EP3458915A1

EP3458915A1 - Miniature watch winder

Info

Publication number: EP3458915A1
Application number: EP17731609.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christophe B BARTHELEMY; Bruno L RAMOND; Yvan DUHAMEL; Nicolas R PITON
Original assignee: Watchazer
Current assignee: Watchazer
Priority date: 2016-05-18
Filing date: 2017-05-16
Publication date: 2019-03-27
Also published as: FR3051566B1; WO2017198944A1; FR3051566A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for winding an automatic watch (50), comprising a support (12) designed such that the watch (50) can be installed around the support (12), at least one base element (14a,14b) connected to the support (12), and a drive mechanism configured to move the support (12) relative to the base element (14a,14b), said drive element comprising a motor and said motor being located inside the support (12).

Description

Miniature watchwatch

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This presentation concerns the field of watchmaking, and more particularly a device for reassembling an automatic watch.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

A self-winding watch, or more simply an automatic watch, is a mechanical watch whose winding can be done automatically by the movements of the watch, especially when it is worn on the wrist of a user. In general, the case of an automatic watch comprises a mobile rocker whose movements back a spring, which increases the power reserve of the watch.

However, when an automatic watch is not worn, its power reserve gradually runs out and the watch can stop after a period of typically a few hours to a few days. It is then necessary to manually wind the watch, which can reduce the accuracy of the mechanisms.

To overcome this problem, automatic watch winding devices have been designed. The watch is placed on such a device so that the device keeps it moving, thus ensuring its automatic winding thanks to the movements of the balance. These devices are sometimes known as a watchwinder. However, currently available watch rotors are massive and bulky. There is therefore a need for a new type of device for reassembling an automatic watch.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

For this purpose, the present disclosure relates to a device for reassembling an automatic watch, comprising a configured support so that the watch can be installed around the support, at least one base member connected to the support, and a drive mechanism configured to drive the support relative to the base member, the drive mechanism comprising a motor and the motor being located inside the support.

The stand is a watch stand. The watch is lodged around the support means that the watch is installed around the support, in other words that the watch surrounds the support. Thus, the support may have a circumference of a size comparable to that of a human wrist, of the order of 14 to 24 cm. The case of the watch, that is to say the part of the watch comprising the dial and the watch mechanism, can rest on the support. The bracelet of the watch can surround the support. In particular, closing the bracelet around the support may be sufficient to hold the watch on the support.

The watch is rigidly fixed to the support. Thus, the movement of the support relative to the base element is integrally transmitted to the watch.

The engine is usually a rotary engine. The motor may comprise a portion rigidly connected to the support, said portion of the motor being contained entirely within the volume described by the support.

The drive mechanism may comprise parts rigidly connected to the support, parts rigidly connected to the base element, or parts having a motion different from that of the support relative to the base member, that is, that is, moving parts relative to the base member and movable relative to the support. Part of the winding device belongs to the drive mechanism since its withdrawal would alter or make it impossible for the support to move relative to the base element. The basic element is accessible from outside the support. The winding device may also include a base configured to be assembled to the base member.

Due to the fact that the motor is located inside the support, the winding device previously described is particularly compact and lightweight. It can be transported easily by a private traveler or by a jeweler-watchmaker storing the watches of his shop directly with their winding device.

In some embodiments, the motion imposed on the carrier by the drive mechanism is non-planar with respect to the base member. Remember that a solid is said in plane motion when all the points of the solid move in planes parallel to each other. Examples of planar motions are a rotation about an axis, a translation in a plane, or a combination of these two motions if said axis is orthogonal to said plane. A non-plan movement is more effective for reassembling an automatic watch.

In some embodiments, the motion imposed on the support by the drive mechanism is, relative to a first fixed circle relative to the base element, that of a wheel that rolls without sliding along said first circle, the plane of the wheel being distinct from the plane of said first circle.

