EP2450755A1 - Synchronous escapement for clockwork - Google Patents

Abstract

The wheel (1) has a toothed release wheel (4) including a movable gear (5) that includes a release tooth (6) and a locking tooth (8). The release tooth has a drive unit (11) arranged to cooperate with complementary drive unit (12) comprised in the locking tooth to drive the locking tooth in a radial direction (S2) when the release tooth is driven in the direction opposite to another radial direction (S1). The drive unit is arranged to move at a distance from the complementary drive unit, without driving the locking tooth when the release tooth is driven in the latter radial direction. The escape mechanism is is made of micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or a silicon or quartz compound, or an alloy derived from microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, or an alloy obtained via the Deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) or lithography, electroplating, and molding methods, or made of an partially amorphous material. An independent claim is also included for a timepiece movement comprising an escape mechanism.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an escape wheel for a clockwork mechanism comprising, coaxially and synchronously pivotally about a pivot axis, a plurality of toothed wheels comprising at least a first impulse gear in a first plane of rotation. pulse and at least one second release gear in a second stop plane parallel to or coincident with the first pulse plane.

The invention also relates to an escapement mechanism comprising, pivotally movable relative to a plate, at least one such escape wheel and receiving a pivoting torque from integrated transmission or energy storage means or not to said mechanism, and at least one balance pivoting about a balance shaft and having at least one pulse surface, an actuating surface, and a release surface.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising means for storing and transmitting energy for transmitting a pivoting torque, and comprising at least one such exhaust mechanism driven by the pivoting torque, or and at least one such escape wheel arranged to pivot under the effect of said pivoting torque and transmit it in the form of a periodic pulse to a rocker that includes the movement.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement and / or at least one such escapement mechanism and / or at least one such escape wheel.

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more specifically, the field of escape mechanisms.

Background of the invention

• les échappements à ancre suisse sont fiables et robustes, mais de faible rendement en raison d'une impulsion au travers d'un plan de frottement, par l'intermédiaire des palettes ;
• les échappements de type co-axial ou Daniels sont à impulsions bitangentielles, et ont de ce fait un meilleur rendement, mais les composants et leur assemblage sont complexes et coûteux ;
• les échappements à repos frottant ne comportent pas d'ancre, comportent une roue unique donnant une mono-impulsion sur le balancier, mais la roue est en contact prolongé avec le balancier d'où des pertes d'énergie par frottement et des perturbations sur l'organe régulateur,
• les mécanismes d'échappement à détente sont réputés les plus précis, et ont longtemps été réservés aux chronomètres de marine. Ils sont à mono-impulsion, lors d'une seule alternance du balancier, et sont ceux qui présentent les meilleurs rendements mécaniques.

Of the known escapements, few combine efficiency and precision:

• the Swiss anchor escapements are reliable and robust, but of low efficiency due to an impulse through a plane of friction, via the pallets;
• the co-axial or Daniels-type exhausts are bitangential pulses, and therefore have a better efficiency, but the components and their assembly are complex and expensive;
• the rub-off escapements do not include an anchor, have a single wheel giving a monopulse on the balance wheel, but the wheel is in prolonged contact with the balance, resulting in frictional energy losses and disturbances on the wheel. regulating organ,
• the trigger escapement mechanisms are considered the most accurate, and have long been reserved for marine chronometers. They are single-pulse, during a single alternation of the balance, and are the ones with the best mechanical yields.

The efficiency of the escapement escapement mechanisms is indeed greater than that of the anchor escapements, because the escape wheel only imparts an impulse to the balance once per oscillation, during which the escape wheel pivots by not angular. As a result, the loss of energy due to the inertia of the escape wheel takes place once by oscillation, as against once alternately on the anchor escapements.

Their use on wristwatches is more delicate, because of their vulnerability to shocks.

Indeed, most detent escapements comprise a trigger rocker also said blocker, which comprises locking means constituted by at least one pallet rest for holding the escape wheel in the locked position. This rocker further comprises an actuating finger or a spout, which may also be formed by the end of a spring fixed to this rocker, to cooperate with a release pallet that comprises a fixed plate of the balance, or with a notch that includes this plateau.

The pendulum still carries, usually on another plateau, a pulse pallet. During the release of the escape wheel, the torque of the barrel is transmitted by the escape wheel to this pulse pallet, which maintains the alternating pivoting movement of the balance.

In sum, the escape wheel is released when the platforms of the balance pivot in one direction, and it remains blocked when these plates rotate in the other direction. As a result, the pulse is given only once per oscillation.

During shocks, particularly lateral, if the rocker is pivoted beyond its normal amplitude, a tooth of the escape wheel can leave the pallet rest, there are two clearances and two pulses during the same alternation this phenomenon called gallop has the effect of distorting the isochronism of the oscillator.

The patent US 40,408 in the name of Stephenson James, 1863 , describes an exhaust according to the conventional model, the flip-flop cooperating with the release pallet being constituted by a leaf-spring fixed on the trigger.

The patent US 180 290 in the name of Voigt F. Herrman, 1876 , also describes a spring mechanism, but this time hooked to the balance rod serge.

The patent CH 3299 in the name of James Emile, 1891 , describes a mechanism where the trigger-rocker is supported by a spiral spring, and where the maintenance of the escape wheel on the rest is ensured in case of shock or shock. A first platform of the balance has a lift which cooperates with a leaf spring fixed to the trigger rocker. The latter has a spout which, when the lift raises the trigger, cooperates with a notch of a second balance plate parallel to the first. In case of shock, the sprung spring on which is mounted the trigger tends to maintain the support between the escape wheel and the pallet rest. This mechanism is transposable to escapements spring-relaxation.

Relaxed escapements evolved little during the twentieth century.

Nevertheless, the Daniels escapement, known from the patent EP 0 018 796 in the name of Daniels George in 1984 . This exhaust differs somewhat from conventional expansion exhausts, but it has the main features, including a rocker cooperating on the one hand with a pin of the balance, and on the other hand with a first external escape wheel, which communicates the impulse to the balance wheel, through two entry and exit pallets, and with a second escape wheel coaxial with the first by a separate pulse pallet.

