EP2062102A2

EP2062102A2 - Timepiece movement allowing control of a display mechanism following a complex path and timepiece incorporating said movement

Info

Publication number: EP2062102A2
Application number: EP07804734A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Marc Wiederrecht; Paul Junod
Original assignee: Agenhor SA
Current assignee: Agenhor SA
Priority date: 2006-08-01
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2009-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2027-07-31
Also published as: EP1884841A1; WO2008015568A2; CN101512446A; JP2010506143A; WO2008015568A8; CN101512446B; US7969824B2; EP2062102B1; US20090185453A1; WO2008015568A3

Abstract

The present invention concerns a timepiece movement and the corresponding timepiece, comprising a frame (1) supporting a drive element, a time base and drive trains (9) pivotably mounted on the frame and arranged so as to drive at least one display train (13) intended to carry an element (23) displaying information, such as the time. The movement also comprises a fixed gear (22), firmly attached to the frame, with which a toothed element (14) of the display train is arranged to mesh, and a drive element (11) having first and second kinematic links, respectively, with one of the drive trains and with the toothed element so as to drive the latter in translation in a first direction along the fixed gear. Preferably, the drive element is embodied in the form of a deformable element, such as a belt, and the movement also comprises a retrograde mechanism (2, 3, 18) for driving the toothed element rapidly in the opposite direction by means of the drive element. As a result of this structure, the display element has a novel path (24) in operation, this path being mainly a function of the shape of the gear fixed to the frame.

Description

WATCHING MOVEMENT FOR CONTROLLING A DISPLAY BODY FOLLOWING A COMPLEX PATH AND PIECE

OF WATCH WITH SUCH A MOVEMENT Technical field

The present invention relates to a watch movement comprising a frame carrying a drive member, a time base and driving mobiles, pivotally mounted on the frame, arranged to drive at least one display mobile for to carry a display member of an information.

More particularly, the present invention relates to such a movement, and a timepiece incorporating this movement, arranged to allow the driving of a display member following an original trajectory, significantly different from the rotation conventional around a fixed axis with respect to the building of the movement.

State of the art

Many movements have been developed with which an original drive of a display member can be realized. In particular, many watch manufacturers have marketed retrograde movements whose interest lies in the particular kinematics of the associated display member.

For example, the patent application CH 666 591 A3, filed in the name of J.-M. Wiederrecht and R. Dubuis and published August 15, 1988, describes a movement of this type, having a cam in snail, having a substantially radial flank, and a rake comprising a finger cooperating with the periphery of the cam and a toothed sector cooperating with a pinion rotatably mounted on the frame of the movement. The pinion carries an indicator needle cooperating with a sector-shaped indicator and is subjected to a return torque exerted by a spiral spring. When the needle reaches one end of the sector, the finger of the rake falls along the radial flank of the cam under the effect of the torque of the spiral spring, bringing the needle to the beginning of the sector. US 5 103 434 proposes a movement in which a fixed toothing is engaged with a toothed member belonging to the display member being arranged in engagement with the fixed toothing. In addition, the movement comprises a drive member having first and second kinematic links, respectively, with one of the driving mobiles and with the display mobile for rolling the latter in translation, in a first sense. along the fixed teeth. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has the main purpose of providing an alternative to existing movements, including allowing an original drive indicator member. For this purpose, the invention relates more particularly to a movement for a timepiece of the type mentioned above. When a display member is assembled to the mobile display, it has a rotational movement which is combined with a displacement in translation along the fixed toothing, giving rise to a non-circular path of the body d display. According to the invention, the fixed toothing has a first and a second end, spaced apart from each other, the movement being arranged to also allow a drive of the display mobile in the opposite direction to the first direction. Advantageously, the movement comprises in this case a retrograde type mechanism. It can also provide at least one guide surface extending substantially constant distance from the fixed toothing and against which the display mobile is intended to be disposed at least indirectly in support. The drive member is preferably made in the form of a deformable loop, in particular by a belt or a chain. As an indication, the movement according to the present invention may advantageously be implemented in a timepiece to allow the display of different sizes, including the second, the minute, the hour, a second time zone , the day of the week, the calendar, the phases of the moon, a power reserve, an equation of time or the times of sunrise or sunset. Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

[0013] - Figure 1a shows a simplified top view of a part of a movement for a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a first operating position;

[0014] - Figure 1b shows a simplified top view of the movement of Figure Ia ₁ in a second operating position; [0015] - Figure 1c shows a simplified top view of the movement of Figure 1a, in a third operating position; [0016] - Figure 2a shows a simplified top view of a part of a movement for a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a first operating position; [0017] FIG. 2b represents a simplified top view of the movement of FIG. 2a, in a second operating position, and [0018] FIG. 2c represents a simplified top view of the movement of FIG. 2a, in a third operating position. Mode (s) of realization of the invention

All of the figures show a movement in which the present invention is implemented to control a time display needle, by way of non-limiting example.

Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show simplified views from above of a movement part for a timepiece having the features of the present invention according to a first preferred embodiment, in first, second and third operating positions. The movement shown in Figure 1a comprises a frame 1 carrying a motor member, which is not visible in the figures and, which may be a mainspring or a motor powered from a power source electric without affecting the implementation of the present invention. Source energy transmits its energy to a time base to maintain oscillations of the latter. Similarly, the time base may be a balance spring associated with an escapement or a quartz, without changing the nature of the present invention. Mobiles are driven in a conventional manner, from the finishing train, to control the movement of one or more display members.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, a wheel, not visible, which may be the hour wheel is driven from the gear train and carries a snail cam 2, integral with the barrel of the hour wheel. . Such structures are commonly used in retrograde type movements. The cam, as illustrated in the figures, is thus rotated in the clockwise direction.

A rake 3 is pivotally mounted on the frame by its base 4, from which extends an arm 5 having a toothing 6 in the form of a circular arc. One end of the toothing is extended by a finger 7 disposed in abutment against the periphery of the snail cam 2, so that the radius variations of the periphery of the cam, related to its rotation, cause the rake to pivot. reference to the frame. The toothing 6 of the rake is arranged in engagement with a pinion 8 of a mobile gear 9 pivotally mounted on the frame. The reduction gear comprises a wheel 10, integral in rotation with the pinion 8 and arranged in engagement with a drive member 11, elongate and deformable.

The drive member 11 may be made in various ways adapted to the implementation of the present invention, particularly in the form of a simple elastic, a belt, notched or not, or of chain. The use of a belt is schematized here. This is arranged on the frame 1 so as to be stretched between four pulleys 12 rotatably mounted on the frame.

The belt 11 is arranged simultaneously in engagement with a mobile display 13, more precisely with the toothing of a display wheel 14 of this mobile.

A tensioning mechanism 15 is also provided to ensure the maintenance of a minimum tension level of the belt 11, the latter having characteristics adapted to allow an efficient transmission of the movements of the belt 11 to the display wheel 14. This tensioning mechanism will not be described here in detail to the extent that the skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty for its implementation. artwork. The mobile display 13 further comprises a carriage 16, mounted free in translation on the frame of the movement and including a shaft 17 free to rotate with reference to the carriage and on which the display wheel 14 is mounted in solidarity. A spiral spring 18 is fixed to the carriage by a first end 19 and the shaft 17 by its second end (not visible). The spiral spring exerts a force on the shaft 17 tending to keep the display wheel 14 in the position shown in Figure 1a.

Furthermore, the movement according to the present invention also comprises a rail 22 having a toothing and fixedly mounted on the frame 1. The display wheel 14 is arranged to mesh permanently with the toothing of the rail 22.

Also shown in the figures, an hour hand 23 driven on the shaft 17 of the mobile display and intended to indicate the hours opposite indications 24, shown schematically in the figures and, worn by a dial (not visible). The operation of the mechanism which has just been described will be exposed now in connection with Figures 1a, 1b and 1c.

Consider, by way of nonlimiting illustration, that the hour hand 23 indicates midday or midnight in its position shown in Figure 1a, the indications 24 extending over twelve hours. Figure 1b shows the configuration of the movement six hours after that of Figure 1a. The snail cam 2 performs a half-turn during these six hours, according to the mode illustrated and described, which causes a rotation of the rake 3 in the counter-clockwise direction.

The pivoting of the rake induces the rotation of the reduction gear 9 in the clockwise direction, causing a translational movement of the belt.

11, towards the bottom of the figures in the region of the reduction mobile 9. Consequently, the portion of the belt 11 in engagement with the display wheel 14 moves simultaneously in translation, direction of the top of the figures, causing a rotation of the display wheel clockwise.

