EP3079024B1 - Mechanism for magnetic actuation of timepiece chimes - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch comprising a clock mechanism, comprising a drive mechanism for driving and striking control for the operation of at least one hammer movable between a first winding position and a second winding position. striking, wherein second striking position said hammer is arranged to strike a stamp.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising at least one such striking mechanism.

The invention relates to the field of bell watches.

Background of the invention

A conventional striking mechanism for a timepiece, in particular a watch, using at least one hammer, armed by a spring, and released by a control means for the percussion of a given stamp, generally has chronic drawbacks: a part of the energy released by the hammer spring is stored in the damper, and is not communicated to the stamp. In addition, there is often a second shock when returning the stamp, due to the important time that the hammer back into place. The alteration of the sound is not acceptable, especially for a timepiece often very high price.

The document JP S60 122999U describes a bell with a magnetic wing, arranged to hit a bell, moved in certain positions by a magnetic field. The document US4255744A in the name of LINK describes a bell in which a hammer cooperates with a circular arc tone, under the action of a closed circuit by a relay armed or disarmed by a permanent magnet driven in rotation by a control motor.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to improve the operation of the hammers of a bell watch, optimizing the percussion of the hammers on the stamps, and to avoid a second impact of a hammer on a stamp.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch comprising a striking mechanism according to claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un actionneur avec, et dans une représentation linéaire, parallèles l'une à l'autre, une piste intérieure et une piste extérieure, chacune comportant une alternance de rampes de potentiel magnétique en croissance, avec une magnétisation croissante, représentées par des triangles s'élargissant dans le sens de la croissance de la magnétisation, et de pics de potentiel, représentés par des cercles, ces rampes et pics étant en quinconce sur les deux pistes intérieure et extérieure; les rampes et pics se comportent toujours de la même façon, en particulier en répulsion par rapport à un objet aimanté de polarité donnée se déplaçant au-dessus des pistes;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une piste extérieure comportant toujours une alternance de rampes en croissance et de pics de potentiel, et une piste intérieure ne comportant que des pics de potentiel ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une piste extérieure comportant toujours une alternance de rampes en croissance et de pics de potentiel, et une piste intérieure comportant, en alternance avec des pics de potentiel, des rampes en croissance de potentiel de polarité opposée aux polarités des pics de la piste interne et des rampes et pics de la piste externe et donc coopérant alors en attraction avec un objet aimanté de polarité donnée se déplaçant au-dessus des pistes; sur l'ensemble des figures, les zones hachurées signalent une polarité magnétique opposée à celle de l'objet aimanté considéré, notamment une partie magnétisée d'un marteau de sonnerie;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, une piste extérieure comportant toujours une alternance de rampes en croissance et de pics de potentiel, et une piste intérieure comportant, en alternance avec des pics de potentiel, des rampes de potentiel en décroissance et de polarité opposée aux polarités des pics de la piste interne et des rampes et pics de la piste externe et donc coopérant alors en attraction avec objet aimanté de polarité donnée se déplaçant au-dessus des pistes ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une application de la configuration de la figure 3, à la manoeuvre d'un mobile magnétisé situé dans un plan parallèle à celui des pistes intérieure et extérieure, ce mobile étant constitué d'un marteau comportant une partie magnétisée représentée en noir à l'extrémité d'un bras figuré en pointe, ce marteau comportant un corps de frappe avec un percuteur agencé pour la percussion d'un timbre représenté au-delà de la piste extérieure ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, un mécanisme de frappe comportant, sur une piste, une succession d'aimants ronds, et un marteau dont une extrémité est magnétisée, et qui comporte des moyens de rappel élastique, sous forme d'un ressort spiral, le rappelant vers une position de frappe, avant la percussion d'un timbre ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une application des configurations des figures 1 à 4, avec des segments de pistes annulaires dans les différentes configurations, à la commande d'un marteau selon la figure 5 pour la percussion d'un timbre annulaire ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une application de la configuration de la figure 6, avec une piste circulaire, pour la commande d'un marteau pour la percussion d'un timbre annulaire ;
• la figure 9 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de dessus, en transparence de la boîte, une montre selon l'invention, avec un mécanisme moteur comportant un barillet de sonnerie armé par un mouvement d'horlogerie ou par un poussoir, et des moyens de détermination de l'affichage sonore à effectuer, agencés pour commander la transmission d'énergie vers deux mobiles d'entraînement, chacun entraînant un actionneur annulaire magnétique selon l'invention pour commander l'armage et la percussion d'un marteau dédié à un timbre particulier, les deux timbres étant représentés sur les faces opposées de la montre, de part et d'autre du mécanisme de commande ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de face, la montre de la figure 9, avec un premier marteau dédié à un premier timbre.

