EP2729849B1 - Timepiece - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2729849B1
EP2729849B1 EP12733475.3A EP12733475A EP2729849B1 EP 2729849 B1 EP2729849 B1 EP 2729849B1 EP 12733475 A EP12733475 A EP 12733475A EP 2729849 B1 EP2729849 B1 EP 2729849B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
inner ring
axis
support
rotation
cage
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EP12733475.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2729849A1 (en
Inventor
Stephen Forsey
Dylan ROTH
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GFPI SA
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GFPI SA
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Publication of EP2729849A1 publication Critical patent/EP2729849A1/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G04HOROLOGY
    • G04BMECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B17/00Mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/20Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency
    • G04B17/28Compensation of mechanisms for stabilising frequency for the effect of imbalance of the weights, e.g. tourbillon
    • G04B17/285Tourbillons or carrousels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to mechanical timepieces. It relates more particularly to a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one mobile of a finishing train and at least one tourbillon mechanism comprising a support, such as a tourbillon cage, carrying a balance and at least one element. an exhaust.
  • a vortex mechanism is a device for averaging the deviation of the positions of the balance of a timepiece.
  • a vortex mechanism includes the traditional vortex comprising a tourbillon cage as well as the carousel.
  • a vortex mechanism comprises, for this purpose, a support, (for example a cage in the case of the traditional tourbillon) pivotally mounted on the frame, generally an assembly formed of a bridge and a plate and, mounted pivoting on this support, a balance spring and an exhaust comprising in particular an escape wheel with a wheel and a pinion.
  • the support comprises a gear connected kinematically to the work train of the timepiece, in general to the average wheel.
  • the torque applied by the average wheel on the gear slightly rotates the support, the pendulum pulse being given by the exhaust whose mobile rotates by meshing of its pinion with the gear wheel.
  • the wheels and gears are, in general, arranged and numbered so that the vortex performs one revolution per minute.
  • the position of the neutral point of the balance is therefore one revolution per minute, which average the deviations in the vertical positions.
  • the difference between horizontal and vertical positions remains.
  • a triaxial vortex described in the application EP 1 574 916 , comprising a cage containing the balance and the escapement rotated along an axis, the cage being mounted in a second cage so as to be rotatable about another axis, the second cage being rotatably mounted in a third cage rotating around a fixed axis relative to the timepiece, the three axes being perpendicular to one another.
  • the triaxial vortex is driven by a drive wheel mounted on the turntable of the timepiece, which drives a pinion integral with the third cage, and rotates said cage about its axis thereby rotating a pinion meshing with a fixed crown on the turntable of the timepiece, which causes the cage to rotate about its axis, the second cage rotating the first cage around its axis via a crown and the second pinion secured to the third cage, and thus transmit the energy from the drive wheel to the assembly formed by the exhaust pinion, the escape wheel and the balance placed in the first cage.
  • Such a mechanism has the disadvantage of being bulky and unattractive due to the presence of several toothed crowns appearing on the dial side.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages, by providing a timepiece comprising a tourbillon mechanism to further reduce the differences in operation between the horizontal and vertical positions.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose a timepiece comprising a tourbillon mechanism having a reduced bulk and an improved aesthetic appearance.
  • a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one mobile of a finishing train and at least one tourbillon mechanism comprising a support carrying a balance and at least one element of an exhaust.
  • the drive means of the inner ring may comprise a drive element integral with a shaft of the mobile of the work train.
  • the first toothed member may be fixed integrally to the frame. We then have a vortex mechanism. When the first toothed member is not fixed integrally to the frame, it is then a carousel mechanism as described in the patent CH 7965 .
  • the driving element cooperates with the support shaft so as to impose a rotational movement around the first toothed member.
  • the inner ring comprises a tube which is integral therewith, in which the support shaft can rotate freely, the driving element cooperating with said tube so as to impose on the inner ring a rotational movement around of the first toothed member.
  • the support shaft forms with the first toothed member a non-zero angle.
  • said angle may be non-zero.
  • the vortex mechanism may further comprise a second toothed member secured to the inner ring and arranged to cooperate with a second gear kinematically connected to the exhaust.
  • the support may be arranged so that its axis of rotation is perpendicular or not perpendicular to the second axis of rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring.
  • a vortex mechanism 1 mounted on a frame 2 of a timepiece.
  • the frame is a set of a bridge and a plate, but it is obvious that the frame can include any support element of the timepiece organs.
  • the mobile 4 On the frame 2 is pivotally mounted a mobile 4 of a work train, such as the wheel of average.
  • the mobile 4 comprises a shaft 6 on which is mounted a driving element 8, bent and terminated by a lug 10, whose role will be described below.
  • the vortex mechanism comprises a vortex cage 14 carrying a rocker 16, a hairspring 18 and an exhaust, conventionally comprising an escape wheel 20 and an exhaust pinion 22 pivotally mounted in a support member 23 secured to the cage
  • the other elements of the tourbillon cage 14, such as the anchor, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described here in more detail. It is obvious that the invention also applies to a carousel mechanism, the vortex cage is then replaced by a support carrying the balance and the exhaust, and the wheel 12 is not fixed, as described in the patent CH 7965 .
  • the anchor and the escape wheel are on board the vortex cage 14. It is also possible that only the anchor is on board the cage, the escape wheel then being fixed mounted as described in the patent EP 2 132 604 .
  • the term "ring” designates an element which surrounds another element, but which does not necessarily have an annular shape.
  • the outer ring 24 has an annular shape while the inner ring 26 has a rectangular shape, comprising an upper portion 26 'and a lower portion 26 ", connected by two lateral pillars 27. It is well It is obvious that the rings used in the invention may have any other suitable shape.
  • the frame 2 has a recess whose shape is appropriate to allow the pivoting of the vortex mechanism.
  • the tourbillon cage 14 comprises, integral with said vortex cage 14, an upper shaft 28 provided with a pivot 28a and a lower shaft 30 provided with a pivoting 30b.
  • the pivot 28a and the pivot 30b are respectively engaged in bearings 32, 34 of the inner ring 26, so that the vortex cage 14 is pivotally mounted in said inner ring 26.
  • the dimensions of the inner ring 26 are chosen so that that the vortex cage 14 can be housed there and rotate freely.
  • a second wheel 36 is mounted integral with the inner ring 26, coaxially with the shaft of the vortex cage 14.
  • the exhaust pinion 22 is arranged in such a way that it meshes with the second wheel 36, integral with the inner ring 26.
  • the lower shaft 30 is mounted through the lower portion 26 "of the inner ring 26, so that said inner ring 26 is rotatably mounted about the lower shaft 30 along a third axis of rotation A3.
  • the lower part 26 "of the inner ring 26 comprises an annular base arranged concentrically around the lower shaft 30 and carrying the second wheel 36, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .
  • the lower shaft 30 has at its free end a first gear 38 having a conical toothing and arranged so that it meshes with the first fixed wheel 12, integral with the frame.
  • the fixed wheel 12 is a toothed member having an external toothing. It is obvious that the fixed wheel can be replaced by a ring having an internal toothing.
  • the lower shaft 30 has at its free end a pivot 30a engaged in a bearing 10a provided on the lug 10 of the drive element 8.
  • the drive element 8 integral with the shaft 6 of the mobile 4 constitutes the drive means of the lower shaft 30 in which said lower shaft 30 is guided by forming a ball-type connection.
  • These drive means of the lower shaft 30 constitute indirectly the drive means of the inner ring 26, as will be seen below.
  • the inner ring 26 cooperates directly with the driving element 8.
  • the inner ring 26 comprises a tube 40, integral with its lower part 26 ", coaxial with the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14