It was not until 2005 to discover new relaxation exhausts dedicated to wristwatches.

The patent EP 1 538 490 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA describes such an exhaust, comprising a rocker-trigger with a pallet of rest and a first actuating finger. The latter cooperates with a second actuating finger mounted on a long-length elastic member pivoting on the platform of the balance beam carrying the pulse pallet. This second finger can drive the first finger when the plate pivots in a first direction to actuate the rocker, and can bypass this finger without causing it when the plate rotates in direction reverse. This resilient member has an opening movable about a first pin that the plate carries, the latter still carrying a second pin cooperating or not with the elastic member according to its level of tension or relaxation. In another mode, this escapement comprises the elastic member on the rocker, and not on the plate. This elastic member may consist of a spiral spring, or a coil spring.

Various improvements and variants follow, by patents EP 1 538 491 , EP 1,544,689 , EP 1 708 046 and EP 1 708 047 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA.

The first EP 1 538 491 discloses a mechanism without elastic member on the trigger, and with an elastic member carrying the second actuating finger on the plate. Which plate is provided with a cam in the form of a notch that runs through a spout located at the end of an arm-probe of the trigger rocker.

The patent EP 1,544,689 discloses a similar mechanism, but without elastic member, the second actuating finger is positioned opposite the notched cam, and it cooperates with one or the other side of the first finger of the rocker-trigger in the direction of pivoting the tray, to move or maintain the pallet of rest. The second actuating finger is responsible for reengaging the pallet of rest in the escape wheel, and there is no use of a probe arm nozzle.

The patent EP 1 708 047 discloses a rocker having an arm carrying both a first finger to cooperate with the second actuating finger, and a beak probe cooperating with a notched cam similar to the previous. In a first pivoting direction of the balance and its trays, the first finger drives the second finger to disengage the pallets or rest of the escape wheel. The spout of the arm-probe is then driven by a rising edge of the notched cam, to re-engage the locking means in the escape wheel. When the balance pivots in the opposite direction, the first finger drives the second finger to maintain the locking means engaged in the escape wheel. The meeting of the first and the second finger, whatever the pivoting direction of the trays, generates a rotating and natural force on the axis of the rocker. This meeting does not generate any risk of breakage of the mechanism. No elastic member or stop pin is required. In a particular embodiment, this mechanism comprises two juxtaposed rest palettes comprising contiguous but non-aligned resting planes, which makes it possible to accommodate the tip of the wheel tooth. exhaust on a line of rest at the junction of these rest planes, creating a pull effect to overcome any stop pin. The rest plan of the stopping pallet closest to the escape wheel is indeed in front of the tooth, and prevents it from continuing on its way. In this position of total rest of the tooth of the escape wheel, the beak of the arm-probe takes off from the periphery of the plate, and leaves full freedom to the balance to complete its first alternation. This construction makes the escapement resistant to shocks, indeed a shock brings the spout to the periphery of the corresponding plate, without however disengaging the pallets of rest, because the return of the tooth to the line of rest takes place immediately thanks to this pull effect. When, then, during the reverse movement of the balance in the opposite direction, towards the end of the second alternation, the first finger and the second finger come into cooperation, they give rise to a couple of the trigger rocker about its pivot axis, causing a slight recoil of the tooth of the escape wheel, before, during the separation of the fingers, the tooth returns to the line of rest in a counter-pulling effect.

The patent EP 1 708 046 discloses an improvement applicable to these different versions, in the form of a safety finger fixed on the plate, and arranged to cooperate with the teeth of the escape wheel and block if the pulse pallet was to be released by accident of the teeth of the wheel. This arrangement prevents any panic of the escape wheel in the event of shock resulting in the reversal of the direction of rotation of the trays at the precise moment of the impulse of the wheel. The encountering a tooth of the wheel with this safety finger blocks the wheel, brings the trays back in the correct direction of rotation.

These patents have thus proposed both a simplification and a securing of the detent escapement.

Other documents have proposed other solutions.

So the document EP 1 522 001 in the name of Detra SA and Patek Philippe SA, also published in 2005 , offers an exhaust mechanism with locking parts and toothed wheels with tooth gaps. A first mobile is subjected to a periodic torque, obtained for example by a rotor mounted in a stator. This first mobile comprises, firstly in a base plane a first wheel having teething gaps on its periphery, and secondly on a second plane a first blocker having a plurality of fingers and adapted to block a release lever that has a balance plate in a first pivoting direction of the latter. This first mobile cooperates, depending on its position, either by the first blocker, or by its first wheel, with a second mobile. This second mobile comprises, in the base plane, a second wheel having teething gaps, in the second plane a shaped piece having a plurality of fingers and adapted to lock the release lever of the balance plate, in a second pivoting direction. opposed to the first, and the second mobile further comprises, in a first plane parallel to the previous plans a locking piece. This second mobile cooperates, depending on its position, either by the locking piece or by its second wheel, with an escape wheel, which comprises, in the base plane, a toothed wheel having teething gaps, and in the first plan impulse wheel receiving a continuous mechanical torque such as that of a cylinder, similar to a conventional escape wheel, and adapted to cooperate with a lever pulse that includes the balance plate, to maintain the movement of oscillation of this denier. According to the respective angular positions of the different mobiles, the locking pieces, or of shape, or the teeth, cooperate with each other, so that the device has, for each rotation revolution of the first axis, four stable locking positions, between which it has as many unlocking positions. The combination of two locking means and two means of unlocking the mechanical torque, and the particular sequence imposing an unlocking operation between two blocking operations realize the prevention of any runaway or gallop in case of impact on the mechanism. Such a mechanism is complex, relatively expensive, and unfolds in several planes, which makes its thickness significant.

