EP4105731B1 - Natural escapement for timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement - Google Patents

Natural escapement for timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4105731B1
EP4105731B1 EP21180088.3A EP21180088A EP4105731B1 EP 4105731 B1 EP4105731 B1 EP 4105731B1 EP 21180088 A EP21180088 A EP 21180088A EP 4105731 B1 EP4105731 B1 EP 4105731B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
escapement
natural
wheel
impulse
rest
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EP21180088.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP4105731A1 (en
Inventor
Jérôme Macé
Alain Zaugg
Quentin Theurillat-Bonjour
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Montres Breguet SA
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Montres Breguet SA
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Application filed by Montres Breguet SA filed Critical Montres Breguet SA
Priority to EP21180088.3A priority Critical patent/EP4105731B1/en
Priority to US17/585,839 priority patent/US20220404771A1/en
Priority to JP2022016847A priority patent/JP7386907B2/en
Priority to CN202210304550.7A priority patent/CN115494716B/en
Publication of EP4105731A1 publication Critical patent/EP4105731A1/en
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Publication of EP4105731B1 publication Critical patent/EP4105731B1/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
    • G04B15/00—Escapements
    • G04B15/06—Free escapements
    • G04B15/08—Lever 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
    • 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
    • G04B13/00—Gearwork

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a natural escapement for a watch movement, also known by its name tangential impulse escapement.
  • the present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such an escapement.
  • Breguet's natural escapement has the particular advantage of being a free escapement to the extent that the balance wheel is only disturbed by the operation of the escapement over a small fraction of its oscillation. Breguet's natural escapement also has the advantage of giving each alternation a direct and tangential impulse to the balance wheel. In other words, energy is transferred directly from the escape wheel to the balance wheel, without passing through an anchor. Furthermore, the transmission of energy occurs only tangentially, so that the friction generated by the operation of this exhaust is limited.
  • the balance of a natural escapement does not have a wasted stroke; it receives a similar impulse at each alternation, in a symmetrical and more uniform manner, so that the losses of mechanical energy per lost stroke are eliminated. All these qualities make the natural exhaust potentially one of the most efficient exhausts.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the problems mentioned above as well as others by providing a natural escapement for a clock movement whose operation can in particular be adjusted more precisely.
  • the present invention relates to a natural escapement for a watch movement carrying out a succession of operating cycles each composed of a first and a second alternation of a balance wheel which comprises a balance wheel on an axis of which a balance plate is fitted, this natural escapement comprising a first escape wheel arranged to be driven by a second wheel, this first escape wheel in turn driving a second escape wheel, the balance plate carrying a balance pin by which this balance plate causes the pivoting of an anchor at each of the first and second alternations, at least one first lever, pivoted around a pivot axis, being connected to a first arm of the anchor via at least one pivoting joint, the anchor comprising a second arm extended by a second lever, these first and second levers being arranged to respectively block the first and second escape wheels temporarily during the first and second alternations of an operating cycle, first and second limitation stops respectively limiting the movement of the first and second pivoting levers.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a natural escapement of the type described above.
  • the present invention provides a natural escapement in which it is possible, depending on the dimensions of the different lever arms between the arms of the anchor and the levers, to very precisely adjust the different operating phases of this natural escapement, namely the triggering and stopping sequences of the first and second escape wheels, the sequences of impulses given by the first and second escape wheels to the balance plate, as well as the speeds at which the first and second escape wheels disengage from the first and second levers.
  • the precise adjustment of the operation of the natural exhaust according to the invention is also permitted in the case where the limiting stops which limit the movement of the first and second pivoting levers are eccentrics.
  • the first lever is distinct from the second lever, so that the operating phases of the first escape wheel can be fine-tuned and adjusted independently of the operating phases of the second escape wheel, so that, if necessary, operation asymmetrical natural exhaust according to the invention can be obtained.
  • the anchor is easier to make and much less bulky, so that it is easier to accommodate in a watch movement than when it is placed between the two escape wheels.
  • the natural escapement according to the invention also offers easier access to watchmakers and allows them to make more convenient measurements and adjustments.
  • first and second escape wheels are in one piece and comprise a single level of teeth each, these first and second escape wheels are not active in two distinct stepped levels and are therefore less bulky and more easy to machine.
  • the necessary indexing of the teeth used to transmit the driving impulses to the balance plate when using two superimposed escape wheels is avoided.
  • the indexing of the single toothing of the first and second escapement wheels which ensures both the meshing of these two drive wheels with each other and the transmission of the driving impulses to the balance plate arises from the very shape of this toothing.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists of providing at least one of the arms of the anchor with a natural escapement also known by its name tangential impulse escapement of a lever pivoted around an axis of pivoting and connected to the anchor arm via at least one pivoting joint. Thanks to this characteristic, it is possible, by adjusting the lever arm between the arm of the anchor and the lever which is connected to this arm, to very finely adjust the different phases of operation of the natural escapement according to the invention Likewise, the first and second escape wheels being only active at a single level, they are thinner and therefore less bulky and easier to machine. In addition, the indexing of their impulse teeth results from the very shape of their teeth and not from a tedious assembly of two superimposed escape wheels.
  • the natural exhaust according to the invention is represented in its rest position at the figure 1 .
  • This natural escapement 1 is arranged to be driven by a second wheel 2 which, according to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, meshes with a pinion 4 fixedly mounted on an axis 6 of a first escapement wheel 10.
  • This first escape wheel 10 meshes via a first drive toothing 12 with a second drive toothing 14 of a second escape wheel 16 which pivots around an axis 18.
  • the natural escapement 1 also comprises a balance wheel 20 which comprises a balance wheel 22 on an axis 24 to which a balance plate 26 is fitted.
  • This balance plate 26 carries a pin of balance 28 as well as a first and a second impulse pallet 30 and 32 whose respective roles will be described below.
  • the natural escapement 1 also comprises an anchor 34 pivoted around an anchor rod 36.
  • This anchor 34 comprises an anchor body 38 which carries a fork 40 formed of a first and a second horn 42a and 42b as well as a dart 44.
  • This dart 44 cooperates with the balance plate 26 in order to prevent accidental movements of the fork 40 outside of periods commonly called additional arcs, periods during which the balance plate balance 26 is close to its rest position called lifting angle.
  • the anchor body 38 comprises a first and a second arm 46a and 46b which are preferably but not limited to arranged symmetrically on either side of the fork 40.
  • First and second levers 48a, 48b, pivoted around The respective pivot axes 50 and 52 are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 via a pivot joint 53.
  • the first lever 48a is made in one piece and has a geometry which ensures the function of a first stop pallet for temporarily blocking the first escape wheel 10 during an operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1
  • the second lever 48b has a geometry which ensures the function of a second stop pallet to temporarily block the second escape wheel 16 during the same operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1.
  • the first and second levers 48a, 48b each carry a lug 54, respectively 56, which projects into an oblong opening 58, respectively 60, formed in the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38.
  • the lugs 54 and 56 could be carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b, and the oblong openings 58, 60 could be provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b.
  • the first and second levers 48a, 48b are able to pivot relative to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38.
  • the oblong openings 58, 60 can be replaced by forks 72 in which bulges 73 provided at the ends facing the first and second levers 48a, 48b are engaged.
  • first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 by means of flexible blades 74.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to produce the anchor body 38 and the first and second levers 48a, 48b in one piece.
  • the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 are each formed of two gear portions which together constitute a rake 75.
  • the natural exhaust 1 is completed by a first and a second limitation stop 62 and 64 of the pin type which limit the movement of the first and second levers 48a, 48b in pivoting.
  • An operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1 comprises two alternations during which the plate of balance 26 will go successively from a first extreme position to a second extreme position passing through a median rest position, then from its second extreme position to its first extreme position passing a second time through its median rest position.
  • the balance plate 26 rotates towards its central rest position by rotating clockwise, while the second escapement wheel 16 rests on the second lever 48b.
  • the balance plate 26 arrives in a position in which it abuts with its balance pin 28 against the second horn 42b of the fork 40 and begins to cause the pivoting of the anchor 34 in the counterclockwise direction. .
  • the pivoting of the anchor 34 in the counterclockwise direction has the effect of starting to release the second escapement wheel 16 from its grip with the second lever 48b, which will allow the second wheel 2 to drive, via the first escape wheel 10, the second escape wheel 16 clockwise.
  • the natural escapement 1 is in a position in which the balance plate 26 drives the anchor 34, which causes the start of the first fall by disengagement of the second escape wheel 16 from its grip with the second lever 48b .
  • fall we mean the periods of operation of the natural exhaust 1 according to the invention during which the first and second escape wheels 10 and 16 are not in contact with either of the first and second levers 48a, 48b, nor with one or the other of the first and second impulse pallets 30, 32.
  • the first escape wheel 10 also begins to give a driving impulse to the balance plate 26 via a tooth 66 of impulse and rest teeth 68 which drives the first pulse paddle 30 (see Figure 4 ).
  • This driving impulse is called direct and tangential because it is given directly by the first escape wheel 10 to the balance plate 26 and the path of the tooth 66 catches up with that of the first impulse pallet 30 of the balance plate 26 of tangentially, which allows almost punctual and frictionless contact.
  • the arrival of the tooth 66 of the first escape wheel 10 in contact with the first impulse vane 30 of the balance plate 26 marks the end of the first fall.
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention in its position in which the first escapement wheel 10 imparts the impulse to the balance plate 26, while the second lever 48b pivots around its pivot axis 52 and comes to bear against the second limitation stop 64.
  • This movement is controlled by the anchor 34 which, driven by the balance pin 28, pivots around its anchor rod 36 in the counterclockwise direction of a watch.
  • the first escape wheel 10 finishes imparting an impulse to the balance plate 26, which marks the start of the second fall.
  • the tooth 66 of the first escape wheel 10 is no longer in contact with the first impulse vane 30 of the balance plate 26.
  • the second lever 48b rests on the second stop limitation 64.
  • Figure 7 is a top view of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention in its median rest position in which the first escape wheel 10 rests on the first lever 48a, which marks the end of the second fall, while the balance plate 26 ends its alternation freely by rotating clockwise.
  • the following alternation during which the balance plate 26 will rotate counterclockwise reproduces the same functions as those illustrated in figures 2 to 7 symmetrically in reverse order.
  • FIG 8 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor 34 are each formed of a lug 54, 56 which is engaged in a fork 72.
  • FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor 34 are each formed of a flexible blade 74.
  • FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the case in which the first and second limiting stops 62, 64 are eccentrics 76.
  • the first and second limiting stops can also be machined in a fixed element such as a plate or a bridge of the watch movement.
  • FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the case where a second stop pallet 78 for temporarily blocking the second escape wheel 16 during the first alternation is attached to the second lever 48b, and where a first stop pallet 80 for temporarily blocking the first escape wheel 10 during the second alternation is attached to the first lever 48a.
  • first and second stop pallets 80 and 78 are for example made of ruby.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the case in which the free end of the first and second levers 48a, 48b has a recess 82 which ensures the function of the limitation stops 62, 64 by supporting a tooth of the impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 of the first escape wheel 10, respectively of the second escape wheel 16, on these recesses 82.
  • This embodiment thus makes it possible to dispense with the limitation stops 62, 64 while retaining a mode of operation similar to that described above in connection with the figures 1 And 7 .
  • the second lever 48b escapes its blocking position when the anchor 34 pivots clockwise, which has the effect of pivoting this second lever 48b counterclockwise, while the first lever 48a also pivots clockwise. counterclockwise and approaches the first escape wheel 10.
  • the first and second levers 48a, 48b pivoted around their respective pivot axes 50, 52, are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the body d anchor 38 via a pivoting joint 53 formed of a lug 55 carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 in the example shown, and which projects into a corresponding circular opening 57 provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the case in which the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 is equal to 10, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escape wheel 16 is equal to 3.
  • the first and second levers 48a, 48b pivoted around their axes of respective pivoting points 50, 52, are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 via a pivoting joint 53 formed by a lug 55 carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 in the example shown, and which projects into a corresponding circular opening 57 provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b.
  • the first escape wheel 10 comprises a first drive toothing 12 by which it meshes with a second drive toothing 14 of the second escapement wheel 16.
  • the first and second escapement wheels 10, 16 each comprise impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 by which they provide a direct and tangential driving impulse to the balance plate 26.
  • the drive teeth 12, 14 and impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 of each of the first and second escapement wheels 10, 16 extending in a single plane or in two parallel planes.
  • the first and second escape wheels 10, 16 are in one piece.
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 may be different from the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escape wheel 16. This number can be between 3 and 14, for example equal to 10.
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 is equal to 10 and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escapement wheel 16 is equal to 3.
  • the invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a natural escapement 1 of the type described above.

