MICROMECHANICAL MECHANISM PROVIDED WITH A PERCUSSION ACTUATION SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR FOR HOROLOGY

Abstract

A micromechanical mechanism (1), in particular for an horological movement (3), the mechanism including a micromechanical device including a mobile element (8) needing to be moved mechanically to trigger its operation. Included is a system for actuating the device, the actuation system including a mobile striker (16, 17, 18) configured to go from a release position (19) to a percussion position (21) in which it transmits to the mobile element (8) a momentum necessary for the release of the device, the actuation system further including a magnet (15) configured to attract the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) in a percussion position (21). Also a horological movement (3) including such a mechanism (1).

Claims

1. A micromechanical mechanism (1), in particular for an horological movement (3), the mechanism comprising: a micromechanical device having a specific function, the device including a mobile element (8) needing to be moved mechanically to trigger operation thereof; and a system for actuating the device, the actuation system including a mobile striker (16, 17, 18) configured to go from a release position (19) to a percussion position (21) in which the striker transmits to the mobile element (8) a momentum necessary for the release of the micromechanical device, the actuation system further including a magnet (15) configured to attract the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) in a percussion position (21).

2. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the mobile element (8) is in contact with the magnet (15) in its rest position (9).

3. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) is configured to strike the magnet (15) in such a way as to give an impulse to the mobile element (8) via the magnet (15).

4. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the release position (19) of the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) and the magnet (15) is chosen so that the magnet (15) attracts the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) there against the percussion position (21).

5. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the momentum transmitted by the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) overcomes the magnetic retaining force of the magnet (15) acting on the mobile element (8), so that the mobile element (8) detaches from the magnet (15).

6. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible guide (12) on which the mobile element (8) is mounted to allow mobile element to move between its rest position (9) and its shock position (11).

7. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the actuation system comprises a flexible guide on which the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) is mounted to allow the mobile striker to move between the release position (19) and the percussion position (21).

8. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the flexible guide (12) includes a flexible blade (13, 26, 27, 28) or a flexible neck.

9. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the actuation system comprises a rotary device (20) provided with the mobile striker (16, 17, 18), the rotary device being configured to bring the mobile striker (16, 17, 18) into the release position (19).

10. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the actuation system comprises at least one additional striker (16, 17, 18), preferably two additional strikers, arranged on the rotary device (20), in such a way as to alternatingly bring each mobile striker (16, 17, 18) into the release position (19).

11. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the rotary device (20) comprises a hub (22).

12. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the rotary device (20) comprises at least one arm (22, 23, 24), each arm (22, 23, 24) carrying a mobile striker (16, 17, 18).

13. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the rotary device (20) comprises several arms (22, 23, 24) distributed angularly around the hub (22).

14. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the micromechanical mechanism is a striking-work, the device (1) including at least one resonating element (5) allowing to emit a sound when struck, and a hammer as an element (8) mobile between the rest position (9) and the shock position (11) in which the hammer strikes the resonating element (5) to make the resonating element vibrate.

15. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the micromechanical mechanism (10) is a setting member provided with a balance, an escapement mechanism provided with an escapement wheel (34) and a detent lever (40) cooperating with the escapement wheel (34), the balance being actuated by the mobile element (8).

16. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the mobile element (8) strikes the balance in a shock position (11).

17. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the mobile element (8) strikes the balance in a shock position (11), preferably with a single impact.

18. The micromechanical mechanism according to claim 15, wherein the balance comprises an unlocking gathering-pallet (37) arranged to move the detent lever (40) in order to free the escapement wheel (34).

19. A horological movement (3), comprising a micromechanical mechanism (1) according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other specificities and advantages will be clear from the description made thereof below, for informational and in no way limiting purposes, in reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a timepiece including a percussion striking-work micromechanical mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagram of the striking-work micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 1;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the striking-work micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 1, in which the striker is in a release position;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the striking-work micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 1, in which the striker is in a percussion position with the magnet and the mobile element, here a hammer, in a position of shock with the gong;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the striking-mechanism of FIG. 1, in which the striker is no longer in a percussion position nor in a release position and the mobile element has come back to a rest position;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a percussion escapement micromechanical mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the escapement micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 6, in which the detent lever is moved by the balance;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram of the escapement micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 6, in which the striker is in a release position;

[0051] FIG. 9 is a diagram of the escapement micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 6, in which the striker is in a position of percussion with the magnet;

[0052] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the escapement micromechanical mechanism of FIG. 6, in which the mobile element is in a position of shock with the balance; and

[0053] FIG. 11 is a diagram of the escapement mechanism of FIG. 6, in which the balance is in motion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] As explained above, the invention relates to a micromechanical mechanism, which has a specific function of striking-work 1 in the first embodiment. Specific function means a micromechanical function different than the usual function linked to the display of the time.

