EP2363761A1 - Torque measurement device for stopping a chime - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a mobile torque measuring pallet (1) e.g. torque measuring wheel, driven by a striking wheel (11) and whose trajectory indirectly interferes with that of the wheel. The pallet is permanently subjected to resisting force of determined value, which opposes a driving force exerted on the pallet by the striking wheel during rotation of the striking wheel. The pallet blocks the wheel rotation if the driving force is lower than the resisting force, and authorizes the wheel rotation by releasing the striking wheel if the driving force is not lower than the resisting force. An independent claim is also included for a striking mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source.

Description

The present invention relates to a torque measuring device for striking a ringing mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, the training of at least one ringing wheel using a portion of the energy transmitted by said energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one stamp.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, driving at least one ring wheel using a part of the energy transmitted by said energy source for resonating at least one timbre, and comprising at least one such torque measuring device.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such striking mechanism.

The invention is in the field of striking mechanisms for timepieces.

The recurring problem in a ringing device in passing is that, if the ringing barrel no longer delivers the torque needed to complete the entire ring sequence, the ringing tone will not run completely, or will not be triggered at the hour is right, which is more serious.

This recurring problem has never found a practical solution.

Timepieces with advanced striking mechanism have been known for a long time, particularly in the field of watches so-called complicated such as repeating watches or big-bell watches. For a good understanding of the state of the art in the field of complicated watches, reference can be made to François Lecoultre's "Complicated Watches" (ISBN 2-88175-000-1). chapters relating to watches equipped with a striking mechanism (pages 97 to 205).

In the field of striking mechanisms, there are known devices preventing the operation of the bell during the time setting, for example by the patent document. CH 14979 in the name of John Meylan, describing an isolator designed for this purpose, or by the patent document EP 1 429 214 B1 , on behalf of Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta Haute Horlogerie SA, which includes means for locking a time-setting lever as soon as a particular moving part of the striking mechanism is moved away from its rest position. But no known device has been marketed with a function of monitoring the potential of the ringer barrel, in short the ringer power reserve.

The invention proposes to solve the problem of incomplete or out of phase ring tones with respect to their theoretical position, by the permanent monitoring of the ringer power reserve, and the blocking of the ringer as soon as the engine potential of its mechanism is insufficient for proper operation.

To this end, the invention relates to a torque measuring device for striking a ringing mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, driving at least one ringing wheel using part of the energy transmitted by said energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one stamp, characterized in that it comprises at least one measurement lift mobile torque, of interfering trajectory with that of said ringing wheel, and arranged to be driven by said ringing wheel, said torque measurement being continuously subjected to a resisting force of determined value opposing a motor force exerted on said torque measurement lift by said ringing wheel during its rotation, and said torque measurement lift blocking the rotation of said ringing wheel if said motor force is less than said resisting force of determined value, and allowing the rotation of said ringing wheel by its release in the opposite case.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said resistant force is applied to said torque measurement lift by a branch of a support spring.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, driving at least one ring wheel using a part of the energy transmitted by said energy source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, and comprising at least one such torque measuring device.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such striking mechanism.

The invention has the advantage of allowing either the correct sequence of a ringing sequence in its entirety at the planned time, or the blocking of the striking mechanism until its reassembly.

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématisée, partielle, en vue en plan, d'un mécanisme de sonnerie pour pièce d'horlogerie comportant un dispositif de mesure de couple selon l'invention, dans un premier mode préféré de réalisation ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation similaire à la figure 1, d'un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans une position où le dispositif de mesure de couple selon l'invention s'oppose à la poursuite de la rotation d'une roue de sonnerie ;
• la figure 3 est une représentation du mécanisme de la figure 2, d'un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans une position où le dispositif de mesure de couple selon l'invention autorise la poursuite de la rotation d'une roue de sonnerie.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the correction mechanism according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and nonlimiting purposes only in connection with the attached drawing in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation, partial, in plan view, of a striking mechanism for a timepiece comprising a torque measuring device according to the invention, in a first preferred embodiment;
• the figure 2 is a representation similar to the figure 1 of a second embodiment of the invention, in a position where the torque measuring device according to the invention opposes the further rotation of a ringing wheel;
• the figure 3 is a representation of the mechanism of the figure 2 , a second embodiment of the invention, in a position where the torque measuring device according to the invention allows the further rotation of a ringing wheel.