The rotation of the display wheel rolls without sliding on the toothing of the fixed rail 22, as a direct result of the meshing provided between these two elements, this movement being made possible by the ability of the carriage to move in translation relative to the frame. Thus, the shaft 17 of the display mobile has combined movements of translation and rotation which causes the free end of the needle 23 to follow a path corresponding to the curve schematically the indications 24 of the time. During the six hours between the configuration of Figure 1a of that of Figure 1b, the display wheel is a quarter turn, while it performs an additional quarter turn to reach the configuration of the figure.

1c, reached six hours after that of Figure 1b.

Moreover, in the twelve hours between the respective configurations of Figures 1a and 1c, the cam 2 performs a complete revolution so that in the configuration of Figure 1c, the finger 7 of the rake is close to the radial flank 200 of the periphery of the cam.

The pivoting of the rake 3 during these twelve hours opposes the force exerted by the spiral spring 18 on the shaft 17 of the display mobile. Thus, when the finger 7 of the rake crosses the radial flank of the cam 2, because of the continuous rotation of the latter, the kinematic chain connecting the rake to the display wheel 14, comprising the mobile gear 9 and the belt 11, is able to undergo the force exerted by the spiral spring on the shaft 17 to produce a rapid retrograde movement of the display unit 13, this kinematic chain and the rake 3.

As has been described above, the torque experienced by the display wheel induces combined movements of rotation and translation of the latter due to its meshing with the teeth of the fixed rail 22. The wheel display then rolls quickly on the toothing of the fixed rail, driving the carriage 16 in a translation with reference to the frame, as it returns to its initial position, namely that shown in Figure 1a.

At the same time, the hour hand 23, integral in rotation with the shaft 17, describes a reverse trajectory of that traveled during the twelve previous hours. A new cycle of twelve hours starts again at this moment, as it has just been described.

Note that the location of the spiral spring as shown and described is preferred, but not limiting, because it avoids the appearance of games in the kinematic connection between the rake 3 and the wheel d display 14, without having to resort to special types of gears that are an effective alternative but more expensive.

Moreover, a time setting rod 30, which can also fulfill the winding function, has been shown schematically in the figures. The skilled person will not encounter any particular difficulty for its implementation, according to its own needs.

It is also schematized the presence of a dial, which could be transparent for aesthetic reasons, arranged above the movement, when it is mounted in a timepiece box, this dial comprising a slot 31 rectilinear defining support surfaces, or guidance, lateral for the mobile display 13 during its translational movement with reference to the frame. For example, it is possible for the carriage 16 to carry a barrel coaxial with the shaft 17 and whose periphery is disposed in permanent contact with the edges of the slot 31. [0045] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate a second embodiment of FIG. preferred embodiment of the movement according to the present invention, in particular the fact that the latter is of course not limited to the shape of the fixed rail bearing the gear with which meshes the display wheel, or to the gearing factor implemented between the teeth of the rake and the display wheel. In addition, the second embodiment illustrates the fact that the trajectory of the display member depends mainly on the shape of the fixed toothing as well as this reduction factor, considered in relation to the length of the race of the wheel. display on the fixed teeth.

The elements already described in relation to the first embodiment bear the same numerical references for reasons of simplification and will not be repeated in detail.

[0047] Two main changes have been made while passing from the first embodiment to the second, namely the dimensioning of the wheel. the wheel 114 being of smaller dimensions than the display wheel 14, and the shape of the fixed rail 122 bearing the toothing on which the display wheel rolls. The fixed rail has been schematized as being reduced to a toothing in order to simplify the figures, in a nonlimiting manner. The fact that the display wheel 114 has a small diameter significantly increases the angle traveled by the hour hand 23, the curvature of the fixed rail influencing the shape of the trajectory followed by the display wheel 114 when it rolls on the fixed toothing, and therefore the trajectory followed by the free end of the needle 23. As in Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, indications of time 124 have been schematized by a double line , in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c, these having substantially the shape of a heart. Furthermore, it is also schematized the presence of a dial, possibly transparent for aesthetic reasons, in which is formed a slot 131, curved, defining guide surfaces for the carriage 16. The slot 131 extends preferably at a constant distance from the rail 122 to maintain the meshing between the display wheel

114 and the toothing of the fixed rail 122 during translational movements of the carriage 16.