  • the tube 40 is arranged around said lower shaft 30 so that it can rotate freely in the tube 40.
  • the lower shaft 30 comprises a first gear 38 meshing with the fixed wheel 12.
  • it is the tube 40 of the inner ring 26 which cooperates directly with the lug 10 of the driving element 8.
  • the driving element 8 integral with the shaft 6 of the mobile 4 constitutes the means driving the inner ring 26 in which the tube 40 is guided forming a ball-type connection.
  • the drive of the inner ring 26 can also be done by its upper part, the driving element, the mobile of the work train, the shaft of the tourbillon cage and the tube of the ring. interior being provided on the side of its upper part 26 '.
  • the inner ring 26 is arranged so that the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14 forms with the first fixed wheel 12 a non-zero angle, preferably between 5 ° and 85 °.
  • the axis A4 of the first fixed wheel 12 is perpendicular to the frame 2.
  • the axis A4 coincides with the axis of rotation of the moving body 4.
  • the axis of rotation of the mobile of the work train may be non-perpendicular to the frame, the vortex mechanism then being arranged accordingly.
  • the vortex cage 14 is arranged so that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A2 of the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 24.
  • the third axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 around the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14 is preferably perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A2 of the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 24, which means that the axis of rotation of the vortex cage 14 coincides with the third axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 around the lower shaft 30.
  • the balance shaft is disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation A3. It is obvious that in other embodiments not shown, the balance shaft may be parallel to the axis of rotation A3 or inclined so that it is not coincident with the axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring around the lower shaft of the tourbillon cage.
  • the anchor and the mobile escape will be arranged accordingly.
  • the vortex cage and the upper and lower portions of the inner ring can then be suitably arranged, as described for example in the patent. EP 1 419 419 .
  • the mobile 4 of the work train is rotated so as to subject the inner ring 26 to a motor torque by meshing with the first pinion 38.
  • the lower shaft 30 guided in the lug 10 of the driving element 8 is then likely to move in rotation around the axis A4.
  • the tube 40 guided in the lug 10 of the drive element 8 which can then move in rotation about the axis A4, causing the rotational movement of the lower shaft 30 around the A4 axis.
  • the first pinion 38 secured to the lower shaft 30 is capable of meshing with the first fixed wheel 12 so that the inner shaft 30 is able to pivot also about the axis A3 to drive the cage of tourbillon 14 in rotation.
  • the driving torque can cause a displacement of the lower shaft 30 and therefore of the inner ring 26 only if the first pinion 38 meshes with the first fixed wheel 12 and therefore if the vortex cage 14 rotates around the axis A3.
  • the exhaust pinion 22 is engaged with the toothing of the second wheel 36, this means that this movement is possible only when the exhaust gives a driving pulse to the balance.
  • the inner ring 26 is directly driven by the driving element 8.
  • the pivots 26a, 26b of the inner ring 26 perform an alternating rotational movement perpendicular to the axis A1 of the outer ring 24.
  • the inner ring 26 tilts around its pivots 26a, 26b while being driven by the outer ring 24 and by the lower shaft 30 or directly by the driving element 8.
  • the lower shaft 30 is rotated about the axis A3 by its pinion 38 meshing with the first fixed wheel 12.
  • the rotation of the lower shaft 30 causes the rotation of the tourbillon cage 14 and therefore of the exhaust pinion 22.
  • the figures 1 and 2 represent views in which the outer ring 24 occupies respectively a maximum position relative to its axis of rotation A1.
  • the figures 3 and 4 represent the vortex mechanism in which the inner ring 26 occupies respectively its maximum position with respect to its axis of rotation A2, and the figure 5 represents the vortex mechanism in which the outer ring 24 and the inner ring 26 occupy intermediate positions with respect to those shown in the other figures.
  • the displacement of the axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 relative to the axis A4 generates at least one envelope in the form of a truncated cone.
  • the compound movement obtained by the vortex mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the passage time of the balance wheel in unfavorable positions. Moreover, the use of the two rings reduces the inertia compared to a traditional tourbillon cage.
  • the vortex mechanism according to the invention is such that it comprises at least 4 points of rotation instead of 2 in a classical vortex, of so that the impact resistance of the vortex mechanism according to the invention is increased.
  • the present invention defined solely by the appended claims, is not limited to the embodiment described.
  • the shape of the rings may vary. It is also possible to provide other inner rings arranged relative to each other so that none is floating. It is also possible to provide a flying cage according to which the pivoting in the inner ring takes place only on the side of the cage which is rotated.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention se rapporte aux pièces d'horlogerie mécanique. Elle concerne plus particulièrement une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un bâti, au moins un mobile d'un rouage de finissage et au moins un mécanisme de tourbillon comprenant un support, tel qu'une cage de tourbillon, portant un balancier et au moins un élément d'un échappement.The present invention relates to mechanical timepieces. It relates more particularly to a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one mobile of a finishing train and at least one tourbillon mechanism comprising a support, such as a tourbillon cage, carrying a balance and at least one element. an exhaust.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Un mécanisme de tourbillon est un dispositif destiné à moyenner l'écart de marche des positions du balancier d'une pièce d'horlogerie. Dans la présente invention, un tel mécanisme de tourbillon comprend le tourbillon traditionnel comprenant une cage de tourbillon ainsi que le carrousel. Un mécanisme de tourbillon comporte, à cet effet, un support, (par exemple une cage dans le cas du tourbillon traditionnel) monté pivotant sur le bâti, en général un ensemble formé d'un pont et d'une platine et, montés pivotant sur ce support, un balancier spiral et un échappement comportant notamment un mobile d'échappement muni d'une roue et d'un pignon. Le support comporte un engrenage relié cinématiquement au rouage de finissage de la pièce d'horlogerie, en général à la roue de moyenne. Une roue dentée, montée fixe sur le bâti, engrène avec le pignon d'échappement. De la sorte, chaque fois que le balancier se trouve en position pour recevoir une impulsion motrice de l'échappement, le couple appliqué par la roue de moyenne sur l'engrenage fait légèrement tourner le support, l'impulsion au balancier étant donnée par l'échappement dont le mobile tourne par engrènement de son pignon avec la roue dentée. Les roues et pignons sont, en général, agencés et nombrés de manière à ce que le tourbillon effectue un tour par minute. Ainsi, lorsque la pièce d'horlogerie est disposée verticalement, la position du point mort du balancier fait donc un tour par minute, ce qui moyenne les écarts de marche dans les positions verticales. Par contre, le décalage entre positions horizontales et verticales subsiste.A vortex mechanism is a device for averaging the deviation of the positions of the balance of a timepiece. In the present invention, such a vortex mechanism includes the traditional vortex comprising a tourbillon cage as well as the carousel. A vortex mechanism comprises, for this purpose, a support, (for example a cage in the case of the traditional tourbillon) pivotally mounted on the frame, generally an assembly formed of a bridge and a plate and, mounted pivoting on this support, a balance spring and an exhaust comprising in particular an escape wheel with a wheel and a pinion. The support comprises a gear connected kinematically to the work train of the timepiece, in general to the average wheel. A toothed wheel, mounted fixed on the frame, meshes with the exhaust pinion. In this way, each time the balance is in position to receive a driving pulse of the exhaust, the torque applied by the average wheel on the gear slightly rotates the support, the pendulum pulse being given by the exhaust whose mobile rotates by meshing of its pinion with the gear wheel. The wheels and gears are, in general, arranged and numbered so that the vortex performs one revolution per minute. Thus, when the timepiece is disposed vertically, the position of the neutral point of the balance is therefore one revolution per minute, which average the deviations in the vertical positions. On the other hand, the difference between horizontal and vertical positions remains.