The invention is in the field of striking mechanisms for timepieces.

The invention relates to a torque measuring device 10 for striking a striking mechanism. This striking mechanism comprises, in a conventional manner, at least one rechargeable energy source, such as a ring spring, spiral spring or the like, or a set of weights, or the like, which is intended to drive at least one wheel of ring 11 single or multiple. Whatever the nature of the energy source, mechanical, electrical, or other, the invention aims to prohibit an incorrect continuation of the ringing cycle in case of insufficient motor force provided by the energy source, until it is refueled at a sufficient energy level for proper operation of the striking mechanism. The ringing wheel 11 has a cam track for each ring tone to be controlled. The invention is here described for the particular application to timepieces whose spring energy source is mechanical, spring type. It is understood that it applies in the same way to pendulums where the source of energy consists of weights, or to the case of sources of electrical energy, hydraulic, or other, and will not be particularly described for these particular applications.

The striking mechanism comprises an anchor 8 which allows, at times planned by the mechanism and / or by its user, the driving of at least one ringing wheel 11 using a part of the energy transmitted by the energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one stamp 13, to resonate it. The bell anchor 8 has a trajectory interfering with that of the ringing wheel 11, and prohibits the rotation thereof at any time other than an instant planned by the movement of the timepiece, or planned by the user in the case of an alarm clock, this planned time being hereinafter also called "on time". At this planned time, the ring anchor 8 releases the ringing wheel 11, and allows its rotation. This ring anchor 8 comprises a stop which may be constituted by a trigger tooth 9 as visible in the figures, or by a lever, or a wheel, or other. On the figure 1 , which illustrates the example of a striking mechanism with two stamps 13 and 13A, the anchor comprises two pallets 2 and 3 constituting such trigger fingers 9. It is understood that the anchor 8, thanks to its pallets 2 and 3, releases the ringing wheel, for a ringing cycle, corresponding for example, in the case of the figure 1 at 1/6 of a turn, ie an angular sector of 60 ° of the ringing wheel 11. Preferably, the ringing anchor 8 comprises at least one tooth 9 with a radial stroke with respect to the ringing wheel, or with a circular race interfering with it, or the like.

Each cam track of the ringing wheel 11, these cams being constituted preferentially by teeth 12, cooperates with a hammer lift 4, respectively 4A in the example of FIG. figure 1 , corresponding to the stamp 13, respectively 13A, which it must play. This hammer lift 4, 4A is biased by elastic return means, in particular a spring, to a rest position. When the rotation of the ringing wheel 11 is authorized by the ring anchor 8, one of the teeth 12 of the ringing wheel 11 cooperates with a tooth that includes the hammer lift 4, 4A, transmits part of the energy provided by the ringing spring, away from its return position, then let it fall, then allowing the percussion on the stamp 13, 13A.

The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of checking, after a ringing sequence, the torque remaining in the energy source mechanism for ringing, barrel spring ring for watches and table clocks, weight for clocks.

If the remaining measured torque is sufficient to allow the next ring sequence to proceed smoothly, the current ring sequence is allowed to terminate normally, and the ringing mechanism resume its position for the next ring sequence. Otherwise, it locks the ring and prohibits its triggering.

According to the invention, the torque measurement device 10 for striking a ringing mechanism comprises at least one movable torque measurement 1, of interfering trajectory, at least indirectly, with that of a ringing wheel 11, and arranged to be pivotally driven by it. This torque measurement lift 1 is permanently subjected to a resisting force of determined value opposing a motor force exerted on the torque measurement lift 1 by the ringing wheel 11 during its rotation. The torque measuring lift 1 blocks the rotation of the ringing wheel 11 if the motor force is less than the resisting force of determined value, and allows the rotation of the ringing wheel 11 by its release in the opposite case.

The torque lift 1 according to the invention can be movable in different ways: by pivoting, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated by the figures, by flexion, by translation, or in any combined movement, provided that it is always subjected to this resistant force of determined value, and that it can occupy at least one locking position of the ringing wheel 11, and at least one open position allowing rotation of the latter.

