WO2010142778A1

WO2010142778A1 - Automatic winding mechanism for a clock movement

Info

Publication number: WO2010142778A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/058190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Schneider
Original assignee: Olivier Schneider
Priority date: 2009-06-10
Filing date: 2010-06-10
Publication date: 2010-12-16
Also published as: CH701239A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic winding mechanism (1) for a clock movement, comprising at least one mounting (2), intended for being mounted stationary relative to a case (32, 38, 45) and on which an oscillating weight (10, 41, 61) is pivotably mounted in order to recharge a barrel spring (35) of the clock movement by means of the rotations thereof. Said winding mechanism includes at least one linking member (20, 46, 52, 64) intended for transmitting the relative movements between the oscillating weight and the case to the barrel spring, characterised in that the oscillating weight (10, 41, 61) has an elongate shape and is arranged relative to the mounting such that, when the latter is mounted stationary relative to the case, the oscillating weight is positioned such as to rotate about an axis of rotation (8, 44, 62) substantially parallel to the general plane of the case.

Description

AUTOMATIC REASSEMBLY MECHANISM FOR MOVEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an automatic winding mechanism, for watch movement, comprising at least one support, intended to be fixedly mounted relative to a box and on which is pivotally mounted an oscillating mass for recharging. a cylinder spring of the watch movement from its rotations, the winding mechanism comprising at least one connecting member for transmitting the relative movements between the oscillating mass and the barrel spring box.

State of the art

[0002] Nowadays, a large number of wristwatches are of the self-winding type and use various mechanisms for automatic winding.

By way of example, it will be noted that the most common automatic winding mechanism usually comprises an oscillating mass having the general shape of a half-disk, of diameter similar to that of the caliber and disposed at the bottom of the movement.

However, this type of oscillating masses has several disadvantages, in particular that of increasing the thickness of the corresponding clockwork movement and of masking the movement, which is more particularly troublesome when the corresponding watch is equipped with a transparent background.

[0005] Watch movements are known in which the diameter of the oscillating mass is reduced relative to the diameter of the corresponding caliber, to mask a smaller proportion of the movement. The Swiss company Cari F. Bucherer has recently introduced a new caliber watch, reference CFB A1000, in which the oscillating weight is peripheral and does not mask the watch movement. It will be noted that patent CH 347137, in particular, discloses a similar automatic winding mechanism. Other forms of oscillating masses have long been known to limit the surface of the caliber occupied by the oscillating weight. For example, patent CH 156804 discloses the implementation of an oscillating mass moving in a linear stroke to raise a mainspring and arranged on the side of the watch movement.

Disclosure of the invention

A main object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the automatic winding mechanisms known from the prior art, by providing such a mechanism provided with an oscillating weight having a high efficiency in its winding function of a barrel spring, while presenting an original arrangement hiding only very little, if at all, the watch movement it equips.

For this purpose, the present invention relates more particularly to an automatic winding mechanism of the type mentioned above, characterized in that the oscillating weight has an elongated shape and is arranged relative to the support so that when the the last is mounted fixed relative to the box, the oscillating mass is oriented to present rotations along an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the general plane of the box. With these features, the automatic winding mechanism can be arranged near the periphery of the watch movement and avoid hiding a significant part. In addition, the projected surface of the oscillating mass on the watch movement when it rotates is reduced. Preferably, the oscillating mass has a general shape with a polygonal, oval or cylindrical, or even substantially semicylindrical section, comprising a first wall formed by a substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially flat wall, while it has at least a member for fixing a shaft such that the latter is adjacent to its plane wall.

Advantageously, the oscillating mass is made of a material having a high density, in other words a heavy metal. or an alloy comprising such a heavy metal, preferably taken in the sixth period of the Periodic Table of the elements.

With these characteristics, the oscillating mass can be disposed anywhere on the watch movement, preferably close to its periphery, without masking a large area at a standstill or even during operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a watch movement comprising a source of mechanical energy and an automatic winding mechanism, for recharging the source of mechanical energy and comprising a mass oscillating between the first and second generations. r perform rotational movements along an axis intended to present a fixed position with reference to a box intended to accommodate the watch movement. The latter is characterized in that this axis is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the general plane of the box. Advantageously, the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass may be substantially parallel to one of the axes six o'clock - noon or three o'clock - nine o'clock of the watch.

According to a first embodiment, it is possible to provide that the oscillating mass is arranged to rotate around the watch movement.

