EP3599516B1 - Timepiece retrograde tourbillon or karussel - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch movement comprising at least one resonator mechanism which is a tourbillon or a carousel, and comprising a watch drive mechanism, comprising a structure on which is pivotally mounted, around a main axis, an arm carrying a first mechanism, which is pivotally mounted on said arm around a first pivot axis distant from said main axis and comprises a first wheel pivotally mounted around said first pivot axis or a pivot axis which is parallel, said arm being subjected to the restoring torque of a first energy source, said drive mechanism further comprising at least a second energy source arranged to subject a third mobile which said mechanism comprises to a restoring torque drive, directly or indirectly through a second mobile mounted pivoting around a second pivot axis.

The invention relates to the field of clockwork drive mechanisms, and the field of clockwork display mechanisms.

Background of the invention

Lovers of watch complications are sensitive to a certain animation of the displays of a timepiece, which can be provided by retrograde display mechanisms, or even tourbillon mechanisms or similar, which also guarantee better insensitivity to positions .

A breakdown of the displays is also appreciated, and makes it possible to offer a new look to the dial or mechanism.

Retrograde displays are generally limited to driving needles, or more rarely discs.

The retrograde drive of a tourbillon or carousel cage has never been possible, because a cage cannot return backwards on its fixed wheel, and must always rotate in the same direction. If we introduce a declutching system, by cam or similar, to bring the cage backwards, walking stops during the retrograde movement, which is not admissible.

The document CH709331A2 on behalf of SEIKO INSTR. describes a display mechanism that includes a cage unit including an exhaust and a regulator, and an operating unit configured to differentiate the speed of moving the cage unit with the passage of time and to move the cage unit in the direction toward or away from a first axis which is the center of a particular display area, wherein the operating unit moves the cage unit so that the movement trajectory, reproduced when the cage unit moves in the direction approaching the first axis which is the center of the particular display area, is in continuity with the movement trajectory reproduced when the cage unit moves in the direction away from the first axis which is the center of the particular display area.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to develop a retrograde drive mechanism which is capable of carrying mobiles with much greater inertia than hands, in particular tourbillons or the like, and therefore to offer entirely new displays.

To this end, the invention relates to a timepiece movement according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising at least one such drive mechanism.

Summary description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue en plan, un mouvement d'horlogerie selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en perspective éclatée, le mouvement de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est un schéma-blocs représentant une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un tel mouvement ;
• les figures 4 à 9 illustrent, de façon partielle, une autre variante, fonctionnant sur une course angulaire de 120° du bras, tel que visible sur la figure 4 en vue en plan, comme les figures 5 à 8 qui illustrent les positions des mobiles à différents instants, la figure 9 étant une vue de côté de ce mécanisme ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue en plan, une autre variante encore de mécanisme selon l'invention ;
• les figures 11 à 14 illustrent, en vue en plan, différentes implantations sur une montre d'un mécanisme selon l'invention.

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

• there figure 1 represents, schematically, partially, and in plan view, a clock movement according to the invention;
• there figure 2 represents, schematically, and in exploded perspective, the movement of the figure 1 ,
• there Figure 3 is a block diagram representing a timepiece comprising such a movement;
• THE figures 4 to 9 illustrate, partially, another variant, operating on an angular travel of 120° of the arm, as visible on the Figure 4 in plan view, like the figures 5 to 8 which illustrate the positions of the mobiles at different times, the Figure 9 being a side view of this mechanism;
• there Figure 10 represents, schematically, and in plan view, yet another variant of the mechanism according to the invention;
• THE figures 11 to 14 illustrate, in plan view, different installations on a watch of a mechanism according to the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The invention relates to a watch movement 500 comprising at least one regulating member 15 which is a tourbillon 150 or a carousel, and comprising a watch drive mechanism 100, which has the advantage of being able to be used in a watch , or even in a static timepiece, with new functionalities.