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention concerne un échappement naturel pour mouvement d'horlogerie encore connu sous sa dénomination échappement à impulsion tangentielle. La présente invention concerne également un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un tel échappement.The present invention relates to a natural escapement for a watch movement, also known by its name tangential impulse escapement. The present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising such an escapement.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background

Le principe de l'échappement naturel a été imaginé par Abraham Louis Breguet au début du XIXe siècle. L'échappement naturel de Breguet a notamment pour avantage d'être un échappement libre dans la mesure où le balancier n'est perturbé par le fonctionnement de l'échappement que sur une faible fraction de son oscillation. L'échappement naturel de Breguet a aussi pour avantage de donner à chaque alternance une impulsion directe et tangentielle au balancier. Autrement dit, l'énergie est transférée directement de la roue d'échappement au balancier, sans passer par une ancre. Par ailleurs, la transmission de l'énergie se fait uniquement de manière tangentielle, de sorte que les frottements engendrés par le fonctionnement de cet échappement sont limités. Contrairement au balancier d'un échappement à détente, le balancier d'un échappement naturel ne présente pas de coup perdu ; il reçoit une impulsion semblable à chaque alternance, de manière symétrique et plus uniforme, de sorte que les pertes d'énergie mécanique par coup perdu sont supprimées. Toutes ces qualités font ainsi de l'échappement naturel un échappement potentiellement parmi les plus performants.The principle of the natural escapement was imagined by Abraham Louis Breguet at the beginning of the 19th century. Breguet's natural escapement has the particular advantage of being a free escapement to the extent that the balance wheel is only disturbed by the operation of the escapement over a small fraction of its oscillation. Breguet's natural escapement also has the advantage of giving each alternation a direct and tangential impulse to the balance wheel. In other words, energy is transferred directly from the escape wheel to the balance wheel, without passing through an anchor. Furthermore, the transmission of energy occurs only tangentially, so that the friction generated by the operation of this exhaust is limited. Unlike the balance of a detent escapement, the balance of a natural escapement does not have a wasted stroke; it receives a similar impulse at each alternation, in a symmetrical and more uniform manner, so that the losses of mechanical energy per lost stroke are eliminated. All these qualities make the natural exhaust potentially one of the most efficient exhausts.

Breguet découvrit néanmoins par la suite que l'échappement naturel qu'il avait imaginé présentait certains inconvénients au premier rang desquels on peut citer le fait que la dernière roue d'échappement n'est pas sous la tension du rouage lorsque la première roue donne l'impulsion ou lorsque cette dernière est au repos. Les différents jeux d'engrenage et la qualité de fabrication des différents composants entrant dans la composition d'un échappement naturel de Breguet peuvent ainsi provoquer un mauvais positionnement de la dernière roue d'échappement et, partant, un mauvais fonctionnement de l'échappement s'accompagnant de bruits parasites. En outre, comme la roue d'échappement est libre, sa position est instable, de sorte que la sécurité de fonctionnement d'un tel échappement naturel est médiocreBreguet nevertheless subsequently discovered that the natural escapement that he had imagined presented certain disadvantages, chief among which we can cite the fact that the last escape wheel is not under the tension of the cog when the first wheel gives the impulse or when the latter is at rest. The different sets of gears and the manufacturing quality of the different components included in the composition of a Breguet natural escapement can thus cause incorrect positioning of the last escape wheel and, therefore, poor functioning of the escapement. 'accompanied by extraneous noise. In addition, because the escape wheel is free, its position is unstable, so the operating safety of such a natural escapement is poor.