According to a further alternative embodiment, it is also possible that the automatic winding mechanism comprises a first connecting member for transmitting the relative movements between the oscillating mass and the box at the source of mechanical energy, and that the The automatic winding mechanism comprises an additional connecting member for transmitting the relative movements between the oscillating mass and the box with additional mechanical energy.

Furthermore, according to a further preferred embodiment, provision can be made for the implementation of a watch movement comprising a source of mechanical energy and an automatic winding mechanism, for recharging the source of mechanical energy and comprising a support for connecting an oscillating mass arranged to perform movements rotation along an axis intended to have a fixed position with reference to a box for housing the watch movement. In this additional preferred embodiment, the watch movement is characterized by the fact that it itself fulfills the function of the oscillating mass, the axis being intended to be substantially parallel to the general plane of the box.

This provides a very dramatic effect for a timepiece including such a watch movement in addition to the advantages already mentioned above. Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which: [0021] - Figure 1 shows a simplified perspective view of a portion of an automatic winding mechanism according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] - Figure 2 shows a simplified top view of a wristwatch with an automatic winding mechanism similar to that of Figure 1;

[0023] - Figure 3 shows a simplified perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wristwatch of Figure 2;

[0024] - Figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view, with the constituent elements torn off, a m-wrist bracelet provided with an automatic winding mechanism su ivant an alternative embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 5 represents a simplified perspective view, with torn components, of the wristwatch of FIG. 4 illustrating certain construction details, and [0026] FIG. 6 represents a simplified perspective view of FIG. a wristwatch equipped with an automatic winding mechanism according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Mode (s) of realization of the invention

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of part of an automatic winding mechanism according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The winding mechanism 1 comprises a support 2 comprising a base 3 intended to be secured to a frame member of a watch movement, such as a plate. The base 3 comprises two arms 4 extending parallel to each other at a predefined distance from one another. Each arm 4 has a circular opening 6 in which is housed a bearing 7, preferably a ball bearing. A shaft 8 is carried by the bearings to be pivotally mounted on the support

2, while an oscillating mass 10, or rotor, is integral with the shaft 8. The oscillating mass 10 here has a general hemicylindrical shape, that is to say that it comprises a first wall 1 1 having the shape of a half-cylinder and a second wall 12 substantially flat. Alternatively, it is of course possible to provide that the oscillating mass has any elongate shape adapted to the implementation of the present invention, as the distribution of its mass is not symmetrical with respect to its axis. of rotation, that is to say with respect to the shaft 8. Ai nsi, and the rr will present a polygonal cross section, oval or cylindrical. Two ears 14 extend from the second wall 12 to define fasteners to the shaft 8. Each lug 14 is in fact provided with a hole 16 through which the shaft 8 is arranged so as to be integral with the oscillating mass. The tree is preferably hunted in the ears. It may be provided that it is provided with a knurling in the regions intended to cooperate with the holes 16, or any other machining to improve its rotational resistance with the oscillating mass.

One end of the shaft 8 extends beyond the bearing 7 which it is associated and carries an output member here having the form of a pinion 18 for transmitting the rotational movements of the mass oscillating 10 to a gear reducer, of which only a first mobile 20 has been shown here for clarity.

Alternatively, the output member may be of any other type suitable for the implementation of the invention, such as an endless screw or a surface for cooperating with a belt.

In a non-limiting manner, it is possible for the reduction gear train to be entirely supported by the support 2.

The latter further comprises fastening means to an element of the frame of the watch movement, illustrated here in the form of holes 22, only one of which is visible in FIG. 1. Thus, the support 2 may be, for example , screwed or pinned on the watch movement plate in a direction substantially parallel to the general plane of movement, near the periphery of the latter.

As regards the oscillating mass, it is advantageously made of a material having a high density, preferably a metal taken in the sixth period of the periodic table or an alloy comprising such a metal. Preferably, the oscillating weight may be made of platinum or a gold-based alloy.

By way of example, it will be noted that the Applicant has carried out simulations based on the characteristics of a very widespread standard gauge, namely ETA 7750 (registered trademark), the results of which show that the use of an oscillating weight having the characteristics described above, made with a little more than 8 grams of platinum, is sufficient to ensure the winding of the corresponding mainspring. In addition, additional simulations, similar, have established that the use of an oscillating mass having the characteristics stated above, made with a little more than 10 grams of a gray gold alloy, responds perfectly well the usual requirements for winding a mainspring. It will be noted that the minimum mass of the oscillating mass required for winding a given mainspring varies from one watchmaker's caliber to the other, as a function of the torque of the corresponding mainspring. We can use any known manufacturing process suitable for the realization of the oscillating weight 10, without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as stamping and cutting the wire.

