CH719774A2 - Watch mechanism including an oscillating mass. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a watch mechanism (100) comprising – an oscillating mass (2) comprising a board (20, 21, 22), – a bearing (1) comprising: – a static ring, – a dynamic ring, arranged to move relative to the static ring, – rolling bodies (10) arranged between the static ring and the dynamic ring. According to the invention, the dynamic ring and a portion of the board form a single piece. The assembly of the oscillating mass (2) on the bearing (1) is thus simplified. In addition, reducing the number of components of the watch mechanism (100) makes it possible to better control clearances, reduce constraints and their impacts on the functioning of assemblies and reduce costs.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a watch mechanism, in particular a watch mechanism comprising an oscillating mass and a bearing.

State of the art

[0002] Oscillating masses for automatic watches are well known and widely used. Typically, an oscillating mass ensures the winding of a movement thanks to its oscillations generated by the movements of the wearer of the watch. The mass is pivotally mounted, for example by means of a bearing or a bearing. As a general rule, an inverter ensures the transformation of the reciprocating movement of the mass into one-way rotary movement. The reduction gears of the winding system ensure the connection between the various elements. The rotational drive of the winding train makes it possible to arm a source of energy in the watch, for example the spring of a barrel.

[0003] The oscillating weight can be arranged on the back side of the case, for example mounted on the bridge side of the watch movement. It can also be arranged in accordance with the watch dial.

[0004] The oscillating mass can be visible to the wearer of the watch, on the rear or front face of the watch. It may also not be visible to the wearer of the watch.

[0005] An ideal oscillating weight has both a large mass and a large moment of inertia, which allows efficient winding of the watch. It can concentrate most of its mass on its outer periphery. Such a mass generally comprises a massive peripheral part, generally in the shape of an arc of a circle. This part, which can also have other forms, will be called in the following “inertia sector”.

[0006] In this context, a “board” connects the sector of inertia to the bearing or bearing, through which the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass passes. The board therefore comprises a distal portion of the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass. This distal portion is generally adjacent to the sector of inertia. The board also includes a portion proximal to the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass. This proximal portion is generally adjacent to the bearing or the bearing, and includes an opening (generally circular) intended to receive the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass.

In general, such a mass also includes connecting elements, for example arms. These arms can define openings, allowing the elements behind and/or in front of the oscillating mass to be seen at least partially, while lightening its mass. Other oscillating masses do not have openings.

[0008] In most cases, a bearing is used instead of a bearing to suspend the oscillating mass in order to optimize the efficiency of the watch mechanism: in fact, a bearing generates less friction than a bearing .

The bearing generally comprises a static ring, a dynamic ring, arranged to move relative to the static ring, and rolling bodies arranged between the static ring and the dynamic ring. The dynamic ring is therefore mobile during operation of the bearing relative to a static component of a watch movement, such as for example a plate, a bridge, or the like. On the other hand, the static ring does not move during the operation of the bearing relative to a static component of a watch movement, such as for example a plate, a bridge, or the like.

[0010] In this context, the expression “rolling body” indicates any body which can roll, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a ball or a roller, for example a cylindrical, conical roller, a needle, etc.

[0011] Although solutions exist and are widely used industrially, assembling the oscillating mass and the bearing is a delicate operation. The oscillating mass is usually assembled on the dynamic ring by direct driving of the oscillating mass onto the bearing, by crimping the oscillating mass onto the bearing or by assembling the oscillating mass onto the bearing using a nut or lock.

[0012] Each of these assembly techniques has disadvantages.

[0013] The direct driving of the oscillating mass on the bearing generates stresses both in the plate of the oscillating mass and within the bearing, which can create flatness defects in the oscillating mass or tightening at the level of the bearing.

[0014] Crimping the oscillating mass onto the bearing causes deformation of at least one ring of the bearing and can cause cosmetic damage to the oscillating mass.

[0015] The assembly by nut of the oscillating mass on the bearing overcomes most of these disadvantages but it has a higher cost. Aesthetics are also largely impacted by the nut board attaching to the oscillating weight board.

Brief summary of the invention

[0016] An aim of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism free from the limitations of known watch mechanisms.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism having a simpler assembly of known watch mechanisms.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a watch mechanism having improved operation compared to known watch mechanisms.

[0019] According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of the watch mechanism according to claim 1.

