EP3644132B1 - Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane - Google Patents

Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3644132B1
EP3644132B1 EP18202869.6A EP18202869A EP3644132B1 EP 3644132 B1 EP3644132 B1 EP 3644132B1 EP 18202869 A EP18202869 A EP 18202869A EP 3644132 B1 EP3644132 B1 EP 3644132B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
watch
bezel
edge portion
crystal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18202869.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3644132A1 (en
Inventor
Jérôme Favre
Mehdi Denden
Alain Delizée
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Blancpain SA
Original Assignee
Blancpain SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Blancpain SA filed Critical Blancpain SA
Priority to EP18202869.6A priority Critical patent/EP3644132B1/en
Priority to JP2019184901A priority patent/JP6783367B2/en
Priority to US16/598,258 priority patent/US11640142B2/en
Priority to CN201911014845.5A priority patent/CN111103783B/en
Publication of EP3644132A1 publication Critical patent/EP3644132A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3644132B1 publication Critical patent/EP3644132B1/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
    • 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
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G04B21/02—Regular striking mechanisms giving the full hour, half hour or quarter hour
    • G04B21/06—Details of striking mechanisms, e.g. hammer, fan governor
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0075—Cases with means to enhance sound transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B39/00—Watch crystals; Fastening or sealing of crystals; Clock glasses