Bien entendu, de nombreux perfectionnements ont été apportés à l'échappement naturel de Breguet originel pour tenter de surmonter les inconvénients mentionnés ci-dessus. Néanmoins, malgré les efforts des constructeurs horlogers successifs, des difficultés subsistent. Certains horlogers ont ainsi proposé de superposer les deux roues d'échappement, solution qui, bien entendu, augmente l'épaisseur du mouvement et rend difficile l'intégration d'un tel mouvement dans une boîte de montre. D'autres constructeurs horlogers ont quant à eux proposé de positionner l'ancre entre les deux roues d'échappement dans le plan de ces dernières, voir le document CH 709 328 A2 par exemple. Là aussi, une telle solution est encombrante, cette fois-ci dans le plan du mouvement. De plus, que les roues d'échappement soient superposées ou bien que l'ancre soit disposée entre les deux roues d'échappement, on s'est rendu compte à l'usage que les horlogers éprouvaient des difficultés pour accéder aux divers composants de l'échappement, en particulier lorsqu'il s'agissait d'ajuster la profondeur de pénétration des dents de la première et de la seconde roue d'échappement avec les palettes de sortie et d'entrée de l'ancre.Of course, many improvements were made to the original Breguet natural escapement in an attempt to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above. However, despite the efforts of successive watch manufacturers, difficulties remain. Some watchmakers have therefore proposed superimposing the two escapement wheels, a solution which, of course, increases the thickness of the movement and makes it difficult to integrate such a movement into a watch case. Other watch manufacturers have proposed positioning the anchor between the two escape wheels in the plane of the latter, see the document CH 709 328 A2 For example. Here too, such a solution is cumbersome, this time in terms of movement. In addition, whether the escape wheels are superimposed or whether the lever is placed between the two escape wheels, we realized in use that watchmakers experienced difficulties in accessing the various components of the escape wheel. The escapement, in particular when it came to adjusting the depth of penetration of the teeth of the first and second escape wheel with the exit and entry pallets of the anchor.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux problèmes mentionnés ci-dessus ainsi qu'à d'autres encore en procurant un échappement naturel pour un mouvement d'horlogerie dont le fonctionnement peut notamment être réglé de manière plus précise.The present invention aims to remedy the problems mentioned above as well as others by providing a natural escapement for a clock movement whose operation can in particular be adjusted more precisely.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un échappement naturel pour mouvement d'horlogerie effectuant une succession de cycles de fonctionnement composés chacun d'une première et d'une seconde alternance d'un balancier qui comprend une roue de balancier sur un axe de laquelle est ajusté un plateau de balancier, cet échappement naturel comprenant une première roue d'échappement agencée pour être entraînée par une roue de seconde, cette première roue d'échappement entraînant à son tour une seconde roue d'échappement, le plateau de balancier portant une cheville de balancier par laquelle ce plateau de balancier provoque le pivotement d'une ancre à chacune des première et seconde alternances, au moins un premier levier, pivoté autour d'un axe de pivotement, étant raccordé à un premier bras de l'ancre via au moins une articulation à pivotement, l'ancre comprenant un second bras prolongé par un second levier, ces premier et second leviers étant agencés pour bloquer respectivement les première et seconde roues d'échappement de manière temporaire au cours des première et seconde alternances d'un cycle de fonctionnement, des première et seconde butées de limitation limitant respectivement le débattement des premier et second leviers en pivotement.For this purpose, the present invention relates to a natural escapement for a watch movement carrying out a succession of operating cycles each composed of a first and a second alternation of a balance wheel which comprises a balance wheel on an axis of which a balance plate is fitted, this natural escapement comprising a first escape wheel arranged to be driven by a second wheel, this first escape wheel in turn driving a second escape wheel, the balance plate carrying a balance pin by which this balance plate causes the pivoting of an anchor at each of the first and second alternations, at least one first lever, pivoted around a pivot axis, being connected to a first arm of the anchor via at least one pivoting joint, the anchor comprising a second arm extended by a second lever, these first and second levers being arranged to respectively block the first and second escape wheels temporarily during the first and second alternations of an operating cycle, first and second limitation stops respectively limiting the movement of the first and second pivoting levers.

Selon des formes spéciales d'exécution de l'invention :

  • les premier et second leviers sont pivotés autour d'axes de pivotement respectifs et sont raccordés respectivement aux premier et second bras de l'ancre via au moins une articulation à pivotement ;
  • les articulations à pivotement sont formées chacune d'un ergot qui fait saillie dans une ouverture oblongue ;
  • les articulations à pivotement sont formées chacune d'un ergot qui est engagé dans une fourchette ;
  • les articulations à pivotement sont formées chacune d'une lame flexible ;
  • les première et seconde butées de limitation sont des goupilles ;
  • les première et seconde butées sont usinées dans un élément fixe du mouvement d'horlogerie ;
  • les première et seconde butées de limitation sont des excentriques ;
  • le premier levier est fait d'une pièce et présente une géométrie qui assure la fonction d'une première palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la première roue d'échappement au cours de la seconde alternance, et le second levier est fait d'une pièce et présente une géométrie qui assure la fonction d'une seconde palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la seconde roue d'échappement au cours de la première alternance ;
  • le premier levier comprend une première palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la première roue d'échappement au cours de la seconde alternance, et le second levier comporte une seconde palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la seconde roue d'échappement au cours de la première alternance ;
  • le plateau de balancier porte une première et une seconde palette d'impulsion par lesquelles ce plateau de balancier reçoit une impulsion motrice directe et tangentielle respectivement de la première roue d'échappement et de la seconde roue d'échappement ;
  • la première roue d'échappement comprend une denture d'entraînement et une denture d'impulsion et de repos qui s'étendent dans un plan unique ou dans deux plans parallèles et par lesquelles cette première roue d'échappement engrène avec la seconde roue d'échappement et fournit l'impulsion motrice directe et tangentielle au plateau de balancier ;
  • la seconde roue d'échappement comprend une denture d'entraînement et une denture d'impulsion et de repos qui s'étendent dans un plan unique ou dans deux plans parallèles et par lesquelles cette seconde roue d'échappement engrène avec la première roue d'échappement et fournit l'impulsion motrice directe et tangentielle au plateau de balancier ;
  • le nombre de dents des dentures d'impulsion et de repos des première et seconde roues d'échappement est compris entre 3 et 14 ;
  • le nombre de dents des dentures d'impulsion et de repos des première et seconde roues d'échappement est égal à 10 ;
  • le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la première roue d'échappement est différent du nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la seconde roue d'échappement ;
  • le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la première roue d'échappement est égal à 3, et le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la seconde roue d'échappement est égal à 10 ;
  • le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la première roue d'échappement est égal à 10, et le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la seconde roue d'échappement est égal à 3 ;
  • l'ancre comprend une fourchette formée d'une première et d'une seconde corne, le plateau de balancier venant buter par sa cheville de balancier contre la première corne de la fourchette et provoquant le pivotement de cette ancre dans un premier sens lors de la première alternance, et contre la seconde corne lors de la seconde alternance, provoquant le pivotement de l'ancre dans un second sens opposé au premier ;
  • la fourchette porte un dard qui coopère avec le plateau de balancier pour empêcher les déplacements accidentels de la fourchette pendant une période appelée arc supplémentaire ;
  • les première et seconde roues d'échappement sont monoblocs et comprennent un seul niveau de denture chacune ;
  • un mobile de réduction est disposé entre la roue de seconde et la première roue d'échappement.
According to special forms of execution of the invention:
  • the first and second levers are pivoted around respective pivot axes and are connected respectively to the first and second arms of the anchor via at least one pivot joint;
  • the pivot joints are each formed of a lug which projects into an oblong opening;
  • the pivot joints are each formed of a lug which is engaged in a fork;
  • the pivot joints are each formed of a flexible blade;
  • the first and second limiting stops are pins;
  • the first and second stops are machined in a fixed element of the watch movement;
  • the first and second limiting stops are eccentrics;
  • the first lever is made in one piece and has a geometry which performs the function of a first stop pallet to temporarily block the first escape wheel during the second alternation, and the second lever is made of a part and has a geometry which ensures the function of a second stopping pallet to temporarily block the second escape wheel during the first alternation;
  • the first lever comprises a first stop pallet for temporarily blocking the first escape wheel during the second alternation, and the second lever comprises a second stop pallet for temporarily blocking the second escape wheel during the first alternation;
  • the balance plate carries a first and a second impulse vane through which this balance plate receives a direct and tangential driving impulse respectively from the first escape wheel and the second escape wheel;
  • the first escape wheel comprises drive teeth and impulse and rest teeth which extend in a single plane or in two parallel planes and through which this first escape wheel meshes with the second escape wheel and provides the direct and tangential driving impulse to the balance plate;
  • the second escape wheel comprises a drive tooth and an impulse and rest tooth which extend in a single plane or in two parallel planes and by which this second escape wheel meshes with the first escape wheel exhaust and provides the direct and tangential driving impulse to the balance plate;
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first and second escape wheels is between 3 and 14;
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first and second escapement wheels is equal to 10;
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first escape wheel is different from the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the second escape wheel;
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first escape wheel is equal to 3, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the second escape wheel is equal to 10 ;
  • the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first escape wheel is equal to 10, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the second escape wheel is equal to 3 ;
  • the anchor comprises a fork formed of a first and a second horn, the balance plate abutting with its balance pin against the first horn of the fork and causing the pivoting of this anchor in a first direction during the first alternation, and against the second horn during the second alternation, causing the anchor to pivot in a second direction opposite to the first;
  • the fork carries a stinger which cooperates with the balance plate to prevent accidental movements of the fork during a period called additional arc;
  • the first and second escape wheels are in one piece and each have a single level of teeth;
  • a reduction wheel is arranged between the second wheel and the first escape wheel.

