EP2238518B1 - Modular timepiece movement - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a timepiece movement comprising a first module provided with a first frame and at least one first movable rotatably mounted on the first frame, a second module provided with a second frame and at least one a second mobile rotatably mounted on the second frame, the first and second mobiles being kinematically connected to one another, positioning means and means for fixing the modules with each other, associated with the first and the second frame, said positioning means being arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of one of said first or second mobiles and being arranged to allow relative positioning of the two modules in several angular positions with reference to the axis of rotation of the mobile to which the positioning means are concentric.

State of the art

Such a timepiece movement is for example represented in the patent application EP 0 354 194 . This document describes a timepiece comprising a movement constituting a first module mounted in a housing and having a shaft defining the axis of movement. This first module comprises a wheel axis of rotation axis of movement, said wheel constituting the first mobile. The part also includes a second module for displaying the time, and comprising a shaft defining the axis of the module. This second module comprises a wheel cooperating with the wheel of the movement, and constituting the second mobile. The display module is fixed to the housing and the movement by means of coupling elements which are arranged symmetrically about the axis of the housing in order to allow the axis of the display module to be arranged in different positions. presenting the same eccentricity around the axis of the case.

If the motion manufacturer wishes to position differently from other elements of the movement than those of the display module, it is necessary to design another structure of the movement and consequently a other turntable, whose holes will have been adapted for this new arrangement. This forces the manufacturer to design, manufacture and store as many plates as positioning variants of the different elements.

Other solutions have been proposed in order to vary the display of hours. Thus, "multi-function" turntables have been developed. Such platinum is for example described in the patent application EP 1 826 636 . The platen is designed so that different complementary dials and the corresponding display mechanisms may or may not be present on the main dial around the time display hands, depending on the wishes of the manufacturer. However, this solution requires to always position in the same places the displays that you want to use. If one wishes to change the layout of the complementary displays, it is, again, necessary to provide as many plates as variants of positioning of the various elements.

FR 2 174 121 discloses a timepiece movement in which a basic movement comprises bodies of the time setting, the reassembly, the driving force, the transmission and the indication of the time. This base also comprises a housing for receiving a member corresponding to an exhaust system.

An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages, by proposing a timepiece movement to vary the layout of the different displays according to the wishes of the manufacturer, using the same plate, and without having to change its design .

Disclosure of the invention

For this purpose, and in accordance with the present invention according to claim 1, there is provided a timepiece movement comprising a first module provided with a first frame and at least one first movable rotatably mounted on the first frame, a second module provided with a second frame and at least one second mobile rotatably mounted on the second frame, the first and second mobiles being kinematically connected to one another, positioning means and means for fixing the modules with each other, associated with the first and second frames, said positioning means being arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation of one of said first or second mobiles and being arranged to allow relative positioning of the two modules in several angular positions with reference to the axis of rotation of the mobile to which the positioning means are concentric.

According to the invention, one of said first and second modules is a basic module comprising a plate and a cylinder, said cylinder constituting the first and the second mobile, respectively.

Thus, the manufacturer has only one type of modules to manufacture and store. The different models of movement are made from the same first and second modules and differ by modifying the relative positioning of the two modules according to different angular positions of one with respect to the other.

Advantageously, said positioning means may comprise a plurality of orifices distributed concentrically to the first mobile, and at least one foot arranged to be engaged in said orifices, the orifices and the foot being arranged one on the frame of the first module, the others on the frame of the second, and arranged to cooperate with the fastening means. In particular, the positioning means may comprise pillars fixed on the frame of the second module and extended by a foot arranged to be engaged in one of the orifices distributed on the frame of the first module.

According to the variants, said orifices may have the shape of continuous oblong annular segments or be discrete, of axial symmetry shape, for example round.

Advantageously, the movement according to the invention may furthermore comprise means for displaying the hour and minutes, and positioning means for said means for displaying the hour and minutes, arranged concentrically at the first mobile and arranged to allow positioning of the hour and minute display means according to a plurality of angular positions around the first mobile.

In this case, the movement may comprise connecting means arranged to allow a kinematic link between the first mobile and the display means of the hour and minutes, regardless of the position of the time display means and minutes around the first mobile.

The movement may also include a time setting mechanism arranged to cooperate with the means for displaying the time and minutes, regardless of the position of the display means of the hour and minutes around the first mobile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first module may be a basic module comprising a plate having a central axis, and a cylinder, said cylinder constituting the first mobile. Preferably, the barrel is mounted on the central axis of the plate.

Advantageously, the means for displaying the hours and minutes can be kinematically connected to the barrel, without kinematic connection with the second module.