[0044] FIG. 2 represents a simplified top view of a wristwatch 30 of a watch movement including an automatic winding mechanism similar to that just described.

The oscillating mass 10 has been schematized in a position at six o'clock in the box 32 of the watch having its axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis three hours - nine hours, in the general plane of the watch, to As a non-limiting illustrative example.

The oscillating mass 10 is arranged on a frame member 34 of the watch movement so as to reassemble a barrel spring 35.

Of course, the axis of the oscillating mass can take any direction remaining substantially in the general plane of movement without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates, in a simplified perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the wristwatch of FIG. 2.

It is apparent from Figure 3 that the aesthetic of the wristwatch in which the winding mechanism 1 is intended to be integrated can be adapted to the particular form of this mechanism.

The box 38 here includes enlargements 39 of cylindrical shape designed to substantially match the shape of the winding mechanism 1 and put it further forward at the appearance of the wristwatch.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 show simplified perspective views, with the constituent elements torn off, a wristwatch 40 provided with a mechanical ism of automatic winding su ivant variant embodiment. According to this embodiment, a recessed oscillating mass 41 is provided by being arranged so as to rotate around the watch movement 42. For this purpose, the oscillating weight is carried here by a shaft 44. traversing the watch movement from one side to the other, so as to be attached to a watch case 45 by each of its ends.

Of course, it is possible to provide, alternatively, that the shaft is rotatably mounted on the box 45 or that the oscillating mass 41 is carried directly by bearings arranged on the elements of the box.

45, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Advantageously, the oscillating mass 41 carries a toothing (not visible) arranged to cooperate with a gear wheel 46 rotatably mounted on a frame member of the watch movement 42 and kinematically connected to the energy source of the movement. , especially via a gear train, as described above, for the purpose of recharging the energy source from the movements of the oscillating mass.

The alternative embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 further provides that the wristwatch may include an additional watch movement

47 which can be at least partially housed in a reserved area 48 of the box 45. By way of example, it can be provided in particular that the watch movement 42 base, located in the center of the box 45, is arranged to control the needles 49, 50 hour display, while the additional watch movement can be implemented for the display of additional information, such as a timed time.

In this case, specific display means may be arranged on top of the reserved area 48.

Preferably, the automatic winding mechanism 1 is then arranged to also ensure the recharging of the mechanical energy source of the additional clockwork movement. For this purpose, it can be provided that the oscillating mass 41 carries an additional toothing (not visible) arranged to cooperate with a toothed connecting wheel 52 rotatably mounted on an element of the box 45 and kinematically connected to the energy source of the movement. additional watchmaker, particularly via a gear train 54, similar to that described above, for the purpose of recharging this additional energy source from the movements of the oscillating mass. We can provide different architectures adapted for the additional watch movement, depending on the needs, including the shape of the box 45, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, it will be possible, for example, to implement camshafts for transferring rotary movements along the length of the box 45.

FIG. 6 represents a simplified perspective view of a wristwatch 60 provided with an automatic winding mechanism according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Some dressing elements of the wristwatch 60 have notably been omitted for the sake of clarity.

According to the second preferred embodiment of the invention, the oscillating mass of the automatic winding mechanism is formed directly by the watch movement 61 itself.

Indeed, the watch movement 61 has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped and is traversed by a shaft 62 secured to the box

63 of the timepiece by each of its ends.

Advantageously, the shaft 62 carries a toothed pinion 64 which is integral with it in rotation and in translation, the clock movement 61 being arranged on the shaft 62 in such a way that it has a toothed link wheel ( not visible) arranged in permanent engagement with the pinion 64, to transmit the relative rotation between the watch movement 61 and the shaft 62 to the source of mechanical energy of the watch movement, in order to reload it.

