EP3009894B1 - Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch - Google Patents

Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3009894B1
EP3009894B1 EP14189091.3A EP14189091A EP3009894B1 EP 3009894 B1 EP3009894 B1 EP 3009894B1 EP 14189091 A EP14189091 A EP 14189091A EP 3009894 B1 EP3009894 B1 EP 3009894B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
acoustic radiating
arrangement
base
membranes
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14189091.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3009894A1 (en
Inventor
Polychronis Karapatis (Nakis)
Younes Kadmiri
Davide Sarchi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Montres Breguet SA
Original Assignee
Montres Breguet SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montres Breguet SA filed Critical Montres Breguet SA
Priority to EP14189091.3A priority Critical patent/EP3009894B1/en
Priority to CH01576/14A priority patent/CH710166B1/en
Priority to JP2015200890A priority patent/JP6006392B2/en
Priority to US14/879,288 priority patent/US9519271B2/en
Priority to CN201510660800.0A priority patent/CN105527819B/en
Publication of EP3009894A1 publication Critical patent/EP3009894A1/en
Priority to HK16112248.7A priority patent/HK1224027A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3009894B1 publication Critical patent/EP3009894B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G04B21/02—Regular striking mechanisms giving the full hour, half hour or quarter hour
    • G04B21/08—Sounding bodies; Whistles; Musical apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0075—Cases with means to enhance sound transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/08—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits
    • G04B37/11—Hermetic sealing of openings, joints, passages or slits of the back cover of pocket or wrist watches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K1/00—Devices in which sound is produced by striking a resonating body, e.g. bells, chimes or gongs
    • G10K1/06—Devices in which sound is produced by striking a resonating body, e.g. bells, chimes or gongs the resonating devices having the shape of a bell, plate, rod, or tube
    • G10K1/08—Details or accessories of general applicability
    • G10K1/10—Sounding members; Mounting thereof; Clappers or other strikers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K13/00—Cones, diaphragms, or the like, for emitting or receiving sound in general

