EP2802940B1 - Winding mass - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to winding masses for automatic watches.

State of the art

Beautiful mechanical watches exert a fascination in particular due to the observation of the movement of tiny mechanical parts. The observation of the movement of mechanical parts is however only possible in the case of skeleton watches without a dial, or at least of watches having openings through the dial or the back. Furthermore, most mechanical parts are driven by a very slow, almost invisible movement, and only the oscillating weight, the seconds hand and the regulating organ are generally driven by a movement fast enough to be perceptible.

In order to animate the dial of watches that do not show the movement, we therefore know of watches equipped with animations above the dial, that is to say with mechanical parts moving above the dial. These animations can also be used as additional animations with watches that allow you to see the movement.

For example, in the state of the art are known watches comprising diamonds or other objects which move freely above the dial under the effect of gravity and of accelerations.

Watches are also known in which the oscillating weight is placed in front of the dial in order to make it more visible and thus to create an animation by moving, while recharging the automatic movement. An example is described in WO2009 / 056498 .

An oscillating weight, however, occupies a large portion of the dial, which can make it monotonous. CH695394 describes a watch with an oscillating weight, the appeal of which is enhanced by a decorative element visible on the surface of the weight, for example a diamond or a stone which reflects light. A diamond, although it attracts the eye, nevertheless remains stationary in relation to the mass.

In order to animate the watch even more, it is also known practice to equip the oscillating mass with elements or objects that are mobile with respect to this mass. For example, WO2010 / 081500 describes a watch in which part of the movement mechanism is mounted on an oscillating weight visible on the front face.

CH993971 describes a clock face whose background is formed by barbs of bird's feather. This document also describes the method of manufacturing this dial, which comprises the following steps: fixing a bird's feather on the dial plate, the feather having dimensions larger than that of the dial, depositing on the feather of a transparent varnish, in order to hold together the beards and finally to cut out the part of the feather protruding from the dial plate. The final shape of the nib is linked to that of the dial plate.

DE19924775 describes another method of manufacturing a dial comprising beards of bird feather, in particular a falque, in which the parts of the feather which protrude from the dial are cut with a scalpel or with a heating cutting wire.

In these last two documents ( CH993971 and DE19924775 ) the feathers are glued over the entire surface used and then cut. They are therefore used as covering surfaces. In addition, they remain stationary in relation to the watch.

The mechanism necessary to drive moving elements on an oscillating weight in front of the dial is however complex and delicate. Moreover, even if the oscillating weight constitutes an unbalance in order to oscillate under the effect of gravity, it is preferable to distribute its mass homogeneously at the periphery, in order to avoid unbalancing it and creating a significant force. on the central axis of rotation of the oscillating weight. In other words, the moving elements which equip the oscillating mass must be light, and if possible evenly distributed over different angular sectors constituting the oscillating mass.

It is also desirable to provide the oscillating weight with animated elements taking a minimum of energy from the movement of the watch, so as not to reduce the power reserve.

It is also desirable to produce a winding mass with as great a moment of inertia as possible, but without making it too heavy so as not to weigh down the watch more than necessary. For this purpose, it is desirable to have a large mass near the periphery, in order to increase the moment of inertia, and as light as possible between this periphery and the center, in order to lighten the watch.

EP2230570 relates to a timepiece, for example an oscillating weight which is lightened by means of triangular recesses. The center of gravity of the oscillating weight thus obtained is moved towards the periphery while keeping the rigidity of the part.

A winding mass generally comprises a massive peripheral ring in the form of an arc of a circle and connecting elements, for example arms or spokes, connecting the peripheral ring to the pivoting center of the mass. These arms define openings making it possible to see at least partially the elements behind and / or in front of the oscillating weight, while reducing its weight.

These connecting elements are often made of the same metal as the peripheral ring made of heavy metal, and must be sufficiently massive and rigid to transmit high torques. without deforming. They are therefore often considered unsightly, especially in the case of luxury watches.

