EP3404493B1 - Chiming watch provided with an acoustic membrane - Google Patents

Chiming watch provided with an acoustic membrane Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3404493B1
EP3404493B1 EP18175157.9A EP18175157A EP3404493B1 EP 3404493 B1 EP3404493 B1 EP 3404493B1 EP 18175157 A EP18175157 A EP 18175157A EP 3404493 B1 EP3404493 B1 EP 3404493B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
watch
case
striking
membrane
acoustic membrane
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Application number
EP18175157.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3404493A1 (en
Inventor
Polychronis Nakis Karapatis
Jérôme Favre
Lucien Germond
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Montres Breguet SA
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Montres Breguet SA
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Priority to EP18175157.9A priority Critical patent/EP3404493B1/en
Publication of EP3404493A1 publication Critical patent/EP3404493A1/en
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    • 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
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/028—Sounding bodies; boxes used as sounding cases; fixation on or in the case
    • 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
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/12—Alarm watches to be worn in pockets or on the wrist
    • 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
    • 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 a striking watch, which is provided with an acoustic membrane.
  • the watch comprises a watch case consisting essentially of a middle part and a case-back fixed in a sealed and removable manner on the middle part.
  • a crystal is placed on an opposite side of the caseband to seal said case.
  • a watch movement is kept inside the watch case and provided with a striking mechanism capable of being activated in determined periods to produce a sound.
  • At least one acoustic membrane is connected to the box to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism to the outside of the box.
  • the striking mechanism can be activated in well-defined periods to signal a programmed alarm or minute repeaters.
  • the striking mechanism may comprise a gong.
  • This stamp is usually a metallic wire of circular shape, which surrounds part of the watch movement in a watch cage. This stamp is attached to a stamp holder integral with a watch plate. The vibration of the gong is produced by the impact of at least one hammer against the gong in determined periods.
  • the sound is produced by the vibrations of the blades of a keyboard.
  • the keyboard blades are made together with a keyboard heel, which is mounted on the watch plate.
  • the keyboard blades are lifted and released by pins secured to a rotating cylinder or disc.
  • Each blade can therefore bend by the action of a corresponding pin of the cylinder or the disc, and as soon as it is released, it oscillates mainly at its first natural frequency.
  • the musical keyboard is enclosed in the watch box. As a result, the vibrations generated by the activated blades are transmitted to the trim parts of the watch.
  • the watch trim parts are, for example, the middle part, the bezel, the crystal or the back of the case.
  • these trim pieces are able to radiate the sound produced in the air.
  • the acoustic efficiency based on the complex vibro-acoustic transduction of the trim parts, is low.
  • account must be taken of the material, the geometry and the boundary conditions of said trim parts.
  • the configurations of these trim pieces are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and the operating constraints, which can limit the possibilities of adaptation.
  • acoustic type membrane which is dedicated to vibro-acoustic transduction.
  • a piezoelectric element is placed, for example on the membrane to make it vibrate. So that the sound radiation from the membrane is not lost in the watch, which must be waterproof, a double bottom of the watch case can be provided, which is open to the outside. In this case, the back of the watch case has one or more openings for the transmission of sound from the vibrating membrane.
  • This membrane must in principle have its first natural frequency of vibration, which is the effective mode of radiation, in the useful acoustic frequency band, while its second natural frequency, which is a not very effective mode, must be outside of the range if possible. this audible band.
  • this membrane is usually made of steel, the first and second natural frequencies of vibration do not meet the aforementioned conditions optimally. In addition, rapid depreciation is observed, which is a drawback.
  • this membrane In a standard striking watch, which is provided for example with an acoustic membrane, this membrane is sandwiched between a part of the middle part and the back of the watch case.
  • the back In the case of a luxury watch, the back can be made of a precious material, such as gold.
  • the membrane On contact with the membrane, which is generally made of steel, with the gold bottom, an electro-chemical potential difference can occur, especially in a humid environment. This is liable to promote corrosion of said membrane at the level of contact with the gold background, which is a drawback.
  • the patent application JP 55-46165 describes a watch for the generation of at least in sound.
  • a piezoelectric element is placed on a membrane so as to put it into oscillation.
  • This membrane is made of amorphous magnetic material.
  • a rim of the membrane is clamped between a casing circle and the back once screwed to the caseband.
  • the patent application FR 2 777 095 A1 describes a sound watch, which comprises in the watch case a resonance chamber and at least one opaque membrane arranged under the resonance chamber and clamped between a back and the middle part.
  • the patent application CH 319 298 A describes a timepiece with alarm clock, which comprises a thin membrane provided with a lug capable of being struck by a hammer to generate sound.
  • a perforated ring between the movement and the caseband sandwiches a rim of the diaphragm and in the back screwed to the caseband.
  • the patent application EP 1 795 978 A2 describes a watch provided with an arrangement of two bells fixed to each other in the center of the watch case.
  • the bells can be struck by at least one hammer for the generation in sound.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a striking watch, which is provided with an acoustic membrane, in order to obtain good acoustic performance during the operation of a striking mechanism in the watch box.
  • the invention relates to a striking watch comprising the characteristics defined in independent claims 1 and 2.
  • An advantage of the striking watch according to the present invention lies in the fact that the acoustic membrane in the watch case is made of an amorphous metal or metallic glass. Under these conditions, when the striking mechanism produces a sound or a succession of musical notes, the acoustic membrane is capable of vibrating with a first natural frequency situated in the useful acoustic band between 1 and 4 kHz.
  • the second natural frequency of vibration which is generally inefficient in terms of sound radiation, is advantageously located above 4 kHz with this amorphous metal membrane. Therefore, it does not affect the sound radiation of the membrane at its first natural frequency. It is the physical properties, such as the density and the Young's modulus of the amorphous metal, which make it possible to obtain these desired eigen frequencies. Thanks to such an amorphous metal membrane, very low damping is observed, which provides very good sound efficiency.
  • this acoustic membrane is clamped tightly on its edge between a connecting piece linked to the watch plate and the bottom of the watch case, which constitutes a double bottom.