This drive mechanism 100 comprises a structure 110, such as a plate, bridge or the like, on which is mounted an arm 1 pivoting around a main axis D0. This arm 1 carries a first mechanism, which comprises a satellite 10, which is pivotally mounted on the arm 1 around a first pivot axis D1, which is distant from the main axis D0. This satellite 10 comprises a first wheel 11, which is pivotally mounted around the first pivot axis D1 or a secondary pivot axis D11 which is parallel to it.

The arm 1 is subjected to the restoring torque of a first energy source 12, such as a barrel, a weight system, or the like.

The drive mechanism 100 further comprises at least a second energy source 22, which is arranged to subject a third mobile 3 which the drive mechanism 100 comprises to a restoring torque, directly or indirectly through a second mobile 2 mounted pivoting around a second pivot axis D2, as in the particular and non-limiting variant illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 .

This second energy source 22 is the main energy source, and it is arranged to store more energy than the first energy source 12.

The first wheel 11 is arranged to roll on the third mobile 3 in a regular forward rolling movement, under the action of the restoring torque of the first energy source 12.

The satellite 10 thus constitutes a planetary mobile, which moves in rotation around the third mobile 3, around the main axis D0, always in the same direction, according to the arrow G (clockwise direction on the figure 1 ), and at constant speed.

In a manner specific to the invention, the third mobile 3 is arranged to remain in fixed position during a first elementary stroke of the satellite 10, and to perform a rotation, and in particular a rapid rotation, always in one direction, that of arrow B anti-clockwise on the figures 1 And 2 , during a second elementary stroke of the stroke of the satellite 10, under the action of the second energy source 22.

And the first wheel 11 drives the tourbillon cage 150 or carousel, or constitutes the tourbillon cage 150 or carousel.

Thus, relative to the fixed structure 110, the arm 1 moves in the direction of the arrow E under the action of the first energy source 12 relative to the third mobile 3 when the latter is stopped, while that, when the third mobile 3 is recalled under the action of the second energy source 22, the arm 1, which is carried by the third mobile 3, moves retrogradely in the direction of the arrow F, relative to to the fixed structure 110, during the second elementary stroke of the satellite 10.

We understand that the satellite 10 continuously rolls around the third mobile 3, and that it continues to rotate relative to the third mobile 3 during the rotation of the latter. There is therefore an alternation of first elementary races and second elementary races.

Due to the successive rotations of the arm in the first direction of advance along the arrow E, and in the second reverse direction along the arrow F, the axis D1 performs a limited angular travel around the main axis D0.

In a particular and non-limiting manner, the first elementary stroke of the satellite 10 is much greater than the second elementary stroke of the stroke, in particular more than twenty times greater than the latter.

In the advantageous example illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 , the complete cycle lasts one minute, with fifty-eight seconds of slow speed travel of arm 1 in the first elementary stroke, and two seconds of rapid return of arm 1 in the first elementary stroke.

However, the invention makes it possible to modulate the relationship between the first stroke part and the second elementary stroke in a different way; it is for example imaginable to obtain a first elementary stroke and a second elementary stroke that are equal.

In the variant illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 , to manage the rotational movement of the third mobile 3, the drive mechanism 100 comprises stopping means 120, which are fixed on the structure 110, and which are more particularly arranged to cooperate with complementary stopping means 123 what does the third mobile 3 include for its maintenance in position, or that comprises another external mobile meshing directly or indirectly with the third mobile 3. The stopping means 120 comprise more particularly a trigger lever, which is arranged to cooperate successively with pins distributed on the third mobile 3, and which constitute these means of additional stop 123 in the non-limiting example illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 . In the example illustrated, these pins are arranged angularly in a regular manner. It is nevertheless possible to design other angular spacings to create specific displays.

These stopping means 120 are disengageable, under the action of disengagement control means 13 which arm 1 comprises, when the first wheel 11 finishes its first elementary stroke, to authorize the pivoting of the third mobile 3 in a single direction ( arrow B anti-clockwise) under the action of the second energy source 22, causing a retrograde rotation of the arm 1 until the start of its angular travel.