In order to remedy these drawbacks, there are in the state of the art various means which make it possible to hide or dress these arms so as to improve their aesthetic appearance. There is therefore a need for solutions making it possible to conceal these arms, without making them heavier. In addition, it is desirable to dress or cover these arms without concealing the dial or the hands or other elements of the movement behind the oscillating weight.

A solution to this problem, which has been proposed by the Applicant, provides for an oscillating weight in which the connecting element is set with a plurality of stones, in particular diamonds.

Stones, especially precious stones, have long been used in luxury watchmaking, and their use is therefore legitimate on an oscillating weight. However, the mass of the stones is not negligible, which affects the qualities of the watch. In addition, the thickness of the stones is added to that of the mass, so that this solution is not suitable for ultra-thin watches.

There is therefore a need for a solution which makes it possible to hide the arms of an oscillating weight, or other elements of the watch, without excessively weighing down the weight or the decorated part. In particular, there is a need for a solution making it possible to hide or cover the arms of an oscillating weight using materials compatible with a positioning in the world of luxury and which can surprise the user. The oscillating mass must be able to move with a minimum of resistance to rotation. Even though the oscillating weight moves slowly, part of the resistance is still due to the friction of the air. Therefore, in order to increase the power reserve, it is also desirable to maintain a surface of the oscillating weight sufficiently aerodynamic and to avoid animations on the oscillating weight which slow down the penetration into the air of the oscillating weight.

Furthermore, in order to make the watch immediately identifiable and unique, it is also desirable to use noble and unexpected materials to meet these various objectives.

An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide an oscillating weight which combines these different objectives, while offering a new and unexpected aesthetic.

According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of a method for manufacturing a winding mass according to claim 1.

The use of portions of bird feathers as part of the connecting element between the axis and the periphery of the mass makes it possible to animate the oscillating mass thanks to the portions of feathers which move perceptibly when the mass moves . The mass of the portions of the feathers is very low, so that they do not unbalance the oscillating weight even if they are distributed irregularly, and that they do not weigh down the watch. On the other hand, their aerodynamics are optimal.

Advantageously, each portion of the feather is obtained by stamping a bird feather and comprises a portion of the rachis of the bird feather. In this context, the word "rachis" (or solid rod) designates the central axis of the feathers of birds, which bears the beards. The lower part of the spine which is not made up of dead cells is the calamus (or hollow stem). The spine is mainly made up of keratin, which has high elasticity when bending and is very strong. In a feather in general the diameter of the rachis gradually becomes thinner from the base of the feather to its end. On the other hand, the angle between the barbs and the spine is also getting smaller and smaller.

In a preferred variant, the feather portion is in the form of an entire feather.

The feathers are mounted on the winding mass which is a movable element relative to the dial and / or the watch case. In another variant, these feathers are mounted on any type of element of a watch which is movable relative to the dial and / or to the watch case, for example and without limitation a hand, a roller, a rotor, counter, wheel, etc.

In a preferred variant, the portions of the feather are oriented in a plane normal to the axis of rotation of the movable element, thus making it possible to avoid hindering the movement of the movable element by friction of the air. Advantageously and surprisingly, the pen portions can move on a plane parallel to the watch face, and therefore in a direction perpendicular to that of their movement in kind, which is generally perpendicular to the watch face.

Advantageously, the portion of the feather used is obtained by stamping a natural bird feather, which may or may not be artificially colored. In a variant, the portion of the feather may coincide with the entire feather used.

The composition of natural b-keratin feathers offers imputrescibility under low humidity conditions for the casing of a waterproof watch and the flexibility necessary for handling during the working and gluing phases.

The feathers used are preferably flight feathers, or portions of flight feathers stamped into the blade around the rachis. They may include a rod oriented radially between said axis of rotation and the periphery, and barbs.

Various tests and trials have been carried out by the Applicant to select nibs suitable for being stamped in order to use them in a watch, in particular a luxury watch. Indeed only certain feathers are suitable for this use. First, the diameter of the spine at the upper end of the nib must be thin enough to allow the dial, hands, moving oscillating weight and nibs to be stacked without hampering the operation of the watch. For example, the diameter of the spine must be less than 0.5 mm.