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a musical watch, or a bell watch.
  • This arrangement comprises at least two superimposed membranes in the watch case for the acoustic radiation of a sound generated in the watch.
  • a striking mechanism may be provided for generating sound or music.
  • the timbre of the bell watch or the keyboard of the musical watch are generally arranged in the watch case.
  • These pieces of clothing are for example the middle part, the bezel, the ice and the bottom of the watch case. These large pieces of clothing begin to radiate sound in the air under the effect of transmitted vibrations.
  • a sound is produced either by a stamp struck by a hammer or by one or more blades of the vibrating keyboard, these pieces of clothing are able to radiate the sound produced in the air.
  • acoustic performance based on the complex vibro-acoustic transduction of the trim parts, is low.
  • material, geometry and boundary conditions of the trim pieces must be taken into account.
  • the configurations of these pieces of clothing are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and operating constraints, which may limit the possibilities of adaptation.
  • the frequency content of the sound of a bell or musical watch must be rich in a frequency range between 1 kHz and 6 kHz. Traditional trim parts do not allow effective radiation in this frequency band.
  • it is expected to have one or more membranes in the watch case.
  • the membranes are sized and configured so that the note (s) generated in the watch case are efficiently radiated.
  • the frequencies of the generated notes must be close to the eigen modes of vibration of the membranes so that they come into resonance.
  • the patent application EP 1 795 978 A2 describes a watch, which includes a ringing device.
  • This striking device comprises two bell-shaped membranes, which are held in the watch case coaxially one on the other by central support rods. There is also provided between the two bells and the bottom of the watch case, another thin membrane stretched and fixed between the middle and the pierced bottom of the watch case. Depending on an adjustment of the radial tension of the other membrane, it is possible to adjust the acoustic radiation frequency of this membrane. On the other hand, the other two bell-shaped membranes are not arranged to improve the sound level of the sound generated by the ringing device, which is a drawback.
  • the patent application EP 2 461 220 A1 discloses an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a striking or musical watch, the arrangement comprising a first membrane (sheet) disposed superimposed on a second membrane, a first peripheral edge of the first membrane and a second peripheral edge of the second membrane being intended for holding the membranes in a watch case, the first acoustic radiation membrane being configured to effectively radiate the frequencies in a first frequency band, and the second acoustic radiation membrane configured to efficiently radiate the frequencies in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the above-mentioned state of the art by providing an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a musical watch or a bell watch, made in such a way as to improve the acoustic performance over a wide area. frequency band and to also guarantee tightness and withstand under high external pressure of the watch case.
  • the invention relates to an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement comprising the features defined in independent claim 1.
  • acoustic radiation membrane arrangement lies in the fact that several superimposed membranes especially have their optimized geometry and connection each specifically to guarantee the mechanical strength and the tightness, and also to improve and standardize the acoustic radiation mainly in a frequency band of 1 kHz to 4 kHz.
  • At least one first membrane is configured to effectively radiate the frequencies in a first frequency band, which may be the frequency band from 2 kHz to 4 kHz.
  • This first membrane fixed in the watch case ensures a good seal of the portion of the watch case, which includes the mechanical movement of the watch bell or musical.
  • Such an acoustic membrane is made of a determined material and with a thickness general defined with dimensions in plan, comparable to the dimensions in plan of a box or ice of watch.
  • At least one second membrane is configured with a central portion in the form of a piston, as according to the principle of a loudspeaker. Openings can also be made in the central part.
  • This makes it possible to ensure an increase in the vibration amplitude, especially in a second frequency band, which may be a frequency band of 1 kHz to 2 kHz.
  • this second acoustic membrane is made of a specific material and with a defined overall thickness with dimensions, which can be comparable to those of the first membrane.
  • the acoustic response of this second membrane is relatively uniform in this frequency range.
  • the second membrane is superimposed on the first membrane by means of a spacer ring.
  • the assembly of the two membranes with the spacer ring there remains a cavity between the two membranes, which is tuned, at 100 Hz, to one of the two fundamental frequencies of vibration of the two membranes.
  • the openings, which are made in the central part of the second membrane can be dimensioned so that the assembly of the two membranes has an acoustic cavity, Helmholtz type resonator. This makes it possible to increase the acoustic level of the ringing or musical watch according to certain frequencies.
  • the membrane arrangement which is preferably composed of the two membranes and the spacer ring, can be made in one-piece form.
  • At least one of the two membranes may be made of a material having a Young's modulus E> 60 GPa and E ⁇ 150 GPa and a density of between 5,000 and 18,000 kg / cm 3 , of amorphous metal or of metal glass, or also in gold or platinum, or even brass, titanium.
  • the two membranes are made of two materials having the same ratio between the Young's modulus and the density.
  • At least one of the two membranes has an elastic limit greater than 1 GPa.
  • Acoustic radiation membranes can be made with a complex shape to amplify the vibration amplitude of different notes generated in a watch case. Principally, the membranes are dimensioned and configured to amplify in particular the first mode of vibration or a second mode of vibration in a frequency band of 1 kHz to 4 kHz.
  • the Figures 1a, 1b and 2 represent an embodiment of the arrangement of acoustic radiation membranes 1, which can equip a musical watch, or a ringing watch.
  • the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement 1 may be in plan view of a generally rectangular, or polygonal or preferably circular shape as shown in FIG. figure 1a .
  • the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement 1 comprises at least a first acoustic membrane 2 superimposed on a second acoustic membrane 4.
  • the first membrane 2 is superimposed on the second membrane 4 by means of an intermediate ring 3 for also define an acoustic cavity.
  • the two superimposed membranes 2, 4 are dimensioned in such a way as to be held for example pinched during their assembly in a watch case, between the bottom and the middle of the watch case with a seal at the periphery of the membranes.
  • the plan dimensions of these membranes may be comparable to the inside dimensions of the watch case or the watch ice.
  • the first membrane 2 is sized and configured so as to effectively radiate frequencies in the 2 kHz to 4 kHz frequency band of sounds or notes generated by the ringing or musical mechanism of the watch.
  • this first membrane 2 in top view defines a disc.
  • the first membrane 2 takes the form for example of a bowl with an active central portion 23, 26, defining a bottom of a bowl, a cylindrical side wall 22, or slightly conical, and a peripheral edge 21.
  • the central portion 23, 26 from its connection to the side wall 22 may have a diameter greater than 15 mm and preferably between 20 and 40 mm. This diameter may be substantially equivalent to that of a watch ice not shown.
  • the peripheral edge 21 can be clamped between a peripheral support of the bottom of the watch case and a circular inner rim of the middle through at least one seal.
  • the overall thickness of the first membrane 2 is less than or equal to 1 mm.
  • the central portion 23, 26 of this first membrane 2 comprises a base 23 defining a bottom preferably circular and flat, and an annular portion 26 at the periphery of the base 23 to form a single piece.
  • the diameter of the base 23 may be between 10 and 20% less than the diameter of the annular portion 26.
  • the annular portion 26 may be slightly conical at an angle between 70 ° and 88 °, preferably of the order of 86 ° relative to the axis of the base.
  • the first membrane 2 is made without perforated parts or openings through the material of the membrane. This ensures a good seal of the portion of the watch case, which includes the watch movement with the striking mechanism or musical.
  • Excavated regions 24, 25 of different thickness in the base 23 may also be provided. These excavated regions 24, 25 in plan view have circular asymmetric shapes, such as ellipses. With these ellipses 24, 25, this makes it possible to have a double number of eigen modes of vibration for each ellipse with respect to a uniform region of circular shape.
  • This type of embodiment of the first membrane 2 with a base 23 provided with a first excavated region 24 and a second excavated region 25 is described in detail in FIG. reference to the figure 1 in the patent application EP 2 461 219 A1 which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the second membrane 4 is sized and configured so as to effectively radiate frequencies in the 1 kHz to 2 kHz frequency band of sounds or notes generated by the ringing or musical mechanism of the watch.
  • the second membrane 4 in top view defines a disk, with a shape is dimensions, which can be similar to those of the first membrane as explained above.
  • the second membrane 4 can also be configured in the form of a bowl with an active central portion 43, 46, defining a bottom of the bowl.
  • the second membrane 4 further comprises a cylindrical side wall 42, or slightly conical, connected to the central portion, and a peripheral edge 41 for mounting with the first membrane 2 superimposed in the watch case.
  • the active central portion of the second membrane 4 is composed of a base 43 connected to an annular portion 46 to form a single piece.
  • the base 43 of the second membrane 4 defines a bottom preferably circular and flat.
  • the diameter of the base 43 may be between 10 and 20% smaller than the outside diameter of the annular portion 46.
  • the annular portion 46 may be slightly conical at an angle identical to the annular portion 26 of the first membrane 2.
  • One or more perforated parts or openings 45 are made in the central part, in particular in the base 43 of the second membrane 4. These perforated parts or openings 45 can take the U-shaped, while defining suspended surfaces or sectors 47 partially connected to the base 43. The U-branches of the openings are oriented towards the center of the base 43. Each base of the U-shaped perforated portions is disposed on a concentric circle concentric with the base 43. Thus, the base 43 of the second membrane is connected to the annular portion 46 via one or more connection sectors 44. These connection sectors 44 are made in the material of the base 43 with a thickness less than the rest of the base to promote the vibration of the membrane.
  • the central portion may have four connection sectors 44, which are regularly spaced from each other.
  • the suspended sectors 47 are therefore also regularly spaced from each other.
  • the angle of each sector 44 determined from the center of the central portion 43 may be identical to the angle described by the base of each opening 45. Under these conditions, each sector 44 and each opening 45 are defined at an angle of 45. °. However the angle of each sector may also be different from the angle of each opening, and their number also different from four.
  • each sector 44 selected between 50 and 100 microns, while the thickness of the rest of the base 43 may be greater than 100 microns and less than 1 mm.
  • the central part of the second membrane 4 can take the form of a piston, as according to the principle of a loudspeaker, which improves the acoustic radiation especially in the frequency band from 1 kHz to 2 kHz.
  • the two acoustic radiation membranes 2 and 4 may be formed in one piece from the same material, which may be metallic. This material may be amorphous metal or metallic glass. The material chosen may also be gold or platinum, or even brass, titanium, aluminum for example with a density, a Young's modulus and an elastic limit, which are similar.
  • each membrane by combining two different materials, by welding, brazing, driving or coating.
  • the first membrane 2 may be made of a material different from the second membrane 4, but it is necessary to have good acoustic radiation at any temperature, that the temperature variation of the chosen materials is close.
  • the membrane arrangement 1 further comprises an intermediate ring 3 arranged to be mounted between the first membrane 2 and the second membrane 4.
  • This ring may be of a material equivalent to the first membrane and / or the second membrane.
  • the membrane arrangement 1 can also be made in one-piece form.
  • the ring 3 may advantageously have a diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of each membrane. This facilitates the mounting of the membrane arrangement 1 in a watch case with the peripheral edge 21, 41 of each membrane 2, 4 and the spacer ring 3 aligned. After mounting the membrane arrangement 1 in the watch case, the central portions 23, 43 of the two membranes 2, 4 are non-contacting each other and with other parts of the watch to freely vibrate.
  • the spacer ring 3 and the second membrane 4 are mounted, there remains a cavity between the two membranes.
  • This cavity can be tuned to one of the two natural frequencies of vibration of the two membranes.
  • the openings 45, which are made in the central portion of the second membrane 4, and the thickness of the spacer ring, which may be close to 1 mm, can be dimensioned so that the assembly of the two membranes present the acoustic cavity, of the Helmholtz resonator type. In this case, the system performs a vibro-acoustic coupling between the membranes and the cavity. This makes it possible to increase the acoustic level of the ringing or musical watch according to certain frequencies.
  • peripheral edges 21, 41 of the membranes 2, 4 bear in portions on the movement or on an inner rim of the middle part.
  • the peripheral edges 21, 41 do not stack anymore, but fit together.
  • the portions made at the periphery of the membranes may be of a defined geometry to improve the vibratory transfer between a sound generator and the membranes.
  • the second membrane 4 can be configured in another way than that described with reference to the Figures 1a, 1b and 2 .
  • the first membrane 2 and the second membrane 4 can be made without perforated parts and / or transparent.
  • the thickness of the central portion of one or the other membrane may also vary from the center to the outside of each membrane.
  • the figure 3 represents the acoustic level measured according to the activation frequencies imposed by a vibration generator of the watch. It can be, for example frequencies of 1 eigenmode of the blades of a ringing key.
  • a comparison is shown in the case of using a geometrically optimized conventional membrane mounted in the watch case and the dual membrane arrangement of the present invention.
  • the figures 4 and 5 represent comparisons between measurements of the acoustic level in the frequency range of the notes or sounds generated and the results of a simulation.
  • the figure 4 he is represented the case of a simple membrane, whereas at the figure 5 the case of the membrane arrangement of the present invention is shown.

Description

L'invention concerne un agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre musicale, ou une montre à sonnerie. Cet agencement comprend au moins deux membranes superposées dans la boîte de la montre pour le rayonnement acoustique d'un son généré dans la montre.The invention relates to an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a musical watch, or a bell watch. This arrangement comprises at least two superimposed membranes in the watch case for the acoustic radiation of a sound generated in the watch.