As the plane of the wheel is distinct from that of the first circle and the wheel rolls along the first circle, the plane of the wheel forms an angle with the plane of the first circle. Preferably, this angle is constant. This angle may be strictly less than 90 °, preferably less than or equal to 45 °, more preferably less than or equal to 30 °, more preferably less than or equal to 25 °, more preferably less than or equal to 20 °, still preferably less than or equal to 18 °. This angle may be strictly greater than 0 °, preferably greater than or equal to 5 °, more preferably greater than or equal to 10 °, more preferably greater than or equal to 12 °, more preferably greater than or equal to 15 °, more preferably greater than or equal to 17 °, more preferably greater than or equal to 20 °.

By the movement previously described, the center of the wheel can describe a second circle parallel to the first circle or can be fixed (that is to say describe a circle of zero diameter, when the center of the wheel belongs to the straight line). by the center of the first circle and orthogonal to the plane of the first circle). The center of the wheel does not belong to the plane of the first circle.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the wheel may be equal to the diameter of the first circle. Thus, considering the non-slip condition, when the wheel (respectively the watch) has traveled an entire turn on the first circle, it returns to its original position. In addition, thanks to this characteristic, the orientation of the wheel (respectively of the watch) is maintained relative to the first circle, that is to say that the orthogonal projection of any rope of the wheel (respectively of the watch ) on the first circle has a constant direction during movement. The time indicated by the watch can therefore be read with a correct orientation regardless of the position of the support during its movement relative to the base element.

In some embodiments, the motor is configured to rotate a shaft so that said shaft describes the surface of a frustum, the shaft being indirectly connected to the support, the drive mechanism further comprising a system orientation configured to maintain unchanged the orientation of the carrier relative to the base member.

The tree describes the surface of a truncated cone in a fixed reference relative to the basic element.

The orientation of the support designates the direction of any straight line of the support, in orthogonal projection on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cone. This plane is generally a plane parallel to the plane of the first circle defined above.

The shaft is indirectly connected to the support, for example via the motor or via a sleeve. Indeed, if the connection was direct, the directions of the support would have a rotational movement and would not be unchanged in projection on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cone.

With the guidance system, the time indicated by the watch can be read with a correct orientation regardless of the position of the support during its movement relative to the base member.

In some embodiments, the orientation system comprises a fixed guide rail with respect to the base member and a guide tab slidable along the rail and connected to the support. The guide rail may be straight. The connection between the guide tab and the support is sufficiently rigid to counter the rotation induced by the shaft and maintain the orientation of the support. Thus, the orientation system is particularly simple.

In some embodiments, the base member includes at least one conductor for powering the motor of the drive mechanism. The driver can be for example in the form of a plug or an electrical connector. The conductor allows the electrical connection of the winding device with an external power supply. Within the winding device, the electrical connection between the conductor and the motor can be achieved at least in part by a flexible cable, a rotating electrical joint or any suitable system.

Alternatively or in addition, the support may comprise a compartment configured to receive a battery (autonomous energy source).

In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes an electronic control unit configured to control the training movement. The electronic control unit can be accessible from outside the support by a physical link (example: USB), in which case the support has a connection port, or a remote link (example: radio, Wifi, Bluetooth registered trademark ). The electronic control unit can be used to update the winding mode (motor speed, direction of rotation, time programming, etc.). Thus, the winding device can be optimized according to the type of watch it hosts.

In some embodiments, the winding device includes a system for estimating the load level of the watch. The winding device may also include a display system for displaying such information. The estimation of the load level of the watch can be taken into account to stop the movement of the support relative to the base element when a predetermined load level (power reserve) is reached. The estimate may be based on the movements already made by the winding device, for example by assuming the power reserve of the watch to be zero.