L'invention concerne également un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un échappement naturel du type décrit ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a natural escapement of the type described above.

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure un échappement naturel dans lequel il est possible, en fonction des dimensions des différents bras de levier entre les bras de l'ancre et les leviers, d'ajuster très précisément les différentes phases de fonctionnement de cet échappement naturel, à savoir les séquences de déclenchement et d'arrêt des première et seconde roues d'échappement, les séquences d'impulsions données par les première et seconde roues d'échappement au plateau de balancier, ainsi que les vitesses auxquelles les première et secondes roues d'échappement se dégagent des premier et second leviers. L'ajustement précis du fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention est également permis dans le cas où les butées de limitation qui limitent le débattement des premier et second leviers en pivotement sont des excentriques. De même, le réglage fin du fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel est également rendu possible par le fait que le premier levier est distinct du second levier, de sorte que les phases de fonctionnement de la première roue d'échappement peuvent être mises au point et ajustées indépendamment des phases de fonctionnement de la seconde roue d'échappement, de sorte que, si nécessaire, un fonctionnement dissymétrique de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention peut être obtenu. Située hors du volume des première et seconde roues d'échappement, l'ancre est plus facile à réaliser et bien moins encombrante, de sorte qu'elle est plus facile à loger dans un mouvement d'horlogerie que lorsqu'elle est disposée entre les deux roues d'échappement. L'échappement naturel selon l'invention offre également un accès plus facile aux horlogers et permet à ces derniers des mesures et des réglages plus commodes. Par ailleurs, dans le cas où les première et seconde roues d'échappement sont monoblocs et comprennent un seul niveau de denture chacune, ces première et seconde roues d'échappement ne sont pas actives selon deux niveaux étagés distincts et sont donc moins encombrantes et plus aisées à usiner. De plus, la nécessaire indexation des dents servant à transmettre les impulsions motrices au plateau de balancier lorsque l'on utilise deux roues d'échappement superposées est évité. En effet, dans le cas de l'invention, l'indexation de la denture unique des première et seconde roues d'échappement qui assure à la fois l'engrènement de ces deux roues d'entraînement entre elles et la transmission des impulsions motrices au plateau de balancier découle de la forme même de cette denture.Thanks to these characteristics, the present invention provides a natural escapement in which it is possible, depending on the dimensions of the different lever arms between the arms of the anchor and the levers, to very precisely adjust the different operating phases of this natural escapement, namely the triggering and stopping sequences of the first and second escape wheels, the sequences of impulses given by the first and second escape wheels to the balance plate, as well as the speeds at which the first and second escape wheels disengage from the first and second levers. The precise adjustment of the operation of the natural exhaust according to the invention is also permitted in the case where the limiting stops which limit the movement of the first and second pivoting levers are eccentrics. Likewise, fine adjustment of the operation of the natural escapement is also made possible by the fact that the first lever is distinct from the second lever, so that the operating phases of the first escape wheel can be fine-tuned and adjusted independently of the operating phases of the second escape wheel, so that, if necessary, operation asymmetrical natural exhaust according to the invention can be obtained. Located outside the volume of the first and second escapement wheels, the anchor is easier to make and much less bulky, so that it is easier to accommodate in a watch movement than when it is placed between the two escape wheels. The natural escapement according to the invention also offers easier access to watchmakers and allows them to make more convenient measurements and adjustments. Furthermore, in the case where the first and second escape wheels are in one piece and comprise a single level of teeth each, these first and second escape wheels are not active in two distinct stepped levels and are therefore less bulky and more easy to machine. In addition, the necessary indexing of the teeth used to transmit the driving impulses to the balance plate when using two superimposed escape wheels is avoided. Indeed, in the case of the invention, the indexing of the single toothing of the first and second escapement wheels which ensures both the meshing of these two drive wheels with each other and the transmission of the driving impulses to the balance plate arises from the very shape of this toothing.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit d'un mode de réalisation d'un échappement naturel selon l'invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position de repos dans laquelle la seconde roue d'échappement est en appui sur le second levier ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la cheville de balancier arrive en contact avec la première corne de la fourchette, ce qui va provoquer le début du dégagement de la seconde roue d'échappement de sa prise avec le second levier ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle le plateau de balancier entraîne l'ancre et les leviers, ce qui provoque le début de la première chute par dégagement de la seconde roue d'échappement de sa prise avec le second levier ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement vient prendre appui sur la première palette d'impulsion et commence à donner une impulsion au plateau de balancier, ce qui marque la fin de la première chute ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement imprime l'impulsion au plateau de balancier tandis que le second levier vient prendre appui contre la seconde butée de limitation ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement finit d'imprimer une impulsion au plateau de balancier, ce qui marque le début de la seconde chute, tandis que le second levier est en appui sur la seconde butée de limitation ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement prend appui sur le premier levier, ce qui marque la fin de la seconde chute, tandis que le plateau de balancier finit son alternance librement ;
  • la figure 8 illustre schématiquement le cas où les articulations à pivotement par lesquelles les leviers sont raccordés aux bras de l'ancre sont formées chacune d'un ergot qui est engagé dans une fourchette ;
  • la figure 9 illustre schématiquement le cas où les leviers sont reliés aux bras de l'ancre au moyen de lames flexibles ;
  • la figure 10 illustre schématiquement le cas où les articulations à pivotement par lesquelles les leviers sont raccordés aux bras de l'ancre sont formées chacune de 2 portions d'engrenage de type râteau ;
  • la figure 11 illustre schématiquement le cas dans lequel les première et seconde butées de limitation sont des excentriques ;
  • la figure 12 illustre schématiquement le cas où les leviers portent des palettes d'arrêt ;
  • la figure 13 illustre le cas dans lequel l'extrémité libre des premier et second leviers présente un décrochement qui permet à ces premier et second leviers d'assurer la fonction de butée de limitation par appui d'une dent de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la première roue d'échappement, respectivement de la seconde roue d'échappement, sur ces décrochements ;
  • la figure 14 illustre le cas dans lequel le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la première roue d'échappement est égal à 10, et le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos de la seconde roue d'échappement est égal à 3.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description which follows of an embodiment of a natural exhaust according to the invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes only in connection with the attached drawing in which:
  • there figure 1 is an overview of the natural escapement according to the invention in its rest position in which the second escape wheel rests on the second lever;
  • there figure 2 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the balance pin comes into contact with the first horn of the fork, which will cause the start of the release of the second escapement wheel its grip with the second lever;
  • there Figure 3 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the balance plate drives the anchor and the levers, which causes the start of the first fall by releasing the second escape wheel from its grip with the second lever;
  • there Figure 4 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the first escape wheel comes to bear on the first impulse pallet and begins to give an impulse to the balance plate, which marks the end of the first fall;
  • there Figure 5 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the first escape wheel imparts the impulse to the balance plate while the second lever comes to rest against the second limiting stop;
  • there Figure 6 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the first escape wheel finishes imparting an impulse to the balance plate, which marks the start of the second fall, while the second lever rests on the second limitation stop;
  • there Figure 7 is a top view of the natural escapement according to the invention in its position in which the first escape wheel rests on the first lever, which marks the end of the second fall, while the balance plate finishes its alternation freely;
  • there figure 8 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints by which the levers are connected to the arms of the anchor are each formed of a lug which is engaged in a fork;
  • there Figure 9 schematically illustrates the case where the levers are connected to the anchor arms by means of flexible blades;
  • there Figure 10 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints by which the levers are connected to the arms of the anchor are each formed of 2 rake-type gear portions;
  • there Figure 11 schematically illustrates the case in which the first and second limiting stops are eccentrics;
  • there Figure 12 schematically illustrates the case where the levers carry stop pallets;
  • there Figure 13 illustrates the case in which the free end of the first and second levers has a recess which allows these first and second levers to perform the function of limiting stop by supporting a tooth of the impulse and rest teeth of the the first escape wheel, respectively the second escape wheel, on these recesses;
  • there Figure 14 illustrates the case in which the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the first escape wheel is equal to 10, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth of the second escape wheel is equal to 3.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à munir l'un au moins des bras de l'ancre d'un échappement naturel également connu sous sa dénomination échappement à impulsion tangentielle d'un levier pivoté autour d'un axe de pivotement et raccordé au bras de l'ancre via au moins une articulation à pivotement. Grâce à cette caractéristique, il est possible, par ajustement du bras de levier entre le bras de l'ancre et le levier qui est raccordé à ce bras, de régler très finement les différentes phases de fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel selon l'invention De même, les première et seconde roues d'échappement n'étant actives que selon un seul niveau, elles sont moins épaisses et donc moins encombrantes et plus faciles à usiner. En outre, l'indexation de leurs dents d'impulsion découle de la forme même de leurs dentures et pas d'un assemblage fastidieux de deux roues d'échappement superposées.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea which consists of providing at least one of the arms of the anchor with a natural escapement also known by its name tangential impulse escapement of a lever pivoted around an axis of pivoting and connected to the anchor arm via at least one pivoting joint. Thanks to this characteristic, it is possible, by adjusting the lever arm between the arm of the anchor and the lever which is connected to this arm, to very finely adjust the different phases of operation of the natural escapement according to the invention Likewise, the first and second escape wheels being only active at a single level, they are thinner and therefore less bulky and easier to machine. In addition, the indexing of their impulse teeth results from the very shape of their teeth and not from a tedious assembly of two superimposed escape wheels.