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

• the figure 1 represents schematically and in plan view, an actuator with, and in a linear representation, parallel to each other, an inner track and an outer track, each having an alternation of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with increasing magnetization, represented by triangles widening in the direction of magnetization growth, and potential peaks, represented by circles, these ramps and peaks being staggered on the two inner and outer tracks; the ramps and peaks always behave in the same way, in particular in repulsion with respect to a magnetized object of given polarity moving over the tracks;
• the figure 2 represents, similarly to the figure 1 an outer track always comprising alternating growing ramps and potential peaks, and an inner track having only potential peaks;
• the figure 3 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , an outer track always comprising an alternation of growing ramps and potential peaks, and an inner track comprising, in alternation with peaks of potential, ramps in potential growth of polarity opposite to the polarities of the peaks of the inner track and ramps and peaks of the outer track and thus cooperating in attraction with a magnetic object of given polarity moving above the tracks; in all the figures, the hatched areas indicate a magnetic polarity opposite to that of the magnetic object considered, in particular a magnetized portion of a striking hammer;
• the figure 4 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , an external track always comprising an alternation of growing ramps and potential peaks, and an inner track comprising, alternately with potential peaks, ramps of decreasing potential and of opposite polarity to the polarities of the peaks of the inner track and ramps and peaks of the outer track and thus cooperating in attraction with magnetic object of given polarity moving above the tracks;
• the figure 5 represents schematically and in plan view, an application of the configuration of the figure 3 at the operation of a magnetized mobile located in a plane parallel to that of the inner and outer tracks, this mobile being constituted by a hammer comprising a magnetized portion shown in black at the end of an arm shown in a point, this hammer comprising a striking body with a striker arranged for the percussion of a stamp shown beyond the outer track;
• the figure 6 is schematically and in plan view, a striking mechanism comprising, on a track, a succession of round magnets, and a hammer whose end is magnetized, and which comprises elastic return means, in the form of a spiral spring, reminding it to a striking position, before the percussion of a stamp;
• the figure 7 represents schematically and in plan view, an application of the configurations of the Figures 1 to 4 , with segments of annular tracks in the different configurations, to the control of a hammer according to the figure 5 for the percussion of an annular stamp;
• the figure 8 represents schematically and in plan view, an application of the configuration of the figure 6 , with a circular track, for the control of a hammer for the percussion of an annular stamp;
• the figure 9 represents, schematically and in plan view, in transparency of the box, a watch according to the invention, with a motor mechanism comprising a ringing barrel armed by a clockwork movement or a pusher, and determining means of the sound display to be performed, arranged to control the transmission of energy to two driving mobiles, each driving a magnetic ring actuator according to the invention to control the arming and percussion of a hammer dedicated to a particular stamp , the two timbres being represented on the opposite faces of the watch, on either side of the control mechanism;
• the figure 10 represents, schematically and in front view, the watch of the figure 9 , with a first hammer dedicated to a first stamp.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention proposes to apply to clocking mechanisms, especially watches, the concept described in the application EP13199427 on behalf of THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Ltd for a magnetic escapement mechanism, in which a movable and magnetized stop, in particular an anchor, cooperates without contact and alternately with magnetized tracks, with ramps of increasing field gradient up to at a tipping point of this stop.

The invention is described here in the only magnetic variant. It is also applicable to the use of electrostatic fields instead of magnetic fields, or in addition to these magnetic fields, especially using electrets.

