EP3663869A1 - Timepiece chiming mechanism with suspended hammer - Google Patents

Timepiece chiming mechanism with suspended hammer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3663869A1
EP3663869A1 EP18210745.8A EP18210745A EP3663869A1 EP 3663869 A1 EP3663869 A1 EP 3663869A1 EP 18210745 A EP18210745 A EP 18210745A EP 3663869 A1 EP3663869 A1 EP 3663869A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hammer
striking mechanism
activation
flexible guide
winding
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP18210745.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3663869B1 (en
Inventor
Marc Stranczl
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.)
Montres Breguet SA
Original Assignee
Montres Breguet SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Montres Breguet SA filed Critical Montres Breguet SA
Priority to EP18210745.8A priority Critical patent/EP3663869B1/en
Priority to US16/683,554 priority patent/US11754976B2/en
Priority to JP2019216208A priority patent/JP6872596B2/en
Priority to CN201911241846.3A priority patent/CN111290230B/en
Publication of EP3663869A1 publication Critical patent/EP3663869A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3663869B1 publication Critical patent/EP3663869B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/18—Supports, suspensions or guide arrangements, for oscillating weights
    • G04B5/188—Bearing, guide arrangements or suspension of the movement forming oscillating weight
    • 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
    • G04B15/00—Escapements
    • G04B15/10—Escapements with constant impulses for the regulating mechanism
    • 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
    • G04B15/00—Escapements
    • G04B15/14—Component parts or constructional details, e.g. construction of the lever or the escape wheel
    • 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
    • G04B23/026—Hammer driving; hammers; devices with several hammers or sounding bodies; vibrators
    • 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
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/02—Shock-damping bearings
    • 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
    • G04B5/00—Automatic winding up
    • G04B5/02—Automatic winding up by self-winding caused by the movement of the watch
    • G04B5/16—Construction of the weights
    • G04B5/165—Weights consisting of several parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G04B21/02—Regular striking mechanisms giving the full hour, half hour or quarter hour
    • G04B21/08—Sounding bodies; Whistles; Musical apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/023—Driving, e.g. by springs or common drive with the clockwork; gears; escapements
    • 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
    • G04B31/00—Bearings; Point suspensions or counter-point suspensions; Pivot bearings; Single parts therefor
    • G04B31/06—Manufacture or mounting processes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a clock striking mechanism, comprising a fixed structure carrying at least one stamp or radiating element and a hammer movable in a plane relative to said fixed structure under the action of a mobile d activation, which comprises said mechanism, and which is arranged to control the lifting of said hammer and its release for the percussion of at least one said stamp or radiating element.
  • the invention also relates to a watch which includes means for storing and / or generating energy, and a clockwork movement, which are arranged to drive such a striking mechanism.
  • the invention relates to the field of clock striking or alarm mechanisms.
  • the invention relates to the striking and alarm mechanisms, and in particular to the hammer actuation system which these mechanisms comprise.
  • timbre activation mechanisms of conventional construction which typically include an anchor or a lift which activates a hammer, which itself strikes a timbre or radiating element, are often limited, and in particular irregular.
  • the sound intensity of the ring varies during the power reserve of the mechanism.
  • the invention proposes to improve the quality and regularity of the percussion in a striking or alarm mechanism.
  • the invention relates to a clock striking mechanism according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a watch which includes means for storing and / or generating energy, and a clockwork movement, which are arranged to drive such a striking mechanism.
  • the invention relates to striking and alarm mechanisms, and more particularly to the hammer actuation system.
  • the invention proposes to use flexible guides for guiding and returning the stamp hammer.
  • the most basic mechanism is shown schematically in the figure 1 , which shows a hammer suspended by at least one flexible guide, here shown without limitation in the form of a flexible guide with two elastic blades crossed in projection, which guides it in a substantially planar stroke.
  • the mechanism of the figure 1 works in the following way: an activation mobile, in particular an activation wheel, or even a lift, lifts the hammer, and moves it away from its rest position to carry out the arming, until the tooth that the hammer comprises no longer meshes with the wheel in the example illustrated.
  • the hammer then falls, under the action of the energy contained in the spring, during disarming, and comes to strike the stamp or radiating element.
  • the activation wheel engages the hammer again, and the operation is repeated in the same way.
  • the hammer rest position remains to be defined. It seems that a hammer rest position very close to the impact position is preferable. A solution with a pre-stressed hammer is also possible.
  • the preload regulates the energy stored in the hammer.
  • the advantage of the presence of a flexible guide has the advantage of precisely positioning the hammer, and above all of having no play. This makes it possible to eliminate the usual parasitic noise caused in existing ringtones by the play of the mechanical pivot of the hammer. Flexible guidance precisely defines the energy stored in the hammer. The system is therefore able to supply the same amount of energy for each percussion.
  • the figures 2 to 4 illustrate a variant which consists in modifying the dynamic rigidity of the flexible guide, by interposing an obstacle on the path of at least one blade which this flexible guide comprises, in its operating range.
  • the figure 2 illustrates an intermediate position of the hammer cocking
  • the figure 3 shows the position where the hammer is fully cocked
  • the figure 4 illustrates the trigger and the start of the hammer stroke towards its percussion position, just before impact the flexible guide comes into abutment with a pin, or another fixed obstacle, before the hammer contacts the stamp or radiating element.
  • this abutment cooperation can occur at the instant of impact.
  • the rigidity of the mechanism in the position of the figure 3 is weaker than in the position of the figure 4 , because the active length of the blade, from the embedding on the side of the plate to the hammer is greater in figure 3 that figure 4 ; of course in the position of the figure 4 the whole blade is deformed, but it is more rigid there than at the figure 3 .
  • This principle is comparable to that of a catapult, or of the neolithic propellant.
  • a variant of the invention is based on the principle, illustrated by the figure 5 how wooden rocking horses work.
  • This mechanism is known as the “four bar mechanism”. It is interesting because the horse normally rocks at low amplitude, and performs a high amplitude kicking. By transposing this principle by replacing the horse with a hammer, the latter can be accelerated, in the manner of the horse's kicking, just before impact against the stamp or radiating element. Despite the apparent simplicity of the mechanism, the sizing is relatively complex. There are a multitude of solutions and possibilities. The trajectories of the guided elements and the speeds of the mobiles can be defined according to the desired embodiment.
  • the four bar system or other equivalent flexible guide, is dimensioned so as to accelerate the hammer just before striking. This is one of the main advantages of this mechanism.
  • a stop such as a pin or the like, which modifies the rigidity / dynamics of the flexible guide on the system of figures 7 to 10 , according to the principle indicated in the figure 4 .
  • Another variant of the invention is based on a magnetic type exhaust mechanism according to demand CH01421 / 16 or demand EP16195405.2 on behalf of The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd, and comprises a hammer on a flexible guide, with crossed blades in projection, and carrying magnets arranged to cooperate with other magnets carried by an escape wheel.