In some embodiments, the winding device further comprises stop means configured to stop the movement of the carrier in a predetermined position of the carrier relative to the base member. Thus, it is possible to configure the stop means so that the movement of the support stops in a position where the watch is correctly exposed, for example bent in a certain direction. The stop means may comprise alternately or in combination: a stop and a system, for example inertia, of prolonging the movement of the support until the latter reaches the stop; a stepper motor; a position sensor and an electronic control unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples. This description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically an elevation of an automatic watch mounted on a winding device according to one embodiment;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view of the winding device and its drive mechanism according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the movement imparted to the case of the watch by the winding device;

- Figure 4 is a schematic view of the winding device and its drive mechanism according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A device for winding an automatic watch according to a first embodiment will be detailed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B.

Figure 1 shows, in elevation, a winding device 10 comprising a support 12 and at least one base element, here two base elements 14a and 14b, connected to the support. An automatic watch 50 is installed around the support. In this case, the housing 52 of the watch 50 is placed against the support 12. Moreover, the housing 52 is held on the support 12 by the bracelet 54 of the watch 50. The support 12 is housed inside of the envelope defined by the watch 50. The support may however exceed the envelope defined by the watch 50. The bracelet 54 is closed and adjusted so that the housing 52 is rigidly fixed to the support 12.

The support 12 may have, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a form of a watch cushion, for example a shape substantially of oval base truncated cylinder. The basic elements 14a, 14b can be provided in the form of branches, for example branches adaptable to a base (not shown).

The winding device 10 further comprises a drive mechanism 16 configured to drive the support 12 in motion relative to the base members 14a, 14b. As indicated previously, the drive mechanism 16 comprises a motor 18, said motor 18 being located inside the support 12. In the present embodiment, the entire drive mechanism 16 is located inside. of the support 12, which is why it is invisible in FIG.

As shown in Figure 1, the winding device 10 is particularly compact since it takes up little more space than the watch itself.

The motor 18 may be an electric motor, in particular a direct current motor, or a stepper motor. The motor 18 may be direct drive or comprise a power transmission assembly, for example a gearbox and / or a gearbox. Indeed, it may be advantageous to reduce the rotational speed of the engine in favor of its torque. The transmission ratio of the power transmission assembly may be between 10 and 1000, for example between 100 and 500, for example of the order of 300.

In the present embodiment, the power of the motor 18 is less than or equal to 10W, more preferably less than or equal to 5W, more preferably less than or equal to 3W, more preferably equal to approximately 3W. power can be obtained, for example, with a motor operating at a voltage of 6 V and a current of 0.5 A. It may be advantageous to further reduce the power of the engine so that the engine is as noisy as possible .

The driving speed of the motor 18, that is to say its speed after possible transmission by the power transmission assembly, can be between one revolution per minute and one revolution per revolution. second. For example, the motor 18 can cause the drive mechanism 16 to perform about forty cycles per minute.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the winding device 10 and its drive mechanism 16. In addition to the motor 18, the drive mechanism 16 comprises a shaft 20. As indicated above, the motor 18 is configured to drive in rotation the shaft 20 so that the shaft 20 describes the surface of a truncated cone. In this case, the shaft 20 is a shaft bent at a point A, a first portion remains aligned with an axis X. To do this, the first portion of the shaft 20 can be engaged in a sheath 32 fixed by compared to one of the basic elements, here the basic element 14a. The connection between the shaft 20 and the sleeve 32 may be a pivot connection. Other organs than the sleeve 32 may be implemented to ensure such a pivot connection.

The basic elements 14a, 14b are fixed relative to each other.

In particular, they can be rigidly connected to each other (not shown in Figure 2).

A second part of the shaft 20, on the other side of the point A, is inclined with respect to the first part. The angle of inclination t is here about 17 °. Because of the inclination, when the shaft 20 is rotated, one of the parts of the shaft 20, on either side of the point A, describes the surface of a truncated cone. The movement of the shaft 20 will be detailed further later.

In addition, the shaft 20 is indirectly connected to the support 12. Here, the shaft 20 is connected to the support 12 via the motor 18.

In this embodiment, the motor 18 is fixed relative to the support

12, here rigidly embedded in the support 12.

