EP3663868B1 - Clock movement including a tourbillon with a fixed magnetic wheel - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch tourbillon, comprising a cage mounted to pivot around a tourbillon axis relative to a structure and carrying a balance pivoting around a balance axis and arranged to cooperate in reciprocating motion with a retainer pivotally mounted on said cage.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such tourbillon, and a plate defining a watch plane and constituting a said structure or arranged to carry a said structure.

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

The invention relates to the field of watchmaking regulating members, in particular for watches. More particularly, the invention relates to the field of precision mechanical movements with very high chronometric qualities, and in particular movements comprising tourbillons.

Background of the invention

Magnetic escapements significantly improve the efficiency of the escapement mechanisms, improve isochronism, and insensitivity to positions in the gravity field, and contribute to better chronometric precision.

The insertion of a magnetic escapement in a tourbillon or a carousel is advantageous. Indeed, the operating frequency of the tourbillon or the carousel may be greater than that of conventional tourbillons. This higher frequency provides greater chronometric precision. The escapement has a constant force in the tourbillon cage and therefore does not depend on the inertia of the cage. The rate is therefore precise over the entire power reserve. All of these chronometric advantages are combined with the magnetic pivot which suppresses variations due to gravity.

The document CH00734 / 18 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA thus describes a timepiece, which comprises a tourbillon comprising a cage which carries a sprung balance and a magnetic escapement device, the latter comprising an exhaust mobile, formed of at least one annular magnetic structure, and furthermore at least one magnetic element coupled with the magnetic structure and having an oscillating movement synchronous with the oscillation of the mechanical resonator. The magnetic escapement is arranged so as to alternately present phases of energy accumulation, originating from a conversion of mechanical energy supplied by the barrel into magnetic potential energy in the magnetic escapement, and phases of transfer of energy. energy accumulated in the magnetic escapement at the magnetic resonator. During the energy transfer phases, the magnetic element undergoes a radial magnetic force, relative to the axis of rotation of the escapement mobile, so that the magnetic escapement then converts potential energy into mechanical energy. magnetic accumulated in the previous energy accumulation phase to be able to maintain the oscillation of the mechanical resonator.

The document CH 707 990 discloses a tourbillon in which the resonant member is provided with a magnetic return means which replaces the traditional spring.

Summary of the invention

The present invention proposes to change the architecture of this regulating member, and to simplify it, by reducing the number of its components.

To this end, the invention relates to a watch tourbillon, comprising a tourbillon, according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement comprising at least one such tourbillon, and a plate defining a watch plane and constituting a said structure or arranged to carry a said structure.

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

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, et en vue en plan, un détail d'un mécanisme de tourbillon avec un échappement magnétique, tel que décrit dans le document CH00734/18 au nom de MONTRES BREGUET SA; un mobile d'échappement comporte, de chaque côté d'un plan médian, une piste magnétique qui a dans cet exemple la forme d'une étoile à six branches ; des aimants sont montés en lieu et place des palettes d'une ancre traditionnelle, de type ancre Suisse ; cette ancre coopère classiquement avec une cheville d'un balancier ;
• la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, et en coupe passant par l'axe commun au tourbillon et au balancier, le mécanisme de la figure 1, et montre le balancier coaxial à la cage d'un tourbillon, laquelle cage porte les pivots de l'ancre et du mobile d'échappement ; le mobile d'échappement comporte un pignon d'échappement coopérant classiquement avec une grande roue de seconde fixe annulaire ;
• la figure 3 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 1, un détail d'un mécanisme de tourbillon avec une roue magnétique fixe selon une première variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 2, le mécanisme de tourbillon de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 3, un détail d'un mécanisme de tourbillon avec une roue magnétique fixe selon une deuxième variante de l'invention ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon similaire à la figure 5, un détail d'un mécanisme de tourbillon avec une roue magnétique fixe selon une troisième variante de l'invention, dans un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, un détail d'un mécanisme de tourbillon avec une roue magnétique fixe selon une troisième variante de l'invention, dans un deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 8 à 12 représentent, de façon schématisée et en perspective, des détails de différents agencements d'une roue magnétique fixe, de type anneau en ruban, que comporte l'invention, appliquées à la variante de la figure 7 ;
• les figures 13 et 14 représentent, de façon schématisée et en perspective, des détails de différents agencements d'une roue magnétique fixe, de type anneau plat, que comporte l'invention, appliquées à la variante de la figure 6 ;
• la figure 15 représente, de façon schématisée et en perspective, une extrapolation du mécanisme de la figure 7 à un mécanisme purement mécanique ;-
• la figure 16 est un schéma-blocs représentant une montre avec un mouvement incorporant un tourbillon selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where:

• the figure 1 shows, schematically, and in plan view, a detail of a tourbillon mechanism with a magnetic escapement, as described in the document CH00734 / 18 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA; an escapement mobile comprises, on each side of a median plane, a magnetic track which in this example has the shape of a six-pointed star; magnets are mounted instead of the pallets of a traditional anchor, Swiss anchor type; this anchor conventionally cooperates with an ankle of a balance;
• the figure 2 represents, schematically, and in section passing through the axis common to the tourbillon and the balance, the mechanism of the figure 1 , and shows the balance coaxial with the cage of a tourbillon, which cage carries the pivots of the anchor and the escapement mobile; the escapement mobile comprises an escape pinion conventionally cooperating with a large annular fixed second wheel;
• the figure 3 represents, similarly to the figure 1 , a detail of a tourbillon mechanism with a fixed magnetic wheel according to a first variant of the invention;
• the figure 4 represents, similarly to the figure 2 , the tourbillon mechanism of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 5 represents, similarly to the figure 3 , a detail of a tourbillon mechanism with a fixed magnetic wheel according to a second variant of the invention;
• the figure 6 represents, similarly to the figure 5 , a detail of a tourbillon mechanism with a fixed magnetic wheel according to a third variant of the invention, in a first embodiment;
• the figure 7 shows, schematically and in perspective, a detail of a tourbillon mechanism with a fixed magnetic wheel according to a third variant of the invention, in a second embodiment;
• the figures 8 to 12 show, schematically and in perspective, details of different arrangements of a fixed magnetic wheel, of the ribbon ring type, which the invention comprises, applied to the variant of the figure 7 ;
• the figures 13 and 14 represent, schematically and in perspective, details of various arrangements of a fixed magnetic wheel, of the flat ring type, which the invention comprises, applied to the variant of the figure 6 ;
• the figure 15 represents, schematically and in perspective, an extrapolation of the mechanism of figure 7 to a purely mechanical mechanism; -
• the figure 16 is a block diagram showing a watch with a movement incorporating a tourbillon according to the invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The document CH00734 / 18 in the name of MONTRES BREGUET SA describes a tourbillon with a magnetic escapement as presented on the figures 1 and 2 .

An escape wheel set 4 comprises, on each side of a median plane PM, a magnetic track 41, 42, which in this example has the shape of a six-pointed star; magnets 32 are mounted in place of the pallets of a traditional anchor 3, of the Swiss anchor type; this anchor 3, pivoting about an anchor axis DA, conventionally cooperates, at the level of its fork 31, with an ankle 21 of a plate 22 of a balance 2, pivoting about a balance axis DB. Naturally the presence of two magnetic tracks corresponds to a particular and advantageous variant, it will be understood that a single track is sufficient to perform the function.

This DB balance axis is merged here with the tourbillon axis DT of a cage 1 of a tourbillon 100. The balance 2 is pivoted in bearings 13 and 14 that comprises the cage 1. The cage 1 is carried by bearings 11 and 12 by a structure, not shown, typically formed of a plate and a bridge, or the like. This cage 1 conventionally carries the pivots of the anchor 3 and of the escape mobile 4. This escape mobile 4 comprises an escape pinion 43 conventionally cooperating with a large annular fixed second wheel 5.

The magnetic escapement, applied to a tourbillon, is advantageous: during operation, the stopper, in general an anchor, can move under the effect of the magnetic interaction, in particular of the magnetic repulsion, and then the mobile d The exhaust rotates, and the cage rotates, which prevents in particular from having a rapid exhaust.

The invention aims to simplify the architecture of the tourbillon, by eliminating the escapement mobile, and by making the anchor work directly with a fixed magnetic second wheel, as visible on the wheels. figures 3 to 7 .

A fixed magnetic wheel 50 fulfills the function of the traditional fixed seconds wheel, but in direct cooperation with a stopper 3, in particular an anchor 3, without an escapement mobile. This fixed magnetic wheel 50 comprises at least one magnetic track, which is arranged to cooperate with at least one magnet 33 that comprises the anchor 3. More particularly, this magnetic track is in zig-zag around an average diameter, defining magnetic teeth on either side of the middle position of the anchor. In the variant illustrated by figures 3 and 4 , nonlimiting, the fixed magnetic wheel 50 comprises two magnetic levels 51 and 52, superimposed, which work in repulsion with a magnetic level 33 on at least part of the anchor 3, which is then a magnetic anchor. More particularly, when it is desired that the cage 1 of the tourbillon 100 always perform one revolution in one minute, the fixed magnetic wheel 50 must have the appropriate number of magnetic teeth according to the frequency of the balance, in the same way as for a tourbillon conventional mechanics the fixed seconds wheel has an appropriate number of teeth, depending on the frequency of the balance, to obtain a given period of rotation of the cage.

In short, the conventional escapement wheel set disappears, and the fixed magnetic wheel 50 makes it possible to fulfill both the usual functions of the escape wheel set and the fixed seconds wheel of a tourbillon.