• la première faisant appel à deux degrés de liberté, avec un mobile pivotant coopérant avec des pistes concentriques ou parallèles ;
• la deuxième à un seul degré de liberté, avec un mobile coopérant avec une seule piste.

The invention is described here in two non-limiting forms:

• the first using two degrees of freedom, with a pivoting mobile cooperating with concentric or parallel tracks;
• the second with a single degree of freedom, with a mobile cooperating with a single track.

The Figures 1 to 4 expose different configurations using two adjacent tracks, parallel to each other, and locally having different magnetic field distributions, with respect to a mobile located substantially at their interface.

These configurations are provided for drive mechanisms of a striking hammer for percussion of a stamp, as illustrated in FIG. figures 5 and 7 .

• la quantité d'énergie communiquée au timbre lors de la frappe ;
• la rapidité avec laquelle le marteau revient en position après une frappe, pour éviter un second choc avec le timbre ;
• la possibilité de régulation de la vitesse de sonnerie, pour compenser les variations de couple.

The different criteria to take into account for these mechanisms are:

• the amount of energy imparted to the stamp when struck;
• the speed with which the hammer returns to position after a strike, to avoid a second shock with the stamp;
• the possibility of regulating the ringing speed, to compensate for torque variations.

The Figures 1 to 4 schematically tracks, comprising elements magnetized in different ways, each constituting a particular topography of magnetic field, in which a magnetized mobile with a certain polarity evolves, here a striking hammer, or a hammer control lever of alarm.

The magnetic potential topography defines the path that the magnetic moving mobile can move relative to these tracks. By convention, even if the hammer pivot axis is in principle fixed relative to the watch plate, while the ring control tracks are preferably integral with a control wheel, it is considered here that the mobile moves above the tracks in a relative movement of axis X, in the positive direction marked by the arrow in the figures.

• pour des aimants en répulsion :
• une magnétisation croissante implique un potentiel croissant ;
• une magnétisation décroissante implique un potentiel décroissant.
• pour des aimants en attraction :
• une magnétisation croissante implique un potentiel décroissant ;
• une magnétisation décroissante implique un potentiel croissant.

By convention, we consider here that:

• for magnets in repulsion:
• a growing magnetization implies a growing potential;
• a decreasing magnetization implies decreasing potential.
• for magnets in attraction:
• increasing magnetization implies decreasing potential;
• a decreasing magnetization implies a growing potential.

In these variants, the degree of freedom in X is used to model the time portion of the ring, that is to say the time interval between the shots, while the degree of freedom in the transverse direction Y corresponds to the displacement hammer between a striking position marked y1, and an arming position marked y2.

In accordance with the invention, the functions in these two striking positions y1 and arming y2 are different, and it is possible to consider asymmetrical configurations between y1 and y2.

Only the configuration of the figure 1 , if the magnetization values on the inner and outer tracks are the same, obey a symmetrical runway change operation: a magnetized mobile facing an external repulsive ramp RRE of the outer track, reaching a repulsive pole PRE exterior of this same external track, is then tilted on the inner track, at the bottom of an interior repulsive ramp RRI, that it climbs until the reaching of a repulsive pole inside PRI and then switches on the external track , And so on

The three variants of Figures 2 to 4 on the other hand, have asymmetrical configurations.

• d'une part, l'énergie libérée lors du passage de la position d'armage y2 à la position de frappe y1 peut être légèrement augmentée ;
• d'autre part la force de résistance, lors du déplacement en X est réduite dans la position de frappe y1.

The variant of the figure 2 consists of removing the field ramps on the inner track for the striking position y1 of the hammer. This configuration has a double advantage:

• on the one hand, the energy released during the transition from the arming position y2 to the striking position y1 can be slightly increased;
• on the other hand the resistance force, during the displacement in X is reduced in the striking position y1.

As a result, the mobile, without regulation, moves faster when the hammer is in the striking position, and returns more quickly in the arming position, which reduces the risk of second strike.

In addition, the distance Δ, along the X axis, between an inner repulsive pole PRI and an external repulsive pole PRE, can be dimensioned to obtain a fast return.

