Tourbillion with a zero reset mechanism

Abstract

A movement includes a tourbillion block, a tourbillion unit, and a zero reset mechanism. The tourbillion unit includes a carriage, a balance wheel, and an escape wheel. The balance wheel and the escape wheel are rotationally arranged on the carriage. The carriage is rotationally supported on the tourbillion block. The zero reset mechanism includes a first wheel in engagement with the escape wheel. The movement is switchable between a driving mode and a reset mode. When in the driving mode, the zero reset mechanism is rotationally locked to the tourbillion block. When in the reset mode, the zero reset mechanism is rotatable relative to the tourbillion block.

Claims

1. A movement comprising: a tourbillion block; a tourbillion unit; and a zero reset mechanism, the tourbillion unit comprising a carriage, a balance wheel, and an escape wheel, wherein the balance wheel and the escape wheel are rotationally arranged on the carriage and wherein the carriage is rotationally supported on the tourbillion block, wherein the zero reset mechanism comprises a first wheel in engagement with the escape wheel and a second wheel coaxial to the first wheel and rotationally locked to the first wheel, the second wheel including an outer toothing that is configured to engage with a toothing of a pivotable locking lever, wherein the movement is switchable between a driving mode and a reset mode, wherein, when in the driving mode, the zero reset mechanism is rotationally locked to the tourbillion block and wherein, when in the reset mode, the zero reset mechanism is freely rotatable relative to the tourbillion block.

2. The movement according to claim 1, further comprising a brake element arranged on the carriage and being one of axially displaceable and axially deformable from a release position or release state into a braking position or braking state, wherein, when in the braking state, the brake element axially engages with an outer rim of the balance wheel.

3. The movement according to claim 1, wherein the carriage comprises a stop configured to engage with a pivotable stop lever.

4. The movement according to claim 1, wherein, when in the reset mode, the zero reset mechanism or at least one of the first wheel and the second wheel is rotationally locked to the carriage.

5. The movement according to claim 1, wherein a seconds shaft permanently engaged with a mechanical energy storage is rotationally locked to the carriage.

6. The movement according to claim 1, wherein the carriage comprises a stop configured to engage with a pivotable stop lever and wherein, when the pivotable locking lever is in a release position and when the pivotable stop lever is in a stop position, the zero reset mechanism and the carriage are collectively rotatable relative to the tourbillion block until the stop engages with the stop lever.

7. The movement according to claim 1, wherein the carriage comprises a stop configured to engage with a pivotable stop lever and wherein, when the pivotable locking lever is in a release position and when the pivotable stop lever is in a stop position, the zero reset mechanism is freely rotatable relative to the tourbillion block.

8. The movement according to claim 1, wherein the zero reset mechanism comprises an adjusting ring coaxial with the first wheel and rotatable relative to the second wheel between a reset position and a release position against the action of at least one reset spring.

9. The movement according to claim 8, wherein the at least one reset spring is in engagement with at least one stop latch pivotally arranged on the zero reset mechanism, and wherein the at least one stop latch is pivotable with a regard to a pivot axis extending parallel to a rotation axis of the zero reset mechanism.

10. The movement according to claim 9, further comprising a brake element arranged on the carriage and being one of axially displaceable and axially deformable from a release position or release state into a braking position or braking state, wherein, when in the braking state, the brake element axially engages with an outer rim of the balance wheel, and wherein the at least one stop latch comprises a beveled section configured to engage with a correspondingly shaped beveled section of a brake ring being axially displaceable relative to the zero reset mechanism and being operably engaged with the brake element.

11. The movement according to claim 9, wherein the adjusting ring comprises at least one axially extending cam with a beveled side section in radial or tangential abutment with the at least one stop latch and configured to induce a pivoting of the at least one stop latch when the adjusting ring is subject to a rotation relative to the second wheel.

12. The movement according to claim 11, wherein the at least one stop latch comprises a rotatable wheel in abutment with the beveled side section of the cam.

13. The movement according to claim 11, wherein the cam protrudes axially through a through opening of the second wheel and wherein the at least one stop latch is arranged on a side of the second wheel that faces away from the adjusting ring.