Second, the angular opening between the spine and the barbs must be sufficient for the oscillating weight to be sufficiently covered.

The winding mass may include two levels of superimposed feathers in order to sufficiently conceal the dial behind the feathers and the rigid link elements. The feathers can be semi-transparent, so that the rear feather level can be seen transparently.

The winding mass may include one or more rigid spokes between the axis of rotation and the periphery, the spokes being at least partially covered by said feathers. These spokes make it possible to transmit the forces and movements between the heavier periphery of the winding mass and the central axis. The use of spokes between the center and the periphery makes it possible to lighten the oscillating weight. The use of a continuous peripheral portion, with a higher density than that of the connecting portion, makes it possible to increase the moment of inertia of the winding mass.

The spokes constituting the connecting portion between the center and the periphery may be radial. They can be non-radial, for example in the form of a grid. The periphery can be linked to the central axis by a single spoke, for example an annular segment plate covered by the feathers. The spokes can be metallic. They can be transparent, for example sapphire. The rays can all be covered by the feathers. Some combs may be covered by the feathers. Some rays may be visible. The mass can have different rays of different shape, color, material or orientation.

The rays may be a different color from the color of the feathers. The spokes can be the same color as the dial behind the spokes.

The feathers are therefore mounted on an openwork element making it possible to enhance the transparency of the feather compared to the elements located behind the oscillating weight, or on the dial. In fact, the network formed by the barbs and barbs of a feather is not completely covering: a feather therefore always retains a certain transparency. For example, the end of the feathers can partially hide stones, for example diamonds, located in the outer periphery of the oscillating weight, thus offering unprecedented luminosity and iridescent effects.

The feathers can be glued to the winding weight by the end of their shank only. The blade may be free, so as to allow the barbs or at the end of at least some barbs to float and move when the winding mass moves. The end of the shank of each feather can be glued to a ring near the axis of rotation of the winding mass.

In a preferred variant, each portion of the feather is glued only to the two ends of the spine, which leaves the barbs and barbs free and allows them to move in a limited manner, for example when the oscillating mass is moving. The nib impression is therefore more realistic than when the nib is completely glued in a covering manner on a part. This gluing, carried out for example with an invisible glue, also makes it possible to fix the feather on its most wettable elements (calamus and rachis) and not on the beards and barbs.

The feathers can be whole feathers. As discussed, preferably, the feathers are feather-shaped portions stamped into whole feathers, eg, flight feathers, to give them any desired shape and size. They can be die-cut with precise geometric control of their geometric shape. The feathers can be all the same shape and size. Feathers can be obtained by stamping a small portion, shaped like a feather, into the blade of a selected much larger feather. Each stamped portion may include a portion of the spine of the original nib. The stamped portion can be stamped near the end of the original nib. Different feathers can be stamped voluntarily at different distances from different feathers, in order to obtain feathers with more or less large beards and more or less free and soft.

During the cutting process, it is possible either to leave the ends of the barbs located at the end of the nib intact, or to equalize the limit thereof according to the desired shape. It is also possible to accurately determine the length of the nib.

The slight unevenness of the feather is controlled by gluing the two ends of the feather. Finally, the slight curvature of the beards is also taken into account in the proximity of the feather to the needles.

The feathers can be chemically treated in order to preserve them. The feathers can be treated with preservatives, pesticides, agents to prevent their discoloration. They can be tinted. They can be covered with a varnish to hold the beards and protect them. They can be treated with ozone. They can be treated with ultraviolet rays. They can be treated to protect them from ultraviolet rays.

The use in the state of the art of feathers in watchmaking has hitherto been reduced to the decorative aspect covering, flat and motionless in the trim. The present invention exploits for the first time and in an unexpected way the partial transparency of the feathers, their freedom of movement, their natural geometry, the functions of hooking between barbs and natural cutting and the different levels of wettability of the following feathers. its sub-parts (calamus, rachis, beard, barbs).