  • This variant is very simple, it suffices to transpose the teachings of this escape mechanism for the activation of a striking hammer in place of the resonator as illustrated in the figure 11 .
  • the figure 12 illustrates another variant which uses a flexible linear guide to activate the hammer, with an activation wheel cooperating with reliefs of a movable frame, as described in particular in the patent EP2831677B1 on behalf of Nivarox-FAR SA, relating to a movable frame exhaust mechanism.
  • This mechanism allows for a linear percussion instead of an angular percussion, which can be advantageous for dimensions.
  • the flexible guides allow for a multitude of movements. It is in particular possible to carry out a virtual pivoting of the hammer.
  • the invention thus relates to a striking mechanism 100 for timepieces, comprising a fixed structure 1 carrying at least one stamp or radiating element 2 and a hammer 3 movable relative to the fixed structure 1 under the action of an activation mobile 4, which includes the mechanism 100.
  • This mobile activation 4 is arranged to control the lifting of the hammer 3 and its release for the percussion of at least one stamp or radiating element 2.
  • the striking mechanism 100 comprises, for the suspension of the hammer 3, at least one flexible guide 10, which is arranged between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3 to allow movements of the hammer 3, and which constitutes the only permanent mechanical connection between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3.
  • the mechanism 100 includes flexible guides 10 of the planar type.
  • the striking mechanism 100 is arranged to drive the activation mobile 4, for the execution of a striking, and to make it perform an arming cycle during which it supplies a certain amount of energy to the flexible guide 10 concerned (which stores a constant amount of energy) by driving the hammer 3, before releasing the hammer 3 for the execution of the striking by striking at least one timbre or radiating element 2 by the hammer 3 during disarming with a constant amount of energy corresponding to the energy accumulated in this flexible guide 10.
  • At least one flexible guide 10 is plane, and is arranged between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3 to allow movements of the hammer 3 only in a single plane P.
  • the hammer 3 is movable in such a plane P
  • at least one flexible guide 10 is of the planar type and comprises a plurality of elastic blades 11 which extend in the plane P or in several parallel planes at the plane P, and which are either parallel to each other, or crossed in projection on the plane P at the level of a virtual pivot axis D.
  • At least one flexible guide 10 comprises at least one bistable or multistable elastic blade.
  • the striking mechanism comprises at least one flexible guide 10 which is arranged to guide the hammer 3 in its cocking and disarming strokes in a plane P, and to accelerate the hammer 3 at the end of disarming stroke.
  • At least one flexible guide 10 comprises at least one first elastic blade arranged to guide the hammer 3 in its winding and disarming strokes in a plane P, and at least one second elastic blade arranged to accelerate the hammer 3 at the end of the stroke. disarmament.
  • At least one of the flexible guides 10 comprises a reinforced blade 12, which is arranged to cooperate, in particular in its middle part, in abutment support, during the disarming stroke and before the hammer 3 is struck. on a stamp or radiating element 2, with a fixed stop 13 secured to the fixed structure 1, so as to accelerate the hammer 3 just before its impact on the stamp or radiating element 2.
  • the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth 15 which the activation mobile 4 comprises during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3 , and the hammer 3 comprises, at a distance from the first winding tooth 14, a striker 17 arranged to strike a stamp or radiating element 2, and the striking mechanism 100 comprises a flexible guide 10 near the first tooth armament 14 and near the striker 17.
  • the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth 15 which the activation mobile 4 comprises during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3, and the flexible guide 10 comprises at least a first elastic blade close to the first winding tooth 14, and the hammer 3 comprises, at a distance from the first winding tooth 14, a striker 17 arranged to strike a stamp or radiating element 2 , and the flexible guide 10 comprises at least one second elastic blade near the striker 17.
  • the striking mechanism 100 comprises a striking barrel and / or a means of energy storage and distribution
  • the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with a tooth of activation 15 that the activation mobile 4 includes during the arming phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3, and a second anti-detachment tooth 16 arranged to be inserted, at the end of arming and at minus the start of disarming, between two other activation teeth 15, in order to avoid any uncontrolled unwinding of said ring barrel and / or energy storage and distribution means.
  • the hammer 3 comprises at least one hammer magnet 23 or a ferromagnetic hammer element, arranged to cooperate with a ferromagnetic mobile element or a mobile magnet 24, for driving and releasing the hammer 3 by the activation mobile 4.
  • the hammer 3 is driven by a substantially rotary movement or a combination of rotary movements.
  • the hammer 3 is driven in a longitudinal movement. More particularly, the hammer 3 comprises a movable frame 33 guided longitudinally in bearings 34, the frame 33 internally comprising a chamber 35 in which rest spouts 36 are arranged to cooperate with activation teeth 15 which the movable activation 4.
  • the hammer 3 and the flexible guide (s) 10 which carry it, as well as the stamp or radiating element 2 with which the hammer 3 cooperates are, in projection on the plane P, symmetrical with respect to a perpendicular plane on plane P.
  • the striking mechanism 100 comprises, for the suspension of the hammer 3, several flexible guides 10 planes, distinct and distant from each other.
  • the striking mechanism 100 comprises several hammers 3 and several stamps or radiating elements 2.
  • the hammer 3 and one of the flexible guides 10 which carry it together constitute a resonator arranged to regulate the ringing.
  • the invention also relates to a watch 1000 comprising means for storing and / or generating energy 200 and a clockwork movement 300 arranged to drive a striking mechanism 100.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Percussive Tools And Related Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) d'horlogerie, comportant une structure (1) portant un timbre ou élément rayonnant (2) et un marteau (3) mobile dans un plan (P) sous l'action d'un mobile d'activation (4) commandant la levée du marteau (3) et sa libération pour la percussion du timbre (2), et comportant, pour la suspension du marteau (3), au moins un guidage flexible (10) plan entre la structure (1) et le marteau (3) pour autoriser des mouvements du marteau (3) uniquement dans le plan (P), constituant la seule liaison mécanique entre la structure (1) et le marteau (3), et, plus particulièrement, pour l'exécution d'une sonnerie, le mécanisme de sonnerie (100) entraîne le mobile d'activation (4), et lui fait effectuer un cycle d'armage au cours duquel il fournit une quantité d'énergie constante au guidage flexible (10) en entraînant le marteau (3) avant de le libérer pour l'exécution de la sonnerie par percussion du timbre (2) lors du désarmage.Clock striking mechanism (100), comprising a structure (1) carrying a stamp or radiating element (2) and a hammer (3) movable in a plane (P) under the action of an activation mobile ( 4) controlling the lifting of the hammer (3) and its release for striking the gong (2), and comprising, for the suspension of the hammer (3), at least one flexible guide (10) plane between the structure (1) and the hammer (3) to allow movements of the hammer (3) only in the plane (P), constituting the only mechanical connection between the structure (1) and the hammer (3), and, more particularly, for the execution of '' a ringing, the ringing mechanism (100) drives the activation mobile (4), and causes it to perform an arming cycle during which it supplies a constant amount of energy to the flexible guide (10) by driving the hammer (3) before releasing it for the execution of the bell by percussion of the stamp (2) during disarming.