The patent application EP 1 770 452 in the name of Baumberger Peter is a perfecting of the old patent Voigt US 180,290 , designed to minimize the bulk, and describes a conventional expansion exhaust with a detent rocker pivoted and recalled by a spiral spring, an arm of this rocker carries one end of a leaf spring whose other end is held in bearing on a stop carried by another arm of the rocker, and is arranged to cooperate with a release pallet secured to a small balance plate. Another arm of the rocker, beyond a pallet of rest, comprises a finger which cooperates with the periphery of this small plate, and in particular with a truncated portion making cam, at a lower level than that of the leaf spring . A large platform of the balance typically carries a pulse pallet, preceded by a first recess, and followed by a second recess, to allow the release of the pallet rest when the release pallet rotates the trigger rocker. The choice of a particular geometry, both in terms of the positioning of the pallet of rest and the pallet of impulse in quasi-symmetry of the line of the centers of the escape wheel and the pendulum during the phase of rest, which 'at the fork formed by the finger and the free end of the leaf spring, limit the disruptive effect related to the inertia of the trigger on the pendulum oscillations. The amplitude of the pivoting movements of the trigger, in case of shock, is limited by the interaction of the pallet rest and large plateau. In a complementary embodiment, this mechanism comprises an anti-gallop rocker, in the vicinity of the small plate, pivotally mounted on the movement between two stable end positions held by a jumper on stops with which can cooperate a first end, and a second fork-shaped end interacts with the release pallet: each passage in the fork, the release pallet exerts pressure to tilt the anti-gallop rocker from one to the other of its stable positions. The fork is thus two stops for the small plateau in case of galloping, and prevents the pendulum to do more than one turn in pivoting.

The document EP 1 860 511 in the name of Christophe Claret SA describes a moving bridge movement, providing protection against side impacts of a detent escapement. This movable bridge carries the pivot axis of the sprung balance, the pivot axis of the escape wheel, the pivot axis of the trigger, and a part of the finishing gear. It is pivoted elastically on the axis of one of the wheels of the work train, for example the second wheel. Forces, such as a side impact, capable of disengaging the pallet of rest, then drive the movable bridge in its entirety, and the relative positions of the trigger and the escape wheel are maintained. Thus, a constant step of the exhaust is ensured. This movable bridge can, again, be damped by a damping system that allows to dissipate some of the energy due to impact.

The patent application EP 2,221,677 in the name of Rolex SA describes an innovative expansion escapement, which comprises an inertial mass movable by pivoting relative to the balance plate under the effect of an acceleration of the latter. This inertial mass carries the release finger whose function is to cooperate with the finger of the trigger rocker, and it is pivoted on an eccentric axis of the plate, and limited in its angular deflection by the stroke of a pin in a light , which corresponds to two stable positions, one in each direction of pivoting of the balance. Thus, according to the acceleration of the pendulum, the release finger is or not protruding from the balance plate, and is therefore able, or not, to engage the finger of the trigger rocker. The release finger must therefore overcome the resistance of any elastic member to pass the obstacle of the finger of the trigger rocker, during the alternation where the balance does not receive a pulse of its oscillating movement. release finger fades and remains set back from the periphery of the plateau. There is neither loss of energy nor disturbance of the pendulum swing period.

The patent application CH 700 091 in the name of Christophe Claret SA describes a detent escapement, with a trigger rocker pivotally mounted on a spiral spring and cooperating at the other end with a first recessed spring blade in the vicinity of the pivot. The balance plate has two separate pallets. A movable member disposed on the opposite side of the escape wheel, relative to the trigger rocker, carries a pivoting cam, holding a cam spring blade, and biased toward the trigger by a spiral spring at a stop position. This cam is arranged to cooperate the cam spring-blade, or in a first state with the end of the load-bearing latch of the leaf spring, or in a second state with the pallets of release of the balance. The first release pallet is arranged to cooperate with the first leaf spring and operate the trigger when the first paddle crosses the first blade in a first direction, and to cooperate only with the first blade and without actuating the trigger when it crosses in the opposite direction. The cam, in its first state, cooperates with the trigger to limit the movements thereof. The second clearance pallet is arranged to move the cam into its second state where the trigger is free to perform its release and release the exhaust wheel tooth of the pallet rest. The two disengagement pallets are close together, and arranged in such a way that the cam is brought into its second state just before the detent makes its disengagement. The spiral return cam spring, stronger than the cam spring blade, tends to return the cam to its first state. So, the cam, in its first state, is positioned to oppose any inadvertent movement of the trigger which would result in an untimely release of the pallet rest, and the exhaust is less sensitive to the effects of a shock. The adjustment of this mechanism is difficult because it depends on the characteristics of the springs it comprises, the number of at least three.

The patent application EP 2,224,292 in the name of Rolex SA discloses a direct impulse escapement, including expansion. Its trigger rocker is arranged in a particular way, pivoting between two stops, it has, turned towards the escape wheel, a finger successively comprising a stop surface serving as a pallet of rest, a safety surface which, depending on the position of pivoting of the rocker, interferes or not with the trajectory of the escape wheel, and a sliding surface which forces the rocker to tilt, during the pivoting of the escape wheel, in order to reduce the sliding surface and therefore the stop surface in the interference zone with the escape wheel to stop the pivoting thereof. The balance plate conventionally comprises a pulse pallet and a release finger. During the alternation in a first pivoting direction of the balance, the rocker is in a first pivoted position in abutment which leaves the passage to the release finger, while in the other alternation in the other direction of pivoting, the pivoted rocker in another abutment position encounters, at a resilient clearance element that it comprises, the release finger. The elastic travel of this resilient release member allows the balance to continue its course, the pulse pallet passes between two adjacent teeth of the escape wheel. Shortly afterwards, the balance is stopped by its spring-spiral and pivots in opposite directions. During this elastic race, the rocker remains braced on its stop, and the stop surface of the rocker slides on the tooth of the escape wheel that keeps it in stop. The safety of this mechanism is ensured by the arrangement of the finger of the rocker, with a stop surface and a sliding surface which penetrate alternately in the trajectory of the toothing of the escape wheel. The length of the safety surface between the stop surface and the sliding surface corresponds to the angle that the wheel travels to communicate the driving energy to the balance, to prevent the premature return of the stop element in the trajectory of the wheel, which constitutes a complementary security. Part of the energy of the cylinder is however consumed in friction during the sliding phase.