In addition, their arrangement on a moving element such as an oscillating weight has no negative functional impact on the watch due to their orientation. Advantageously, the different levels of wettability of the parts of a feather with the adhesives have been taken into account in order to maximize the reliability of the oscillating weight. Finally, the process of cutting the portions of the feather makes it possible to use natural ends of the feathers while maintaining geometric control of their shape.

Brief description of the figures

• La figure 1 illustre une vue de dessus de la masse oscillante avant le montage des plumes.
• La figure 2 illustre une vue de dessus de la masse de remontage après le montage des plumes.
• La figure 3 illustre schématiquement un exemple du procédé d'étampage de plume.
• La figure 4 illustre schématiquement un autre exemple du procédé d'étampage de plume.
• La figure 5 illustre un schéma en coupe d'une portion de plume selon l'invention.
• Les figures 6A et 6B illustrent deux exemples de portion de plume selon l'invention.

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

• The figure 1 illustrates a top view of the oscillating weight before mounting the feathers.
• The figure 2 illustrates a top view of the winding weight after mounting the feathers.
• The figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of the nib stamping process.
• The figure 4 schematically illustrates another example of the nib stamping process.
• The figure 5 illustrates a sectional diagram of a pen portion according to the invention.
• The figures 6A and 6B illustrate two examples of a portion of a nib according to the invention.

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

The figure 1 illustrates a front view of a winding mass 1 intended to equip a mechanical watch in order to wind the barrel and / or to animate the front face. In this application, we call "winding mass" any oscillating mass under the effect of gravity, even if this mass is decorative and does not necessarily act on the winding of the movement.

The winding mass 1 is advantageously arranged for mounting on the front face of the watch, for example above the dial. However, it is also possible to use an oscillating weight manufactured with the method according to the invention to equip the rear of the movement.

The oscillating weight 1 comprises in this example a peripheral portion 10 in the form of an annular segment, for example a segment covering an angle between 120 and 180 °, preferably approximately 180 °. The peripheral portion 10 is advantageously made of a high density material, for example in a precious metal such as gold or platinum, or in steel. A significant part of the mass of the assembly 1 is concentrated at the level of the peripheral ring 10, so that the center of gravity of the oscillating mass is as far as possible from the geometric axis of rotation 100.

A connecting portion 13 with spokes 130 connects this peripheral portion 10 to an internal annular portion 11, 12 comprising a ring 11 forming the means of the mass, and a decorative portion 12. The connecting portion may be made of the same material as the peripheral portion, for example of precious metal or of steel, or of a different material. Each ray 130 connects a point of the internal annular portion 12 to a point of the peripheral ring 10. The kinetic energy caused by the oscillations of the peripheral portion 10 is transmitted to the internal bearing 11 through this connecting portion 13 which must be rigid enough, but light enough not to weigh down the watch and to save the amount of metal. The space between the spokes 130 is sufficient to see the dial or the movement behind the winding mass, at least when this mass is not equipped with feathers. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 13 has the same color as the dial of the watch (not shown) behind the oscillating weight, so as to be as little visible as possible. Other elements can be implemented to connect the peripheral portion 10 to the internal annular portion 11, 12; for example, non-radial arms can be used, arms which cross each other, a grid, concentric arms, a plate with or without openings, etc. The symmetrical arrangement around a vertical axis of symmetry in the figure makes it possible to obtain a good balance of the mass. The connecting portion 13 can be made of metal, for example stainless steel or precious metal. The connecting portion 13 can also be transparent, for example made of sapphire.

