EP3182218B1 - Timepiece wheel with improved visibility for complex watch - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watchmobile, comprising at least a first level comprising a first watchmaking function and a second level parallel to said first level and comprising a second watchmaking function different from said first watchmaking function, said mobile having a bearing defining an axis. main and an axial direction, and first drive or guiding means integral, directly or indirectly, with said bearing, wherein said first level is full so as to protect said second level, said second level comprises second drive means or guiding, and wherein said first level is at least partially transparent to allow viewing of said second level.

The invention also relates to a watchmaking unit, comprising a first mobile having a first watch function, pivoting coaxially with at least one second mobile that includes said block, said second mobile having a second watch function different from said first watch function, where at least said first mobile or said second mobile comprises a first level, respectively a second level, which is full and which is at least partially transparent, so as to allow viewing of the other said mobile.

The invention also relates to a clockwork vortex comprising such a mobile, above a cage, on the side facing the user.

The invention also relates to a watch movement, comprising at least one such tourbillon.

The invention also relates to a complicated watch comprising at least one such movement.

The invention relates to the field of complicated watches, comprising a tourbillon or a carousel.

Background of the invention

In tourbillon watch movements, it is customary to show the tourbillon by an opening of the dial.

In very complicated watches, including a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, or similar, it is sometimes difficult to show the tourbillon because part of the mechanism is between the dial and the tourbillon.

The document EP2439600A1 in the name of BLANCPAIN SA describes a concentric display mechanism of a first and a second physical quantities for a clockwork, measurement or generation of at least one of these magnitudes generating the drive of a motion source , said concentric display being effected by a first disk or internal display ring of a first physical quantity, and by at least a second external display ring of a second physical and concentric quantity and external to said first disk or internal ring . This mechanism comprises first movement transmission means of the motion source at least to the second outer ring, and it comprises second transmission means transmitting a movement at least to the first disk or inner ring from the motion source or from the first motion transmission means. The hours disk, as well as the ring of minutes, or other rings concentric with them, can be made totally or partially transparent, so as to allow the user to view other features or complications, for example date window, day, lunar phase, spindle, or the like, or to see all or part of the movement.

The document CH707326 A2 in the name of CARTIER CREATION STUDIO describes a mobile watchmaker intended to be mounted on a pivoting shaft, comprising a transparent portion having an opening, a metal toothed serge extending at the periphery of the transparent portion, a fixed metal hub integral in the opening and comprising an orifice for fixing the shaft. The serge and the hub are formed directly on the transparent portion by an additive manufacturing method so that the radial tolerance between the orifice and the serge is less than 0.01 mm.

The patent CH 698 028 B1 in the name of WATCHES BREGUET SA describes a configuration conducive to a better visualization in a movement where the cage of the tourbillon is surrounded by an annular gap in which no element of the movement is visible. This gap is traversed only by transparent elements, including two sapphire disks, which form bridges supporting the bearings of the cage, and a base plate of the cage, also in sapphire, bearing on its circumference a ring gear for the drive of the cage.

The document CH 700 594 B1 in the name of CARTIER CREATION STUDIO SA describes a watch movement comprising a transparent rotating plate and provided with at least one barrel driving a finishing train transmitting the driving force to an exhaust placed between the finishing train and a regulator. The regulator and the exhaust are mounted on this transparent rotating plate, the axis of the regulator is shifted relative to the axis of rotation of the transparent rotary plate, and this transparent rotary plate carries a peripheral toothing meshing with a return of the wheel of finishing.

Summary of the invention

In order to allow better visibility of the user of a complicated watch on the mechanisms involved in the movement of this watch, the invention proposes a particular construction, comprising certain at least partially transparent components, to allow the visibility of other components. lying below in the movement.

The transparent part of the component is advantageously made so as to participate in the technical functions of this component, such as its maintenance, its rotation or its mechanical strength.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a mobile device according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a watch unit according to claim 14.

The invention also relates to a clockwork vortex comprising such a mobile, above a cage, on the side facing the user.

The invention also relates to a watch movement, comprising at least one such tourbillon.