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a striking or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, in accordance with claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an acoustic radiation membrane for a striking or musical watch, in accordance with claim 10.
  • the acoustic efficiency on the basis of the complex vibro-acoustic transduction of the casing parts, is low.
  • the material, the geometry and the boundary conditions of the covering parts must be taken into account.
  • the configurations of the casing parts are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and the operating constraints, which can limit the possibilities of adaptation.
  • the vibro-acoustic performance of the striking mechanism provision is made for placing one or more membranes in the watch case.
  • the membranes are sized and configured so that the note or notes generated in the watch case are radiated effectively.
  • the frequencies of the notes generated must be close to the proper modes of vibration of the membrane(s) so that they enter into resonance.
  • the patent application EP 0 028 429 A1 describes a watch with an electro-acoustic warning device. This feature is intended to improve sound performance and sound quality.
  • the watch crystal is held in place by a support ring on the middle.
  • This support ring is an annular vibrating membrane. Between two edges of the membrane, there is provided a central curved zone.
  • a central rod is attached to the ice and activated by an excitation electromagnet for vibration.
  • the membrane can be obtained by electroforming.
  • the generation of a sound is obtained by the action of an electronic device excited by an alternating current, which does not provide the same quality of a sound generated by a striking mechanism with mechanical action, which constitutes a inconvenience.
  • Licences EP 2 409 200 B1 and EP 2 738 625 B1 describe a watch case with a middle closed on one side by a bezel and a crystal and on the other side by a back.
  • the bezel and the crystal are connected by an annular elastic metal member in the form of a bellows with at least one annular bend of curvature between 90° and 180° to give the bezel and crystal connected to the bellows freedom of movement perpendicular or parallel to a dial.
  • annular elastic metal member in the form of a bellows with at least one annular bend of curvature between 90° and 180° to give the bezel and crystal connected to the bellows freedom of movement perpendicular or parallel to a dial.
  • these patents highlight the particular shape of the membrane while exploiting it to add free movement to the bezel and not as a radiating element for a chime.
  • the natural oscillation frequency of the assembly made up of the glass and the metal component is higher than the frequency band of the signal transmitted so as not to have any degradation or distortion of the sound, which does not allow the sound to be radiated effectively. generated sound. This therefore constitutes a disadvantage.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a striking or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiation membrane arranged to produce a rich sound with better acoustic radiation of the vibrations at low frequency via the membrane linked to a crystal or a bezel linked to a crystal in the watch case.
  • the invention relates to a striking or musical watch mentioned above, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.
  • the membrane is configured in such a way that when it is excited by generating a sound coming from at least one gong or a blade of a vibrating keyboard , there is a transmission of transverse waves.
  • the thin membrane connects on one side a bezel fixed to a crystal or directly a watch crystal, and on the other side a middle part of a watch case.
  • the bezel with the glass or the glass alone become mobile and vibrate at the same modes of vibration as the membrane in order to to reach vibration modes below 4 kHz, or at 1 kHz or even lower depending on the thickness of the membrane and/or its curvature as well.
  • the membrane acts as a spring in conjunction with the bezel-glass or the glass which constitutes the mass.
  • the frequency of the first mode of vibration depends on the square root of the stiffness on the mass. This first mode of vibration is of the piston type. Thus, the lower the stiffness of the membrane, the lower the frequency of the first mode of vibration, which is sought.
  • the membrane can be manufactured by an electroforming process. It can be made with a thickness of less than 80 ⁇ m, for example up to 37 ⁇ m, which makes it possible to lower the radiation frequency down to 500 Hz while allowing good acoustic radiation up to frequencies around 8 to 10kHz. By working at such a low frequency, this results in a warmer, louder sound, because the more modes there are radiated, the more the human ear interprets this as a loud sound, and more distinguishable when generating a music.
  • the membrane can be made of a metallic material, such as 5N gold.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing at least one acoustic radiation membrane for a striking or musical watch, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claims 10 and 11.
  • a particular manufacturing step is defined in dependent claim 12.
  • the figure 1 therefore represents a first embodiment of a mechanical striking or musical watch 1, which comprises at least one acoustic radiation membrane 2.
  • This acoustic radiation membrane 2 is made of metallic material or amorphous metal and is presented as a piece of connection in the form of a walled loop of a certain thickness. It can be considered as a membrane-spring.
  • This membrane 2 is designed to be connected by a first border 23 to a middle part 4 of a watch case, in particular on the upper part of the middle part 4, and by a second border 20 to a bezel 3 fixed to a watch crystal. 5 via a seal 12.
  • the second edge 20 of the membrane 2 can also be directly connected to a watch crystal 5.
  • first edge 23 of the membrane 2 can be fixed on the upper part of the middle part 4, in particular in an annular groove by means of a complementary bezel 13.
  • This complementary bezel can be fixed by screwing on the upper part of the middle part 4 or by gluing or welding or brazing or by being driven out so that the lower portion of the complementary bezel 13 comes to fix the first edge in the annular groove of the middle part 4.
  • the complementary bezel 13 can still serve as protection of the assembly comprising the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 and to the membrane 2.
  • the striking or musical watch 1 further comprises a striking mechanism represented only by a certain number of gongs 9 arranged in this configuration under the dial 6 of the watch.
  • the striking mechanism is connected to a watch movement 14 arranged between the dial 6 and a back 7, which is fixed to a lower part of the middle part 4 with a sealing gasket 8.
  • These gongs 9 spaced from one another can each be struck by a particular hammer not shown normally at specific times to each generate a different sound and which can also generate a melody.
  • It can also be provided to have a keyboard with blades of different lengths, not shown, to be activated by a disc or cylinder with blade activation members in order to generate music according to the arrangement of the activation members.
  • the membrane 2 is annular in shape with an arcuate or curved part, which is directed towards the side of the watch crystal 5 in an active zone 11 of the membrane 2 in a direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the watch.
  • the arcuate part is a portion of a circle according to a cross section as shown, which is extended by a straight part, defining a frustoconical portion, up to connection with the first border 23.
  • the second border 20 of the membrane 2 is fixed by a fixing ring 10, which is driven for example onto an outer cylindrical wall of the bottom of the bezel 3.
  • the bezel 3 also includes an upper edge, where the watch crystal 5 rests, fixed by the seal 12 to an inner upper wall of the bezel 3.
  • a lower and inner edge of the bezel 3 is above the dial 6 without touching it. to allow mobility of the bezel 3 with the glass 5 held by the membrane 2.
  • a space between 70 and 100 ⁇ m is provided between the bezel 3 and the dial 6 or between the bezel 3 and the complementary bezel 13 to leave mobility to the membrane 2 and bezel 3 assembly.
  • the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 or the crystal 5 is mobile with respect to the middle part 4 via the membrane 2 during the vibration of the membrane 2 following a sound generated by the striking mechanism of the watch in the watch case.
  • the bezel 3 connected to the membrane 2 vibrates at the same vibration modes as the membrane 2, which are significantly lower than the vibration modes of a conventional casing.
  • the thickness of the membrane 2 of the spring type it is preferred to lower the thickness of the membrane 2 of the spring type to reduce the frequency fo of the first mode of vibration by decreasing the stiffness k of the membrane 2.
  • the excitation of the membrane 2 is therefore done by a transmission of transverse waves generated by the vibration of one or more gongs 9 arranged below the dial in this first embodiment.
  • Such a membrane 2 in connection with the bezel 3 with the glass 5 or only in connection with the glass 5 can cover an acoustic radiation band of 1 kHz to 10 kHz with the trim parts. If the thickness of the membrane 2 is reduced to reduce its stiffness following a manufacturing process by electroforming explained below, the acoustic radiation band can even be between 500 Hz and 10 kHz.
  • a sapphire crystal 5 with a thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of the order of 37.8 mm with a bezel 3 made of metal, such as gold of so as to have a mass of the order of 13 grams.
  • the bezel 3 is annular in shape with an inside diameter of around 36 mm and an outside diameter of around 41.9 mm, and a thickness of around 3.55 mm.
  • the membrane 2, which can be electro-formed as explained below with reference to the figure 4a at 4th can be made preferably in 5N gold to match the desired resonance frequency, because also a large part of the trim elements are in gold.
  • the active zone 11 of the membrane can be a space between the bezel 3 and the complementary bezel 13 1.2 mm wide by 2 mm high in Z direction.
  • the figure 2a at 2c represent several embodiments of the annular membrane, of which a cross-section of one side is shown, according to the invention.
  • the membrane 2 according to the invention has an arcuate part 21, the circle portion angle of which is greater than 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting to the first edge 23.
  • the membrane 2 has an arcuate part 21, the angle of the circle portion of which is substantially equal to 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting to the first border 23.
  • the membrane 2c which also shows an embodiment not covered in the claims, the membrane 2 has an arcuate part 21, the angle of the circle portion of which is substantially less than 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting at the first border 23.
  • the curvature of the membrane 2 in its active zone can also play a role in its stiffness and also influence the lowering of the frequency of the first vibration mode under the effect of a force in the Z direction, given the size reduced, where the membrane is located 2.
  • the thickness of the membrane is substantially the same, for example of a determined thickness which may be of the order of 80 ⁇ m and may be lowered to a thickness of the order of 37 ⁇ m for reduce the frequency of the first mode of vibration towards 500 Hz for a 5N gold membrane with an ice-bonded bezel as shown above.
  • This provides the advantage of working at low frequency and obtaining a warmer, stronger sound, since there are several radiated modes interpreted by the human ear as a loud sound, and more distinguishable in the case of the reproduction of a set of notes to play a melody.
  • the picture 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a striking or musical watch having a membrane at the level of the crystal and the middle of the watch case according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the only difference of this second form of execution resides at the level of the second edge 20 of the membrane 2.
  • This second edge comprises a heel 20 used to start the manufacture of the membrane by electroforming.
  • annular-shaped metallic ring 20 is obtained.
  • this annular ring 20 can be made of 5N gold, even if other metallic materials can be envisaged.
  • a low-cut substrate 30 is produced as a base for producing the membrane by electroforming.
  • This substrate has a profile complementary to the shape of the membrane to be produced. This substrate must be able to be dissolved at the end of the membrane manufacturing process without damaging the membrane.
  • the substrate comprises an annular cavity 31 of the dimension of the annular ring.
  • the annular ring 20 is driven into the annular cavity 31 of the substrate 30.
  • This annular ring is at the mouth of the cavity and will serve as a starting point for the formation of the membrane.
  • the membrane is produced from the heel 20 and on the substrate 30 of its complementary shape by electroforming with a metallic material such as 5N gold.
  • the membrane is formed with its annular arcuate part 21 and of which, according to a cross section, the angle at rest has an angle greater than 180°, its straight part 22 and the first edge 23.
  • the second edging is tied directly to the 20 heel.
  • the substrate is dissolved to keep only the membrane with its parts 20 to 23.
  • a refining can still be planned by immersing the membrane in an electroforming bath to finish the part, in particular to refine its thickness. Subsequently, the membrane can be fixed in the striking watch, in particular between the moving bezel and the middle part.

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

L'invention concerne une montre à sonnerie ou musicale munie d'au moins une membrane de rayonnement acoustique, en accord avec la revendication 1.The invention relates to a striking or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, in accordance with claim 1.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'une membrane de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre à sonnerie ou musicale, en accord avec la revendication 10.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an acoustic radiation membrane for a striking or musical watch, in accordance with claim 10.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Il est connu de munir une montre d'un mécanisme de sonnerie pour générer un son ou une musique. Pour ce faire, un timbre de la montre à sonnerie ou un clavier de la montre musicale sont disposés dans la boîte de montre. Ainsi, les vibrations du timbre ou des lames du clavier sont transmises aux différentes pièces d'habillage. Ces pièces d'habillage sont notamment la carrure, la lunette, la glace et le fond de la boîte de montre. Ces grandes pièces d'habillage se mettent à rayonner du son dans l'air sous l'effet des vibrations transmises. Lorsqu'un son est produit soit par un timbre frappé par un marteau, soit par une ou plusieurs lames du clavier en vibration, ces pièces d'habillage sont capables de rayonner le son produit dans l'air.It is known to provide a watch with a striking mechanism to generate sound or music. To do this, a striking watch gong or a musical watch keypad are arranged in the watch case. Thus, the vibrations of the gong or the blades of the keyboard are transmitted to the various covering parts. These casing parts are in particular the middle part, the bezel, the crystal and the back of the watch case. These large trim pieces begin to radiate sound into the air as a result of the transmitted vibrations. When a sound is produced either by a tone struck by a hammer, or by one or more blades of the vibrating keyboard, these trim pieces are capable of radiating the sound produced into the air.