The second module may include at least one finishing train connected kinematically to the first mobile and which one of the different mobile can be the second mobile. In particular when the cylinder is mounted in the center of the plate, the finishing train can be kinematically connected to the cylinder, and the wheel of high average can be the second mobile.

The present invention also relates to a timepiece comprising a movement as described above.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue de dessous d'un mouvement selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un deuxième module selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'une variante d'un mouvement selon l'invention, les aiguilles étant à 3h,
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, mais les aiguilles étant dans une autre position,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4, mais l'aiguille des secondes étant au centre,
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus d'une autre variante d'un mouvement selon l'invention, les aiguilles étant au centre,
• la figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 6, mais l'aiguille des secondes étant à 6 h, et
• la figure 8 représente une vue en coupe du pilier utilisé dans l'invention pour l'assemblage des modules.

Other features of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a bottom view of a movement according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of a second module according to the invention,
• the figure 3 is a top view of a variant of a movement according to the invention, the needles being at 3 o'clock,
• the figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 3 but the needles being in another position,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4 but the seconds hand is in the center,
• the figure 6 is a view from above of another variant of a movement according to the invention, the needles being in the center,
• the figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 6 but the seconds hand is at 6 o'clock, and
• the figure 8 represents a sectional view of the pillar used in the invention for assembling the modules.

Mode (s) of realization of the invention

A first variant of a timepiece movement is represented on the Figures 1 to 5 .

According to this variant, the movement 1 comprises a first module, hereinafter called base module 2, which comprises a plate 3 part of a first frame, and a barrel 4 enclosing a spring and constituting the first mobile, rotatably mounted on the central axis 5 of the plate 3. It is obvious that the plate can be of barrel or barrel shape, the barrel can be offset from the center.

In the variant shown, the base module 2 also comprises a winding stem 6 which conventionally assures the functions of winding the mainspring and setting the needles. For this purpose, the winding stem 6 comprises, for example, a winding pinion 7 and a sliding pinion 8 making it possible to implement one or the other of the functions of the winding stem 6.

It is obvious that, in other variants of the invention, the winding stem can belong to another module, independent of the base module 2.

With particular reference to the figure 1 , the winding mechanism of the mainspring is conventional. It more specifically comprises a ratchet wheel 9 and a pawl 9a cooperating with the ratchet wheel 9 to prevent it from backing up, the ratchet wheel 9 being kinematically connected to the winding pinion 7 by means of a gear train 10. This mechanism is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail.

The movement 1 according to the invention comprises a second module, hereinafter called finishing module 15, represented more particularly on the figure 2 .

This finishing module 15 comprises an upper finishing module plate 16 and a lower finishing module plate 17, shaped annular sector, constituting the second frame. A finishing gear train, comprising a medium wheel 18, a medium wheel 19 and a second wheel 20 and the associated gear wheels, is rotatably mounted between the top 16 and lower 17 finishing plate plates. medium is arranged to mesh with the barrel 4 and is, with the wheel of high average, the second mobile. Between the top finishing module plates 16 and lower 17 is also rotatably mounted an exhaust mobile 21. The finishing module 15 further comprises an anchor 22 rotatably mounted between an anchor bridge 23 and the finishing module plate lower 17, and a sprung balance 24 rotatably mounted between a cock 25 and the bottom finishing module plate 17. All these elements are known per se and will not be described in more detail.

The finishing module 15 is mounted on the lower face of the plate 3 by means of positioning means and fastening means associated with the plate 3 of the base module 2 and with the frame of the finishing module 15.

• une pluralité d'orifices 30 réalisés sur la platine, répartis concentriquement au barillet 4, et agencés pour pouvoir disposer le module de finissage 15 autour du barillet 4 selon différentes positions angulaires,
• plusieurs piliers 31 fixés au bâti du module de finissage 15 et comprenant chacun un pied 32 agencé pour pouvoir être engagé dans l'un des orifices 30 de la platine 3, choisi en fonction du positionnement souhaité du module de finissage 15.

According to the invention, said positioning means of the finishing module comprise:

• a plurality of orifices 30 made on the plate, distributed concentrically with the barrel 4, and arranged to be able to arrange the finishing module 15 around the barrel 4 according to different angular positions,
• several pillars 31 fixed to the frame of the finishing module 15 and each comprising a foot 32 arranged to be engaged in one of the orifices 30 of the plate 3, chosen according to the desired positioning of the finishing module 15.

As shown more specifically figure 8 , the pillar 31 is fixed to the upper finishing module plate 16 by means of a screw 33. In a clever way, the pillar 31 is extended by its foot 32 arranged so that it can be engaged first in an orifice of the bottom finishing module plate 17 and then adjusted in a hole 30 of the plate 3 opposite. The assembly is held by a screw 34. The pillar 31 and its foot 32 are arranged to cooperate with the screws 33 and 34, which constitute the fixing means of the modules 2 and 15 with each other.