Figures 2b and 2c illustrate the respective configurations of the movement of Figure 2a six hours later and ten hours later. As the operation of the mechanism is identical to what has been described above, it will not be discussed in more detail.

In particular, when the cam 2 completes a complete revolution, the finger 7 of the rake 3 crosses the radial flank 200 of the cam, which causes a rapid return of the elements of the kinematic chain between the rake and the wheel display, to their respective initial positions, namely those visible in Figure 2a. As in the first embodiment, the retrograde movement is induced by the force exerted by the spiral spring 18 on the shaft 17 of the display unit 113. The foregoing description corresponds to preferred embodiments. of the invention described in a non-limiting manner. In particular, the shapes shown and described for the various constituent elements of the movement for a timepiece are not limiting. As mentioned above, the movement according to the present invention can be implemented to achieve the display of different quantities as an alternative to the time display, among which a second time zone, the minute, the second, the day of the week, the date, the phases of the moon, and even other quantities such as the power reserve, the equation of time, the time of sunrise or sunset. Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the known mechanisms of the state of the art for displaying these quantities during the implementation of the present invention. Of course, in the case of the display of the power reserve, for example, the movement would include a bidirectional drive mechanism of the belt, or other such drive member, to account for the load and discharge of a mainspring, replacing the retrograde mechanism just described. It may be noted that in the case where the present invention is implemented in a timepiece of the electromechanical type, the gear trains can be any and the person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty for adapt them to your own needs.

Similarly, it is possible to provide a jumping display of the desired size. As an illustration, from the described embodiments, it is conceivable to mount a star of twelve integral in rotation with the cam 2 to obtain displacements of the cam in successive jumps.

Moreover, it is possible to provide a correction of the value of the displayed quantity in increments of one unit. Thus, in the case of the hour, one could provide a corrector which, with each pressure, would turn the cam 2 by a twelfth of a turn.

As previously mentioned, the drive member 11 may be made in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention, particularly in the form of a belt, notched or not, a simple elastic, or of a chain. Likewise, the person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in modifying the number and the locations of the pulleys, or other suitable guiding means, such as described in connection with the two embodiments which have just been exposed. The same applies to the illustrated tensioning member. It will also be possible to use simultaneously two mechanisms of the type that has just been described in the same movement, or more, such as for example to display the hour and minute following two original trajectories.

Claims

claims

1. Watch movement comprising:

- a frame (1) carrying a driving member, a time base and driving mobiles (9), pivotally mounted on said frame, arranged to drive at least one display mobile (13) intended to carry a display member (23) for information,

a fixed toothing (22) integral with said frame, said display unit comprising a toothed member (14) meshing with said fixed toothing, and

a drive member (11) having a first and a second kinematic connection, respectively, with one of said driving mobiles (9) and with said toothed member (14) for rolling the latter in translation, in a first direction, along said fixed toothing,

- characterized in that said fixed toothing (22) has a first and second distinct ends, and in that it is arranged to also allow a drive of said toothed member in the opposite direction to said first direction.

2. Movement according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a retrograde mechanism (2, 3, 18) for enabling a drive of said toothed member (14) at a first speed in said first direction from an initial position to a final position and driving said toothed member at a second faster speed in said opposite direction from said final position to said initial position.

3. Movement according to claim 2, characterized in that said retrograde mechanism comprises a spiral spring (18) mounted coaxial with said toothed member (14) and arranged to act on the latter to roll on said fixed toothing (22) in said opposite direction from said final position to said initial position.

4. Movement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide surface (31) extending substantially constant distance from said fixed toothing (22) and against which said mobile of display (13) is intended to be arranged at least indirectly in support.

5. Movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drive member (11) is deformable.

6. Movement according to claim 5, characterized in that said drive member (11) is an elastic, a belt, preferably notched, or a chain.

7. Movement according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one tensioning member (15) acting on said drive member (11) to keep it powered in all positions of said mobile d display (13).

8. A timepiece comprising a box closed by an ice and containing a movement according to one of claims 1 to 7, a needle (23), visible through said lens, being carried by said display mobile to display information taken in the group including the second, the minute, the hour, a second time zone, the day of the week, the date, the phases of the Moon.

9. Timepiece comprising a box closed by an ice and containing a movement according to one of claims 1 to 7, a needle (23), visible through said mirror, being carried by said display mobile to display information in the group consisting of the power reserve, the equation of time, the time of sunrise or sunset.