When the third mobile 3 is stopped in an angular stop position, the first wheel 11 performs a first elementary stroke, and the arm 1 moves in an angular advance stroke at a slow speed which is its display speed . At the end of this first elementary stroke of the first wheel 11, the disengagement control means 13 disengage the stopping means 120, and the third mobile 3 is then free and subjected to the torque of the second energy source 22, directly or through the second mobile 2 depending on the construction variant chosen. The third mobile 3 then performs a rotation, and more particularly a sudden and almost instantaneous rotation, before returning to another angular stop position between another pin 123 and the trigger lever 120. And this rotation of the third mobile 3 causes the return retrograde arm 1 to its start position of angular travel, and in particular in the case illustrated at an accelerated speed which is much greater than its slow display speed.

In another variant, the first wheel 11 is arranged to roll inside the third mobile 3. Many other configurations are possible, in particular concerning the relative positions of the different pivot axes, with adapted cascades of returns.

Naturally it is still possible to subject the third mobile 3 to the torque of at least a third energy source, for example in direct meshing.

The operation of the drive mechanism 100 depends on the level of energy available at the second energy source 22. In the case where the drive mechanism 100 is integrated into a watch, the second energy source is advantageously recharged by an automatic winding mechanism, not detailed here because it is well known to those skilled in the art: the first energy source 11 is permanently rearmed by the second energy source as long as the latter has sufficient energy, this first energy source 11 thus constitutes a buffer, and the driving of the satellite 10 by this first energy source 11 is thus a so-called constant force, or more precisely constant torque, mechanism.

In the very compact variant illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 , the stopping means 120 comprise a rocker, which forms a trigger lever, and which is pivotally mounted on a rocker axis D12, and which is returned in the direction of the arrow D by elastic return means 127, such as spring or similar. This rocker carries a rocker pin 129.

The arm 1 comprises a ramp 13, which is arranged to cooperate with the rocker pin 129, at the end of the angular advance stroke of the arm 1, and to push the rocker in the direction of the arrow C, which makes it possible to eclipse a tip of the rocker comprising a support surface 128, which until then held in position a stop pin 123, which comprises the third mobile 3 (which comprises three at 120° in the present case). The third mobile 3 is then released, and can rotate, its previously immobilized pin 123 being able to pass under the arm 1. The position of the pins 123 directs the triggering, they guarantee the precision of the duration of a total stroke period.

Advantageously, the arm 1 comprises limitation means 20, which tend to oppose the driving torque of the first energy source 12, and which are arranged to limit the rolling speed of the first wheel 11. Indeed , anything that can slow down the system is advantageous, for regular operation of the constant force mechanism that constitutes the invention.

More particularly, these limitation means 20 are braking and/or friction and/or regulation means. They may in particular include aerodynamic braking means, by eddy current, or other. For example, the first 11th street may carry a seconds hand.

Even more particularly, as in the non-limiting case illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 , the limiting means 20 are means for regulating the rolling speed of the first wheel 11 around the third mobile 3. The regulating mechanism is preferably at the level of the satellite 10 which constitutes a planetary mobile.

As visible in a non-limiting variant illustrated by the figures 1 And 2 , the means for regulating the rolling speed of the first wheel 11 around the third mobile 3 comprise a stopper 17, such as an anchor or the like, and which is arranged to cooperate discontinuously with the first wheel 11, or with a synchronous mobile of the first wheel 11, or with a fourth mobile meshing directly or indirectly with the first wheel 11.

In a particular way and as visible on the figures 1 And 2 , the second pivot axis D2 is parallel to the main axis D0 and distinct from it.

In a particular way and as visible on the figures 1 And 2 , the third mobile 3 is arranged to pivot around the main axis D0.

In particular, the satellite 10 constitutes all or part of the limitation means 20.