Cependant dans une montre musicale ou 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 d'un son ou d'une note, il doit être tenu compte de la matière, de la géométrie et des conditions aux limites des pièces d'habillage. Les configurations des 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.However, in a musical or traditional striking watch, the acoustic efficiency, on the basis of the complex vibro-acoustic transduction of the casing parts, is low. To improve and increase the acoustic level of a sound or a note, the material, the geometry and the boundary conditions of the covering parts must be taken into account. The configurations of the casing parts are also dependent on the aesthetics of the watch and the operating constraints, which can limit the possibilities of adaptation.

Pour pouvoir améliorer le rendement vibro-acoustique du mécanisme de sonnerie, il est prévu de disposer une ou plusieurs membranes dans la boîte de montre. Les membranes sont dimensionnées et configurées pour que la ou les notes générées dans la boîte de montre soient rayonnées efficacement. Les fréquences des notes générées doivent être proches des modes propres de vibration de la ou des membranes pour qu'elles entrent en résonance.In order to be able to improve the vibro-acoustic performance of the striking mechanism, provision is made for placing one or more membranes in the watch case. The membranes are sized and configured so that the note or notes generated in the watch case are radiated effectively. The frequencies of the notes generated must be close to the proper modes of vibration of the membrane(s) so that they enter into resonance.

La demande de brevet EP 0 028 429 A1 décrit une montre à dispositif avertisseur électro-acoustique. Ce dispositif est prévu pour améliorer le rendement sonore et la qualité du son. La glace de montre est maintenue par un anneau de soutien à la carrure. Cet anneau de soutien est une membrane vibrante annulaire. Entre deux bords de la membrane, il est prévu une zone centrale incurvée. Une tige centrale est fixée à la glace et activée par un électro-aimant d'excitation pour la vibration. La membrane peut être obtenue par électroformage. La génération d'un son est obtenue par l'action d'un dispositif électronique excité par un courant alternatif, ce qui n'apporte pas la même qualité d'un son généré par un mécanisme de sonnerie à action mécanique, ce qui constitue un inconvénient.The patent application EP 0 028 429 A1 describes a watch with an electro-acoustic warning device. This feature is intended to improve sound performance and sound quality. The watch crystal is held in place by a support ring on the middle. This support ring is an annular vibrating membrane. Between two edges of the membrane, there is provided a central curved zone. A central rod is attached to the ice and activated by an excitation electromagnet for vibration. The membrane can be obtained by electroforming. The generation of a sound is obtained by the action of an electronic device excited by an alternating current, which does not provide the same quality of a sound generated by a striking mechanism with mechanical action, which constitutes a inconvenience.

Les brevets EP 2 409 200 B1 et EP 2 738 625 B1 décrivent une boîte de montre avec une carrure fermée d'un côté par une lunette et une glace et d'un autre côté par un fond. La lunette et la glace sont reliées par un organe métallique élastique annulaire sous forme de soufflet avec au moins un pli annulaire de courbure entre 90° et 180° pour donner à la lunette et la glace reliées au soufflet une liberté de mouvement perpendiculairement ou parallèlement à un cadran. Cependant, ces brevets mettent en avant la forme particulière de la membrane tout en l'exploitant pour ajouter un mouvement de liberté à la lunette et non pas comme élément rayonnant pour une sonnerie. La fréquence propre d'oscillation de l'ensemble composé de la glace et de l'organe métallique est supérieure à la bande de fréquence du signal transmis pour ne pas avoir de dégradation ou distorsion du son, ce qui ne permet pas de rayonner efficacement le son généré. Cela constitue donc un inconvénient.Licences EP 2 409 200 B1 and EP 2 738 625 B1 describe a watch case with a middle closed on one side by a bezel and a crystal and on the other side by a back. The bezel and the crystal are connected by an annular elastic metal member in the form of a bellows with at least one annular bend of curvature between 90° and 180° to give the bezel and crystal connected to the bellows freedom of movement perpendicular or parallel to a dial. However, these patents highlight the particular shape of the membrane while exploiting it to add free movement to the bezel and not as a radiating element for a chime. The natural oscillation frequency of the assembly made up of the glass and the metal component is higher than the frequency band of the signal transmitted so as not to have any degradation or distortion of the sound, which does not allow the sound to be radiated effectively. generated sound. This therefore constitutes a disadvantage.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention a donc pour but de pallier aux inconvénients de l'état de la technique en fournissant une montre à sonnerie ou musicale munie d'au moins une membrane de rayonnement acoustique agencée pour produire un son riche avec un meilleur rayonnement acoustique des vibrations à basse fréquence par l'intermédiaire de la membrane liée à une glace ou une lunette liée à une glace de 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 or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiation membrane arranged to produce a rich sound with better acoustic radiation of the vibrations at low frequency via the membrane linked to a crystal or a bezel linked to a crystal in the watch case.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne une montre à sonnerie ou musicale citée ci-devant, qui comprend les caractéristiques définies dans la revendication indépendante 1.To this end, the invention relates to a striking or musical watch mentioned above, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.

Des formes d'exécution particulières de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale sont définies dans les revendications dépendantes 2 à 9.Particular embodiments of the striking or musical watch are defined in dependent claims 2 to 9.

