EP2735920B1 - Timepiece movement provided with a rotary, hollow, three-dimensional element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a timepiece movement provided with a rotary three-dimensional element, for example a sphere. The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, comprising such a movement.

Invention background

Watches are already known which are equipped with three-dimensional rotating objects.

For example, Swiss patent no. CH 697 674 relates to a watch comprising a device for displaying the phases of the moon comprising a two-color sphere secured to an axis provided with an angle gear intended to drive the sphere in rotation.

Swiss patent application no. CH 699 073 relates to a watch fitted with a three-dimensional astronomical calendar device driven in rotation by a helical transmission element.

The rotary three-dimensional elements described in these documents are full.

We know documents WO86 / 01916 and US60740 clocks comprising spherical globes.

We know the document WO2006 / 032581 a watch movement including a tourbillon.

Summary of the invention

The main purpose of the invention is to propose a timepiece movement provided with a three-dimensional element, in particular a three-dimensional element having an axis of revolution, and first means for rotating this three-dimensional element around an axis of rotation, this clockwork movement having the particularity that the three-dimensional element is hollow and includes a part external, on which the first means act, and an internal part, second means being provided for driving in rotation at least a fraction of this internal part around said axis of rotation, independently of the external part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the three-dimensional element is inclined relative to the plane of movement of the timepiece.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional element has the shape of a sphere.
A movement according to the invention is defined by claim 1.
Different embodiments of the movement are defined by claims 2 to 12.
A timepiece according to the invention is defined by claim 13.

• figure 1 : une vue de dessus en perspective d'un mouvement selon l'invention ;
• figure 2 : une vue de face en perspective d'une partie de l'intérieur du mouvement de la figure 1 ;
• figure 3 : la partie de la figure 2, en vue de dessus ;
• figure 4 : une vue de dessus en perspective faisant apparaître une chaîne cinématique reliant les barillets du mouvement au sommet de la sphère du mouvement des figures 1 à 3 ;
• figure 5 : une vue de face en perspective de l'intérieur de la sphère du mouvement des figures 1 à 4 ;
• figure 6 : une vue de dos en coupe de la sphère des figures 2 et 3 ;
• figure 7 : une vue de droite en perspective de l'intérieur de la sphère des figures 2 et 3 ;
• figure 8 : un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• figure 9 : un détail de l'intérieur de la sphère du mode de réalisation de la figure 8.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will now be described in detail in the following description which is given with reference to the appended figures, which schematically represent:

• figure 1 : a top view in perspective of a movement according to the invention;
• figure 2 : a front perspective view of part of the interior of the movement of the figure 1 ;
• figure 3 : the part of the figure 2 , seen from above;
• figure 4 : a perspective view from above showing a kinematic chain connecting the movement barrels to the top of the movement movement Figures 1 to 3 ;
• figure 5 : a front perspective view of the interior of the sphere of movement of figures 1 to 4 ;
• figure 6 : a back view in section of the sphere of figures 2 and 3 ;
• figure 7 : a right perspective view of the interior of the sphere of figures 2 and 3 ;
• figure 8 : another embodiment of the invention; and
• figure 9 : a detail of the interior of the sphere of the embodiment of the figure 8 .

Detailed description of the invention

According to the invention, the three-dimensional element can have a shape in any space, as long as it has an axis of rotation. It can therefore be spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, ovoid, prismatic, etc.

Preferably, the three-dimensional element is spherical in shape.

According to the invention, the three-dimensional element is hollow, so that it contains a complication such as a vortex.

The three-dimensional element is hollow but it is never completely empty because, even in the absence of any internal mechanism, it still contains a shaft connecting one axial end to the other.

On the other hand, it is always hollow in the sense of "partially empty", because even assuming that it contains a second interior sphere, so that it can rotate, it is necessarily necessary to provide a functional clearance, therefore a hollow ( a space), between the first outer sphere and the second inner sphere (for example, in the case of a partially outer sphere transparent and with a two-color interior sphere of almost equal dimensions).

The rotary three-dimensional element being hollow, it therefore comprises an external part and an internal part, driven respectively by first means or driving elements and by second means or driving elements.

Preferably, these first and second means are independent of all the other mechanisms of the timepiece, such as the mechanisms for displaying the time, winding, etc., and they comprise respective cogs connecting them separately to the barrel of the timepiece. Thus, the first and second independent drive means are linked to each other only by the barrel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the three-dimensional element is inclined relative to the plane of movement of this timepiece, along an axis preferably greater than 0 and less than 90 degrees and included especially between 60 and 70 degrees.