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un mécanisme de sonnerie d'horlogerie, comportant une structure fixe porteuse d'au moins un timbre ou élément rayonnant et d'un marteau mobile dans un plan par rapport à ladite structure fixe sous l'action d'un mobile d'activation, que comporte ledit mécanisme, et qui est agencé pour commander la levée dudit marteau et sa libération pour la percussion d'au moins un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant.The invention relates to a clock striking mechanism, comprising a fixed structure carrying at least one stamp or radiating element and a hammer movable in a plane relative to said fixed structure under the action of a mobile d activation, which comprises said mechanism, and which is arranged to control the lifting of said hammer and its release for the percussion of at least one said stamp or radiating element.

L'invention concerne encore une montre qui comporte des moyens de stockage et/ou de génération d'énergie, et un mouvement d'horlogerie, qui sont agencés pour entraîner un tel mécanisme de sonnerie.The invention also relates to a watch which includes means for storing and / or generating energy, and a clockwork movement, which are arranged to drive such a striking mechanism.

L'invention concerne le domaine des mécanismes de sonnerie ou de réveil d'horlogerie.The invention relates to the field of clock striking or alarm mechanisms.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionInvention background

L'invention concerne les mécanismes de sonnerie et de réveil, et en particulier le système d'actionnement des marteaux que comportent ces mécanismes.The invention relates to the striking and alarm mechanisms, and in particular to the hammer actuation system which these mechanisms comprise.

Les mécanismes d'activation de timbre de construction classique, qui comportent typiquement une ancre ou une levée qui active un marteau, qui lui-même frappe un timbre ou élément rayonnant, sont souvent limités, et en particulier irréguliers.The timbre activation mechanisms of conventional construction, which typically include an anchor or a lift which activates a hammer, which itself strikes a timbre or radiating element, are often limited, and in particular irregular.

En particulier l'intensité sonore de la sonnerie varie durant la réserve de marche du mécanisme.In particular, the sound intensity of the ring varies during the power reserve of the mechanism.

Et la qualité sonore n'est pas toujours optimale, et nécessite d'être améliorée, par une optimisation de la qualité de la percussion.And the sound quality is not always optimal, and needs to be improved, by optimizing the quality of the percussion.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose d'améliorer la qualité et la régularité de la percussion dans un mécanisme de sonnerie ou de réveil.The invention proposes to improve the quality and regularity of the percussion in a striking or alarm mechanism.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un mécanisme de sonnerie d'horlogerie, selon la revendication 1.To this end, the invention relates to a clock striking mechanism according to claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore une montre qui comporte des moyens de stockage et/ou de génération d'énergie, et un mouvement d'horlogerie, qui sont agencés pour entraîner un tel mécanisme de sonnerie.The invention also relates to a watch which includes means for storing and / or generating energy, and a clockwork movement, which are arranged to drive such a striking mechanism.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés, où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue en plan, un mécanisme de sonnerie comportant un marteau monté sur un guidage flexible à lames croisées en projection;
  • les figures 2 à 4 représentent, de façon similaire à la figure 1, un mécanisme avec un tel marteau sur un autre guidage flexible de type lame élastique ou similaire, avec une rigidité/dynamique variable :
  • la figure 2 illustre un mobile d'activation, ici une roue d'activation, effectuant un armage du marteau, qu'elle entraîne par un bec ;
  • la figure 3 montre le marteau totalement armé, la lame flexible qui le relie à la platine est courbée selon une première concavité ;
  • la figure 4 montre le marteau lors de sa course de percussion vers un timbre, son guidage flexible coopère en appui de butée sur une butée fixe solidaire de la platine, et l'extrémité distale du guidage flexible, qui porte le marteau, prend une deuxième concavité opposée à la première concavité et pousse le marteau à la façon d'une genouillère pour percuter le timbre ;
  • la figure 5 illustre, de façon schématisée et en élévation, un cheval à bascule exploitant un mécanisme à quatre barres;
  • la figure 6 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, un autre mécanisme de sonnerie, selon une construction basée sur le mécanisme à quatre barres, et comportant un marteau monté sur un guidage flexible multiple, comportant un premier guidage flexible du côté d'un mobile d'activation, et un deuxième guidage flexible du côté d'un percuteur que comporte le marteau pour frapper le timbre, et dont les figures 7 à 10 illustrent la séquence de fonctionnement:
  • la figure 7 illustre l'état du système juste après l'impact;
  • la figure 8 montre le système au repos;
  • la figure 9 montre la position d'armage maximal du marteau;
  • la figure 10 montre le marteau lors de l'impact sur le timbre;
  • la figure 11 illustre une variante de l'invention avec un mécanisme d'échappement de type magnétique selon la demande CH01421/16 ou la demande EP16195405.2 au nom de The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd, et comporte un marteau sur un guidage flexible, à lames croisées en projection, et porteur d'aimants agencés pour coopérer avec d'autres aimants portés par une roue d'échappement ;
  • la figure 12 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, un autre encore mécanisme de sonnerie, dans une variante d'activation avec un marteau sur guidage linéaire ;
  • la figure 13 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre qui comporte des moyens de stockage et/ou de génération d'énergie, et un mouvement d'horlogerie, qui sont agencés pour entraîner un tel mécanisme de sonnerie.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:
  • the figure 1 shows, schematically, partially, and in plan view, a striking mechanism comprising a hammer mounted on a flexible guide with crossed blades in projection;
  • the figures 2 to 4 represent, similarly to the figure 1 , a mechanism with such a hammer on another flexible guide of the elastic blade type or the like, with variable rigidity / dynamics:
  • the figure 2 illustrates an activation mobile, here an activation wheel, carrying out a hammer winding, which it drives by a spout;
  • the figure 3 shows the hammer fully armed, the flexible blade which connects it to the plate is curved according to a first concavity;
  • the figure 4 shows the hammer during its percussion stroke towards a gong, its flexible guide cooperates in abutment support on a fixed stop fixed to the plate, and the distal end of the flexible guide, which carries the hammer, takes a second concavity opposite to the first concavity and pushes the hammer like a toggle to strike the gong;
  • the figure 5 illustrates, schematically and in elevation, a rocking horse using a four-bar mechanism;
  • the figure 6 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , another striking mechanism, according to a construction based on the four-bar mechanism, and comprising a hammer mounted on a multiple flexible guide, comprising a first flexible guide on the side of an activation mobile, and a second flexible guide of the side of a striker that the hammer has to strike the stamp, and whose figures 7 to 10 illustrate the operating sequence:
  • the figure 7 illustrates the state of the system immediately after impact;
  • the figure 8 shows the system at rest;
  • the figure 9 shows the maximum cocking position of the hammer;
  • the figure 10 shows the hammer on impact on the stamp;
  • the figure 11 illustrates a variant of the invention with a magnetic type escape mechanism according to demand CH01421 / 16 or demand EP16195405.2 on behalf of The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd, and includes a hammer on a flexible guide, with crossed blades in projection, and carrier of magnets arranged to cooperate with other magnets carried by an escape wheel;
  • the figure 12 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , yet another striking mechanism, in an activation variant with a hammer on linear guide;
  • the figure 13 is a block diagram representing a watch which comprises means of storage and / or generation of energy, and a clockwork movement, which are arranged to drive such a striking mechanism.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed description of preferred embodiments

L'invention concerne les mécanismes de sonnerie et de réveil, et plus particulièrement le système d'actionnement des marteaux.The invention relates to striking and alarm mechanisms, and more particularly to the hammer actuation system.