Un avantage de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale réside dans le fait que la membrane est configurée de telle manière que lors de son excitation par génération d'un son provenant d'au moins un timbre ou d'une lame d'un clavier en vibration, il y a une transmission d'ondes transversales. La membrane de faible épaisseur relie d'un côté une lunette fixée à une glace ou directement une glace de montre, et d'un autre côté une carrure de boîte de montre. Ainsi, la lunette avec la glace ou la glace seule deviennent mobiles et vibrent aux mêmes modes de vibration que la membrane afin d'atteindre des modes de vibration en-dessous de 4 kHz, ou à 1 kHz voire inférieur en fonction de l'épaisseur de la membrane et/ou de sa courbure également. La membrane fait office de ressort en liaison à la lunette-glace ou à la glace qui constitue la masse. La fréquence du premier mode de vibration dépend de la racine carrée de la raideur sur la masse. Ce premier mode de vibration est de type piston. Ainsi, plus la raideur de la membrane est faible, et plus la fréquence du premier mode de vibration est faible, ce qui est recherché.An advantage of the striking or musical watch lies in the fact that the membrane is configured in such a way that when it is excited by generating a sound coming from at least one gong or a blade of a vibrating keyboard , there is a transmission of transverse waves. The thin membrane connects on one side a bezel fixed to a crystal or directly a watch crystal, and on the other side a middle part of a watch case. Thus, the bezel with the glass or the glass alone become mobile and vibrate at the same modes of vibration as the membrane in order to to reach vibration modes below 4 kHz, or at 1 kHz or even lower depending on the thickness of the membrane and/or its curvature as well. The membrane acts as a spring in conjunction with the bezel-glass or the glass which constitutes the mass. The frequency of the first mode of vibration depends on the square root of the stiffness on the mass. This first mode of vibration is of the piston type. Thus, the lower the stiffness of the membrane, the lower the frequency of the first mode of vibration, which is sought.

Avantageusement, la membrane peut être fabriquée par un procédé d'électroformage. Elle peut être réalisée avec une épaisseur inférieure à 80 µm par exemple pouvant aller jusqu'à 37 µm, ce qui permet d'abaisser la fréquence de rayonnement jusqu'à 500 Hz tout en permettant un bon rayonnement acoustique jusqu'à des fréquences autour de 8 à 10 kHz. En travaillant à aussi basse fréquence, cela permet d'obtenir un son plus chaleureux, plus fort, car plus il y a de modes rayonnés et plus l'oreille humaine interprète cela comme un son fort, et plus distinguable lors de la génération d'une musique.Advantageously, the membrane can be manufactured by an electroforming process. It can be made with a thickness of less than 80 μm, for example up to 37 μm, which makes it possible to lower the radiation frequency down to 500 Hz while allowing good acoustic radiation up to frequencies around 8 to 10kHz. By working at such a low frequency, this results in a warmer, louder sound, because the more modes there are radiated, the more the human ear interprets this as a loud sound, and more distinguishable when generating a music.

La membrane peut être réalisée dans un matériau métallique, tel que de l'or 5N.The membrane can be made of a metallic material, such as 5N gold.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'au moins une membrane de rayonnement acoustique pour une montre à sonnerie ou musicale, qui comprend les caractéristiques définies dans les revendications indépendantes 10 et 11.To this end, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing at least one acoustic radiation membrane for a striking or musical watch, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claims 10 and 11.

Une étape particulière de fabrication est définie dans la revendication dépendante 12.A particular manufacturing step is defined in dependent claim 12.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

Les buts, avantages et caractéristiques d'une montre à sonnerie ou musicale munie d'au moins une membrane de rayonnement acoustique et du procédé de fabrication de la membrane apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante notamment en regard des dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue partielle en coupe transversale d'une montre à sonnerie ou musicale ayant une membrane au niveau de la glace et de la carrure de la boîte de montre selon une première forme d'exécution de l'invention,
  • La figure 2a représente la membrane annulaire selon l'invention, et les figures 2b et 2c représentent plusieurs formes d'exécution de la membrane annulaire, dont une coupe transversale d'un côté est montrée.
  • la figure 3 représente une vue partielle en coupe transversale d'une montre à sonnerie ou musicale ayant une membrane au niveau de la glace et de la carrure de la boîte de montre selon une seconde forme d'exécution de l'invention, et
  • les figures 4a à 4e représentent schématiquement différentes étapes de réalisation de la membrane montrée en coupe transversale de la seconde forme d'exécution selon l'invention.
The aims, advantages and characteristics of a striking or musical watch equipped with at least one acoustic radiation membrane and of the membrane manufacturing process will appear better in the following description, particularly with regard to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a striking or musical watch having a membrane at the level of the crystal and the middle of the watch case according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • The figure 2a represents the annular membrane according to the invention, and the figures 2b and 2c represent several embodiments of the annular membrane, of which a cross-section of one side is shown.
  • the picture 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a striking or musical watch having a membrane at the level of the crystal and the caseband of the watch case according to a second embodiment of the invention, and
  • them figure 4a at 4th schematically represent different stages of production of the membrane shown in cross section of the second embodiment according to the invention.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Dans la description suivante, toutes les parties d'une montre à sonnerie munie d'une membrane de rayonnement acoustique, qui sont bien connues dans ce domaine technique, ne sont décrites que sommairement. L'accent porte principalement sur l'agencement de la membrane dans la boîte de montre et sur sa configuration pour permettre un rayonnement acoustique adéquat suite à la génération d'un son dans la boîte de montre.In the following description, all the parts of a striking watch provided with an acoustic radiation membrane, which are well known in this technical field, are described only summarily. The main focus is on the arrangement of the membrane in the watch case and on its configuration to allow adequate acoustic radiation following the generation of a sound in the watch case.

La figure 1 représente donc une première forme d'exécution d'une montre 1 à sonnerie ou musicale mécanique, qui comprend au moins une membrane de rayonnement acoustique 2. Cette membrane 2 de rayonnement acoustique est en matériau métallique ou métal amorphe et se présente comme une pièce de liaison sous la forme d'une boucle à paroi d'une certaine épaisseur. On peut la considérer comme une membrane-ressort. Cette membrane 2 est prévue pour être reliée par une première bordure 23 à une carrure 4 d'une boîte de montre, notamment sur la partie supérieure de la carrure 4, et par une seconde bordure 20 à une lunette 3 fixée à une glace de montre 5 par l'intermédiaire d'un joint 12. Selon une variante de réalisation, la seconde bordure 20 de la membrane 2 peut aussi être directement reliée à une glace de montre 5.The figure 1 therefore represents a first embodiment of a mechanical striking or musical watch 1, which comprises at least one acoustic radiation membrane 2. This acoustic radiation membrane 2 is made of metallic material or amorphous metal and is presented as a piece of connection in the form of a walled loop of a certain thickness. It can be considered as a membrane-spring. This membrane 2 is designed to be connected by a first border 23 to a middle part 4 of a watch case, in particular on the upper part of the middle part 4, and by a second border 20 to a bezel 3 fixed to a watch crystal. 5 via a seal 12. According to a variant embodiment, the second edge 20 of the membrane 2 can also be directly connected to a watch crystal 5.