Désigné dans son ensemble par la référence numérique générale 1, l'échappement naturel selon l'invention est représenté dans sa position de repos à la figure 1. Cet échappement naturel 1 est agencé pour être entraîné par une roue de seconde 2 qui, selon un mode d'exécution préféré mais non limitatif, engrène avec un pignon 4 monté fixe sur un axe 6 d'une première roue d'échappement 10. Cette première roue d'échappement 10 engrène quant à elle via une première denture d'entraînement 12 avec une seconde denture d'entraînement 14 d'une seconde roue d'échappement 16 qui pivote autour d'un axe 18.Designated as a whole by the general numerical reference 1, the natural exhaust according to the invention is represented in its rest position at the figure 1 . This natural escapement 1 is arranged to be driven by a second wheel 2 which, according to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, meshes with a pinion 4 fixedly mounted on an axis 6 of a first escapement wheel 10. This first escape wheel 10 meshes via a first drive toothing 12 with a second drive toothing 14 of a second escape wheel 16 which pivots around an axis 18.

L'échappement naturel 1 comprend également un balancier 20 qui comporte une roue de balancier 22 sur un axe 24 de laquelle est ajusté un plateau de balancier 26. Ce plateau de balancier 26 porte une cheville de balancier28 de même qu'une première et une seconde palette d'impulsion 30 et 32 dont les rôles respectifs seront décrits ci-après.The natural escapement 1 also comprises a balance wheel 20 which comprises a balance wheel 22 on an axis 24 to which a balance plate 26 is fitted. This balance plate 26 carries a pin of balance 28 as well as a first and a second impulse pallet 30 and 32 whose respective roles will be described below.

L'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention comprend aussi une ancre 34 pivotée autour d'une tige d'ancre 36. Cette ancre 34 comporte un corps d'ancre 38 qui porte une fourchette 40 formée d'une première et d'une seconde corne 42a et 42b ainsi que d'un dard 44. Ce dard 44 coopère avec le plateau de balancier 26 dans le but d'empêcher les déplacements accidentels de la fourchette 40 en dehors des périodes communément appelées arcs supplémentaires, périodes durant lesquelles le plateau de balancier 26 est proche de sa position de repos appelée angle de levée.The natural escapement 1 according to the invention also comprises an anchor 34 pivoted around an anchor rod 36. This anchor 34 comprises an anchor body 38 which carries a fork 40 formed of a first and a second horn 42a and 42b as well as a dart 44. This dart 44 cooperates with the balance plate 26 in order to prevent accidental movements of the fork 40 outside of periods commonly called additional arcs, periods during which the balance plate balance 26 is close to its rest position called lifting angle.

Conformément à l'invention et comme on peut le voir à l'examen de la figure 1, le corps d'ancre 38 comporte un premier et un second bras 46a et 46b qui sont préférentiellement mais non limitativement disposés de manière symétrique de part et d'autre de la fourchette 40. Des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b, pivotés autour d'axes de pivotement respectifs 50 et 52, sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 via une articulation à pivotement 53. Dans cette forme d'exécution simplifiée de l'invention, le premier levier 48a est fait d'une pièce et présente une géométrie qui assure la fonction d'une première palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la première roue d'échappement 10 au cours d'un cycle de fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel 1, et le second levier 48b présente une géométrie qui assure la fonction d'une seconde palette d'arrêt pour bloquer temporairement la seconde roue d'échappement 16 au cours du même cycle de fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel 1.In accordance with the invention and as can be seen on examination of the figure 1 , the anchor body 38 comprises a first and a second arm 46a and 46b which are preferably but not limited to arranged symmetrically on either side of the fork 40. First and second levers 48a, 48b, pivoted around The respective pivot axes 50 and 52 are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 via a pivot joint 53. In this simplified embodiment of the invention, the first lever 48a is made in one piece and has a geometry which ensures the function of a first stop pallet for temporarily blocking the first escape wheel 10 during an operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1, and the second lever 48b has a geometry which ensures the function of a second stop pallet to temporarily block the second escape wheel 16 during the same operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1.

Selon une première forme d'exécution de l'invention, les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b portent chacun un ergot 54, respectivement 56, qui fait saillie dans une ouverture oblongue 58, respectivement 60, ménagée dans les premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38. Bien entendu, les ergots 54 et 56 pourraient être portés par les premier et second bras 46a, 46b, et les ouvertures oblongues 58, 60 pourraient être ménagées dans les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b. Ainsi, par engagement des ergots 54, 56 dans les ouvertures oblongues 58, 60, les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont aptes à pivoter par rapport aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the first and second levers 48a, 48b each carry a lug 54, respectively 56, which projects into an oblong opening 58, respectively 60, formed in the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38. Of course, the lugs 54 and 56 could be carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b, and the oblong openings 58, 60 could be provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b. Thus, by engagement of the lugs 54, 56 in the oblong openings 58, 60, the first and second levers 48a, 48b are able to pivot relative to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38.

Selon une autre forme d'exécution de l'invention illustrée à la figure 8, les ouvertures oblongues 58, 60 peuvent être remplacées par des fourchettes 72 dans lesquelles des renflements 73 prévus aux extrémités en regard des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont engagés.According to another embodiment of the invention illustrated in figure 8 , the oblong openings 58, 60 can be replaced by forks 72 in which bulges 73 provided at the ends facing the first and second levers 48a, 48b are engaged.

Selon encore une autre forme d'exécution de l'invention illustrée à la figure 9, les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont reliés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 au moyen de lames flexibles 74. Ce mode de réalisation permet de réaliser le corps d'ancre 38 et les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b d'un seul tenant.According to yet another embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 9 , the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 by means of flexible blades 74. This embodiment makes it possible to produce the anchor body 38 and the first and second levers 48a, 48b in one piece.

Selon encore une autre forme d'exécution de l'invention illustrée à la figure 10, les articulations à pivotement 53 par lesquelles les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 sont formées chacune de deux portions d'engrenage qui ensemble constituent un râteau 75. Enfin, l'échappement naturel 1 est complété par une première et une seconde butée de limitation 62 et 64 du type goupilles qui limitent le débattement des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b en pivotement.According to yet another embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 10 , the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 are each formed of two gear portions which together constitute a rake 75. Finally, the natural exhaust 1 is completed by a first and a second limitation stop 62 and 64 of the pin type which limit the movement of the first and second levers 48a, 48b in pivoting.

Dans le mode d'exécution de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention illustré au dessin, on suppose que la roue de seconde 2 qui fournit à l'échappement naturel 1 l'énergie nécessaire à son fonctionnement tourne dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre. La roue de seconde 2 tend par conséquent à faire tourner le pignon 4 et la première roue d'échappement 10 sur l'axe 6 de laquelle est fixé le pignon 4 dans le sens antihoraire, et la seconde roue d'échappement 16 dans le sens horaire.In the mode of execution of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention illustrated in the drawing, it is assumed that the seconds wheel 2 which supplies the natural escapement 1 with the energy necessary for its operation rotates in the direction of the clockwise d 'a watch. The second wheel 2 therefore tends to rotate the pinion 4 and the first escape wheel 10 on the axis 6 of which the pinion 4 is fixed in the counterclockwise direction, and the second escape wheel 16 in the direction hourly.