  • One or more openings are provided through the bottom for sound radiation from the acoustic membrane.
  • the figure 1 shows in a simplified manner a partial section of a striking watch provided with an acoustic membrane according to the invention.
  • the figure 1 therefore shows a simplified partial section of a striking watch 1 with an acoustic membrane 10.
  • the watch comprises a watch case, which is essentially composed of a middle part 4, to which a bezel 3 and d is sealed on one side. 'a side opposite a back 5.
  • the back 5 is mounted by known means and removably on the middle part 4 with a seal 9.
  • a watch crystal 2 is fixed in particular to the bezel 3 to seal the case tightly watch.
  • a dial 13 is kept at the edge of the caseband and arranged below the watch crystal 2.
  • the time indicating hands which are not shown, are provided on the dial, which generally has hour markers on the periphery.
  • the striking watch 1 also comprises a horological movement 20, which is generally mounted on a plate 14.
  • An edge piece 12 is fixed to the plate 14, which defines a watch cage.
  • both the plate 14 and the edge piece are made of a metallic material.
  • the watch movement comprises a striking mechanism, not shown.
  • This striking mechanism comprises at least one gong mounted on a gong holder integral with the plate 14, and at least one hammer rotatably mounted on the plate to strike said gong in determined periods.
  • the generally circular gong surrounds the various parts of the watch movement.
  • Such a striking mechanism is provided to signal a programmed alarm or minute repeaters.
  • the striking mechanism comprises a keyboard with a set of blades connected to a heel, which is fixed on the plate 14.
  • the sound or the sound. succession of musical notes are produced by the vibrations of the blades of the keyboard.
  • Each blade is configured for the production of a particular note.
  • the keys of the keyboard are lifted and released by pins integral with a cylinder or a rotating disk on the plate 14.
  • Each activated blade oscillates mainly at its first natural frequency. The vibrations generated by the activated blades are transmitted to the watch trim parts, which must make it possible to acoustically radiate the sound produced by each vibrating blade.
  • the striking watch 1 essentially comprises an acoustic membrane 10 to improve the acoustic performance of the sound produced by the striking mechanism.
  • This acoustic membrane is made of an amorphous metal or stainless metal glass. The thickness of this membrane may be less than or equal to 1 mm.
  • the acoustic membrane 10 is in the form of a one-piece bowl, the upper edge of which is mounted in a sealed manner by an annular gasket 8 on an internal annular rim of the bottom 5 of the box.
  • the diameter of this cup which may be equivalent to the diameter of the watch crystal 2, may be between 20 and 40 mm.
  • a support 11 of annular shape supports on one side the plate 14 with the edge piece 12 and rests on the upper edge of the acoustic membrane 10.
  • the central part of the acoustic membrane is not in contact with the support 11 and the inner surface of the bottom 5. Therefore, sufficient space 7 in the box is provided so that the acoustic membrane can freely vibrate and radiate acoustically.
  • the whole of the acoustic membrane 10 and the bottom 5 thus constitutes a double bottom.
  • One or more openings 6 are also provided laterally through the bottom 5 for allow the acoustic membrane to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism to the outside.
  • the sound produced by said striking mechanism is transmitted directly to the acoustic membrane to make it vibrate.
  • a transmission of vibration to the acoustic membrane is also provided at the edge of the acoustic membrane by the connecting pieces 11, 12 and 14.
  • the acoustic membrane is made of amorphous metal, it is capable of vibrating at a first natural frequency located in the useful acoustic band between 1 and 4 kHz.
  • the second natural frequency of vibration is on the other hand located above 4 kHz.
  • These desired natural frequencies of sound vibration of the amorphous metal membrane are dependent on physical properties, such as density and Young's modulus.
  • very low damping is observed, which provides very good sound efficiency and an increase in the perceived sound level of this acoustic membrane.
  • this acoustic membrane in amorphous metal or metallic glass can be manufactured less expensive than a traditional membrane in steel or titanium. It can for example be made from the molten state of amorphous metal, followed by rapid quenching. Thanks to the fact that this amorphous metal membrane is stainless, it can be mounted on a base, for example made of precious metal, such as gold. No difference in electrochemical potential is thus observed even in a humid environment, which means that no corrosion occurs in contact with the membrane 10 and the base 5.
  • the advantage of using an amorphous metal membrane comes from the fact that during its manufacture, the atoms which make up said amorphous metal do not arrange themselves according to a particular structure, which is different from a crystalline structure.
  • the amorphous metal is distinguished by a higher elastic limit, for example twice as high as that of a traditional crystalline material.
  • the acoustic membrane made with the amorphous metal can thus undergo greater stress before reaching its elastic limit. This also leads to having a lower damping of the vibrating membrane.
  • This metallic glass or amorphous metal may for example be a metallic alloy based on titanium, zirconium and beryllium.
  • the amorphous metal alloy can comprise 41% of zirconium, 14% of titanium, 12% of copper, 10% of nickel and 23% of beryllium.
  • the Young's modulus of this alloy is 105 GPa and the elastic limit is 1.9 GPa.
  • the amorphous metal alloy can also be made of 57.5% platinum, 14.7% copper, 5.3% nickel and 22.5% phosphorus.
  • the Young modulus of is worth in this case 98 GPa and the elastic limit is worth 1.4 GPa.
  • This amorphous metal acoustic membrane can be located in the watch case at the level of the middle part with an opening through the middle part for the sound radiation of the vibrating acoustic membrane.
  • Several acoustic membranes can be provided, arranged at several places inside the watch case or superimposed. These acoustic membranes can be made with the same amorphous metal or with different amorphous metals. Circular ribs can also be provided to stiffen said acoustic membrane and modify the first natural frequency of vibration.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne une montre à sonnerie, qui est munie d'une membrane acoustique. La montre comprend une boîte de montre constituée essentiellement d'une carrure et d'un fond fixé étanchement et de manière amovible sur la carrure. Une glace est disposée sur un côté opposé de la carrure pour fermer étanchement ladite boîte. Un mouvement horloger est maintenu à l'intérieur de la boîte de montre et muni d'un mécanisme de sonnerie susceptible d'être activé dans des périodes déterminées pour produire un son. Au moins une membrane acoustique est reliée à la boîte pour rayonner le son produit par le mécanisme de sonnerie vers l'extérieur de la boîte.The invention relates to a striking watch, which is provided with an acoustic membrane. The watch comprises a watch case consisting essentially of a middle part and a case-back fixed in a sealed and removable manner on the middle part. A crystal is placed on an opposite side of the caseband to seal said case. A watch movement is kept inside the watch case and provided with a striking mechanism capable of being activated in determined periods to produce a sound. At least one acoustic membrane is connected to the box to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism to the outside of the box.