Il est à noter que la première bordure 23 de la membrane 2 peut être fixée sur la partie supérieure de la carrure 4, notamment dans une rainure annulaire par l'intermédiaire d'une lunette complémentaire 13. Cette lunette complémentaire peut être fixée par vissage sur la partie supérieure de la carrure 4 ou par collage ou soudure ou brasage ou en étant chassée afin que la portion inférieure de la lunette complémentaire 13 vienne fixer la première bordure dans la rainure annulaire de la carrure 4. La lunette complémentaire 13 peut encore servir de protection de l'ensemble comprenant la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5 et à la membrane 2.It should be noted that the first edge 23 of the membrane 2 can be fixed on the upper part of the middle part 4, in particular in an annular groove by means of a complementary bezel 13. This complementary bezel can be fixed by screwing on the upper part of the middle part 4 or by gluing or welding or brazing or by being driven out so that the lower portion of the complementary bezel 13 comes to fix the first edge in the annular groove of the middle part 4. The complementary bezel 13 can still serve as protection of the assembly comprising the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 and to the membrane 2.

A la figure 1, la montre 1 à sonnerie ou musicale comprend encore un mécanisme de sonnerie représenté seulement par un certain nombre de timbres 9 disposés dans cette configuration sous le cadran 6 de montre. Le mécanisme de sonnerie est relié à un mouvement horloger 14 disposé entre le cadran 6 et un fond 7, qui est fixé à une partie basse de la carrure 4 avec une garniture d'étanchéité 8. Ces timbres 9 espacés l'un de l'autre peuvent être frappés chacun par un marteau particulier non représenté normalement en des instants déterminés pour générer chacun un son différent et qui peut générer aussi une mélodie. Il peut aussi être prévu d'avoir un clavier à lames de différentes longueurs non représenté pour être activé par un disque ou cylindre à organes d'activation des lames afin de générer une musique selon l'agencement des organes d'activation.To the figure 1 , the striking or musical watch 1 further comprises a striking mechanism represented only by a certain number of gongs 9 arranged in this configuration under the dial 6 of the watch. The striking mechanism is connected to a watch movement 14 arranged between the dial 6 and a back 7, which is fixed to a lower part of the middle part 4 with a sealing gasket 8. These gongs 9 spaced from one another can each be struck by a particular hammer not shown normally at specific times to each generate a different sound and which can also generate a melody. It can also be provided to have a keyboard with blades of different lengths, not shown, to be activated by a disc or cylinder with blade activation members in order to generate music according to the arrangement of the activation members.

La membrane 2, comme représentée sur les figures 1 à 4, est de forme annulaire avec une partie arquée ou incurvée, qui est dirigée du côté de la glace de montre 5 dans une zone active 11 de la membrane 2 dans une direction Z perpendiculaire au plan de la montre. La partie arquée est une portion de cercle selon une coupe transversale comme représenté, qui se prolonge par une partie droite, définissant une portion tronconique, jusqu'en liaison à la première bordure 23. Selon cette première forme d'exécution, la seconde bordure 20 de la membrane 2 est fixée par une bague de fixation 10, qui est chassée par exemple sur une paroi cylindrique extérieure du bas de la lunette 3. Il peut être prévu dans la bague de fixation une gorge annulaire intérieure servant de guidage à un repli intérieur de la seconde bordure 20 de la membrane 2. De plus, il peut être prévu de souder ou braser encore cette bague de fixation 10 à la partie basse de la lunette 3 pour garantir une bonne étanchéité du montage de la membrane 2 à la lunette 3.The membrane 2, as represented on the figures 1 to 4 , is annular in shape with an arcuate or curved part, which is directed towards the side of the watch crystal 5 in an active zone 11 of the membrane 2 in a direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the watch. The arcuate part is a portion of a circle according to a cross section as shown, which is extended by a straight part, defining a frustoconical portion, up to connection with the first border 23. According to this first embodiment, the second border 20 of the membrane 2 is fixed by a fixing ring 10, which is driven for example onto an outer cylindrical wall of the bottom of the bezel 3. There may be provided in the fixing ring an inner annular groove serving as a guide for an inner fold of the second edge 20 of the membrane 2. In addition, provision may be made to weld or braze this fixing ring 10 again to the lower part of the bezel 3 to guarantee good sealing of the assembly of the membrane 2 to the bezel 3 .

La lunette 3 comprend encore un bord supérieur, où repose la glace de montre 5 fixée par le joint 12 à une paroi supérieure intérieure de la lunette 3. Un bord inférieur et intérieur de la lunette 3 est au-dessus du cadran 6 sans le toucher pour laisser une mobilité de la lunette 3 avec la glace 5 maintenues par la membrane 2. Un espace entre 70 et 100 µm est prévu entre la lunette 3 et le cadran 6 ou entre la lunette 3 et la lunette complémentaire 13 pour laisser la mobilité à l'ensemble membrane 2 et lunette 3. Ainsi ce qui est recherché, la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5 ou la glace 5 est mobile par rapport à la carrure 4 par l'intermédiaire de la membrane 2 lors de la vibration de la membrane 2 suite à un son généré par le mécanisme de sonnerie de la montre dans la boîte de montre. La lunette 3 reliée à la membrane 2 vibre aux mêmes modes de vibration que la membrane 2, qui sont nettement plus bas que les modes de vibration d'un habillage conventionnel.The bezel 3 also includes an upper edge, where the watch crystal 5 rests, fixed by the seal 12 to an inner upper wall of the bezel 3. A lower and inner edge of the bezel 3 is above the dial 6 without touching it. to allow mobility of the bezel 3 with the glass 5 held by the membrane 2. A space between 70 and 100 μm is provided between the bezel 3 and the dial 6 or between the bezel 3 and the complementary bezel 13 to leave mobility to the membrane 2 and bezel 3 assembly. Thus what is sought, the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 or the crystal 5 is mobile with respect to the middle part 4 via the membrane 2 during the vibration of the membrane 2 following a sound generated by the striking mechanism of the watch in the watch case. The bezel 3 connected to the membrane 2 vibrates at the same vibration modes as the membrane 2, which are significantly lower than the vibration modes of a conventional casing.

Il est à noter qu'une fois que la membrane de forme annulaire est fixée à la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5 ou à la glace 5 seule, et à la carrure 4, l'intérieure de la boîte de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale est étanche tout en laissant la liberté de mouvement à la lunette 3 liée à la membrane 2 ou à la glace 5 liée à la membrane 2.It should be noted that once the annular-shaped membrane is fixed to the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 or to the crystal 5 alone, and to the caseband 4, the interior of the case of the striking watch or music is watertight while allowing freedom of movement to the bezel 3 attached to the membrane 2 or to the crystal 5 attached to the membrane 2.