14. A clock comprising the movement according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following an example of the movement is described in greater detail by making reference to the drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of numerous components of the tourbillion unit and the zero reset mechanism (3),

(3) FIG. 2 is a cross-section through the arrangement of FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 3 shows the mechanical interaction of the cams of the adjusting ring with the stop latches,

(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded view of the zero reset mechanism,

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-section through the zero reset mechanism,

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the engagement of switching latches with the adjusting ring when the movement is in a driving mode,

(8) FIG. 7 shows the brake element when in a release state,

(9) FIG. 8 shows the adjusting ring in engagement with the switching latches when the movement is switched into the reset mode,

(10) FIG. 9 shows the brake element in the braking state,

(11) FIG. 10 shows the mutual engagement of the stop of the carriage with the pivotable stop lever when the stop lever is in the stop position,

(12) FIG. 11 shows the mutual engagement of the locking lever in engagement with the second wheel,

(13) FIG. 12 shows the configuration of FIG. 11 when the locking lever is in the released position,

(14) FIG. 13 shows a release of the adjusting ring and

(15) FIG. 14 shows a configuration of FIG. 10 shortly before the stop of the carriage engages with a counterstop of the stop lever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) In FIGS. 1 and 2 a movement 10 is illustrated. The movement 10 comprises a tourbillion block 7.1, a tourbillion unit 1 and a zero reset mechanism 3. The tourbillion unit 1 comprises a balance wheel 1.1 rotationally mounted on a carriage 1.5. The balance wheel 1.1 is in engagement with an escape wheel 1.3. The escape wheel 1.3 is further in engagement with a first wheel 3.1 of the zero reset mechanism 3. The carriage 1.5 is further provided with a seconds hand 1.4 configured to illustrate the seconds on a dial 11 as indicated in FIGS. 10 and 14. On the carriage 1.5 there is further provided a radially outwardly protruding stop 1.5.a. The stop provides a tangential or circumferential abutment with a correspondingly-shaped counterstop 4.1.a of a pivotable stop lever 4.

(17) There is further provided a clutch 2 having a flange 2.1. The flange 2.1 is fastened to a seconds shaft 7.2. The flange 2.1 is rotationally coupled or rotationally fixed to the carriage 1.5. Coaxial with the flange 2.1 there is provided a brake ring 2.2. The brake ring 2.2 is axially displaceable against the action of a disc spring 2.4. The disc spring 2.4 is located axially between the flange 2.1 and the brake ring 2.2. The disc spring 2.4 is configured to axially displace the brake ring 2.2 away from the flange 2.1. There is further provided a transfer element 2.3. The transfer element 2.3 is axially guided in or by the flange 2.1. The transfer element 2.3 is axially displaceable relative to the flange 2.1 by means of the brake ring 2.2. The transfer element 2.3 is in axial abutment with the brake ring 2.2.

(18) When the brake ring 2.2 is displaced axially towards the flange 2.1 the respective movement of the brake ring 2.2 is transferred to the transfer element 2.3. Accordingly, an end section of the transfer element 2.3 facing away from the brake ring 2.2 is configured to protrude axially from a surface of the brake ring 2.2. In this way, the transfer element 2.3 is configured to urge against a brake element 1.2 thus leading to an axial displacement or axial deformation of the brake element 1.2 as it is apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 7 and 9. In this way, the brake element 1.2 which is arranged on the carriage 1.5 is axially displaceable or deformable from a released position as illustrated in FIG. 4 or a released state into a braking position or braking state as illustrated in FIG. 9 in which the brake element 1.2 axially engages with an outer rim of the balance wheel 1.1. In this way, the brake element 1.2 is configured to apply a braking torque to the balance wheel 1.1 and to stop or to hinder the balance wheel 1.1 from rotating or oscillating.

(19) For inducing an axial displacement the brake ring 2.2 comprises a beveled section 2.2.a along an outer circumference and facing towards a second wheel 3.2 of the zero reset mechanism 3. The zero reset mechanism 3 comprises a first wheel 3.1 with an outer toothing 3.1.a. The outer toothing 3.1.a is in engagement with the escape wheel 1.3. On a side of the second wheel 3.2 there are provided numerous stop latches 3.5 that are pivotably displaceable on the second wheel 3.2. In the example as illustrated there are provided three equidistantly arranged stop latches 3.5 that are each pivotable with regard to an axis of rotation extending parallel to a center axis of the zero reset mechanism 3 and hence to a center axis or rotation axis of the first wheel 3.1 and/or of the second wheel 3.2.

(20) Each one of the stop latches 3.5 comprises a first end and a second end located opposite to the first end. The stop latches 3.5 are pivotably arranged on the second wheel 3.2 at a position located between the first end and the second end. The first end is provided with a beveled section 3.5.a. The second end is provided with a wheel 3.7. A radially inwardly directed pivoting motion of the first end is hence accompanied by a radially outwardly directed pivoting motion of the second end; and vice versa.