Un cycle de fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention comprend deux alternances au cours desquelles le plateau de balancier 26 va aller successivement d'une première position extrême à une seconde position extrême en passant par une position de repos médiane, puis de sa seconde position extrême à sa première position extrême en repassant une seconde fois par sa position de repos médiane. Ainsi, au début d'un cycle (voir figure 1), le plateau de balancier 26 tourne vers sa position de repos médiane en tournant dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, tandis que la seconde roue d'échappement 16 est en appui sur le second levier 48b.An operating cycle of the natural exhaust 1 according to the invention comprises two alternations during which the plate of balance 26 will go successively from a first extreme position to a second extreme position passing through a median rest position, then from its second extreme position to its first extreme position passing a second time through its median rest position. Thus, at the start of a cycle (see figure 1 ), the balance plate 26 rotates towards its central rest position by rotating clockwise, while the second escapement wheel 16 rests on the second lever 48b.

A un moment donné de son déplacement illustré à la figure 2, le plateau de balancier 26 arrive dans une position dans laquelle il bute par sa cheville de balancier 28 contre la seconde corne 42b de la fourchette 40 et commence à provoquer le pivotement de l'ancre 34 dans le sens contraire des aiguilles d'une montre. Le pivotement de l'ancre 34 dans le sens antihoraire a pour effet de commencer à libérer la seconde roue d'échappement 16 de sa prise avec le second levier 48b, ce qui va permettre à la roue de seconde 2 d'entraîner, via la première roue d'échappement 10, la seconde roue d'échappement 16 dans le sens horaire.At a given moment in its movement illustrated in figure 2 , the balance plate 26 arrives in a position in which it abuts with its balance pin 28 against the second horn 42b of the fork 40 and begins to cause the pivoting of the anchor 34 in the counterclockwise direction. . The pivoting of the anchor 34 in the counterclockwise direction has the effect of starting to release the second escapement wheel 16 from its grip with the second lever 48b, which will allow the second wheel 2 to drive, via the first escape wheel 10, the second escape wheel 16 clockwise.

A la figure 3, l'échappement naturel 1 est dans une position dans laquelle le plateau de balancier 26 entraîne l'ancre 34, ce qui provoque le début de la première chute par dégagement de la seconde roue d'échappement 16 de sa prise avec le second levier 48b. Par « chute », on entend les périodes de fonctionnement de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention durant lesquelles les première et seconde roues d'échappement 10 et 16 ne sont en contact ni avec l'un ou l'autre des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b, ni avec l'une ou l'autre des première et seconde palettes d'impulsion 30, 32.To the Figure 3 , the natural escapement 1 is in a position in which the balance plate 26 drives the anchor 34, which causes the start of the first fall by disengagement of the second escape wheel 16 from its grip with the second lever 48b . By “fall”, we mean the periods of operation of the natural exhaust 1 according to the invention during which the first and second escape wheels 10 and 16 are not in contact with either of the first and second levers 48a, 48b, nor with one or the other of the first and second impulse pallets 30, 32.

On comprendra qu'en même temps que la première roue d'échappement 10 entraîne la seconde roue d'échappement 16 en pivotement dans le sens horaire, la première roue d'échappement 10 commence également à donner une impulsion motrice au plateau de balancier 26 via une dent 66 d'une denture d'impulsion et de repos 68 qui entraîne la première palette d'impulsion 30 (voir figure 4). Cette impulsion motrice est dite directe et tangentielle car elle est donnée directement par la première roue d'échappement 10 au plateau de balancier 26 et que le chemin de la dent 66 rattrape celui de la première palette d'impulsion 30 du plateau de balancier 26 de manière tangentielle, ce qui permet un contact quasi ponctuel et sans frottement. On notera par ailleurs que la venue de la dent 66 de la première roue d'échappement 10 en contact avec la première palette d'impulsion 30 du plateau de balancier 26 marque la fin de la première chute.It will be understood that at the same time as the first escape wheel 10 drives the second escape wheel 16 to pivot clockwise, the first escape wheel 10 also begins to give a driving impulse to the balance plate 26 via a tooth 66 of impulse and rest teeth 68 which drives the first pulse paddle 30 (see Figure 4 ). This driving impulse is called direct and tangential because it is given directly by the first escape wheel 10 to the balance plate 26 and the path of the tooth 66 catches up with that of the first impulse pallet 30 of the balance plate 26 of tangentially, which allows almost punctual and frictionless contact. It will also be noted that the arrival of the tooth 66 of the first escape wheel 10 in contact with the first impulse vane 30 of the balance plate 26 marks the end of the first fall.

La figure 5 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention dans sa position dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement 10 imprime l'impulsion au plateau de balancier 26, tandis que le second levier 48b pivote autour de son axe de pivotement 52 et vient prendre appui contre la seconde butée de limitation 64. Ce mouvement est commandé par l'ancre 34 qui, entraînée par la cheville de balancier 28, pivote autour de sa tige d'ancre 36 dans le sens contraire des aiguilles d'une montre.There Figure 5 is a top view of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention in its position in which the first escapement wheel 10 imparts the impulse to the balance plate 26, while the second lever 48b pivots around its pivot axis 52 and comes to bear against the second limitation stop 64. This movement is controlled by the anchor 34 which, driven by the balance pin 28, pivots around its anchor rod 36 in the counterclockwise direction of a watch.

A la figure 6, la première roue d'échappement 10 finit d'imprimer une impulsion au plateau de balancier 26, ce qui marque le début de la seconde chute. On voit en effet que la dent 66 de la première roue d'échappement 10 n'est plus en contact avec la première palette d'impulsion 30 du plateau de balancier 26. Par ailleurs, le second levier 48b est en appui sur la seconde butée de limitation 64.To the Figure 6 , the first escape wheel 10 finishes imparting an impulse to the balance plate 26, which marks the start of the second fall. We can indeed see that the tooth 66 of the first escape wheel 10 is no longer in contact with the first impulse vane 30 of the balance plate 26. Furthermore, the second lever 48b rests on the second stop limitation 64.

Finalement, la figure 7 est une vue de dessus de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention dans sa position de repos médiane dans laquelle la première roue d'échappement 10 prend appui sur le premier levier 48a, ce qui marque la fin de la seconde chute, tandis que le plateau de balancier 26 finit son alternance librement en tournant dans le sens horaire. L'alternance suivante au cours de laquelle le plateau de balancier 26 va tourner dans le sens antihoraire reproduit les mêmes fonctions que celles illustrées aux figures 2 à 7 de manière symétrique dans l'ordre inverse.Finally, the Figure 7 is a top view of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention in its median rest position in which the first escape wheel 10 rests on the first lever 48a, which marks the end of the second fall, while the balance plate 26 ends its alternation freely by rotating clockwise. The following alternation during which the balance plate 26 will rotate counterclockwise reproduces the same functions as those illustrated in figures 2 to 7 symmetrically in reverse order.

La figure 8 illustre schématiquement le cas où les articulations à pivotement 53 par lesquelles les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b de l'ancre 34 sont formées chacune d'un ergot 54, 56 qui est engagé dans une fourchette 72.There figure 8 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor 34 are each formed of a lug 54, 56 which is engaged in a fork 72.

La figure 9 illustre schématiquement le cas où les articulations à pivotement 53 par lesquelles les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b de l'ancre 34 sont formées chacune d'une lame flexible 74.There Figure 9 schematically illustrates the case where the pivot joints 53 by which the first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor 34 are each formed of a flexible blade 74.

La figure 11 illustre schématiquement le cas dans lequel les première et seconde butées de limitation 62, 64 sont des excentriques 76. Les première et seconde butées de limitation peuvent également être usinées dans un élément fixe tel qu'une platine ou un pont du mouvement d'horlogerie.There Figure 11 schematically illustrates the case in which the first and second limiting stops 62, 64 are eccentrics 76. The first and second limiting stops can also be machined in a fixed element such as a plate or a bridge of the watch movement.

La figure 12 illustre schématiquement le cas où une seconde palette d'arrêt 78 pour bloquer temporairement la seconde roue d'échappement 16 au cours de la première alternance est rapportée sur le second levier 48b, et où une première palette d'arrêt 80 pour bloquer temporairement la première roue d'échappement 10 au cours de la seconde alternance est rapportée sur le premier levier 48a. Ces première et seconde palettes d'arrêt 80 et 78 sont par exemple réalisées en rubis.There Figure 12 schematically illustrates the case where a second stop pallet 78 for temporarily blocking the second escape wheel 16 during the first alternation is attached to the second lever 48b, and where a first stop pallet 80 for temporarily blocking the first escape wheel 10 during the second alternation is attached to the first lever 48a. These first and second stop pallets 80 and 78 are for example made of ruby.