Dans une montre, il peut être prévu un mécanisme de sonnerie pour générer un son ou une musique. Pour ce faire, le timbre de la montre à sonnerie ou le clavier de la montre musicale sont disposés généralement dans la boîte de montre. Ainsi les vibrations du timbre ou des lames du clavier sont transmises aux différentes pièces d'habillage. Ces pièces d'habillage sont par exemple la carrure, la lunette, la glace et le fond de la boîte de montre. Ces grandes pièces d'habillage se mettent à rayonner du son dans l'air sous l'effet des vibrations transmises. Lorsqu'un son est produit soit par un timbre frappé par un marteau, soit par une ou plusieurs lames du clavier en vibration, ces pièces d'habillage sont capables de rayonner le son produit dans l'air.In a watch, a striking mechanism may be provided for generating sound or music. To do this, the timbre of the bell watch or the keyboard of the musical watch are generally arranged in the watch case. Thus the vibrations of the timbre or the keyboard blades are transmitted to the different parts of dressing. These pieces of clothing are for example the middle part, the bezel, the ice and the bottom of the watch case. These large pieces of clothing begin to radiate sound in the air under the effect of transmitted vibrations. When a sound is produced either by a stamp struck by a hammer or by one or more blades of the vibrating keyboard, these pieces of clothing are able to radiate the sound produced in the air.

Généralement dans une telle montre musicale ou à sonnerie, le rendement acoustique, sur la base de la transduction vibro-acoustique complexe des pièces d'habillage, est faible. Pour améliorer et augmenter le niveau acoustique perçu par l'utilisateur de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale, il doit être tenu compte de la matière, de la géométrie et des conditions aux limites des pièces d'habillage. Les configurations de ces pièces d'habillage sont aussi dépendantes de l'esthétique de la montre et des contraintes de fonctionnement, ce qui peut limiter les possibilités d'adaptation.Generally in such a musical watch or bell, acoustic performance, based on the complex vibro-acoustic transduction of the trim parts, is low. To improve and increase the acoustic level perceived by the user of the bell or musical watch, the material, geometry and boundary conditions of the trim pieces must be taken into account. The configurations of these pieces of clothing are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and operating constraints, which may limit the possibilities of adaptation.

Le contenu fréquentiel du son d'une montre à sonnerie ou musicale doit être riche dans un intervalle de fréquences entre 1 kHz et 6 kHz. Les pièces d'habillage traditionnelles ne permettent pas un rayonnement efficace dans cette bande de fréquences. Ainsi pour pouvoir améliorer encore le rendement vibro-acoustique du mécanisme de sonnerie, il est prévu de disposer une ou plusieurs membranes dans la boîte de montre. Les membranes sont dimensionnées et configurées pour que la ou les notes générées dans la boîte de montre soient rayonnées efficacement. Les fréquences des notes générées doivent être proches des modes propres de vibration des membranes pour qu'elles entrent en résonance.The frequency content of the sound of a bell or musical watch must be rich in a frequency range between 1 kHz and 6 kHz. Traditional trim parts do not allow effective radiation in this frequency band. Thus to further improve the vibro-acoustic performance of the striking mechanism, it is expected to have one or more membranes in the watch case. The membranes are sized and configured so that the note (s) generated in the watch case are efficiently radiated. The frequencies of the generated notes must be close to the eigen modes of vibration of the membranes so that they come into resonance.

Les contraintes relatives à l'agencement de membranes acoustiques sont généralement en contraste avec les règles de constructions mécaniques permettant de garantir l'étanchéité, ainsi que la résistance mécanique de la montre aux chocs et aux pressions extérieures importantes. Le fond normalement ajouré de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale impose encore que la liaison entre la ou les membranes et le reste du mouvement soit étanche. Dans ces conditions, une membrane ajourée entre le fond et le mouvement mécanique ne peut donc pas être utilisée. De plus, une membrane, qui possède une raideur trop faible, ne peut pas garantir une résistance suffisante à une pression externe sans risquer de détériorer le mouvement, ce qui constituent des inconvénients.The constraints relating to the arrangement of acoustic membranes are generally in contrast with the rules of mechanical construction to ensure the seal, as well as the mechanical strength of the watch shocks and significant external pressures. The normally perforated bottom of the bell or musical watch still requires that the connection between the membrane (s) and the rest of the movement be watertight. Under these conditions, a perforated membrane between the bottom and the mechanical movement can not be used. In addition, a membrane, which has a stiffness too low, can not guarantee sufficient resistance to external pressure without the risk of damaging the movement, which is a drawback.

La demande de brevet EP 1 795 978 A2 décrit une montre, qui comprend un dispositif de sonnerie. Ce dispositif de sonnerie comprend deux membranes en forme de cloche, qui sont maintenues dans la boîte de montre de manière coaxiale l'une sur l'autre par des tiges centrales de support. Il est également prévu entre les deux cloches et le fond de la boîte de montre, une autre membrane mince tendue et fixée entre la carrure et le fond percé de la boîte de montre. En fonction d'un réglage de la tension radiale de l'autre membrane, il est possible de régler la fréquence de rayonnement acoustique de cette membrane. Par contre, les deux autres membranes en forme de cloche ne sont pas agencées pour améliorer le niveau acoustique du son généré par le dispositif de sonnerie, ce qui constitue un inconvénient.The patent application EP 1 795 978 A2 describes a watch, which includes a ringing device. This striking device comprises two bell-shaped membranes, which are held in the watch case coaxially one on the other by central support rods. There is also provided between the two bells and the bottom of the watch case, another thin membrane stretched and fixed between the middle and the pierced bottom of the watch case. Depending on an adjustment of the radial tension of the other membrane, it is possible to adjust the acoustic radiation frequency of this membrane. On the other hand, the other two bell-shaped membranes are not arranged to improve the sound level of the sound generated by the ringing device, which is a drawback.

La demande de brevet EP 2 461 220 A1 divulgue un agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre à sonnerie ou musicale, l'agencement comprenant une première membrane (feuillet) disposée superposée à une seconde membrane, une première bordure périphérique de la première membrane et une seconde bordure périphérique de la seconde membrane étant destinées pour le maintien des membranes dans une boîte de montre, la première membrane de rayonnement acoustique étant configurée pour rayonner efficacement les fréquences dans une première bande de fréquences, et la seconde membrane de rayonnement acoustique étant configurée pour rayonner efficacement les fréquences dans une seconde bande de fréquences différente de la première bande de fréquences.The patent application EP 2 461 220 A1 discloses an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a striking or musical watch, the arrangement comprising a first membrane (sheet) disposed superimposed on a second membrane, a first peripheral edge of the first membrane and a second peripheral edge of the second membrane being intended for holding the membranes in a watch case, the first acoustic radiation membrane being configured to effectively radiate the frequencies in a first frequency band, and the second acoustic radiation membrane configured to efficiently radiate the frequencies in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

L'invention a donc pour but de pallier les inconvénients de l'état de la technique susmentionné en fournissant un agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre musicale ou une montre à sonnerie, réalisé de telle manière à améliorer le rendement acoustique sur une large bande de fréquences et à garantir également l'étanchéité et la tenue sous une pression externe élevée de la boîte de montre.The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the above-mentioned state of the art by providing an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a musical watch or a bell watch, made in such a way as to improve the acoustic performance over a wide area. frequency band and to also guarantee tightness and withstand under high external pressure of the watch case.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique comprenant les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to an acoustic radiation membrane arrangement comprising the features defined in independent claim 1.

Des formes particulières de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 17. Un avantage de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique réside dans le fait que plusieurs membranes notamment superposées ont leur géométrie et leur liaison optimisées chacune spécifiquement pour garantir la résistance mécanique et l'étanchéité, et également pour améliorer et uniformiser le rayonnement acoustique principalement dans une bande de fréquences de 1 kHz à 4 kHz.Particular forms of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 17. An advantage of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement lies in the fact that several superimposed membranes especially have their optimized geometry and connection each specifically to guarantee the mechanical strength and the tightness, and also to improve and standardize the acoustic radiation mainly in a frequency band of 1 kHz to 4 kHz.

