view;
• Fig. 2 a section through the tourbillon module according to FIG. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 a second embodiment of a tourbillon module in a perspective view;
• Fig. 4 a perspective view of the tourbillon module FIG. 3 from diagonally below;
• Fig. 5 a sectional view through the tourbillon module according to FIG. 3 ,

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an inventive tourbillon 1 in a plan view. In the construction of the tourbillon 1, this is a flying tourbillon, which is mounted on one side. The Tourbillon 1 is designed as a tourbillon module 1, which is manufactured independently of the rest of the movement and then mounted. The tourbillon module 1 has a platform 2, which is rotatably mounted on a base 3 about a rotation axis A. The platform 2 has an external toothing 8, via which the tourbillon module 1 is driven, respectively the movement is inhibited. On the platform 2, a balance 9 is arranged centrally rotatably, which is operatively connected to the inner end of a coil spring 10. The balance 9 is driven via an escape wheel 11 and an armature 12 (only partially visible), respectively inhibited. On the platform 2, three supports 15 are arranged, which hold a bridge 16. In the middle of the bridge 16 coaxial with the axis of rotation A, an upper balance bearing 18 is arranged. A control mechanism 17 is connected to an outer region 4 of the coil spring 10 in operative connection. The control mechanism 17 is used for fine adjustment of the accuracy of the tourbillon module 1 by acting on the effective length of the coil spring 10 influence. An outer end 5 of the coil spring 10 is fastened to the bridge 16 via a holder 6. The base 3 has openings 7 (fastening means), which serve for fastening the base 3 to a circuit board of a movement (not shown in detail). FIG. 2 shows a sectional view along the line DD.

FIG. 2 shows a section along the line DD through the tourbillon module 1 from FIG. 1 , A main bearing 20 serves to support the platform 2 of the tourbillon 1 relative to the base 3.

An outer ring 21 of the main bearing 20 is rigidly connected to the platform 2 and rotates with this. The outer ring 21 has a bell-shaped configuration with a through opening with a variable inner diameter with two distinct diameter levels. The outer ring 21 is connected in the embodiment shown, via a press fit with the platform 2. The outer ring 21 is designed so that it serves as a holder of a lower Unruhager 19. The lower balance bearing 19 is arranged on the side of the platform 2 and rotates with it. One advantage is that the parts and means arranged on the platform 2, including the balance 9, can be set up independently of the base 3. An inner ring 22 is designed in two parts and consists of a fixed, first part ring 23 and an adjustable second part ring 24 which is operatively connected to the first inner ring 23 via a thread 25 such that the bearing clearance is adjustable. By this arrangement, it is possible to mount the main bearing 20 and adjust the bearing clearance. Alternative embodiments, for example with a press fit, are possible. The balance 9 is mounted on a balance shaft 13, which in turn is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation A by means of a first, lower and a second, upper shock and vibration absorbing sliding bearing 18, 19 (balance bearing). The lower sliding bearing 19 is here slightly above the main bearing 20.

In other embodiments, the main bearing 20 and the lower sleeve bearing 19 may be disposed at substantially the same height. An internally toothed gear 26 in the embodiment shown is operatively connected to the base 3 and centered with respect to the axis of rotation A. The internal gear 26 serves to drive the escape wheel 11 via a pinion 27 (see. FIG. 4 ). The base 3 and the gear 26 may be integrally formed as needed.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a tourbillon module 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above. Although this tourbillon module 1 from the front essentially of the embodiment FIG. 1 corresponds, it differs significantly in the structure of the main bearing. The embodiment shown here is designed so that it can be mounted from behind on a circuit board of a movement, the tourbillon 1 in a suitable, through opening of the board arranged from the front (dial side) is visible. The internal gear 26 is concentric with the axis of rotation A arranged and fixed by means of two screws 29 to the base 3. Other mounting options, eg from the front, are possible. The numbering corresponds to the Figures 1 and 2 ,

FIG. 4 shows the tourbillon module 1 according FIG. 3 in a perspective view obliquely from below. The base 3 here has a bearing opening 28 in which the second partial ring 24 of the main bearing 20 can be seen. In the middle of the second partial ring 24, the lower slide bearing 19 of the balance 9, respectively the balance spring 13 (see. FIG. 5 ) to recognize. Instead of the internal gear 26, an externally toothed gear (not shown) can be used. The gear 26 may be integrated into the platform 3 as needed. In certain embodiments, it is possible to kinematically invert the main bearing 20 by rotating the inner race 24 of the main bearing and fixed the outer race 21 to the base 3. As a result, however, the thickness of the base 3 tends to be increased, which may affect the height of the tourbillon 1. In the embodiment shown, it is possible to make the base 3 very thin. The thickness t is essentially given only by the mechanical strength or manufacturability required for operation. This has a positive effect on a low height.