[0055] The striking-mechanism 1 is intended for a timepiece 10, like a watch shown in FIG. 1. The timepiece 10 comprises a middle 2 and a horological movement 3, preferably mechanical, which is for example provided with a plate 4 and with a barrel spring to provide the operating energy. The embodiment described below is based on the combination of the principle of “Gauss magnetic cannon” and of the principle of conservation of momentum during a shock.

[0056] In FIGS. 1 to 5, the striking-mechanism 1 comprises a micromechanical device provided with a resonating element 5, for example a gong conventionally used in horological striking-works. The resonating element 5 allows to emit a sound when it is struck. In the drawings, the resonating element 5 is a rod comprising a rectilinear portion 6. The resonating element 5 is preferably fastened to the plate 4, in such a way as to extend above and next to the plate 4, for example in a plane parallel to that of the plate 4.

[0057] Other configurations of the resonating element 5 are possible. The resonating element 5 can further comprise a circular portion 7, shown in FIG. 1, in particular to run along the inner face of the middle 2.

[0058] To emit a sound, the mechanism 1 comprises a mobile element 8, here a hammer, which is mobile with respect to the plate 4. The mobile element 8 is mobile between two positions, a rest position 9 distant from the resonating element 5, and a shock position 11 in which it strikes the resonating element to make it vibrate. Thus, the resonating element 5 produces a vibration that propagates in the watch. The outer part of the watch radiates these vibrations in such a way as to emit a sound. Other embodiments are possible with varied shapes of mobile element and of resonating element 5.

[0059] The mechanism 1 comprises here a flexible guide 12 on which the mobile element 8 is mounted to allow it to move between its rest position 9 and its shock position 11. The flexible guide 12 preferably comprises a first flexible blade 13 assembled to the plate 4 on the one hand, and to the mobile element 8 on the other hand. The first flexible blade 13 is preferably arranged in a manner substantially parallel to the resonating element 5 when the mobile element 8 is in a rest position 9.

[0060] By the elastic deformation of the first flexible blade 13, the mobile element 8 goes from the rest position 9 to the shock position 11 and vice versa.

[0061] The mechanism 1 further includes a magnet 15 stationary with respect to the plate 4. The magnet 15 is preferably assembled onto the plate 4. The magnet 15 is for example disposed on a promontory 14 facing the resonating element 5.

[0062] Preferably, the magnet 15 is configured to retain the mobile element 8 in its rest position 9. For this goal, the mobile element 8 includes a magnetically conductive material, which induces a force of attraction of the mobile element 8 against the magnet 15.

[0063] Alternatively, a mobile element 8 not comprising magnetically conductive material can be chosen. In this case, the flexible guide 12 is configured to apply a prestress onto the mobile element, in such a way as to press it against the magnet 8.

[0064] Thus, in the rest position 9, the mobile element 8 is in contact with a front face 29 of the magnet 15. The mobile element 8 keeps this position permanently, except in the moments in which it strikes the resonating element 5. The flexible guide 12 is assembled onto the plate 4 between the promontory 14 and the resonating element 5. Thus, the mobile element 8 can move between the magnet 15 and the resonating element 5 via the flexible guide 12.

[0065] The front face 29 preferably has a substantially flat surface. The mobile element 8 has for example a cylindrical or spherical shape. These rounded shapes allow to more easily separate the mobile element 8 from the front face 29 of the magnet 15.

[0066] According to the invention, the mechanism 1 comprises a system for actuating the mobile element 8. This system is configured to incite the movement of the mobile element 8 from its rest position 9 to its shock position 11. In particular, it is used to separate the mobile element 8 from the magnet 15 and allow it to reach the resonating element 5. The actuation system comprises the magnet 15.

[0067] For this purpose, the actuation system 20 includes at least one mobile striker 16, 17, 18 configured to transmit to the mobile element 8 a momentum sufficient for it to go from its rest position 9 to its shock position 11 and to make the resonating element 5 vibrate.

[0068] The striker 16, 17, 18 is configured to go from a release position 19 to a percussion position 21 in which it transmits a momentum to the mobile element 8.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, the actuation system comprises a rotary device 20 provided with three mobile strikers 16, 17, 18.