Avantageusement, au moins une première membrane est configurée pour rayonner efficacement les fréquences dans une première bande de fréquences, qui peut être la bande de fréquences de 2 kHz à 4 kHz. Cette première membrane fixée dans la boîte de montre garantit une bonne étanchéité de la portion de la boîte de montre, qui comprend le mouvement mécanique de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale. Une telle membrane acoustique est réalisée dans un matériau déterminé et avec une épaisseur générale définie avec des dimensions en plan, comparables aux dimensions en plan d'une boîte ou glace de montre.Advantageously, at least one first membrane is configured to effectively radiate the frequencies in a first frequency band, which may be the frequency band from 2 kHz to 4 kHz. This first membrane fixed in the watch case ensures a good seal of the portion of the watch case, which includes the mechanical movement of the watch bell or musical. Such an acoustic membrane is made of a determined material and with a thickness general defined with dimensions in plan, comparable to the dimensions in plan of a box or ice of watch.

Avantageusement, au moins une seconde membrane est configurée avec une partie centrale sous forme de piston, comme selon le principe d'un haut-parleur. Des ouvertures peuvent être aussi réalisées dans la partie centrale. Ceci permet d'assurer une augmentation de l'amplitude de vibration notamment dans une seconde bande de fréquences, qui peut être une bande de fréquences de 1 kHz à 2 kHz. Comme pour la première membrane, cette seconde membrane acoustique est réalisée dans un matériau déterminé et avec une épaisseur générale définie avec des dimensions, qui peuvent être comparables à celles de la première membrane. La réponse acoustique de cette seconde membrane est relativement uniforme dans cet intervalle de fréquences. La seconde membrane est superposée à la première membrane par l'intermédiaire d'un anneau intercalaire. Grâce à l'assemblage des deux membranes avec l'anneau intercalaire, il subsiste une cavité entre les deux membranes, qui est accordée, à 100 Hz près, à une des deux fréquences propres fondamentales de vibration des deux membranes. De plus, les ouvertures, qui sont réalisées dans la partie centrale de la seconde membrane, peuvent être dimensionnées pour que l'assemblage des deux membranes présente une cavité acoustique, du type résonateur d'Helmholtz. Ceci permet d'augmenter le niveau acoustique de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale selon certaines fréquences.Advantageously, at least one second membrane is configured with a central portion in the form of a piston, as according to the principle of a loudspeaker. Openings can also be made in the central part. This makes it possible to ensure an increase in the vibration amplitude, especially in a second frequency band, which may be a frequency band of 1 kHz to 2 kHz. As for the first membrane, this second acoustic membrane is made of a specific material and with a defined overall thickness with dimensions, which can be comparable to those of the first membrane. The acoustic response of this second membrane is relatively uniform in this frequency range. The second membrane is superimposed on the first membrane by means of a spacer ring. Thanks to the assembly of the two membranes with the spacer ring, there remains a cavity between the two membranes, which is tuned, at 100 Hz, to one of the two fundamental frequencies of vibration of the two membranes. In addition, the openings, which are made in the central part of the second membrane, can be dimensioned so that the assembly of the two membranes has an acoustic cavity, Helmholtz type resonator. This makes it possible to increase the acoustic level of the ringing or musical watch according to certain frequencies.

Avantageusement l'agencement à membranes, qui est composé de préférence des deux membranes et de l'anneau intercalaire peut être réalisé sous forme monobloc.Advantageously, the membrane arrangement, which is preferably composed of the two membranes and the spacer ring, can be made in one-piece form.

Avantageusement, au moins une des deux membranes peut être réalisée dans une matière ayant un module de Young E > 60 GPa et E < 150 GPa et une densité comprise entre 5'000 et 18'000 kg/cm3, en métal amorphe ou en verre métallique, ou également en or ou en platine, voire en laiton, en titane.Advantageously, at least one of the two membranes may be made of a material having a Young's modulus E> 60 GPa and E <150 GPa and a density of between 5,000 and 18,000 kg / cm 3 , of amorphous metal or of metal glass, or also in gold or platinum, or even brass, titanium.

Avantageusement les deux membranes sont réalisées dans deux matières ayant le même rapport entre le module de Young et la densité.Advantageously, the two membranes are made of two materials having the same ratio between the Young's modulus and the density.

Avantageusement au moins une des deux membranes possède une limite élastique supérieure à 1 GPa.Advantageously, at least one of the two membranes has an elastic limit greater than 1 GPa.

Avec de telles membranes, l'élargissement de la bande sonore peut être combiné avec un amortissement interne très faible, ce qui permet d'obtenir un très bon rendement sonore.With such membranes, the widening of the soundtrack can be combined with a very low internal damping, which makes it possible to obtain a very good sound output.

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre musicale, ou une montre à sonnerie apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante sur la base d'au moins une forme d'exécution non limitative illustrée par les dessins sur lesquels :

  • les figures 1a et 1b représentent une vue en plan de dessus et une coupe diamétrale en éclaté selon A-A de la figure 1a d'une forme d'exécution de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue tridimensionnelle en éclaté de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 représente un graphe du niveau acoustique mesuré pour une simple membrane en comparaison à un agencement à deux membranes selon l'invention en fonction des fréquences d'activation d'un générateur de son de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale,
  • la figure 4 représente un graphe de la comparaison entre le niveau acoustique mesuré et obtenu par simulation dans le cas d'une simple membrane conventionnelle, et
  • la figure 5 représente un graphe comparant le niveau acoustique mesuré à celui obtenu par simulation dans le cas d'un agencement à deux membranes selon l'invention.
The objects, advantages and characteristics of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for a musical watch, or a bell watch will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings on which :
  • the Figures 1a and 1b represent a plan view from above and an exploded diametrical section along AA of the figure 1a of an embodiment of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents an exploded three-dimensional view of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement according to the invention,
  • the figure 3 represents a graph of the acoustic level measured for a simple membrane in comparison with a two-membrane arrangement according to the invention as a function of the activation frequencies of a sound generator of the ring or musical watch,
  • the figure 4 represents a graph of the comparison between the acoustic level measured and obtained by simulation in the case of a simple conventional membrane, and
  • the figure 5 represents a graph comparing the acoustic level measured with that obtained by simulation in the case of a two-membrane arrangement according to the invention.

Dans la description suivante, il sera fait référence principalement à la configuration de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique, pour équiper une montre à sonnerie ou musicale. Les membranes de rayonnement acoustique peuvent être réalisées avec une forme complexe pour amplifier l'amplitude de vibration de différentes notes générées dans une boîte de montre. Principalement, les membranes sont dimensionnées et configurées de manière à amplifier notamment le premier mode de vibration, voire un second mode de vibration dans une bande de fréquences de 1 kHz à 4 kHz.In the following description, reference will be made mainly to the configuration of the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement for equipping a bell or musical watch. Acoustic radiation membranes can be made with a complex shape to amplify the vibration amplitude of different notes generated in a watch case. Principally, the membranes are dimensioned and configured to amplify in particular the first mode of vibration or a second mode of vibration in a frequency band of 1 kHz to 4 kHz.

Les figures 1a, 1b et 2 représentent une forme d'exécution de l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique 1, qui peut équiper une montre musicale, ou une montre à sonnerie. En fonction de la forme de la boîte de montre, l'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique 1 peut être en vue de dessus d'une forme générale rectangulaire, ou polygonale ou de préférence circulaire comme représenté sur la figure 1a.The Figures 1a, 1b and 2 represent an embodiment of the arrangement of acoustic radiation membranes 1, which can equip a musical watch, or a ringing watch. Depending on the shape of the watch case, the acoustic radiation membrane arrangement 1 may be in plan view of a generally rectangular, or polygonal or preferably circular shape as shown in FIG. figure 1a .