La figure 13 illustre le cas dans lequel l'extrémité libre des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b présente un décrochement 82 qui assure la fonction des butées de limitation 62, 64 par appui d'une dent de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 68, 70 de la première roue d'échappement 10, respectivement de la seconde roue d'échappement 16, sur ces décrochements 82. Ce mode de réalisation permet ainsi de s'affranchir des butées de limitation 62, 64 tout en conservant un mode de fonctionnement analogue à celui décrit ci-dessus en liaison avec les figures 1 et 7. En effet, lorsque, par exemple, la seconde roue d'échappement 16 tourne dans le sens antihoraire et vient prendre appui sur le décrochement 82 du second levier 48b par l'une des dents de sa denture d'impulsion et de repos 70, cette seconde roue d'échappement 16 tendrait à faire pivoter le second levier 48b par tirage autour de son axe de pivotement 52 dans le sens antihoraire. Néanmoins, malgré l'absence de la butée de limitation 64 qui ne peut donc s'opposer au pivotement du second levier 48b, le pivotement de ce second levier 48b est empêché par appui de l'une des dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 70 de la seconde roue d'échappement 16 sur le décrochement 82 ménagé à l'extrémité libre de ce second levier 48b. Cet appui s'oppose à la force de tirage. Le second levier 48b échappe à sa position de blocage lorsque l'ancre 34 pivote dans le sens horaire, ce qui a pour effet de faire pivoter ce second levier 48b dans le sens antihoraire, tandis que le premier levier 48a pivote lui aussi dans le sens antihoraire et se rapproche de la première roue d'échappement 10. On notera que les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b, pivotés autour de leurs axes de pivotement 50, 52 respectifs, sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 via une articulation à pivotement 53 formée d'un ergot 55 porté par les premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 dans l'exemple représenté, et qui fait saillie dans une ouverture circulaire 57 correspondante ménagée dans les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b.There Figure 13 illustrates the case in which the free end of the first and second levers 48a, 48b has a recess 82 which ensures the function of the limitation stops 62, 64 by supporting a tooth of the impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 of the first escape wheel 10, respectively of the second escape wheel 16, on these recesses 82. This embodiment thus makes it possible to dispense with the limitation stops 62, 64 while retaining a mode of operation similar to that described above in connection with the figures 1 And 7 . Indeed, when, for example, the second escape wheel 16 turns counterclockwise and comes to rest on the recess 82 of the second lever 48b by one of the teeth of its impulse and rest teeth 70, this second escape wheel 16 would tend to pivot the second lever 48b by pulling around its pivot axis 52 in the counterclockwise direction. However, despite the absence of the limitation stop 64 which cannot therefore oppose the pivoting of the second lever 48b, the pivoting of this second lever 48b is prevented by pressing one of the teeth of the impulse teeth and rest 70 of the second escape wheel 16 on the recess 82 provided at the free end of this second lever 48b. This support opposes the pulling force. The second lever 48b escapes its blocking position when the anchor 34 pivots clockwise, which has the effect of pivoting this second lever 48b counterclockwise, while the first lever 48a also pivots clockwise. counterclockwise and approaches the first escape wheel 10. Note that the first and second levers 48a, 48b, pivoted around their respective pivot axes 50, 52, are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the body d anchor 38 via a pivoting joint 53 formed of a lug 55 carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 in the example shown, and which projects into a corresponding circular opening 57 provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b.

La figure 14 illustre le cas dans lequel le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 68 de la première roue d'échappement 10 est égal à 10, et le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 70 de la seconde roue d'échappement 16 est égal à 3. Les principes de réalisation de ce mode particulier d'exécution de l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention restent les mêmes : les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b, pivotés autour de leurs axes de pivotement 50, 52 respectifs, sont raccordés aux premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 via une articulation à pivotement 53 formée d'un ergot 55 porté par les premier et second bras 46a, 46b du corps d'ancre 38 dans l'exemple représenté, et qui fait saillie dans une ouverture circulaire 57 correspondante ménagée dans les premier et second leviers 48a, 48b.There Figure 14 illustrates the case in which the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 is equal to 10, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escape wheel 16 is equal to 3. The principles of realization of this particular mode of execution of the natural escapement 1 according to the invention remain the same: the first and second levers 48a, 48b, pivoted around their axes of respective pivoting points 50, 52, are connected to the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 via a pivoting joint 53 formed by a lug 55 carried by the first and second arms 46a, 46b of the anchor body 38 in the example shown, and which projects into a corresponding circular opening 57 provided in the first and second levers 48a, 48b.

Il va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit et que diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées sans sortir du cadre de l'invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées. On comprendra en particulier que, bien que l'échappement naturel 1 selon l'invention ait été décrit en liaison avec une ancre 34 aux bras 46a, 46b de laquelle sont reliés des premier et second leviers 48a, 48b, il est tout à fait envisageable, dans une forme d'exécution simplifiée de l'invention, de ne prévoir qu'un seul levier raccordé à pivotement à l'un des bras de l'ancre, l'autre levier étant fait d'un seul tenant avec le second bras de l'ancre 34. On notera également qu'un mobile de réduction peut être disposé entre la roue de seconde 2 et la première roue d'échappement 10. La première roue d'échappement 10 comprend une première denture d'entraînement 12 par laquelle elle engrène avec une seconde denture d'entraînement 14 de la seconde roue d'échappement 16. De même, les première et seconde roues d'échappement 10, 16 comprennent chacune une denture d'impulsion et de repos 68, 70 par lesquelles elles fournissent une impulsion motrice directe et tangentielle au plateau de balancier 26. Les dentures d'entraînement 12, 14 et d'impulsion et de repos 68, 70 de chacune des première et seconde roues d'échappement 10, 16 s'étendant dans un plan unique ou dans deux plans parallèles. De préférence, les première et seconde roues d'échappement 10, 16 sont monobloc. Le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 68 de la première roue d'échappement 10 peut être différent du nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 70 de la seconde roue d'échappement 16. Ce nombre peut être compris entre 3 et 14, par exemple égal à 10. Dans un exemple particulier, le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 68 de la première roue d'échappement 10 est égal à 10 et le nombre de dents de la denture d'impulsion et de repos 70 de la seconde roue d'échappement 16 est égal à 3. L'invention concerne également un mouvement d'horlogerie comprenant un échappement naturel 1 du type décrit ci-dessus.It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be understood in particular that, although the natural escapement 1 according to the invention has been described in connection with an anchor 34 to the arms 46a, 46b to which first and second levers 48a, 48b are connected, it is entirely possible , in a simplified embodiment of the invention, to provide only one lever pivotally connected to one of the arms of the anchor, the other lever being made in one piece with the second arm of the anchor 34. It will also be noted that a reduction wheel can be placed between the second wheel 2 and the first escape wheel 10. The first escape wheel 10 comprises a first drive toothing 12 by which it meshes with a second drive toothing 14 of the second escapement wheel 16. Likewise, the first and second escapement wheels 10, 16 each comprise impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 by which they provide a direct and tangential driving impulse to the balance plate 26. The drive teeth 12, 14 and impulse and rest teeth 68, 70 of each of the first and second escapement wheels 10, 16 extending in a single plane or in two parallel planes. Preferably, the first and second escape wheels 10, 16 are in one piece. The number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 may be different from the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escape wheel 16. This number can be between 3 and 14, for example equal to 10. In a particular example, the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 68 of the first escape wheel 10 is equal to 10 and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest teeth 70 of the second escapement wheel 16 is equal to 3. The invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a natural escapement 1 of the type described above.