Pour pallier cet inconvénient, différentes solutions ont été proposées.To overcome this drawback, various solutions have been proposed.

On connait par exemple un tourbillon triaxial décrit dans la demande EP 1 574 916 , comprenant une cage contenant le balancier et l'échappement en rotation selon un axe, la cage étant montée dans une deuxième cage de manière à pouvoir tourner autour d'un autre axe, la deuxième cage étant à son tour montée rotative dans une troisième cage tournant autour d'un axe fixe par rapport à la pièce d'horlogerie, les trois axes étant perpendiculaires l'un par rapport à l'autre. Le tourbillon triaxial est entraîné par une roue motrice montée sur la platine de la pièce d'horlogerie, laquelle entraîne un pignon solidaire de la troisième cage, et fait tourner ladite cage autour de son axe mettant ainsi en rotation un pignon engrenant avec une couronne fixée sur la platine de la pièce d'horlogerie, ce qui entraîne en rotation la cage autour de son axe, la deuxième cage mettant en rotation la première cage autour de son axe par l'intermédiaire d'une couronne et du pignon de secondes solidaire de la troisième cage, et ainsi transmettre l'énergie provenant de la roue motrice à l'ensemble formé par le pignon d'échappement, la roue d'échappement et le balancier placé dans la première cage.We know for example a triaxial vortex described in the application EP 1 574 916 , comprising a cage containing the balance and the escapement rotated along an axis, the cage being mounted in a second cage so as to be rotatable about another axis, the second cage being rotatably mounted in a third cage rotating around a fixed axis relative to the timepiece, the three axes being perpendicular to one another. The triaxial vortex is driven by a drive wheel mounted on the turntable of the timepiece, which drives a pinion integral with the third cage, and rotates said cage about its axis thereby rotating a pinion meshing with a fixed crown on the turntable of the timepiece, which causes the cage to rotate about its axis, the second cage rotating the first cage around its axis via a crown and the second pinion secured to the third cage, and thus transmit the energy from the drive wheel to the assembly formed by the exhaust pinion, the escape wheel and the balance placed in the first cage.

Un tel mécanisme présente l'inconvénient d'être encombrant et peu esthétique en raison de la présence de plusieurs couronnes dentées apparaissant côté cadran.Such a mechanism has the disadvantage of being bulky and unattractive due to the presence of several toothed crowns appearing on the dial side.

On connait par ailleurs un dispositif de correction à différentiel décrit dans la demande EP 2 031 465 . Ce dispositif comprend plusieurs supports montés pivotants autour d'axes d'articulation respectifs, ce qui permet de neutraliser les mouvements d'un rouage de transmission autour de deux axes ou plus. Le but de ce mécanisme est de maintenir l'assiette du support portant le système réglant en position constante quelle que soit la position du bâti. Les défauts d'isochronisme du système sont supprimés étant donné que le système oscillant n'a qu'une position. Un tel mécanisme ne présente pas les mêmes buts qu'un mécanisme de tourbillon qui permet de réduire davantage les différences de marche entre les positions horizontales et verticales d'une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un tel mécanisme de tourbillonThere is also known a differential correction device described in the application EP 2 031 465 . This device comprises several supports pivotally mounted about respective hinge axes, which makes it possible to neutralize the movements of a transmission train about two or more axes. The purpose of this mechanism is to maintain the attitude of the support carrying the regulating system in a constant position whatever the position of the frame. System isochronism defects are suppressed as the oscillating system has only one position. Such a mechanism does not have the same aims as a tourbillon mechanism which further reduces the differences in the path between the horizontal and vertical positions of a timepiece comprising such a tourbillon mechanism

Un but de la présente invention est donc de pallier ces inconvénients, en proposant une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme de tourbillon permettant de réduire davantage les différences de marche entre les positions horizontales et verticales.An object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages, by providing a timepiece comprising a tourbillon mechanism to further reduce the differences in operation between the horizontal and vertical positions.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de proposer une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un mécanisme de tourbillon présentant un encombrement réduit et une apparence esthétique améliorée.Another object of the present invention is to propose a timepiece comprising a tourbillon mechanism having a reduced bulk and an improved aesthetic appearance.