L'invention se propose d'utiliser des guidages flexibles pour le guidage et le rappel du marteau de timbre. Le mécanisme le plus élémentaire est schématisé à la figure 1, qui montre un marteau suspendu par au moins un guidage flexible, ici représenté non limitativement sous la forme d'un guidage flexible à deux lames élastiques croisées en projection, qui le guide dans une course sensiblement plane. Le mécanisme de la figure 1 fonctionne de la manière suivante: un mobile d'activation, notamment une roue d'activation, ou encore une levée, soulève le marteau, et l'écarte de sa position de repos pour effectuer l'armage, jusqu'à ce que la dent que comporte le marteau n'engrène plus avec la roue dans l'exemple illustré. Le marteau chute alors, sous l'action de l'énergie contenue dans le ressort, lors du désarmage, et vient frapper le timbre ou élément rayonnant. La roue d'activation engrène à nouveau le marteau, et le fonctionnement se répète de la même manière.The invention proposes to use flexible guides for guiding and returning the stamp hammer. The most basic mechanism is shown schematically in the figure 1 , which shows a hammer suspended by at least one flexible guide, here shown without limitation in the form of a flexible guide with two elastic blades crossed in projection, which guides it in a substantially planar stroke. The mechanism of the figure 1 works in the following way: an activation mobile, in particular an activation wheel, or even a lift, lifts the hammer, and moves it away from its rest position to carry out the arming, until the tooth that the hammer comprises no longer meshes with the wheel in the example illustrated. The hammer then falls, under the action of the energy contained in the spring, during disarming, and comes to strike the stamp or radiating element. The activation wheel engages the hammer again, and the operation is repeated in the same way.

La position de repos du marteau reste à définir. Il semble qu'une position de repos du marteau très proche de la position d'impact est préférable. Une solution avec un marteau précontraint est également envisageable. La précontrainte permet de régler l'énergie emmagasinée dans le marteau. L'avantage de la présence d'un guidage flexible a pour avantage de positionner précisément le marteau, et surtout de ne pas avoir de jeu. Ceci permet d'éliminer le bruit parasite usuel causé dans les sonneries existantes par le jeu du pivot mécanique du marteau. Le guidage flexible définit exactement l'énergie emmagasinée dans le marteau. Le système est donc en mesure de fournir la même quantité d'énergie lors de chaque percussion. Un autre avantage peut être constaté en fin de sonnerie, lorsque la roue d'activation ne peut plus soulever le marteau, mais applique un faible couple, lequel empêche le marteau de toucher le timbre ou élément rayonnant, et donc empêche de provoquer des frappes involontaires sur le timbre, de type rebond ou similaire.The hammer rest position remains to be defined. It seems that a hammer rest position very close to the impact position is preferable. A solution with a pre-stressed hammer is also possible. The preload regulates the energy stored in the hammer. The advantage of the presence of a flexible guide has the advantage of precisely positioning the hammer, and above all of having no play. This makes it possible to eliminate the usual parasitic noise caused in existing ringtones by the play of the mechanical pivot of the hammer. Flexible guidance precisely defines the energy stored in the hammer. The system is therefore able to supply the same amount of energy for each percussion. Another advantage can be seen at the end of the ring, when the activation wheel can no longer lift the hammer, but applies a low torque, which prevents the hammer touching the stamp or radiating element, and therefore prevents unintentional strikes on the stamp, of rebound type or the like.

On comprend que le système combiné formé d'un marteau et d'un guidage flexible forme un résonateur, qui est alors utilisable pour effectuer une régulation de la sonnerie.It is understood that the combined system formed by a hammer and a flexible guide forms a resonator, which can then be used to effect regulation of the ringing.

Les figures 2 à 4 illustrent une variante qui consiste à modifier la rigidité dynamique du guidage flexible, par interposition d'un obstacle sur la trajectoire d'au moins une lame que comporte ce guidage flexible, dans sa plage de fonctionnement. La figure 2 illustre une position intermédiaire de l'armage du marteau, la figure 3 montre la position où le marteau est complètement armé, et la figure 4 illustre la détente et le début de la course du marteau vers sa position de percussion, juste avant l'impact le guidage flexible entre en butée avec une goupille, ou un autre obstacle fixe, avant le contact du marteau contre le timbre ou élément rayonnant. A la limite cette coopération de butée peut intervenir à l'instant même de l'impact. La rigidité du mécanisme dans la position de la figure 3 est plus faible que dans la position de la figure 4, car la longueur active de la lame, de l'encastrement du côté de la platine jusqu'au marteau est plus grande en figure 3 qu'en figure 4 ; bien sûr, dans la position de la figure 4 toute la lame se déforme, mais elle y est plus rigide qu'à la figure 3. Ce principe est comparable à celui d'une catapulte, ou du propulseur du néolithique.The figures 2 to 4 illustrate a variant which consists in modifying the dynamic rigidity of the flexible guide, by interposing an obstacle on the path of at least one blade which this flexible guide comprises, in its operating range. The figure 2 illustrates an intermediate position of the hammer cocking, the figure 3 shows the position where the hammer is fully cocked, and the figure 4 illustrates the trigger and the start of the hammer stroke towards its percussion position, just before impact the flexible guide comes into abutment with a pin, or another fixed obstacle, before the hammer contacts the stamp or radiating element. Ultimately this abutment cooperation can occur at the instant of impact. The rigidity of the mechanism in the position of the figure 3 is weaker than in the position of the figure 4 , because the active length of the blade, from the embedding on the side of the plate to the hammer is greater in figure 3 that figure 4 ; of course in the position of the figure 4 the whole blade is deformed, but it is more rigid there than at the figure 3 . This principle is comparable to that of a catapult, or of the neolithic propellant.

Une variante de l'invention est basée sur le principe, illustré par la figure 5 du fonctionnement des chevaux à bascule en bois. Ce mécanisme est connu sous le nom de « mécanisme quatre barres ». Il est intéressant car le cheval bascule normalement à faible amplitude, et effectue une ruade à forte amplitude. En transposant ce principe en remplaçant le cheval par un marteau, ce dernier peut être accéléré, à la façon de la ruade du cheval, juste avant l'impact contre le timbre ou élément rayonnant. Malgré la simplicité apparente du mécanisme, le dimensionnement est relativement complexe. Il existe une multitude de solutions et de possibilités. Les trajectoires des éléments guidés et les vitesses des mobiles peuvent être définis selon le mode de réalisation souhaité.A variant of the invention is based on the principle, illustrated by the figure 5 how wooden rocking horses work. This mechanism is known as the “four bar mechanism”. It is interesting because the horse normally rocks at low amplitude, and performs a high amplitude kicking. By transposing this principle by replacing the horse with a hammer, the latter can be accelerated, in the manner of the horse's kicking, just before impact against the stamp or radiating element. Despite the apparent simplicity of the mechanism, the sizing is relatively complex. There are a multitude of solutions and possibilities. The trajectories of the guided elements and the speeds of the mobiles can be defined according to the desired embodiment.