(21) The beveled sections 3.5.a are configured to engage with the beveled section 2.2.a of the brake ring 2.2. Hence, a coordinated or simultaneous radially inwardly directed motion of the beveled section 3.5.a leads to a respective engagement with the beveled section 2.2.a of the brake ring 2.2. As a consequence the stop latches 3.5 slip under a lower face of the brake ring 2.2 thus leading to an axial displacement of the brake ring 2.2 away from the second wheel 3.2. In this way, the transfer element 2.3 is displaced in axial direction thus applying a braking effect onto the balance wheel 1.1 as described above.

(22) Each one of the stop latches 3.5 is biased by a stop spring 3.6. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 the brake springs 3.6 are configured to pivot the first end of the stop latches 3.5 radially inwardly. In this way, a kind of self-driven or automated braking effect is implemented. Under the effect of the stop springs 3.6 the beveled sections 3.5.a of the stop latches 3.5 are displaced radially inwardly so as to lift the brake ring 2.2.

(23) The zero reset mechanism 3 further comprises an adjusting ring 3.3 coaxial to the second wheel 3.2 and located on a side of the second wheel 3.2 opposite to the first wheel 3.1. The adjusting ring 3.3 is rotatable or pivotable with regard to its center axis relative to the second wheel 3.2. The adjusting ring 3.3 is sandwiched between the second wheel 3.2 and a bearing ring 3.4. The bearing ring 3.4 and the second wheel 3.2 are mutually fixed. The adjusting ring 3.3 is rotatable or pivotable relative to both, the second wheel 3.2 and the bearing ring 3.4.

(24) On the side of the adjusting ring 3.3 facing towards the second wheel 3.2 there are provided numerous axially extending cams 3.3.a. Each one of the cams 3.3.a comprises a beveled side section 3.3.c. The beveled side section 3.3.c is in abutment with the second end 3.5.b of a stop latch 3.5. In particular, the beveled side section 3.3.c is in radial or tangential abutment with the wheel 3.7 rotationally mounted on the second end 3.5.b of the stop latch.

(25) As illustrated further in FIGS. 3 and 4 the cams 3.3.a extend through a through opening 3.2.a of the second wheel. The axial extension of the cams 3.3.a is larger than the thickness of the second wheel 3.2. In this way, at least a portion of the cams 3.3.a protrudes from that side of the second wheel 3.2 facing away from the adjusting ring 3.3. In this way, the beveled side section 3.3.c of the cams 3.3.a is in abutment with the wheel 3.7 of the stop latch 3.5.

(26) The adjusting ring 3.3 is provided with locking teeth 3.3.b on an outer circumference thereof. By means of the locking teeth 3.3.b a rotation of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2 can be blocked or initiated in order to release and to enable a rotating motion of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2.

(27) As illustrated further in FIG. 4 there are provided numerous wheels 3.8 on an inside portion of an outer rim of the adjusting ring 3.3. In this way a well-defined rotational motion of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2 is supported.

(28) As illustrated further in FIG. 2 there is provided a ball bearing 3.9 between the tourbillion block 7.1 and the zero reset mechanism 3. In particular, the ball bearing or ball bearings 3.9 are arranged between a circumferentially extending groove on the outside of the tourbillion block 7.1 and an inside of the zero reset mechanism 3. An inside facing groove of the zero reset mechanism 3 configured to receive the ball bearings 3.9 is formed by the arrangement of the first wheel 3.1 and the second wheel 3.2.

(29) In this way, the entire zero reset mechanism 3 is free to rotate relative to the tourbillion block 7.1 or relative to a base of the movement 10 (not illustrated).

(30) The movement 10 further comprises a locking lever 5 provided with a spring 5.1. The locking lever 5 comprises a free end 5.2 provided with a toothing 5.2.a configured to engage with an outer toothing 3.2.b of the second wheel 3.2. If the toothing 5.2.a is engaged with the toothing 3.2.b a rotation of the second wheel 3.2 and hence a rotation of the entire zero reset mechanism 3 is prevented and blocked.

(31) Pivoting of the locking lever 5 against the action of the spring 5.1 releases the zero reset mechanism 2 as illustrated in FIG. 12 thus enabling a rotation of the entire zero reset mechanism 3 relative to the tourbillion block 7.1 and/or relative to the base of the movement 10.