To further describe the invention, reference will now be made to a first exemplary embodiment of movement which is represented on the Figures 1 to 7 and to a second example of movement shown on the figures 8 and 9 .

The figure 1 is an overview of a movement according to the invention on which there is a sphere 1 driven in rotation by a toothed wheel 2 called "driving wheel of the globe" because it performs one revolution in 24 hours. This sphere 1 projects from the plane of the dial.

The toothed wheel 2 is part of a first kinematic chain (or first drive means 2, 4-10) which is visible in detail on the figures 2 and 3 .

As can be seen in these figures, the sphere 1 is hollow, it comprises an external part and an internal part which comprises a vortex mechanism.

The barrel 3 of the timepiece drives an intermediate pinion 4 which meshes with the wheel 5 of an intermediate mobile whose pinion 6 in turn meshes with a wheel 7 integral with a coaxial friction wheel 8 whose role will be explained below.

The friction wheel 8 meshes itself with the lower wheel 9 of a crown comprising an integral wheel 10 having a singular toothing meshing with the wheel 2 which is itself integral with the external part of the sphere 1.

As we can see on the figure 2 , the axis 60 of rotation of the sphere 1 is inclined relative to the plane of movement of the timepiece.

The outer part of the sphere 1 is rotated by its lower axial end.

The internal part, in particular the swirl mechanism, is driven by a second kinematic chain (or second drive means 12-22) which is completely independent of the first kinematic chain and which can be seen in detail on the figure 4 .

The barrel 3 and a second barrel 11 mesh in parallel with the pinion 12 of a so-called "xaine" mobile, the mobile being able to rotate a priori at any speed. The wheel 13 of this mobile meshes with the pinion 14 of a mobile called "center" which performs one revolution per hour clockwise. The wheel 15 of this mobile meshes with the pinion 16 of a so-called "medium" mobile, of which the wheel 17 meshes with the pinion 18 of a second "medium" mobile whose wheel 19 meshes with the pinion 20 of a so-called "second" mobile whose wheel 21 known as "whirl cage return" meshes with a wheel 22 called "whirl cage wheel" because it is attached to the tourbillon mechanism, which includes a cage that can be seen on the figure 5 .

This cage is formed by an upper flywheel 23 connected by columns or pillars of the cage 24 to a lower flywheel 25.

The functioning of the tourbillon is identical to that of a classic tourbillon and therefore does not need to be explained in detail here.

On the figure 6 are visible some of its constituent elements, namely, the spiral spring, the ferrule on which it is fixed and the pendulum axis.

On the figure 7 , we can also see a part of the escape anchor with a pallet and the escape wheel 39 to which the escape pinion 26 is secured.

This meshes with a toothing 40 located at the periphery of the upper end of a frustoconical part itself forming the upper part of a fixed part forming a support 27 for the lower part of the tourbillon cage.

The lower part 41 of the support 27 is cylindrical and fixed to a first connecting piece 35 mounted or fixed on a frame of the movement.

Coming back to the figure 6 , it can be seen that the cylindrical lower part 41 of the support 27 is partially surrounded by a bearing 28 on which the wheel 2 is fixed. The wheel 2 is also fixed to a base 29 itself also fixed on the bearing 28 and d '' from which arches 30 form the external part of the sphere 1 by joining the vertex 31 of the latter. This vertex 31 is fixed on another bearing 34 coaxial with the shaft 33 connecting the upper flywheel 23 of the tourbillon cage to the wheel 22 of tourbillon cage.

The fixed support 27 and the shaft 33 are therefore separated by the tourbillon cage and their longitudinal axes are aligned.

The top 31 is also mounted free to rotate in a second connecting piece 34 connected to the frame.

Thus, the rotation of the vortex cage wheel 22 is transmitted by the shaft 33 to the vortex cage.

Whenever the balance authorizes it through the balance plate, the pin of the plate, the anchor and the escape wheel 39, the escape pinion 26 secured to this wheel 39 turns - is orbited - around the toothing 40 of the fixed support 27.

The angle of inclination α formed by the axis of rotation of the sphere 1 and the plane of movement, clearly visible on the figure 6 , is about 66.56 degrees.

As can be seen in particular by returning to the figure 2 , the toothing of the tourbillon cage return wheel 21 and / or that of the tourbillon cage wheel 22, can (can) be more or less frustoconical, depending on the inclination of the sphere 1, so better be able to be in touch with each other.

In parallel and independently, the rotation of the wheel 10 drives those of the wheel 2 and of the external part (formed by the lower bearing 28, the base 29, the arches 30, the apex 31 and the upper bearing 32) of the sphere 1 .