[0070] The rotary device 20 comprises a hub 22 and three arms 23, 24, 25, angularly distributed around the hub 22, and connected to the hub 22 by one end. Each arm 23, 24, 25 carries a mobile striker 16, 17, 18 disposed at the opposite end of the arm 23, 24, 25 with respect to the hub 22. The arms 23, 24, 25 are preferably arranged in the same plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hub 22. This plane also preferably passes through the magnet 15, the mobile element 8 and the resonating element 5.

[0071] The system can comprise a number of arms and of strikers greater or lesser than those illustrated in the embodiment described.

[0072] Each mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is mounted on an arm 23, 24, 25 in such a way as to form an angle with the arm 23, 24, 25. The angle is typically comprised between 30 and 60°, when the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is in a release position 19, and the angle is typically between 60 and 90°, when the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is in a percussion position 21. An arm can, for example, be an oblong body, a train wheel or a plate.

[0073] Preferably, each mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is mounted on the arm 23, 24, 25 by a flexible guide to allow it to move with respect to the arm 23, 24, 25, and to go from the release position 19 to the percussion position 21. The flexible guide includes here a second flexible blade 26 assembled to the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 on the one hand, and on the other hand to the end of the arm 23, 24, 25.

[0074] Each mobile striker 16, 17, 18 comprises a contact face 31, 32, 33, which is intended to come in contact with the magnet 15, when it goes from the release position 19 to the percussion position 21. The contact faces 31, 32, 33 of the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 are preferably rounded, to allow easier unhooking when the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 returns to its release position.

[0075] When the rotary device 20 rotates, it positions one of the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 facing the magnet 15. The mobile striker 16, 17, 18 then goes from the release position 19 to the percussion position 21 according to a radial movement. Once the percussion has been carried out, the rotary device 20 continues to rotate in order to avoid the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 remaining against the magnet 15. The geometry of the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 is created in such a way as to require the least torque possible on the rotary device 20. For example, a contact face 32 having the shape of a ramp tangential to the rotary movement is chosen.

[0076] The rotary device 20 is actuated by rotating the hub 22 about its axis, so that the arms 23, 24, 25 rotate about the axis of the hub 22. Thus, the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 also rotate about the axis of the hub 22 while remaining in a release position 19. In other words, the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 remain in the same position with respect to the arms 23, 24, 25, which carry them.

[0077] To rotate, the hub 22 is mechanically connected to the barrel of the movement via gear means, not shown in the drawings. These gear means comprise for example an actuation system configured to determine the striking-works to be executed according to the time displayed by the movement 3, to act in particular as minute-repeaters or to signal a programmed alarm time. Thus, when one or more striking-works must sound, the actuation system releases the rotation of the hub 22.

[0078] The rotary device 20 is configured to bring the striker into a release position 19 in front of the magnet 15. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the striker is in a release position 19 closest to the magnet 15. The magnet 15 presents an opposite face 30 oriented towards the rotary device 20, so that the opposite face 30 of the magnet 15 and a contact face 31, 32, 33 of a mobile striker 16, 17, 18 are facing when the rotary device 20 rotates. The opposite face 30 preferably has a substantially flat surface.

[0079] The force of attraction of the magnet 15 and the distance between the contact face 31, 32, 33 of the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 in a release position 19 and the opposite face 30 of the magnet 15 are chosen so that the magnet 15 attracts the striker 16 against its opposite face 30, when it passes in front of its opposite face 30. Thus, the magnetic potential energy produced by the magnet 15 acting on the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is transformed into kinetic energy by the mobile striker 16, 17, 18. This kinetic energy is transmitted to the mobile element 8 by the shock of the mobile striker 16, 17, 18.

[0080] Indeed, when the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is attracted by the magnet 15, it is accelerated and strikes the magnet 15. When the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 comes into collision with the opposite face 30 of the magnet 15, at least a part of its momentum is transmitted to the mobile element 8 through the magnet 15, the mobile element 8 being disposed against the front face 29 of the magnet in a rest position.

[0081] This principle of transmission of movement combined with a magnetic attraction is known by the name of “Gauss cannon”. The attraction of the magnet 15 guarantees a minimum intensity at each strike of the mobile element 8. The striking-work that results therefrom is more constant over the entire duration of the striking-work, independently of the torque of the barrel.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, each mobile striker 16, 17, 18 is configured to strike the magnet 15 in such a way as to give an impulse to the mobile element.

