JP2016520833A - Watch movement with 3D resonant governor - Google Patents

Abstract

A timepiece oscillation governor comprising at least two resonating oscillation systems having differently oriented axes. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an oscillation speed governor for a timepiece and a timepiece assembly in which the speed governor is incorporated. Therefore, the present invention also relates to a timepiece itself incorporating the speed governor and a portable timepiece such as a wristwatch incorporating the speed governor.

  The accuracy of the conventional mechanical portable timepiece is largely dependent on the operation of the governor. The governor generally takes the form of an oscillating system and often includes a balance assembly or pendulum. This oscillation system has a unique and stable operating frequency, and this frequency is used in order to obtain the time controlled by the portable timepiece. The oscillation system is connected to an energy storage device such as a barrel, and the energy storage device supplies energy to the escapement through the train wheel. The escapement periodically transmits pulsations to the oscillation system so that the oscillation is maintained in a sustainable manner. The energy transfer system for the oscillation system is designed to maintain the oscillation operation without disturbing the oscillation operation.

  However, the operation of such governors in the state of the art remains unfinished because it deviates from the ideal theoretical operation due to the inherent imperfection of the oscillation system and / or the energy transfer system combined therewith. is there. Furthermore, the escapement is also affected by attractive forces that can change if the orientation of the escapement changes, as in the case of a wristwatch. These various phenomena result in the loss of the clock timing accuracy.

  There are several approaches based on complex mechanical systems to compensate for some of these drawbacks. For example, with regard to reducing the effects of attraction, there are plans based on tourbillons in particular, the principle of which is to move the governor around one or more axes of rotation so that its overall operation is final. In other words, it should be made so that it does not depend on the direction. Such a complicated method is very expensive, and the accuracy of the governor based on the oscillation system can be improved only after the development of a complicated mechanical system, which is not easy.

  Other methods for improving the timing accuracy by the governor based on the oscillation system have been proposed in addition to those disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 discloses a timepiece movement that uses a plurality of balance wheels that operate in resonance. The principle of this principle is theoretically because the disadvantages of each balance wheel are considered to be compensated by other balance wheels that would not have the same disadvantage at the same moment, if any. The disadvantage of having only one balance wheel can be overcome, and an overall improvement in timekeeping can be obtained. As a result, the governor as a whole, formed by a collection of resonating balance wheels, on average, is more accurate and reliable in operation than the individual independent balance wheels that make it up. You should have. This method is based on a theoretical approach. However, there was a technical problem when it was implemented, and it could not be overcome. In fact, in order to allow different balance wheels to operate stably while resonating, each balance wheel has the same oscillation characteristics, preferably the same in terms of weight, geometry, and motion adjustment, and all It is necessary to receive the same exact influence from the outside at the moment. These conditions are rarely met, and in the current state of the art, the principle of resonance has not been able to produce the expected results with respect to timing.

European Patent No. 1640821

  Accordingly, the present invention has as a general object to propose a timekeeping scheme for a timepiece that does not include all or part of the disadvantages of current technical schemes.

  More specifically, the first object of the present invention is to propose a time measuring method capable of obtaining high accuracy, and in particular, to propose a time measuring method for use in a wristwatch.

  The second object of the present invention is to propose a timekeeping method that is not very bulky and can be used in portable watches, particularly watches.

  The present invention therefore relies on a timepiece oscillation governor comprising at least two resonating oscillation systems having differently oriented axes.

  Advantageously, the oscillation governor comprises at least one platform that connects all the oscillation systems together.

In addition, the oscillation governor can include one or more of the following features.
3 or more than 3 odd, resonating oscillation systems of different orientations.
• All oscillation systems are evenly distributed around the central axis.
-The rotation axis of each oscillation system of the governor is mounted on the same platform.
• The governor comprises a lower platform and an upper platform, and all the oscillator systems of the governor are arranged at least partially between the upper and lower two platforms for the lower and upper two platforms To be attached.
All oscillation systems of the governor are of the same type, in particular of the balance type or pendulum type.
The rotation axis of each oscillation system is regularly oriented in different directions in the space and can be distributed to adjacent faces of one cube.

  The present invention also relates to a portable timepiece including the oscillation governor, particularly a wristwatch.

  The invention is more clearly defined by the appended claims.

  The objectives, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in detail in the following description of specific embodiments, given as non-limiting, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a simplified perspective view of an oscillation governor according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the oscillation governor by embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the oscillation governor by embodiment of this invention.