In addition, the drive mechanism includes an orientation system 22 configured to maintain unchanged the orientation of the carrier 12 relative to the base members 14a, 14b. Here, the system orientation 22 comprises a rectilinear guide rail 24, fixed relative to the base members 14a, 14b, and a guide lug 26 slidable along the rail 24 and connected to the support 12. It is understood that the movement of the Guide lug 26 is limited to translation along the guide rail 24 and rotation about the guide rail 24. The guide rail 24 and the guide lug 26 can take any suitable shape for their relative movement.

Moreover, at least one of the basic elements 14a, 14b comprises a conductor for the power supply of the motor 18. Here, the base elements 14a, 14b are respectively provided with conductive surfaces 28a, 28b for the power supply of the motor 18 For example, the conductive surface 28a may be a current input surface. It may be electrically connected to the motor 18 by the guide rail 24 and the guide lug 26. For example, the conductive surface 28b may be a current exit surface. It can be electrically connected to the motor 18 by a flexible cable 30.

The movement of the support 12 with respect to the base elements 14a, 14b will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

When it is powered and started up, the motor 18 rotates the shaft 20. However, the movements of the shaft 20 are limited firstly by the pivot connection with the sleeve 32, on the other hand by the guide lug 26 is forced to slide on and rotate around the guide rail 24. Therefore, the rotation of the shaft 20 drives the motor 18 in a non-planar movement with respect to each base member 14a, 14b. The support 12, rigidly connected to the motor 18, is driven in the same movement. This movement will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As indicated above, the movement imposed on the support 12 by the drive mechanism 16 is, relative to a first circle C1 fixed relative to the base member 14a, 14b, that of a wheel R which rolls without sliding along said first circle C1, the plane of the wheel being distinct from the plane of said first circle C1.

In other words, the movement of the support 12 with respect to the first circle C1 is defined as if an imaginary wheel R was rigidly fixed to the support 12, the imaginary wheel R rolling without sliding along the first circle C1. Preferably, the 12 is configured so that the watch 50 is housed around the support so that the housing 52 of the watch 50 is substantially in a plane parallel to the plane of the wheel R. In this case, the housing 52 of the watch 50 described by relative to the basic elements 14a, 14b a substantially homothetic movement of that of the wheel R. In this way, the points of the circumference of the housing 52 are alternately lowered and reassembled in a circular oscillation-type motion. This movement sets in motion the balance, which is generally rotatable about an axis passing through the center of the housing 52 and perpendicular to the main plane of the housing 52.

FIG. 3A schematically represents a first relative position of the first circle C1 and the wheel R. As shown in FIG. 3A, the plane of the wheel R and the plane of the first circle C1 form between them a non-zero angle t. The angle t between these two planes corresponds to the angle t identified previously with reference to FIG.

The angle t is kept constant during the movement. The rolling movement without sliding of the wheel R on the first circle C1 alternately raises and lowers the different points of the wheel R with respect to the circle C1 in a circular oscillation-type movement.

FIG. 3B is a view similar to FIG. 3A when the wheel R has traveled, from its position shown in FIG. 3A, half of the circumference of the first circle C1. The angle t is unchanged with respect to FIG. 3A. In addition, as can be seen in this figure, the center of the wheel R describes a second circle C2 parallel to the first circle C1. Figure 4 shows the winding device in another embodiment. In this figure, the elements corresponding or identical to those of the first embodiment will receive the same reference sign, to the number of hundreds, and will not be described again.

In the second embodiment, the winding device comprises a single base element 114. The base element 114 is provided with a connector 128 for the motor power supply. The connector 128 is of the electrical outlet type, managing both the input and the current output.

The drive mechanism 116 comprises a motor 118. Unlike the first embodiment, the motor 118 is here fixed with respect to the base element 114. The motor 118 rotates a bent shaft 120.