The invention also relates to a complicated watch comprising at least one such movement.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue de dessus, tel que le voit un utilisateur de la montre, un mouvement de montre compliquée selon l'invention, comportant un tourbillon devant la cage duquel un mobile propre à l'invention porte un composant d'une complication particulière, ici constitué par une came d'équation du temps marchante ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, ce mobile, dont la came est un composant saillant axialement sur un deuxième niveau par rapport à une planche transparente située dans un premier niveau, elle-même entourée d'une denture et portant des marquages superficiels ainsi que des appliques ;
  • la figure 3 est une section du mobile de la figure 2, passant par son axe de pivotement;
  • les figures 4 à 8 sont des schémas en coupe, passant par leur axe de pivotement, d'autres variantes de mobiles selon l'invention :
  • la figure 4 avec une came périphérique dans le premier niveau de la planche transparente, et une roue dentée dans le deuxième niveau, ainsi que des appliques sur un troisième niveau opposé au deuxième niveau par rapport au premier niveau;
  • la figure 5 avec une denture périphérique dans le premier niveau de la planche transparente, et une roue dentée dans le deuxième niveau, et avec des appliques à la fois sur le deuxième niveau et sur un troisième niveau opposé au deuxième niveau par rapport au premier niveau;
  • la figure 6 avec une came périphérique dans le premier niveau de la planche transparente, et une autre came dans le deuxième niveau, et des marquages réalisés par gravure dans l'épaisseur de la planche transparente;
  • la figure 7 avec une denture périphérique dans le premier niveau de la planche transparente, et une première came dans le deuxième niveau, une deuxième came sur un troisième niveau opposé au deuxième niveau par rapport au premier niveau; et avec des appliques à la fois sur le deuxième niveau et sur le troisième niveau;
  • la figure 8 avec une couronne dentée au deuxième niveau, encastrée dans une gorge que comporte la planche transparente, et où le palier est un simple alésage de la planche transparente ;
• la figure 9 est une coupe transversale partielle du mouvement de la figure 1, montrant, au-dessus du tourbillon, le mobile selon l'invention porteur de la came d'équation du temps marchante ;
• la figure 10 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue de dessus, une montre comportant le mouvement de la figure 1.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents, schematically, partially, and in top view, as seen by a user of the watch, a complicated watch movement according to the invention, comprising a vortex in front of the cage of which a mobile adapted to the invention has a component of a particular complication, here constituted by a walking time equation cam;
• the figure 2 represents schematically and in perspective, this mobile, the cam is an axially protruding component on a second level with respect to a transparent board located in a first level, itself surrounded by a toothing and carrying surface markings and only appliques;
  • the figure 3 is a section of the mobile of the figure 2 passing through its pivot axis;
  • the Figures 4 to 8 are diagrams in section, passing through their pivot axis, other mobile variants according to the invention:
  • the figure 4 with a peripheral cam in the first level of the transparent board, and a gear wheel in the second level, as well as sconces on a third level opposite to the second level with respect to the first level;
  • the figure 5 with a peripheral toothing in the first level of the transparent board, and a gear wheel in the second level, and with sconces both on the second level and on a third level opposite to the second level with respect to the first level;
  • the figure 6 with a peripheral cam in the first level of the transparent board, and another cam in the second level, and markings made by etching in the thickness of the transparent board;
  • the figure 7 with a peripheral toothing in the first level of the transparent board, and a first cam in the second level, a second cam on a third level opposite the second level with respect to the first level; and with appliques on both the second level and the third level;
  • the figure 8 with a ring gear at the second level, embedded in a groove that includes the transparent board, and where the bearing is a simple bore of the transparent board;
• the figure 9 is a partial cross-section of the movement of the figure 1 , showing, above the vortex, the mobile according to the invention bearing the equation cam of walking time;
• the figure 10 represents, schematically, and in plan view, a watch comprising the movement of the figure 1 .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The invention relates to a watch mobile 1, especially for complicated timepieces, and designed in particular for a watch vortex 100 having a cage 110, or for a carousel or for any other similar structure. If this mobile 1, as described below, is of course usable for other horological complications, particularly for mysterious clocks or watches or the like, it is more precisely described in this particular context of application to a tourbillon, for which it has been specifically designed, and where it brings the most benefits. The name "tourbillon" in the remainder of this description covers both a whirlpool and a carousel. Those skilled in the art will still be able to use the invention in combination with another mechanism.

This mobile watch 1 comprises at least a first level having a first watch function and a second level parallel to the first level and having a second watch function different from the first watch function. The mobile 1 comprises a bearing 3 defining a main axis D and an axial direction, and first driving or guiding means 4 integral, directly or indirectly, with this bearing 3.

The first level is full so as to protect the second level, this second level comprises second driving or guiding means 5, and the first level is at least partially transparent to allow the display of said second level.

By "full" is meant that the level constitutes a closed veil, from the axis of the mobile to the peripheral contour of the level considered, in a plane perpendicular to the main axis D. For example a wheel having a board without radius or through orifices is such a full mobile, unlike a spoke wheel or a pendulum with a serge carried by arms or the like.

More particularly, this mobile 1 comprises a first level N1 having a transparent board 2. The bearing 3 is more particularly integral with the transparent board 2, directly or indirectly: it can consist of a simple bore of the transparent board 2 as visible on the figure 8 , or be a component reported on the transparent board 2 and fixed together with it, or be itself a component reported on such a reported component. In the application to such a vortex 100, the mobile 1 is intended to be mounted coaxially with the cage 110 along the main axis D.