[0083] Moreover, the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18 and the rotary device 20 are configured for the momentum transmitted to the mobile element 8 by the striker 16, 17, 18 to be greater than the retaining force of the magnet acting on the mobile element 8, so that the mobile element detaches from the magnet 15 and strikes the resonating element 5 with sufficient force, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the magnet 15 and the mobile element 8 are further configured in order for the front face 29 to attract the mobile element 8 against it, after the latter has struck the resonating element 5. Thus, the mobile element 8 returns into its rest position 9, and can again be actuated by the following mobile striker 16, 17, 18. The mobile element 8 rebounding and again striking the resonating element 5 in an untimely manner is thus avoided.

[0085] In the case of a mobile element 8 not including magnetically conductive material, the flexible guide 12 brings the mobile element back against the magnet 15.

[0086] By continuing to rotate, the rotation device 20 pulls on the mobile striker 16, 17, 18 in order for the latter to detach from the opposite face 30 of the magnet 15. At the same time, when the hub 22 rotates, the following mobile striker 16, 17, 18 moves closer to the magnet 15.

[0087] The rotation device 20 is actuated by the movement, when a striking-work is necessary. Thus, the striking-work automatically sounds via the mobile strikers 16, 17, 18, the magnet 15, the mobile element 8 and the resonating element 5.

[0088] During operation, each mobile striker 16, 17, 18 strikes the magnet 15 one after the other, to produce a sound each time. At each percussion of mobile striker 16, 17, 18, the mobile element 8 strikes the resonating element 5, and comes back to a rest position 9 against the magnet 15 between two successive percussions.

[0089] According to the number of strikes of striking-works to be emitted, the rotation device is actuated for a predefined time.

[0090] Preferably, the rotation is carried out at a constant speed in order for the strikes of striking-works to be emitted periodically at the same frequency.

[0091] The speed of rotation can also be variable to emit a particular striking-work.

[0092] FIGS. 6 to 11 show a second embodiment of the invention, in which the micromechanical mechanism 10 is a setting member for a horological movement. The micromechanical device comprises a detent escapement mechanism, a mobile element 8 and a balance plate 36. The escapement mechanism comprises a rotary escapement wheel 34 provided with peripheral teeth 35 capable of cooperating with a notch 42 for stopping the rotation of the escapement wheel 34. The escapement wheel 34 is preferably mechanically connected to means for driving the movement, for example a barrel.

[0093] The escapement mechanism further includes a detent lever 40 cooperating with the balance plate 36. During its actuation, the balance plate 36 carries out an alternating movement in the clockwise and anticlockwise directions.

[0094] The detent lever 40 comprises the stopping notch 42 allowing to retain the escapement wheel 34.

[0095] The detent lever 40 further includes a flexible blade 41 at one end, the flexible blade being capable of cooperating with the balance plate 36 to allow the balance to unlock the detent lever during its anticlockwise rotation. The flexible blade 41 is fastened onto the detent lever 40 and is arranged longitudinally in the extension of the detent lever 40. The detent lever 40 includes a catch 43 at its end in order to retain the flexible blade 41 during a movement towards the right. When the balance plate 36 rotates in the clockwise direction, the flexible blade 41 can move away from the catch 43 without the detent lever 40 moving. When the balance plate rotates in the anticlockwise direction, the blade 41 bears against the catch 43 and angularly moves the detent lever in such a way as to unlock the stopping notch 42 of the escapement wheel 34.

[0096] The balance plate 36 has a circular shape, for example a disc, and is provided with an unlocking gathering-pallet 37 and with an impulse gathering-pallet 38 arranged on the periphery of the disc 36, and extending on two different levels above the disc, preferably near one another. Here, the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 extends above the impulse gathering-pallet 38.

[0097] During an anticlockwise rotation, the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 allows to move the detent lever 40 to unlock the stopping notch 42 of the tooth 35 of the escapement wheel 34 in order for the latter to be able to rotate.

[0098] The impulse gathering-pallet 38 allows to receive an impulse from the mobile element 8 to incite the rotation of the balance plate 36, here in the anticlockwise direction.

[0099] The detent lever 40 extends longitudinally, and is arranged at the unlocking gathering-pallet 37, and the mobile element 8 is arranged at the impulse gathering-pallet 38. Thus, the detent lever 40 is above the mobile element 8.

