EP1698949A1 - Automatic winding up device to power the energy source of a portable instrument - Google Patents

Automatic winding up device to power the energy source of a portable instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1698949A1
EP1698949A1 EP05004666A EP05004666A EP1698949A1 EP 1698949 A1 EP1698949 A1 EP 1698949A1 EP 05004666 A EP05004666 A EP 05004666A EP 05004666 A EP05004666 A EP 05004666A EP 1698949 A1 EP1698949 A1 EP 1698949A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balls
winding device
raceway
heavy
light
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05004666A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick Augereau
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.)
Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi SA
Original Assignee
Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi 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
Application filed by Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi SA filed Critical Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi SA
Priority to EP05004666A priority Critical patent/EP1698949A1/en
Publication of EP1698949A1 publication Critical patent/EP1698949A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/18—Supports, suspensions or guide arrangements, for oscillating weights
    • G04B5/184—Guide arrangement of the moving weight in a circular course
    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/10—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch by oscillating weights the movement of which is not limited
    • G04B5/14—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch by oscillating weights the movement of which is not limited acting in both directions
    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/16—Construction of the weights
    • G04B5/165—Weights consisting of several parts
    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/18—Supports, suspensions or guide arrangements, for oscillating weights
    • G04B5/187—Bearing, guide arrangements or suspension allowing movement in more than one plane, e.g. there is more than one moving weight, or more than one plane in which the weight moves, and it can change place relative to the clockwork

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic winding device for recharging the energy source of a portable apparatus by means of an oscillating mechanism driven by the movements of the wearer.
  • the "portable" device will be illustrated by a horlvgerie piece, and more particularly by a wristwatch.
  • the energy source will be more particularly illustrated by a source of mechanical energy, such as a cylinder whose spring will be reassembled to cause the display of the current time, a striking mechanism, or any other complication in a movement mechanical watchmaker.
  • the energy source can also be a source of electrical energy such as a capacity recharged by a dynamo driven by the oscillating mechanism.
  • Patent CH 329 806 describes such a mechanism in which the balls are held between the teeth of a pivoted rake in the center of the box, that is to say with the same disadvantages as those mentioned above.
  • the balls which occupy about 1/5 of the raceway, directly drive the branches of a star which is the first mobile of the kinematic chain connected to the barrel.
  • they are preferably grouped in rolling cages, which increases the rigidity of the mechanism and still requires the winding stem located at the bottom of the box.
  • it is also expected to have more than one star which obviously increases the complexity of the drive train to the cylinder.
  • the present invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by providing an automatic ball winding device for recharging the source of mechanical or electrical energy of a portable device, and in particular a wristwatch, which is easily adaptable to any type of caliber without increasing the thickness or having to change the position of the winding stem, while having a quiet operation, and not masking the movement or the display.
  • the invention relates to an automatic winding device for recharging the energy source of a timepiece
  • a dial provided with a central display module
  • said device being formed by an oscillating mass constituted by a set of balls circulating freely in a curvilinear raceway by driving a star which constitutes the first wheel of a winding kinematic chain.
  • the device is characterized in that the set of balls form a continuous train occupying the entire path of the bearing being constituted by a first subset formed of heavy balls made of a high density material and by a second subset formed light beads made of a lower density material, the distribution of heavy balls and light beads not being repetitive.
  • the heavy and light balls form a continuous train, so that shocks and the resulting noise are in principle excluded.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 there is shown by way of example an automatic winding device for mounting in a circular mechanical watch case whose central display is symbolized by the hour hands and of minutes 20.
  • the watch movement as such, and its possible complications are not part of the invention and are not represented, with the exception of the barrel 1 which constitutes the source of 'energy mechanics of the movement on which will act the device to refit the spring contained in the barrel box.
  • the rolling path of the device comprises an annular base 16 comprising, near the inner edge, a groove 16a having a cross-section in a circular arc and a circular closure ring 18 also having a groove 18a near its inner edge.
  • annular base 16 and the closure ring 18 are assembled by screws 19 (not shown in Figure 1) and form a raceway 10 having at least one opening 10a inward at the junction of the base 16 and of the ring 18.
  • the raceway 10 is entirely occupied by a set of balls 12, 14 with a virtual pivot point located in the center of the watch.
  • These balls are distributed between a first subset of heavy balls 12 forming a continuous train and a second subset of lighter balls 14 forming another continuous train.
  • the number of heavy balls 12 and light balls 14 is substantially the same and the raceway 10 is entirely located in a plane parallel to the plane of the watch.
  • the heavy balls 12 are made of non-magnetic metal or alloy, such as an alloy of platinum and iridium having a density of between 21 and 22g / cm 3 .
  • Light beads 14 are for example made of a material of organic or synthetic origin having a density of the order of 0.9g / cm 3 , so that the density ratio between the light and heavy beads is of the order of 1/20.
  • the light balls 12 could also be constituted by hollow metal spheres.
  • the center of gravity of the set of balls is distinct from the virtual pivot point so that any movement printed on the device will circulate said balls 12, 14 in the raceway 10 and drive the first mobile of the connecting kinematic chain.
  • the ratchet 1a This first mobile is constituted by a star 2 whose branches 2a are distributed so that they can be interposed in the space formed between two balls, whether heavy balls 12 or light beads 14, so that any movement of the wearer causes the rotation of the star 2, which works in some way to 100%.
  • the kinematic chain represented corresponds to a two-way mechanism with movable clutch. It is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to interpose between the star 2 and the ratchet 1a another winding mechanism in one direction, to achieve a relatively simpler mechanism and occupying a smaller space to enhance the other motives of the watch movement in a skeleton watch.
  • the driving star 2 corresponds to the first clutch wheel and comprises a first clutch ratchet 4 having a teeth in wolf teeth in which can snap oscillating pawls 3 pivoted on the clutch.
  • the first clutch ratchet 4 comprises oscillating pawls (ref.3) which work with a ratchet (ref.4) integral with a pinion 4a which meshes with the first wheel 5 of the reduction gear train.
  • the pinion 5a of this first wheel 5 meshes in turn with a second wheel 6 of the gear train.
  • the pinion 6a of this second wheel 6 finally meshes with a second clutch wheel 7 on which are pivoted pawls 8 whose jaws are engaged in the teeth of a wolf teeth of a second clutch ratchet 9, which the pinion 9a meshes with the ratchet 1a.
  • This second device allows, if necessary manual winding ratchet 1, without rotating all the cog in the system.
  • the operation of this kinematic chain is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further. All these mobiles are pivoted between a bottom plate 11, held in the annular base 16 by the screw heads 13, and intermediate bridges 15a, 15b, 15c.
  • Figure 4 shows another embodiment which differs from that previously described in that the raceway 10 has an oval shape.
  • the balls 12, 14 which have no mechanical connection between them can move unhindered in this non-circular raceway.
  • a light bead train 14 has also been represented which is longer than the heavy bale train 12.
  • FIG. 5 which is a section along the line VV of FIG. 1, represents another embodiment in which a portion 10b of the raceway 10 forms a curve deviating from a plane parallel to the watch, for example to leave a passage 17 at a time setting rod.
  • the automatic winding device that has just been described can be adapted by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, to any type of housing in which it is possible to form or insert a path curvilinear rolling to go up either a spring mechanical mechanism, or a generator for charging a super-capacitance electric to power an electrical or electronic circuit.
  • a modification within the reach of those skilled in the art may for example consist of using the parts 16 and 18 of the raceway 10 to form the casing ring, or even the flange of the dial.

