EP1640821B1 - Watch movement with a plurality of balances - Google Patents

Watch movement with a plurality of balances Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1640821B1
EP1640821B1 EP04022608A EP04022608A EP1640821B1 EP 1640821 B1 EP1640821 B1 EP 1640821B1 EP 04022608 A EP04022608 A EP 04022608A EP 04022608 A EP04022608 A EP 04022608A EP 1640821 B1 EP1640821 B1 EP 1640821B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
escapement
balances
movement according
frame
movement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04022608A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1640821A1 (en
Inventor
Antoine Preziuso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Antoine Preziuso Geneve SA
Original Assignee
Antoine Preziuso Geneve SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP08001704A priority Critical patent/EP1918790B1/en
Application filed by Antoine Preziuso Geneve SA filed Critical Antoine Preziuso Geneve SA
Priority to EP04022608A priority patent/EP1640821B1/en
Priority to AT08001704T priority patent/ATE479923T1/en
Priority to DE602004020766T priority patent/DE602004020766D1/en
Priority to AT04022608T priority patent/ATE429667T1/en
Priority to DE602004028972T priority patent/DE602004028972D1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2005/002778 priority patent/WO2006032974A2/en
Publication of EP1640821A1 publication Critical patent/EP1640821A1/en
Priority to HK06110456.0A priority patent/HK1088669A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1640821B1 publication Critical patent/EP1640821B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00—Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/28—Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of imbalance of the weights, e.g. tourbillon
    • G04B17/285—Tourbillons or carrousels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to watch movements provided with several rockers and more particularly of the so-called resonance type.
  • two pendulums oscillate exactly at the same frequency, interacting with each other.
  • Such a solution disclosed for example in the document GB 388258 , can significantly increase the performance of the movement and its accuracy.
  • the movement may comprise a single escapement driving a balance which acts as an exciter, the other balances being driven by coupling. It is also possible that the movement has as many escapements as rockers, each escapement ensuring the drive of a pendulum. In this case, all the pendulums play both the role of exciter and resonator.
  • the kinematic linkage means comprise a single gear train connecting the energy source to the exhausts, in other words, if all the escape wheels are driven by the same wheel, then the elasticity meshing is sufficient to allow the starting and phasing of the pendulums. It is therefore not necessary to provide a differential between the single gear and the exhausts.
  • the resonance structure comprises a wheel plate kinematically connected to the kinematic connection means and carries at least two rockers and at least one escapement.
  • the connecting member comprises at least one pivot formed by a first part cooperating with the frame, and a second part integral with the resonance structure. This member is arranged to allow pivoting of the structure on the frame. In this way, the resonance structure can pivot on the frame and thus form a vortex.
  • the rockers and the escapement are mounted directly on the structure, while the frame carries a fixed wheel intended to cooperate with the exhaust to allow its drive when the structure rotates.
  • the resonance structure forms a vortex with the pendulums.
  • the connection with the frame can be done by means of two bearings arranged on either side of the structure and cooperating with the frame. It is also possible to rotate the structure on a ball bearing and thus constitute a flying tourbillon.
  • the movement according to the invention further comprises cages pivotally mounted on the resonance structure and each serving as a support for a rocker and an escapement, and fixed wheels rigidly mounted on the structure, each of them being coaxial with one of the cages and cooperating with the exhaust to thereby form a satellite vortex, preferably flying type, disposed on the rotating structure.
  • the rockers are advantageously mounted pivoting on their cage by one of their ends and on the resonance structure by the other end.
  • the watch movement described below comprises, in a conventional manner, a frame formed of a plate 10 and of bridges, more particularly of two barrel bridges 12 and 14, of a finishing bridge 16, and of two bridges. vortices 18 and 20, respectively visible on the figures 1 and 2 and arranged side bottom and side dial. Conventionally, the bridges are fixed on the plate 10 by means of unreferenced screws.
  • This movement has a particular shape, consisting of two semicircles connected by a rectangular portion, the distance between the centers of the semicircles being substantially equal to the radius of the semicircles.
  • the figure 4 shows the kinematics of the movement and in particular how the barrel 22 transmits its energy to the barrel 24 through the reference 26.
  • the barrel 24 meshes with the finishing gear train 28, which comprises a high-intermediate-off-center mobile 40, a mobile of small average 42, an intermediate mobile 43 and a mobile seconds 44.
  • Each of these mobiles comprises a pinion identified by the letter a and a wheel identified by the letter b .
  • the plate 34 shown in detail on the figure 3 , is of generally cylindrical shape and comprises an annular portion 34a provided with a toothing 34b at its periphery. The latter is engaged with the seconds wheel 44b, in a gears ratio of 1 to 15, so that it performs a revolution in fifteen minutes.
  • the tray further includes a hub 34c and three rings 34d arranged radially at 120 ° from each other and connecting the annular portion 34a to the hub 34c.
  • each ring 34d comprises serves as a housing for a ball bearing 46 ( figure 3 ) which is intended to serve as a pivot for one of the cages 30.
  • This is mounted on the inner ring of the bearing 46 by means of an easily removable clip enabling the cages 30 to be put in place and easily removed from the plate 34 .
  • Each of the rings 34d carries, arranged concentrically, a wheel 48 with internal teeth, whose function will be specified hereinafter, fixed rigidly to the plate 34 by visible screws on the figure 1 and not referenced.
  • the hub 34c is drilled at its center and serves as a housing for a shaft 50 which is driven thereon, extending on either side of the plate 34.
  • the shaft 50 is provided with pivots engaged in stones fixed respectively in the bridges 18 and 20. The shaft 50 thus forms a connecting member of the plate 34 to the frame, while the latter provides a function of resonance structure.
  • the shaft 50 and the plate 34 rotate, together, about an axis A perpendicular to the plane of movement.
  • the plate 34 and the cages 30 have a symmetrical axial structure, with a periodicity of 120 °, so that the assembly is substantially balanced with respect to the axis.
  • each of the cages 30 comprises a board 30a provided with a toothing 30b at its periphery, three pillars 30c fixed on one side of the board 30a and a balance bridge 30d mounted by means of screws on the three pillars 30c.
  • a hub 30e is integral with the board 30a and engages on the ball bearing 46 to ensure a flying pivoting of the cage 30 on the plate 34.
  • the plate 34 and the bridge 30d are each provided with a bearing 30f in which the rocker 33 oscillates.
  • the plate 30a carries two stones 30g and 30h and an exhaust bridge 30i (FIG. figure 4 ) also provided with stones bearing the same references as those arranged on the board 30a and serving as bearings for the anchor 31 and the mobile
  • the latter comprises a pinion 32a meshing with the fixed wheel 48 and an anchor wheel 32b driving the anchor 31, which maintains the movement of the rocker 33.
  • a sleeve 52 provided with a toothing 52a at its periphery, is fixed on the bridge 18 and surrounds the shaft 50 ( figure 3 ).
  • the toothing 52a is arranged so that it meshes with the toothing 30b. In this way, when the plate 34 rotates, the cages 30 behave like the satellites of a planetary gear.
  • the energy is supplied by the two springs, housed in the barrels 22 and 24, which conventionally drive the finishing train 28.
  • the seconds wheel 44 rotates the plate 34.
  • the cages 30 therefore tend to turn on themselves, on the plate 34. They are retained by their escape wheel 32 and more particularly by the pinion 32a which is engaged with the fixed wheel 48. In this way, at each alternation of the balance, during the passage to neutral, the anchor 31 releases the escape wheel 32 which then gives a pulse tilting the anchor 31 and transmitting balance energy 32.
  • the plate 34 had at least two rockers and two exhausts, each of them ensuring the drive of a pendulum, one would be in the presence of a simple vortex with two pendulums.
  • the sprockets of the escape wheels would cooperate with a fixed wheel concentric with the shaft 50, the board 34 being driven as explained above.
  • only one of the rockers could be driven by an exhaust, the other being driven by resonance coupling.
  • both the cages and the plate form swirls, the cages being of flying type. It is also possible to have the tray mounted on a ball bearing to also form a flying tourbillon, cages can then be flying or not.
  • the relative position of the three rockers will be chosen so that their attachment points are offset by 120 °. In this way, the position error is better averaged in the vertical positions.
  • the movement according to the invention comprises a resonance structure on which the rockers are mounted, and a connecting member connecting the structure to the frame and arranged so that the structure is mechanically isolated from the frame, the pendulums resonate without any particular measure of the distance between them.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
  • Crushing And Grinding (AREA)
  • Cage And Drive Apparatuses For Elevators (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Chemical Or Physical Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Compression Or Coding Systems Of Tv Signals (AREA)