Divulgation de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

A cet effet, et conformément à la présente invention, il est proposé une pièce d'horlogerie comprenant un bâti, au moins un mobile d'un rouage de finissage et au moins un mécanisme de tourbillon comprenant un support portant un balancier et au moins un élément d'un échappement.For this purpose, and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one mobile of a finishing train and at least one tourbillon mechanism comprising a support carrying a balance and at least one element of an exhaust.

Selon l'invention, le mécanisme de tourbillon comprend en outre:

  • une bague extérieure montée mobile en rotation sur le bâti autour d'un premier axe,
  • au moins une bague intérieure montée à l'intérieur de la bague extérieure et mobile en rotation par rapport à la bague extérieure autour d'un deuxième axe, de préférence perpendiculaire au premier axe, le support étant monté pivotant dans la bague intérieure et ledit support étant solidaire d'un arbre autour duquel est montée libre en rotation la bague intérieure selon un troisième axe,
  • un premier organe denté, monté sur le bâti,
  • un premier pignon solidaire de l'arbre du support agencé pour coopérer avec ledit premier organe denté de manière à entrainer en rotation ledit support, et
  • des moyens d'entrainement de la bague intérieure coopérant avec le mobile du rouage de finissage et agencés pour déplacer la bague intérieure et en conséquence la bague extérieure, donnant au support un mouvement composé.
According to the invention, the vortex mechanism further comprises:
  • an outer ring rotatably mounted on the frame about a first axis,
  • at least one inner ring mounted inside the outer ring and movable in rotation relative to the outer ring about a second axis, preferably perpendicular to the first axis, the support being pivotally mounted in the inner ring and said support being secured to a shaft around which is mounted free to rotate the inner ring along a third axis,
  • a first toothed member, mounted on the frame,
  • a first pinion integral with the support shaft arranged to cooperate with said first toothed member so as to rotate said support, and
  • driving means of the inner ring cooperating with the mobile of the work train and arranged to move the inner ring and consequently the outer ring, giving the support a compound movement.

Ce mouvement composé du support permet de réduire davantage les différences de marche entre les positions horizontales et verticales comme cela est décrit dans le brevet EP 1 419 419 .This composite motion of the support further reduces the differences in operation between the horizontal and vertical positions as described in the patent. EP 1 419 419 .

D'une manière avantageuse, les moyens d'entrainement de la bague intérieure peuvent comprendre un élément d'entrainement solidaire d'un arbre du mobile du rouage de finissage.Advantageously, the drive means of the inner ring may comprise a drive element integral with a shaft of the mobile of the work train.

Le premier organe denté peut être fixé solidairement au bâti. On a alors un mécanisme de tourbillon. Lorsque le premier organe denté n'est pas fixé solidairement au bâti, il s'agit alors d'un mécanisme de carrousel tel que décrit dans le brevet CH 7965 .The first toothed member may be fixed integrally to the frame. We then have a vortex mechanism. When the first toothed member is not fixed integrally to the frame, it is then a carousel mechanism as described in the patent CH 7965 .

Selon une première variante, l'élément d'entrainement coopère avec l'arbre du support de manière à lui imposer un mouvement de rotation autour du premier organe denté.According to a first variant, the driving element cooperates with the support shaft so as to impose a rotational movement around the first toothed member.

Selon une deuxième variante, la bague intérieure comprend un tube qui lui est solidaire, dans lequel l'arbre du support peut tourner librement, l'élément d'entrainement coopérant avec ledit tube de manière à imposer à la bague intérieure un mouvement de rotation autour du premier organe denté.According to a second variant, the inner ring comprises a tube which is integral therewith, in which the support shaft can rotate freely, the driving element cooperating with said tube so as to impose on the inner ring a rotational movement around of the first toothed member.

De préférence, l'arbre du support forme avec le premier organe denté un angle non nul. Toutefois, dans d'autres variantes de réalisation, ledit angle peut être non nul.Preferably, the support shaft forms with the first toothed member a non-zero angle. However, in other embodiments, said angle may be non-zero.

D'une manière avantageuse, le mécanisme de tourbillon peut comprendre en outre un deuxième organe denté solidaire de la bague intérieure et agencé pour coopérer avec un deuxième pignon relié cinématiquement à l'échappement.Advantageously, the vortex mechanism may further comprise a second toothed member secured to the inner ring and arranged to cooperate with a second gear kinematically connected to the exhaust.

Selon différentes formes de réalisation possibles, le support peut être disposé de sorte que son axe de rotation est perpendiculaire ou non perpendiculaire au deuxième axe de rotation de la bague intérieure par rapport à la bague extérieure.According to various possible embodiments, the support may be arranged so that its axis of rotation is perpendicular or not perpendicular to the second axis of rotation of the inner ring relative to the outer ring.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, de différents modes de réalisation, donnés à titre d'exemple et faits en référence aux dessins dans lesquels:

  • les figures 1 et 2 représentent des vues en perspective du mécanisme de tourbillon de l'invention, la bague extérieure étant respectivement dans chacune de ses positions maximales par rapport à son axe de rotation,
  • les figures 3 et 4 représentent des vues en perspective du mécanisme de tourbillon de l'invention, la bague intérieure étant respectivement dans chacune de ses positions maximales par rapport à son axe de rotation,
  • la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective du mécanisme de tourbillon de l'invention, la bague extérieure et la bague intérieure étant dans des positions intermédiaires,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe du mécanisme de tourbillon de l'invention, et
  • la figure 7 est une vue en coupe d'un détail d'une autre variante de réalisation du mécanisme de tourbillon de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, of various embodiments, given by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:
  • the figures 1 and 2 represent perspective views of the vortex mechanism of the invention, the outer ring being respectively in each of its maximum positions with respect to its axis of rotation,
  • the figures 3 and 4 represent perspective views of the vortex mechanism of the invention, the inner ring being respectively in each of its maximum positions with respect to its axis of rotation,
  • the figure 5 represents a perspective view of the vortex mechanism of the invention, the outer ring and the inner ring being in intermediate positions,
  • the figure 6 is a sectional view of the vortex mechanism of the invention, and
  • the figure 7 is a sectional view of a detail of another alternative embodiment of the vortex mechanism of the invention.