[0020] The watch mechanism according to the invention comprises: – an oscillating mass comprising a board, – a bearing comprising: – a static ring, – a dynamic ring, arranged to move relative to the static ring, – rolling bodies arranged between the static ring and the dynamic ring.

[0021] According to the invention, the dynamic ring and a portion of the board form a single piece. In other words, the portion of the board according to the invention has the role of dynamic ring of the bearing.

[0022] Thanks to the fact that the dynamic ring and a portion of the board form a single piece, the assembly of the mass on the bearing is simplified. In addition, the reduction in the number of components of the watch mechanism according to the invention compared to known solutions also makes it possible to better control the clearances, to reduce the constraints and their impacts on the operations of the assemblies and to reduce costs.

[0023] The watch mechanism according to the invention thus comprises fewer components of known watch mechanisms, it is more precise than known watch mechanisms and it requires fewer operations (machining and/or assembly) of known watch mechanisms. .

[0024] In one embodiment, the portion of the board forming a single piece with the dynamic ring is the portion of the board proximal to the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass. In one embodiment, this portion comprises an opening (generally circular but any other shape could be envisaged) intended to receive the axis of rotation of the oscillating mass.

[0025] In one embodiment, the dynamic ring and the entire board form a single piece. In other words, the one-piece part according to the invention, comprising the dynamic ring and a portion of the board, in this embodiment comprises the dynamic ring and (the entire) board.

[0026] In one embodiment, the dynamic ring and the entire oscillating mass (namely, the entire board, the sector of inertia and any arms) form a single piece. In other words, the one-piece part according to the invention, comprising the dynamic ring and a portion of the board, in this embodiment comprises the dynamic ring and (the entire) oscillating mass.

[0027] In one embodiment, each of the static and dynamic rings comprise at least one contact part of the rolling bodies.

[0028] In this context, the expression “contact part” designates a part of the static ring and/or the dynamic ring, which comes into direct contact with the rolling bodies. The contact part therefore includes the “rolling path” of the rolling bodies, that is to say the surface on which the rolling bodies roll and which supports the loads (axial and/or radial) applied to the bearing. The raceway comprises contact points (for example in the case where the rolling bodies are balls) or contact lines (for example in the case where the rolling bodies are rollers) of the rolling bodies with the rings. The number of contact points or contact lines may vary depending on the type of bearing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the contact part is a separate part from the static ring and/or the dynamic ring. It can be connected to the static and/or dynamic ring with fixing means, this fixing being able to be permanent or removable. In an alternative embodiment, the contact part forms a single piece with the static ring and/or the dynamic ring.

[0030] In one embodiment, the contact part of the rolling bodies has a hardness equal to or greater than the hardness of the static ring and/or the dynamic ring and/or the board and/or the oscillating mass .

[0031] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism comprises a driven component (such as for example a toothed wheel, an eccentric, etc.) and the dynamic ring comprises a driving component (such as for example another toothed wheel, etc.) .) configured to move the driven component.

[0032] In one embodiment, the dynamic ring and the driving component form a single piece.

[0033] In one embodiment, the dynamic ring and/or the static ring are made in at least two parts.

[0034] In one embodiment, the one-piece part which comprises the dynamic ring and a portion of the board is made of steel, of tungsten, of an alloy comprising tungsten, of gold, of an alloy comprising gold, in platinum or in an alloy comprising platinum, or in any other material.

The present invention also relates to a watch comprising the watch mechanism according to the invention, for example a wristwatch.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the watch mechanism according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view along line A-A of the watch mechanism of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 3A illustrates a variant of the contact part of the watch mechanism of Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 3B illustrates another variant of the contact part of the watch mechanism of Figure 2.

Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the watch mechanism 100 according to the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view along line A-A of the watch mechanism 100 of Figure 1.

The watch mechanism 100 according to the invention comprises an oscillating mass 2 and a bearing 1.

[0043] In known manner, the bearing 1 comprises: – a static ring (not illustrated in the figures), – a dynamic ring 12, arranged to move relative to the static ring, – rolling bodies 10 arranged between the ring static and the dynamic ring 12.

[0044] In the example illustrated, the dynamic ring 12 is the outer ring and the static ring is the inner one. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the dynamic ring is the inner ring and the static ring is the outer one.

[0045] In the example illustrated, the rolling bodies 10 are balls. However, the watch mechanism according to the invention is not limited to balls, but also includes any other type of rolling body.