More particularly, the regulating member 15 comprises at least one inertial mass 1700 subjected to an alternating pivoting movement by an anchor 170, which the stopper 17 comprises, and which is arranged to cooperate with a ratchet 18 driven directly or indirectly by the first wheel 11.

More particularly, the ratchet 18 is coaxial with the first wheel 11.

More particularly this ratchet 18 is an escape wheel.

When the regulating member 15 is a tourbillon 150, the first wheel 11 drives the cage of the tourbillon 150, or else constitutes the cage of the tourbillon 150. In this case, the axis of the resonator mechanism, typically a sprung balance, that comprises the regulating member 15, coincides with the first pivot axis D1.

When the regulating member 15 is a carousel, the first wheel 11 drives the carousel cage or constitutes the carousel cage. In this case, the axis of the resonator mechanism, typically a sprung balance, which the regulating member 15 comprises, is a secondary pivot axis, parallel to the first pivot axis D1, for example located at the distal end of a regulator 19 as illustrated on the figures 1 And 2 .

More particularly, the regulating member 15 comprises a regulator 19, which is driven directly or indirectly by the first wheel 1.

More particularly, this regulator 19 is synchronous with the first wheel 11, and is capable of constituting a first display of a first temporal quantity.

Even more particularly, the regulator 19 comprises a tourbillon or carousel cage.

Each mobile of the movement drive mechanism according to the invention can be used for a particular display. Thus, more particularly, arm 1 constitutes or drives a display of a second temporal quantity. This arm can carry eccentric displays, for example on stars pivotally mounted on arm 1.

Similarly, more particularly, the third mobile 3 constitutes or drives a display of a third temporal quantity, for example a minute display advancing in jumps.

More particularly, the second mobile 2 constitutes or drives a power reserve display.

We understand that this drive mechanism specific to the invention allows a very vivid display of the passage of time, by the very visible rolling of the first wheel 11 on the third mobile 3, and by the periodic retrograde return of the arm 1 Each mobile can be used to carry an off-center display.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 1000 comprising at least one such timepiece movement 500, and which in a first variant is a watch. Its first energy source 12 and/or its second energy source 22 can conventionally comprise at least one barrel, and/or an electromechanical energy source, or other. Advantageously the second energy source 22 is recharged by an automatic winding mechanism.

In another variant, the timepiece 1000 is static, and may in particular be a clock. Its first energy source 12 and/or its second energy source 22 can conventionally comprise at least one barrel, and/or an electromechanical energy source, or other. Or its first energy source 12 and/or its second energy source 22 comprises at least one weight, and this timepiece 1000 then comprises means for winding each weight. However, preferably the first energy source 12 is a barrel making buffer, which makes it possible to only have to go back to the second energy source 22 which supplies the first energy source 12.

The principle of the invention is applicable to many other variants, and to many particular applications. This principle is illustrated, in a simplified manner compared to the figures 1 And 2 , by the figures 4 to 9 , which only include the first energy source 12, illustrated in the form of a simple flat spring, the arm 1 carrying the first wheel 11, and the third mobile 3 on which this first wheel 11 turns. In this example , a tourbillon cage, carried by the first wheel 11, performs one revolution per minute, the first wheel 11 moves on the third mobile 3 for approximately 18 seconds when the third mobile 3 is still in the fixed position, and continues to roll on this third mobile during the two seconds that lasts the 120° retrograde return of the third mobile 3 in the counterclockwise direction in these figures. There Figure 5 shows the whole in position just after such a retrograde return; there Figure 6 shows an intermediate position there Figure 7 shows the extreme angular position of arm 1 in clockwise travel, and the figure 8 illustrates the retrograde return in an anti-clockwise direction of the third mobile (visible by the change in position of marks 1, 2, 3) and of the arm 1 which it carries.