L'agencement à membranes de rayonnement acoustique 1 comprend au moins une première membrane acoustique 2 superposée à une seconde membrane acoustique 4. De préférence, la première membrane 2 est superposée à la seconde membrane 4 par l'intermédiaire d'un anneau intercalaire 3 pour définir aussi une cavité acoustique. Les deux membranes 2, 4 superposées sont dimensionnées de telle manière à être maintenues par exemple pincées lors de leur montage dans une boîte de montre, entre le fond et la carrure de la boîte de montre avec une garniture d'étanchéité en périphérie des membranes. Les dimensions en plan de ces membranes peuvent être comparables aux dimensions intérieures de la boîte de montre ou de la glace de montre.The acoustic radiation membrane arrangement 1 comprises at least a first acoustic membrane 2 superimposed on a second acoustic membrane 4. Preferably, the first membrane 2 is superimposed on the second membrane 4 by means of an intermediate ring 3 for also define an acoustic cavity. The two superimposed membranes 2, 4 are dimensioned in such a way as to be held for example pinched during their assembly in a watch case, between the bottom and the middle of the watch case with a seal at the periphery of the membranes. The plan dimensions of these membranes may be comparable to the inside dimensions of the watch case or the watch ice.

La première membrane 2 est dimensionnée et configurée de telle manière à rayonner efficacement les fréquences dans la bande de fréquences de 2 kHz à 4 kHz de sons ou notes générés par le mécanisme de sonnerie ou musical de la montre. De préférence pour un montage dans une boîte de montre de forme générale circulaire, cette première membrane 2 en vue de dessus définit un disque. La première membrane 2 prend la forme par exemple d'une cuvette avec une partie centrale active 23, 26, définissant un fond de cuvette, une paroi latérale 22 de forme cylindrique, voire légèrement conique, et une bordure périphérique 21.The first membrane 2 is sized and configured so as to effectively radiate frequencies in the 2 kHz to 4 kHz frequency band of sounds or notes generated by the ringing or musical mechanism of the watch. Preferably for mounting in a generally circular watch case, this first membrane 2 in top view defines a disc. The first membrane 2 takes the form for example of a bowl with an active central portion 23, 26, defining a bottom of a bowl, a cylindrical side wall 22, or slightly conical, and a peripheral edge 21.

La partie centrale 23, 26 depuis sa liaison à la paroi latérale 22 peut avoir un diamètre supérieur à 15 mm et de préférence entre 20 et 40 mm. Ce diamètre peut être sensiblement équivalent à celui d'une glace de montre non représentée. Conventionnellement, la bordure périphérique 21 peut être pincée entre un support périphérique du fond de la boîte de montre et un rebord intérieur circulaire de la carrure par l'intermédiaire d'au moins une garniture d'étanchéité. L'épaisseur générale de la première membrane 2 est inférieure ou égale à 1 mm.The central portion 23, 26 from its connection to the side wall 22 may have a diameter greater than 15 mm and preferably between 20 and 40 mm. This diameter may be substantially equivalent to that of a watch ice not shown. Conventionally, the peripheral edge 21 can be clamped between a peripheral support of the bottom of the watch case and a circular inner rim of the middle through at least one seal. The overall thickness of the first membrane 2 is less than or equal to 1 mm.

La partie centrale 23, 26 de cette première membrane 2 comprend une base 23 définissant un fond de préférence circulaire et plat, et une portion annulaire 26 en périphérie de la base 23 pour ne former qu'une seule pièce. Le diamètre de la base 23 peut être entre 10 et 20% inférieur au diamètre de la portion annulaire 26. La portion annulaire 26 peut être légèrement conique d'un angle entre 70° et 88°, de préférence de l'ordre de 86° par rapport à l'axe de la base.The central portion 23, 26 of this first membrane 2 comprises a base 23 defining a bottom preferably circular and flat, and an annular portion 26 at the periphery of the base 23 to form a single piece. The diameter of the base 23 may be between 10 and 20% less than the diameter of the annular portion 26. The annular portion 26 may be slightly conical at an angle between 70 ° and 88 °, preferably of the order of 86 ° relative to the axis of the base.

La première membrane 2 est réalisée sans parties ajourées ou ouvertures à travers le matériau de la membrane. Cela garantit une bonne étanchéité de la portion de la boîte de montre, qui comprend notamment le mouvement horloger avec le mécanisme de sonnerie ou musical.The first membrane 2 is made without perforated parts or openings through the material of the membrane. This ensures a good seal of the portion of the watch case, which includes the watch movement with the striking mechanism or musical.

Il peut encore être prévu de réaliser des régions excavées 24, 25 d'épaisseur différente dans la base 23. Ces régions excavées 24, 25 en vue de dessus ont des formes circulairement asymétriques, telles que des ellipses. Avec ces ellipses 24, 25, cela permet d'avoir un nombre double de modes propres de vibration pour chaque ellipse par rapport à une région uniforme de forme circulaire. Ce type de réalisation de la première membrane 2 avec une base 23 munie d'une première région excavée 24 et d'une seconde région excavée 25 est décrit de manière détaillée en référence à la figure 1 dans la demande de brevet EP 2 461 219 A1 , qui est incorporée ici par référence.Excavated regions 24, 25 of different thickness in the base 23 may also be provided. These excavated regions 24, 25 in plan view have circular asymmetric shapes, such as ellipses. With these ellipses 24, 25, this makes it possible to have a double number of eigen modes of vibration for each ellipse with respect to a uniform region of circular shape. This type of embodiment of the first membrane 2 with a base 23 provided with a first excavated region 24 and a second excavated region 25 is described in detail in FIG. reference to the figure 1 in the patent application EP 2 461 219 A1 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Bien entendu, il peut aussi être prévu de réaliser des portions en saillie non représentées d'épaisseur différente dans la base 23 comme expliqué dans cette demande de brevet EP 2 461 219 A1 . Ces portions en saillie peuvent être des ellipses également pour avoir un grand nombre de modes propres de vibration de la première membrane 2.Of course, it may also be provided to make unrepresented projecting portions of different thickness in the base 23 as explained in this patent application EP 2 461 219 A1 . These protruding portions may also be ellipses to have a large number of eigen modes of vibration of the first membrane 2.

La seconde membrane 4 est dimensionnée et configurée de telle manière à rayonner efficacement les fréquences dans la bande de fréquences de 1 kHz à 2 kHz de sons ou notes générés par le mécanisme de sonnerie ou musical de la montre. Comme pour la première membrane 2, la seconde membrane 4 en vue de dessus définit un disque, avec une forme est des dimensions, qui peuvent être semblables à celles de la première membrane comme expliqué ci-dessus. La seconde membrane 4 peut être aussi configurée sous la forme d'une cuvette avec une partie centrale active 43, 46, définissant un fond de cuvette. La seconde membrane 4 comprend encore une paroi latérale 42 de forme cylindrique, voire légèrement conique, reliée à la partie centrale, et une bordure périphérique 41 pour son montage avec la première membrane 2 superposée dans la boîte de montre.The second membrane 4 is sized and configured so as to effectively radiate frequencies in the 1 kHz to 2 kHz frequency band of sounds or notes generated by the ringing or musical mechanism of the watch. As for the first membrane 2, the second membrane 4 in top view defines a disk, with a shape is dimensions, which can be similar to those of the first membrane as explained above. The second membrane 4 can also be configured in the form of a bowl with an active central portion 43, 46, defining a bottom of the bowl. The second membrane 4 further comprises a cylindrical side wall 42, or slightly conical, connected to the central portion, and a peripheral edge 41 for mounting with the first membrane 2 superimposed in the watch case.