After the ringing in the passage, that is to say after the cooperation of a tooth 12 of the ringing wheel 11 with a hammer lift 4, 4A, to resonate a stamp 13, 13A, the ringing wheel 11 comes into contact with a torque measuring lift 1. This is subjected to the action of a resistant force, able to exert on it a couple of a resisting force of determined value. Preferably, this resistant force is provided by a spring 7 acting on the torque measuring lift 1. The latter is preferably pivotally mounted, and may take the form of a torque measuring wheel, as visible in the figures. The torque measurement lift 1 may also be constituted by a lever, or the like. The transmission of the force resistant to the torque measuring lift 1 can be done either by a pivot, as visible on the figure 1 , or by friction on a track 1 B that includes the torque measurement lift as visible on the Figures 2 and 3 . Other forms of torque measurement lifts 1 and other means of applying the resistive force may be contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention. The torque measuring lift 1 is thus permanently subjected to a resisting force of determined value, which opposes a motor force exerted by the ringing wheel 11 during its rotation.

If the driving force of the ringing wheel 11 is sufficient to pass the torque measurement lift 1 is that there is enough torque for a future ring, and the ringing wheel 11 continues its path to the trigger system comprising the anchor 8, to wait for the next trigger.

If the motor force is not sufficient to pass the torque measurement lift 1, the ringing wheel 11 is blocked, and the future trigger will be inoperative.

In case of shock, if the torque measurement lift 1 releases the ringing wheel 11 by the shock, no ringing is done, the wheel goes to the trigger and sound well on time.

In case of reassembly of the ring, the energy source reconstitutes its torque reserve, and the torque measurement lift 1 releases the ringing wheel 11, no ringing is done, the ringing wheel 11 goes to the trigger and will ring at the next hour.

Advantageously, the resistant force applied to the torque measurement lift 1 is adjustable. In the case of a spring 7, its calibration is easily adjusted by an adjustable setting means, or an eccentric screw 6 as shown in the figures, or the like.

During the course of a ringing sequence, during which the ringing anchor 8 authorizes the rotation of the ringing wheel 11, each tooth 12 of the latter comes to rest, successively, on the torque measuring lift 1.

If the torque remaining in the driving spring of the ringing wheel 11 is, at the end of the ringing sequence, sufficient to allow the next ringing sequence to proceed in its entirety, the tooth 12 of the ringing wheel 11 overcomes the resistance of the torque measurement lift 1 and escapes it, before coming to rest on the trigger finger 9 of the anchor 8, or when another of the teeth 12 of the ringing wheel 11 bears on the anchor 8. The mechanism then allows the continuation of ringing cycles.

Otherwise, if the torque reserve of the driving spring of the ringing wheel 11 is insufficient to oppose the lifting or torque measuring wheel 1, it locks the ringing wheel 11 in position, until the torque is sufficient, in particular by reassembly of the ringing spring.

Following the example of the figure 1 where the ringing cycle takes place on an angular sector of 60 ° of the ringing wheel 11, the ringing itself, of twice three sounds, thanks to the three teeth on each of the two superimposed wheels, is done on a part of only this angular sector, for example 50 °, the remaining part, here 10 ° being devolved to the torque measurement by the lift 1: if the remaining engine torque is sufficient for the correct execution of the entire next ring sequence, and is then greater than the torque applied on the lift 1 by the resisting force, here the spring 7, the ringing cycle can end on the pallet 2. On the other hand, if the engine torque is not sufficient, the system remains hanging on lifting 1, through its teeth, waiting for a reassembly or reloading of the energy source. The interest of this system is that it is positioned and is active at the end of ringing cycle. If, during an impact, the ringing wheel system 11 is released, it bears on the pallet 2, without any action on the hammers. In an alternative embodiment, the torque measuring lift 1 is stepped, and each stage corresponds to a cam track of the ringing wheel 11, or different ring wheels, with which it cooperates.

In a preferred embodiment as visible on the figure 1 , the resistive force is applied to the torque measurement lift by a branch of a support spring 7. Preferably, it is a U-shaped support spring pivotally mounted at a loop 7C it comprises between the two branches of the U, one of the branches 7A cooperating with the torque measuring lift 1, and the other of the branches 7B cooperating with an adjustable setting means or with an eccentric screw 6.