The internal annular portion 11, 12 comprises cornices 14, 15 which extend radially opposite each spoke 130. In this example, the winding mass 1 comprises an alternation of large cornices 14 and small cornices 15. Stones, for example diamonds, can equip at least some of these cornices 14, 15. The cornices make it possible to better conceal the end of the feathers which would not be covered by the feathers 20, and to fix the rod 200 of the feathers 20. In a embodiment, a first level of feathers is fixed by gluing the end 202 of the rod 200 of each feather 20 of this first level on a ledge 14, 15, and a second level of feathers 20 is fixed by gluing the end 202 of the rod 200 of each feather of this second level in a gap 16 between a large cornice 14 and a small cornice 15. In this way, the feathers of the second level are placed in alternation between the feathers of a first level, with a partial overlap.

The peripheral portion 10 also comprises a plurality of crimped stones 19, thus helping to enhance its appearance.

The annular portion 11, 12 comprises a bearing 11 which makes it possible to pivotally connect the winding mass 1 to a movement of an automatic watch. In a variant, the winding mass 1 is connected to the movement by the periphery, for example through a rack.

The spokes 130 of the connecting portion 13 have a non-optimal aerodynamic coefficient. Moreover, even if this winding mass moves on the front face of the watch, the animation is limited. Consequently, in order to further animate this winding mass while improving its aerodynamics, the front face of the connecting portion is covered with feathers fixed so as to move slightly according to the oscillations of the mass. The weight of the feathers being extremely limited, it is possible to arrange them in a slightly asymmetric way, or to use feathers of variable size and weight, without unbalancing the winding mass 1.

The figure 2 illustrates the winding mass produced with the method according to the invention on which a level of feathers 20 is glued. In this example, the first level of feathers 20 comprises feathers arranged radially, a feather being placed on each spoke 130 so as to cover it completely or almost completely. The lower end 202 of the rod 200 of each feather 20 is arranged on the internal annular portion 11, 12, for example on each ledge 14, 15. This end can be glued by means of an invisible glue, and / or fixed. by mechanical means. A second level of feathers (not shown) can be glued over this first level, for example with feathers alternating with those of the first level, for example by gluing and / or mechanically fixing the lower end of each feather in a gap 16 between two cornices 14,15. The width of the feathers of the second level is preferably sufficiently limited to allow at least a portion of the feathers on the first level to be seen; in addition, the second level feathers are preferably sufficiently transparent to distinguish the first level feathers.

The feathers used are advantageously rooster feathers carefully selected for their color and condition. Since it is difficult to obtain a large number of feathers with the desired size and shape, and undamaged edges, the feathers used are preferably obtained by stamping a feather-shaped portion from the blade of the blade. a 20 'feather selected much larger. The stamped form includes a portion 200 of the rachis of the base feather, that is to say a portion of the solid shank, as well as shortened barbs 201. Some feathers can be stamped near the upper end of the base feather, in order to have thinner beards, less hooked to each other. Other feathers, for example those used for the lower level, can be stamped closer to the lower end of the stem (calamus), in order to have beards 201 stiffer, better hung, more perpendicular to the stem.

The feathers 20 are preferably glued or secured by the end 202 of the rod only. In a variant, at least some feathers are glued at different points of their stem on the corresponding spoke. In a preferred variant, the nib portions 20 are glued to the spokes 130 by their upper end 204 and by their lower end 202. In both cases, the barbs are free to move when the winding mass is moving.

The figure 4 schematically illustrates another example of the nib stamping process. In this case, the nib portion 20 is stamped near the upper end of the base nib 20 ', in order to have thinner barbs 201, less hooked to each other. In correspondence of the upper end of the base nib 20 'the rachis 200' of the base nib 20 'is thinner, which makes it possible to have a thickness of the portion of the nib 20 which is better suited to the constraints of thickness of a watch.

In addition, the angle α between the spine 200 and the barbs must be sufficient to provide the portion of the nib 20 with sufficient coverage of the oscillating weight 10. Portions of the nib 20 stamped in the central part of the base nib 20 ' have a thicker rachis but an angle β between the rachis 200 and the barbs greater than a.