The first driving or guiding means 4 are either integral with the transparent board 2 which is integral with the bearing 3, or integral with the bearing 3 or a component on which it is attached.

The second level N2, parallel to the first level N1, comprises second driving or guiding means 5, which project in the axial direction relative to the first level N1, and which are integral with the transparent board 2, by assembly, bonding, welding, brazing, embedding, riveting, or the like.

In order to limit its thickness, the mobile 1 is preferably limited to these two levels N1 and N2 which correspond to different drive or / and guide functions. This is particularly the case of the variant of the figure 2 .

However, the mobile 1 may comprise a higher number of levels, the figures illustrate some variants comprising a second level N2 and a third level N3 parallel, on either side of the first level N1 formed by the transparent board 2, but nothing in The theory does not prevent the combination of solidarity with other transparent boards, except the thickness of the whole, and the accessibility to the functional areas, which are logically degraded.

It is understood that it is possible to produce a large variety of mobiles 1 according to the invention, the Figures 2 to 8 illustrate some variants, without limitation.

In particular, on these illustrated variants, the first level N1 comprises the first driving or guiding means 4, which may comprise a first peripheral toothing 40, as on the figures 3 , 5 and 7 , or a cam track as on the Figures 4 and 6 , Or other. In another variant not illustrated, it is the second level N2 which comprises the first driving or guiding means 4. In yet another variant, not illustrated, the mobile 1 comprises a third level N3 parallel to the first level N1, and which comprises the first driving or guiding means 4.

In the variants of figures 3 , 5, and 7 the first driving or guiding means 4 are coaxial with step 3. However, it remains quite possible in these particular configurations where these first driving means or 4 are constituted by a toothing, have a toothing that is circular and eccentric relative to the axis of the bearing 3, or to have a toothing that is not circular, including an elliptical toothing or other.

Depending on the case, the first level N1 alone as on the figure 8 , or the second level N2 alone, comprises the bearing 3, or both the first level N1 and the second level N2 comprise the bearing 3, as on the Figures 2 to 7 .

In an advantageous variant, the bearing 3 is integral with the second drive or guiding means 5.

According to the invention, in a particular configuration, the second driving or guiding means 5 comprise a peripheral cam 6, as on the figures 3 , 6, and 7 .

In another particular configuration, the second driving or guiding means 5 comprise a second peripheral toothing 50, as on the Figures 4, 5, and 8 .

In a particular variant, this second peripheral toothing 50 is eccentric with respect to the main axis D.

Transparent board 2 advantageously carries display elements, made hollow or / and flat or / and raised. In an economical variant, the first level, and more particularly the transparent board 2, and / or the second level, bears embossed or cut-out markings 80, and / or surface markings 81 screen-printed or printed or printed or painted, or similar. The transparent board 2 can also, as visible on the Figures 3 to 7 , to wear appliques 8 reported or said galvanic, that is to say, issues of galvanic growth. These embossed appliques 8 can belong to the second level N2 upper, or, and especially if their size is likely to impede the kinematics of a mechanism cooperating with the second drive means or guide 5, a third level N3 inferior , parallel to the first level N1.

In a particular variant, the mobile 1 is monobloc.

The invention also relates to a watch unit, comprising a first mobile having a first watch function, pivoting coaxially with at least a second mobile that includes this block. The second mobile has a second watch function different from the first watch function. According to the invention, at least the first mobile or the second mobile comprises a first level, respectively a second level, which is full and is at least partially transparent, so as to allow viewing of the other mobile.

More particularly, at least one of the mobiles of this block, which is at least partially transparent, is a mobile 1 as described above.

An example of such a block is for example a superimposed moon phase and day-night indication mechanism, with a variable transparency mask. Such a block is advantageously formed of two full mobiles, whose upper mobile ensures a day-night display, and has a transparent portion to leave visible a moon disk which is coaxial. In another variant, the block comprises a mobile office, on an upper disk, above a moon disk. In yet another variant, the block includes a display of zodiacal signs superimposed representations of the moon within a lunar month, or the like.

The invention also relates to a tourbillon 100 of horology, as visible on the figures 1 and 9 , comprising, above a cage 110 on the side facing the user, and under a vortex bar 130, at least one such mobile 1.

The invention also relates to a horological movement 200, comprising at least one such vortex 100, or / and at least one such mobile 1.

More particularly, as visible on the figure 1 , the movement 200 comprises a drive wheel 20, which is arranged to drive a peripheral toothing 40 that comprises the first driving or guiding means 4. And the second driving or guiding means 5 are a cam d ' equation of the walking time 9 arranged to cooperate with a probe of equation 10 that includes the movement 200.