Abstract

The device has heavy and light balls (12, 14), each forming a continuous mill. The balls (12) are made of a non magnetic alloy or metal with a density ranging from 21 to 22 grams per cubic centimeter. The balls (14) are made of an organic or synthetic material of a density of 0.9 grams per cubic centimeter. The balls drive a star which constitutes a wheel of a kinematic chain connecting a barrel constituting a mechanical energy source.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de remontage automatique pour recharger la source d'énergie d'un appareil portable au moyen d'un mécanisme oscillant entraîné par les mouvements du porteur. L'appareil « portable » sera illustré par une pièce d'horlvgerie, et plus particulièrement par une montre-bracelet. La source d'énergie sera plus particulièrement illustrëe par une source d'énergie mécanique, telle qu'un barillet dont le ressort sera remonté pour entraîner l'affichage de l'heure courante, un mécanisme de sonnerie, ou toute autre complication dans un mouvement horloger mécanique. La source d'énergie peut également être une source d'énergie électrique telle qu'une capacité rechargée par une dynamo entraînée par le mécanisme oscillant.The present invention relates to an automatic winding device for recharging the energy source of a portable apparatus by means of an oscillating mechanism driven by the movements of the wearer. The "portable" device will be illustrated by a horlvgerie piece, and more particularly by a wristwatch. The energy source will be more particularly illustrated by a source of mechanical energy, such as a cylinder whose spring will be reassembled to cause the display of the current time, a striking mechanism, or any other complication in a movement mechanical watchmaker. The energy source can also be a source of electrical energy such as a capacity recharged by a dynamo driven by the oscillating mechanism.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUEBACKGROUND

Dans les montres mécaniques on a proposé depuis longtemps des mécanismes évitant le remontage manuel du ressort de barillet qui constitue la source d'énergie. Le brevet CH 142 511 publié en 1930 est très représentatif des solutions qui ont été proposées en utilisant une masse oscillante. Dans un premier et troisième mode de réalisation la masse oscillante est située à l'extrémité d'un bras pivoté, soit au centre, soit près d'un bord de la boîte, en entraînant un rouage relié au barillet. Divers perfectionnements ont été apportés à ce principe, par exemple pour limiter et/ou amortir le débattement de la masse oscillante et laisser un libre passage à la tige de mise à l'heure. L'inconvénient de ces masses oscillantes pivotées, en particulier pour les montres dites « squelette », est de masquer le mouvement. Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation du brevet CH 142 511 la masse oscillante est logée dans un couloir circulaire en étant solidaire d'un tronçon d'anneau ayant une denture intérieure en prise avec le rouage de barillet. Cette solution a l'inconvénient d'augmenter la hauteur du mouvement pour permettre le passage de la tige de mise à l'heure. Pour éviter cet inconvénient le brevet CH 458 213 propose une construction dans laquelle cette tige est positionnée au niveau du fond, ce qui rend son accès et son maniement peu commode.In mechanical watches it has long been proposed mechanisms avoiding the manual winding of the mainspring which constitutes the source of energy. The CH 142,511 patent published in 1930 is very representative of the solutions that have been proposed using an oscillating mass. In a first and third embodiment the oscillating mass is located at the end of a pivoted arm, either in the center or near an edge of the box, driving a gear connected to the barrel. Various improvements have been made to this principle, for example to limit and / or dampen the movement of the oscillating mass and leave a free passage to the time setting rod. The disadvantage of these pivoted oscillating masses, in particular for so-called "skeleton" watches, is to mask the movement. In a second embodiment of patent CH 142 511 the oscillating mass is housed in a circular passageway being secured to a ring section having an internal toothing in engagement with the barrel wheel. This solution has the disadvantage of increasing the height of the movement to allow the passage of the time setting rod. To avoid this drawback, patent CH 458 213 proposes a construction in which this rod is positioned at the bottom, which makes its access and its handling inconvenient.

Dans certains mécanismes de remontage automatique, la masse oscillante massive est remplacée par un train de billes. Le brevet CH 329 806 décrit un tel mécanisme dans lequel les billes sont maintenues entre les dents d'un râteau pivoté au centre de la boîte, c'est-à-dire en présentant les mêmes inconvénients que ceux évoquées précédemment. Dans le brevet CH 338 764 les billes, qui occupent environ 1/5 du chemin de roulement, entraînent directement les branches d'une étoile qui constitue le premier mobile de la chaîne cinématique reliée au barillet. Pour éviter le choc entre les billes, et le bruit qui en résulte, celles-ci sont de préférence groupées dans des cages de roulement, ce qui augmente la rigidité du mécanisme et nécessite encore d'avoir la tige de remontoir situé au fond de la boîte. Pour augmenter l'efficacité du mécanisme il est également prévu d'avoir plus d'une étoile ce qui augmente à l'évidence la complexité de la chaîne cinématique jusqu'au barillet.In some automatic winding mechanisms, the massive oscillating mass is replaced by a bunch of balls. Patent CH 329 806 describes such a mechanism in which the balls are held between the teeth of a pivoted rake in the center of the box, that is to say with the same disadvantages as those mentioned above. In patent CH 338 764 the balls, which occupy about 1/5 of the raceway, directly drive the branches of a star which is the first mobile of the kinematic chain connected to the barrel. To avoid the impact between the balls, and the noise that results, they are preferably grouped in rolling cages, which increases the rigidity of the mechanism and still requires the winding stem located at the bottom of the box. To increase the efficiency of the mechanism it is also expected to have more than one star which obviously increases the complexity of the drive train to the cylinder.

Dans tous ces dispositifs de remontage automatique on observera en outre que les caractéristiques dynamiques du balourd sont intimement liées aux caractéristiques mécaniques et physiques d'un mouvement particulier. En d'autres termes cela signifie que la forme et les dimensions du balourd, ainsi qu'éventuellement celles de son bras, devront être adaptées à chaque type de calibre ou de barillet.In all these automatic winding devices it will further be observed that the dynamic characteristics of the unbalance are intimately related to the mechanical and physical characteristics of a particular movement. In other words, it means that the shape and the dimensions of the unbalance, as well as possibly those of its arm, will have to be adapted to each type of caliber or barrel.