Of course other equivalent technological combinations can be used, for example with a fixed magnetic wheel 50 with a single magnetic level, and a magnetic anchor with two magnetic levels. The multiplication of the number of stages is also possible, but goes somewhat against the aim of the invention, which is to simplify the tourbillon mechanism, and inevitably results in an increase in the thickness of the mechanism. On the other hand, such a multi-level variant would be necessary in the event of substitution of the electrostatic repulsion / attraction for the repulsion / magnetic attraction preferably illustrated here, precisely with a view to having less thickness and a small number of components.

The variant of figures 3 and 4 comprises a balance 2 whose balance axis DB is coaxial with the tourbillon axis DT. The anchor 3 is bent here, and articulated, substantially at the level of its elbow, directly on the cage 1.

The figure 5 illustrates another variant, in which the balance axis DB of the balance 2 is no longer coaxial with the axis of rotation DT of the cage 1 of the tourbillon 100. The construction of the anchor 3 is greatly simplified, since a straight anchor is enough to perform the function.

It is important to note that the invention can use either a traditional pivoting of the balance, or a magnetic pivoting of the balance. The same applies to the pivoting of the cage 1 of the tourbillon 100.

The figures 6 and 7 illustrate other variants, which are preferably hands, without limitation, implemented with magnetic pivoting. The axis of rotation DT of the tourbillon cage 1 can then be in the plane of the watch, or else in an oblique direction with respect to the plane of the watch.

The variants of figures 6 and 7 thus comprise a tourbillon 100 with an axis of rotation DT of the cage 1 in the plane PP of the watch, and an anchor 3 which interacts directly with a fixed magnetic seconds wheel 50. This construction is larger than that of the figures 3 to 5 , in the direction of the thickness of the watch, it is however possible to produce it in a smaller footprint than that suggested by the figures. The main constraint lies in the design of the fixed magnetic wheel 50, which must allow passage of the cage 1 in all positions. It should be noted that the design of the magnetic tracks is more complex, and probably leads to be limited to an operation not including the principle of constant force. The figure 6 shows a fixed magnetic second wheel 50 with a magnetic track 55 which extends in a plane, with radial variations of the magnetization: the magnet 33 of the anchor is then, or else facing a tooth apex , with an interaction, either in the face of a void, without interaction. The figure 7 shows a fixed magnetic second wheel 50 with a magnetic track 55 which extends over a surface in the form of an annular strip, with a variation of tangential magnetization around this strip.

This architecture is particularly interesting, and provides the possibility of better isochronism in all positions, even without benefiting from the advantages of the magnetic escapement. La la figure 16 thus represents an extrapolation of the mechanism of figure 7 to a purely mechanical mechanism, where the anchor 3 pivots in the same way on a tourbillon 100 which is in the same arrangement, with an axis of rotation DT of the cage 1 in the plane PP of the watch. The pallets 32 of the anchor fork 31 alternately cooperate with teeth 551, comprising upper 552 and lower 553 supports, which a transverse second wheel 550 comprises centered on this tourbillon axis DT, and which fulfills the same function as the track 55 in the magnetic variant.

Thus, more particularly, the invention relates to a watch tourbillon 100, comprising a cage 1 mounted to pivot about a tourbillon axis DT relative to a structure 300. This cage 1 carries a balance 2, or d 'a similar inertial mass, pivoting around a balance axis DB, and arranged to cooperate in reciprocating motion with a stopper 3, in particular an anchor, pivotally mounted on the cage 1.

According to the invention, the tourbillon 100 comprises a fixed magnetic wheel 50, which is fixed to the structure 300, and which comprises at least one continuous magnetic track and / or comprising a succession of magnets. This magnetic track is arranged to cooperate in repulsion and / or attraction with at least one magnet 33 which the stopper 3 comprises in an alternating movement of the stopper 3 with respect to the fixed magnetic wheel 50.

More particularly, the DB balance axis is distinct from the DT tourbillon axis.

In one variant, in particular as seen on the figures 6 and 7 , the DB balance axis is perpendicular to the DT tourbillon axis.

In one variant, in particular as seen on the figures 6 and 7 , the tourbillon axis DT is parallel to a plate that comprises the structure 300.

More particularly, the balance 2 is mounted to pivot relative to the cage 1 with magnetic bearings.

More particularly, the cage 1 is mounted to pivot relative to the structure 300 with magnetic bearings.

In a particular embodiment, the fixed magnetic wheel 50 comprises a plurality of magnetic levels 51, 52, superimposed.

Advantageously, the stopper 3 is mounted to pivot about a stopper axis DA which is carried by at least one peripheral zone of the cage 1 that is furthest from the tourbillon axis DT.