Pour la réalisation horlogère, les points de pivotement ou d'articulation du mécanisme quatre barres sont remplacés par des guidages flexibles. Une autre solution est de remplacer une barre complète par une lame flexible. Un exemple de construction est présenté à la figure 6, et les différentes séquences de fonctionnement sont décrites aux figures 7 à 10.For watchmaking, the pivot or articulation points of the four-bar mechanism are replaced by flexible guides. Another solution is to replace a complete bar with a flexible blade. An example of construction is presented to the figure 6 , and the different operating sequences are described in figures 7 to 10 .

De façon avantageuse, le système quatre barres, ou autre guidage flexible équivalent, est dimensionné de manière à accélérer le marteau juste avant la frappe. C'est un des avantages principaux de ce mécanisme.Advantageously, the four bar system, or other equivalent flexible guide, is dimensioned so as to accelerate the hammer just before striking. This is one of the main advantages of this mechanism.

Il est également possible d'ajouter une butée, telle que goupille ou similaire, qui modifie la rigidité/dynamique du guidage flexible sur le système des figures 7 à 10, selon le principe indiqué à la figure 4.It is also possible to add a stop, such as a pin or the like, which modifies the rigidity / dynamics of the flexible guide on the system of figures 7 to 10 , according to the principle indicated in the figure 4 .

Une autre variante de l'invention se base sur un mécanisme d'échappement de type magnétique selon la demande CH01421/16 ou la demande EP16195405.2 au nom de The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd, et comporte un marteau sur un guidage flexible, à lames croisées en projection, et porteur d'aimants agencés pour coopérer avec d'autres aimants portés par une roue d'échappement. Cette variante est très simple, il suffit de transposer les enseignements de ce mécanisme d'échappement pour l'activation d'un marteau de sonnerie en lieu et place du résonateur comme illustré à la figure 11.Another variant of the invention is based on a magnetic type exhaust mechanism according to demand CH01421 / 16 or demand EP16195405.2 on behalf of The Swatch Group Research & Development Ltd, and comprises a hammer on a flexible guide, with crossed blades in projection, and carrying magnets arranged to cooperate with other magnets carried by an escape wheel. This variant is very simple, it suffices to transpose the teachings of this escape mechanism for the activation of a striking hammer in place of the resonator as illustrated in the figure 11 .

La figure 12 illustre une autre variante qui utilise un guidage flexible linéaire pour activer le marteau, avec une roue d'activation coopérant avec des reliefs d'un cadre mobile, tel que décrit notamment dans le brevet EP2831677B1 au nom de Nivarox-FAR SA, relatif à un mécanisme d'échappement à cadre mobile. Ce mécanisme permet d'effectuer une percussion linéaire au lieu d'une percussion angulaire, ce qui peut être avantageux pour des questions d'encombrement.The figure 12 illustrates another variant which uses a flexible linear guide to activate the hammer, with an activation wheel cooperating with reliefs of a movable frame, as described in particular in the patent EP2831677B1 on behalf of Nivarox-FAR SA, relating to a movable frame exhaust mechanism. This mechanism allows for a linear percussion instead of an angular percussion, which can be advantageous for dimensions.

Il est également possible d'activer le marteau en plaçant une goupille (sur la roue d'activation) qui coulisse dans un trou oblong dans le marteau. Il convient de noter que, dans ce cas, on modifie la dynamique du marteau, car on le lie à la dynamique du rouage.It is also possible to activate the hammer by placing a pin (on the activation wheel) which slides in an oblong hole in the hammer. It should be noted that, in this case, the dynamics of the hammer are modified, because it is linked to the dynamics of the train.

Les guidages flexibles permettent de réaliser une multitude de déplacements. Il est notamment possible de réaliser un pivotement virtuel du marteau.The flexible guides allow for a multitude of movements. It is in particular possible to carry out a virtual pivoting of the hammer.

Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne ainsi un mécanisme de sonnerie 100 d'horlogerie, comportant une structure fixe 1 porteuse d'au moins un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2 et d'un marteau 3 mobile par rapport à la structure fixe 1 sous l'action d'un mobile d'activation 4, que comporte le mécanisme 100. Ce mobile d'activation 4 est agencé pour commander la levée du marteau 3 et sa libération pour la percussion d'au moins un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2.More particularly, the invention thus relates to a striking mechanism 100 for timepieces, comprising a fixed structure 1 carrying at least one stamp or radiating element 2 and a hammer 3 movable relative to the fixed structure 1 under the action of an activation mobile 4, which includes the mechanism 100. This mobile activation 4 is arranged to control the lifting of the hammer 3 and its release for the percussion of at least one stamp or radiating element 2.

Selon l'invention, le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 comporte, pour la suspension du marteau 3, au moins un guidage flexible 10, qui est agencé entre la structure fixe 1 et le marteau 3 pour autoriser des mouvements du marteau 3, et qui constitue la seule liaison mécanique permanents entre la structure fixe 1 et le marteau 3. Dans les variantes particulières non limitatives illustrées par les figures, le mécanisme 100 comporte des guidages flexibles 10 de type plan.According to the invention, the striking mechanism 100 comprises, for the suspension of the hammer 3, at least one flexible guide 10, which is arranged between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3 to allow movements of the hammer 3, and which constitutes the only permanent mechanical connection between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3. In the particular nonlimiting variants illustrated by the figures, the mechanism 100 includes flexible guides 10 of the planar type.

Plus particulièrement, le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 est agencé pour entraîner le mobile d'activation 4, pour l'exécution d'une sonnerie, et pour lui faire effectuer un cycle d'armage au cours duquel il fournit une certaine quantité d'énergie au guidage flexible 10 concerné (qui emmagasine une quantité constante d'énergie) en entraînant le marteau 3, avant de libérer le marteau 3 pour l'exécution de la sonnerie par percussion d'au moins un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2 par le marteau 3 lors du désarmage avec une quantité d'énergie constante correspondant à l'énergie accumulée dans ce guidage flexible 10.More particularly, the striking mechanism 100 is arranged to drive the activation mobile 4, for the execution of a striking, and to make it perform an arming cycle during which it supplies a certain amount of energy to the flexible guide 10 concerned (which stores a constant amount of energy) by driving the hammer 3, before releasing the hammer 3 for the execution of the striking by striking at least one timbre or radiating element 2 by the hammer 3 during disarming with a constant amount of energy corresponding to the energy accumulated in this flexible guide 10.