It is understood that these different mechanisms are complex, require many components, and a setting that can be difficult.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to offer an entirely new design of escape wheel, and exhaust mechanism, which can in particular be used for a relaxation exhaust, with the advantages of high precision recognized for this type of exhaust , while having a perfect guarantee of the alignments during the kinematics, a very reduced number of components, a very simple assembly, and settings reduced to the minimum. The design of the exhaust mechanism according to the invention eliminates any intermediate component between the escape wheel and the rocker, whether it is a trigger rocker, a blocker, or an anchor.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an escape wheel for a clockwork mechanism, comprising, coaxially and synchronously pivotally about a pivot axis, a plurality of toothed wheels comprising at least a first impulse tooth wheel in a first impulse plane and at least one second release gear in a second stop plane parallel to or coincident with the first impulse plane, characterized in that said second release gear wheel comprises at least one moving element which comprises , on the one hand at least one radially movable release tooth with respect to said pivot axis and returned to an equilibrium position by first return means, and secondly at least one rest tooth biased in a first radial direction towards an abutment position by second return means, and further characterized in that said release tooth comprises driving means arranged for, when said release tooth moves in a second radial direction opposite to said first radial direction, to cooperate with complementary drive means that includes said tooth of rest for driving said rest tooth in the second radial direction, and in that said drive means, when said release tooth moves in the first radial direction, are arranged to move away from said complementary drive means without causing said rest tooth.

According to one characteristic of the invention, said impulse wheel comprises as many pulse teeth, tips directed in the second radial direction, that said second release wheel comprises said moving equipments each of which comprises a tip release tooth. directed in the second radial direction, and in that said pulse teeth are alternated with said release teeth.

According to one characteristic of the invention, said escape wheel is made of a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy as obtained by the method DRIE or "LIGA", or at least partially amorphous material.

The invention also relates to an escapement mechanism comprising, pivotally movable with respect to a plate, at least one escape wheel according to one of the preceding claims and receiving a pivoting torque from transmission or storage means. energy integrated or not to said mechanism, and at least one rocker pivoting about a balance shaft and comprising at least one impulse surface, an operating surface, and a surface of release, characterized in that said plate comprises for each said escape wheel a stop which is arranged to successively cooperate with each said rest tooth in its said stop position to block the pivoting of said escape wheel, and to allow the pivoting of said escape wheel when said rest tooth is spaced from its abutment position by said corresponding release tooth.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the trajectory of said clearance surface is interfering successively with that of each said release tooth for, in a first pivoting direction of said balance, hooking said release tooth and away from said position of equilibrium in the second radial direction by driving said rest tooth to move it away from its said stop position and allow the pivoting of said escape wheel.

According to a feature of the invention, during said pivoting of said escape wheel, a pulse tooth communicates to said impulse surface of said balance wheel a pulse sufficient for complete oscillation, and further characterized in that, at the time of next alternation of said balance in a second pivoting direction of said balance opposite said first direction of rotation, the trajectory of said operating surface is interfering successively with that of each said release tooth to push the latter in the first radial direction so as to allow continuing the pivoting stroke of said beam without releasing said stop tooth associated with said release tooth.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said balance is made integrally with said plate.

According to a feature of the invention, said balance is made integrally with at least one spiral spring.

According to a characteristic of the invention, said escapement mechanism comprises a first monoblock part comprising said platen comprising pivoting guide means arranged to guide at least one said escape wheel, at least one said pendulum, at least one said spiral spring coupled with each said balance, and a second one-piece part comprising at least one said escape wheel comprising complementary guiding means arranged to cooperate with said guide means of said plate for guiding said escape wheel pivotally, each said wheel being arranged to be coupled with a said balance.

According to one characteristic of the invention, said exhaust mechanism is made of a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy as obtained by the method DRIE or "LIGA", or at least partially amorphous material.

The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising means for storing and transmitting energy for transmitting a pivoting torque, and comprising at least one such exhaust mechanism driven by the pivoting torque, or and at least one such escape wheel arranged to pivot under the effect of said pivoting torque and transmit it in the form of a periodic pulse to a rocker that includes the movement.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such watch movement and / or at least one such escapement mechanism and / or at least one such escape wheel.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, un mécanisme d'échappement selon l'invention incorporant une roue d'échappement selon l'invention, dans une phase de libération ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, le mécanisme d'échappement de la figure 1, dans une phase d'impulsion ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, le mécanisme d'échappement de la figure 1, dans une phase de dégagement;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en perspective, la roue d'échappement de la figure 1, vue du côté d'une denture d'impulsion qu'elle comporte ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en perspective, la roue d'échappement de la figure 1, vue du côté de dents de libération et de dents de repos qu'elle comporte ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mouvement d'horlogerie comportant lui-même le mécanisme d'échappement de la figure 1, dans une phase de libération ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, la pièce d'horlogerie de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, un mécanisme d'échappement selon l'invention incorporant une autre variante de roue d'échappement selon l'invention, dans une phase de libération ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée et partielle, en vue en plan, un dispositif anti-galop que comporte un mécanisme d'échappement selon l'invention, dans une première position de butée ;
• la figure 10 représente le dispositif de la figure 9, en vue en perspective.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically and partially, in plan view, an escape mechanism according to the invention incorporating an escape wheel according to the invention, in a release phase;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically and partially, in plan view, the escape mechanism of the figure 1 in a pulse phase;
• the figure 3 represents, schematically and partially, in plan view, the escape mechanism of the figure 1 in a phase of disengagement;
• the figure 4 represents, schematically and partially, in perspective, the escape wheel of the figure 1 , seen from the side of an impulse toothing it comprises;
• the figure 5 represents, schematically and partially, in perspective, the escape wheel of the figure 1 seen from the side of release teeth and rest teeth that it comprises;
• the figure 6 represents, schematically and partially, in plan view, a timepiece comprising a clockwork movement comprising itself the escape mechanism of the figure 1 in a phase of liberation;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically and partially, in plan view, the timepiece of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 shows schematically and partially, in plan view, an exhaust mechanism according to the invention incorporating another variant of escape wheel according to the invention, in a release phase;
• the figure 9 shows, schematically and partially, in plan view, an anti-gallop device that comprises an escape mechanism according to the invention, in a first stop position;
• the figure 10 represents the device of the figure 9 , in perspective view.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more specifically, the field of escape mechanisms.