The toothing of the wheel 10 and / or that of the wheel 2 can (can) also be provided (s) frustoconical (s) for better cooperation of one with the other.

In general, the mechanism for driving the external part in rotation (in the case shown, parts 28 to 32) of the three-dimensional element and the mechanism for driving the rotation of at least a fraction (in the case shown, the parts 23-25,33,39, i.e. the vortex) of the three-dimensional element are not linked, but they have the same source of energy, namely, barrels 3 and 11 .

Of course, the external part of the three-dimensional element and its internal part, or a fraction thereof, can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions and at the same speed or at opposite speeds. It suffices to adapt the first means (first kinematic chain) and / or the second means (second kinematic chain).

We can therefore have, for example in the case shown in the figures, a counterclockwise direction of rotation for the external part of the sphere 1, a clockwise direction of rotation for the tourbillon carriage and obviously no rotation for the fixed support 27. Similarly, one can for example have a fast rotation speed for the external part, a slow rotation speed for the tourbillon and of course a zero rotation speed for the fixed support 27.

For example, the external part can rotate at the rate of one revolution per 24 hours and the internal part (the tourbillon) at the rate of 1 revolution per 10 minutes. The internal and external parts can in particular rotate in the same direction.

As can be seen by referring again to the figure 1 , sphere 1 may not be perforated. This is for example the case when it consists of a three-dimensional element such as a globe on which the 24 time zones have been represented. In this case, the first means (first kinematic chain) are adapted so that the globe makes a complete revolution in 24 hours.

It is advantageous, in particular in the case of the globe representing the time zones, to provide a mechanism for correcting the angular position of the globe.

An example of such a mechanism is visible on the figure 3 . It comprises a rod 36 in position at 4 o'clock on which is mounted a solidly toothed pinion 37, similar to a sliding pinion, which meshes with a wheel 38 in engagement with wheel 9 of the crown.

When the rod 36 is rotated by a user, the globe also rotates, thanks to the wheels 9, 10 and 2. Because the wheel 8 is a wheel frictionally mounted on the shaft which supports it, during rotation of the rod 36, the other wheel 7 mounted on the same shaft is not rotated and the rest of the first kinematic chain as well as the barrels 3 and 11 are not affected.

On the figure 8 is shown partially a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first in that the first and second means are slightly different.

According to this second exemplary embodiment, the internal part of the three-dimensional element, here also a vortex, is provided to rotate for example at a speed of 1 revolution every 10 minutes, or 6 revolutions / hour.

• le deuxième mobile 18,19 a été remplacé par un mobile à deux roues 18',19' ; et
• le pignon 20 du mobile de seconde a été remplacé par une roue 20'.

For this, the second means have been modified in the following way, which appears clearly by comparing the figures 4 and 8 :

• the second mobile 18,19 has been replaced by a two-wheel mobile 18 ', 19'; and
• the pinion 20 of the second mobile has been replaced by a wheel 20 '.

• le pignon d'échappement 26 n'est plus en prise avec la denture 40 de la pièce fixe formant support 27 mais il engrène avec la roue 44 d'un mobile solaire dont le pignon 45 est en prise avec la roue 43 d'un mobile satellite dont le pignon 47 engrène avec la denture fixe 40 ;
• l'axe du mobile solaire se confond de préférence avec l'axe du tourbillon, c'est-à-dire de l'arbre 33,
• une pièce rectangulaire 46 est fixée à l'un des piliers de cage 24, afin de constituer un porte-mobile satellite en supportant l'axe de la roue 43 et du pignon 47 ; et
• le mobile satellite est de préférence symétriquement opposé au pignon d'échappement 26 par rapport à l'axe du tourbillon, de façon à obtenir un meilleur équilibre.

In addition, the tourbillon has been modified in the following way, which appears clearly by comparing the figure 9 to the figures 6 and 7 :

• the exhaust pinion 26 is no longer engaged with the toothing 40 of the fixed part forming a support 27 but it meshes with the wheel 44 of a solar mobile whose pinion 45 is engaged with the wheel 43 of a mobile satellite, the pinion 47 of which meshes with the fixed toothing 40;
• the axis of the solar mobile preferably merges with the axis of the vortex, that is to say of the shaft 33,
• a rectangular piece 46 is fixed to one of the cage pillars 24, in order to constitute a satellite mobile carrier by supporting the axis of the wheel 43 and the pinion 47; and
• the satellite mobile is preferably symmetrically opposite the exhaust pinion 26 with respect to the axis of the tourbillon, so as to obtain better balance.