Dans le domaine de l'horlogerie, une architecture traditionnelle est utilisée pour réaliser des mouvements, qui peuvent également comprendre des mécanismes de sonnerie. Un tel mécanisme de sonnerie peut être activé dans des périodes bien déterminées pour signaler une alarme programmée ou des répétitions minutes. Pour une réalisation conventionnelle d'une montre à sonnerie, le mécanisme de sonnerie peut comprendre un timbre. Ce timbre est généralement un fil métallique de forme circulaire, qui entoure une partie du mouvement horloger dans une cage de montre. Ce timbre est fixé à un porte-timbre solidaire d'une platine de montre. La vibration du timbre est produite par l'impact d'au moins un marteau contre le timbre dans des périodes déterminées.In the field of watchmaking, traditional architecture is used to produce movements, which can also include striking mechanisms. Such a striking mechanism can be activated in well-defined periods to signal a programmed alarm or minute repeaters. For a conventional embodiment of a striking watch, the striking mechanism may comprise a gong. This stamp is usually a metallic wire of circular shape, which surrounds part of the watch movement in a watch cage. This stamp is attached to a stamp holder integral with a watch plate. The vibration of the gong is produced by the impact of at least one hammer against the gong in determined periods.

Dans le cas d'une montre à sonnerie, telle qu'une montre musicale, le son est produit par les vibrations de lames d'un clavier. Les lames du clavier sont réalisées ensemble avec un talon du clavier, qui est monté sur la platine de montre. Pour la production d'une musique par exemple en des périodes de temps programmées, les lames du clavier sont levées puis relâchées par des goupilles solidaires d'un cylindre ou d'un disque en rotation. Chaque lame peut donc fléchir par l'action d'une goupille correspondante du cylindre ou du disque, et dès qu'elle est relâchée, elle oscille principalement à sa première fréquence propre. Le clavier musical est enfermé dans la boîte de montre. De ce fait, les vibrations générées par les lames activées, sont transmises aux pièces d'habillage de la montre.In the case of a striking watch, such as a musical watch, the sound is produced by the vibrations of the blades of a keyboard. The keyboard blades are made together with a keyboard heel, which is mounted on the watch plate. For the production of music, for example in programmed periods of time, the keyboard blades are lifted and released by pins secured to a rotating cylinder or disc. Each blade can therefore bend by the action of a corresponding pin of the cylinder or the disc, and as soon as it is released, it oscillates mainly at its first natural frequency. The musical keyboard is enclosed in the watch box. As a result, the vibrations generated by the activated blades are transmitted to the trim parts of the watch.

Les pièces d'habillage de la montre sont par exemple la carrure, la lunette, la glace ou le fond de la boîte. 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. Dans une montre à sonnerie traditionnelle, 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, il doit être tenu compte de la matière, de la géométrie et des conditions aux limites desdites 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.The watch trim parts are, for example, the middle part, the bezel, the crystal or the back of the case. When a sound is produced either by a gong struck by a hammer, or by one or more vibrating keyboard blades, these trim pieces are able to radiate the sound produced in the air. In a traditional striking watch, the acoustic efficiency, 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 striking watch, account must be taken of the material, the geometry and the boundary conditions of said trim parts. The configurations of these trim pieces are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and the operating constraints, which can limit the possibilities of adaptation.

Il est connu dans la technique horlogère d'utiliser dans une montre notamment électronique, une membrane du type acoustique, qui est dédiée à la transduction vibro-acoustique. Pour activer une telle membrane dans une montre électronique, il est placé un élément piézoélectrique par exemple sur la membrane pour la faire vibrer. Pour que le rayonnement sonore de la membrane ne soit pas perdu dans la montre, qui doit être étanche, il peut être prévu un double fond de la boîte de montre, qui est ouvert vers l'extérieur. Dans ce cas, le fond de la boîte de montre présente une ou plusieurs ouvertures pour la transmission du son de la membrane en vibration.It is known in the watchmaking technique to use, in a particularly electronic watch, an acoustic type membrane, which is dedicated to vibro-acoustic transduction. To activate such a membrane in an electronic watch, a piezoelectric element is placed, for example on the membrane to make it vibrate. So that the sound radiation from the membrane is not lost in the watch, which must be waterproof, a double bottom of the watch case can be provided, which is open to the outside. In this case, the back of the watch case has one or more openings for the transmission of sound from the vibrating membrane.