The invention features an innovative escape wheel design, and exhaust mechanism, in particular a detent escapement, with the advantages of high precision recognized for this type of escapement, with perfect geometry during kinematics , a minimal number of components, a very simple assembly, and minimized settings. The invention eliminates any intermediate component between the escape wheel and the balance, whether it is a trigger rocker, a blocker, or an anchor. All the functions of the exhaust are indeed gathered in a single wheel.

The invention relates to a wheel 1, more particularly an escape wheel, for a timepiece mechanism such as a timepiece 1000, a clockwork movement 100, or an escape mechanism 10.

This wheel 1 comprises, coaxial and synchronous pivotally about a pivot axis D1, a plurality of toothed wheels, comprising at least a first pulse gear 2 in a first pulse plane and at least one second gear wheel 4 in a second stop plane parallel or coincident with the first pulse plane, as visible on the figures 4 and 5 which show, respectively, a pulse stage comprising a first impulse gear 2, and which makes it possible to transmit energy to the balance wheel during the release of the wheel, and a release-release stage of the wheel comprising a second release gear wheel 4. We understand that these stages operate independently, even if they are linked to the same wheel.

The first impulse plane can be confused with the second stop plane.

In the preferred embodiment set forth herein, the pulse stage provides a monopulse as in any detent escapement.

According to the invention, the second release gear 4 comprises at least one moving element 5. The latter comprises, on the one hand at least one release tooth 6 movable radially with respect to the pivot axis D1 and biased towards a equilibrium position by first return means, and secondly at least one rest tooth 8 biased in a first radial direction S1 to an abutment position by second return means 9.

More particularly, the release tooth 6 comprises drive means 11 arranged for, when the release tooth 6 moves in a second radial direction S2 opposed to the first radial direction S1, cooperate with complementary drive means 12 that comprises the rest tooth 8 to drive the rest tooth 8 in the second radial direction S2.

And, when the release tooth 6 moves in the first radial direction S1, the drive means 11 are arranged to move away from the complementary drive means 12 without driving the rest tooth 8.

At each rest phase of the wheel 1, the rest tooth 8 encounters a stop 15 fixed with respect to a platen 13 of the timepiece 1000 or movement 100, in order to avoid the runaway of the street. exhaust 1.

The impulse wheel 2 has as many pulse teeth 3, the tips of which are directed in the second radial direction S2, that the second release wheel 4 comprises of moving equipments 5, each of which comprises a release tooth 6, directed tip in the second radial direction S2.

The pulse teeth 3 are alternated with the release teeth 6.

The figures represent an example of wheel 1 with eight pulse teeth 3 and eight moving equipments 5. This example is in no way limiting.

Preferably, the first return means 7 and the second return means 9 are resilient return means, in particular coil-spring type as visible in the figures, or leaf spring, or spring-spiral.

Preferably, the release tooth 6 constitutes the end of a first spring 7, which is recessed at its other end 7A in a structure that includes the escape wheel 1. Similarly, the rest tooth 8 constitutes end of a second spring 9 also recessed at its other end 9A in the structure.

In the figures which illustrate one embodiment, these springs extend, in the same plane which is the stop plane, between two consecutive moving equipments 5, and are represented in the form of interleaved coil springs, one in the other, without interfering with the contraction or relaxation of the other. It is also possible, in order to increase their length, and thus reduce the effort to exert at their free end, and reduce the energy loss, deploy them in several successive steps. Some of these springs can also be arranged at the level of the impulse stage or free spaces that includes the serge of the escape wheel 1. These springs can, again, be arranged laterally, in one or more planes parallel to the first impulse plane and the second stop plane.

These springs constituting the return means 7 and 9 may, again, be arranged side by side in two parallel planes.

In order to reduce the torque consumption, and therefore the energy consumption, the release tooth 6 can be multiple and comprise surfaces co-operating successively with a clearance surface 23 that the balance 20 comprises, with a radial amplitude which is a function of their angular position, for example stepped in the form of steps.

In a first embodiment, as visible on the Figures 1 to 7 the first radial direction S1 is centripetal.

In a second embodiment, as visible on the figure 8 the first radial direction S1 is centrifugal.

In a preferred and advantageous manner, the escape wheel 1 according to the invention is monobloc. This allows perfect alignment of the two levels constituted by the first impulse gear 2 in a first impulse plane and by the second release gear 4 in a second stop plane.

Very advantageously, such an escape wheel 1 is made of a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy as obtained by the method DRIE or "LIGA", or at least partially amorphous material. These methods allow the development of a multi-level complex component such as the exhaust street 1 according to the invention.

The invention also relates to an escapement mechanism 10 comprising, pivotally movable with respect to a plate 13, at least one such escapement wheel 1, receiving a pivoting torque from transmission means 14 or the storage device. energy integrated or not to the mechanism 10, such as a train, a barrel, a rotor, or the like. This mechanism 10 also comprises at least one rocker 20 pivoting about a rocker axis D2 and comprising at least one impulse surface 21, an operating surface 22, and a clearance surface 23.