RESUME DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention vise donc à pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur précité en procurant un dispositif de remontage automatique à billes pour recharger la source d'énergie mécanique ou électrique d'un appareil portable, et notamment d'une montre-bracelet, qui soit facilement adaptable à tout type de calibre sans augmenter l'épaisseur ni devoir modifier l'emplacement de la tige de remontoir, tout en ayant un fonctionnement silencieux, et en ne masquant pas le mouvement, ni l'affichage.The present invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art by providing an automatic ball winding device for recharging the source of mechanical or electrical energy of a portable device, and in particular a wristwatch, which is easily adaptable to any type of caliber without increasing the thickness or having to change the position of the winding stem, while having a quiet operation, and not masking the movement or the display.

A cet effet l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de remontage automatique pour recharger la source d'énergie d'une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un cadran pourvu d'un module d'affichage central, ledit dispositif étant formé par une masse oscillante constituée par un ensemble de billes circulant librement dans un chemin de roulement curviligne en entraînant une étoile qui constitue la première roue d'une chaîne cinématique de remontage. Le dispositif est caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble des billes forme un train continu occupant tout le chemin du roulement en étant constitué par un premier sous-ensemble formé de billes lourdes réalisées en un matériau de densité élevée et par un deuxième sous-ensemble formé de billes légères réalisées en un matériau de densité plus faible, la répartition des billes lourdes et des billes légères n'étant pas répétitive. Il est ainsi possible de réaliser une masse oscillante formée d'éléments discrets permettant d'ajuster le couple transmis par l'étoile entraîneuse en modifiant le rapport entre le nombre de billes lourdes et le nombre de billes légères lorsque chaque sous-ensemble forme un train continu. Il est également possible d'effectuer cet ajustement en gardant le même rapport de billes lourdes/légères, en déplaçant le centre de gravité, et donc en modifiant le couple exercé sur l'étoile entraîneuse en changeant les positions des billes lourdes/légères, c'est-à-dire en créant en quelque sorte des trains de billes alternés.For this purpose the invention relates to an automatic winding device for recharging the energy source of a timepiece comprising a dial provided with a central display module, said device being formed by an oscillating mass constituted by a set of balls circulating freely in a curvilinear raceway by driving a star which constitutes the first wheel of a winding kinematic chain. The device is characterized in that the set of balls form a continuous train occupying the entire path of the bearing being constituted by a first subset formed of heavy balls made of a high density material and by a second subset formed light beads made of a lower density material, the distribution of heavy balls and light beads not being repetitive. It is thus possible to produce an oscillating mass formed of discrete elements making it possible to adjust the torque transmitted by the driving star by modifying the ratio between the number of heavy balls and the number of light balls when each subset forms a train. continued. he is also possible to make this adjustment by keeping the same ratio of heavy / light balls, by displacing the center of gravity, and thus by modifying the torque exerted on the driving star by changing the positions of the heavy / light balls, that is to say that is to say by creating some sort of alternating ball trains.

Le fait que les billes lourdes ou légères soient entièrement libres les unes par rapport aux autres, sans être maintenues dans des cages ou des dents de râteau rigides, donne une grande liberté au niveau du contour du chemin de roulement, que celui-ci reste dans le plan de la montre en ayant par exemple une forme ovale, ou qu'il s'en écarte par exemple pour passer au-dessus de la tige de mise à l'heure.The fact that the heavy or light balls are completely free from each other, without being held in cages or rigid rake teeth, gives great freedom to the contour of the raceway, that it remains in the plane of the watch having, for example, an oval shape, or that it deviates for example to pass over the rod of time setting.

Comme indiqué précédemment, les billes lourdes et légères forment un train continu, de sort que les chocs et le bruit en résultant sont en principe exclus. Toutefois, pour atteindre plus sûrement ce résultat, il est préférable de revêtir les billes et/ou le chemin de roulement d'un revêtement anti-choc à propriétés tribologiques élevées.As indicated above, the heavy and light balls form a continuous train, so that shocks and the resulting noise are in principle excluded. However, to more surely achieve this result, it is preferable to coat the balls and / or the raceway with an anti-shock coating with high tribological properties.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINSBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement dans la description suivante du dispositif de remontage d'un barillet d'une montre mécanique, donné à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue de dessus d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif ;
  • la figure 2 correspond à une coupe brisée selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 représente une première variante de réalisation du dispositif représenté à la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 représente une deuxième variante de réalisation du dispositif, et
  • la figure 5 représente en coupe une troisième variante de réalisation du dispositif.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the following description of the device for winding a mechanical watch cylinder, given by way of nonlimiting illustration, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of the device;
  • Figure 2 corresponds to a broken section along the line II-II of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3 represents a first variant embodiment of the device represented in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 represents a second variant embodiment of the device, and
  • Figure 5 shows a sectional third embodiment of the device.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