Abstract

The movement has balance wheels (33) operating in resonance, and a tourbillon frame (30) and a pallet (31) maintaining movement of one of the wheels. A gear train (28) connects barrels (22, 24) to the frame and the pallet. The wheels, the frame and the pallet are pivotingly mounted on a roller (34) that is balanced with reference to an axis. An arbor connects the roller to another frame and is oriented along the axis.

Description

La présente invention concerne les mouvements de montre munis de plusieurs balanciers et plus particulièrement du type dit à résonance. Dans ce genre de mouvement, deux balanciers oscillent exactement à la même fréquence, interagissant l'un avec l'autre. Une telle solution, divulguée par exemple dans le document GB 388258 , permet d'augmenter sensiblement le rendement du mouvement et sa précision.The present invention relates to watch movements provided with several rockers and more particularly of the so-called resonance type. In this kind of movement, two pendulums oscillate exactly at the same frequency, interacting with each other. Such a solution, disclosed for example in the document GB 388258 , can significantly increase the performance of the movement and its accuracy.

De telles montres ont déjà été réalisées. Pour assurer une mise en résonance, il est généralement prévu de pouvoir régler la distance entre les deux balanciers. Si les balanciers oscillent en opposition de phase au voisinage l'un de l'autre, l'air qu'ils entraînent va dans la même direction de telle sorte que les frottements dans l'air sont réduits. On comprendra aisément que cette distance est très faible et pose des problèmes d'ajustement en cours de fabrication.Such watches have already been made. To ensure resonance, it is generally expected to be able to adjust the distance between the two pendulums. If the pendulums oscillate in opposition of phase to the neighborhood of each other, the air which they drag goes in the same direction so that the friction in the air is reduced. It will be readily understood that this distance is very low and poses adjustment problems during manufacture.

La présente invention, comme défini par la revendication 1 a pour but de pallier cet inconvénient en rendant plus rigide et plus simple la structure du mouvement équipé de balanciers travaillant en résonance. De manière plus précise, le mouvement selon l'invention est muni d'un bâti, d'une source d'énergie, d'une pluralité de balanciers travaillant en résonance, d'au moins un échappement entretenant le mouvement de l'un des balanciers et de moyens de liaison cinématique reliant la source d'énergie à l'échappement. Il est caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en outre :

  • une structure de résonance sensiblement équilibrée en référence à un axe et sur laquelle sont montés pivotants les balanciers et l'échappement, et
  • un organe de liaison reliant la structure de résonance au bâti et orienté selon cet axe.
The present invention, as defined by claim 1, is intended to overcome this disadvantage by making the structure of the movement equipped with resonance-operated pendulums more rigid and simpler. More specifically, the movement according to the invention is provided with a frame, a source of energy, a plurality of resonance-operated rockers, at least one escapement maintaining the movement of one of the pendulums and kinematic connecting means connecting the energy source to the exhaust. It is characterized in that it comprises, in addition:
  • a resonance structure substantially balanced with reference to an axis and on which the rockers and the escapement are pivotally mounted, and
  • a connecting member connecting the resonance structure to the frame and oriented along this axis.