La membrane est configurée avec une paroi d'une épaisseur déterminée, dépendante de la masse de la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5 ou de la glace 5 seule pour avoir une basse fréquence fo du premier mode de vibration. Il est recherché d'avoir une basse fréquence inférieure ou égale à 4 kHz et de préférence inférieure ou égale à 1 kHz. Pour ce faire, il est tenu compte de l'équation fo = (1/2π)·(k/m)1/2 où k est la raideur de la membrane 2, qui dépend de son épaisseur, et m est la masse de la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5 ou de la glace 5 seule. On peut donc baisser la fréquence de résonnance de la membrane 2 liée à la lunette 3 en augmentant la masse m de la lunette 3 liée à la glace 5. Cependant on préfère abaisser l'épaisseur de la membrane 2 de type ressort pour diminuer la fréquence fo du premier mode de vibration en diminuant la raideur k de la membrane 2. L'excitation de la membrane 2 se fait donc par une transmission d'ondes transversales générées par la vibration d'un ou plusieurs timbres 9 disposés en dessous du cadran dans cette première forme d'exécution.The membrane is configured with a wall of a determined thickness, depending on the mass of the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5 or of the crystal 5 alone to have a low frequency fo of the first mode of vibration. It is desired to have a low frequency less than or equal to 4 kHz and preferably less than or equal to 1 kHz. To do this, the equation fo = (1/2π) · (k/m) 1/2 is taken into account, where k is the stiffness of the membrane 2, which depends on its thickness, and m is the mass of bezel 3 linked to crystal 5 or crystal 5 alone. It is therefore possible to lower the resonance frequency of the membrane 2 linked to the bezel 3 by increasing the mass m of the bezel 3 linked to the crystal 5. However, it is preferred to lower the thickness of the membrane 2 of the spring type to reduce the frequency fo of the first mode of vibration by decreasing the stiffness k of the membrane 2. The excitation of the membrane 2 is therefore done by a transmission of transverse waves generated by the vibration of one or more gongs 9 arranged below the dial in this first embodiment.

Une telle membrane 2 en liaison à la lunette 3 avec la glace 5 ou seulement en liaison à la glace 5 peut couvrir une bande de rayonnement acoustique de 1 kHz à 10 kHz avec les pièces d'habillage. Si l'épaisseur de la membrane 2 est réduite pour diminuer sa raideur suite à un procédé de fabrication par électroformage expliqué ci-après, la bande de rayonnement acoustique peut même se situer entre 500 Hz à 10 kHz.Such a membrane 2 in connection with the bezel 3 with the glass 5 or only in connection with the glass 5 can cover an acoustic radiation band of 1 kHz to 10 kHz with the trim parts. If the thickness of the membrane 2 is reduced to reduce its stiffness following a manufacturing process by electroforming explained below, the acoustic radiation band can even be between 500 Hz and 10 kHz.

A titre d'exemple non limitatif, il peut être prévu d'avoir une glace 5 en saphir d'épaisseur de 2 mm et de diamètre de l'ordre de 37.8 mm avec une lunette 3 en métal, tel que de l'or de manière à avoir une masse de l'ordre de 13 grammes. La lunette 3 est de forme annulaire de diamètre intérieur de l'ordre de 36 mm et extérieur de l'ordre de 41.9 mm, et d'épaisseur de l'ordre de 3.55 mm. La membrane 2, qui peut être électro-formée comme expliqué ci-après en référence aux figures 4a à 4e peut être réalisée de préférence en or 5N pour s'accorder à la fréquence de résonnance désirée, car aussi une grande partie des éléments d'habillage sont en or. La zone active 11 de la membrane peut être un espace entre la lunette 3 et la lunette complémentaire 13 de 1.2 mm de large sur 2 mm de haut en direction Z.By way of non-limiting example, it may be provided to have a sapphire crystal 5 with a thickness of 2 mm and a diameter of the order of 37.8 mm with a bezel 3 made of metal, such as gold of so as to have a mass of the order of 13 grams. The bezel 3 is annular in shape with an inside diameter of around 36 mm and an outside diameter of around 41.9 mm, and a thickness of around 3.55 mm. The membrane 2, which can be electro-formed as explained below with reference to the figure 4a at 4th can be made preferably in 5N gold to match the desired resonance frequency, because also a large part of the trim elements are in gold. The active zone 11 of the membrane can be a space between the bezel 3 and the complementary bezel 13 1.2 mm wide by 2 mm high in Z direction.

Les figures 2a à 2c représentent plusieurs formes d'exécution de la membrane annulaire, dont une coupe transversale d'un côté est montrée, selon l'invention. Sur la figure 2a, la membrane 2 selon l'invention présente une partie arquée 21, dont l'angle de portion de cercle est supérieur à 180° depuis la seconde bordure 20 à une partie droite 22 de liaison à la première bordure 23. Sur la figure 2b, qui montre une réalisation n'étant pas couverte par les revendications, la membrane 2 présente une partie arquée 21, dont l'angle de portion de cercle est sensiblement égal à 180° de la seconde bordure 20 à une partie droite 22 de liaison à la première bordure 23. Sur la figure 2c, qui montre également une réalisation n'étant pas couverte dans les revendications, la membrane 2 présente une partie arquée 21, dont l'angle de portion de cercle est sensiblement inférieur à 180° de la seconde bordure 20 à une partie droite 22 de liaison à la première bordure 23.The figure 2a at 2c represent several embodiments of the annular membrane, of which a cross-section of one side is shown, according to the invention. On the figure 2a , the membrane 2 according to the invention has an arcuate part 21, the circle portion angle of which is greater than 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting to the first edge 23. On the figure 2b , which shows an embodiment not covered by the claims, the membrane 2 has an arcuate part 21, the angle of the circle portion of which is substantially equal to 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting to the first border 23. On the figure 2c , which also shows an embodiment not covered in the claims, the membrane 2 has an arcuate part 21, the angle of the circle portion of which is substantially less than 180° from the second edge 20 to a straight part 22 connecting at the first border 23.

La courbure de la membrane 2 dans sa zone active peut jouer également un rôle sur sa raideur et influencer aussi l'abaissement de la fréquence du premier mode de vibration sous l'effet d'un effort dans la direction Z, étant donné l'encombrement réduit, où se situe la membrane 2.The curvature of the membrane 2 in its active zone can also play a role in its stiffness and also influence the lowering of the frequency of the first vibration mode under the effect of a force in the Z direction, given the size reduced, where the membrane is located 2.