En se référant tout d'abord aux figures 1 et 2 on a représenté à titre d'exemple un dispositif de remontage automatique destiné à être monté dans un boîtier circulaire de montre mécanique dont l'affichage central est symbolisé par les aiguilles d'heures et de minutes 20. Le mouvement horloger en tant que tel, et ses éventuelles complications (fonction chronographe, sonnerie, etc) ne font pas partie de l'invention et ne sont pas représentés, à l'exception du barillet 1 qui constitue la source d'énergie mécanique du mouvement sur lequel va agir le dispositif pour remonter le ressort contenu dans la boîte de barillet.Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown by way of example an automatic winding device for mounting in a circular mechanical watch case whose central display is symbolized by the hour hands and of minutes 20. The watch movement as such, and its possible complications (chronograph function, ringing, etc.) are not part of the invention and are not represented, with the exception of the barrel 1 which constitutes the source of 'energy mechanics of the movement on which will act the device to refit the spring contained in the barrel box.

Comme on le voit le chemin de roulement du dispositif comprend une base annulaire 16 comportant près du bord intérieur une gorge 16a ayant une section droite en arc de cercle et un anneau circulaire de fermeture 18 ayant également près de son bord intérieur une gorge 18a, La base annulaire 16 et l'anneau de fermeture 18 sont assemblés par des vis 19 (non représentés sur la figure 1) et forment un chemin de roulement 10 présentant au moins une ouverture 10a vers l'intérieur, à la jonction de la base 16 et de l'anneau 18. Le chemin de roulement 10 est entièrement occupé par un ensemble de billes 12, 14 avec un point de pivotement virtuel situé au centre de la montre.As can be seen, the rolling path of the device comprises an annular base 16 comprising, near the inner edge, a groove 16a having a cross-section in a circular arc and a circular closure ring 18 also having a groove 18a near its inner edge. annular base 16 and the closure ring 18 are assembled by screws 19 (not shown in Figure 1) and form a raceway 10 having at least one opening 10a inward at the junction of the base 16 and of the ring 18. The raceway 10 is entirely occupied by a set of balls 12, 14 with a virtual pivot point located in the center of the watch.

Ces billes se répartissent entre un premier sous-ensemble de billes lourdes 12 formant un train continu et un deuxième sous-ensemble de billes 14 plus légères formant un autre train continu. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, le nombre de billes lourdes 12 et de billes légères 14 est sensiblement le même et le chemin de roulement 10 est tout entier situé dans un plan parallèle au plan de la montre.These balls are distributed between a first subset of heavy balls 12 forming a continuous train and a second subset of lighter balls 14 forming another continuous train. In the embodiment shown, the number of heavy balls 12 and light balls 14 is substantially the same and the raceway 10 is entirely located in a plane parallel to the plane of the watch.

Les billes lourdes 12 sont réalisées en métal ou alliage non magnétique, tel qu'un alliage de platine et d'iridium ayant une densité comprise entre 21 et 22g/cm3. Les billes légères 14 sont par exemple réalisées en un matériau d'origine organique ou synthétique ayant une densité de l'ordre de 0,9g/cm3, de sorte que le rapport de densité entre les billes légères et lourdes est de l'ordre de 1/20. Les billes légères 12 pourraient également être constituées par des sphères métalliques creuses.The heavy balls 12 are made of non-magnetic metal or alloy, such as an alloy of platinum and iridium having a density of between 21 and 22g / cm 3 . Light beads 14 are for example made of a material of organic or synthetic origin having a density of the order of 0.9g / cm 3 , so that the density ratio between the light and heavy beads is of the order of 1/20. The light balls 12 could also be constituted by hollow metal spheres.

Comme indiqué précédemment l'ensemble des billes 12, 14 forment un train continu et circulent en principe sans choc dans le chemin de roulement 10. Toutefois, comme il est quand même nécessaire d'avoir un petit jeu pour une bonne fluidité de la circulation, des petits chocs peuvent être perceptibles. Ce bruit peut fortement être réduit en formant un revêtement plastique à la surface des billes, tel qu'un revêtement TéflonR possédant en outre d'excellentes propriétés tribologiques. On peut également appliquer ce même revêtement au chemin de roulement 10.As indicated above all the balls 12, 14 form a continuous train and circulate in principle without impact in the raceway 10. However, as it is still necessary to have a small clearance for a good flow of traffic, small shocks may be noticeable. This noise can be greatly reduced by forming a plastic coating on the surface of the beads, such as a Teflon R coating also having excellent tribological properties. This same coating can also be applied to the raceway 10.