Avec une telle construction d'une montre électronique à membrane acoustique, il est rencontré souvent des problèmes d'étanchéité et de corrosion de ladite membrane. Cette membrane doit en principe avoir sa première fréquence propre de vibration, qui est le mode efficace de rayonnement, dans la bande de fréquence acoustique utile, alors que sa deuxième fréquence propre, qui est un mode peu efficace, doit être si possible en dehors de cette bande audible. Comme cette membrane est habituellement réalisée en acier, les première et seconde fréquences propres de vibration ne remplissent pas les conditions susmentionnées de façon optimale. De plus, un amortissement rapide est constaté, ce qui est un inconvénient.With such a construction of an electronic watch with an acoustic membrane, it is often encountered problems of waterproofness and corrosion of said membrane. This membrane must in principle have its first natural frequency of vibration, which is the effective mode of radiation, in the useful acoustic frequency band, while its second natural frequency, which is a not very effective mode, must be outside of the range if possible. this audible band. As this membrane is usually made of steel, the first and second natural frequencies of vibration do not meet the aforementioned conditions optimally. In addition, rapid depreciation is observed, which is a drawback.

Dans une montre à sonnerie standard, qui est munie par exemple d'une membrane acoustique, cette membrane est prise en sandwich entre une partie de la carrure et le fond de la boîte de montre. Dans le cas d'une montre de luxe, le fond peut être réalisé dans un matériau précieux, tel que de l'or. Il peut se produire au contact de la membrane généralement en acier avec le fond en or, une différence de potentiel électro-chimique surtout dans un milieu humide. Cela est susceptible de favoriser la corrosion de ladite membrane au niveau du contact avec le fond en or, ce qui est un inconvénient.In a standard striking watch, which is provided for example with an acoustic membrane, this membrane is sandwiched between a part of the middle part and the back of the watch case. In the case of a luxury watch, the back can be made of a precious material, such as gold. On contact with the membrane, which is generally made of steel, with the gold bottom, an electro-chemical potential difference can occur, especially in a humid environment. This is liable to promote corrosion of said membrane at the level of contact with the gold background, which is a drawback.

La demande de brevet JP 55-46165 décrit une montre pour la génération d'au moins en son. Un élément piézoélectrique est disposé sur une membrane de manière à la mettre en oscillation. Cette membrane est réalisée en matériau magnétique amorphe. Un rebord de la membrane est pincé entre un cercle d'emboîtage et le fond une fois vissé à la carrure.The patent application JP 55-46165 describes a watch for the generation of at least in sound. A piezoelectric element is placed on a membrane so as to put it into oscillation. This membrane is made of amorphous magnetic material. A rim of the membrane is clamped between a casing circle and the back once screwed to the caseband.

La demande de brevet FR 2 777 095 A1 décrit une montre sonore, qui comprend dans la boîte de montre une chambre de résonance et au moins une membrane opaque disposée sous la chambre de résonance et pincée entre un fond et la carrure.The patent application FR 2 777 095 A1 describes a sound watch, which comprises in the watch case a resonance chamber and at least one opaque membrane arranged under the resonance chamber and clamped between a back and the middle part.

La demande de brevet CH 319 298 A décrit une pièce d'horlogerie à réveil, qui comprend une membrane de faible épaisseur munie d'un ergot susceptible d'être frappé par un marteau pour générer en son. Une bague perforée entre le mouvement et la carrure prend en sandwich un rebord de la membrane et en fond vissé à la carrure.The patent application CH 319 298 A describes a timepiece with alarm clock, which comprises a thin membrane provided with a lug capable of being struck by a hammer to generate sound. A perforated ring between the movement and the caseband sandwiches a rim of the diaphragm and in the back screwed to the caseband.

La demande de brevet EP 1 795 978 A2 décrit une montre munie d'un agencement de deux cloches fixées l'une à l'autre au centre de la boîte de montre. Les cloches peuvent être frappées par au moins un marteau pour la génération dans son.The patent application EP 1 795 978 A2 describes a watch provided with an arrangement of two bells fixed to each other in the center of the watch case. The bells can be struck by at least one hammer for the generation in sound.

L'invention a donc pour but de pallier aux inconvénients de l'état de la technique en fournissant une montre à sonnerie, qui est munie d'une membrane acoustique, pour obtenir un bon rendement acoustique lors du fonctionnement d'un mécanisme de sonnerie dans la boîte de montre.The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a striking watch, which is provided with an acoustic membrane, in order to obtain good acoustic performance during the operation of a striking mechanism in the watch box.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne une montre à sonnerie comprenant les caractéristiques définies dans les revendications indépendantes 1 et 2.To this end, the invention relates to a striking watch comprising the characteristics defined in independent claims 1 and 2.

Des formes d'exécution particulières de la montre à sonnerie sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 3 à 13.Particular embodiments of the striking watch are defined in dependent claims 3 to 13.