The sizing must be adapted to ensure that, in this interval, the mobile acquires sufficient energy from the driving force.

An advantageous variant consists in introducing a regulator, dimensioned to be effective essentially in the typical torque range experienced in the arming position y2, and which can be assumed to regulate less well in the typical torque range experienced in the striking position. y1. The ideal is to have two flat regions, with two speeds corresponding to the two ranges of torque.

The variant of the figure 3 proposes to replace the rising slopes, on the inner track corresponding to the striking position y1, by descending slopes via zones that are more and more attractive, during a positive X displacement. This variant accentuates the qualities of the variant of the figure 2 , ie the striking energy and the acceleration in striking position y1 to return to the arming position, but also accentuates the defects. In particular, the transition from the striking position y1 to the arming position y2 can be made more difficult because the mobile must rise on the potential. However, it is possible to size the magnetic zones, so that the speed acquired by the magnetic attraction, and the driving force, are sufficient to pass the potential difference between the striking positions y1 and arming y2. It is noted that it is equivalent to having, on this inner track, repulsive descending ramps, or RAI attractive ascending ramps as illustrated. Nevertheless, the energy imparted to the patch may be lower by using repulsive descending ramps.

The variant of the figure 4 proposes to replace magnets in repulsion by magnets in attraction, with regard to the rising slopes of the striking position y1 of the inner track. Here we have attractive interior descents DAI. This system has the advantage of allowing to communicate a higher energy to the stamp, when typing. With this version, however, we lose the phenomenon of acceleration of the mobile when the hammer is in the typing position. We can nevertheless, to ensure that the slopes of potentials, and thus the magnetic brake torque, are the same in striking positions y1 and arming y2. This makes it possible to dispense with regulation unless it is desired to compensate for the variations in the regions of the peaks, which are preferably very short.

In all these variants, the distance e in the transverse direction Y can be varied, to allow an automatic transition from the striking position y1 to the arming position y2. To avoid any exit of the mobile in the Y direction, the mechanism advantageously comprises mechanical stops, and / or magnetic stops making field barriers. If this gap is zero, it must clear the mobile.

In short, the variants of Figures 1 to 4 are solutions of compromise between a situation where one maximizes the energy transmitted, and a situation where one minimizes the time spent in striking position.

The figure 5 shows a detail of the variant of the figure 3 applied to the control of a hammer M, having a magnetized end E, pivoting about an axis D1, for the percussion of a tone T.

The figure 7 shows an example of arrangement of annular tracks, according to the four variants of Figures 1 to 4 to order such a hammer.

The variant of the figure 6 allows coupling mechanical and magnetic activation, so as to ensure the supply of a sufficient amount of energy to the system for the maneuver. The mechanism is one-dimensional, and the single track has only potential peaks. Such a track with magnets at regular distance d passes near a hammer, one end of which is magnetized, generating a torque rotating the hammer for its arming. When turning, the hammer loads a spring which tends to recall it in the direction of striking. From a certain displacement, the spring torque reaches the maximum magnetic torque, and the hammer passes the peak of the potential peak. From this moment, the hammer is accelerated by the spring and the magnetic repulsion. The maximum energy to be communicated to the timbre is therefore the sum of the potential energy of the spring and the magnetic potential energy of the peak. This total energy is higher than in the variants of Figures 1 to 4 . By proper dimensioning of the distance d, the following potential rise can be used to call back the hammer early, and avoid a second shock. In this configuration it is quite possible to regulate the speed v of the mobile, as it is it is possible not to regulate it by accelerating the repositioning of the hammer when the magnetic torque is zero, or to regulate it partially by dimensioning a regulation only in the torque range greater than a given value.

Thus, more particularly, and as visible in the figures, the invention relates to a 100 clock striking mechanism, comprising a motor mechanism 10 for driving and striking control for the operation of at least one hammer 1 movable between a first arming position and a second striking position. In this second striking position, the hammer 1 is arranged to strike a stamp 4.