Mode(s) de réalisation de l'inventionMode (s) of realization of the invention

En référence aux figures 1, 2 et 6, il est représenté une variante de réalisation d'un mécanisme de tourbillon 1 selon l'invention monté sur un bâti 2 d'une pièce d'horlogerie. Généralement, le bâti est un ensemble formé d'un pont et d'une platine, mais il est bien évident que le bâti peut comprendre tout élément de support des organes de la pièce d'horlogerie.With reference to figures 1 , 2 and 6 , there is shown an alternative embodiment of a vortex mechanism 1 according to the invention mounted on a frame 2 of a timepiece. Generally, the frame is a set of a bridge and a plate, but it is obvious that the frame can include any support element of the timepiece organs.

Sur le bâti 2 est monté pivotant un mobile 4 d'un rouage de finissage, tel que la roue de moyenne. Le mobile 4 comprend un arbre 6 sur lequel est monté solidaire un élément d'entrainement 8, coudé et terminée par une patte 10, dont le rôle sera décrit ci-après.On the frame 2 is pivotally mounted a mobile 4 of a work train, such as the wheel of average. The mobile 4 comprises a shaft 6 on which is mounted a driving element 8, bent and terminated by a lug 10, whose role will be described below.

Sur le bâti 2 est également montée solidaire une première roue fixe 12, autour de l'arbre 6 du mobile 4.On the frame 2 is also mounted a fixed first fixed wheel 12, around the shaft 6 of the mobile 4.

Le mécanisme de tourbillon comprend une cage de tourbillon 14 portant un balancier 16, un spiral 18 et un échappement, comprenant de manière classique une roue d'échappement 20 et un pignon d'échappement 22 monté pivotant dans un organe support 23 solidaire de la cage de tourbillon 14. Les autres éléments de la cage de tourbillon 14, telle que l'ancre, sont connus de l'homme du métier et ne seront pas décrits ici plus en détails. Il est bien évident que l'invention s'applique également à un mécanisme de carrousel, la cage de tourbillon étant alors remplacée par un support portant le balancier et l'échappement, et la roue 12 n'étant pas fixe, tel que décrit dans le brevet CH 7965 .The vortex mechanism comprises a vortex cage 14 carrying a rocker 16, a hairspring 18 and an exhaust, conventionally comprising an escape wheel 20 and an exhaust pinion 22 pivotally mounted in a support member 23 secured to the cage The other elements of the tourbillon cage 14, such as the anchor, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described here in more detail. It is obvious that the invention also applies to a carousel mechanism, the vortex cage is then replaced by a support carrying the balance and the exhaust, and the wheel 12 is not fixed, as described in the patent CH 7965 .

Par ailleurs, dans la variante représentée, l'ancre et la roue d'échappement sont embarquées sur la cage de tourbillon 14. Il est également possible que seule l'ancre soit embarquée sur la cage, la roue d'échappement étant alors montée fixe, tel que cela est décrit dans le brevet EP 2 132 604 .Moreover, in the variant shown, the anchor and the escape wheel are on board the vortex cage 14. It is also possible that only the anchor is on board the cage, the escape wheel then being fixed mounted as described in the patent EP 2 132 604 .

Conformément à l'invention, le mécanisme de tourbillon comprend en outre:

  • une bague extérieure 24 montée mobile en rotation sur le bâti autour d'un premier axe A1, au moyen de deux pivots 24a, 24b,
  • une bague intérieure 26 montée à l'intérieur de la bague extérieure 24 et mobile en rotation par rapport à la bague extérieure 24 autour d'un deuxième axe A2 perpendiculaire au premier axe A1, au moyen de deux pivots 26a, 26b.
According to the invention, the vortex mechanism further comprises:
  • an outer ring 24 rotatably mounted on the frame about a first axis A1, by means of two pivots 24a, 24b,
  • an inner ring 26 mounted inside the outer ring 24 and rotatable relative to the outer ring 24 about a second axis A2 perpendicular to the first axis A1, by means of two pivots 26a, 26b.

Dans la présente description, le terme "bague" désigne un élément qui entoure un autre élément, mais qui n'a pas forcément une forme annulaire. Ainsi, dans l'exemple représenté, la bague extérieure 24 a une forme annulaire alors que la bague intérieure 26 a une forme rectangulaire, comprenant une partie supérieure 26' et une partie inférieure 26", reliés par deux piliers latéraux 27. Il est bien évident que les bagues utilisées dans l'invention peuvent présenter toute autre forme adéquate.In the present description, the term "ring" designates an element which surrounds another element, but which does not necessarily have an annular shape. Thus, in the example shown, the outer ring 24 has an annular shape while the inner ring 26 has a rectangular shape, comprising an upper portion 26 'and a lower portion 26 ", connected by two lateral pillars 27. It is well It is obvious that the rings used in the invention may have any other suitable shape.

Le bâti 2 présente une creusure dont la forme est appropriée pour permettre le pivotement du mécanisme de tourbillon.The frame 2 has a recess whose shape is appropriate to allow the pivoting of the vortex mechanism.

Par ailleurs, la cage de tourbillon 14 comprend, solidaires à ladite cage de tourbillon 14, un arbre supérieur 28 muni d'un pivot 28a et un arbre inférieur 30 muni d'un pivotement 30b. Le pivot 28a et le pivotement 30b sont engagés respectivement dans des paliers 32, 34 de la bague intérieure 26, de sorte que la cage de tourbillon 14 est montée pivotante dans ladite bague intérieure 26. Les dimensions de la bague intérieure 26 sont choisies de sorte que la cage de tourbillon 14 puisse y être logée et y tourner librement.Furthermore, the tourbillon cage 14 comprises, integral with said vortex cage 14, an upper shaft 28 provided with a pivot 28a and a lower shaft 30 provided with a pivoting 30b. The pivot 28a and the pivot 30b are respectively engaged in bearings 32, 34 of the inner ring 26, so that the vortex cage 14 is pivotally mounted in said inner ring 26. The dimensions of the inner ring 26 are chosen so that that the vortex cage 14 can be housed there and rotate freely.