(32) The movement 10 further comprises a stop lever 4 having a counterstop 4.1.a at a free end as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 14. The counterstop 4.1.a is configured to abut and to engage with the stop 1.5.a of the carriage 1.5. In this way, a rotation of the carriage 1.5 during a zero reset operation can be blocked and impeded as the seconds hand 1.4 reaches a predefined rotational position relative to the tourbillion block 7.1, e.g. a zero second position.

(33) The movement 10 further comprises two switching latches 6 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6, 8 and 13. The switching latches 6 are each provided with a spring 6.3. The switching latches 6 are pivot mounted on an axis 6.4. Each one of the switching latches 6 comprises a first end by way of which the two switching latches 6 are mutually engaged. Hence, a pivoting motion of one of the switching latches 6 that may be induced by applying a force to a receiving section 6.6 is transferrable via the first end 6.5 to the other switching latch 6. As a force is applied to the receiving section 6.6 the respective switching latch 6 is pivoted in a clockwise direction. Through the mechanical coupling to the other switching latch 6 the other switching latch 6 is pivoted counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 8.

(34) The switching latches 6 each comprise a lever 6.7 provided with a further spring element 6.2.a. At an end section of the lever 6.7 there is provided a pivoting element having a pointed tip 6.1.a in engagement with the locking teeth 3.3.b of the adjusting ring 3.3. As illustrated in FIG. 6 the pivoting elements 6.1 are in engagement with the locking teeth 3.3.b thus preventing a rotation of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2. As a force is applied to the receiving section 6.6 the two switching latches 6 are pivoted and the lever sections 6.7 are moved away from the locking teeth 3.3.b as illustrated in FIG. 8. As a consequence, the pivoting elements release the locking teeth 3.3.b and the adjusting ring 3.3 is released to move or to rotate relative to the second wheel 3.2 under the action of the stop springs 3.6.

(35) The pivoting elements 6.1 are in engagement with the spring elements 6.2.a. As the force applied to the receiving section 6.6 is removed, the springs 6.3 tend to displace the lever sections 6.7 radially inwardly thus bringing the pivoting elements 6.1 in engagement with the locking teeth 3.3.b thereby inducing a torque onto the adjusting ring 3.3 via the pivoting element 6.1 thus leading to a rotation of the adjusting ring 3.3 against the action of the spring elements 3.6.

(36) The operation of the movement 10 for implementing a zero reset function is as follows. In an initial state, also denoted as a driving mode D, the zero reset mechanism 3 is rotationally locked to the tourbillion block 7.1 via the locking lever 5 as illustrated in FIG. 11. The seconds shaft 7.2 is connected to a source of mechanical energy (not illustrated) and provides mechanical energy to the oscillating balance wheel 1.1. The escape wheel 1.3 is in engagement with the outer toothing 3.1.a of the first wheel 3.1 of the zero reset mechanism 3. Since the escape wheel 1.3 is rotationally mounted on the carriage 1.5 the entire carriage rotates around the rotationally fixed first wheel 3.1.

(37) In the driving mode D the stop lever 4 is in a release position. The counterstop 4.1.a is located radially outside the stop 1.5.a of the carriage 1.5. Hence, the stop 1.5.a is configured to pass by the counterstop 4.1.a as the carriage 1.5 is subject to a rotation.

(38) Moreover, the two switching latches 6 and their pivoting elements 6.1 are in engagement with the adjusting ring 3.3. In this way and while in driving mode D the adjusting ring 3.3 is rotationally fixed relative to the second wheel 3.2. As a user applies a force onto the receiving sections 6.6 of the switching latches 6 the switching latches, in particular the pivoting elements 6.1 are pivoted radially outwardly thus to release the adjusting ring 3.3. Accordingly, the adjusting ring 3.3 is rotated under the effect of the stop springs 3.6 relative to the second wheel 3.2. As described above, the rotation of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2 allows for a spring-driven pivoting of the stop latches 3.5 because the cams 3.3.a that are moved in circumferential direction in the through opening 3.2.a enable a respective pivoting of the stop latches 3.5.

(39) Under the action of the reset springs 3.6 each one of the stop latches 3.5 is subject to a radially inwardly directed pivoting motion of its beveled section 3.5.a. Accordingly, the brake ring 2.2 is lifted or displaced axially and brings the brake element 1.2 in frictional engagement with an outer rim of the balance wheel 1.1 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The movement and hence the oscillating movement of the balance wheel 1.1 is stopped. The movement is then in a reset mode R.