[0046] A cage (not illustrated) can in certain cases be used to space the rolling bodies 10 between the rings.

In general, the cage (also called rolling body separator 10) is in one piece. The rolling bodies 10 located between the inner and outer rings of the bearing are generally held at regular spacing by the cage, which guides them and facilitates their rotation. The cage can also be composed of several independent segments. The cage can also provide additional functions to the spacing of the rolling bodies 10, for example and in a non-limiting manner a blocking function. The cage can be of the “comb” type.

[0048] In a variant, at least one ring (inner or outer) comprises (at least) two parts fixed together, these parts preferably also being rings. This variant makes it possible to efficiently carry out the assembly of the bearing. For example, the bearing 1 may comprise a one-piece outer ring, two inner rings and rolling bodies arranged between the outer ring and the two inner rings. Preferably, the inner rings are fixed together after insertion of the rolling bodies during bearing assembly. In another example, the bearing may include two outer rings, a one-piece inner ring and held rolling bodies disposed between the outer rings and the inner ring. Similarly, the outer rings are preferably fixed together after insertion of the rolling bodies during assembly of the bearing.

[0049] In another variant, both the inner ring and the outer ring each comprise (at least) two parts fixed together, these parts preferably also being rings. In a variant, the fixation between the two rings is carried out by laser.

[0050] In another variant, both the inner ring and the outer ring are in one piece, that is to say they each comprise a single part.

The oscillating mass 2 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a sector of inertia 23, which in the illustrated embodiment has the shape of an arc of a circle, and a board 21, 22 connecting the sector of inertia to the bearing 1.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the sector of inertia 23 has a sloping section and does not belong to the same plane of the board, as visible for example in Figure 2. However, this embodiment does not is not limiting, and the oscillating mass 2 could also be substantially planar, or comprise several planes, for example three or more planes.

The board comprises a portion 22 distal to the axis of rotation In one embodiment, the distal portion 22 has a substantially rectilinear shape. The board also comprises a portion 21 proximal to the axis of rotation rotation X of the oscillating mass 2.

The oscillating mass 2 of Figures 1 and 2 also comprises arms 20 which define openings 24, making it possible to see at least partially the elements behind and/or in front of the oscillating mass 2, while lightening its mass.

[0055] In the example of Figure 1, the arms 20 connect the distal portion 22 to the proximal portion 21 of the board. In the absence of arm 20, the distal portion 22 is adjacent to the proximal portion 21 of the board.

[0056] In the oscillating mass 2 of Figures 1 and 2, the sector of inertia 23 and the board form a single piece. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the sector of inertia 23 and the board are two separate parts connected together by permanent or removable fixing means. In this case, the sector of inertia 23 and the board can be made of two different materials.

[0057] According to the invention, the dynamic ring and a portion of the board, in particular the proximal portion 21 of the board, form a single piece, as better visible in Figure 2. In other words, the portion 21 of the board has the role of dynamic ring 12 of the bearing.

[0058] Thanks to the fact that the dynamic ring 12 and a portion of the board form a single piece, the assembly of the mass on the bearing is simplified. In addition, the reduction in the number of components of the watch mechanism according to the invention compared to known solutions also makes it possible to better control the clearances, to reduce the constraints and their impacts on the operations of the assemblies and to reduce costs.

[0059] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the dynamic ring 12 and the entire board form a single piece.

[0060] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the dynamic ring 12 and the entire oscillating mass 2 form a single piece.

[0061] In one embodiment, each of the static and dynamic rings comprising at least one contact piece 4 of the rolling bodies, three embodiments of which are visible in Figures 2, 3A respectively 3B.

[0062] In this context, the contact part 4 designates a part of the static ring and/or the dynamic ring, which comes into direct contact with the rolling bodies 10, as visible in Figures 2, 3A and 3B.

[0063] In the embodiment of Figure 2, the contact part forms with the dynamic ring 12 a single piece. In this embodiment, the raceway is produced directly in the one-piece part according to the invention. In one embodiment, the raceway is produced by machining, for example by turning, boring, cutting, drilling, grinding, milling, laser cutting, etc.

[0064] In the embodiments of Figures 3A and 3B, the contact part 4 is a separate part from the static ring and/or the dynamic ring. It can be connected to the static and/or dynamic ring with fixing means, this fixing being able to be permanent or removable.