Par ailleurs une deuxième roue 36 est montée solidaire sur la bague intérieure 26, coaxialement à l'arbre de la cage de tourbillon 14.Furthermore, a second wheel 36 is mounted integral with the inner ring 26, coaxially with the shaft of the vortex cage 14.

Le pignon d'échappement 22 est disposé de manière à ce qu'il engrène avec la deuxième roue 36, solidaire de la bague intérieure 26.The exhaust pinion 22 is arranged in such a way that it meshes with the second wheel 36, integral with the inner ring 26.

L'arbre inférieur 30 est monté traversant dans la partie inférieure 26" de la bague intérieure 26, de sorte que ladite bague intérieure 26 est montée libre en rotation autour de l'arbre inférieur 30 selon un troisième axe de rotation A3. Plus particulièrement, la partie inférieure 26" de la bague intérieure 26 comprend une base annulaire disposée concentriquement autour de l'arbre inférieur 30 et portant la deuxième roue 36, comme le montre la figure 5.The lower shaft 30 is mounted through the lower portion 26 "of the inner ring 26, so that said inner ring 26 is rotatably mounted about the lower shaft 30 along a third axis of rotation A3. the lower part 26 "of the inner ring 26 comprises an annular base arranged concentrically around the lower shaft 30 and carrying the second wheel 36, as shown in FIG. figure 5 .

L'arbre inférieur 30 comporte à son extrémité libre un premier pignon 38 présentant une denture conique et disposé de manière à ce qu'il engrène avec la première roue fixe 12, solidaire du bâti. Dans la variante représentée, la roue fixe 12 est un organe denté présentant une denture extérieure. Il est bien évident que la roue fixe peut être remplacée par une couronne présentant une denture intérieure.The lower shaft 30 has at its free end a first gear 38 having a conical toothing and arranged so that it meshes with the first fixed wheel 12, integral with the frame. In the variant shown, the fixed wheel 12 is a toothed member having an external toothing. It is obvious that the fixed wheel can be replaced by a ring having an internal toothing.

L'arbre inférieur 30 présente à son extrémité libre un pivot 30a engagé dans un palier 10a prévu sur la patte 10 de l'élément d'entrainement 8. Ainsi, l'élément d'entrainement 8 solidaire de l'arbre 6 du mobile 4 constitue les moyens d'entrainement de l'arbre inférieur 30 dans lesquels ledit arbre inférieur 30 est guidé en formant une liaison de type rotule. Ces moyens d'entrainement de l'arbre inférieur 30 constituent indirectement les moyens d'entrainement de la bague intérieure 26, comme on le verra ci-après.The lower shaft 30 has at its free end a pivot 30a engaged in a bearing 10a provided on the lug 10 of the drive element 8. Thus, the drive element 8 integral with the shaft 6 of the mobile 4 constitutes the drive means of the lower shaft 30 in which said lower shaft 30 is guided by forming a ball-type connection. These drive means of the lower shaft 30 constitute indirectly the drive means of the inner ring 26, as will be seen below.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation représentée sur la figure 7, la bague intérieure 26 coopère directement avec l'élément d'entrainement 8. A cet effet, la bague intérieure 26 comporte un tube 40, solidaire de sa partie inférieure 26", coaxial à l'arbre inférieur 30 de la cage de tourbillon 14. Le tube 40 est disposé autour dudit arbre inférieur 30 de sorte que celui-ci peut tourner librement dans le tube 40. Comme dans la première variante, l'arbre inférieur 30 comporte un premier pignon 38 engrenant avec la roue fixe 12. Dans cette variante, c'est le tube 40 de la bague intérieure 26 qui coopère directement avec la patte 10 de l'élément d'entrainement 8. Ainsi, l'élément d'entrainement 8 solidaire de l'arbre 6 du mobile 4 constitue les moyens d'entrainement de la bague intérieure 26 dans lesquels le tube 40 est guidé en formant une liaison de type rotule.In another variant embodiment shown on the figure 7 , the inner ring 26 cooperates directly with the driving element 8. For this purpose, the inner ring 26 comprises a tube 40, integral with its lower part 26 ", coaxial with the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14 The tube 40 is arranged around said lower shaft 30 so that it can rotate freely in the tube 40. As in the first variant, the lower shaft 30 comprises a first gear 38 meshing with the fixed wheel 12. In this alternatively, it is the tube 40 of the inner ring 26 which cooperates directly with the lug 10 of the driving element 8. Thus, the driving element 8 integral with the shaft 6 of the mobile 4 constitutes the means driving the inner ring 26 in which the tube 40 is guided forming a ball-type connection.

Il est bien évident que l'entrainement de la bague intérieure 26 peut se faire également par sa partie supérieure, l'élément d'entrainement, le mobile du rouage de finissage, l'arbre de la cage de tourbillon et le tube de la bague intérieure étant prévus du côté de sa partie supérieure 26'.It is obvious that the drive of the inner ring 26 can also be done by its upper part, the driving element, the mobile of the work train, the shaft of the tourbillon cage and the tube of the ring. interior being provided on the side of its upper part 26 '.

La bague intérieure 26 est disposée de sorte que l'arbre inférieur 30 de la cage de tourbillon 14 forme avec la première roue fixe 12 un angle non nul, de préférence compris entre 5° et 85°.The inner ring 26 is arranged so that the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14 forms with the first fixed wheel 12 a non-zero angle, preferably between 5 ° and 85 °.

Dans la variante représentée, l'axe A4 de la première roue fixe 12 est perpendiculaire au bâti 2. L'axe A4 est confondu avec l'axe de rotation du mobile 4.In the variant shown, the axis A4 of the first fixed wheel 12 is perpendicular to the frame 2. The axis A4 coincides with the axis of rotation of the moving body 4.

Il est bien évident que l'axe de rotation du mobile du rouage de finissage peut être non perpendiculaire au bâti, le mécanisme de tourbillon étant alors disposé en conséquence.It is obvious that the axis of rotation of the mobile of the work train may be non-perpendicular to the frame, the vortex mechanism then being arranged accordingly.

Dans la variante représentée, la cage de tourbillon 14 est disposée de sorte que son axe de rotation est perpendiculaire au deuxième axe de rotation A2 de la bague intérieure 26 par rapport à la bague extérieure 24.In the variant shown, the vortex cage 14 is arranged so that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A2 of the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 24.