According to the invention, the plate 13 of the mechanism 10 comprises, for each escape wheel 1, a stop 15 which is arranged to cooperate successively with each rest tooth 8 in its abutment position, by cooperation of an abutment surface 15A the abutment 15 with a stop surface 8A of the rest tooth 8, to block the pivoting of the escape wheel 1, and to allow the pivoting of the escape wheel 1 in a pivoting direction P when the rest tooth 8 is spaced from its abutment position by the corresponding release tooth 6.

As visible on the figure 1 , the trajectory of the clearance surface 23 is interfering successively with that of each release tooth 6 to, in a first pivoting direction B1 of the balance 20, hooking the release tooth 6 and away from the equilibrium position in the second radial direction S2 by driving the rest tooth 8 away from its stop position, and thus allow the pivoting of the escape wheel 1 in the direction P, as visible in the figures.

The figure 1 is represents a release phase. At the beginning of this phase, the wheel 1 is in abutment on the abutment 15 by cooperation of the stop surface 8 of the resting tooth on the one hand, and of the abutment surface 15A of the abutment 15 on the other hand . When pivoting the balance 20 in the direction B1, the clearance surface 23 that includes the rocker 20, for example at a pallet 24, or a tray, or the like, comes into contact with a release tooth 6 of the wheel 1. It drives it and moves it away from its equilibrium position, in a centrifugal movement of direction S2. The drive means 11, formed for example by a redan, of the release tooth 6, rest on the complementary drive means 12 of the corresponding rest tooth 8, then drive the rest tooth 8 in the direction S2. This movement releases the stop surface 8 of the rest tooth of the right-of-way of the abutment surface 15A of the abutment 15.

The figure 2 represents a pulse phase. Following the previous release phase, the wheel 1 pivots freely in the direction P, until the next rest tooth 8 meets the stop 15. During its pivoting stroke, the wheel 1 brings a pulse tooth 3 against the impulse surface 21 of the rocker 20. This pulse tooth 3 is at a different level from that of the release teeth, more eccentric in a first variant of the Figures 1 to 7 where the pivot axes D1 of the wheel 1 and D2 of the balance 20 are on either side of the serge of the escape wheel 1, and conversely closer to the center in a second variant of the figure 8 , where the pivot axes D1 of the wheel 1 and D2 of the balance 20 are on the same inner side of the serge of the escape wheel 1, but eccentric relative to each other.

The impulse tooth 3 then communicates to the impulse surface 21 of the balance 20 a pulse sufficient to maintain its movement, and in particular sufficient for complete oscillation of the latter in the case where the exhaust mechanism 10 is a mechanical mechanism. exhaust escapement. Once the pulse is complete, the wheel 1 continues to pivot until the next resting tooth 8 meets the stop 15, during which it is kept at a standstill.

During the next alternation of the rocker 20 in a second pivoting direction B2 of the rocker opposite the first pivoting direction B1, as visible on the figure 3 which illustrates a phase of clearance or dead phase, the trajectory of the operating surface 22 that includes the rocker interferes successively with that of each release tooth 6 to push the latter in the first radial direction S1, so as to allow the continuation the pivoting stroke of the balance, without releasing from the stop 15 the rest tooth 8 associated with the release tooth 6, since the drive means 11 and the complementary drive means 12 are designed to cooperate only in one direction, which is the second radial direction S2. Therefore, when the release tooth 6 moves in the first radial direction S1, it does not cause the rest tooth 8, which remains in place on the stop 15, and blocks the wheel 1 in position.

Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment as visible in the figures, the impulse surface 21, the operating surface 22, and the clearance surface 23 are arranged on the same pallet 24 that the balance 20 carries. Naturally it is also possible to dissociate them, as in the prior art, by distributing them on different fingers or palettes.

The figures represent these balance surfaces 20 over the entire width of the latter, but they can equally well be distributed, the impulse surface 21 on a first balance impulse plane, and the operating surface 22, and the clearance surface 23 on a second beam stop plane.

Preferably, the escapement mechanism 10 is a trigger escapement mechanism and comprises an anti-gallop mechanism 30 for angularly limiting the exhaust in the event of impact on the balance.

A non-limiting example of such an anti-gallop mechanism 30 is shown on the figures 9 and 10 . It comprises a rocker 31, pivotally mounted on the serge of an escape wheel. In its particular application to the escape wheel 1 according to the invention, the rocker 31 is pivotally mounted on a pivot 32 preferably at the level of at least one moving element 5, and more particularly at the level of each moving element 5. The rocker 31 comprises a first arm 33, which comprises a first abutment surface 34, and a second arm 35, which comprises a second abutment surface 36.

The latch 31 is biased towards a return position corresponding to the figure 9 by return means 32A, in particular at least one spring, for example a spiral spring as visible on the figure 9 . The angular pivoting stroke of the rocker 31 is limited, in particular and advantageously by the springs constituting the biasing means 32A, which allows to constitute a stop which will allow to absorb the percussion force of the balance 20 on the surfaces 34 or 36 in case of impact on the timepiece and runaway of the balance. The latch 31 comprises a third arm 37, which has a hooking surface 38 and an oblique bearing surface 39. These surfaces are arranged to cooperate with a hook 40 movable relative to the third arm 37, respectively at a complementary attachment surface 42 or a complementary bearing surface 41 oblique that includes the hook 40. This hook 40 is articulated by a spring 43 to a fixed point 44 of the serge of the escape wheel 1 as visible on the figure 9 , or on a point of the latch 31 itself. This spring 43 tends to return the hook towards the side opposite the balance, that is to say towards the center of the escape wheel 1 in the case of the figure 9 . This hook 40 has a stop surface 45 arranged to cooperate with a fixed stop 46 connected to the plate 13.

When, in normal mode, after the pulse given to the balance 20 by the pulse tooth 3, the balance 20 ends its alternation in the counterclockwise direction B1, then returns to perform the following alternation in the reverse clockwise direction B2, its passage triggers the depression of the release tooth 6, and also triggers the cocking of the rocker 31, by making the hooking surface 38 of the arm 37 cooperate with the complementary hooking surface 42 of the hook 40. In the case, following a shock, the balance 20 races in the opposite direction B2 and tries to perform an additional revolution, it is stopped by the second abutment surface 36 of the second arm 35, which is projecting above the serge of wheel 1, and immobilizes it.