The invention also relates to a complicated watch 300 comprising at least one such movement 200, or / and at least one such mobile 1.

The invention is thus illustrated, on the figures 1 and 2 , with this particular, non-limiting case, of an equation cam of the walking time 9 which is located between the dial and the vortex 100 of a complicated watch 300.

In this example, the tourbillon cage 110 is located under the equation cam 9 and its probe 10.

• entraînement de la came par une denture extérieure ;
• pivotement de la came par un palier central ;
• affichage des mois, en général par une zone décalquée ;
• rigidité de la came.

In classic construction, the tourbillon is hidden by a wheel that provides different functions:

• driving the cam by an external toothing;
• pivoting of the cam by a central bearing;
• month display, usually by a traced area;
• rigidity of the cam.

The invention proposes to replace the central portion of this wheel with a sapphire disc or other transparent material, forming the transparent board 2, which shows the components below, in particular the vortex cage 110 in this example.

The transparent board 2 serves as a support for the equation cam 9, which is assembled on the disc 2 by gluing, or by galvanic growth, or the like. This assembly makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the cam 9, since the mechanical stresses on the cam 9 are partly absorbed by the disk 2. The cam 9 thus leaves a better visibility to the vortex 100.

The disk 2 supports the pivoting means 3 in the center, and the transfer of the first drive means 4 to the outside makes it possible to avoid the presence of the connecting arms of these elements together.

The disk 2 advantageously supports the indications and graduations 8, 80, 81, which are necessary for the display related to the function in question, while nevertheless ensuring a sufficient transparency to observe the mechanism.

It is thus possible to very strongly refine the equation cam 9. The equation cam 9 very fine, the cam follower 10, and the graduations 8, 80, 81, being the only visible elements, the view on the Whirlpool 100 is insured. In addition, the aesthetic aspect of the invention is an advantage.

In short, the invention allows good visibility of components located under other components. The invention also makes it possible to significantly improve the rigidity of very fine components, especially in skeletal movements.

Claims (17)

1. Timepiece wheel set (1) comprising at least a first level having a first timepiece function and a second level parallel to said first level and having a second timepiece function different from said first timepiece function, said wheel set (1) comprising a bearing (3) defining a main axis (D) and an axial direction, and first drive or guide means (4) directly or indirectly joined to said bearing (3), wherein said first level is solid so as to protect said second level, said second level comprises second drive or guide means (5), and wherein said first level is at least partially transparent to allow said second level to be seen, characterized in that said first level includes a transparent plate (2), said bearing (3) being joined to said transparent plate (2), and said second drive or guide means (5) projecting in said axial direction relative to said first level and being joined to said transparent plate (2), and characterized in that said second drive or guide means (5) include a peripheral cam (6) and are transparent.
2. Wheel set (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said second drive or guide means (5) include a second peripheral toothing (50).
3. Wheel set (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said second peripheral toothing (50) is off-centre with respect to said main axis (D).
4. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first level or said second level includes said first drive or guide means (4).
5. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said wheel set (1) includes a third level parallel to said first level and which includes said first drive or guide means (4).
6. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first drive or guide means (4) are coaxial to said bearing (3).
7. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first level or said second level includes said bearing (3).
8. Wheel set (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said bearing (3) is in one piece with said second drive or guide means (5).
9. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first drive or guide means (4) include a first peripheral toothing (40).
10. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first level bears etched or cut out hollow markings (80), and/or screen printed or transfer printed or printed or painted surface markings (81).
11. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said first level and/or said second level bears electroplated or added appliques (8).
12. Wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said wheel set (1) is in one-piece.
13. Timepiece unit comprising a first wheel set having a first timepiece function, pivoting coaxially with at least a second wheel set comprised in said unit, said second wheel set having a second timepiece function different from said first timepiece function, wherein at least said first wheel set or said second wheel set has a first level, respectively a second level, which is solid and which is at least partially transparent, to allow the other said wheel set to be seen, characterized in that at least whichever said wheel set that is at least partially transparent is a wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12.
14. Timepiece tourbillon (100) including, above a carriage (110) on the side facing the user, at least one said wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12 mounted coaxially with said carriage (110).
15. Timepiece movement (200) including at least one tourbillon (100) according to claim 14 and/or at least one wheel set according to any of claims 1 to 12.
16. Movement (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that said movement (200) includes a drive wheel (20) arranged to drive a peripheral toothing (40) comprised in said first drive or guide means (4), and in that said second drive or guide means (5) is a running equation of time cam (9) arranged to cooperate with an equation feeler arm (10) comprised in said movement (200).
17. Complicated watch (300) including at least one movement (200) according to claim 15 or 16, and/or a wheel set (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12.

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