Thus, the implementation of the present embodiment offers the advantages of the preceding solutions, because the watch movement performs the function of an oscillating mass whose axis of rotation is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the general plan of the box, with in addition a very spectacular effect for the corresponding timepiece. The foregoing description attempts to describe particular embodiments as non-limiting illustrations and the invention is not limited to the implementation of certain particular features which have just been described, as for example the forms specifically illustrated and described of the oscillating mass, its support, which may alternatively be formed of several parts assembled to each other, or the location of the oscillating mass in the watch movement. Those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting the content of the present disclosure to their own needs and implementing a self-winding mechanism different from that according to the embodiment described here, but in which the oscillating mass exhibits elongated shape and is arranged on a support such that, when the latter is fixed to the watch movement, the oscillating mass is oriented to present rotations along an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the general plane of the box, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will also be noted that the reduction gear between the oscillating mass and the barrel may alternatively be arranged on the frame of the watch movement, rather than on the support of the oscillating mass, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

claims

1. Automatic winding mechanism (1), for clock movement, comprising at least one support (2), intended to be fixedly mounted relative to a box (32, 38, 45) and on which is pivotally mounted an oscillating weight ( 10, 41, 61) for reloading a cylinder spring (35) of the watch movement from its rotations, the winding mechanism comprising at least one connecting member (20, 46, 52, 64) for transmitting the relative movements between said oscillating mass and the box to said mainspring, characterized in that said oscillating mass (10, 41, 61) has an elongate shape and is arranged with respect to said support in such a way that when the latter is fixedly mounted relative to at the box, said oscillating mass is oriented to present rotations along an axis of rotation (8, 44, 62) substantially parallel to the general plane of the box.

2. automatic winding mechanism (1) according to revendication 1, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) has a general shape having a polygonal cross section, oval, cylindrical, or substantially semicylindrical, comprising a first wall (11) formed by a substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially planar wall (12).

3. automatic winding mechanism (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) has at least one fastener (14) of a shaft (8, 44) in such a way the mass distribution of said oscillating mass is asymmetrical with respect to said shaft (8, 44).

4. automatic winding mechanism (1) according to revendication 3, characterized in that said shaft (8, 44) is pivotally mounted on said support (2) by means of at least one bearing (7), preferably the ball bearing type.

5. automatic winding mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) is made of a heavy metal or an alloy comprising such a heavy metal, preferably caught in the sixth period of the periodic table of elements.

6. Automatic winding mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support (2) also carries a gear train (18, 20, 54) having an input (18) kinematically connected to said mass. oscillating (10, 41, 61).

7. Watch movement (42) comprising a mechanical energy source (35) and an automatic winding mechanism (1) for recharging said source of mechanical energy and comprising an oscillating mass (10, 41) arranged to perform movements rotation device according to an axis (8, 44) intended to present a fixed position with reference to a box (32, 38, 45) intended to house the watch movement, characterized in that said axis (8, 44) is oriented in a direction direction substantially parallel to the general plane of the box.

8. Horological movement (42) according to claim 7, characterized in that said axis (8, 44) is substantially parallel to one of the axes six o'clock - noon or three o'clock - nine o'clock.

9. watch movement (42) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) has a general shape having a polygonal cross section, oval, cylindrical, or substantially semicylindrical, comprising a first wall ( 11) formed by a substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially planar wall (12).

Clock movement (42) according to claim 9, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) has at least one fastener (14) of a shaft (8, 44) in such a way that the distribution of mass of said oscillating mass is asymmetrical with respect to said shaft (8, 44).

Clock movement (42) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said oscillating weight (10, 41) is made of a heavy metal or an alloy comprising such a heavy metal, preferably caught in the sixth period of the periodic table of elements.

12. watch movement (42) according to any one of claims 7 to 1 1, characterized in that said oscillating mass (41) is arranged to rotate around the watch movement.

Clock movement (42) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, said automatic winding mechanism (1) comprising a first member connecting device (46) for transmitting the relative movements between said oscillating mass (41) and the box (45) to said source of mechanical energy, characterized in that said automatic winding mechanism comprises an additional connecting member (52) intended to transmit the relative movements between said oscillating mass and the box to an additional source of mechanical energy.

14. Watchmaking movement (61) comprising a mechanical energy source (35) and an automatic winding mechanism (1), for recharging said source of mechanical energy and comprising a support for connecting an oscillating mass arranged to perform movement movements. rotation along an axis

(62) intended to present a fixed position with reference to a box (63) intended to house the watch movement, characterized in that the watch movement itself fulfills the function of said oscillating mass, said axis (62) being intended for be substantially parallel to the general plane of the box.

Timepiece (30, 40, 60) comprising a watch movement according to any one of claims 7 to 14.