  The principle implemented in the embodiments described below is based on the use of a plurality of balance wheels that operate in resonance and the use of at least two balance wheels with different orientations. The goal is to achieve a governor plan called a speed machine.

  Therefore, FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional resonance type oscillation governor according to an embodiment, which includes a lower platform 1 and an upper platform 10, and is a balance type in this embodiment and operates in resonance. An oscillation governor in which two oscillation systems are disposed between two upper and lower platforms. By the way, the terms “upper” and “lower” are used because the governor according to the described embodiment is for a specific orientation shown in the drawing, in which the watch is in a horizontal position. The gravity when placed on is parallel to the central axis 15. However, any variant embodiment in a different orientation is also covered by those terms which can be replaced by “first” and “second” in some cases.

  The upper platform 10 comprises four substantially flat surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14. The first surface 11, called the support surface, is adapted to be mounted substantially parallel to the main plate and dial in the wristwatch. The other three surfaces 12, 13, 14 are perpendicular axes 15 centered with respect to the first surface 11 and evenly around an axis 15 that forms the central axis that forms the base axis of the overall structure. Sorted. The three surfaces define respective bearing surfaces for the same three oscillating systems.

  The lower platform 1 likewise comprises three surfaces 2, 3, 4 which are parallel to the surfaces 12, 13, 14 of the upper platform 10, respectively. The lower platform is in the form of a pyramid in this embodiment and its apex is on the central axis 15.

  Incidentally, in this structure, the lower platform 1 functions as a main plate of a portable timepiece, and the upper main plate corresponds to a balance holder.

  In this embodiment, each oscillation system is a balance type. The first balance is arranged around a rotation axis 22 having a first end 22a connected to the surface 12 of the upper platform 10 and a second end 22b connected to the parallel surface 2 of the lower platform 1. Established. Thus, each of the two planes 2, 12 is equipped with a coupling device for the rotating shaft of the oscillation system. This oscillating system further comprises, in a known manner, a balance wheel 23 which is rotatably mounted around its rotation axis 22 via a hairspring 24, also called a whiskers, and functions as a flywheel. The balance with hairspring is widely used in the field of watches and will not be described in further detail here. In the same manner, two balance-type balances are formed around the rotation axes 32, 42 disposed between the surfaces 13, 14 of the upper platform 10 and the surfaces 3, 4 of the lower platform 1 parallel to each of the surfaces. An assembly is disposed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the oscillation governor is constituted by three complementary oscillation systems each having a different direction. To clarify the orientation, consider the axes 16, 17, and 18 corresponding to the respective directions of the rotational axes 22, 32, 42 of each of the three oscillation systems. The three planes formed by each of these axes and the central axis 15 are evenly distributed around the central axis 15 and appear to form an angle β of 120 degrees between each other as clearly seen in FIG. It is. Thereby, the three oscillation systems can be evenly distributed around the axis 15. On the other hand, these oscillation systems are inclined with respect to the direction of the central axis 15. In this embodiment, the angles α2, α3, α4 formed between each of the shafts 16, 17, 18 and the central shaft 15 are the same, around 60 degrees, more precisely around 58 degrees, and even more Strictly, it is 57.51 degrees. With this structure, each oscillation system is evenly distributed around the same axis 15, each oscillation system is arranged so as to be coaxial, and the same point where each axis 16, 17, 18 is located on the central axis 15. Intersect.

  The technical problem in such a configuration of the three-dimensional resonant oscillation governor comes from the fact that it becomes bulky because it is necessary to use a plurality of oscillation systems. One technical solution is to minimize the overall height of the governor, that is, the distance between the upper and lower platforms. Therefore, the surfaces 12, 13, and 14 arranged around the support surface 11 are preferably small in inclination, that is, α2, α3, and α4 are preferably 60 degrees or less, and further 50 degrees or less.

  The operation of this governor will be described below. The speed governor is linked to a conventional energy transmission system in a timepiece (not shown), and for example, only the same escape wheel 5 is connected to the three oscillation systems via the ankles 6, 7, and 8, respectively. Each oscillation system is connected and pulse energy is transmitted to each oscillation system in a harmonious manner so that the oscillation is maintained. As a variant, the escape wheel 5 can be replaced by an escapement gear device comprising three superimposed escape wheels each having the function of supplying energy to the ankles 6, 7, 8. The one or more escape wheels described above are arranged parallel to the support surface 11 of the upper platform 10 in this embodiment and are centered with respect to the central axis 15. More specifically, in this chosen embodiment, the upper platform 10 is integrated with the rotating shaft of the escape wheel 5 that extends along the central axis 15 via ball bearings. In this embodiment, the ankles 6, 7, and 8 are curved so that the ankles 6, 7, and 8 operate in the plane of the escape wheel and that the wedges are in a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the balance wheel. .