Dans une réalisation particulière, au moins un guidage flexible 10 est plan, et est agencé entre la structure fixe 1 et le marteau 3 pour autoriser des mouvements du marteau 3 uniquement dans un plan P unique.In a particular embodiment, at least one flexible guide 10 is plane, and is arranged between the fixed structure 1 and the hammer 3 to allow movements of the hammer 3 only in a single plane P.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, le marteau 3 est mobile dans un tel plan P, et au moins un guidage flexible 10 est de type plan et comporte une pluralité de lames élastiques 11 qui s'étendent dans le plan P ou dans plusieurs plans parallèles au plan P, et qui sont, ou bien parallèles les unes aux autres, ou bien croisées en projection sur le plan P au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel D.In a particular embodiment, the hammer 3 is movable in such a plane P, and at least one flexible guide 10 is of the planar type and comprises a plurality of elastic blades 11 which extend in the plane P or in several parallel planes at the plane P, and which are either parallel to each other, or crossed in projection on the plane P at the level of a virtual pivot axis D.

Dans une variante particulière, au moins un guidage flexible 10 comporte au moins une lame élastique bistable ou multistable.In a particular variant, at least one flexible guide 10 comprises at least one bistable or multistable elastic blade.

Dans une variante, le mécanisme de sonnerie comporte au moins un guidage flexible 10 qui est agencé pour guider le marteau 3 dans ses courses d'armage et de désarmage dans un plan P, et pour accélérer le marteau 3 en fin de course de désarmage.In a variant, the striking mechanism comprises at least one flexible guide 10 which is arranged to guide the hammer 3 in its cocking and disarming strokes in a plane P, and to accelerate the hammer 3 at the end of disarming stroke.

Plus particulièrement au moins un guidage flexible 10 comporte au moins une première lame élastique agencée pour guider lemarteau 3 dans ses courses d'armage et de désarmage dans un plan P, et au moins une deuxième lame élastique agencée pour accélérer lemarteau 3 en fin de course de désarmage.More particularly, at least one flexible guide 10 comprises at least one first elastic blade arranged to guide the hammer 3 in its winding and disarming strokes in a plane P, and at least one second elastic blade arranged to accelerate the hammer 3 at the end of the stroke. disarmament.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, au moins un des guidages flexibles 10 comporte une lame renforcée 12, qui est agencée pour coopérer, notamment dans sa partie médiane, en appui de butée, lors de la course de désarmage et avant la percussion du marteau 3 sur un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2, avec une butée fixe 13 solidaire de la structure fixe 1, de façon à accélérer le marteau 3 juste avant son impact sur le timbre ou élément rayonnant 2.In a particular embodiment, at least one of the flexible guides 10 comprises a reinforced blade 12, which is arranged to cooperate, in particular in its middle part, in abutment support, during the disarming stroke and before the hammer 3 is struck. on a stamp or radiating element 2, with a fixed stop 13 secured to the fixed structure 1, so as to accelerate the hammer 3 just before its impact on the stamp or radiating element 2.

Dans une variante de réalisation, le marteau 3 comporte une première dent d'armage 14 agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation 15 que comporte le mobile d'activation 4 pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement du marteau 3, et le marteau 3 comporte, à distance de la première dent d'armage 14, un percuteur 17 agencé pour frapper un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2, et le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 comporte un guidage flexible 10 à proximité de la première dent d'armage 14 et à proximité du percuteur 17.In an alternative embodiment, the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth 15 which the activation mobile 4 comprises during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3 , and the hammer 3 comprises, at a distance from the first winding tooth 14, a striker 17 arranged to strike a stamp or radiating element 2, and the striking mechanism 100 comprises a flexible guide 10 near the first tooth armament 14 and near the striker 17.

Plus particulièrement, le marteau 3 comporte une première dent d'armage 14 agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation 15 que comporte le mobile d'activation 4 pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement du marteau 3, et le guidage flexible 10 comporte au moins une première lame élastique à proximité de la première dent d'armage 14, et le marteau 3 comporte, à distance de la première dent d'armage 14, un percuteur 17 agencé pour frapper un timbre ou élément rayonnant 2, et le guidage flexible 10 comporte au moins une deuxième lame élastique à proximité du percuteur 17.More particularly, the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth 15 which the activation mobile 4 comprises during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3, and the flexible guide 10 comprises at least a first elastic blade close to the first winding tooth 14, and the hammer 3 comprises, at a distance from the first winding tooth 14, a striker 17 arranged to strike a stamp or radiating element 2 , and the flexible guide 10 comprises at least one second elastic blade near the striker 17.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation, le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 comporte un barillet de sonnerie et/ou un moyen de stockage et de distribution d'énergie, et le marteau 3 comporte une première dent d'armage 14 agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation 15 que comporte le mobile d'activation 4 pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement du marteau 3, et une deuxième dent d'anti-décrochement 16 agencée pour s'insérer, en fin d'armage et au moins le début du désarmage, entre deux autres dents d'activation 15, afin d'éviter tout dévidement incontrôlé dudit barillet de sonnerie et/ou moyen de stockage et de distribution d'énergie.In another alternative embodiment, the striking mechanism 100 comprises a striking barrel and / or a means of energy storage and distribution, and the hammer 3 comprises a first winding tooth 14 arranged to cooperate with a tooth of activation 15 that the activation mobile 4 includes during the arming phase for the pivoting drive of the hammer 3, and a second anti-detachment tooth 16 arranged to be inserted, at the end of arming and at minus the start of disarming, between two other activation teeth 15, in order to avoid any uncontrolled unwinding of said ring barrel and / or energy storage and distribution means.

Dans une variante magnétique, le marteau 3 comporte au moins un aimant de marteau 23 ou un élément ferromagnétique de marteau, agencé pour coopérer avec un élément ferromagnétique de mobile ou un aimant de mobile 24, pour l'entraînement et la libération du marteau 3 par le mobile d'activation 4.In a magnetic variant, the hammer 3 comprises at least one hammer magnet 23 or a ferromagnetic hammer element, arranged to cooperate with a ferromagnetic mobile element or a mobile magnet 24, for driving and releasing the hammer 3 by the activation mobile 4.

Dans un mode de réalisation, le marteau 3 est animé d'un mouvement sensiblement rotatif ou d'une combinaison de mouvements rotatifs.In one embodiment, the hammer 3 is driven by a substantially rotary movement or a combination of rotary movements.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le marteau 3 est animé d'un mouvement longitudinal. Plus particulièrement, le marteau 3 comporte un cadre mobile 33 guidé longitudinalement dans des paliers 34, le cadre 33 comportant intérieurement une chambre 35 dans laquelle des becs de repos 36 sont agencés pour coopérer avec des dents d'activation 15 que comporte le mobile d'activation 4.In another embodiment, the hammer 3 is driven in a longitudinal movement. More particularly, the hammer 3 comprises a movable frame 33 guided longitudinally in bearings 34, the frame 33 internally comprising a chamber 35 in which rest spouts 36 are arranged to cooperate with activation teeth 15 which the movable activation 4.