Un avantage de la montre à sonnerie selon la présente invention, réside dans le fait que la membrane acoustique dans la boîte de montre est réalisée dans un métal amorphe ou verre métallique. Dans ces conditions, lorsque le mécanisme de sonnerie produit un son ou une succession de notes de musique, la membrane acoustique est susceptible de vibrer avec une première fréquence propre située dans la bande acoustique utile entre 1 et 4 kHz. La seconde fréquence propre de vibration, qui est généralement inefficace en termes de rayonnement sonore, est avantageusement située au-dessus de 4 kHz avec cette membrane en métal amorphe. De ce fait, elle n'affecte pas le rayonnement sonore de la membrane à sa première fréquence propre. Ce sont les propriétés physiques, telles que la masse volumique et le module d'Young du métal amorphe, qui permettent d'obtenir ces fréquences propres voulues. Grâce à une telle membrane en métal amorphe, un amortissement très faible est constaté, ce qui procure un très bon rendement sonore.An advantage of the striking watch according to the present invention lies in the fact that the acoustic membrane in the watch case is made of an amorphous metal or metallic glass. Under these conditions, when the striking mechanism produces a sound or a succession of musical notes, the acoustic membrane is capable of vibrating with a first natural frequency situated in the useful acoustic band between 1 and 4 kHz. The second natural frequency of vibration, which is generally inefficient in terms of sound radiation, is advantageously located above 4 kHz with this amorphous metal membrane. Therefore, it does not affect the sound radiation of the membrane at its first natural frequency. It is the physical properties, such as the density and the Young's modulus of the amorphous metal, which make it possible to obtain these desired eigen frequencies. Thanks to such an amorphous metal membrane, very low damping is observed, which provides very good sound efficiency.

Avantageusement, cette membrane acoustique est pincée étanchement sur sa bordure entre une pièce de liaison liée à la platine de montre et le fond de la boîte de montre, ce qui constitue un double fond. Une ou plusieurs ouvertures sont prévues à travers le fond pour le rayonnement sonore de la membrane acoustique. Avec une telle membrane en métal amorphe inoxydable, il n'y a en principe pas de différence de potentiel électro-chimique entre la membrane en contact avec le fond de la boîte, même si le fond est en or. Aucune corrosion n'est donc constatée même dans un milieu humide. De plus, l'usinage d'une telle membrane en métal amorphe est moins cher que l'usinage d'une membrane en acier ou en titane. Cela permet de réaliser également des pièces ayant des formes complexes, ce qui peut apporter un aspect de haute technologie à la montre à sonnerie.Advantageously, this acoustic membrane is clamped tightly on its edge between a connecting piece linked to the watch plate and the bottom of the watch case, which constitutes a double bottom. One or more openings are provided through the bottom for sound radiation from the acoustic membrane. With such a diaphragm made of stainless amorphous metal, there is in principle no difference in electrochemical potential between the diaphragm in contact with the bottom of the case, even if the bottom is gold. No corrosion is therefore observed even in a humid environment. In addition, the machining of such an amorphous metal membrane is less expensive than the machining of a steel or titanium membrane. This also makes it possible to produce parts having complex shapes, which can bring a high-tech aspect to the striking watch.

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques de la montre à sonnerie apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante sur la base d'au moins une forme d'exécution non limitative illustrée par le dessin sur lequel :
la figure 1 représente de manière simplifiée une coupe partielle d'une montre à sonnerie munie d'une membrane acoustique selon l'invention.The aims, advantages and characteristics of the striking watch will appear better in the following description on the basis of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawing in which:
the figure 1 shows in a simplified manner a partial section of a striking watch provided with an acoustic membrane according to the invention.

Dans la description suivante, toutes les parties de la montre à sonnerie, qui sont bien connues d'un homme du métier dans ce domaine technique, ne sont décrites que de manière simplifiée.In the following description, all the parts of the striking watch, which are well known to a person skilled in the art in this technical field, are only described in a simplified manner.

La figure 1 représente donc une coupe partielle simplifiée d'une montre à sonnerie 1 à membrane acoustique 10. La montre comprend une boîte de montre, qui est composée essentiellement d'une carrure 4, sur laquelle est fixée étanchement d'un côté une lunette 3 et d'un côté opposé un fond 5. Le fond 5 est monté par des moyens connus et de manière amovible sur la carrure 4 avec une garniture d'étanchéité 9. Une glace de montre 2 est fixée notamment à la lunette 3 pour fermer étanchement la boîte de montre. Un cadran 13 est maintenu en bordure sur la carrure et disposé au-dessous de la glace de montre 2. Dans le cas d'une montre mécanique à sonnerie 1, des aiguilles d'indication de l'heure, qui ne sont pas représentées, sont prévues sur le cadran, qui porte généralement des index horaires en périphérie.The figure 1 therefore shows a simplified partial section of a striking watch 1 with an acoustic membrane 10. The watch comprises a watch case, which is essentially composed of a middle part 4, to which a bezel 3 and d is sealed on one side. 'a side opposite a back 5. The back 5 is mounted by known means and removably on the middle part 4 with a seal 9. A watch crystal 2 is fixed in particular to the bezel 3 to seal the case tightly watch. A dial 13 is kept at the edge of the caseband and arranged below the watch crystal 2. In the case of a mechanical striking watch 1, the time indicating hands, which are not shown, are provided on the dial, which generally has hour markers on the periphery.

La montre à sonnerie 1 comprend également un mouvement horloger 20, qui est généralement monté sur une platine 14. Une pièce de bordure 12 est fixée à la platine 14, ce qui définit une cage de montre. Habituellement aussi bien la platine 14 que la pièce de bordure sont réalisées dans un matériau métallique.The striking watch 1 also comprises a horological movement 20, which is generally mounted on a plate 14. An edge piece 12 is fixed to the plate 14, which defines a watch cage. Usually both the plate 14 and the edge piece are made of a metallic material.