The orifices 30 have the shape of continuous oblong segments. It is obvious that they can also be discrete, and have for example the shape of circular holes distributed around the periphery of the plate 3 concentrically to the cylinder 4, with a periodicity such that the feet 32 can be engaged in several positions .

With reference more specifically to Figures 3 to 5 , the movement 1 according to the invention further comprises means for displaying the hour and minutes, and positioning members of these display means, arranged concentrically with the barrel 4 and arranged to allow positioning of the means displaying the hour and minutes according to several angular positions around the barrel 4.

The means for displaying the hour and minutes comprise connecting means ensuring the kinematic connection with the barrel 4, whatever the position of the means for displaying the hour and minutes around the barrel 4.

With reference more specifically to the figure 3 , which represents a first possible position of the means of displaying the hour and minutes placed at 3 o'clock, the means for displaying the hour and minutes comprise an hour hand 40 carried by a hour wheel 41, a minute hand 42 carried by a roadway 43, which is assembled to a pinion 44 by lanterning. The pinion 44 is arranged to mesh with the barrel 4. Furthermore, there is provided a timer wheel 45 and a timer gear 46 rotatably mounted on the axis 5 of the plate 3 which provide the kinematic connection between the barrel 4 and the display means of the hours and minutes, without connection with the gear train. The timer gear 46 is arranged to mesh with the hour wheel 41 and the timer wheel 45 is arranged to mesh with the roadway 43.

The positioning members 47 comprise an axis intended to carry the lantern pinion 44 and the roadway 43, and circular orifices distributed in an arc of circle on the plate 3 around the cylinder 4 and arranged to receive this axis, according to different positions with respect to the barrel 4.

In this variant, the second is displayed by means of a second hand 48 carried by the second wheel 20 of the finishing module 15, and equipped with an axis 50. The finishing module 15 has been positioned on the plate 3 at the appropriate place to obtain the desired position of the second wheel 20. It is then provided in the plate 3 a clearance 49 allowing the passage of the axis 50 of the seconds hand 48. The clearance 49 is in the form of an annular segment, concentric with the barrel 4, in order to be able to modify the position of the second hand 48 as a function of the position of the finishing module 15, as will be seen later.

There is also provided a time setting mechanism arranged to cooperate with the means for displaying the hour and minutes, regardless of the position of these means around the barrel 4.

This mechanism conventionally comprises the winding stem 6, elements allowing the displacement of the sliding pinion 8 until it meshes with a first return 51. This meshes with a second return 52 which is arranged to mesh with the road 43.

During normal movement 1, the barrel 4 meshes with the lantern pinion 44 which is then secured to the floor 43 which drives the minute hand 42. The floor 43 meshes with the timer wheel 45 and its timer gear 46 meshes with the hour wheel 41 which drives the hour hand 40.

For setting the time, the sliding pinion 8 of the winding stem 6 is positioned to mesh with the reference 51, which meshes with the return 52. For setting the minutes, the latter meshes with the road 43 which because of the lanternage, turn on the lantern pinion 44 without training. The floor 43 meshes with the timer wheel 45 driving the timer gear 46 which cooperates with the hour wheel 41 for setting the hours.

It is obvious that the number of referrals may vary depending on the size and layout of the means of displaying the hour and minutes.

The figure 4 shows, for example, a movement for which the means for displaying the hour and minutes have been placed in a position other than that represented on the figure 3 , by arranging the axis of the roadway 43 and of the lantern pinion 44 in another hole 47 around the barrel 4. All the pieces are identical to those shown in FIG. figure 3 . In addition, there is provided an additional return 53 which ensures the kinematic connection between the second return 52 and the timer wheel 45.

It is possible to place the second hand 48 in the center of the plate 3, as shown in FIG. figure 5 , the other references being otherwise identical to those of figures 3 and 4 . In this case, there is provided a reference 54 cooperating with the second wheel 20 of the finishing module 15 - and a second wheel 55 rotatably mounted in the center of the plate 3.

The figures 6 and 7 represent another variant of a movement according to the invention, for which the means for displaying the hour and minutes are located in the center of the plate 3. In this case, said means for displaying the time and minutes comprise an hour hand 60 carried by the hour wheel 61, a minute hand 62 carried by the roadway 63. The barrel 4 cooperates with a pinion 64 assembled to a reference 67 by lanterning. Referral 67 meshes with a timer wheel 65 integral with a timing gear 66, which together form a timer can be rotatably mounted in one of the holes provided on the plate 3. The timing gear 66 is arranged to mesh with the hour wheel 61 and the timer wheel 65 is arranged to mesh with the roadway 63.