[0065] In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the contact part 4 comprises two rings. In the embodiment of Figure 3B, the contact piece 4 comprises a single ring having a substantially V-shaped section.

[0066] In one embodiment, the contact part 4 is made of a sufficiently hard material, in order to be able to support these loads.

[0067] In one embodiment, the contact piece 4 has a hardness equal to or greater than the hardness of the static ring and/or the dynamic ring and/or the board and/or the oscillating mass 2. In one embodiment, this hardness can be obtained by a specific treatment of at least a portion of the surface of the contact piece 4 which comes into contact with the rolling bodies 10, and/or by a coating of this surface portion .

[0068] In one embodiment, the one-piece part which comprises the dynamic ring and a portion of the board is made of steel, tungsten, in an alloy comprising tungsten, in gold, in an alloy comprising gold, in platinum or in an alloy comprising platinum.

[0069] The use of tungsten, an alloy comprising tungsten, gold, an alloy comprising gold, platinum or an alloy comprising platinum is surprising, because these materials do not do not have sufficient hardness for application to a watch bearing. However, tests carried out by the applicant, in particular with a tungsten-based alloy, have shown that this use is possible. In addition, the hardness can be improved by using a contact piece 4 in a sufficiently hard material, in order to be able to withstand these loads or local treatment.

[0070] In one embodiment, the watch mechanism 100 comprises a driven component not visible in the figures (such as for example a toothed wheel, eccentric, etc.) and the dynamic ring comprises a driving component 3 schematically illustrated in the figure 2 (such as for example another gear, etc.) to drive this component.

[0071] In one embodiment, the dynamic ring 12 and the driving component form a single piece.

[0072] In the embodiment in which a ring of the bearing 1 (in particular the internal one) comprises two parts (generally called core and cone), for example when the bearing comprises a cage or it is a so-called “full ball” bearing. or “with joined balls”, the assembly of bearing 1 can be done by driving out the cone. This can be mounted either on the static ring or on the one-piece part according to the invention, comprising a portion of the board and the dynamic ring. The cone can also be a portion of the oscillating weight board. A tooth can also be integrated into the cone or into the one-piece part according to the invention.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a watch comprising the watch mechanism according to the invention, in particular a wristwatch.

Reference signs used in the figures

[0074] 1 Bearing 2 Oscillating mass 3 Driving component 4 Contact piece 10 Rolling bodies 12 Dynamic ring 20 Arm 21 Proximal portion of the board 22 Distal portion of the board 23 Sector of inertia 24 Opening defined by arms 25 Opening for axis of rotation 100 Watch mechanism

Claims (13)

1. Watch mechanism (100) comprising – an oscillating mass (2) comprising a board (20, 21, 22), – a bearing (1) comprising: – a static ring, – a dynamic ring (12), arranged to move relative to the static ring, – rolling bodies (10) arranged between the static ring and the dynamic ring (12), characterized in that the dynamic ring (12) and a portion (21) of the board form a single piece. 2. Watch mechanism (100) according to claim 1, in which the portion (21) of the board forming a single piece with the dynamic ring (12) is the portion (21) of the board proximal to the axis of rotation ( X) of the oscillating mass. 3. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the dynamic ring (12) and the board form a single piece. 4. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dynamic ring (12) and the oscillating mass (2) form a single piece. 5. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, each of the static and dynamic rings comprising at least one contact part (4) of the rolling bodies (10). 6. Watch mechanism (100) according to claim 5, the contact part (4) being a separate part from the static ring and/or the dynamic ring. 7. Watch mechanism (100) according to claim 5, the contact part (4) forming with the static ring and/or the dynamic ring a single piece. 8. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 5 to 7, the contact piece (4) of the rolling bodies (10) having a hardness equal to or greater than the hardness of the static ring and/or the ring dynamic and/or of the board and/or of the oscillating mass (2). 9. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a driven component, the dynamic ring comprising a driving component (3) for moving the driven component. 10. Watch mechanism (100) according to claim 9, the dynamic ring and the driving component (3) forming a single piece 11. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, the static ring being made in at least two parts. 12. Watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, the one-piece part comprising the dynamic ring and a portion of the board being made of steel, of tungsten, in an alloy comprising tungsten, of gold, in a alloy comprising gold, in platinum or in an alloy comprising platinum. 13. Watch comprising the watch mechanism (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12.