Il semble que le fait de monter les balanciers et l'échappement sur une structure de résonance sensiblement équilibrée et reliée au bâti par un organe de liaison isolant mécaniquement cette structure du bâti lui-même, fait que l'inertie des pièces assurant le couplage est considérablement plus faible que celle de l'ensemble du bâti. Le couplage étant ainsi assuré par cette structure dans de très bonnes conditions, les balanciers peuvent être plus éloignés les uns des autres tout en conservant l'effet souhaité. Il n'est donc plus nécessaire d'effectuer des réglages délicats pour obtenir le phénomène de battement.It seems that the fact of mounting the rockers and the escapement on a substantially balanced resonance structure and connected to the frame by a connecting member mechanically insulating this structure of the frame itself, makes the inertia of the parts ensuring the coupling is considerably lower than that of the entire building. The coupling is thus ensured by this structure in very good conditions, the rockers can be further apart from each other while maintaining the desired effect. It is not therefore no longer necessary to make delicate adjustments to get the beat phenomenon.

Le mouvement peut comporter un seul échappement entraînant un balancier qui joue le rôle d'excitateur, les autres balanciers étant entraînés par couplage. Il est également possible que le mouvement comporte autant d'échappements que de balanciers, chaque échappement assurant l'entraînement d'un balancier. Dans ce cas, tous les balanciers jouent à la fois le rôle d'excitateur et de résonateur.The movement may comprise a single escapement driving a balance which acts as an exciter, the other balances being driven by coupling. It is also possible that the movement has as many escapements as rockers, each escapement ensuring the drive of a pendulum. In this case, all the pendulums play both the role of exciter and resonator.

La pratique a montré que, si les moyens de liaison cinématique comportent un seul rouage reliant la source d'énergie aux échappements, en d'autres termes, si tous les mobiles d'échappement sont entraînés par une même roue, alors, l'élasticité de l'engrènement est suffisante pour permettre le démarrage et la mise en phase des balanciers. Il n'est donc pas nécessaire de prévoir un différentiel entre le rouage unique et les échappements.Practice has shown that, if the kinematic linkage means comprise a single gear train connecting the energy source to the exhausts, in other words, if all the escape wheels are driven by the same wheel, then the elasticity meshing is sufficient to allow the starting and phasing of the pendulums. It is therefore not necessary to provide a differential between the single gear and the exhausts.

De manière avantageuse, la structure de résonance comporte une planche de roue reliée cinématiquement aux moyens de liaison cinématique et porte au moins deux balanciers et au moins un échappement. L'organe de liaison comporte au moins un pivotement formé d'une première partie coopérant avec le bâti, et une seconde partie solidaire de la structure de résonance. Cet organe est agencé de manière à permettre un pivotement de la structure sur le bâti. De la sorte, la structure de résonance peut pivoter sur le bâti et former ainsi un tourbillon.Advantageously, the resonance structure comprises a wheel plate kinematically connected to the kinematic connection means and carries at least two rockers and at least one escapement. The connecting member comprises at least one pivot formed by a first part cooperating with the frame, and a second part integral with the resonance structure. This member is arranged to allow pivoting of the structure on the frame. In this way, the resonance structure can pivot on the frame and thus form a vortex.

Dans une première variante, les balanciers et l'échappement sont montés directement sur la structure, alors que le bâti porte une roue fixe destinée à coopérer avec l'échappement pour permettre son entraînement lorsque la structure tourne. De la sorte, la structure de résonance forme un tourbillon avec les balanciers. La liaison avec le bâti peut se faire au moyen de deux paliers disposés de part et d'autre de la structure et coopérant avec le bâti. Il est également possible de faire tourner la structure sur un roulement à billes et ainsi constituer un tourbillon volant.In a first variant, the rockers and the escapement are mounted directly on the structure, while the frame carries a fixed wheel intended to cooperate with the exhaust to allow its drive when the structure rotates. In this way, the resonance structure forms a vortex with the pendulums. The connection with the frame can be done by means of two bearings arranged on either side of the structure and cooperating with the frame. It is also possible to rotate the structure on a ball bearing and thus constitute a flying tourbillon.

Dans une autre variante, particulièrement intéressante, le mouvement selon l'invention comporte, en outre, des cages montées pivotantes sur la structure de résonance et servant chacune de support à un balancier et à un échappement, et des roues fixes montées rigidement sur la structure, chacune d'elle étant coaxiale à l'une des cages et coopérant avec l'échappement pour former ainsi un tourbillon satellite, avantageusement de type volant, disposé sur la structure tournante.In another variant, particularly advantageous, the movement according to the invention further comprises cages pivotally mounted on the resonance structure and each serving as a support for a rocker and an escapement, and fixed wheels rigidly mounted on the structure, each of them being coaxial with one of the cages and cooperating with the exhaust to thereby form a satellite vortex, preferably flying type, disposed on the rotating structure.

Afin de renforcer le couplage entre les balanciers, les balanciers sont avantageusement montés pivotant sur leur cage par l'une de leurs extrémités et sur la structure de résonance par l'autre extrémité.In order to reinforce the coupling between the rockers, the rockers are advantageously mounted pivoting on their cage by one of their ends and on the resonance structure by the other end.