La partie centrale active de la seconde membrane 4 est composée d'une base 43 reliée à une portion annulaire 46 pour ne former qu'une seule pièce. Comme pour la première membrane 2, la base 43 de la seconde membrane 4 définit un fond de préférence circulaire et plat. Le diamètre de la base 43 peut être entre 10 et 20% inférieur au diamètre extérieur de la portion annulaire 46. La portion annulaire 46 peut être légèrement conique d'un angle identique à la portion annulaire 26 de la première membrane 2.The active central portion of the second membrane 4 is composed of a base 43 connected to an annular portion 46 to form a single piece. As for the first membrane 2, the base 43 of the second membrane 4 defines a bottom preferably circular and flat. The diameter of the base 43 may be between 10 and 20% smaller than the outside diameter of the annular portion 46. The annular portion 46 may be slightly conical at an angle identical to the annular portion 26 of the first membrane 2.

Une ou plusieurs parties ajourées ou ouvertures 45 sont réalisées dans la partie centrale, notamment dans la base 43 de la seconde membrane 4. Ces parties ajourées ou ouvertures 45 peuvent prendre la forme de U, tout en définissant des surfaces ou secteurs suspendus 47 partiellement connectés à la base 43. Les branches du U des ouvertures sont orientées en direction du centre de la base 43. Chaque base des parties ajourées en forme de U est disposée sur un cercle imaginaire concentrique à la base 43. Ainsi, la base 43 de la seconde membrane est reliée à la portion annulaire 46 par l'intermédiaire d'un ou plusieurs secteurs de connexion 44. Ces secteurs de connexion 44 sont réalisés dans le matériau de la base 43 avec une épaisseur inférieure au reste de la base pour favoriser la vibration de la membrane.One or more perforated parts or openings 45 are made in the central part, in particular in the base 43 of the second membrane 4. These perforated parts or openings 45 can take the U-shaped, while defining suspended surfaces or sectors 47 partially connected to the base 43. The U-branches of the openings are oriented towards the center of the base 43. Each base of the U-shaped perforated portions is disposed on a concentric circle concentric with the base 43. Thus, the base 43 of the second membrane is connected to the annular portion 46 via one or more connection sectors 44. These connection sectors 44 are made in the material of the base 43 with a thickness less than the rest of the base to promote the vibration of the membrane.

Dans la forme d'exécution présentée en figure 2, la partie centrale peut compter quatre secteurs de connexion 44, qui sont régulièrement espacés les uns des autres. Les secteurs suspendus 47 sont donc aussi régulièrement espacés les uns des autres. L'angle de chaque secteur 44 déterminé depuis le centre de la partie centrale 43 peut être identique à l'angle décrit par la base de chaque ouverture 45. Dans ces conditions, chaque secteur 44 et chaque ouverture 45 sont définis selon un angle de 45°. Cependant l'angle de chaque secteur peut aussi être différent de l'angle de chaque ouverture, et leur nombre également différent de quatre.In the form of execution presented in figure 2 , the central portion may have four connection sectors 44, which are regularly spaced from each other. The suspended sectors 47 are therefore also regularly spaced from each other. The angle of each sector 44 determined from the center of the central portion 43 may be identical to the angle described by the base of each opening 45. Under these conditions, each sector 44 and each opening 45 are defined at an angle of 45. °. However the angle of each sector may also be different from the angle of each opening, and their number also different from four.

Il peut être prévu une épaisseur de chaque secteur 44 choisie entre 50 et 100 µm, alors que l'épaisseur du reste de la base 43 peut être supérieure à 100 µm et inférieure à 1 mm. Ainsi la partie centrale de la seconde membrane 4 peut prendre la forme de piston, comme selon le principe d'un haut-parleur, ce qui améliore la rayonnement acoustique notamment dans la bande fréquences de 1 kHz à 2 kHz.It can be provided a thickness of each sector 44 selected between 50 and 100 microns, while the thickness of the rest of the base 43 may be greater than 100 microns and less than 1 mm. Thus the central part of the second membrane 4 can take the form of a piston, as according to the principle of a loudspeaker, which improves the acoustic radiation especially in the frequency band from 1 kHz to 2 kHz.

Les deux membranes de rayonnement acoustique 2 et 4 peuvent être formées en une seule pièce dans un même matériau, qui peut être métallique. Ce matériau peut être du métal amorphe ou du verre métallique. Le matériau choisi peut aussi être de l'or ou du platine, voire du laiton, du titane, de l'aluminium par exemple avec une densité, un module d'Young et une limite élastique, qui sont similaires.The two acoustic radiation membranes 2 and 4 may be formed in one piece from the same material, which may be metallic. This material may be amorphous metal or metallic glass. The material chosen may also be gold or platinum, or even brass, titanium, aluminum for example with a density, a Young's modulus and an elastic limit, which are similar.

Il peut aussi être envisagé de concevoir chaque membrane en combinant deux matériaux différents, par soudure, brasure, chassage ou revêtement. La première membrane 2 peut être réalisée dans un matériau différent de la seconde membrane 4, mais il est nécessaire pour avoir un bon rayonnement acoustique à toute température, que la variation en température des matériaux choisis soit proche.It can also be envisaged to design each membrane by combining two different materials, by welding, brazing, driving or coating. The first membrane 2 may be made of a material different from the second membrane 4, but it is necessary to have good acoustic radiation at any temperature, that the temperature variation of the chosen materials is close.

Comme précisé ci-devant, l'agencement à membranes 1 comprend encore un anneau intercalaire 3 disposé au montage entre la première membrane 2 et la seconde membrane 4. Cet anneau peut être d'un matériau équivalent à la première membrane et/ou à la seconde membrane. L'agencement à membranes 1 peut aussi être réalisé sous forme monobloc.As indicated above, the membrane arrangement 1 further comprises an intermediate ring 3 arranged to be mounted between the first membrane 2 and the second membrane 4. This ring may be of a material equivalent to the first membrane and / or the second membrane. The membrane arrangement 1 can also be made in one-piece form.

L'anneau 3 peut avantageusement avoir un diamètre équivalent au diamètre extérieur de chaque membrane. Ceci facilite le montage de l'agencement à membranes 1 dans une boîte de montre avec la bordure périphérique 21, 41 de chaque membrane 2, 4 et l'anneau intercalaire 3 bien alignés. Après montage l'agencement à membranes 1 dans la boîte de montre, les parties centrales 23, 43 des deux membranes 2, 4 sont sans contact l'une de l'autre et avec d'autres pièces de la montre pour pouvoir librement vibrer.The ring 3 may advantageously have a diameter equivalent to the outer diameter of each membrane. This facilitates the mounting of the membrane arrangement 1 in a watch case with the peripheral edge 21, 41 of each membrane 2, 4 and the spacer ring 3 aligned. After mounting the membrane arrangement 1 in the watch case, the central portions 23, 43 of the two membranes 2, 4 are non-contacting each other and with other parts of the watch to freely vibrate.

Une fois que la première membrane 2, l'anneau intercalaire 3 et la seconde membrane 4 sont montés, il subsiste une cavité entre les deux membranes. Cette cavité peut être accordée à une des deux fréquences propres de vibration des deux membranes. De plus, les ouvertures 45, qui sont réalisées dans la partie centrale de la seconde membrane 4, et l'épaisseur de l'anneau intercalaire, qui peut être voisine de 1 mm, peuvent être dimensionnées pour que l'assemblage des deux membranes présente la cavité acoustique, du type résonateur d'Helmholtz. Dans ce cas, le système réalise un couplage vibro-acoustique entre les membranes et la cavité. Ceci permet d'augmenter le niveau acoustique de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale selon certaines fréquences.Once the first membrane 2, the spacer ring 3 and the second membrane 4 are mounted, there remains a cavity between the two membranes. This cavity can be tuned to one of the two natural frequencies of vibration of the two membranes. In addition, the openings 45, which are made in the central portion of the second membrane 4, and the thickness of the spacer ring, which may be close to 1 mm, can be dimensioned so that the assembly of the two membranes present the acoustic cavity, of the Helmholtz resonator type. In this case, the system performs a vibro-acoustic coupling between the membranes and the cavity. This makes it possible to increase the acoustic level of the ringing or musical watch according to certain frequencies.