The wheel 44 is mounted on the cage 23, 24, 25. In particular, the wheel 44 is mounted on the cage via a shaft 51 mounted on the cage. For example, the wheel 44 is driven onto the pinion 45. A ring 52 driven onto the shaft 51 can make it possible to keep the pinion 45 in position and therefore to keep the wheel 44 in position. One end 54 of the shaft can optionally be pivoted in the support 27. The support 27 is in turn mounted on a frame of the movement.

One of the advantages of the tourbillon of this second embodiment is that if one wishes to modify the speed of rotation of the tourbillon without modifying the speed of rotation of the external part, it suffices to change the solar mobile, the satellite mobile and possibly the exhaust pinion to obtain a different gear ratio and therefore a different speed of rotation of the tourbillon. We must also change different wheels of the gear train upstream of the above elements.

Whatever the embodiment chosen, it is possible to provide decorative elements directly on the three-dimensional element or to make it of several materials and / or with several colors, partially or completely transparent, etc.

In the various embodiments, the three-dimensional element, in particular the external part of the three-dimensional element, has first and second dimensions that are substantially equal in first and second directions perpendicular to each other and a dimension that is greater than half of the first and / or the second dimension in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. More preferably, the three-dimensional element, in particular the external part of the three-dimensional element, has first, second and third dimensions that are substantially equal in first, second and third directions perpendicular to each other. For example, the three-dimensional element, in particular the external part of the three-dimensional element, has substantially the shape of a sphere or a cube.

In any event, a watch hand and / or a flat watch dial do not constitute three-dimensional elements within the meaning of the present invention.

In the various embodiments, the three-dimensional element, in particular the external part of the three-dimensional element, is preferably pivoted around a fixed axis in direction and / or in position relative to the frame.

In the various embodiments, the internal part of the three-dimensional element is preferably pivoted about a fixed axis in the direction and / or in position relative to the frame.

The invention also relates, of course, to a timepiece, in particular a watch, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a movement as described above.

Claims (13)

1. Timepiece movement provided with a three-dimensional element (1) and first means (2, 4-10) for rotationally driving this three-dimensional element (1) about an axis (60) of rotation, this three-dimensional element (1) comprising an internal part (23-27, 33, 39-41) comprising a complication, and the complication being a tourbillon mechanism (23-27, 33, 39-41), characterized in that this three-dimensional element (1) is hollow and comprises an external part (28-32), on which the first driving means (2, 4-10) act, second driving means (12-22) being provided to rotationally drive, notably about the axis of rotation (60), at least a fraction (23-25, 33, 39) of this internal part (23-27, 33, 39-41), independently of the external part (28-32).
2. Timepiece movement according to Claim 1, wherein the first driving means (2, 4-10) act at an axial end of the three-dimensional element (1) and the second driving means (12-22) act at the other axial end.
3. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the first driving means (2, 4-10) and the second driving means (12-22) are independent of one another, possibly also independent of other mechanisms of the timepiece movement.
4. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the axis of rotation of three-dimensional element (1) is inclined with respect to the plane of the movement, notably inclined by an angle of inclination (α) of between 60 and 70 degrees.
5. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the three-dimensional element (1) is of spherical form.
6. Timepiece movement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first driving means (2, 4-10) are formed by a first kinematic chain (2, 4-10) and the second driving means (12-22) are formed by a second kinematic chain (12-22).
7. Timepiece movement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mechanism (36-38) for correcting the angular position of the three-dimensional element (1), notably a mechanism for correcting the angular position of the three-dimensional element (1) comprising a rod (36) in the four o'clock position.
8. Timepiece movement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal part (23-27, 33, 39-41) of the three-dimensional element comprises a fixed piece (27) comprising teeth (40) about which the escapement pinion (26) of the tourbillon mechanism turns.
9. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal part (23-27, 33, 39-41) of the three-dimensional element comprises a fixed piece (27) comprising teeth (40) about which turns the pinion (47) of a spur gear whose wheel (43) meshes with the pinion (45) of a secured gear whose wheel (44) is engaged with the escapement pinion (26) of the tourbillon mechanism.
10. Timepiece movement according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the fixed piece (27) serves as a support for the base (29) of the external part (28-32).
11. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the fixed piece (27) serves as support for the bottom part of the tourbillon mechanism.
12. Timepiece movement according to one of Claims 8 to 11, wherein the fixed piece (27) comprises a bottom part (41) which is fixed to a link piece (35) which is itself fixed to the frame the timepiece movement.
13. Timepiece, notably a wrist watch, comprising a movement according to one of the preceding claims, notably a timepiece in which the three-dimensional element (1) protrudes with respect to the dial of the timepiece.

Images