  In a variant, each oscillating system could be associated with a somewhat more or less separate transmission system, each with its own escapement system. However, the oscillating governor of this embodiment is to be mounted in a watch, preferably with a single energy storage element such as a single barrel attached to each oscillating system of the governor. There is no. As a variant, it is possible to use a plurality of barrels, such as two barrels, but the number is advantageously less than the number of governor oscillation systems.

  The three oscillation systems of this embodiment are of the same type and have the same geometric shape as the oscillator. Each oscillation system naturally goes to phase-coherent oscillation by a phenomenon called resonance in the current technology. In order to optimize this resonance and its efficiency, we intentionally choose to have at least two oscillation systems that resonate in different orientations, thereby increasing the likelihood that the oscillation system will withstand external adverse effects. In particular, this configuration allows the speed governor to be less susceptible to the action of attraction and to have an operation that is less susceptible to its orientation, which is within the watch case. This is particularly advantageous when implemented. In fact, the first oscillation system of the governor is oriented with its axis in a disadvantageous direction, especially when its balance wheel is in the vertical direction (ie its axis of rotation is horizontal). When friction and resistance increase against oscillation, at least one other oscillation system will not be in its disadvantageous direction. The effect of the other oscillation system on the first oscillation system is to counteract the negative effects of attraction, and the result obtained on the exit side of the governor is compared to the case where only the first oscillation system is present. In addition to being more accurate, it is also more stable because it is less affected by the direction of the governor. For example, in the embodiment chosen here, when a balance wheel is in a vertical position and its ideal movement is generally disturbed by gravity, it is not subject to much or even no inhibition by gravity. So that at least another balance wheel may be in a non-vertical position, preferably close to horizontal. In either case, gravity will change the behavior of one of the balance wheels, but will not change the behavior of the other balance wheel in the same way, so that the average caused by the resonance of each balance wheel The result is almost unaffected by gravity. For this reason, the governor used in this way puts the three-dimensional resonance scheme into practical use by selecting at least two oscillation systems of different orientations that operate in resonance. This three-dimensional resonance can provide surprisingly high accuracy results compared to any resonance scheme that has been attempted so far in the current technology.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the governor comprises three oscillation systems. Other embodiments can be obtained by choosing any other number of oscillation systems, but at least two. Also, as already seen, at least two oscillation systems do not have the same orientation. Preferably, all oscillation systems have different orientations and are evenly distributed within the space so that the independence of the governor orientation is optimized. For example, each rotational axis can be evenly distributed around some axis. As a complement, the main components of the oscillation system, such as the balance wheel, the balance spring and the pendulum, can also be distributed evenly around the same axis. It would also be advantageous to provide an odd number of oscillation systems, such as three or even five, where performance and simplicity are best balanced.

  The oscillation system taken up in the embodiment described here is a balance type. As a variant, it goes without saying that any other oscillation system can be used, such as a pendulum oscillation system. Each oscillation system is adjustable so that an ideal adjustment for resonant operation can be determined.

  Each oscillating system is also tied together through two platforms to which the respective shaft ends are attached. These platforms and oscillating systems form a compact, unitary assembly with a unique oscillation characteristic, a unique oscillation frequency called the resonant frequency. The platform facilitates the occurrence of resonance phenomena between each oscillating system because the platform transmits vibrations between the oscillating systems and includes its own inherent vibration characteristics.

  For this reason, it is advantageous to use a platform that has a single-piece structure and has a configuration in which the intervals between the oscillation systems are tight. It may also be advantageous for the platform to be made of a material having favorable vibration characteristics, such as brass or precious metals. As a variant, the platform could consist of a plurality of separate parts fixed to each other. In another variation, only one platform could be used and other conventional parts of the portable watch could be substituted for the second platform. Furthermore, one end of the oscillation system could be connected to one platform and the other end could remain free. That is, not all the governor oscillation systems must be connected to the same platform. Finally, in this embodiment, at least one specific, dedicated platform is provided. However, as a variant, the function of the platform can also be fulfilled by the components of the watch, such as the main plate, dial, and receptacle.

  According to an advantageous variant embodiment, each platform to which each oscillation system is attached, and at least one of them, is intended to facilitate its oscillation and facilitate its participation in the resonance of the oscillation system. , Mounted so as to be movable with respect to the watch. Therefore, the platform can be attached to the frame of the portable watch, the main plate or the receiver by a leg screw type fixing element. To provide the mobility provided in this embodiment, one or more elastic elements, such as O-ring type seals, can be attached to the fixed element.