Dans une première forme d'exécution, le mouvement horloger comprend un mécanisme de sonnerie, non représenté. Ce mécanisme de sonnerie comprend au moins un timbre monté sur un porte-timbre solidaire de la platine 14, et au moins un marteau monté rotatif sur la platine pour venir frapper ledit timbre dans des périodes déterminées. Le timbre généralement de forme circulaire entoure les diverses parties du mouvement horloger. Un tel mécanisme de sonnerie est prévu pour signaler une alarme programmée ou des répétitions minutes.In a first embodiment, the watch movement comprises a striking mechanism, not shown. This striking mechanism comprises at least one gong mounted on a gong holder integral with the plate 14, and at least one hammer rotatably mounted on the plate to strike said gong in determined periods. The generally circular gong surrounds the various parts of the watch movement. Such a striking mechanism is provided to signal a programmed alarm or minute repeaters.

Dans une forme d'exécution plus élaborée d'une montre musicale, le mécanisme de sonnerie comprend un clavier avec un ensemble de lames reliées à un talon, qui est fixé sur la platine 14. Le son ou la succession de notes de musique sont produits par les vibrations de lames du clavier. Chaque lame est configurée pour la production d'une note particulière. Pour produire une musique par exemple dans des périodes programmées, les lames du clavier sont levées puis relâchées par des goupilles solidaires d'un cylindre ou d'un disque en rotation sur la platine 14. Chaque lame activée oscille principalement à sa première fréquence propre. Les vibrations générées par les lames activées, sont transmises aux pièces d'habillage de la montre, qui doivent permettre de rayonner acoustiquement le son produit par chaque lame en vibration.In a more elaborate embodiment of a musical watch, the striking mechanism comprises a keyboard with a set of blades connected to a heel, which is fixed on the plate 14. The sound or the sound. succession of musical notes are produced by the vibrations of the blades of the keyboard. Each blade is configured for the production of a particular note. To produce music for example in programmed periods, the keys of the keyboard are lifted and released by pins integral with a cylinder or a rotating disk on the plate 14. Each activated blade oscillates mainly at its first natural frequency. The vibrations generated by the activated blades are transmitted to the watch trim parts, which must make it possible to acoustically radiate the sound produced by each vibrating blade.

La montre à sonnerie 1 comprend essentiellement une membrane acoustique 10 pour améliorer le rendement acoustique du son produit par le mécanisme de sonnerie. Cette membrane acoustique est réalisée dans un métal amorphe ou verre métallique inoxydable. L'épaisseur de cette membrane peut être inférieure ou égale à 1 mm. Dans cette forme d'exécution, la membrane acoustique 10 est en forme de cuvette en une pièce, dont le bord supérieur est monté de manière étanche par une garniture annulaire 8 sur un rebord annulaire intérieur du fond 5 de la boîte. Le diamètre de cette cuvette, qui peut être équivalent au diamètre de la glace 2 de montre, peut se situer entre 20 et 40 mm. Un support 11 de forme annulaire supporte d'un côté la platine 14 avec la pièce de bordure 12 et s'appuie sur le bord supérieur de la membrane 10 acoustique. Au moment de la fixation de la carrure 4 sur le fond 5 de la boîte de montre, le support 11 et le bord périphérique de la membrane acoustique 10 sont pincés entre la carrure 4 et le rebord du fond 5.The striking watch 1 essentially comprises an acoustic membrane 10 to improve the acoustic performance of the sound produced by the striking mechanism. This acoustic membrane is made of an amorphous metal or stainless metal glass. The thickness of this membrane may be less than or equal to 1 mm. In this embodiment, the acoustic membrane 10 is in the form of a one-piece bowl, the upper edge of which is mounted in a sealed manner by an annular gasket 8 on an internal annular rim of the bottom 5 of the box. The diameter of this cup, which may be equivalent to the diameter of the watch crystal 2, may be between 20 and 40 mm. A support 11 of annular shape supports on one side the plate 14 with the edge piece 12 and rests on the upper edge of the acoustic membrane 10. When the caseband 4 is fixed to the back 5 of the watch case, the support 11 and the peripheral edge of the acoustic membrane 10 are clamped between the caseband 4 and the edge of the back 5.

La partie centrale de la membrane acoustique n'est pas en contact avec le support 11 et la surface intérieure du fond 5. De ce fait, un espace suffisant 7 dans la boîte est prévu pour que la membrane acoustique puisse librement vibrer et rayonner acoustiquement. L'ensemble de la membrane acoustique 10 et du fond 5 constitue ainsi un double fond. Une ou plusieurs ouvertures 6 sont également prévues latéralement à travers le fond 5 pour permettre à la membrane acoustique de rayonner le son produit par le mécanisme de sonnerie vers l'extérieur.The central part of the acoustic membrane is not in contact with the support 11 and the inner surface of the bottom 5. Therefore, sufficient space 7 in the box is provided so that the acoustic membrane can freely vibrate and radiate acoustically. The whole of the acoustic membrane 10 and the bottom 5 thus constitutes a double bottom. One or more openings 6 are also provided laterally through the bottom 5 for allow the acoustic membrane to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism to the outside.