Ainsi le centre de gravité de l'ensemble des billes est distinct du point de pivotement virtuel de sorte que tout mouvement imprimé au dispositif va faire circuler lesdites billes 12, 14 dans le chemin de roulement 10 et entraîner le premier mobile de la chaîne cinématique reliant le rochet 1a. Ce premier mobile est constitué par une étoile 2 dont les branches 2a sont réparties de telle sorte qu'elles puissent s'intercaler dans l'espace formé entre deux billes, qu'il s'agisse de billes lourdes 12 ou de billes légères 14, de sorte que tout mouvement du porteur provoque la rotation de l'étoile 2, qui travaille en quelque sorte à 100%.Thus, the center of gravity of the set of balls is distinct from the virtual pivot point so that any movement printed on the device will circulate said balls 12, 14 in the raceway 10 and drive the first mobile of the connecting kinematic chain. the ratchet 1a. This first mobile is constituted by a star 2 whose branches 2a are distributed so that they can be interposed in the space formed between two balls, whether heavy balls 12 or light beads 14, so that any movement of the wearer causes the rotation of the star 2, which works in some way to 100%.

A titre d'exemple non limitatif la chaîne cinématique représentée correspond à un mécanisme double sens à mobiles d'embrayage. Il est également possible, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, d'interposer entre l'étoile 2 et le rochet 1a un autre mécanisme de remontage dans un seul sens, permettant de réaliser un mécanisme relativement plus simple et occupant un espace plus réduit permettant de mettre davantage en valeur les autres mobiles du mouvement horloger dans une montre squelette.By way of non-limiting example, the kinematic chain represented corresponds to a two-way mechanism with movable clutch. It is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to interpose between the star 2 and the ratchet 1a another winding mechanism in one direction, to achieve a relatively simpler mechanism and occupying a smaller space to enhance the other motives of the watch movement in a skeleton watch.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, l'étoile entraîneuse 2 correspond à la première roue d'embrayage et comporte un premier rochet d'embrayage 4 ayant une denture en dents de loup dans laquelle peuvent venir s'encliqueter des cliquets oscillants 3 pivotés sur l'étoile 2. Le premier rochet d'embrayage 4 comporte des cliquets oscillants (réf. 3) qui travaillent avec un rochet (réf. 4) solidaire d'un pignon 4a qui engrène avec la première roue 5 du rouage réducteur. Le pignon 5a de cette première roue 5 engrène à son tour avec une deuxième roue 6 du rouage réducteur. Le pignon 6a de cette deuxième roue 6 engrène enfin avec une deuxième roue d'embrayage 7 sur laquelle sont pivotés des cliquets 8 dont les becs viennent s'engager dans la denture en dents de loup d'un deuxième rochet d'embrayage 9, dont le pignon 9a engrène avec le rochet 1a. Ce second dispositif permet, si nécessaire le remontage manuel du rochet 1, sans faire tourner tout le rouage du système. Le fonctionnement de cette chaîne cinématique est bien connu de l'homme de l'art et ne sera donc pas décrit plus avant. Tous ces mobiles sont pivotés entre une plaque de fond 11, maintenue dans la base annulaire 16 par les têtes de vis 13, et des ponts intermédiaires 15a, 15b, 15c.In the embodiment shown, the driving star 2 corresponds to the first clutch wheel and comprises a first clutch ratchet 4 having a teeth in wolf teeth in which can snap oscillating pawls 3 pivoted on the clutch. star 2. The first clutch ratchet 4 comprises oscillating pawls (ref.3) which work with a ratchet (ref.4) integral with a pinion 4a which meshes with the first wheel 5 of the reduction gear train. The pinion 5a of this first wheel 5 meshes in turn with a second wheel 6 of the gear train. The pinion 6a of this second wheel 6 finally meshes with a second clutch wheel 7 on which are pivoted pawls 8 whose jaws are engaged in the teeth of a wolf teeth of a second clutch ratchet 9, which the pinion 9a meshes with the ratchet 1a. This second device allows, if necessary manual winding ratchet 1, without rotating all the cog in the system. The operation of this kinematic chain is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further. All these mobiles are pivoted between a bottom plate 11, held in the annular base 16 by the screw heads 13, and intermediate bridges 15a, 15b, 15c.