De préférence sur toute la membrane 2, l'épaisseur de la membrane est sensiblement la même par exemple d'une épaisseur déterminée qui peut être de l'ordre de 80 µm et peut être abaissée à une épaisseur de l'ordre de 37 µm pour réduire la fréquence du premier mode de vibration vers 500 Hz pour une membrane en or 5N avec une lunette liée à la glace comme indiqué ci-dessus. Cela procure l'avantage de travailler à basse fréquence et d'obtenir un son plus chaleureux, plus fort, car il y a plusieurs modes rayonnés interprétés par l'oreille humaine comme un son fort, et plus distinguable dans le cas de la reproduction d'un ensemble de notes pour jouer une mélodie.Preferably over the entire membrane 2, the thickness of the membrane is substantially the same, for example of a determined thickness which may be of the order of 80 μm and may be lowered to a thickness of the order of 37 μm for reduce the frequency of the first mode of vibration towards 500 Hz for a 5N gold membrane with an ice-bonded bezel as shown above. This provides the advantage of working at low frequency and obtaining a warmer, stronger sound, since there are several radiated modes interpreted by the human ear as a loud sound, and more distinguishable in the case of the reproduction of a set of notes to play a melody.

La figure 3 représente une vue partielle en coupe transversale d'une montre à sonnerie ou musicale ayant une membrane au niveau de la glace et de la carrure de la boîte de montre selon une seconde forme d'exécution de l'invention. La seule différence de cette seconde forme d'exécution réside au niveau de la seconde bordure 20 de la membrane 2. Cette seconde bordure comprend un talon 20 utilisé pour débuter la fabrication de la membrane par électroformage. Une fois la membrane 2 réalisée avec son talon 20 de la seconde bordure, ce talon, qui est une bague annulaire en or par exemple, peut être directement chassé sur une paroi cylindrique extérieure du bas de la lunette 3. Ainsi cela permet d'obtenir une membrane 2 avec talon 20 de fixation monobloc.The picture 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a striking or musical watch having a membrane at the level of the crystal and the middle of the watch case according to a second embodiment of the invention. The only difference of this second form of execution resides at the level of the second edge 20 of the membrane 2. This second edge comprises a heel 20 used to start the manufacture of the membrane by electroforming. Once the membrane 2 has been made with its heel 20 of the second edge, this heel, which is an annular gold ring for example, can be directly driven onto an outer cylindrical wall of the bottom of the bezel 3. Thus this makes it possible to obtain a membrane 2 with bead 20 of one-piece attachment.

On va expliquer ci-après un procédé de fabrication de la membrane à monter une fois terminée dans la montre à sonnerie. Pour ce faire, on se réfère aux figures 4a à 4e.A process for manufacturing the membrane to be mounted once finished in the striking watch will be explained below. To do this, we refer to figure 4a at 4th .

A la figure 4a, on se procure une bague métallique de forme annulaire 20. De préférence, cette bague annulaire 20 peut être en or 5N même si d'autres matériaux métalliques peuvent être envisagés.To the figure 4a , an annular-shaped metallic ring 20 is obtained. Preferably, this annular ring 20 can be made of 5N gold, even if other metallic materials can be envisaged.

A la figure 4b, on réalise un substrat décolleté 30 comme base pour la réalisation de la membrane par électroformage. Ce substrat a un profil complémentaire à la forme de la membrane à réaliser. Ce substrat doit pouvoir être dissout en fin du procédé de fabrication de la membrane sans endommager la membrane. Le substrat comprend une cavité annulaire 31 de dimension de la bague annulaire.To the figure 4b , a low-cut substrate 30 is produced as a base for producing the membrane by electroforming. This substrate has a profile complementary to the shape of the membrane to be produced. This substrate must be able to be dissolved at the end of the membrane manufacturing process without damaging the membrane. The substrate comprises an annular cavity 31 of the dimension of the annular ring.

A la figure 4c, la bague annulaire 20 est chassée dans la cavité annulaire 31 du substrat 30. Cette bague annulaire est à l'embouchure de la cavité et va servir de point de départ pour la formation de la membrane.To the figure 4c , the annular ring 20 is driven into the annular cavity 31 of the substrate 30. This annular ring is at the mouth of the cavity and will serve as a starting point for the formation of the membrane.

A la figure 4d, la membrane est réalisée depuis le talon 20 et sur le substrat 30 de sa forme complémentaire par électroformage avec un matériau métallique tel que de l'or 5N. Selon la forme du substrat, la membrane est formée avec sa partie arquée annulaire 21 et dont, selon une coupe transversale, l'angle au repos présente un angle supérieur à 180°, , sa partie droite 22 et la première bordure 23. La seconde bordure est liée directement au talon 20.To the 4d figure , the membrane is produced from the heel 20 and on the substrate 30 of its complementary shape by electroforming with a metallic material such as 5N gold. Depending on the shape of the substrate, the membrane is formed with its annular arcuate part 21 and of which, according to a cross section, the angle at rest has an angle greater than 180°, its straight part 22 and the first edge 23. The second edging is tied directly to the 20 heel.

Finalement à la figure 4e, le substrat est dissout pour ne garder que la membrane avec ses parties 20 à 23. Un affinage peut encore être prévu en plongeant la membrane dans un bain d'électroformage pour terminer la pièce notamment pour affiner son épaisseur. Par la suite, la membrane peut être fixée dans la montre à sonnerie notamment entre la lunette mobile et la carrure.Finally at the figure 4e , the substrate is dissolved to keep only the membrane with its parts 20 to 23. A refining can still be planned by immersing the membrane in an electroforming bath to finish the part, in particular to refine its thickness. Subsequently, the membrane can be fixed in the striking watch, in particular between the moving bezel and the middle part.

A partir de la description qui vient d'être faite, plusieurs variantes de la montre à sonnerie ou musicale munie de la membrane de rayonnement acoustique, et du procédé de fabrication de la membrane de rayonnement acoustique peuvent être conçues par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de l'invention définie par les revendications. Il peut être prévu de réaliser la membrane par électroformage avec un autre métal que l'or.From the description which has just been made, several variants of the striking or musical watch equipped with the acoustic radiation membrane, and of the method of manufacturing the acoustic radiation membrane can be designed by those skilled in the art without depart from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. Provision may be made to produce the membrane by electroforming with a metal other than gold.