L'expérience montre qu'il est possible d'avoir une résonance entre trois balanciers, deux étant en phase et un en opposition de phase. En d'autres termes, il est possible de réaliser des mouvements munis d'un nombre impair de balanciers, avantageusement trois, lesquels travaillent en résonance.Experience shows that it is possible to have a resonance between three pendulums, two being in phase and one in opposition of phase. In other words, it is possible to perform movements provided with an odd number of balances, advantageously three, which work in resonance.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence au dessin dans lequel :

  • les figures 1 et 2 représentent respectivement vu côté fond et côté cadran un mode particulier de réalisation d'un mouvement de montre selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de la structure de résonance équipant ce mouvement,
  • la figure 4 illustre, en perspective, les pièces participant à la cinématique du mouvement, et
  • les figures 5a et 5b sont des vues respectivement en coupe et en plan d'une cage de tourbillon équipant le mouvement des figures 1 et 2.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the drawing in which:
  • the figures 1 and 2 respectively show a side view and a dial side of a particular embodiment of a watch movement according to the invention,
  • the figure 3 is a sectional view of the resonance structure equipping this movement,
  • the figure 4 illustrates, in perspective, the pieces participating in the motion kinematics, and
  • the Figures 5a and 5b are views respectively in section and in plan of a tourbillon cage equipping the movement of figures 1 and 2 .

Le mouvement de montre décrit ci-dessous comporte, de manière classique, un bâti formé d'une platine 10 et de ponts, plus particulièrement de deux ponts de barillets 12 et 14, d'un pont de finissage 16, et de deux ponts de tourbillons 18 et 20, respectivement visibles sur les figures 1 et 2 et disposés côté fond et côté cadran. De manière classique, les ponts sont fixés sur la platine 10 au moyen de vis non référencées.The watch movement described below comprises, in a conventional manner, a frame formed of a plate 10 and of bridges, more particularly of two barrel bridges 12 and 14, of a finishing bridge 16, and of two bridges. vortices 18 and 20, respectively visible on the figures 1 and 2 and arranged side bottom and side dial. Conventionally, the bridges are fixed on the plate 10 by means of unreferenced screws.

Ce mouvement présente une forme particulière, constituée de deux demi-cercles reliés par une portion rectangulaire, la distance entre les centres des demi-cercles étant sensiblement égale au rayon des demi-cercles.This movement has a particular shape, consisting of two semicircles connected by a rectangular portion, the distance between the centers of the semicircles being substantially equal to the radius of the semicircles.

Ce mouvement comporte, en outre, notamment visibles sur les figures 1 et 4 :

  • deux barillets 22 et 24, assurant une fonction de source d'énergie,
  • un renvoi 26 reliant cinématiquement les deux barillets,
  • un rouage de finissage 28,
  • trois cages de tourbillons 30 sur chacune desquelles sont disposés un échappement comprenant une ancre 31 et un mobile d'échappement 32, ainsi qu'un balancier 33, l'une de ces cages 30 étant plus particulièrement visible sur les figures 5a et 5b,
  • un plateau 34, mieux visible sur la figure 3, assurant une fonction de structure de résonance, monté pivotant entre les ponts 18 et 20 et sur lequel les cages 30 sont montées pivotantes, les axes de pivotement des cages 30 formant entre eux un prisme de section triangulaire équilatérale, et
  • un mécanisme de remontoir et de mise à l'heure 36 comportant notamment une tige 38 qui assure la liaison avec l'extérieur de la boîte dans laquelle est logé le mouvement.
This movement also includes, in particular, visible figures 1 and 4 :
  • two barrels 22 and 24, providing a power source function,
  • a reference 26 kinematically connecting the two barrels,
  • a finishing gear train 28,
  • three vortex cages 30 on each of which are disposed an escapement comprising an anchor 31 and an escapement wheel 32, and a rocker 33, one of these cages 30 being more particularly visible on the Figures 5a and 5b ,
  • a plateau 34, better visible on the figure 3 , providing a function of resonance structure, pivotally mounted between the bridges 18 and 20 and on which the stands 30 are pivotally mounted, the pivot axes of the cages 30 forming between them an equilateral triangular section prism, and
  • a winding and setting mechanism 36 having in particular a rod 38 which provides the connection with the outside of the box in which is housed the movement.

Dans ce mouvement, l'armage des ressorts de barillet se fait de manière classique, par une rotation de la tige 38 lorsqu'elle occupe sa position enfoncée, par l'intermédiaire de deux roues de rochets reliées entre elles par un renvoi. Les pièces assurant cette fonction ne présentant pas de caractère particulier, elles ne seront pas décrites en détail, ni référencées.In this movement, the winding of the barrel springs is done in a conventional manner, by a rotation of the rod 38 when it occupies its depressed position, by means of two ratchet wheels interconnected by a return. Since the parts performing this function are not specific, they will not be described in detail or referenced.

La figure 4 montre la cinématique du mouvement et notamment comment le barillet 22 transmet son énergie au barillet 24 par l'intermédiaire du renvoi 26. Le barillet 24 engrène avec le rouage de finissage 28, qui comporte un mobile de grande-moyenne décentrée 40, un mobile de petite moyenne 42, un mobile intermédiaire 43 et un mobile de secondes 44. Chacun de ces mobiles comprend un pignon identifié par la lettre a et une roue identifiée par la lettre b.The figure 4 shows the kinematics of the movement and in particular how the barrel 22 transmits its energy to the barrel 24 through the reference 26. The barrel 24 meshes with the finishing gear train 28, which comprises a high-intermediate-off-center mobile 40, a mobile of small average 42, an intermediate mobile 43 and a mobile seconds 44. Each of these mobiles comprises a pinion identified by the letter a and a wheel identified by the letter b .