NomenclatureNomenclature

  • 1. Echappement naturel1. Natural exhaust
  • 2. Roue de seconde2. Second wheel
  • 4. Pignon4. Gable
  • 6. Axe6. Axis
  • 10. Première roue d'échappement10. First escape wheel
  • 12. Première denture d'entraînement12. First drive tooth
  • 14. Seconde denture d'entraînement14. Second drive tooth
  • 16. Seconde roue d'échappement16. Second escape wheel
  • 18. Axe18. Axis
  • 20. Balancier20. Pendulum
  • 22. Roue de balancier22. Balance wheel
  • 24. Axe24. Axis
  • 26. Plateau de balancier26. Balance plate
  • 28. Cheville de balancier28. Balance peg
  • 30. Première palette d'impulsion30. First impulse palette
  • 32. Seconde palette d'impulsion32. Second impulse paddle
  • 34. Ancre34. Anchor
  • 36. Tige d'ancre36. Anchor rod
  • 38. Corps d'ancre38. Anchor body
  • 40. Fourchette40. Fork
  • 42a. Première corne42a. First horn
  • 42b. Seconde corne42b. Second horn
  • 44. Dard44. Dart
  • 46a. Premier bras46a. First arm
  • 46b. Second bras46b. Second arm
  • 48a. Premier levier48a. First lever
  • 48b. Second levier48b. Second lever
  • 50. Axe de pivotement50. Pivot axis
  • 52. Axe de pivotement52. Pivot axis
  • 53. Articulations à pivotement53. Pivot joints
  • 54. Ergot54. Ergot
  • 55. Ergot55. Ergot
  • 56. Ergot56. Ergot
  • 57. Ouverture circulaire57. Circular opening
  • 58. Ouverture oblongue58. Oblong opening
  • 60. Ouverture oblongue60. Oblong opening
  • 62. Première butée de limitation62. First limitation stop
  • 64. Seconde butée de limitation64. Second limitation stop
  • 66. Dent66. Tooth
  • 68. Denture d'impulsion et de repos68. Impulse and rest teeth
  • 70. Denture d'impulsion et de repos70. Impulse and rest teeth
  • 72. Fourchette72. Fork
  • 73. Renflements73. Bulges
  • 74. Lame flexible74. Flexible blade
  • 75. Râteaux75. Rakes
  • 76. Excentriques76. Eccentrics
  • 78. Seconde palette d'arrêt78. Second stop pallet
  • 80. Première palette d'arrêt80. First stop paddle
  • 82. Décrochements82. Setbacks

Claims (25)

  1. A natural escapement (1) for a horological movement performing a succession of operating cycles each composed of a first and a second alternation of a balance (20) which comprises a balance wheel (22) on an axis (24) of which is adjusted a balance plate (26), this natural escapement (1) comprising a first escapement wheel (10) arranged to be driven by a second wheel (2), this first escapement wheel (10) in turn driving a second escapement wheel (16), the balance plate (26) carrying a balance pin (28) by which this balance plate (26) causes the pivoting of an anchor (34) at each of the first and second alternations, at least a first lever (48a), pivoted about a pivot axis (50), being connected to a first arm (46a) of the anchor (34) via at least one pivot joint (53), the anchor (34) comprising a second arm (46b) extended by a second lever (48b), these first and second levers (48a, 48b) being arranged to respectively lock the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) temporarily during the first and second alternations of an operating cycle, the pivoting displacement of the first and second levers (48a, 48b) being limited.
  2. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first and second levers (48a, 48b) are pivoted about respective pivot axes (50, 52) and are respectively connected to the first and second arms (46a, 46b) of the anchor (34) via at least one pivot joint (53).
  3. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the pivot joint(s) (53) are each formed of a lug (54, 56) which projects into an oblong opening (58, 60).
  4. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the pivot joint(s) (53) are each formed of a lug (54, 56) which is engaged into a fork (72).
  5. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the pivot joint(s) (53) are each formed of a flexible blade (74).
  6. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the pivot joint(s) (53) are each formed of two geartrain portions each of which constitutes a rack (75).
  7. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the pivoting displacement of the first and second levers (48a, 48b) is limited by first and second limitation abutments (62, 64).
  8. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first and second limitation abutments (62, 64) are pegs.
  9. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first and second limitation abutments (62, 64) are machined in a fixed element of the horological movement.
  10. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first and second limitation abutments (62, 64) are eccentrics.
  11. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the first lever (48a) is made in one piece and has a geometry which performs the function of a first stop pallet to temporarily lock the first escapement wheel (10) during the second alternation, and the second lever (48b) is made in one piece and has a geometry which performs the function of a first stop pallet to temporarily lock the second escapement wheel (16) during the first alternation.
  12. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the first lever (48a) comprises a first stop pallet (80) attached to temporarily lock the first escapement wheel (10) during the second alternation, and the second lever (48b) includes a second stop pallet (78) attached to temporarily lock the second escapement wheel (16) during the first alternation.
  13. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the balance plate (26) carries a first and a second impulse pallet (30, 32) through which this balance plate (26) receives a direct and tangential driving impulse respectively from the first escapement wheel (10) and the second escapement wheel (16).
  14. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the first escapement wheel (10) comprises a first drive toothing (12) through which it meshes with a second drive toothing (14) of the second escapement wheel (16), and in that the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) each comprise an impulse and rest toothing (68, 70) by which they provide a direct and tangential driving impulse to the balance plate (26), the drive (12, 14) and impulse and rest toothing (68, 70) of each of the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) extending in a single plane or in two parallel planes.
  15. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 14, characterised in that the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) are each made in one piece.
  16. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 14 and 15, characterised in that the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (68) of the first escapement wheel (10) is different from the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (70) of the second escapement wheel (16).
  17. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (68, 70) of the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) is comprised between 3 and 14.
  18. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 17, characterised in that the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (68, 70) of the first and second escapement wheels (10, 16) is equal to 10.
  19. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 17, characterised in that the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (68) of the first escapement wheel (10) is equal to 3, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (70) of the second escapement wheel (16) is equal to 10.
  20. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 19, characterised in that the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (68) of the first escapement wheel (10) is equal to 10, and the number of teeth of the impulse and rest toothing (70) of the second escapement wheel (16) is equal to 3.
  21. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterised in that a free end of the first and second levers (48a, 48b) has a recess (82) which allows to limit the pivoting displacement of these first and second levers (48a, 48b) by pressing a tooth of the impulse and rest toothing (68, 70) of the first escapement wheel (10), respectively of the second escapement wheel (16), on these recesses (82).
  22. The natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the anchor (34) comprises a fork (40) formed of a first and a second horn (42a, 42b), the balance plate (26) abutting by its balance pin (28) against the second horn (42b) of the fork (40) and causing the pivoting of this anchor (34) in a first direction during the first alternation, and against the first horn (42a) during the second alternation, causing the anchor (34) to pivot in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
  23. The natural escapement (1) according to claim 22, characterised in that the fork (40) carries a dart (44) which cooperates with the balance plate (26) to prevent accidental displacements of the fork (40) during a period called additional arc.
  24. A horological movement comprising a natural escapement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 23.
  25. A horological movement according to claim 24, characterised in that a reduction mobile is disposed between the second wheel (2) and the first escapement wheel (10).
EP21180088.3A 2021-06-17 2021-06-17 Natural escapement for timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement Active EP4105731B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21180088.3A EP4105731B1 (en) 2021-06-17 2021-06-17 Natural escapement for timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement
US17/585,839 US20220404771A1 (en) 2021-06-17 2022-01-27 Natural escapement for a horological movement and horological movement comprising such an escapement
JP2022016847A JP7386907B2 (en) 2021-06-17 2022-02-07 Natural escapement for a timepiece movement and a timepiece movement equipped with such an escapement
CN202210304550.7A CN115494716B (en) 2021-06-17 2022-03-21 Natural escapement for a timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement

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EP21180088.3A EP4105731B1 (en) 2021-06-17 2021-06-17 Natural escapement for timepiece movement and timepiece movement comprising such an escapement

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EP4105731B1 true EP4105731B1 (en) 2024-01-03

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EP (1) EP4105731B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7386907B2 (en)
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ES2303518T3 (en) * 2001-01-09 2008-08-16 Ulysse Nardin S.A. ESCAPE FOR TIME REGULATOR OR TIMER.
DE602007004447D1 (en) * 2007-04-18 2010-03-11 Eta Sa Mft Horlogere Suisse Anchor escapement for watches
CH701921B1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2014-07-31 Télôs Watch SA Escapement anchor and a timepiece including such an escape.
EP2487546B1 (en) * 2011-02-11 2021-06-30 Montres Journe S.A. High-performance bi-axial escapement, or HPBE
JP6206877B2 (en) * 2014-03-06 2017-10-04 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Escapement, watch movement and watch
JP6347439B2 (en) * 2014-03-06 2018-06-27 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Escapement, watch movement and watch
JP6869758B2 (en) * 2017-03-13 2021-05-12 セイコーインスツル株式会社 Escapement, watch movements and watches
CH714200B1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2021-02-15 Louis Vuitton Malletier Sa An escapement device for a mechanical watch movement comprising an escapement with two escapement moving parts.

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CN115494716B (en) 2023-10-10
US20220404771A1 (en) 2022-12-22
JP2023001000A (en) 2023-01-04
EP4105731A1 (en) 2022-12-21
CN115494716A (en) 2022-12-20
JP7386907B2 (en) 2023-11-27

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