EP2889701B1 - Clock synchronisation mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a watch movement comprising, fixed on the same plate, a gear subjected to a torque in said movement, and a power storage means arranged to deliver said torque to the gear train which is arranged for the actuation of a mechanism for synchronizing said work train with an annular resonator, having a given resonant natural frequency, that comprises said movement, said annular resonator comprising a ring disposed about an axis, which ring is arranged to be periodically deformed under a action induced by the movement of a driver, which comprises said synchronization mechanism, and which driver is driven in a pivoting movement, directly or indirectly, by said wheel, where the interaction between said driver and said annular resonator is performed by magnetic interaction means comprising magnets and / or magnetic poles.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a movement.

The invention relates to the field of the regulation of mechanical timepieces, in particular mechanical watches.

Background of the invention

In a watch exhaust mechanism, the Swiss lever escapement generally used has a fairly low efficiency (of the order of 35%).

• les frottements des palettes de l'ancre sur les dents ;
• les chocs dus aux mouvements saccadés de la roue et de l'ancre ;
• la chute nécessaire pour s'accommoder des erreurs d'usinage.

The main sources of loss of a Swiss anchor escapement are:

• the friction of the pallets of the anchor on the teeth;
• shocks due to jerky movements of the wheel and the anchor;
• the fall required to accommodate machining errors.

• une augmentation de l'autonomie de la montre ;
• une amélioration des propriétés chronométriques de la montre ;
• une différentiation marketing et esthétique.

The development of a new synchronization system in a watch movement, with a higher output than that of a Swiss lever escapement, can result in:

• an increase in the autonomy of the watch;
• an improvement in the chronometric properties of the watch;
• a marketing and aesthetic differentiation.

The document CH 701036A2 in the name of Peter GSCHWIND describes a harmonic drive mechanism between two barrels of a self-winding watch, providing a significant gain in volume and thickness.

The document EP 2 544 370 A1 in the name of NXP BV discloses a MEMS resonator comprising: a resonator mass in the form of a closed ring; a set of anchor points spaced around the ring, where the ring is connected to a fixed substrate at the anchor points; a set of comb-shaped electrode devices attached to the ring; at least one comb electrode driving means fixed to the substrate and cooperating with a first comb-shaped electrode, at least one second comb electrode driving means fixed to the substrate and cooperating with another electrode comb-shaped, and which further comprises a control circuit for controlling the signals applied to all the comb-shaped electrodes, and at least one of these drive means.

The document "1.5-GHz Micromechanical Extensional Wine-Glass Ring Mode Resonators" by Yuan Xie et al., Pages 890-907 of "IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, Vol. 55, No. 4, April 2008 , describes the resonance of the type "wine-glass".

The document GB 1049638 in the name of JECO KABUSHIKI KAISHA describes a mechanical oscillator forming a time base for watches, constituted by a tuning fork mass, comprising a circular oscillating element with two free ends comprising flyweights, a support member integral with the oscillating element in a nodal region near the midpoint between the free ends.

The document US 2194896 in the name of GROMANN describes a watch clock with a particular swivel allowing minimal support on a pivot stone.

The document FR 2132162 in the name of HORSTMANN CLIFFORD MAGNETIC Ltd describes a well-known "Clifford" escapement.

Summary of the invention

The invention proposes to create mechanisms which would have a higher performance than the efficiency of the Swiss lever escapement.

The invention consists of a system for synchronizing a gear driven by a motor spring with a resonator.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch movement according to claim 1.

The invention also relates to a timepiece comprising such a movement, more particularly this piece is a watch.