Le plateau 34, représenté en détail sur la figure 3, est de forme générale cylindrique et comporte une portion annulaire 34a munie d'une denture 34b à sa périphérie. Celle-ci est en prise avec la roue de secondes 44b, dans un rapport d'engrenages de 1 à 15, de telle sorte qu'il effectue un tour en quinze minutes. Le plateau comprend, en outre, un moyeu 34c et trois anneaux 34d disposés radialement à 120° les uns des autres et reliant la portion annulaire 34a au moyeu 34c.The plate 34, shown in detail on the figure 3 , is of generally cylindrical shape and comprises an annular portion 34a provided with a toothing 34b at its periphery. The latter is engaged with the seconds wheel 44b, in a gears ratio of 1 to 15, so that it performs a revolution in fifteen minutes. The tray further includes a hub 34c and three rings 34d arranged radially at 120 ° from each other and connecting the annular portion 34a to the hub 34c.

L'ouverture centrale que comporte chacun des anneaux 34d sert de logement à un roulement à billes 46 (figure 3) destiné à servir de pivotement à l'une des cages 30. Celle-ci est montée sur la bague intérieure du roulement 46 au moyen d'un clips facilement amovible et permettant de mettre en place et de retirer facilement les cages 30 du plateau 34.The central opening that each ring 34d comprises serves as a housing for a ball bearing 46 ( figure 3 ) which is intended to serve as a pivot for one of the cages 30. This is mounted on the inner ring of the bearing 46 by means of an easily removable clip enabling the cages 30 to be put in place and easily removed from the plate 34 .

Chacun des anneaux 34d porte, disposée concentriquement, une roue 48 à denture intérieure, dont la fonction sera précisée ci-après, fixée rigidement au plateau 34 par des vis visibles sur la figure 1 et non référencées.Each of the rings 34d carries, arranged concentrically, a wheel 48 with internal teeth, whose function will be specified hereinafter, fixed rigidly to the plate 34 by visible screws on the figure 1 and not referenced.

Le moyeu 34c est percé en son centre et sert de logement à un arbre 50 qui y est chassé, s'étendant de part et d'autre du plateau 34. L'arbre 50 est muni de pivots engagés dans des pierres fixées respectivement dans les ponts 18 et 20. L'arbre 50 forme ainsi un organe de liaison du plateau 34 au bâti, alors que ce dernier assure une fonction de structure de résonance.The hub 34c is drilled at its center and serves as a housing for a shaft 50 which is driven thereon, extending on either side of the plate 34. The shaft 50 is provided with pivots engaged in stones fixed respectively in the bridges 18 and 20. The shaft 50 thus forms a connecting member of the plate 34 to the frame, while the latter provides a function of resonance structure.

L'arbre 50 et le plateau 34 tournent, ensemble, autour d'un axe A perpendiculaire au plan du mouvement.The shaft 50 and the plate 34 rotate, together, about an axis A perpendicular to the plane of movement.

Le plateau 34 et les cages 30 présentent une structure symétrique axiale, avec une périodicité de 120°, de telle sorte que l'ensemble est sensiblement équilibré par rapport à l'axe. En d'autres termes, les axes des cages 30, qui sont parallèles à l'axe A, forment ensemble un prisme à trois côtés, de section isocèle.The plate 34 and the cages 30 have a symmetrical axial structure, with a periodicity of 120 °, so that the assembly is substantially balanced with respect to the axis. In other words, the axes of the cages 30, which are parallel to the axis A, together form a prism with three sides, isosceles section.

Comme on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur les figures 5a et 5b, chacune des cages 30 comprend une planche 30a munie d'une denture 30b à sa périphérie, trois piliers 30c fixés sur un côté de la planche 30a et un pont de balancier 30d monté au moyen de vis sur les trois piliers 30c. Un moyeu 30e est solidaire de la planche 30a et s'engage sur le roulement à billes 46 pour assurer un pivotement volant de la cage 30 sur le plateau 34.As can be seen more particularly on Figures 5a and 5b , each of the cages 30 comprises a board 30a provided with a toothing 30b at its periphery, three pillars 30c fixed on one side of the board 30a and a balance bridge 30d mounted by means of screws on the three pillars 30c. A hub 30e is integral with the board 30a and engages on the ball bearing 46 to ensure a flying pivoting of the cage 30 on the plate 34.

Le plateau 34 et le pont 30d sont munis, chacun, d'un palier 30f dans lequel oscille le balancier 33. La planche 30a porte deux pierres 30g et 30h et un pont d'échappement 30i (figure 4) également muni de pierres portant les mêmes références que celles disposées sur la planche 30a et servant de paliers à l'ancre 31 et au mobile d'échappement 32. Ce dernier comprend un pignon 32a engrenant avec la roue fixe 48 et une roue d'ancre 32b entraînant l'ancre 31, laquelle entretient le mouvement du balancier 33.The plate 34 and the bridge 30d are each provided with a bearing 30f in which the rocker 33 oscillates. The plate 30a carries two stones 30g and 30h and an exhaust bridge 30i (FIG. figure 4 ) also provided with stones bearing the same references as those arranged on the board 30a and serving as bearings for the anchor 31 and the mobile The latter comprises a pinion 32a meshing with the fixed wheel 48 and an anchor wheel 32b driving the anchor 31, which maintains the movement of the rocker 33.