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of the tourbillon 1 according to the FIGS. 3 and 4 in a perspective sectional view. The main bearing 20 and the lower balance bearing 19 of the balance 9, respectively the balance spring 13 are here substantially at the same height in a coaxial arrangement. The lower balance bearing 19 is operatively connected to the base 3 and therefore does not rotate with the platform 2. In this embodiment, the outer ring 21 of the main bearing 20 is integrated into the platform 2. This offers the advantage that the number of parts required and matched to each other is reduced. This embodiment is suitable for Tourbillons low height, which come in flat calibers or used mounted from the front. Between the outer and the inner ring 21, 22 of the main bearing 20 balls 28 can be seen. Due to the adjustable structure of the main bearing 20, by means of a first and a second sub-ring 23, 24, which are operatively connected via a thread 25 adjustable, the bearing clearance of the main bearing 20 is adjusted.

The axis 13 of the balance 9 is mounted in an upper balance bearing 18 and in a lower balance bearing 19. The balance bearings 18, 19 are shock and vibration absorbing plain bearings. The upper balance bearing 18 is attached to a bridge 16, which in turn is fastened by means of screws 14 on supports 15. The supports 15 are mounted on the platform 2. In the embodiment shown are press connections. Alternatively, another connection form can be chosen. The lower balance bearing 19 is fixed, therefore outside the rotatable platform 2, mounted. In the embodiment shown, the lower balance bearing is operatively connected to the first sub-ring 23 of the inner ring 22 of the main bearing 20. An alternative embodiment is to arrange the lower balance bearing 19 outside of the main bearing 20.

The rotatably mounted on the balance shaft 13 balance 9 is operatively connected via a parallel to the axis A balance pin 29 with the armature 12. The armature 12 is arranged on an armature axis 30, which is mounted relative to the platform 2 by means of two armature bearings 31 (of which only the upper one is visible here). The armature shaft 30 is rotatably disposed about a second axis of rotation B in the embodiment shown. The second axis of rotation B is arranged parallel to the main axis of rotation A.

The armature 12 is operatively connected to the escape wheel 11, which is mounted on an escape wheel shaft 32 with a pinion 27. The escape wheel shaft 32 is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation C by means of two fixed to the platform 2 Ankerradlagern 33. The pinion 27 is again in engagement with the here internally toothed, mounted on the base 3 gear 26. The Hemmmechanismus 34, which includes the escape wheel 11, the armature 12 and the balance pin 29, as well as acting between these active compounds, is used to drive, respectively to inhibit the balance 9.

In order to minimize the height of the tourbillon 1, there is the possibility in certain embodiments, the balls 28 of the main bearing 20 to be arranged approximately at the height of the platform 2. In certain embodiments, it is useful to arrange the escapement mechanism 34, as well as the pinion 27 and the gear 26 above the balance 9. The second sub-ring 24 may be configured with a corresponding shape and arrangement of the main bearing 20 so that it has a toothing (not closer shown) or is connected to this Wirkverbunden. This toothing meshes with the pinion 27 and serves as a replacement for the gear 26. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of parts and the overall height. In such an arrangement, the escape wheel 11 is usually arranged between the balance 9 and the platform 2 and the pinion 27 between the balance, respectively the escape wheel 11 and the platform 2.

The inventive construction of the tourbillon 1 has the advantage that in particular the bearings of the balance 18, 19 are accessible in the installed state and can be maintained without the tourbillon 1, respectively the tourbillon module removed from a clockwork or completely taken apart.

Instead of a built-in main bearing 20, a separately manufactured, standardized ball bearing can be used, which is fastened by pressing, gluing or in another way. Preferably, the balls of the bearing are located approximately at the height of the platform 3, since so a particularly low height can be achieved.

Claims (9)

1. Tourbillon (1) comprising a main bearing (20) for the mounting of a platform (2) of the tourbillon (1) on a basis (3), in order to assemble the tourbillon on the main plate of an horological movement by means of the basis, characterized in that the external ring (21) of the main bearing (20) is connected to the platform (2) of the tourbillon (1) and the internal ring (22) of the main bearing (20) is firmly connected to the basis (3) of the tourbillon (1).
2. Tourbillon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal ring (22) of the main bearing (20) comprises an opening through which the lower bearing (19) of the balance (9) is accessible.
3. Tourbillon (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the internal or external ring (21, 22) of the main bearing (20) is made of several parts.
4. Tourbillon (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal ring (22) of the main bearing (20) is arranged in such a manner that the play in the assembly of the main bearing (20), on the side of the basis (3) of the tourbillon (1), can be adjusted.
5. Tourbillon (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external ring (21) of the main bearing (20) is integral with the platform (2) of the tourbillon (1).
6. Tourbillon (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the main bearing (20) is made of a distinct part as such.
7. Tourbillon (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balls of the main bearing (20) are substantially located at the same height as that of the platform (2) of the tourbillon.
8. Tourbillon (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower bearing (19) is still with respect to the basis (3) and firmly connected to it.
9. Tourbillon (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the lower bearing (19) is substantially located at the same height as that of the main bearing (20).

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