Lors du fonctionnement du mécanisme de sonnerie, le son produit par ledit mécanisme de sonnerie est transmis directement à la membrane acoustique pour la faire vibrer. Une transmission de vibration à la membrane acoustique est également fournie en bordure de la membrane acoustique par les pièces de liaison 11, 12 et 14. Comme la membrane acoustique est faite en métal amorphe, elle est susceptible de vibrer à une première fréquence propre située dans la bande acoustique utile entre 1 et 4 kHz. La seconde fréquence propre de vibration est par contre située au-dessus de 4 kHz. Ces fréquences propres voulues de vibration sonore de la membrane en métal amorphe sont dépendantes des propriétés physiques, telles que la masse volumique et le module d'Young. De plus avec une telle membrane en métal amorphe, il est constaté un amortissement très faible ce qui procure un très bon rendement sonore et une augmentation du niveau sonore perçu de cette membrane acoustique.During the operation of the striking mechanism, the sound produced by said striking mechanism is transmitted directly to the acoustic membrane to make it vibrate. A transmission of vibration to the acoustic membrane is also provided at the edge of the acoustic membrane by the connecting pieces 11, 12 and 14. As the acoustic membrane is made of amorphous metal, it is capable of vibrating at a first natural frequency located in the useful acoustic band between 1 and 4 kHz. The second natural frequency of vibration is on the other hand located above 4 kHz. These desired natural frequencies of sound vibration of the amorphous metal membrane are dependent on physical properties, such as density and Young's modulus. In addition, with such an amorphous metal membrane, very low damping is observed, which provides very good sound efficiency and an increase in the perceived sound level of this acoustic membrane.

Il est à noter que cette membrane acoustique en métal amorphe ou verre métallique peut être fabriquée moins cher qu'une membrane traditionnelle en acier ou en titane. Elle peut être par exemple fabriquée à partir de l'état fondu du métal amorphe, suivi d'une trempe rapide. Grâce au fait que cette membrane en métal amorphe est inoxydable, elle peut être montée sur un fond par exemple en métal précieux, tel que l'or. Aucune différence de potentiel électro-chimique n'est ainsi constatée même dans un milieu humide, ce qui fait qu'aucune corrosion ne survient au contact de la membrane 10 et du fond 5.It should be noted that this acoustic membrane in amorphous metal or metallic glass can be manufactured less expensive than a traditional membrane in steel or titanium. It can for example be made from the molten state of amorphous metal, followed by rapid quenching. Thanks to the fact that this amorphous metal membrane is stainless, it can be mounted on a base, for example made of precious metal, such as gold. No difference in electrochemical potential is thus observed even in a humid environment, which means that no corrosion occurs in contact with the membrane 10 and the base 5.

L'avantage d'utiliser une membrane en métal amorphe vient du fait que lors de sa fabrication, les atomes, qui composent ledit métal amorphe, ne s'arrangent pas selon une structure particulière, ce qui est différent d'une structure cristalline. Le métal amorphe se différencie par une limite d'élasticité plus élevée par exemple deux fois plus élevée que celle d'un matériau cristallin traditionnel. La membrane acoustique réalisée avec le métal amorphe peut ainsi subir une plus forte contrainte avant d'arriver à sa limite d'élasticité. Ceci conduit également à avoir un amortissement plus faible de la membrane en vibration.The advantage of using an amorphous metal membrane comes from the fact that during its manufacture, the atoms which make up said amorphous metal do not arrange themselves according to a particular structure, which is different from a crystalline structure. The amorphous metal is distinguished by a higher elastic limit, for example twice as high as that of a traditional crystalline material. The acoustic membrane made with the amorphous metal can thus undergo greater stress before reaching its elastic limit. This also leads to having a lower damping of the vibrating membrane.

Ce verre métallique ou métal amorphe peut être par exemple un alliage métallique à base de titane, zirconium et béryllium. Ainsi à titre d'exemple plus spécifique, l'alliage de métal amorphe peut comprendre 41% de zirconium, 14% de titane, 12% de cuivre, 10% de nickel et 23% de béryllium. Le module d'Young de cet alliage vaut 105 GPa et la limite d'élasticité vaut 1.9 GPa. L'alliage de métal amorphe peut également être constitué de 57.5 % de platine, de 14.7% de cuivre, de 5.3% de nickel et de 22.5% de phosphore. Le module d'Young de vaut dans ce cas 98 GPa et la limite d'élasticité vaut 1.4 GPa.This metallic glass or amorphous metal may for example be a metallic alloy based on titanium, zirconium and beryllium. Thus, by way of more specific example, the amorphous metal alloy can comprise 41% of zirconium, 14% of titanium, 12% of copper, 10% of nickel and 23% of beryllium. The Young's modulus of this alloy is 105 GPa and the elastic limit is 1.9 GPa. The amorphous metal alloy can also be made of 57.5% platinum, 14.7% copper, 5.3% nickel and 22.5% phosphorus. The Young modulus of is worth in this case 98 GPa and the elastic limit is worth 1.4 GPa.

Pour d'autres exemples de réalisation de pièces avec du métal amorphe, le lecteur peut se référer au procédé de réalisation défini dans les demandes de brevet WO 2009/132983 ou WO 03/023081 .For other examples of making parts with amorphous metal, the reader can refer to the production process defined in the patent applications. WO 2009/132983 Where WO 03/023081 .