Un manchon 52, muni d'une denture 52a à sa périphérie, est fixé sur le pont 18 et entoure l'arbre 50 (figure 3). La denture 52a est disposée de manière à ce qu'elle engrène avec la denture 30b. De la sorte, lorsque le plateau 34 tourne, les cages 30 se comportent comme les satellites d'un engrenage planétaire.A sleeve 52, provided with a toothing 52a at its periphery, is fixed on the bridge 18 and surrounds the shaft 50 ( figure 3 ). The toothing 52a is arranged so that it meshes with the toothing 30b. In this way, when the plate 34 rotates, the cages 30 behave like the satellites of a planetary gear.

Dans le mouvement ainsi décrit, l'énergie est fournie par les deux ressorts, logés dans les barillets 22 et 24, qui entraînent de manière classique le rouage de finissage 28. La roue de secondes 44 fait tourner le plateau 34. Ce dernier entraîne avec lui les cages 30, lesquelles sont en prises avec le manchon 52. Les cages 30 tendent donc à tourner sur elles-mêmes, sur le plateau 34. Elles sont retenues par leur roue d'échappement 32 et plus particulièrement par le pignon 32a qui est en prise avec la roue fixe 48. De la sorte, à chaque alternance du balancier, lors du passage au point mort, l'ancre 31 libère la roue d'échappement 32 qui donne alors une impulsion faisant basculer l'ancre 31 et transmettant de l'énergie au balancier 32.In the movement thus described, the energy is supplied by the two springs, housed in the barrels 22 and 24, which conventionally drive the finishing train 28. The seconds wheel 44 rotates the plate 34. he cages 30, which are engaged with the sleeve 52. The cages 30 therefore tend to turn on themselves, on the plate 34. They are retained by their escape wheel 32 and more particularly by the pinion 32a which is engaged with the fixed wheel 48. In this way, at each alternation of the balance, during the passage to neutral, the anchor 31 releases the escape wheel 32 which then gives a pulse tilting the anchor 31 and transmitting balance energy 32.

Il est évident qu'une telle solution ne peut fonctionner que dans la mesure où les trois balanciers oscillent exactement à la même fréquence, puisqu'ils doivent tourner à la même vitesse et passer ensemble au point mort, de manière à ce que le mouvement du plateau 34 permette la transmission d'énergie aux trois mobiles d'échappement 31. Cet ajustement se fait par résonance, dans la mesure, bien sûr, où les fréquences propres des balanciers sont très voisines. La résonance est obtenue grâce au fait que le plateau 34, avec sa structure annulaire et suspendue dans le bâti 14 par l'intermédiaire de l'arbre 50, permet un couplage optimal. On obtient ainsi un démarrage des balanciers et une mise en phase en un temps très bref, durant lequel les ébats et l'élasticité des engrenages suffisent pour assurer le fonctionnement durant les premières oscillations des balanciers. Le fait que les trois balanciers pivotent par l'une de leurs extrémités dans le plateau 34 renforce encore l'effet de couplage.It is obvious that such a solution can work only to the extent that the three pendulums oscillate exactly at the same frequency, since they must rotate at the same speed and pass together in neutral, so that the movement of the plateau 34 allows the transmission of energy to the three escape mobiles 31. This adjustment is done by resonance, to the extent, of course, where the natural frequencies of the rockers are very close. The resonance is obtained thanks to the fact that the plate 34, with its annular structure and suspended in the frame 14 via the shaft 50, allows an optimal coupling. This results in a rocker start and a phasing in a very short time, during which the frills and the elasticity of the gears are sufficient to ensure operation during the first oscillations of the rockers. The fact that the three rockers pivot by one of their ends in the plate 34 further strengthens the coupling effect.

Il va de soi que l'utilisation d'une telle structure peut tout aussi bien être utilisée sans tourbillon, tant au niveau du plateau que des cages. Il suffirait de disposer la roue de secondes 44 concentriquement au plateau 34, de telle sorte qu'elle engrène avec les trois pignons d'échappement 32a. Tout porte à penser que l'effet de résonance serait également obtenu.It goes without saying that the use of such a structure can just as easily be used without whirlwind, both at the plateau and the cages. It would be enough to have the wheel of seconds 44 concentrically to the plate 34, so that it meshes with the three exhaust pinions 32a. All suggests that the resonance effect would also be achieved.

Si le plateau 34 portait au moins deux balanciers et deux échappements, chacun d'eux assurant l'entraînement d'un balancier, on se trouverait alors en présence d'un tourbillon simple à deux balanciers. Dans ce cas, les pignons des roues d'échappement coopéreraient avec une roue fixe concentrique à l'arbre 50, la planche 34 étant entraînée comme expliqué plus haut. En variante, seul l'un des balanciers pourrait être entraîné par un échappement, l'autre étant entraîné par couplage en résonance.If the plate 34 had at least two rockers and two exhausts, each of them ensuring the drive of a pendulum, one would be in the presence of a simple vortex with two pendulums. In this case, the sprockets of the escape wheels would cooperate with a fixed wheel concentric with the shaft 50, the board 34 being driven as explained above. Alternatively, only one of the rockers could be driven by an exhaust, the other being driven by resonance coupling.

Afin de faciliter le démarrage, il est possible de remplacer le manchon 52 par un engrenage différentiel qui entraînerait les trois cages de manière autonome. Il serait également possible d'avoir trois barillets et trois rouages, chacun d'eux entraînant un balancier. Dans ce cas toutefois, et contrairement aux solutions connues, un réglage du couplage n'est pas nécessaire.In order to facilitate starting, it is possible to replace the sleeve 52 by a differential gear which would drive the three stands independently. It would also be possible to have three barrels and three wheels, each of them driving a pendulum. In this case, however, and contrary to known solutions, adjustment of the coupling is not necessary.