Il est encore à noter qu'il peut être prévu que les bordures périphériques 21, 41 des membranes 2, 4 sont en appui par portions sur le mouvement ou sur un rebord intérieur de la carrure. Dans ce cas de figure, les bordures périphériques 21, 41 ne s'empilent plus, mais s'emboîtent. Les portions réalisées en périphérie des membranes peuvent être d'une géométrie définie pour améliorer le transfert vibratoire entre un générateur de sons et les membranes.It should also be noted that it may be provided that the peripheral edges 21, 41 of the membranes 2, 4 bear in portions on the movement or on an inner rim of the middle part. In this case, the peripheral edges 21, 41 do not stack anymore, but fit together. The portions made at the periphery of the membranes may be of a defined geometry to improve the vibratory transfer between a sound generator and the membranes.

Il est encore à noter que la seconde membrane 4 peut être configurée d'une autre manière que celle décrite en référence aux figures 1a, 1b et 2. La première membrane 2 et la seconde membrane 4 peuvent être réalisées sans parties ajourées et/ou transparentes. L'épaisseur de la partie centrale de l'une ou l'autre membrane peut également varier du centre vers l'extérieur de chaque membrane.It should also be noted that the second membrane 4 can be configured in another way than that described with reference to the Figures 1a, 1b and 2 . The first membrane 2 and the second membrane 4 can be made without perforated parts and / or transparent. The thickness of the central portion of one or the other membrane may also vary from the center to the outside of each membrane.

A titre illustratif, la figure 3 représente le niveau acoustique mesuré en fonction des fréquences d'activation imposées par un générateur de vibration de la montre. Il peut s'agir par exemple des fréquences du 1er mode propre des lames d'un clavier de sonnerie. Une comparaison est représentée dans le cas d'une utilisation d'une membrane conventionnelle optimisée géométriquement montée dans la boîte de montre et de l'agencement à deux membranes de la présente invention.As an illustration, the figure 3 represents the acoustic level measured according to the activation frequencies imposed by a vibration generator of the watch. It can be, for example frequencies of 1 eigenmode of the blades of a ringing key. A comparison is shown in the case of using a geometrically optimized conventional membrane mounted in the watch case and the dual membrane arrangement of the present invention.

Les résultats expérimentaux prouvent l'utilité de l'agencement à au moins deux membranes pour améliorer le rayonnement acoustique d'un mécanisme de sonnerie. Le niveau acoustique, obtenu en utilisant cet agencement à membranes, est augmenté sur toute la bande de fréquences et davantage sur les basses fréquences, sauf à une fréquence, qui coïncide avec l'antirésonance du système couplé membranes-cavité. La présence de l'antirésonance démontre le couplage vibro-acoustique entre les composants.Experimental results prove the utility of the at least two membrane arrangement for improving the acoustic radiation of a striking mechanism. The acoustic level, obtained using this membrane arrangement, is increased over the entire frequency band and more at low frequencies, except at a frequency which coincides with the antiresonance of the membrane-cavity coupled system. The presence of antiresonance demonstrates the vibro-acoustic coupling between the components.

A titre indicatif, les figures 4 et 5 représentent des comparatifs entre des mesures du niveau acoustique dans la gamme de fréquences des notes ou sons générés et les résultats d'une simulation. A la figure 4, il est représenté le cas d'une simple membrane, alors qu'à la figure 5, il est représenté le cas de l'agencement à membranes de la présente invention.As an indication, the figures 4 and 5 represent comparisons between measurements of the acoustic level in the frequency range of the notes or sounds generated and the results of a simulation. To the figure 4 , he is represented the case of a simple membrane, whereas at the figure 5 the case of the membrane arrangement of the present invention is shown.

Comme la fonction et la performance de l'agencement à membranes peuvent être simulées numériquement, cet agencement peut donc être dimensionné théoriquement et sa performance est faiblement dépendante de son assemblage, ce qui est différent pour d'autres pièces d'habillage. Le modèle numérique développé permet d'être prédictif. Une optimisation sur les paramètres, tels que l'appui des membranes sur le mouvement, les dimensions des parties ajourées de la seconde membrane et les géométries des deux membranes, peut alors être réalisée.Since the function and performance of the membrane arrangement can be simulated numerically, this arrangement can therefore be dimensioned theoretically and its performance is weakly dependent on its assembly, which is different for other trim parts. The numerical model developed makes it possible to be predictive. An optimization of the parameters, such as the support of the membranes on the movement, the dimensions of the perforated portions of the second membrane and the geometries of the two membranes, can then be achieved.

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite, plusieurs variantes de réalisation de l'agencement à membranes pour une montre à sonnerie ou musicale peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. Il peut être prévu des parties ajourées de diverses dimensions dans la seconde membrane à différents endroits, par exemple depuis le centre vers l'extérieur de cette membrane. Plus de deux membranes superposées et assemblées peuvent être prévues.From the description that has just been given, several embodiments of the membrane arrangement for a ring or musical watch can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. . It may be provided perforated parts of various dimensions in the second membrane in different places, for example from the center to the outside of this membrane. More than two superposed and assembled membranes can be provided.

Claims (17)

  1. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) for a striking or musical watch, the arrangement including a first membrane (2) arranged superposed on a second membrane (4), a first peripheral edge portion (21) of the first membrane and a second peripheral edge portion (41) of the second membrane being intended to hold the membranes inside a watch case,
    the first acoustic radiating membrane (2) being configured to radiate efficiently the frequencies in a first frequency band, and
    the second acoustic radiating membrane (4) being configured to radiate efficiently the frequencies in a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band,
    characterized in that a spacer ring (3) is disposed between the first membrane (2) and the second membrane (4) to define a cavity between the two membranes, which is tuned to at least one of the two natural vibration frequencies of the two membranes.
  2. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first membrane (2) is configured to radiate efficiently in a frequency band between 2 kHz and 4 kHz, and in that the second membrane (4) is configured to radiate efficiently in a frequency band between 1 kHz and 2 kHz.
  3. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first membrane (2) is configured in the form of a dome with a central portion (23, 26) connected to a lateral wall (22), which is connected to the first peripheral edge portion (21).
  4. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lateral wall (22) is of cylindrical shape.
  5. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the central portion includes a base (23) defining a bottom, and an annular portion (26) at the periphery of the base (23) so as to form a single piece.
  6. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the base (23) is of circular flat shape, and in that the annular portion (26) is conic.
  7. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the central portion (23, 26) includes at least a first hollow area in the form of an ellipse (24).
  8. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the central portion (23, 26) includes two elliptical hollow areas (24, 25), which are of different thickness.
  9. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second membrane (4) is configured in the form of a dome with a central portion (43, 46) connected to a lateral wall (42), which is connected to the second peripheral edge portion (41).
  10. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the lateral wall (42) is of cylindrical shape.
  11. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the central portion includes a base (43) defining a bottom, and an annular portion (46) at the periphery of the base (43) so as to form a single piece.
  12. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the base (43) is of circular flat shape, and in that the annular portion (46) is conic.
  13. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the base (43) of the second membrane (4) includes one or more pierced portions or openings (45).
  14. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the pierced portions or openings (45) define suspended sectors (47), which are U-shaped, and whose arms are oriented towards the centre of the base (43).
  15. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the base (43) of the second membrane (4) is connected to an annular portion (46) of the central portion by means of connecting sectors (44), and in that the connecting sectors (44) are made in the material of the base (43) with a thickness reduced by a factor of at least two compared to the central portion of the base.
  16. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the central portion includes four connecting sectors (44), which are regularly spaced from each other, with one pierced portion between two successive sectors.
  17. Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two membranes is transparent.
EP14189091.3A 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch Active EP3009894B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14189091.3A EP3009894B1 (en) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch
CH01576/14A CH710166B1 (en) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Arrangement with acoustic radiation membranes for a musical watch or bell.
JP2015200890A JP6006392B2 (en) 2014-10-15 2015-10-09 Acoustic radiation membrane configuration for a wristwatch with a striking mechanism
US14/879,288 US9519271B2 (en) 2014-10-15 2015-10-09 Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement for a striking watch
CN201510660800.0A CN105527819B (en) 2014-10-15 2015-10-14 Acoustic membrane device for correct-time-giving watch
HK16112248.7A HK1224027A1 (en) 2014-10-15 2016-10-25 Acoustic radiating membrane arrangement for a striking watch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14189091.3A EP3009894B1 (en) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3009894A1 EP3009894A1 (en) 2016-04-20
EP3009894B1 true EP3009894B1 (en) 2017-11-29