  Thus, the entire platform or platforms together with the associated oscillation system form a single component that oscillates at the natural frequency.

  The approach taken here seems to be very simple, especially when compared to complex tourbillon type systems. In the described embodiment, each oscillating system relates only to the rotation around its axis of rotation for the rest of the portable watch, in particular for one or more platforms of the watch connected to the oscillating system. It has mobility.

  Also, the geometry of the upper platform is described as a non-limiting example. Of course, the upper platform is capable of assembling at least two oscillating systems in different orientations, so that it has any other shape, not necessarily a plane, but a plurality of surfaces that are curved, It could consist of a single curved surface. Thus, the plane perpendicular to the axis of each oscillation system can form part of an irregular polyhedron. That is, it may be possible that some surfaces of the irregular polyhedron are perpendicular to the rotational axis of the governor oscillation system.

  According to an advantageous variant, the three oscillating systems could be arranged on three adjacent faces of a cube, in particular in order to minimize the adverse effects due to gravity. That is, the surfaces 12, 13, and 14 are perpendicular to each other and coincide with the three faces of the cube. In a further variation, the surfaces could coincide with some surfaces of a regular polyhedron that do not necessarily have to be a cube.

  The speed governor described above is particularly powerful in watches. Of course, this speed governor is wider and equally beneficial for every implementation in every movement of every watch.

  The principle of this three-dimensional resonant governor also maintains compatibility with other approaches that allow the precision of the governor to be improved. Therefore, this speed governor can be combined with a tourbillon type plan, for example. Finally, this three-dimensional resonant governor can significantly reduce and even eliminate the deleterious effects of gravity, and more generally the various deficiencies of the oscillation system, on the isochronism of a portable watch.

Claims (18)

  An oscillation speed governor for a timepiece, comprising at least two resonating oscillation systems having differently oriented axes.   2. The timepiece oscillation governor according to claim 1, comprising three or more than three odd numbers of resonating oscillation systems in different directions.   3. A timepiece oscillatory speed governor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all its oscillation systems are evenly distributed around the central axis (15).   4. The timepiece oscillation governor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one platform (1, 10) that connects all the oscillation systems together.   For each platform (1, 10) with the same rotation axis (22, 32, 42) of each said oscillation system, each said oscillation system is only given rotational movement to that platform (1, 10). The oscillating speed governor for a timepiece according to claim 4, wherein the oscillating governor is for a timepiece.   Comprising a lower platform (1) and an upper platform (10), and that all the oscillation systems of the governor are at least partially relative to two of the lower platform (1) and the upper platform (10) 6. An oscillatory speed governor for a timepiece according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it is mounted so as to be disposed between the lower platform (1) and the upper platform (10).   The timepiece oscillatory speed governor according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one monolithic platform (1, 10).   The timepiece oscillation governor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that all the oscillation systems are of the same type, in particular of a balance type or a pendulum type.   The rotation axes (22, 32, 42) of the respective oscillation systems are oriented equidistant to form the same inclination angle (α2, α3, α4) with respect to the same central axis (15). The timepiece oscillatory speed governor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.   The rotation axis (22, 32, 42) of each oscillation system is oriented at an angle of 60 degrees or less with respect to the same central axis (15), or the rotation axis of each oscillation system is 1 The timepiece oscillation governor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the time governor is attached to adjacent surfaces of two cubes.   A timepiece comprising the oscillation speed governor according to claim 1.   A portable timepiece comprising the oscillation speed governor according to claim 1.   13. A dial according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a dial and the oscillation system of the oscillation governor is evenly distributed around a central axis (15) which is substantially perpendicular to the dial. The listed portable watch.   14. A portable timepiece according to claim 12 or 13, comprising a single energy source connected to each oscillation system of each of the oscillation governors by one or more wheel trains.   15. A device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises only one escape wheel (5) connected to each oscillating system by means of curved ankles (6, 7, 8). The listed portable watch.   15. A plurality of overlapping parallel escape wheels associated with each oscillation system by curved ankles (6, 7, 8). Mobile watch.   At least one platform to which all the rotation shafts of the oscillation system of the oscillation governor are attached, and at least one platform allowing vibration of the at least one platform relative to a portable watch The portable timepiece according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the portable timepiece is fixed to the portable timepiece via one elastic element.   The portable timepiece according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the portable timepiece is a wristwatch.

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