Il a été constaté que, de manière surprenante, même en disposant trois balanciers sur le plateau, il apparaît un phénomène de résonance.It has been found that, surprisingly, even with three pendulums on the plate, there appears a phenomenon of resonance.

Tant les cages que le plateau forment des tourbillons, les cages étant de type volant. Il est également possible d'avoir le plateau monté sur un roulement à billes pour former aussi un tourbillon volant, les cages pouvant alors être volantes ou non.Both the cages and the plate form swirls, the cages being of flying type. It is also possible to have the tray mounted on a ball bearing to also form a flying tourbillon, cages can then be flying or not.

Dans une variante qui n'a pas été représentée, il est également envisageable de disposer un ou deux balanciers à oscillation libre, c'est à dire sans moyens d'entretien, le troisième balancier étant entraîné par un échappement. Le troisième balancier assure alors la fonction de maître et les deux autres oscillent par couplage, en référence au troisième. Les deux balanciers seront avantageusement d'inertie plus faible que le troisième, de manière à ce que les amplitudes des trois balanciers soient sensiblement les mêmes.In a variant that has not been shown, it is also conceivable to have one or two freely oscillating rockers, that is to say without maintenance means, the third beam being driven by an escapement. The third balance then acts as master and the other two oscillate by coupling, with reference to the third. The two rockers will advantageously lower inertia than the third, so that the amplitudes of the three rockers are substantially the same.

On relèvera encore que, de façon avantageuse, la position relative des trois balanciers sera choisie de manière à ce que leurs points d'attache soient décalés de 120°. De la sorte, l'erreur de position est mieux moyennée dans les positions verticales.It will be noted again that, advantageously, the relative position of the three rockers will be chosen so that their attachment points are offset by 120 °. In this way, the position error is better averaged in the vertical positions.

Ainsi, grâce au fait que le mouvement selon l'invention comporte une structure de résonance sur laquelle sont montés les balanciers, et un organe de liaison reliant la structure au bâti et agencé de manière à ce que la structure soit isolée mécaniquement du bâti, les balanciers se mettent en résonance sans mesure particulière relative à la distance qui les sépare.Thus, thanks to the fact that the movement according to the invention comprises a resonance structure on which the rockers are mounted, and a connecting member connecting the structure to the frame and arranged so that the structure is mechanically isolated from the frame, the pendulums resonate without any particular measure of the distance between them.

Claims (10)

  1. Watch movement comprising :
    • a frame (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20),
    • an energy source (22, 24),
    • a plurality of balances (33) working in resonance,
    • at least one escapement (30, 31) maintaining the movement of one of the balances (33), and
    • kinematic link means (28) linking the energy source (22, 24) to the escapement (30, 31),
    characterized in that it further comprises
    • a resonance structure (34) substantially equilibrated with respect to an axis (A) and on which the balances (33) and the escapement (30, 31) are mounted pivotingly, and
    • a link organ (50) linking the resonance structure to the frame and oriented along said axis (A).
  2. Movement according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises as many escapements (30, 31) as balances (33), where each escapement serves to drive a balance.
  3. Movement according to claim 2, characterized in that said kinematic link means have a single gear train (28) linking the energy source (22, 24) to the escapements (30, 31).
  4. Movement according to claim 1, characterized in that said structure (34) includes a wheel plate (34a, 34b) kinematically linked to said link means (28) and bearing at least two balances and at least one escapement, and in that said link organ (50) comprises at least one swivel formed of a first part cooperating with the frame (18, 20) and a second part rigidly connected with the resonance structure (34) and adapted to allow a rotation of the structure on the frame (18, 20).
  5. Movement according to claim 4, characterized in that the balances (33) and the escapement (31, 32) are mounted directly on said structure (34), and in that the frame bears a fixed wheel intended to cooperate with said escapement in order to allow it to be driven when the structure (34) turns.
  6. Movement according to claim 4, characterized in that it further includes carriages (30) pivotingly mounted on said structure (34), and each serving to support one balance (33) and one escapement (30, 31), as well as fixed wheels (48) rigidly mounted on said structure (34), each of them coaxial with one of said carriages, thus forming a satellite tourbillon arranged on the rotating structure.
  7. Movement according to claim 6, characterized in that said balances (33) are pivotingly mounted by one of their ends on their carriage (30) and by the other end on the resonance structure (34).
  8. Movement according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the satellite tourbillons (30) are of the flying type.
  9. Movement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said structure bears an uneven number of units formed of a balance (33) and an escapement (30, 31).
  10. Movement according to claim 9, characterized in that said number is three.
EP04022608A 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Watch movement with a plurality of balances Expired - Lifetime EP1640821B1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04022608A EP1640821B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Watch movement with a plurality of balances
AT08001704T ATE479923T1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 TOURBILLON FOR CLOCK MOVEMENT AND THE MOVEMENT THAT CONTAINS IT
DE602004020766T DE602004020766D1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Clockwork with several riots
AT04022608T ATE429667T1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 CLOCK MOVEMENT WITH SEVERAL BALANCES
EP08001704A EP1918790B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Tourbillon for watch movement and movement comprising the same
DE602004028972T DE602004028972D1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Tourbillon for movement and this movement containing
PCT/IB2005/002778 WO2006032974A2 (en) 2004-09-22 2005-09-20 Watch movement provided with several balance wheels
HK06110456.0A HK1088669A1 (en) 2004-09-22 2006-09-20 Watch movement with a plurality of balances