The support 112 is rigidly connected to a sleeve 132. The sleeve

132 is fitted on the shaft 120, at the opposite end to the motor 118. The sleeve 132 is coaxial with the shaft 120 and rotatably mounted on the shaft 120. The sleeve 132 forms a pivot connection with the shaft 120. 120. In addition, the orientation system 122 is connected to the support 112, here via the sleeve 132. The movement imposed by the drive mechanism 116 to the support 112 relative to the base element 114 is the same as in the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the winding device according to the second embodiment comprises an electronic control unit 134. The electronic control unit 134 is here connected to the motor 118, on the one hand to control the motor 118 and on the other hand to its power supply. The power supply of the electronic control unit 134 could of course be independent and / or separate from that of the engine 118. The electronic control unit 134 may be configured to control the drive movement. For example, the electronic control unit can control the speed of the motor, its direction of rotation, starting and stopping, in particular stopping at a predetermined position, the running time of the motor, etc.

The electronic control unit 134 may also comprise a communication device allowing its wired or wireless communication with a remote unit, for example to receive operating instructions, updates, etc.

The electronic control unit 134 can also estimate the load level of the watch 50, for example on the basis of the running time of the motor and its speed, or the number of revolutions made, and the characteristics of the watch. 50. The features of the watch may be pre-recorded in the electronic control unit 134 and / or provided to the electronic control unit 134 as needed by said communication device.

For example, the electronic control unit 134 can automatically respectively predict the starting or stopping of the engine, according to the estimated power reserve of the watch, respectively to not let the watch stop when the engine is off or to not unnecessarily turn the watch when its power reserve is full.

For example, the electronic control unit 134 may have the hardware architecture of a computer. It may comprise in particular a processor, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a non-volatile memory and the aforementioned communication device. The electronic control unit 134 may take the form of a microcontroller or any suitable device.

In this example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the electronic control unit 134 is housed inside the support 112. However, to further reduce the size of the support 112, the electronic control unit could be housed outside the support 112, for example in the previously mentioned base. In this case, the electronic control unit can be connected to the motor 118, for its control and / or the power supply of the motor 118, via the connector 128.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

1. Device (10) for reassembly of an automatic watch (50), comprising a support (12, 112) configured so that the watch (50) can surround the support (12, 112), at least one element of base (14a, 14b, 114) connected to the support (12, 112), and a drive mechanism (16, 116) configured to drive the support (12, 112) in motion relative to the base member (14a). , 14b, 114), the drive mechanism (16, 116) comprising a motor (18, 118) and the motor being located within the carrier (12, 112).

Winding device according to claim 1, wherein the movement imposed on the support (12, 112) by the drive mechanism (16, 116) is non-planar with respect to the base element (14a, 14b, 114).

3. Winding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement imposed on the support (12, 112) by the drive mechanism (16, 116) is, relative to a first circle (Cl) fixed relative to the base element (14a, 14b, 114), that of a wheel (R) which rolls without sliding along said first circle (Cl), the plane of the wheel being distinct from the plane of said first circle.

Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motor (18, 118) is configured to rotate a shaft (20, 120) so that said shaft describes the surface of a trunk. of cone, the shaft being indirectly connected to the support (12, 112), the drive mechanism (16, 116) further comprising an orientation system (22, 122) configured to maintain unchanged the orientation of the support ( 12, 112) relative to the base member (14a, 14b, 114).

The winding device according to claim 4, wherein the orientation system (22, 122) comprises a guide rail (24, 124) fixed relative to the base member (14a, 14b, 114) and a guide lug (26, 126) slidable along the guide rail (14a, 14b, 124) and connected to the carrier (12, 112).

6. A winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base member (14a, 14b, 114) comprises at least one conductor (28a, 28b, 128) for the power supply of the motor of the drive mechanism.

The winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the drive mechanism (116) comprising an electronic control unit (134) configured to control the drive movement.

8. Winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a system (134) for estimating the load level of the watch (50).

9. A winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising stop means (134) configured to stop the movement of the support (112) in a predetermined position of the support relative to the housing element. base (114).