There Figure 10 illustrates yet another variant, with an arm 1 acting as a cocking rake on a cocking barrel of the cage arm, constituting the first energy source 12, which drives the cage arm 1; under the effect of its torque, the tourbillon cage is driven and rotates on the circumference of the third mobile 3, the arm 1 moves according to the frequency and the gear ratio. Arm 1 leading the cage moves from its initial position of 0° and arrives at its maximum position of 120°. At this moment, the second energy source 22 is unlocked, here constituted by the barrel of the basic movement of a watch. This barrel is in chain with a reduction mobile 223, and the latter in connection with the third mobile 3. The force of the barrel movement 22 will drive the reduction mobile 223 and in fact will lead the third mobile 3 into anti-rotation. hourly 120°. The movement in degrees of the third mobile 3 is managed via a gear train 221 and positioned by a stop pin at the level of a position lock 223, this cog 221 can be linked either with the reduction mobile 223, or with the movement barrel 22. To manage the return over a period of approximately 2 seconds, a regulator with inverter, comprising in particular a pinion, a ratchet 18, an anchor 170, is in series with the third mobile 3, and allows 'adjust the duration of the retrograde return, in particular between 1 and 10 seconds. During the 120° movement of the third mobile 3, the first energy source 12, here the spring of the cage arm, is rearmed, the cage continues to operate by moving on the circumference of the third mobile 3. This variant of the Figure 10 allows the angular travel to be managed other than by the pins 123 of the variant of the figures 1 And 2 , which is replaced here by the position cog 221, it is here possible to manage other angular values, for example 360° to display a date passage, or other.

We notice that the base movement barrel spring no longer intercedes with the finishing train as on a classic movement. It now has the sole function of providing the impulse necessary for positioning the third mobile 3.

The first energy source 12, here the spring of the cage arm, has a pre-winding giving the torque necessary for the operation of the tourbillon, this force will remain constant. The angular travel of 120° in counter-clockwise rotation of the third mobile 3 arms the cage arm spring in a regular manner.

In this way, it is conceivable to develop several types of movement of the hour and minute hand, as well as complications such as indications of the moon, and/or day/night, and/or the power reserve. works, as visible on the figures 11 to 13 , in particular, on the return of the cage and the third mobile, or even with the position gear where it is no longer necessary to use a road, and where the time setting is unidirectional; or with the position cog; with the position gear and/or the movement barrel, setting the time is possible in both directions.

Winding is done by the crown 220, the main barrel 22 will no longer intercede with the finishing train as in the usual technique.

This arrangement also allows the moon to be corrected directly through the crown; it is no longer necessary to integrate a corrector integrated into the caseband.

We understand that the invention ensures an almost constant driving force to the regulating mechanism, in particular a tourbillon or carousel cage, throughout the power reserve of the main barrel.

THE figures 11 to 14 illustrate the wide latitude offered by the invention for the positioning of the different displays. In the example illustrated, the hours and minutes are read on a dial at 12 o'clock, that of the power reserve on a sector with a retrograde hand at 9 o'clock, that of the moon and/or day/night display, or even sunset, or other, at 3 o'clock, while the tourbillon has a movement of 120°, and it is possible to direct the movement of the cage over 120° according to a substantially peripheral movement as on the figures 11 and 14 , or according to a movement around an axis eccentric as much as possible as on the figures 12 and 13 , with a retrograde movement of the cage respectively from left to right, or from right to left.

The value of 120° taken for the examples is in no way binding, the angular value depends on the desired duration of hourly travel, the value of the retrograde travel is also adjustable, for example between 2 and 5 seconds, and allows you to obtain a non-abrupt retrograde return, devoid of shock.

The retrograde return of the cage powers the passage of the minutes.

The retrograde return is not linked to the frequency of the resonator mechanism, and has no influence on the course of the movement.

In other execution variants it is possible to equip the third mobile with several satellites 10 on its periphery. It is also possible to design a system on several floors to manage distinct functions.