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04022608A EP1640821B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Watch movement with a plurality of balances

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08001704A Division EP1918790B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Tourbillon for watch movement and movement comprising the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1640821A1 EP1640821A1 (en) 2006-03-29
EP1640821B1 true EP1640821B1 (en) 2009-04-22

Family

ID=34926666

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04022608A Expired - Lifetime EP1640821B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Watch movement with a plurality of balances
EP08001704A Expired - Lifetime EP1918790B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Tourbillon for watch movement and movement comprising the same

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08001704A Expired - Lifetime EP1918790B1 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 Tourbillon for watch movement and movement comprising the same

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1640821B1 (en)
AT (2) ATE479923T1 (en)
DE (2) DE602004020766D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1088669A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006032974A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH701725B1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2011-03-15 Franck Mueller Watchland S A Tourbillon timepiece.
CH702062B1 (en) 2009-10-26 2022-01-31 Mft Dhorlogerie Audemars Piguet Sa Regulating organ comprising at least two pendulums, a watch movement as well as a timepiece comprising such an organ.
CH702294B1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2014-05-30 Complitime Sa Movement timepiece.
EP2450756B1 (en) * 2010-11-04 2015-01-07 Nivarox-FAR S.A. Anti-tripping device for escapement mechanism
CH708038B1 (en) * 2013-05-07 2017-12-15 Hublot S A Genève Watch movement with three-dimensional resonance regulator.
CN103439872B (en) * 2013-09-06 2016-06-15 烟台持久钟表集团有限公司 Top flywheel planet clockwork
EP3015924B1 (en) 2014-11-03 2017-08-09 Antoine Preziuso Genève SA Differential, in particular for timepieces
CH710817B1 (en) 2015-03-04 2019-07-15 Hublot Sa Geneve Watch movement with resonant regulator with magnetic interaction.
CH713109B1 (en) * 2016-11-04 2021-09-30 Concepto Holding Sa Clockwork movement comprising at least two tourbillons.
EP4194961A1 (en) * 2021-12-07 2023-06-14 H.K. Precision Technology Co. Ltd Regulator assembly, for timepiece movement, comprising a cage to be rotatably mounted on a ball bearing

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB388258A (en) * 1931-05-13 1933-02-23 Marcel Vuilleumier Improvements relating to horological movements
GB2375619B (en) * 2001-05-14 2002-12-24 Souza Paul Gerard D Differential tourbillon escapement for clocks & watches
CN100538556C (en) * 2004-04-15 2009-09-09 蒙特雷布勒盖股份有限公司 The wrist-watch that comprises at least two top flywheels

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
HK1088669A1 (en) 2006-11-10
EP1918790A3 (en) 2009-01-28
DE602004020766D1 (en) 2009-06-04
EP1918790A2 (en) 2008-05-07
DE602004028972D1 (en) 2010-10-14
ATE429667T1 (en) 2009-05-15
WO2006032974A2 (en) 2006-03-30
EP1640821A1 (en) 2006-03-29
ATE479923T1 (en) 2010-09-15
EP1918790B1 (en) 2010-09-01
WO2006032974A3 (en) 2006-08-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2006032974A2 (en) Watch movement provided with several balance wheels
EP1738230B1 (en) Watch comprising at least two tourbillons
EP2115536B1 (en) Watch movement
EP1772783B1 (en) Watch movement with constant-force device
CH687795B5 (en) Piece mechanical timepiece provided with a tourbillon.
EP2246752B1 (en) Tourbillon without the balance weight.
EP1664941B8 (en) Watch movement with an animation
EP2802942B1 (en) Timepiece having a plurality of balances
WO2011006617A1 (en) Tourbillon with fixed escape wheel
EP4194962A1 (en) Timepiece movement comprising an adjusting member provided with a means for variable adjustment of the inclination
EP4194958A1 (en) Timepiece movement comprising a movable member provided with a means for variable adjustment of the inclination
WO2021023710A1 (en) Jewellery piece comprising a mechanism for animating an object
EP3772674A1 (en) Mechanism for animation of an object for a piece of jewellery or costume jewellery
EP4194963A1 (en) Timepiece movement comprising a member provided with a means for variable adjustment of the inclination
CH695797A5 (en) Watch, has two tourbillons mounted on common rotating support, and connected by respective trains to differential gear that averages speed of carrier and output wheel in revolution speed of plate
WO2018215284A1 (en) Adjustment device for timepiece with isotropic harmonic oscillator having rotating masses and a common return force
CH716486A2 (en) Mechanism for animating an object for a piece of jewelry or jewelry.
EP3015924B1 (en) Differential, in particular for timepieces
CH713829A1 (en) Control device for a timepiece with isotropic harmonic oscillator having rotating masses and a common return force.
EP2189855B1 (en) Tourbillon mechanism
CH719472B9 (en) Tourbillon clock movement.
CH719233A2 (en) Clock movement comprising a member provided with means for variable adjustment of the inclination.
CH719232A2 (en) Clockwork movement comprising a movable member provided with means for variable adjustment of the inclination.
CH720191A2 (en) Mechanical timepiece with raised tourbillon
CH720090A1 (en) Regulator assembly for watch movement, watch movement and corresponding timepiece

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL HR LT LV MK

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060823

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1088669

Country of ref document: HK

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602004020766

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20090604

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: MICHELI & CIE SA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: GR

Ref document number: 1088669

Country of ref document: HK

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090802

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090722

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20100125

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: ANTOINE PREZIUSO GENEVE SA

Effective date: 20090930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090722

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090922

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091023

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090422

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230928

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231002

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 602004020766

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20240921

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20240921