The second hand 68 is also placed in the center of the plate 3. For this, the finishing module 15 has been moved and positioned on the plate 3 so that the second wheel 20 is at 6 o'clock. There is then provided a return 69 cooperating with the second wheel 20 of the finishing module 15 and a second wheel 70 rotatably mounted in the center of the plate 3.

In the variant shown on the figure 7 , the references being identical to those of the figure 6 , the seconds hand 68 is for example positioned at 6 o'clock and is directly carried by the second wheel 20 of the finishing module 15. The return 69 and the second wheel 70 are then no longer necessary.

According to the invention, the seconds hand can occupy different positions relative to the barrel 4. For this, the finishing module 15 can be arranged on the lower face of the plate 3, according to different positions, around the barrel 4, by inserting the legs 32 of the pillars 31 of the finishing module 15 into the orifices 30 of the plate 3 at the desired locations, and screwing them by means of the screws 33 and 34.

Moreover, the means for displaying the hour and minutes may be arranged on the upper face of the plate 3, according to different positions, around the barrel 4, by introducing the axis of the roadway into the orifice of the platinum 3 at the desired location.

Thus, the movement can have different configurations, using a single plate and changing a minimum of parts.

In the variant shown here, the finishing module and the time display means are on either side of the plate, but it is obvious that they can be arranged on the same side. The movement may also include a retrograde display on one side or the other of the platen.

The person skilled in the art knows how to adapt the dimensions and the number of teeth of the different mobiles and references in order to respect the kinematic links between the different elements and the speeds of rotation of the different mobiles, whatever the positions of the finishing module and the means of rotation. display of the hour and minutes around the barrel.

It is obvious that the modules may have other functions, such as power-reserve modules, date display modules, time zone modules, or chronograph modules, comprising a mobile link kinematic for example with the barrel. These modules can then be used separately or in combination, and be arranged on the board or with respect to other modules without the need to change board or modules.

It is also obvious that the invention is not limited to the example described, and that the basic module comprising the barrel can be positioned so that the barrel is not in the center of the movement. Similarly, it is obvious that the positioning means of the modules can be arranged concentrically with the axis of rotation of the mobile of another module, different from the cylinder, the module comprising the cylinder can then occupy several angular positions with reference to the axis of rotation of this mobile to which the positioning means are concentric.

Thus, thanks to the characteristics of the movement according to the invention, it is possible to perform movements allowing the display of different functions, in combinations or independently of one another, the display can be provided in different places of the dial, without having to make modifications to the frame.

Claims (12)

1. A timepiece movement (1) comprising a first module provided with a first frame (3) and at least one first wheel (4) rotatably mounted on the first frame, a second module (15) provided with a second frame and at least one second wheel (18) rotatably mounted on said second frame, the first and second wheels being kinematically connected to each other, one of said first and second modules being a basic module comprising a plate (3) and a barrel (4), said barrel (4) making up the first, second wheel, respectively, said movement further comprising positioning means (30) and fastening means (33) for the modules with respect to one another, associated with the first and second frames, said positioning means being positioned concentrically to the axis of rotation of one of the first or second wheels, characterized in that said positioning means are arranged to allow relative positioning of the two modules in several angular positions in reference to the axis of rotation (5) of the wheel to which the positioning means are concentric.
2. The movement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning means comprise a plurality of orifices (30) distribute concentrically to the first wheel, and at least one foot (32) arranged to be able to be engaged in said orifices (30), the orifices (30) and the foot (32) being positioned for the former on the frame of the first module, and the latter on the frame of the second, and arranged to cooperate with the fastening means.
3. The movement (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said positioning means comprise pillars (31) fastened on the frame of the second module and extended by a foot (32) arranged to be engaged in one of the orifices (30) distributed on the frame of the first module.
4. The movement (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that said orifices (30) assume the form of continuous oblong annular segments.
5. The movement according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that said orifices are discrete.
6. The movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for displaying the hour and minutes, and positioning members (47) of the means for displaying the hour and minutes, positioned concentrically to the first wheel, and arranged to allow positioning of the means for displaying the hour and minutes in several angular positions around the first wheel.
7. The movement according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a setting mechanism arranged to cooperate with the means for displaying the hour and minutes, irrespective of the position of the means for displaying the hour and minutes around the first wheel.
8. The movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first module is a basic module comprising a plate (3) having a central axis (5) and a barrel (4), said barrel (4) making up the first wheel.
9. The movement according to claim 8, characterized in that the barrel (4) is mounted on the central axis (5) of the plate (3).
10. The movement according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the means for displaying the hour and minutes are kinematically connected only to the barrel (4).
11. The movement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second module comprises at least one going train kinematically connected to the first wheel and whereof one of the different wheels may make up the second wheel.
12. A timepiece, characterized in that it comprises a movement according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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