When, in normal operation, the rocker 20 normally finishes its alternation back in the clockwise direction B2, at the end of its pivoting stroke it starts in counterclockwise direction B1, it then raises the release tooth 6 and the tooth of rest 8 in the position of the figure 1 , and allows the pivoting of the wheel 1 in its single pivoting direction P, and at the same time, by pushing the second arm 35, it unhooks the hook 40 of the fixed stop 46 fixed to the plate, then the spring arm 43 resets the rocker at the right level. The balance 20 arms the latch 31 in the position of the figure 9 , by unhooking the attachment surface 38 of the arm 37 of the complementary hooking surface 42 of the hook 40, the arm 37 then bearing, by its bearing surface 39, on the complementary bearing surface 41 of the hook 40, which is pushed towards the arm 37 under the action of its spring 43.

The oblique bearing surface 39 has a dual function: on the one hand the bearing-supporting cooperation with the complementary bearing surface 41 of the hook 40, and on the other hand a ramp function which allows the wheel of 1, once the pulse is given and it is released by the hook hook 40 to the arm 37 by the surfaces 38 and 42 which are in lower armed contact, to overcome the obstacle represented by the fixed stop 46. Indeed, at this stage the lower part of the moving assembly consists of the only oblique surface 39, which will then bear on the fixed abutment 46, it will be able to cross easily because of its inclination.

If the rocker 20, following an impact, is racing and attempts to perform an additional revolution in the first pivoting direction B1 of the balance, it strikes the first abutment surface 34, which is projecting above the serge of the wheel 1, as visible on the figure 9 and who immobilizes him.

It will be understood that the fixed abutment 46 may be constituted by the abutment 15 which is already used for the attachment of the moving element 5. In the same way, the hook 40 may coincide with the resting tooth 8, its stop surface 45 being merged with the abutment surface 15A, the complementary attachment surface 42 being one of the surfaces of the complementary attachment means 12, and the bearing surface 41 another surface thereof. The third arm 37 can be constituted by the the lower part of the release tooth 6, and its attachment surface 38 corresponds to the drive means 11 of the release tooth 6. Thus, the mobile assembly 5 described above can be easily arranged to also constitute this mechanism anti -galop, it is sufficient to transform the release tooth 6 into a flip-flop 31 substantially symmetrical with respect to a pivot 32, to adapt the return means 7 which become the return means 32A. The release tooth 6 is modified at its lower part to constitute the third arm 37 with its surfaces 38 and 39, while the rest tooth 8 is also modified by the addition of an inclined bearing surface 41.

It is understood that this anti-gallop device 30, developed more particularly to take advantage of the architecture of the moving assembly 5, is also usable, as such, for other types of exhaust mechanisms relaxation.

In a particular version, corresponding to the second embodiment of the figure 8 , the escapement mechanism 10 comprises at least one rocker 20 and an escape wheel 1 whose pivot axes D1 and D2 are on the same inner side of the serge of the escape wheel 1.

In a particular version, not shown in the figures, the escapement mechanism 10 comprises, for each rocker 20, two escape wheels 1 pivoting in opposite directions from each other.

In another version, not shown in the figures, the escapement mechanism 10 comprises, for each beam 20, at least two escape wheels 1 pivoting in the same direction, and corresponding to different pulse positions.

In a particular embodiment, tending to reduce the number of components, the rocker 20 is made integrally with the plate 13.

For the same purpose, in another version that can be combined with the previous one, the balance 20 is made in one piece with at least one spiral spring, as described in the European patent application. EP 2 104 008 in the name of the plaintiff.

In a version with a minimal number of components, the escape mechanism 10 has two parts. A first monobloc part groups the plate 13, at least one balance 20, at least one spiral spring coupled with each balance 20. In a variant, it does not comprise a spiral spring, the construction of the balance 20 supplements it by integrating the recall function allowing the oscillation movement of the balance, such as the embodiment described in the Swiss patent application no. 01198/10 in the name of the plaintiff. The plate 13 advantageously comprises pivoting guide means arranged to guide at least one escape wheel 1.

A second one-piece part comprises at least one escape wheel 1 according to the invention, which comprises complementary guiding means arranged to cooperate with these guide means of the plate for guiding the escape wheel pivotally, each wheel 1 is arranged to be coupled with a pendulum 20.

Preferably, this exhaust mechanism is then made, wholly or partly, in a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy such as obtained by the method DRIE or "LIGA", or an at least partially amorphous material. Preferably all its components are made of such a material or according to such a method.

The embodiment of the invention makes it possible to have a simple, reliable and efficient exhaust escapement mechanism.

To further improve its energy efficiency, it is desirable to apply to all or part of the friction surfaces, that is to say, for the escape wheel 1 pulse teeth 3, release teeth 4, and for the balance 20 of the impulse surface 21, the operating surface 22, and the clearance surface 23, a tribological treatment to reduce the level of friction. It is the same at the surfaces 8A of the rest tooth 8, and 15A of the stop 15, to facilitate the exit of the escape wheel 1 from its stop position without unnecessary energy consumption.

The invention also relates to a watch movement 100 comprising means for storing and transmitting energy for transmitting a pivoting torque, and comprising at least one such escapement mechanism 10 driven by the pivoting torque, or / and at least one such escape wheel 1 arranged to pivot under the effect of the pivoting torque and transmit it in the form of a periodic pulse to a rocker 20 that includes the movement 100.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such watch movement 100 and / or at least one such exhaust mechanism 10 and / or at least one such escape wheel 1.

The invention offers the great advantage of grouping all the functions of the escapement on a single component.

By the possibility of producing the escape wheel according to the invention according to a MEMS or "LIGA", DRIE or similar method, and in particular silicon, which is particularly advantageous for the intrinsic qualities of elasticity which, precisely, allow the making of the return means in the mass of the component, it ensures a perfect geometry, and in particular the alignment and the angular offset of the two levels of toothing, impulse tooth gear and release gear. The relative positioning of the release teeth and rest teeth is also perfectly ensured.