According to the invention, the hammer 1 comprises at least one magnetized portion 3, which is arranged to cooperate with at least one actuator 8 capable of being driven in motion by the driving mechanism 10.

This actuator 8 comprises at least one track with an alternating succession of at least first zones 21 and second zones 22 with different magnetic field characteristics between them. The magnetized part 3 is successively subjected to the influence of these first zones 21 and of these second zones 22, to trigger, as the case may be, the arming of the hammer 1 or the striking of the hammer 1 on the stamp 4.

In a manner peculiar to the invention, in each track that comprises such an actuator 8, the first zones 21 each constitute a peak of magnetic potential where the magnetic field has the strongest intensity within the track considered, and form each a magnetic field barrier, with the same magnetic polarity as the magnetized part 3 of the hammer 1, and tending to oppose its crossing by the magnetized part 3 of the hammer 1.

In the variant of figures 6 and 8 , the actuator 8 comprises at least one track with an alternation of such first zones 21, and second zones 22 which are not magnetized. And the periodic interaction between the first zones 21 with a peak of magnetic potential and the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 tends to push the magnetized portion 3 out of the plane-view track and / or the actuator 8 when viewed in plan, and the hammer 1 comprises elastic return means 5 tending to bring it back over the track and / or the actuator 8.

In the achievements of Figures 1 to 4 and 7 the actuator 8 comprises at least a first track 81 comprising an alternation of first zones 21 and second zones 22, and a second track 82 adjacent to the first track 81 and which also comprises an alternation of first zones 21 and second zones 22. And the magnetic field characteristics between the first zones 21 and the second zones 22 are different at within each track 81, 82, considered.

In the achievements of Figures 1 to 4 , 7 and 10 , the actuator 8 is annular, and a first track 81 is annular, concentric and adjacent to a second track 82 also annular.

More particularly, the first zones 21 of the first track 81 are adjacent to the second zones 22 of the second track 82, and the second zones 22 of the first track 81 are adjacent to the first zones 21 of the second track 82. Hammer rocking movement between its arming and striking positions, during the entire operation of the bell.

As visible on the Figures 1 to 4 and 7 in at least one track included in the actuator 8, the second zones 22 each constitute a magnetic potential ramp where the magnetic field has an increasing or decreasing intensity, and exchange energy with the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 during relative displacement of the actuator 8 with respect to the hammer 1.

In a first case, the potential ramp is ascending.

In a second case, as visible on the figure 4 , the potential ramp is downward.

In different variants, the potential ramp is of the same magnetic polarity as the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1.

In other variants, including Figures 3 to 5 , the potential ramp is of magnetic polarity opposite that of the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1.

In a variant corresponding to figures 1 and 7 the actuator 8 is a first ring A1 comprising an inner track 81 and an outer track 82, each having an alternation of second zones 22 each constituting a ramp of potential of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with increasing magnetization, and first zones 21 forming potential peaks. The ramps and peaks are staggered on the two inner tracks 81 and outer 82 and always behaving in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82.

In a variant corresponding to figures 2 and 7 , the actuator 8 is a second ring A2 having an inner race 81 according to the figure 2 , and an outer track 82 comprising an alternation of second zones 22 each constituting a ramp potential of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with increasing magnetization, and first zones 21 forming peaks of potential, the peaks being staggered on both 81 and outer tracks 82. The ramps and the peaks of the two tracks 81, 82 always behave in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82.

In a variant corresponding to figures 3 and 7 , the actuator 8 is a third ring A3 comprising an outer race 82, comprising an alternation of second zones 22 each constituting a ramp potential of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with increasing magnetization, and first zones 21 forming peaks potential, the ramps and peaks of the outer race 82 always behaving in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82. It also comprises an inner track 81 comprising an alternation of second zones 22 according to the figure 3 , each constituting a ramp of potential of decreasing magnetic potential ramps, with increasing magnetization, but of opposite polarity to that of the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82, and first zones 21 forming potential peaks. The peaks are staggered on the two inner 81 and outer 82 tracks, and the peaks of the two tracks 81 and 82 always behave in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82.