Claims (19)

1. Timepiece movement (500) including at least one regulating member (15) which is a tourbillon (150) or karussel, and including a mechanism (100) for driving the cage of the tourbillon or karussel, which mechanism includes a fixed structure (110) on which is pivotally mounted, about a main axis (D0), an arm (1) carrying a planetary gear (10) included in said drive mechanism, said planetary gear (10), which forms a first wheel set, is pivotally mounted on said arm (1) about a first pivot axis (D1) remote from said main axis (D0) and includes a first wheel (11) which is arranged to drive the cage of the tourbillon (150) or karussel or to form the cage of said tourbillon (150) or karussel, said first wheel (11) being pivotally mounted about said first pivot axis (D1) or a secondary pivot axis (D11) that is parallel thereto, said arm (1) being subjected to the restoring torque of a first energy source (12), said drive mechanism (100) further including at least a second energy source (22) arranged to subject to a restoring torque a third wheel set (3) included in said drive mechanism (100), directly, or indirectly via a second wheel set (2) pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis (D2), said first wheel (11) being arranged to roll, under the action of said first energy source (12), over said third wheel set (3) in a regular forward rolling motion with respect to the fixed structure (110) in a single direction of rotation, said third wheel set (3) being arranged to remain in a fixed position during a first basic travel of said planetary gear (10), said first wheel (11) being also arranged, under the action of said second energy source (22), to make a rotation in a single direction during a second basic travel of the travel of said planetary gear (10), characterised in that during said second basic travel said arm (1), which is carried by said third wheel set (3), moves backwards with respect to said fixed structure (110).
2. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 1, characterised in that said drive mechanism (100) includes stop means (120) arranged to cooperate with complementary stop means (123) included in said third wheel set (3) to hold it in position, or comprised in another external wheel set meshing directly or indirectly with said third wheel set (3), said stop means (120) being able to be uncoupled, under the action of uncoupling control means (13) included in said arm (1), when the planetary gear (10) completes its first basic travel, to allow pivoting of said third wheel set (3) in a single direction under the action of said second energy source (22) causing a backward rotation of said arm (1) to the start of its said angular travel.
3. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said arm (1) includes banking means (20) tending to resist the drive torque of said first energy source (12), and arranged to limit the rolling speed of said first wheel (11).
4. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 3, characterised in that said banking means (20) are braking means and/or friction means and/or regulating means.
5. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 4, characterised in that said banking means (20) are means for regulating the rolling speed of said first wheel (11) about said third wheel set (3).
6. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 5, characterised in that said means regulating the rolling speed of said first wheel (11) about said third wheel set (3) include a stop device (17) arranged to cooperate in a discontinuous manner with said first wheel (11) or with a fourth wheel set meshing directly or indirectly with said first wheel (11).
7. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said second pivot axis (D2) is parallel to said main axis (D0) and distinct therefrom.
8. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said third wheel set (3) is arranged to pivot about said main axis (D0).
9. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 3 and one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said planetary gear (10) forms all or part of said banking means (20).
10. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 9, characterised in that said regulating member (15) includes a resonator mechanism with at least one inertia mass (1700) subjected to a pivoting alternating motion by a pallet (170) cooperating with a ratchet (18) driven directly or indirectly by said first wheel (11).
11. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 10, characterised in that said ratchet (18) is coaxial to said first wheel (11).
12. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that said regulating member (15) includes a governor (19) driven directly or indirectly by said first wheel (11).
13. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 12, characterised in that said governor (19) is synchronous with said first wheel (11) and forms a first display of a first time magnitude.
14. Timepiece movement (500) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that said governor (19) includes a tourbillon or karussel cage.
15. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that said arm (1) forms or drives a display of a second time magnitude.
16. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that said third wheel set (3) forms or drives a display of a third time magnitude.
17. Timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that said second wheel set (2) forms or drives a power reserve display.
18. Timepiece (1000) including at least one timepiece movement (500) according to one of claims 1 to 17.
19. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 18, characterised in that said timepiece is a watch, and in that said first energy source (12) and/or said second energy source (22) is a barrel.

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