Le troisième axe de rotation A3 de la bague intérieure 26 autour de l'arbre inférieur 30 de la cage de tourbillon 14 est de préférence perpendiculaire au deuxième axe de rotation A2 de la bague intérieure 26 par rapport à la bague extérieure 24, cela signifie que l'axe de rotation de la cage de tourbillon 14 est confondu avec le troisième axe de rotation A3 de la bague intérieure 26 autour de l'arbre inférieur 30.The third axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 around the lower shaft 30 of the vortex cage 14 is preferably perpendicular to the second axis of rotation A2 of the inner ring 26 relative to the outer ring 24, which means that the axis of rotation of the vortex cage 14 coincides with the third axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 around the lower shaft 30.

Dans la variante représentée, l'axe de balancier est disposé coaxialement à l'axe de rotation A3. Il est bien évident que dans d'autres variantes de réalisation non représentées, l'axe de balancier peut être parallèle à l'axe de rotation A3 ou incliné de sorte qu'il n'est pas confondu avec l'axe de rotation A3 de la bague intérieure autour de l'arbre inférieur de la cage de tourbillon. L'ancre et le mobile d'échappement seront disposés en conséquence.In the variant shown, the balance shaft is disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation A3. It is obvious that in other embodiments not shown, the balance shaft may be parallel to the axis of rotation A3 or inclined so that it is not coincident with the axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring around the lower shaft of the tourbillon cage. The anchor and the mobile escape will be arranged accordingly.

La cage de tourbillon et les parties supérieure et inférieure de la bague intérieure peuvent alors être agencées de manière appropriée, comme décrit par exemple dans le brevet EP 1 419 419 .The vortex cage and the upper and lower portions of the inner ring can then be suitably arranged, as described for example in the patent. EP 1 419 419 .

Lorsque le mouvement fonctionne, le mobile 4 du rouage de finissage est animé d'un mouvement de rotation de manière à soumettre la bague intérieure 26 à un couple moteur par engrènement avec le premier pignon 38. En effet, lorsque le mobile 4 est en rotation, son arbre 6 est susceptible de pivoter également et d'entrainer avec lui la rotation de l'élément d'entrainement 8. Selon la première variante, l'arbre inférieur 30 guidé dans la patte 10 de l'élément d'entrainement 8 est alors susceptible de se déplacer en rotation autour de l'axe A4. Selon la deuxième variante, c'est le tube 40 guidé dans la patte 10 dé l'élément d'entrainement 8 qui alors susceptible de se déplacer en rotation autour de l'axe A4, entrainant le déplacement en rotation de l'arbre inférieur 30 autour de l'axe A4. Lors de ce déplacement, le premier pignon 38 solidaire de l'arbre inférieur 30 est susceptible d'engrener avec la première roue fixe 12 de sorte que l'arbre intérieur 30 est susceptible de pivoter également autour de l'axe A3 pour entraîner la cage de tourbillon 14 en rotation.When the movement works, the mobile 4 of the work train is rotated so as to subject the inner ring 26 to a motor torque by meshing with the first pinion 38. Indeed, when the mobile 4 is rotated its shaft 6 is also able to pivot and to drive with it the rotation of the driving element 8. According to the first variant, the lower shaft 30 guided in the lug 10 of the driving element 8 is then likely to move in rotation around the axis A4. According to the second variant, it is the tube 40 guided in the lug 10 of the drive element 8 which can then move in rotation about the axis A4, causing the rotational movement of the lower shaft 30 around the A4 axis. During this movement, the first pinion 38 secured to the lower shaft 30 is capable of meshing with the first fixed wheel 12 so that the inner shaft 30 is able to pivot also about the axis A3 to drive the cage of tourbillon 14 in rotation.

Toutefois, le couple moteur ne peut engendrer un déplacement de l'arbre inférieur 30 et donc de la bague intérieure 26 que si le premier pignon 38 engrène avec la première roue fixe 12 et donc que si la cage de tourbillon 14 tourne autour de l'axe A3. Comme le pignon d'échappement 22 est en prise avec la denture de la deuxième roue 36, cela signifie que ce mouvement n'est possible que lorsque l'échappement donne une impulsion motrice au balancier.However, the driving torque can cause a displacement of the lower shaft 30 and therefore of the inner ring 26 only if the first pinion 38 meshes with the first fixed wheel 12 and therefore if the vortex cage 14 rotates around the axis A3. As the exhaust pinion 22 is engaged with the toothing of the second wheel 36, this means that this movement is possible only when the exhaust gives a driving pulse to the balance.

Dans la première variante, lorsque l'arbre inférieur 30 se déplace, celui-ci étant monté incliné et traversant dans la partie inférieure 26" de la bague intérieure 26, oblige ladite bague intérieure 26 à se déplacer également tout en restant inclinée, entrainant en conséquence le déplacement la bague extérieure 24, donnant ainsi à la cage de tourbillon 14 un mouvement composé. Dans la deuxième variante, la bague intérieure 26 est directement entrainée par l'élément d'entrainement 8. En raison de ce mouvement composé, les pivots 26a, 26b de la bague intérieure 26 effectuent un mouvement de rotation alternatif perpendiculairement à l'axe A1 de la bague extérieure 24. La bague intérieure 26 bascule autour de ses pivots 26a, 26b tout en étant entrainée par la bague extérieure 24 et par l'arbre inférieur 30 ou directement par l'élément d'entrainement 8.In the first variant, when the lower shaft 30 moves, the latter being inclined and traversing in the lower portion 26 "of the inner ring 26, forces said inner ring 26 to move also while remaining inclined, resulting in As a result, the outer ring 24 is displaced, thereby giving the tourbillon cage 14 a compound movement, In the second variant, the inner ring 26 is directly driven by the driving element 8. As a result of this movement composed, the pivots 26a, 26b of the inner ring 26 perform an alternating rotational movement perpendicular to the axis A1 of the outer ring 24. The inner ring 26 tilts around its pivots 26a, 26b while being driven by the outer ring 24 and by the lower shaft 30 or directly by the driving element 8.

En même temps, l'arbre inférieur 30 est entrainé en rotation autour de l'axe A3 par son pignon 38 engrenant avec la première roue fixe 12. La rotation de l'arbre inférieur 30 entraine la rotation de la cage de tourbillon 14 et donc du pignon d'échappement 22. Celui-ci engrène avec la deuxième roue 36 pour entrainer la rotation de la roue d'échappement 20, cette dernière coopérant avec une ancre pour entretenir le mouvement du balancier 16.At the same time, the lower shaft 30 is rotated about the axis A3 by its pinion 38 meshing with the first fixed wheel 12. The rotation of the lower shaft 30 causes the rotation of the tourbillon cage 14 and therefore of the exhaust pinion 22. This meshes with the second wheel 36 to cause the rotation of the escape wheel 20, the latter cooperating with an anchor to maintain the movement of the rocker 16.