More particularly, the balance wheel axis DB is carried by at least one peripheral zone of the cage 1 that is furthest from the tourbillon axis DT.

As seen in the variant of the figure 4 , the stopper 3 is bent at the level of a stopper axis DA, around which this stopper 3 is arranged to pivot, and which is carried by the cage 1, on either side of which are located at least one magnet 33 and a fork 31 arranged to cooperate with an ankle 21 included in the balance 2.

As seen in the variant of the figure 4 , at least one magnet 33 is located on the stopper 3 between a stopper pin DA which is carried by the cage 1 and around which the stopper 3 is arranged to pivot, and a fork 31 arranged to cooperate with an ankle 21 included in the balance 2.

In an alternative embodiment, at least one magnetic track is flat.

In another variant embodiment, at least one magnetic track is cylindrical.

The invention also relates to a timepiece movement 200 comprising at least one such tourbillon 100, and a plate defining a watch plane PP and constituting a structure 300 or arranged to carry such a structure 300.

In a particular embodiment, the movement 200 comprises at least two tourbillons 100, the tourbillon axes DT of which are neither parallel nor coincident.

In a particular embodiment, at least one tourbillon 100 has its tourbillon axis TT parallel to the watch plane PP.

In a particular embodiment, at least one tourbillon 100 has its tourbillon axis TT oblique with respect to the watch plane PP.

In a particular embodiment, at least one tourbillon 100 has its fixed magnetic wheel 50 extending substantially in a vertical plane PV perpendicular to the watch plane PP.

The invention also relates to a watch 500 comprising at least one such tourbillon 100, and / or at least one such movement 200.

The invention makes it possible to simplify the construction of the tourbillon, and to retain all the advantages of a tourbillon with a magnetic escapement.

Claims (19)

1. Timepiece tourbillon (100) comprising a carriage (1) pivotally mounted about a tourbillon axis (DT) with respect to a structure (300) and carrying a balance (2) pivoting about a balance axis (DB) and arranged to cooperate in a reciprocating motion with a stop device (3) pivotally mounted on said carriage (1), characterized in that said tourbillon (100) includes a fixed magnetic wheel (50), fixed to said structure (300) and comprising at least one continuous magnetic track and/or comprising a series of magnets, said magnetic track being arranged to cooperate by magnetic repulsion and/or attraction with at least one magnet (33) comprised in said stop device (3) in a reciprocating motion of said stop device (3) with respect to said fixed magnetic wheel (50).
2. Tourbillon (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said balance axis (DB) is distinct from said tourbillon axis (DT).
3. Tourbillon (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said balance axis (DB) is perpendicular to said tourbillon axis (DT).
4. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said tourbillon axis (DT) is parallel to a main plate comprised in said structure (300).
5. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said balance (2) is pivotally mounted with respect to said carriage (1) with magnetic bearings.
6. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said carriage (1) is pivotally mounted with respect to said structure (300) with magnetic bearings.
7. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said fixed magnetic wheel (50) includes a plurality of superposed magnetic levels (51, 52).
8. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said stop device (3) is pivotally mounted about a stop device axis (DA) which is carried by at least one peripheral area of said carriage (1) farthest from said tourbillon axis (DT).
9. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said balance axis (DB) is carried by at least one peripheral area of said carriage (1) farthest from said tourbillon axis (DT).
10. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said stop device (3) is bent at a stop device axis (DA), about which said stop device (3) is arranged to pivot, and which is carried by said carriage (1), on either side of which are situated said magnet (33) and a fork (31) arranged to cooperate with an impulse pin (21) carried by said balance (2).
11. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said magnet (33) lies on said stop device (3) between a stop device axis (DA) which is carried by said carriage (1) and about which said stop device (3) is arranged to pivot, and a fork (31) arranged to cooperate with an impulse pin (21) comprised in said balance (2).
12. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one said magnetic track is planar.
13. Tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one said magnetic track is cylindrical.
14. Timepiece movement (200) comprising at least one tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and a main plate defining a watch plane (PP) and forming a said structure (300) or arranged to carry a said structure (300).
15. Timepiece movement (200) according to claim 14, characterized in that said movement (200) includes at least two said tourbillons (100) whose tourbillon axes (DT) are neither parallel nor coincident.
16. Timepiece movement (200) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the tourbillon axis (TT) of at least one said tourbillon (100) is parallel to said watch plane (PP).
17. Timepiece movement (200) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the tourbillon axis (TT) of at least one said tourbillon (100) is oblique with respect to said watch plane (PP).
18. Timepiece movement (200) according to one of claim 14 to 17, characterized in that said fixed magnetic wheel (50) of at least one said tourbillon (100) extends substantially in a vertical plane (PV) perpendicular to said watch plane (PP).
19. Watch (500) including at least one tourbillon (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, and/or at least one movement (200) according to one of claims 14 to 18.

Images