A la figure 3, on a représenté de quelle façon très simple il était possible de modifier le couple exercé sur le rochet 1 a, tout en conservant le même dispositif que celui qui vient d'être décrit. Pour cela on prend des billes dans le premier sous-ensemble de billes légères 14 pour les intercaler dans le deuxième sous-ensemble de billes lourdes 12, ou inversement. Cette opération déplace le centre de gravité et modifie donc le moment d'inertie du dispositif oscillant et donc le couple qui s'exerce sur le rochet 1 a. De même il est possible de modifier la proportion de billes lourdes et légères.In Figure 3, there is shown how very simple it was possible to change the torque exerted on the ratchet 1a, while retaining the same device as that just described. For this purpose beads are taken in the first subset of light beads 14 to interpose them in the second subset of heavy balls 12, or vice versa. This operation moves the center of gravity and thus modifies the moment of inertia of the oscillating device and therefore the torque exerted on the ratchet 1a. Similarly it is possible to modify the proportion of heavy and light balls.

La figure 4 représente un autre mode de réalisation qui diffère de celui précédemment décrit en ce que le chemin de roulement 10 a une forme ovale. Les billes 12, 14 qui n'ont entre elles aucune liaison mécanique peuvent se déplacer sans entrave dans ce chemin de roulement non circulaire. On a également représenté à titre d'exemple un train de billes légères 14 plus long que le train de billes lourdes 12.Figure 4 shows another embodiment which differs from that previously described in that the raceway 10 has an oval shape. The balls 12, 14 which have no mechanical connection between them can move unhindered in this non-circular raceway. By way of example, a light bead train 14 has also been represented which is longer than the heavy bale train 12.

La figure 5 qui est une coupe selon la ligne V-V de la figure 1, représente un autre mode de réalisation dans lequel une portion 10b du chemin de roulement 10 forme une courbe s'écartant d'un plan parallèle à la montre, par exemple pour laisser un passage 17 à une tige de mise à l'heure.FIG. 5, which is a section along the line VV of FIG. 1, represents another embodiment in which a portion 10b of the raceway 10 forms a curve deviating from a plane parallel to the watch, for example to leave a passage 17 at a time setting rod.

Le dispositif de remontage automatique qui vient d'être décrit peut être adapté par l'homme de l'art, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, à tout type de boîtier dans lequel il est possible de former ou d'insérer un chemin de roulement curviligne pour remonter soit un mécanisme mécanique à ressort, soit une génératrice permettant de charger une super-capacité électrique pour alimenter un circuit électrique ou électronique.The automatic winding device that has just been described can be adapted by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, to any type of housing in which it is possible to form or insert a path curvilinear rolling to go up either a spring mechanical mechanism, or a generator for charging a super-capacitance electric to power an electrical or electronic circuit.

Une modification à la portée de l'homme de l'art peut par exemple consister à utiliser les parties 16 et 18 du chemin de roulement 10 pour former le cercle d'emboîtage, voire le rehaut du cadran.A modification within the reach of those skilled in the art may for example consist of using the parts 16 and 18 of the raceway 10 to form the casing ring, or even the flange of the dial.

Claims (15)