Family

ID=51690979

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14189091.3A Active EP3009894B1 (en) 2014-10-15 2014-10-15 Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US9519271B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3009894B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6006392B2 (en)
CN (1) CN105527819B (en)
CH (1) CH710166B1 (en)
HK (1) HK1224027A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3009894B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-11-29 Montres Breguet SA Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch
EP3457219A1 (en) * 2017-09-14 2019-03-20 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Acoustic radiation membrane, and chiming watch provided with the acoustic membrane
EP4113219A1 (en) 2021-06-29 2023-01-04 Montres Breguet S.A. Method for frequency tuning of an assembly of plates of a watch, and watch comprising the assembly of tuned plates

Family Cites Families (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4068461A (en) * 1976-04-15 1978-01-17 Frontier Inc. Digital electronic alarm watch
JPS5926309Y2 (en) * 1976-07-06 1984-07-31 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Mobile watch side with sound device
JPS538594A (en) * 1976-07-13 1978-01-26 Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd Electronic buzzer
US4216650A (en) * 1976-09-07 1980-08-12 Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha Alarm wristwatch
CH626497B (en) * 1977-11-07 Ebauches Sa WATCH EQUIPPED WITH A RESONATOR SHAPED BY ITS ICE SUBJECT TO THE ACTION OF A TRANSDUCER.
CH630220B (en) * 1978-11-10 Ebauches Sa WATCH INCLUDING A BOX CLOSED BY A GLASS AND AN ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC DEVICE.
JPS58159597U (en) * 1982-04-19 1983-10-24 狭山精密工業株式会社 Sound quality improvement mechanism in bell timer
CN2187807Y (en) * 1994-04-09 1995-01-18 方嘉锐 Pointer type speech reporting quartz wristwatch
FR2777095A1 (en) * 1998-04-02 1999-10-08 Christophe Claret Sa Watch with much louder audible alarms and time periods
DK1063632T3 (en) * 1999-06-23 2007-11-05 Asulab Sa Waterproof device suitable for immersion and includes a sound transducer
AU2003299253A1 (en) * 2003-01-08 2004-08-13 Asulab S.A. Portable tight device with an electro-acoustic transducer
ATE315880T1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2006-02-15 Akg Acoustics Gmbh DYNAMIC ELECTROACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER, ESPECIALLY SMALL SPEAKER
CH698533B1 (en) * 2005-03-11 2009-08-31 Richemont Int Sa Device for fixing at least one ringing tone in a timepiece and a method of attaching at least one ringing tone in a timepiece.
DE102005058322B4 (en) * 2005-12-07 2007-09-06 Lange Uhren Gmbh Clock
EP2228693B1 (en) * 2009-03-13 2013-03-13 Bulgari Horlogerie S.A. Fixing device for the gongs of a sonnerie watch
US8876371B2 (en) * 2009-03-19 2014-11-04 Rolex S.A. Watch case
EP2461219B1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2020-10-14 Montres Breguet SA Acoustic membrane for a musical box or an alarm watch
CH704183A2 (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-15 Montres Breguet Sa Acoustic radiation membrane for e.g. music watch, has cavities or projecting portions formed in form of honeycomb, where shape and dimensions of cavities are adapted based on type of material as well as notes to be radiated by membrane
CH704673A2 (en) * 2011-03-22 2012-09-28 Montres Breguet Sa Cup-shaped removable acoustic radiation membrane for musical/striking watch, has holding member engaging with inner stop member of bottom of case to limit bending of membrane following over/under pressure based on environmental conditions
CH708607A2 (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-03-31 Montres Breguet Sa Piece musical watch or ring.
EP2881807B1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2019-11-27 Montres Breguet SA Acoustic dispersion membrane for a musical watch
EP2942675B1 (en) * 2014-05-07 2016-11-16 Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie Chiming watch
EP3002639B1 (en) * 2014-10-01 2018-01-31 Montres Breguet SA Musical watch bezel with improved acoustic performance
EP3009895B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-06-28 Montres Breguet SA Musical or chiming watch provided with a sound-projecting arrangement
EP3009894B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-11-29 Montres Breguet SA Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH710166B1 (en) 2018-12-14
JP2016080703A (en) 2016-05-16
HK1224027A1 (en) 2017-08-11
CN105527819A (en) 2016-04-27
EP3009894A1 (en) 2016-04-20
US9519271B2 (en) 2016-12-13
CH710166A2 (en) 2016-04-15
US20160109856A1 (en) 2016-04-21
CN105527819B (en) 2018-01-02
JP6006392B2 (en) 2016-10-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2461220B1 (en) Acoustic membrane for a musical box or an alarm watch
EP2461219B1 (en) Acoustic membrane for a musical box or an alarm watch
EP2367078B1 (en) Alarm watch provided with an acoustic membrane
EP3009895B1 (en) Musical or chiming watch provided with a sound-projecting arrangement
EP2503417B1 (en) Abnehmbare akustische Membran für eine Armbanduhr mit Spieluhr oder Schlagwerk, und Armbanduhr umfassende diese Membran
EP3009894B1 (en) Arrangement with sound-projecting membranes for a chiming watch
EP2367079B1 (en) Glass-bezel assembly for a timepiece and assembly method
EP3049872B1 (en) Watch of noise level enhanced
EP3457220B1 (en) Acoustic radiation membrane, and chiming watch provided with the acoustic membrane
EP2881807B1 (en) Acoustic dispersion membrane for a musical watch
FR2975858A1 (en) WARNING SPEAKER
EP2881806B1 (en) Acoustic dispersion membrane for a musical watch
CH708957A2 (en) acoustic radiation membrane for musical shows.
CH710227A2 (en) Musical watch or ring fitted with acoustic radiation arrangement.
EP3644132B1 (en) Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane
CH715476A2 (en) Ringing or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing the membrane.
CH718775A2 (en) Method for frequency tuning a set of plates of a watch, and watch comprising the set of tuned plates.
EP4113219A1 (en) Method for frequency tuning of an assembly of plates of a watch, and watch comprising the assembly of tuned plates
CH716927A2 (en) Arrangement for maintaining and transmitting an acoustic radiation membrane in a watch case.
EP3835883A1 (en) Arrangement for holding and vibration transmission of an acoustic radiation membrane in a watch case
FR2838549A1 (en) Accordion dual reed module has reed carrier with adjustable bars to vary air flow past reed
CH708622B1 (en) Process for improving the acoustic level of a timepiece and timepiece with an improved acoustic level.
CA2461508A1 (en) Unique two-reed module, namely for an accordion-type instrument

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20161020

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20170413

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20170718

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 950938

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602014017825

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20171129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 950938

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180301

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180228

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602014017825

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180830

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20181031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181015

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181015

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20141015

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171129

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180329

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230611

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230920

Year of fee payment: 10

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231102

Year of fee payment: 10