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent des vues dans lesquelles la bague extérieure 24 occupe respectivement une position maximale par rapport à son axe de rotation A1.The figures 1 and 2 represent views in which the outer ring 24 occupies respectively a maximum position relative to its axis of rotation A1.

D'autres positions du mécanisme de tourbillon sont représentées sur les figures 3 à 5, les mêmes éléments étant représentés avec les mêmes références.Other positions of the vortex mechanism are represented on the Figures 3 to 5 the same elements being represented with the same references.

Les figures 3 et 4 représentent le mécanisme de tourbillon dans lequel la bague intérieure 26 occupe respectivement sa position maximale par rapport à son axe de rotation A2, et la figure 5 représente le mécanisme de tourbillon dans lequel la bague extérieure 24 et la bague intérieure 26 occupent des positions intermédiaires par rapport à celles représentées sur les autres figures.The figures 3 and 4 represent the vortex mechanism in which the inner ring 26 occupies respectively its maximum position with respect to its axis of rotation A2, and the figure 5 represents the vortex mechanism in which the outer ring 24 and the inner ring 26 occupy intermediate positions with respect to those shown in the other figures.

Dans la variante représentée, le déplacement de l'axe de rotation A3 de la bague intérieure 26 par rapport à l'axe A4 génère au moins une enveloppe en forme de tronc de cône.In the variant shown, the displacement of the axis of rotation A3 of the inner ring 26 relative to the axis A4 generates at least one envelope in the form of a truncated cone.

Le mouvement composé obtenu par le mécanisme de tourbillon selon l'invention permet de diminuer le temps de passage du balancier dans les positions défavorables. Par ailleurs l'utilisation des deux bagues permet de diminuer l'inertie par rapport à une cage de tourbillon traditionnelle.The compound movement obtained by the vortex mechanism according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the passage time of the balance wheel in unfavorable positions. Moreover, the use of the two rings reduces the inertia compared to a traditional tourbillon cage.

De plus, le mécanisme de tourbillon selon l'invention est tel qu'il comprend au moins 4 points de pivotement au lieu de 2 dans un tourbillon classique, de sorte que la résistance aux chocs du mécanisme de tourbillon selon l'invention est accrue.In addition, the vortex mechanism according to the invention is such that it comprises at least 4 points of rotation instead of 2 in a classical vortex, of so that the impact resistance of the vortex mechanism according to the invention is increased.

Il est bien évident que la présente invention, définie uniquement par les revendications annexées, n'est pas limitée à la réalisation décrite. Notamment la forme des bagues peut varier. Il est également possible de prévoir d'autres bagues intérieures agencées l'une par rapport à l'autre de manière à ce qu'aucune ne soit flottante. Il est également possible de prévoir une cage volante selon laquelle le pivotement dans la bague intérieure ne s'effectue que du côté de la cage qui est entraîné en rotation.It is obvious that the present invention, defined solely by the appended claims, is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the shape of the rings may vary. It is also possible to provide other inner rings arranged relative to each other so that none is floating. It is also possible to provide a flying cage according to which the pivoting in the inner ring takes place only on the side of the cage which is rotated.

Claims (8)

  1. A timepiece comprising a frame (2), at least one wheel (4) of a going train, and at least one tourbillon mechanism comprising:
    - a support (14) bearing a balance (16) and at least one element of an escapement,
    - an outer ring (24) rotatably mounted on the frame (2) around a first axis (A1),
    - at least one inner ring (26) mounted inside the outer ring (24) and rotatable relative to the outer ring (24) around a second axis (A2), the support (14) being pivotably mounted in the inner ring (26) and said support (14) being secured to an arbor (30) around which the inner ring (26) is mounted freely rotating according to a third axis (A3),
    - a first toothed organ (12), mounted on the frame (2),
    - means for driving the inner ring (26) cooperating with a wheel (4) of the going train and arranged to move the inner ring (26) and the outer ring (24) accordingly, giving the support (14) a composite movement, and
    characterized in that the tourbillon mechanism further comprises:
    - a first pinion (38) secured to the arbor (30) of the support (14) arranged to cooperate with said first toothed organ (12) so as to rotate said support (14).
  2. The timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for driving the inner ring (26) comprise a driving element (8) secured to an arbor (6) of the disc (4) of the going train.
  3. The timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the driving element (8) cooperates with the arbor (30) of the support (14) so as to impose a rotating movement thereon around the first toothed organ (12).
  4. The timepiece according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner ring (26) comprises a tube (40) that is secured thereto, wherein the arbor (30) of the support (14) can rotate freely, and in that the driving element (8) cooperates with said tube (40) so as to impose a rotational movement around the first toothed organ (12) on the inner ring (26).
  5. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arbor (30) of the support (14) forms a non-zero angle with the first toothed organ (12).
  6. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tourbillon mechanism further comprises a second toothed organ (36) secured to the inner ring (26) and arranged to cooperate with a second pinion (22) kinematically connected to the escapement.
  7. The timepiece according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (14) is positioned such that its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the second axis of rotation (A2) of the inner ring (26) relative to the outer ring (24).
  8. The timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (14) is positioned such that its axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the second axis of rotation (A2) of the inner ring (26) relative to the outer ring (24).
EP12733475.3A 2011-07-07 2012-07-05 Timepiece Active EP2729849B1 (en)

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CH01145/11A CH705244B1 (en) 2011-07-07 2011-07-07 Timepiece.
PCT/EP2012/063139 WO2013004782A1 (en) 2011-07-07 2012-07-05 Timepiece

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CN (1) CN103620510B (en)
CH (1) CH705244B1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2013004782A1 (en)

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US20140126338A1 (en) 2014-05-08
CN103620510B (en) 2016-01-06
WO2013004782A1 (en) 2013-01-10
CH705244B1 (en) 2016-06-30
CN103620510A (en) 2014-03-05
CH705244A1 (en) 2013-01-15
EP2729849A1 (en) 2014-05-14
HK1192332A1 (en) 2014-08-15
US8956041B2 (en) 2015-02-17

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