In a variant corresponding to figures 4 and 7 , the actuator 8 is a fourth ring A4 having an outer track 82, comprising an alternation of second zones 22 each constituting a ramp potential of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with increasing magnetization, and first zones 21 forming peaks potential, the ramps and peaks of the outer race 82 always behaving in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82, and an inner race 81 having an alternation of second zones 22 according to the figure 4 , each constituting a ramp of potential of ramps of magnetic potential in growth, with decreasing magnetization, but of opposite polarity to that the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving above the tracks 81 and 82, and first zones 21 forming potential peaks. The peaks are staggered on the two inner 81 and outer 82 tracks, and the peaks of the two tracks 81, 82 always behave in repulsion with respect to the magnetized portion 3 of the hammer 1 moving over the tracks 81 and 82 .

In a particular embodiment of the different variants, the hammer 1 comprises elastic return means 5 tending to bring it back over the track and / or the actuator 8 to its striking position.

In a variant illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 , in no way limiting, the motor mechanism 10 comprises at least one ringer barrel 11 armed by a clockwork movement or by a bolt 14 or pusher, and determination means 12 for determining the sound display to be performed. These determination means 12 are arranged to control the transmission of energy from at least one barrel 11 to at least one drive wheel 13 arranged to drive at least one actuator 8 for the required time and at a substantially constant speed.

More particularly, the determining means 12 are arranged to control a plurality of drive mobiles 13A, 13B, each arranged to drive at least one actuator 8A, 8B, for the percussion of a particular stamp 4A, 4B.

• des rampes à croissance (ou bien sûr décroissance) linéaire, c'est-à-dire avec une variation linéaire de potentiel;
• des rampes à croissance différenciée : une courbe raide au début, pour accélérer très tôt le mobile, et une courbe plus douce sur la fin, ce profil de potentiel magnétique étant particulièrement efficace pour revenir rapidement de la position de frappe à celle d'armage.

As regards the shape of the ramps, it is possible to use, without limitation:

• ramps with growth (or of course decay) linear, that is to say with a linear variation of potential;
• ramps with differentiated growth: a steep curve at the beginning, to accelerate the mobile very early, and a softer curve on the end, this magnetic potential profile being particularly effective to quickly return from the striking position to that of arming.

If the traditional construction of a striking mechanism, such as a minute repeater, involves a hammer whose axis of rotation and the timbre are fixed, and whose actuator is movable, it is also possible to envisage a inverse configuration, on the same principle of the invention, wherein the hammer and the stamp are movable above the actuator which is fixed.

The actuator 8 is then stationary, when the hammer 1 and the stamp 4 are driven in motion by the driving mechanism 10.

This configuration in which the timbre is in motion makes it possible to modulate the sound of the ding-dong (the tone), because the contribution of the various partials (notes) contributing to the sound varies according to the position of the timbre inside the dressing. It also makes it possible to create sound and aesthetic effects with the relative position of at least two timbres (for example hours and minutes).

In a particular embodiment of this variant, the stamp, in particular of the gong type, is rotating.

This stamp can then be driven or freewheeling. In this latter example, the freewheel tone can form an oscillating mass, or conversely, an oscillating weight can be used as a stamp.

In another particular embodiment of this variant, the stamp, in particular gong type, has a linear movement.

In a variant, the percussion between the hammer and the stamp is done in different places, depending on the specific case (for example vibration nodes), or on the contrary random.

These variants are well suited to magnetic maintenance, which does not require contact between the plate and the hammer, which could therefore move in solidarity with the stamp.

• faire bouger uniquement les timbres, avec plusieurs marteaux fixes dans des positions définies ;
• mettre en mouvement solidaire le marteau et le timbre, et activer le marteau par des lames-ressort ou des goupilles, à la façon d'un clavier.

For a traditional maintenance, if it is of course more complex to realize a construction allowing to move the stamps and the hammers, two advantageous possibilities emerge:

• move only the timbres, with several fixed hammers in defined positions;
• put the hammer and the stamp in motion, and activate the hammer by spring blades or pins, like a keyboard.