(40) The seconds hand 1.4 will rest at an arbitrary position relative to the dial of the movement 10. Now and as the balance wheel 1.1 is stopped a user may induce another sequential or combined movement of the stop lever 4 and of the locking lever 5 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The stop lever 4 is pivoted into a stop configuration as shown in FIG. 10 so that the counterstop 4.1.a and the stop 1.5.a overlap in radial direction. Thereafter the locking lever 5 is pivoted into a release configuration against the action of the spring 5.1 as illustrated in FIG. 12. In this way, the engagement of the toothing 5.2.a with the toothing 3.2.b is released and abrogated. The entire zero reset mechanism 3 is released and is free to rotate relative to the tourbillion block 7.1.

(41) As the brake ring 2.2 is displaced axially so as to activate the braking of the balance wheel 1.1 the zero reset mechanism 3 becomes rotationally engaged or rotationally locked to the tourbillion unit 1 and hence to the carriage 1.5. In particular, the clutch 2 provides a torque proof engagement between the zero reset mechanism 3 and the tourbillion unit 1 as long as the brake ring 2.2 is in engagement with the stop latches 3.5. In this reset mode R the tourbillion unit 1, in particular the carriage 1.5, which is still in engagement with the seconds shaft 7.2 is rotated under the action of the source of mechanical energy. Due to the rotational coupling between the carriage 1.5 and the zero reset mechanism 3 the entire zero reset mechanism 3 and the carriage 1.5 are subject to a rotation as illustrated in FIG. 14 until the stop 1.5.a engages the counterstop 4.1.a. The seconds hand 1.4 will then arrive at a zero configuration.

(42) During this combined rotation of the tourbillion unit 1 and the zero reset mechanism a perfect synchronization of the movement with a reference can be provided. While the movement 10 is in the above described reset mode the tourbillion unit 1 as well as the zero reset mechanism 3 are void of any engagement with any latches or other mechanical parts of the movement 10. The total energy required for inducing the combined rotation of the tourbillion unit 1 and the zero reset mechanism 3 can be thus reduced to a minimum. This provides an increase of the power reserve and may further increase the long term stability and precision of the movement 10.

(43) For returning from the reset mode R into the driving mode D the above illustrated steps are executed in a reverse order. Hence, the free end 5.2 of the locking lever 5 engages with the second wheel 3.2 thus to prevent any further rotational movement of the second wheel 3.2 relative to the tourbillion block 7.1. Thereafter, the stop lever 4 is pivoted into the release configuration thus giving way for the stop 1.5.a of the carriage 1.5. Thereafter, the switching latches 6 are pivoted under the action of the spring elements 6.3 such that the pivoting elements 6.1 induce a rotation onto the adjusting ring 3.3 against the action of the reset springs 3.6.

(44) The rotation of the adjusting ring 3.3 relative to the second wheel 3.2 leads to a pivoting of the stop latches 3.5 because the beveled side sections 3.3.2 of the cams 3.3.a induce a respective pivoting motion onto the stop latches 3.5. Accordingly, the beveled sections 3.5.a are pivoted radially outwardly thus enabling and releasing an axially directed displacement of the brake ring 2.2 under the action of the disc spring 2.4. Accordingly, the brake ring 2.2 returns into its release position as illustrated in FIG. 7 and releases the balance wheel 1.1. The movement then starts again to oscillate.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(45) 1 tourbillion unit 1.1 balance wheel 1.2 brake element 1.3 escape wheel 1.4 seconds hand 1.5 carriage 1.5.a stop 2 clutch 2.1 flange 2.2 brake ring 2.2.a beveled section 2.3 transfer element 2.4 disc spring 3 zero reset mechanism 3.1 first wheel 3.1.a outer toothing 3.2 second wheel 3.2.a through opening 3.2.b toothing 3.3 adjusting ring 3.3.a cam 3.3.b locking teeth 3.3.c beveled side section 3.4 bearing ring 3.5 stop latch 3.5.a beveled section 3.5.b second end 3.6 stop spring 3.7 wheel 3.8 wheel 3.9 ball bearing 4. stop lever 4.1.a counterstop 5 locking lever 5.1 spring 5.2 free end 5.2.a toothing 6 switching latch 6.1 pivoting element 6.1.a pointed tip 6.2.a spring element 6.3 spring 6.4 axis 6.5 first end 6.6 receiving section 6.7 lever section 7.1 tourbillion block 7.2 seconds shaft 10 movement 11 dial