Brief description of the drawings

• les figures 1 à 3 représentent, de façon schématisée, partielle, et en vue en plan, un mouvement horloger selon l'invention comportant un mécanisme de synchronisation d'un rouage du mouvement avec un résonateur annulaire que comporte ce mouvement horloger et lequel comporte un anneau déformable dont la déformation est induite par un entraîneur faisant fonction de manivelle, qui pivote autour de l'axe de cet anneau, la figure 2 représentant un état neutre où cet anneau est de profil sensiblement circulaire, entre les figures 1 et 3 qui représentent des profils de déformation maximale en ellipses, avec permutation des axes d'ellipse entre ces deux positions extrêmes de déformation ;
• la figure 4 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une variante avec un résonateur annulaire de type « wineglass » lesté en vue d'abaisser la fréquence propre, synchronisé avec un entraîneur faisant fonction de manivelle;
• la figure 5 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une variante avec un résonateur annulaire de type « wineglass » lesté en vue d'abaisser la fréquence propre, synchronisé magnétiquement avec une roue, laquelle comporte des zones magnétiques agencées pour coopérer avec des pistes magnétiques de l'anneau pour générer des déformations ou/et des impulsions ;
• la figure 6 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue en plan, une variante comportant un résonateur annulaire de type « wineglass » lesté en vue d'abaisser la fréquence propre, synchronisé magnétiquement avec une roue ;
• la figure 7 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de côté, une expérimentation « wineglass » avec une source d'excitation constituée par un haut-parleur à proximité de la tulipe d'un verre à pied dont le pied est maintenu en encastrement ;
• la figure 8 représente, de façon schématisée et en vue de dessus, le verre de la figure 7 dans ses différents états de déformation de profil elliptique, avec la répartition des ventres et des noeuds de vibration ;
• les figures 9 à 11 sont similaires aux figures 1 à 3, avec un anneau dont l'état libre n'est pas exactement circulaire mais comporte des renflements faisant seuils d'énergie, et où les attaches des lames flexibles reliant cet anneau à la platine sont dans les diagonales des grand et petit axes de l'ellipse ;
• la figure 12 est un schéma-blocs illustrant une pièce d'horlogerie comportant un mouvement intégrant un mécanisme selon l'invention ;
• les figures 13 à 18 illustrent des formes particulières et non limitatives d'anneaux convenant à la mise en oeuvre de l'invention :
  • en figure 13, circulaire extérieurement et quadrilobé intérieurement ;
  • en figure 14, sensiblement triangulaire extérieurement, et trilobé intérieurement ;
  • en figure 15, sensiblement circulaire à section sensiblement constante ;
  • en figure 16, circulaire extérieurement et comportant une pluralité de dégagement ponctuels ;
  • en figure 17, avec une épaisseur variable en fonction du rayon ;
  • en figure 18, circulaire intérieurement et avec une pluralité de masselottes externes à profil en té ;
• la figure 19 illustre la coopération d'un anneau et d'un entraîneur tous deux sensiblement annulaires et comportant chacun une pluralité de pistes magnétiques ;
• les figures 20 à 31 illustrent les modes propres dans le plan XY d'un tel résonateur, avec un anneau de diamètre 14,00 mm, de type mince, avec une épaisseur et une hauteur de 0,01 mm, en silicium avec un module d'Young de 146 GPa, une masse volumique de 2329 kg/m³ et un module de Poisson de 0.26 :
• figure 20 avec un premier mode propre selon la figure 22 à 182 Hz, un deuxième mode propre selon la figure 23 à 470 Hz, un troisième mode propre identique à celui de la figure 23 mais orthogonal, non représenté, un quatrième mode propre selon la figure 24 à 550 Hz, un cinquième mode propre selon la figure 25 à 605 Hz, un sixième mode propre selon la figure 26 à 692 Hz ;
• figure 21 avec 32 lests chacun de rayon 1,0 mm, permettant un très net abaissement des fréquences des modes propres : un premier mode propre selon la figure 27 à 33 Hz, un deuxième mode propre selon la figure 28 à 85 Hz, un troisième mode propre identique à celui de la figure 28 mais orthogonal, non représenté à 89 Hz, un quatrième mode propre selon la figure 29 à 96 Hz, un cinquième mode propre selon la figure 30 à 148 Hz, un sixième mode propre selon la figure 31 à 155 Hz.

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

• the Figures 1 to 3 represent, schematically, partially, and in plan view, a watch movement according to the invention comprising a synchronization mechanism of a movement train with an annular resonator that includes this watch movement and which comprises a deformable ring whose deformation is induced by a driver acting as a crank, which pivots about the axis of this ring, the figure 2 representing a neutral state where this ring is of substantially circular profile, between Figures 1 and 3 which represent profiles of maximum deformation in ellipses, with permutation of the axes of ellipse between these two extreme positions of deformation;
• the figure 4 schematically shows in plan view, a variant with a wineglass-type annular resonator weighted to lower the natural frequency, synchronized with a driver acting as a crank;
• the figure 5 represents schematically and in plan view, a variant with a weighted wineglass annular resonator for the purpose of lowering the natural frequency, synchronized magnetically with a wheel, which comprises magnetic zones arranged to cooperate with magnetic tracks the ring to generate deformations and / or pulses;
• the figure 6 schematically shows in plan view, a variant comprising a weighted "wineglass" type annular resonator to lower the natural frequency, synchronized magnetically with a wheel;
• the figure 7 represents, schematically and in side view, a "wineglass" experiment with a source of excitation constituted by a loudspeaker near the tulip of a stemmed glass whose foot is held in recess;
• the figure 8 represents, schematically and in a view from above, the glass of the figure 7 in its different states of elliptic profile deformation, with the distribution of the bellies and the nodes of vibration;
• the Figures 9 to 11 are similar to Figures 1 to 3 , with a ring whose free state is not exactly circular but has bulges making energy thresholds, and where the fasteners of the flexible blades connecting this ring to the plate are in the diagonals of the large and small axes of the ellipse;
• the figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a timepiece comprising a movement incorporating a mechanism according to the invention;
• the Figures 13 to 18 illustrate particular and non-limiting forms of rings suitable for implementing the invention:
  • in figure 13 , externally circular and internally quadrilobed;
  • in figure 14 , substantially triangular externally, and trilobed internally;
  • in figure 15 substantially circular with a substantially constant section;
  • in figure 16 externally circular and having a plurality of point clearances;
  • in figure 17 , with a varying thickness depending on the radius;
  • in figure 18 circularly internally and with a plurality of outer weights with a tee profile;
• the figure 19 illustrates the cooperation of a ring and a driver both substantially annular and each having a plurality of magnetic tracks;
• the Figures 20 to 31 illustrate the eigenmodes in the XY plane of such a resonator, with a ring of diameter 14.00 mm, of thin type, with a thickness and a height of 0.01 mm, in silicon with a Young's modulus of 146 GPa, a density of 2329 kg / m ³ and a Poisson modulus of 0.26:
• figure 20 with a first clean fashion according to the figure 22 at 182 Hz, a second clean mode according to figure 23 at 470 Hz, a third clean mode identical to that of the figure 23 but orthogonal, not represented, a fourth clean mode according to the figure 24 at 550 Hz, a fifth clean mode according to the figure 25 at 605 Hz, a sixth clean mode according to the figure 26 at 692 Hz;
• figure 21 with 32 ballasts each of radius 1.0 mm, allowing a very clear lowering of the frequencies of the eigen modes: a first clean mode according to the figure 27 at 33 Hz, a second clean mode according to the figure 28 at 85 Hz, a third clean mode identical to that of the figure 28 but orthogonal, not represented at 89 Hz, a fourth clean mode according to the figure 29 at 96 Hz, a fifth clean mode according to the figure 30 at 148 Hz, a sixth clean mode according to figure 31 at 155 Hz.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In the remainder of the presentation "ring" will be called a volume similar to an open torus, unfolding, closed on itself, around an axis. This "ring" is substantially of revolution about this axis, but not necessarily exactly of revolution around this axis.