An important advantage of these mobile stamp variants is the ability to modulate the tone of the sound.

Other benefits come from it. In particular, the modulation of the tone can be created by moving the hammer and the stamp together in a box with a strongly inhomogeneous vibrational response. An example is given by a box equipped with ice and membrane, where the connection of the movement with the membrane is made rather at 3H and 9H, and the connection with the Ice-glasses are made rather at 12H and 6H: in this case the frequencies of the timbre accorded to the ice-window are activated and radiated more when the timbre is at 12H and 6H, while the frequencies of the stamp accorded to the membrane are activated and radiated further when the patch is at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. The sound emitted may be more serious or more acute depending on the position of the stamp. Indeed, even if the partials of the timbres, so the notes, are always the same, we change their relative weight in the sound.

The design of a particular casing, including recesses, side membranes, resonators, acoustic radiators, or the like, also makes it possible to change the directivity of the sound, like a stereophonic effect between two or more timbres.

The modulation of tone can be even stronger if only the stamp moves in several positions, in correspondence of different hammers (for example 3 or 4), positioned to type the stamp in different places. The sound becomes more serious by moving away from the embedding of the timbre.

A particular case concerns the use of a right rectangular stamp, which can rotate on its axis to change its rigidity and therefore the most activated partials during the impact. A specific and very advantageous application of these solutions is to vary the tone of the sound between day and night.

Another very practical advantage consists in passing the patch from a resting position, for example slightly under stress, to one or more operating positions, with free timbre or with a different active length for each position, limiting the risks of plastic deformation and spurious shock, without having to penalize the freedom of the timbre and therefore the intensity and the duration of the sound produced. In this case, since we change the active length, we can completely modify the sound, changing the notes created and not only the tone, when moving from one position to another

A mobile stamp may, again, be advantageously used as a display component, in particular made in the form of straight or needle-shaped stamps.

The invention thus relates to a watch 200 comprising at least one such striking mechanism 100.

The invention can be used with a mechanical movement as with an electronic movement, in fact it comes downstream of the determination means display settings such as hours, quarters, minutes, and corresponding snips.

The invention lends itself well to the manufacture of a downstream ring module comprising, for each patch, such an actuator with its specific hammer, and the pivoting and driving means of the associated actuator. This module can be an equipped bridge. The magnetic drive offers the advantage of a compact design, a thin ring is enough, which leaves more room in the watch for the stamps, and enriches the musical spectrum offered to the user.

Claims (19)