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite, plusieurs variantes de réalisation de la montre à sonnerie munie d'une membrane acoustique peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. Cette membrane acoustique en métal amorphe peut être située dans la boîte de montre au niveau de la carrure avec une ouverture à travers la carrure pour le rayonnement sonore de la membrane acoustique en vibration. Il peut être prévu plusieurs membranes acoustiques disposées à plusieurs endroits à l'intérieur de la boîte de montre ou superposées. Ces membranes acoustiques peuvent être réalisées avec un même métal amorphe ou avec différents métaux amorphes. Il peut également être prévu des nervures circulaires pour rigidifier ladite membrane acoustique et modifier la première fréquence propre de vibration.From the description which has just been given, several variant embodiments of the striking watch provided with an acoustic membrane can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. This amorphous metal acoustic membrane can be located in the watch case at the level of the middle part with an opening through the middle part for the sound radiation of the vibrating acoustic membrane. Several acoustic membranes can be provided, arranged at several places inside the watch case or superimposed. These acoustic membranes can be made with the same amorphous metal or with different amorphous metals. Circular ribs can also be provided to stiffen said acoustic membrane and modify the first natural frequency of vibration.

Claims (13)

  1. Striking watch (1) including a watch case, which comprises a middle part (4) and a back cover (5) removably secured in a sealed manner to the middle part, a crystal (2) closing the case in a sealed manner, a watch movement (20) held inside the watch case and provided with a striking mechanism, which comprises at least one gong mounted on a gong holder and at least one hammer rotatably mounted to strike the gong at determined times to produce a sound, and at least one acoustic membrane (10) connected to the case to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism towards the exterior of the case, the acoustic membrane (10) being made of metallic glass or amorphous stainless steel, a plate (14), on which the watch movement with the striking work is mounted, being secured to an edge piece (12), which is arranged on a support (11), the periphery of the acoustic membrane (10) being clamped with the periphery of the support between the middle part (4) and an inner edge of the back cover (5) of the case.
  2. Striking watch (1) including a watch case, which comprises a middle part (4) and a back cover (5) removably secured in a sealed manner to the middle part, a crystal (2) closing the case in a sealed manner, a watch movement (20) held inside the watch case and provided with a striking mechanism, which comprises at least one pin-barrel with a set of blades connected to a heel, and at least one cylinder or disc intended to be rotated and having pins integral with the cylinder or disc for lifting and releasing blades from the pin-barrel to produce music, and at least one acoustic membrane (10) connected to the case to radiate the sound produced by the striking mechanism towards the exterior of the case,
    the acoustic membrane (10) being made of metallic glass or amorphous stainless steel, a plate (14), on which the watch movement with the striking work is mounted, being secured to an edge piece (12), which is arranged on a support (11), the periphery of the acoustic membrane (10) being clamped with the periphery of the support between the middle part (4) and an inner edge of the back cover (5) of the case.
  3. Striking watch (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the acoustic membrane (10) is arranged inside the watch case between the back cover (5) of the case and a plate (14) on which the watch movement with the striking work is mounted, in that the gong holder is integral with the plate (14), and in that the hammer is rotatably mounted on the plate (14).
  4. Striking watch (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the acoustic membrane (10) is arranged inside the watch case between the back cover (5) of the case and a plate (14) on which the watch movement with the striking work is mounted, and that the heel of the pin-barrel is mounted on the watch plate.
  5. Striking watch (1) according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the acoustic membrane (10) has a top edge, which is clamped with the annular support between the middle part (4) and an inner annular edge of the back cover (5) of the case, an annular sealing gasket (8) being placed between the edge of the back cover (5) and the annular edge of the membrane, and in that a central part of the acoustic membrane is not in contact with the support (11) and an inner surface of the back cover (5) of the case to define a space (7) allowing said membrane to oscillate freely.
  6. Striking watch (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the plate (14) is connected to an edge piece (12) in order to be mounted on the annular support (11) on the opposite side to the acoustic membrane (10), and in that the annular support (11) rests on the upper edge of the acoustic membrane (10).
  7. Striking watch (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the acoustic membrane (10) has the shape of a cup.
  8. Striking watch (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the back cover (5) of the case includes at least one lateral aperture (6) to allow the vibrating acoustic membrane to produce an acoustic radiation towards the exterior of the watch case.
  9. Striking watch (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that said metallic glass or amorphous stainless steel comprises a metal alloy based on titanium, zirconium and beryllium.
  10. Striking watch (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the amorphous stainless metal alloy includes 41% zirconium, 14% titanium, 12% copper, 10% nickel and 23% beryllium.
  11. Striking watch (1) according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the diameter of the acoustic membrane, arranged on the edge of the back cover (5) of the watch case, is substantially similar to the diameter of the crystal (2) and the thickness thereof is less than or equal to 1 mm, and in that the crystal (2) closes the watch case in a sealed manner via a bezel (3) of the case, to which it is secured.
  12. Striking watch (1) according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the acoustic membrane (10), arranged inside the watch case, comprises several circular ribs for adapting the first vibration frequency.
  13. Striking watch (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that several acoustic membranes (10) are connected to the watch case and set apart from each other or superposed on each other, and in that each membrane is formed of a different amorphous metal alloy.
EP18175157.9A 2010-03-16 2010-03-16 Chiming watch provided with an acoustic membrane Active EP3404493B1 (en)

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EP10156623.0A EP2367078B1 (en) 2010-03-16 2010-03-16 Alarm watch provided with an acoustic membrane
EP18175157.9A EP3404493B1 (en) 2010-03-16 2010-03-16 Chiming watch provided with an acoustic membrane

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CN102193490A (en) 2011-09-21
JP2011191305A (en) 2011-09-29
US20110228647A1 (en) 2011-09-22
JP5421315B2 (en) 2014-02-19
US8369188B2 (en) 2013-02-05
CH702839A2 (en) 2011-09-30
CN102193490B (en) 2013-07-17
EP2367078A1 (en) 2011-09-21
EP2367078B1 (en) 2018-08-15
EP3404493A1 (en) 2018-11-21
CH702839B1 (en) 2019-12-30

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