Such an escape wheel, or such an escape mechanism, is easily integrable into existing movements, the invention offers plus an appreciable volume gain, which allows to fit in the middle of other features of the movement or the timepiece concerned.

In the embodiment as presented in the present description for the preferred application to a detent escapement, the high accuracy of a detent escapement is ensured. The invention also offers a potential for improving performance, and therefore the power reserve.

The compactness of the invention makes it possible, for haute horlogerie movements, to double the function, for example with two coupled exhaust wheels, without excessive consumption of volume.

Claims (21)

Exhaust wheel (1) for a clockwork mechanism, comprising, coaxially and synchronously pivotally about a pivot axis (D1), a plurality of toothed wheels having at least a first impeller gear (2) in a first pulse plane and at least one second release gear (4) in a second stop plane parallel to or coincident with the first pulse plane, characterized in that said second release gear (4) comprises at least one moving element (5) which comprises, on the one hand, at least one release tooth (6) movable radially with respect to said pivot axis (D1) and biased towards an equilibrium position by first return means ( 7) and on the other hand at least one rest tooth (8) biased in a first radial direction (S1) towards an abutment position by second return means (9) and further characterized in that said release tooth ( 6) comprises drive means (11) arranged for, when said release tooth (6) moves in a second radial direction (S2) opposite said first radial direction (S1) to cooperate with complementary drive means (12) that includes said rest tooth (8) for causing said rest tooth (8) in said second radial direction (S2), and in that said drive means (11), when said release tooth (6) moves in said first radial direction (S1), are arranged to move away from said complementary drive means (12) without driving said rest tooth (8). Exhaust wheel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said impulse wheel (2) has as many pulse teeth (3), points directed in said second radial direction (S2), that said second release wheel (4) comprises said moving equipments (5), each of which has an advanced release tooth (6) directed in said second radial direction (S2), and in that said pulse teeth (6) are alternated with said release teeth (3). Exhaust wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first return means (7) and said second return means (9) are elastic return means. Exhaust wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said release tooth (6) constitutes the end of a first spring (7) recessed at its other end (7A) in a structure that includes said wheel exhaust (1), and in that said rest tooth (8) constitutes the end of a second spring (9) also recessed at its other end (9A) in said structure. Exhaust wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first radial direction (S1) is centrifugal. Exhaust wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first radial direction (S1) is centripetal. Exhaust wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is monobloc. Exhaust wheel (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is made of a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or a alloy as obtained by the method DRIE or "LIGA", or an at least partially amorphous material. Exhaust mechanism (10) comprising, pivotally movable relative to a plate (13), at least one escape wheel (1) according to one of the preceding claims and receiving a pivoting torque from transmission means ( 14) or energy storage integrated or not to said mechanism (10), and at least one rocker (20) pivoting about a balance shaft (D2) and having at least one at least one impulse surface (21), an operating surface (22), and a clearance surface (23), characterized in that said platen (13) comprises for each said escape wheel (1) a stop ( 15) which is arranged to successively cooperate with each said rest tooth (8) in its said stop position to block the pivoting of said escape wheel (1), and to allow the pivoting of said escape wheel (1). ) when said rest tooth (8) is spaced from its abutment position by said corresponding release tooth (6). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the path of said clearance surface (23) interferes successively with that of each said release tooth (6) for, in a first pivoting direction (B1 ) of said beam (20), hooking said release tooth (6) and away from said equilibrium position in said second radial direction (S2) by driving said rest tooth (8) to move it away from said position stop and allow the pivoting of said escape wheel (1). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that during said pivoting of said escape wheel (1) a pulse tooth (3) communicates with said impulse surface (21) of said beam (20). ) a pulse sufficient for complete oscillation, and further characterized in that , during the following alternation of said rocker (20) in a second pivoting direction (B2) of said rocker (20) opposite said first pivoting direction (B1) , the trajectory of said operating surface (22) interferes successively with that of each said release tooth (6) to push the latter in said first radial direction (S1) so as to allow the continuation of the pivoting stroke of said balance (20) without releasing from said stop (15) the rest tooth (8) associated with said release tooth (6). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that said impulse surface (21), said operating surface (22), and said clearance surface (23) are arranged on a same pallet (24) carried by said balance (20). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it is a detent escapement mechanism and comprises an anti-gallop mechanism. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it comprises at least one said rocker (20) and an said escape wheel (1) coaxial with each other . Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that it comprises, for each said pendulum (20), two said exhaust wheels (1) pivoting in opposite directions one of the other. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that said rocker (20) is formed integrally with said plate (13). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that said rocker (20) is formed integrally with at least one spiral spring. Exhaust mechanism (10) according to claims 14, 16 and 17, characterized in that it comprises a first one-piece part comprising said plate (13) comprising pivoting guide means arranged to guide at least one said wheel. exhaust, at least one said pendulum (20), at least one said sprung spring coupled with each said balance (20), and a second one-piece portion comprising at least one said escape wheel (1) having guide means complementary arrangement arranged to cooperate with said guide means of said plate for guiding said escape wheel (1) pivotally, each said wheel (1) being arranged to be coupled with a said balance (20). Exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that it is made of a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz or one of their compounds, or an alloy derived from the technology MEMS, or an alloy as obtained by the DRIE or "LIGA" method, or an at least partially amorphous material. Timepiece movement (100) comprising means for storing and transmitting energy for transmitting a pivoting torque, and comprising at least one exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of the claims 9 to 19 by the pivoting torque, or / and at least one escape wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8 arranged to pivot under the effect of said pivoting torque and transmit it as a periodic pulse to a balance (20) that includes said movement (100). Timepiece (1000) comprising at least one watch movement (100) according to claim 20 and / or at least one exhaust mechanism (10) according to one of claims 9 to 19 and / or at least one Exhaust wheel (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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