1. Watch (200) comprising at least one timepiece striking mechanism (100), including a drive mechanism (10) for driving and controlling the striking mechanism to operate at least one hammer (1), movable between a first winding position and a second striking position, in which said second striking position said hammer (1) is arranged to strike a gong (4), wherein said hammer (1) includes at least one magnetized portion (3) arranged to cooperate with at least one actuator (8) capable of being driven in motion by said drive mechanism (10), said actuator (8) includes at least one track with an alternating series of at least first areas (21) and second areas (22) with different magnetic field characteristics from each other, to whose influence said magnetized portion (3) is successively subjected in order to trigger, as the case may be, the winding of said hammer (1) or the striking of said hammer (1) on said gong (4).
2. Watch (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that said actuator (8) is immobile when said hammer (1) and said gong (4) are driven in motion by said drive mechanism (10).
3. Watch (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in each said track comprised in said actuator (8), said first areas (21) each form a magnetic potential peak where the magnetic field has the greatest intensity in said track concerned, and each form a magnetic field barrier, of the same magnetic polarity as said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1), and tending to prevent said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) crossing thereover.
4. Watch (200) according to claim 3, characterized in that said actuator (8) includes at least one track with an alternating arrangement of said first areas (21), and of said second areas (22) which are not magnetized, and in that the periodic interaction between said first magnetic potential peak areas (21) and said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) tends to push said magnetized portion (3) off said track, seen in plan, and/or off said actuator (8), seen in plan, and in that said hammer (1) includes elastic return means (5) tending to return said hammer above said track and/or above said actuator (8).
5. Watch (200) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said actuator (8) includes at least a first track (81) including an alternating arrangement of said first areas (21) and said second areas (22), and a second track (82) adjacent to said first track (81) and which also includes an alternating arrangement of said first areas (21) and said second areas (22), and wherein the magnetic field characteristics between said first areas (21) and said second areas (22) are different within each said track (81; 82).
6. Watch (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that said actuator (8) is annular, and in that a said first track (81) is annular, concentric and adjacent to a said second track (82), which is also annular.
7. Watch (200) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said first areas (21) of said first track (81) are adjacent to the second areas (22) of said second track (82), and in that said second areas (22) of said first track (81) are adjacent to said first areas (21) of said second track (82).
8. Watch (200) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in at least one said track comprised in said actuator (8), said second areas (22) each form a magnetic potential ramp where the magnetic field is of increasing or decreasing intensity, and exchange energy with said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) during the relative displacement of said actuator (8) with respect to said hammer (1).
9. Watch (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that said potential ramp is an ascending ramp.
10. Watch (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that said potential ramp is a descending ramp.
11. Watch (200) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said potential ramp is of the same magnetic polarity as said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1).
12. Watch (200) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said potential ramp is of the opposite magnetic polarity to that of said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1).
13. Watch (200) according to claims 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11, characterized in that said actuator (8) is a ring (A1) comprising an inner track (81) and an outer track (82), each including an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22), each forming one potential ramp of ramps of increasing magnetic potential, with increasing magnetization, and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said ramps and peaks being staggered on said two inner (81) and outer (82) tracks and always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81, 82).
14. Watch (200) according to claims 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11, characterized in that said actuator (8) is a ring (A2) comprising an inner track (81) according to claim 3, and an outer track (82), including an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22), each forming one potential ramp of ramps of increasing magnetic potential, with increasing magnetization, and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said peaks being staggered on said two inner (81) and outer (82) tracks, and said ramps and said peaks of both said tracks (81; 82) always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81; 82).
15. Watch (200) according to claims 3, 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12, characterized in that said actuator (8) is a ring (A3) comprising an outer track (82) including an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22), each forming one potential ramp of ramps of increasing magnetic potential, with increasing magnetization, and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said ramps and said peaks of said outer track (82) always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81, 82), and an inner track (81) comprising an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22) according to claim 11, each forming one potential ramp of ramps of decreasing magnetic potential, with increasing magnetization, but of opposite polarity to that of said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81; 82), and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said peaks being staggered on said two inner (81) and outer (82) tracks, and said peaks of both said tracks (81; 82) always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81; 82).
16. Watch (200) according to claims 3, 6, 7, 9,10, 11 and 12, characterized in that said actuator (8) is a ring (A4) comprising an outer track (82) including an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22), each forming one potential ramp of ramps of increasing magnetic potential, with increasing magnetization, and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said ramps and said peaks of said outer track (82) always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81, 82), and an inner track (81) comprising an alternating arrangement of said second areas (22) according to claims 9 and 13, each forming one potential ramp of ramps of increasing magnetic potential, with decreasing magnetization, but of opposite polarity to that of said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81; 82), and of said first areas (21) forming potential peaks, said peaks being staggered on said inner (81) and outer (82) tracks, and said peaks of both said tracks (81; 82) always behaving in repulsion with respect to said magnetized portion (3) of said hammer (1) moving above said tracks (81; 82).
17. Watch according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said hammer (1) includes elastic return means (5) tending to return said hammer above said track and/or above said actuator (8), towards its striking position.
18. Watch (200) according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said drive mechanism (10) includes at least one striking barrel (11) wound by a timepiece movement or by a pull-piece (14) or push-piece, and determination means (12) for determining which sound display to perform, which are arranged to control the transmission of energy from at least one said barrel (11) to at least one drive wheel (13) arranged to drive at least one said actuator (8) for the required duration and at a substantially constant speed.
19. Watch (200) according to claim 18, characterized in that said determination means (12) are arranged to control a plurality of said drive wheels (13A; 13B), each arranged to drive at least one said actuator (8A; 8B), in order to strike one specific said gong (4A; 4B).

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