The figure 5 illustrates a sectional diagram of a pen portion according to the invention. In general, a natural feather is not flat because it forms an angle of non-planarity θ, visible on the figure 5 , relative to a horizontal line. This angle θ has a small value, preferably less than 10 °, for example 5 °. This slight unevenness of the nib is controlled by gluing the two ends 202, 204 of the nib portion 20. Finally, the slight curvature of the barbs is also taken into account when positioning the nib portion in the watch.

The figures 6A and 6B illustrate two examples of a portion of a nib 20 according to the invention. The feathers are die-cut with precise geometric control. During the cutting process, it is possible either to leave the ends of the barbs situated at the ends 202, 204 of the nib portion 20 intact, or to equalize the limit thereof according to the desired shape, as illustrated in the figure. figure 6B . For example, it is possible to cut the lower end 202 of the pen portion 20 in the form of an arc of a circle 300, as illustrated in the figure. figure 6A . Such portions of the nib 20 can advantageously be glued to an oscillating weight as, for example, illustrated in the figure. figure 2 , giving the impression that there are feathers coming out of center 100 of mass 10.

In this case, the portion of the feather can be glued to the spokes 130 of the oscillating weight 10 in correspondence of its end. upper 204 and also in correspondence of points P1 and P2 near its lower end 202.

It is also possible to cut the upper end 204 of the pen portion 20 in the form of an arc of a circle 400, as illustrated in the figure. figure 6B , in order to give a more regular and precise shape to the beards.

The feathers can be chemically treated to keep them longer. They can be treated with pesticides, for example fungicides, herbicides, parasiticides or other phytosanitary products. They can be treated with preservatives. They can be treated with ozone and / or ultraviolet. They can also be treated against discoloration and UV attacks. It is also possible to tint them, and / or to cover them with a varnish in order to hold the beards.

The oscillating weight according to the invention is intended for integration into an automatic watch to ensure the winding of the movement. Such a watch conventionally comprises an energy accumulator, often a barrel, provided to cooperate with the oscillating weight, to perform this function. Thus, the oscillating mass makes it possible to supply energy to the accumulator, by charging the spring of the latter. The energy accumulator is used to supply a time base of the movement, itself ensuring the drive of the gear train.

In an advantageous variant, the oscillating mass 10 is integrated into an existing watch movement. To do this, an adapter plate is placed on the basic mechanical movement of the watch. This plate is used to house gears adapted to ensure the connection between the oscillating weight and the barrel.

The invention also relates, in an unclaimed manner, to other watch components provided with bird feathers fixed in a semi-free manner, that is to say by allowing the barbs to move. Such feathers fixed or glued only by the rod or the end of the rod can for example be provided on the dial, the hands, or on other preferably animated and visible elements of the watch.

Claims (4)

1. Method of manufacturing a winding mass for a watch movement, said winding mass comprising an axis of geometric rotation (100), a peripheral portion (10) and a connecting portion (13) between the peripheral portion (10) and the axis of rotation (100),
   the connecting portion (13) being provided with bird feather portions (20), each feather portion (20) being obtained by stamping a bird feather, each portion comprising a portion of the rachis (100) of said bird feather, and barbs (201), said method comprising the following steps:

   selecting feathers (20');

   stamping a feather portion (20) from the vane of each selected feather (20'), each stamped portion comprising said portion of the rachis (200) and said barbs, a base and an end, said rachis (200) becoming progressively narrower from said base to said tip, the angle between the barbs (201) and the rachis (200) becoming increasingly smaller from said base to said end;

   gluing the rachis (200) of the stamped feather portions (20) onto a winding mass (1), oriented radially with the rachis close to the axis of geometric rotation.
2. The method of claim 1, comprising a step of chemically treating said feather portions (20).
3. The method as claimed in on of claims 1 or 2, said feathers being bonded by their rachis (200) only.
4. The method of claim 1, said mass comprising rigid spokes (130) between said axis of rotation (100) and said peripheral portion (10), said spokes (130) being at least partially covered by said feather portions (20), said feather portions (20) being glued to said spokes (130) by the lower end (202) of their rachis (200) and by the upper end (204) of their rachis (200).

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