Claims (12)

  1. Striking or musical watch (1) provided with at least one acoustic radiating membrane (2) made of metallic material or amorphous metal, said membrane (2) taking the form of a loop with walls of a specific thickness to be connected by a first edge portion (23) to a middle part (4) of a watch case and by a second edge portion (20) to a bezel (3) secured to a watch crystal (5), or directly to a watch crystal (5), the bezel (3) connected to the crystal (5) or the crystal (5) being movable with respect to the case middle (4) via the membrane (2) during vibration of the membrane (2) once a sound is generated by the watch striking mechanism in the watch case,
    characterized in that the membrane (2) is configured with a wall of a specific thickness in an active region (11) dependent on the mass of the bezel (3) connected to the crystal (5), or only of the crystal (5), to obtain a frequency f0 of a first vibration mode, which is on a low frequency of less than or equal to 4 kHz according to the equation f0 = (1/2π)·(k/m)1/2 where k is the stiffness of the membrane (2), which depends on the thickness thereof, and m is the mass of the bezel (3) connected to the crystal (5), or only of the crystal (5), and in that the membrane (2) is annular in shape with an annular arcuate part (21) starting from the second edge portion (20) and pointing in a direction of the crystal (5) perpendicular to the plane of the watch (1), the arcuate part (21) being extended by a straight part (22), which is connected to the first edge portion (23), and in that the annular arcuate part (21) is a portion of a circle, on a cross-section, whose angle at rest is greater than 180°.
  2. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular arcuate part (21) and the straight part (22) have the same thickness.
  3. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the straight part (22) is of frustoconical shape.
  4. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the membrane (2) between the first edge portion (23) and the second edge portion (20) is less than or equal to 80 µm in order to obtain a frequency f0 of a first vibration mode less than or equal to 1 kHz in a vibration mode in conjunction with the bezel (3) or the crystal (5).
  5. Watch (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the thickness of the membrane (2) between the first edge portion (23) and the second edge portion (20) is less than or equal to 40 µm in order to obtain a frequency f0 of a first vibration mode on the order of 500 Hz in a vibration mode in conjunction with the bezel (3) or the crystal (5).
  6. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane is obtained by electroforming 5N gold in conjunction with the gold bezel (3).
  7. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second edge portion (20) of the membrane (2) is secured by a securing ring (10), which is pressed or welded onto a cylindrical external wall of the bottom of the bezel (3).
  8. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second edge portion includes a heel (20) obtained during the manufacture by electroforming of the membrane (2), said heel being an annular ring for securing the membrane (2) by press fit onto a cylindrical external wall of the bottom of the bezel (3).
  9. Watch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the watch includes a complementary bezel (13) disposed above the bezel (3) and serving as protection, and for securing the first edge portion (23) of the membrane (2) to an upper part of the case middle (4).
  10. Method for manufacturing a membrane (2) for a striking or musical watch (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method includes the steps of:
    - providing a profile-turned substrate (30) of complementary shape to the membrane (2) to be made,
    - making the membrane (2) on the substrate (30) by electroforming with a metallic material or amorphous metal, and
    - dissolving the substrate to retain only the membrane with a first edge portion (23), a straight part (22), an arcuate part (21) which is a portion of a circle, on a cross-section, whose angle at rest is greater than 180°, and a second edge portion (20) obtained with a specific thickness.
  11. Method for manufacturing a membrane (2) for a striking or musical watch (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the method includes the steps of:
    - providing an annular ring (20) made of metal or amorphous metal,
    - providing a profile-turned substrate (30) of complementary shape to the membrane (2) to be made and comprising an annular cavity (31) having the shape of the annular ring (20),
    - pressing the annular ring (20) into the annular cavity (31) of the substrate (30),
    - making the membrane (2) from the heel (20) on the substrate (30) by electroforming with a metallic material or amorphous metal, and
    - dissolving the substrate to retain only the membrane with a first edge portion (23), a straight part (22), an arcuate part (21), which is a portion of a circle, on a cross-section, whose angle at rest is greater than 180°, and a second edge portion with the one-piece heel (20), the arcuate part and the straight part having the same specific thickness.
  12. Method according to any of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the membrane (2) with or without a heel (20) is made of 5N gold.
EP18202869.6A 2018-10-26 2018-10-26 Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane Active EP3644132B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18202869.6A EP3644132B1 (en) 2018-10-26 2018-10-26 Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane
JP2019184901A JP6783367B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2019-10-08 A strike-carrying watch or musical-carrying watch with at least one acoustic radiation film, and a method of manufacturing an acoustic radiation film.
US16/598,258 US11640142B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2019-10-10 Striking or musical watch provided with at least one acoustic radiating membrane and method for manufacturing the membrane
CN201911014845.5A CN111103783B (en) 2018-10-26 2019-10-24 Watch with at least one acoustic radiating membrane for telling time or music and method for making the membrane

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18202869.6A EP3644132B1 (en) 2018-10-26 2018-10-26 Striking or musical watch with at least one acoustic radiation membrane, and method of manufacturing said membrane

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EP3644132A1 EP3644132A1 (en) 2020-04-29
EP3644132B1 true EP3644132B1 (en) 2022-06-08

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US (1) US11640142B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3644132B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6783367B2 (en)
CN (1) CN111103783B (en)

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JPS6142151Y2 (en) 1979-03-27 1986-11-29
CH632385B (en) 1979-11-02 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag WATCH WITH ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC WARNING DEVICE.
JPH08179061A (en) 1994-12-20 1996-07-12 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Storage structure for acoustic device
US5932360A (en) * 1997-06-06 1999-08-03 Servometer Corporation Hollow shell with internal baffle
CH699146B1 (en) 2004-10-08 2010-01-29 Artisans Boitiers Sa Control device for watch.
JP4857886B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2012-01-18 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Shock-resistant device for piezoelectric actuator and electronic device equipped with the same
CH708111B1 (en) * 2008-04-28 2014-12-15 Richemont Int Sa Watch movement with a sound device.
EP2738625B1 (en) 2009-03-19 2015-08-12 Rolex Sa Timepiece case comprising a metal bellows
CH702839B1 (en) 2010-03-16 2019-12-30 Montres Breguet Sa Striking watch fitted with an acoustic membrane.
EP2503417B1 (en) * 2011-03-22 2016-03-16 Montres Breguet SA Abnehmbare akustische Membran für eine Armbanduhr mit Spieluhr oder Schlagwerk, und Armbanduhr umfassende diese Membran
EP2881807B1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2019-11-27 Montres Breguet SA Acoustic dispersion membrane for a musical watch
EP3009895B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2017-06-28 Montres Breguet SA Musical or chiming watch provided with a sound-projecting arrangement
EP3220210B1 (en) 2016-03-15 2020-05-06 Montres Breguet S.A. Chiming or musical timepiece, with resonant bezel
EP3696618A1 (en) * 2019-02-14 2020-08-19 Montres Breguet S.A. Chiming or musical watch with arrangement for guiding the acoustic waves

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Publication number Publication date
US20200133202A1 (en) 2020-04-30
EP3644132A1 (en) 2020-04-29
JP2020076749A (en) 2020-05-21
US11640142B2 (en) 2023-05-02
CN111103783A (en) 2020-05-05
CN111103783B (en) 2021-06-08
JP6783367B2 (en) 2020-11-11

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