Preferably, the two branches of the spring 7 have distinct stiffnesses. A large beam at the support on the lift 1, and a much thinner branch at the eccentric 6 setting. Indeed, it is necessary that the spring is strong enough to be close to the maximum ringing torque, for example 250 g.mm in the example of the figure 1 and also that the spring can react when the engine torque drops, when it is desired that the ringing is not done, for example from the fifteenth hour on a mechanism provided for eighteen hours.

In another variant, the torque measuring lift 1 is formed directly by a portion, in particular an end, of a spring, and in particular a spring of the type previously described. In this particular case, the torque measurement lift 1 is not pivotally movable, but in bending, under the influence of contradictory motor and resistance torques.

In a particular variant, the torque measurement lift 1 comprises a single surface of cooperation with the ringing wheel 11 with which it cooperates, even if it comprises several cam tracks.

In an advantageous variant embodiment, the torque measurement lift 1 is combined with the bell anchor 8, and carried by the latter.

Preferably, the setting of the resisting force of determined value is of equal value and of direction contrary to the motor force necessary for the execution of a complete ringing sequence.

Preferably, the torque measurement lift 1 is pivotally mounted on an axis 1C located outside the right-of-way of the ringing wheel 11 and parallel to the axis 11A of the latter.

Advantageously, the torque measuring lift 1 is coupled with a user-readable indicator signaling the need to proceed with recharging energy of a power source that includes a striking mechanism driving said ringing wheel. Such an indicator may, in particular, be constituted by a needle driven, directly or indirectly, by the lifting 1, or by an all or nothing indication showing a sufficient or insufficient level of the energy source of the striking mechanism.

Preferably, as shown in the figures, the torque measurement lift 1 is a torque measuring wheel.

The invention also relates to a striking mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor 8 allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, driving at least one ringing wheel 11 using a part of the energy transmitted by said energy source for resonating at least one stamp 13, and comprising at least one such torque measuring device 10.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such striking mechanism.

Claims (15)

Torque measuring device (10) for striking a ringing mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor (8) allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, the drive at least one ringing wheel (11) using a part of the energy transmitted by said energy source to actuate at least one hammer on at least one stamp, characterized in that it comprises at least one measurement lift movable torque (1), interfering path at least indirectly with that of said ringing wheel (11), and arranged to be driven by said ringing wheel (11), said torque measuring lift (1) being continuously subjected to a resisting force of determined value opposing a motor force exerted on said torque measurement lift (1) by said ringing wheel (11) during its rotation, and said torque measurement lift (1 ) blocking the rotation of said r ring sound (11) if said motor force is less than said resistance force of determined value, and allowing the rotation of said ringing wheel (11) by its release in the opposite case. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said resisting force is applied by friction on a track (1B) that includes said torque measurement lift (1). Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said resistant force is applied at a pivot (14) that includes said torque measurement lift (1). Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said resisting force is applied to said torque measurement lift (1) by a branch (7A) of a support spring (7). Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said support spring (7) is a U-shaped support spring pivotally mounted to the a level of a loop (7C) that it comprises between the two branches of the U, one (7A) of said branches cooperating with said torque measuring lift (1), and the other (7B) of said branches cooperating with adjustable setting means or with an eccentric screw (6). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measurement lift (1) has a single surface of cooperation with said ringing wheel (11) with which it cooperates. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torque measurement lift (1) is combined with said ringer anchor (8). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said resisting force of determined value is of equal value and direction contrary to the motor force necessary for the execution of a complete ringing sequence. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measurement lift (1) is pivotally mounted on an axis (1 C) situated outside the grip of said ringing wheel (11) and parallel to that (11A) of said ringing wheel (11). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measuring lift (1) is mounted movable in translation. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measuring lift (1) comprises as many stages that said ringing wheel (11) comprises cam tracks for resonating different timbres. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measurement lift (1) is coupled with a user-readable indicator signaling the need for reloading energy of a power source that includes a striking mechanism driving said ringing wheel (11). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said torque measuring lift (1) is a torque measuring wheel. Ringing mechanism comprising a rechargeable energy source and an anchor allowing, at times planned by said mechanism and / or by its user, driving at least one ringing wheel (11) using a part of the energy transmitted by said energy source for actuating at least one hammer on at least one stamp, characterized in that it comprises at least one torque measuring device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13. Timepiece comprising at least one striking mechanism according to claim 14.

Images