[0100] The detent lever 40 is disposed tangentially to the escapement wheel 34, in an oblique manner up to the balance plate 36 at its end 41. The detent lever 40 is maintained by a flexible blade 39 in the extension of the second end.

[0101] The actuation system 20 is identical to the first embodiment. The rotary device 20 is mounted on the escapement wheel 34 in a plane parallel to that of the escapement wheel 34. Thus, when the escapement wheel 34 rotates, the rotary device 20 also rotates.

[0102] The rotary device 20 is configured to bring a striker 16, 17, 18 into a release position 19 in front of the magnet 15. The actuation mechanism functions in a manner similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0103] FIGS. 6 to 11 show various steps of the dynamics of the micromechanism, which are described above.

[0104] In FIG. 6, the stopping notch 42 of the detent lever 40 blocks the rotation of the escapement wheel 34. The mobile element 8 is in contact with the magnet 15 in its rest position 9. The strikers 16, 17, 18 of the rotary device are in positions which do not allow to actuate the mobile element 8.

[0105] The balance plate 36 is in rotation about its axis of rotation in the clockwise direction, according to the arrow indicated.

[0106] The balance plate 36 carries out a clockwise/anticlockwise rotation alternatingly at each actuation at a predefined frequency.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, during the passage in the anticlockwise direction, of the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 comes in contact with the flexible blade 41 of the detent lever 40. Thus, the detent lever 40 is moved laterally, so that the stopping notch 42 is offset from the tooth 35 in order to free the escapement wheel 34.

[0108] Thus, the escapement wheel 34 can rotate about its axis of rotation. In FIG. 8, the rotation of the escapement wheel 34 brings a striker 16 into a release position 19 to actuate the actuation system 20. Attracted by the magnet 8, the striker 16 moves into a percussion position 21 against the magnet 15, and transmits a momentum to the mobile element 8, as shown by FIG. 9.

[0109] In FIG. 10, when the mobile element 8 receives the momentum via the magnet 15, the mobile element 8 strikes the impulse gathering-pallet 38 of the balance plate 36 in a shock position 11. The energy transmitted to the balance plate 36 is received in the form of a single occasional shock. This form of impulse is advantageous, from a chronometric point of view, as a person skilled in the art knows.

[0110] Thus, at least a part of the momentum transmitted by the striker 16 to the mobile element 8 is provided to the balance plate 36. The momentum is sufficient for the balance 36 to continue its rotation and maintain its amplitude, here in the anticlockwise direction, as shown by FIG. 11.

[0111] A spring-spiral, not shown in the drawings, applies a return force to the balance, so that the balance plate 36 then carries out a rotation in the clockwise direction, after having reached its extreme position in the anticlockwise direction.

[0112] In the clockwise direction, the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 comes in contact with the flexible blade 41, which bends to let the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 pass. Indeed, in this direction, the flexible blade 41 is not retained by a catch. The escapement wheel 34 is not affected by the bending of the flexible blade 41. The passage of the gathering-pallet 37 only raises the blade 41 without impulsion given, this empty passage being called “missed stroke” by a person skilled in the art.

[0113] Thus, as shown by FIG. 6, the balance plate 36 continues its rotation in the clockwise direction, until an extreme clockwise position.

[0114] Finally, the spiral spring exerts a return force to bring the balance plate 36 back in the anticlockwise direction, until the unlocking gathering-pallet 37 is retained by the flexible blade 41 of the detent lever 40, as shown by FIG. 7.

[0115] During the rotations of the balance plate 36, the mobile element 8 comes back against the magnet 15, while the detent lever 40 gets back to its initial position, the stopping notch 42 blocking the escapement wheel 36 by contact with the following peripheral tooth 35 of the escapement wheel 34.

[0116] The actuation mechanism allows to keep up the movement of the balance, and consequently the movement of the setting member and of the escapement mechanism. The frequency of the balance determines the frequency of operation of the setting member. Thus, it is possible to maintain the oscillation with a system of the Gauss cannon type.

[0117] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples of a striking-mechanism and a setting member, but it is capable of various alternatives and modifications which will appear to a person skilled in the art.

[0118] In particular, the actuation system can be adapted to other types of micromechanical devices comprising a mobile element. For example, the mobile element can be a disc for display of the date type.

[0119] The actuation system can be connected to a push button of the timepiece. By pressure on the push button, via a mechanical relay, such as gears, the striker is placed in a release position, for example by rotating the hub. Thus, such an actuation system can be used to release a micromechanical device manually on demand.