Dans une réalisation particulière, le marteau 3 et le ou les guidages flexibles 10 qui le portent, ainsi que le timbre ou élément rayonnant 2 avec lequel coopère le marteau 3, sont, en projection sur le plan P, symétriques par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire au plan P.In a particular embodiment, the hammer 3 and the flexible guide (s) 10 which carry it, as well as the stamp or radiating element 2 with which the hammer 3 cooperates, are, in projection on the plane P, symmetrical with respect to a perpendicular plane on plane P.

Dans une variante, le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 comporte, pour la suspension du marteau 3, plusieurs guidages flexibles 10 plans, distincts et distants l'un de l'autre.In a variant, the striking mechanism 100 comprises, for the suspension of the hammer 3, several flexible guides 10 planes, distinct and distant from each other.

Dans une variante, le mécanisme de sonnerie 100 comporte plusieurs marteaux 3 et plusieurs timbres ou éléments rayonnants 2.In a variant, the striking mechanism 100 comprises several hammers 3 and several stamps or radiating elements 2.

Dans une variante, le marteau 3 et un des guidages flexibles 10 qui le portent constituent ensemble un résonateur agencé pour réguler la sonnerie.In a variant, the hammer 3 and one of the flexible guides 10 which carry it together constitute a resonator arranged to regulate the ringing.

L'invention concerne encore une montre 1000 comportant des moyens de stockage et/ou de génération d'énergie 200 et un mouvement d'horlogerie 300 agencés pour entraîner un mécanisme de sonnerie 100.The invention also relates to a watch 1000 comprising means for storing and / or generating energy 200 and a clockwork movement 300 arranged to drive a striking mechanism 100.

L'invention apporte de nombreux avantages :

  • la précontrainte du ressort de marteau permet une intensité de sonnerie constante ;
  • le dimensionnement judicieux d'un mécanisme de type quatre barres permet d'accélérer le marteau au moment de la frappe ;
  • la qualité sonore de la sonnerie est améliorée.
The invention brings many advantages:
  • the preload of the hammer spring allows a constant striking intensity;
  • the judicious dimensioning of a mechanism of the type four bars makes it possible to accelerate the hammer at the time of striking;
  • the sound quality of the ringtone is improved.

Claims (20)

Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) d'horlogerie, comportant une structure fixe (1) porteuse d'au moins un timbre ou élément rayonnant (2) et d'un marteau (3) mobile par rapport à ladite structure fixe (1) sous l'action d'un mobile d'activation (4), que comporte ledit mécanisme (100), et qui est agencé pour commander la levée dudit marteau (3) et sa libération pour la percussion d'au moins un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2), caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte, pour la suspension dudit marteau (3), au moins un guidage flexible (10), qui est agencé entre ladite structure fixe (1) et ledit marteau (3) pour autoriser des mouvements dudit marteau (3), et qui constitue la seule liaison mécanique permanentes entre ladite structure fixe (1) et ledit marteau (3).Clock striking mechanism (100), comprising a fixed structure (1) carrying at least one stamp or radiating element (2) and a hammer (3) movable relative to said fixed structure (1) under the action of an activation mobile (4), which comprises said mechanism (100), and which is arranged to control the lifting of said hammer (3) and its release for the percussion of at least one said stamp or radiating element (2), characterized in that said striking mechanism (100) comprises, for the suspension of said hammer (3), at least one flexible guide (10), which is arranged between said fixed structure (1) and said hammer (3 ) to allow movements of said hammer (3), and which constitutes the only permanent mechanical connection between said fixed structure (1) and said hammer (3). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) est agencé pour entraîner ledit mobile d'activation (4), pour l'exécution d'une sonnerie, et pour lui faire effectuer un cycle d'armage au cours duquel il fournit de l'énergie audit au moins un guidage flexible (10), qui emmagasine une quantité constante d'énergie, en entraînant ledit marteau (3) avant de libérer ledit marteau (3) pour l'exécution de la sonnerie par percussion d'au moins un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2) par ledit marteau (3) lors du désarmage avec une quantité d'énergie constante correspondant à l'énergie accumulée dans ledit guidage flexible (10).Ringing mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said ringing mechanism (100) is arranged to drive said activation mobile (4), for the execution of a ringing, and to make it perform a winding cycle during which it supplies energy to at least one flexible guide (10), which stores a constant quantity of energy, by driving said hammer (3) before releasing said hammer (3) for it execution of the striking by striking at least one said stamp or radiating element (2) by said hammer (3) during disarming with a constant amount of energy corresponding to the energy accumulated in said flexible guide (10). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que au moins un dit guidage flexible (10) est plan, et est agencé entre ladite structure fixe (1) et ledit marteau (3) pour autoriser des mouvements dudit marteau (3) uniquement dans un plan (P) unique.Striking mechanism (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one said flexible guide (10) is planar, and is arranged between said fixed structure (1) and said hammer (3) to allow movements of said hammer (3) only in a single plane (P). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un dit guidage flexible (10) comporte une pluralité de lames élastiques (11) qui s'étendent dans ledit plan (P) ou dans plusieurs plans parallèles audit plan (P), et qui sont, ou bien parallèles les unes aux autres, ou bien croisées en projection sur ledit plan (P) au niveau d'un axe de pivotement virtuel (D).Striking mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one said flexible guide (10) comprises a plurality of elastic blades (11) which extend in said plane (P) or in several planes parallel to said plane (P), and which are either parallel to one another or crossed in projection on said plane (P) at the level of a virtual pivot axis (D). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un dit guidage flexible (10) comporte au moins une lame élastique bistable ou multistable.Ringing mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one said flexible guide (10) comprises at least one elastic bistable or multistable blade. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte au moins un dit guidage flexible (10) qui est agencé pour guider ledit marteau (3) dans ses courses d'armage et de désarmage dans un plan (P), et pour accélérer ledit marteau (3) en fin de course de désarmage.Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said striking mechanism (100) comprises at least one said flexible guide (10) which is arranged to guide said hammer (3) in its winding and disarming strokes in a plane (P), and to accelerate said hammer (3) at the end of disarming stroke. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un dit guidage flexible (10) comporte au moins une première lame élastique agencée pour guider ledit marteau (3) dans ses courses d'armage et de désarmage dans un plan (P), et au moins une deuxième lame élastique agencée pour accélérer ledit marteau (3) en fin de course de désarmage.Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one said flexible guide (10) comprises at least one first elastic blade arranged to guide said hammer (3) in its strokes. arming and disarming in a plane (P), and at least one second elastic blade arranged to accelerate said hammer (3) at the end of disarming stroke. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que au moins l'un desdits guidages flexibles (10) comporte une lame renforcée (12) qui est agencée pour coopérer, dans sa partie médiane, en appui de butée, lors de la course de désarmage et avant la percussion dudit marteau (3) sur un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2), avec une butée fixe (13) solidaire de ladite structure fixe (1), de façon à accélérer ledit marteau (3) juste avant son impact sur ledit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of said flexible guides (10) comprises a reinforced blade (12) which is arranged to cooperate, in its middle part, in abutment support, during the disarming stroke and before the impact of said hammer (3) on a said stamp or radiating element (2), with a fixed stop (13) integral with said fixed structure (1), so as to accelerate said hammer (3) just before its impact on said stamp or radiating element (2). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte une première dent d'armage (14) agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation (15) que comporte ledit mobile d'activation (4) pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement dudit marteau (3), et en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte, à distance de la dite première dent d'armage (14), un percuteur (17) agencé pour frapper un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2), et en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte un dit guidage flexible (10) à proximité de ladite première dent d'armage (14) et à proximité dudit percuteur (17).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said hammer (3) comprises a first winding tooth (14) arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth (15) which comprises said activation mobile (4) during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of said hammer (3), and in that said hammer (3) comprises, at a distance from said first winding tooth (14), a striker (17) arranged to strike a said stamp or radiating element (2), and in that said striking mechanism (100) comprises a said flexible guide (10) near said first winding tooth (14) and near said striker (17). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte une première dent d'armage (14) agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation (15) que comporte ledit mobile d'activation (4) pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement dudit marteau (3), et en ce que ledit guidage flexible (10) comporte au moins une première lame élastique à proximité de ladite première dent d'armage (14), et en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte, à distance de la dite première dent d'armage (14), un percuteur (17) agencé pour frapper un dit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2), et en ce que ledit guidage flexible (10) comporte au moins une deuxième lame élastique à proximité dudit percuteur (17).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said hammer (3) comprises a first winding tooth (14) arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth (15) which comprises said activation mobile (4) during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of said hammer (3), and in that said flexible guide (10) comprises at least a first elastic blade near said first tooth winding (14), and in that said hammer (3) has, at a distance from said first winding tooth (14), a striker (17) arranged to strike a said patch or radiating element (2), and that said flexible guide (10) comprises at least one second elastic blade near said striker (17). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte un barillet de sonnerie et/ou un moyen de stockage et de distribution d'énergie, et en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte une première dent d'armage (14) agencée pour coopérer avec une dent d'activation (15) que comporte ledit mobile d'activation (4) pendant la phase d'armage pour l'entraînement en pivotement dudit marteau (3), et une deuxième dent d'anti-décrochement (16) agencée pour s'insérer, en fin d'armage et au moins le début du désarmage, entre deux autres dites dents d'activation (15), afin d'éviter tout dévidement incontrôlé dudit barillet de sonnerie et/ou moyen de stockage et de distribution d'énergie.Ringing mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said ringing mechanism (100) comprises a ringing barrel and / or a means of energy storage and distribution, and in that said hammer (3) comprises a first winding tooth (14) arranged to cooperate with an activation tooth (15) that comprises said activation mobile (4) during the winding phase for the pivoting drive of said hammer (3), and a second anti-detachment tooth (16) arranged to be inserted, at the end of winding and at least the start of disarming, between two other so-called activation teeth (15), in order to d '' avoid any uncontrolled unwinding of said ringing barrel and / or energy storage and distribution means. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte au moins un aimant de marteau (23) ou un élément ferromagnétique de marteau, agencé pour coopérer avec un élément ferromagnétique de mobile ou un aimant de mobile (24), pour l'entraînement et la libération dudit marteau (3) par ledit mobile d'activation (4).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said hammer (3) comprises at least one hammer magnet (23) or a ferromagnetic hammer element, arranged to cooperate with a ferromagnetic element of mobile or a mobile magnet (24), for driving and releasing said hammer (3) by said activation mobile (4). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) est animé d'un mouvement sensiblement rotatif ou d'une combinaison de mouvements rotatifs.Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said hammer (3) is driven by a substantially rotary movement or a combination of rotary movements. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 13, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) est animé d'un mouvement longitudinal.Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said hammer (3) is driven in a longitudinal movement. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) comporte un cadre mobile (33) guidé longitudinalement dans des paliers (34), ledit cadre (33) comportant intérieurement une chambre (35) dans laquelle des becs de repos (36) sont agencés pour coopérer avec des dents d'activation (15) que comporte ledit mobile d'activation (4).Striking mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that said hammer (3) comprises a movable frame (33) guided longitudinally in bearings (34), said frame (33) internally comprising a chamber (35) in which rest spouts (36) are arranged to cooperate with activation teeth (15) that comprises said activation mobile (4). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 15, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) et le ou les guidages flexibles (10) qui le portent, ainsi que ledit timbre ou élément rayonnant (2) avec lequel coopère ledit marteau (3), sont, en projection sur ledit plan (P), symétriques par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire audit plan (P).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said hammer (3) and the flexible guide (s) (10) which carry it, as well as said stamp or radiating element (2) with which cooperates said hammer (3), are, in projection on said plane (P), symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to said plane (P). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 16, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte, pour la suspension dudit marteau (3), plusieurs dits guidages flexibles (10) plans, distincts et distants l'un de l'autre.Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said striking mechanism (100) comprises, for the suspension of said hammer (3), several said flexible guides (10) which are flat, distinct and distant one of the other. Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 17, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de sonnerie (100) comporte plusieurs dits marteaux (3) et plusieurs dits timbres ou éléments rayonnants (2).Striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said striking mechanism (100) comprises several said hammers (3) and several said stamps or radiating elements (2). Mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 18, caractérisé en ce que ledit marteau (3) et un desdits guidages flexibles (10) qui le portent constituent ensemble un résonateur agencé pour réguler la sonnerie.Ringing mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said hammer (3) and one of said flexible guides (10) which carry it together constitute a resonator arranged to regulate the ringing. Montre (1000) comportant des moyens de stockage et/ou de génération d'énergie (200) et un mouvement d'horlogerie (300) agencés pour entraîner un mécanisme de sonnerie (100) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 19.Watch (1000) comprising means for storing and / or generating energy (200) and a clockwork movement (300) arranged to drive a striking mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 19.
EP18210745.8A 2018-12-06 2018-12-06 Timepiece chiming mechanism with suspended hammer Active EP3663869B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18210745.8A EP3663869B1 (en) 2018-12-06 2018-12-06 Timepiece chiming mechanism with suspended hammer
US16/683,554 US11754976B2 (en) 2018-12-06 2019-11-14 Suspended-hammer timepiece striking mechanism
JP2019216208A JP6872596B2 (en) 2018-12-06 2019-11-29 Time hammering mechanism for hanging hammer type watches
CN201911241846.3A CN111290230B (en) 2018-12-06 2019-12-06 Hammer-type timepiece striking mechanism

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18210745.8A EP3663869B1 (en) 2018-12-06 2018-12-06 Timepiece chiming mechanism with suspended hammer

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EP3663869A1 true EP3663869A1 (en) 2020-06-10
EP3663869B1 EP3663869B1 (en) 2021-06-16

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US (1) US11754976B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3663869B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6872596B2 (en)
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN111290230B (en) 2021-07-20
US11754976B2 (en) 2023-09-12
CN111290230A (en) 2020-06-16
US20200183333A1 (en) 2020-06-11
JP6872596B2 (en) 2021-05-19
JP2020091287A (en) 2020-06-11
EP3663869B1 (en) 2021-06-16

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