Dispositif de remontage automatique pour recharger la source d'énergie (1) d'une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un cadran pourvu d'un module d'affichage central (20), ledit dispositif étant formé par une masse oscillante constituée par un ensemble de billes (12, 14) circulant librement dans un chemin de roulement curviligne (10) en entraînant une étoile (2) constituant la première roue d'une chaîne cinématique de remontage, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble de billes (12, 14) occupe tout le chemin de roulement en étant formé d'un premier sous-ensemble de billes lourdes (12) réalisées en matériau de densité élevée et d'un deuxième sous-ensemble de billes légères (14) réalisées en un matériau de faible densité avec une répartition non-répétitive.Automatic winding device for recharging the energy source (1) of a timepiece comprising a dial provided with a central display module (20), said device being formed by an oscillating mass consisting of a set of balls (12, 14) freely circulating in a curvilinear raceway (10) by driving a star (2) constituting the first wheel of a kinematic winding chain, characterized in that the set of balls (12, 14) occupies the entire raceway being formed of a first subset of heavy balls (12) made of high density material and a second subset of light beads (14) made of a low density material with a non-repetitive distribution. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les billes lourdes (12) du premier sous-ensemble et les billes légères (14) du deuxième sous-ensemble forment respectivement un train de billes continu.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy balls (12) of the first subassembly and the light balls (14) of the second subassembly respectively form a continuous bead train. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les billes lourdes (12) du premier sous-ensemble et les billes légères du deuxième sous-ensemble forment de trains alternés.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy balls (12) of the first subassembly and the light balls of the second subassembly form alternating trains. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le chemin de roulement (10) est situé dans un plan parallèle à celui du module d'affichage (20).Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the raceway (10) is located in a plane parallel to that of the display module (20). Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le chemin de roulement (10) s'écarte au moins en un endroit (10b) d'un plan parallèle à celui du module d'affichage (20).Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the raceway (10) deviates at least at a location (10b) from a plane parallel to that of the display module (20). Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le chemin de roulement (10) est constitué par l'assemblage d'une base (16) et d'un anneau de fermeture (18).Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the raceway (10) is constituted by the assembly of a base (16) and a closure ring (18). Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la base (16) et/ou l'anneau de fermeture (18) forment également le cercle d'emboîtage, ou le rehaut du cadran de la montre.Winding device according to claim 6, characterized in that the base (16) and / or the closing ring (18) also form the casing ring, or the flange of the dial of the watch. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la proportion de billes lourdes (12) et de billes légères (14) et/ou leur répartition permet de modifier le centre de gravité de la masse oscillante.Winding device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the proportion of heavy balls (12) and light balls (14) and / or their distribution makes it possible to modify the center of gravity of the oscillating mass. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le matériau des billes lourdes (12) est un alliage de platine et d'iridium et celui de billes légères (14) est un matériau d'origine organique ou synthétique.Winding device according to claim 8, characterized in that the material of the heavy balls (12) is an alloy of platinum and iridium and that of light beads (14) is a material of organic or synthetic origin. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les billes (12, 14) et/ou le chemin de roulement (10) ont en outre un revêtement à propriétés anti-chocs et tribologiques élevées.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the balls (12, 14) and / or the raceway (10) also have a coating with high impact and tribological properties. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le revêtement est du Téflon.Winding device according to claim 10, characterized in that the coating is Teflon. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la chaîne cinématique comporte un mécanisme inverseur permettant d'entraîner le dernier mobile de la chaîne toujours dans le même sens.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the kinematic chain comprises an inverter mechanism for driving the last mobile of the chain always in the same direction. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la source d'énergie est un ressort de barillet pour entraîner un mouvement mécanique.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy source is a mainspring for driving a mechanical movement. Dispositif de remontage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la source d'énergie est une génératrice permettant de charger une super capacité électrique pour alimenter un circuit électrique ou électronique.Winding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power source is a generator for charging a super capacitance to power an electrical or electronic circuit. Dispositif de remontage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pièce d'horlogerie est une montre-bracelet.Winding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the timepiece is a wristwatch.
EP05004666A 2005-03-03 2005-03-03 Automatic winding up device to power the energy source of a portable instrument Withdrawn EP1698949A1 (en)

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2397923A1 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-21 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece or jewellery item including moving elements
CH706144A1 (en) * 2012-02-29 2013-08-30 Richemont Int Sa Bidirectional automatic winding mechanism for a timepiece movement.
CH709181A1 (en) * 2014-01-28 2015-07-31 Ajs Production Sa Timepiece.
CN110579954A (en) * 2018-06-07 2019-12-17 蒙特雷布勒盖股份有限公司 Timepiece comprising a tourbillon
US20210191336A1 (en) * 2019-12-24 2021-06-24 Benoît MINTIENS Mechanically driven display

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1040433A (en) * 1951-08-09 1953-10-15 Self-winding watch movements
CH338764A (en) * 1958-05-17 1959-05-31 Le Coultre & Cie Mechanism of an automatic winding of a watch movement
DE1063980B (en) * 1953-01-22 1959-08-20 Helmut Hubbuch Dipl Ing Self-winding for clocks
CH348113A (en) * 1958-06-16 1960-07-31 Durowe Ag Winding device for portable clocks

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1040433A (en) * 1951-08-09 1953-10-15 Self-winding watch movements
DE1063980B (en) * 1953-01-22 1959-08-20 Helmut Hubbuch Dipl Ing Self-winding for clocks
CH338764A (en) * 1958-05-17 1959-05-31 Le Coultre & Cie Mechanism of an automatic winding of a watch movement
CH348113A (en) * 1958-06-16 1960-07-31 Durowe Ag Winding device for portable clocks

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2397923A1 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-21 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Timepiece or jewellery item including moving elements
CH706144A1 (en) * 2012-02-29 2013-08-30 Richemont Int Sa Bidirectional automatic winding mechanism for a timepiece movement.
CH709181A1 (en) * 2014-01-28 2015-07-31 Ajs Production Sa Timepiece.
CN110579954A (en) * 2018-06-07 2019-12-17 蒙特雷布勒盖股份有限公司 Timepiece comprising a tourbillon
US20210191336A1 (en) * 2019-12-24 2021-06-24 Benoît MINTIENS Mechanically driven display

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