A particular type of resonator combines the implementation of different waves.

In particular, a so-called "glassglas" laboratory resonator or wine glass is known, in which the tulip of a stemmed glass, the foot of which is held in recess, is subjected to a particular sound excitation. When the excitation frequency, effected by a loudspeaker in the vicinity of the glass, is chosen equal to a resonant frequency of the glass, of the order of 800 to 900 Hz, with a signal power of about 100 W, we can create in the tulip of the glass a wave network bringing important deformations of this tulip, which seen in plan at the opening of the glass, perpendicular to the axis of the foot, give at a given moment to the edge of the an elliptical shape, as visible on the Figures 7 and 8 , on this latter being spotted the nodes of vibration N and the bellies V. This elliptic form is deformable, and the maintenance of the excitation makes evolve this form in ellipse, by modifying its eccentricity, and even to swap the big one. axis and the minor axis of the ellipse, passing through the eccentricity position equal to one corresponding to the free form of the edge of the glass. These deformations can go as far as causing the glass to break. When the excitation source is disposed radially, it is found the presence of four identical vibration bellows, one of which directly opposite the excitation source, the vibration nodes being in directions at 45 ° of the defined axis. by the axis of the glass and the source of excitation.

This phenomenon is due to a standing wave. This standing wave can be seen as the sum of a progressive wave and a regressive wave propagating in both directions along the edge of the glass, in an annular zone, substantially of revolution.

• où f est la fonction qualifiant l'onde progressive,
• où g est la fonction qualifiant l'onde régressive.

The resulting vibration obeys the equation: $$\mathrm{u}\left(\mathrm{x},\mathrm{t}\right)=\mathrm{f}\left(\mathrm{x}+\mathrm{vt}\right)+\mathrm{boy\; Wut}\left(\mathrm{x}-\mathrm{vt}\right),$$

• where f is the function qualifying the progressive wave,
• where g is the function qualifying the regressive wave.

These functions f and g can be arbitrary and depend on the initial excitation of the glass.

If you wait long enough, you can get a standing wave.

la relation trigonométrique sin a + sin b = 2 sin(a+b)/2 cos(a-b)/2 permet d'écrire que u(x, t) = 2 sin(k x) cos(ωt),
qui est une onde stationnaire : chaque point oscille en phase comme cos(ω t), mais avec une amplitude différente 2 sin(k x).For example, if f and g are sinusoidal functions: $$\mathrm{u}\left(\mathrm{x},\mathrm{t}\right)=\sin \left(\mathrm{kx}+\mathrm{\omega t}\right)+\sin \left(\mathrm{kx}-\mathrm{\omega t}\right),$$

the trigonometric relation sin a + sin b = 2 sin (a + b) / 2 cos (ab) / 2 makes it possible to write that u (x, t) = 2 sin (kx) cos (ωt),
which is a standing wave: each point oscillates in phase like cos (ω t), but with a different amplitude 2 sin (kx).

The invention proposes to extrapolate such a principle, which is without known industrial application, by exciting a single wave, for example the traveling wave, by acting on a deformable ring.

This wave can then rotate at the same speed around the edge of the ring as an excitation source, here constituted, without limitation, by a trainer, in particular constituted by a central crank or by a wheel.

• la transmission d'énergie (entretien de l'oscillation), et
• le comptage, puisque cet entraîneur tourne à la même vitesse que l'onde.

As for an exhaust, this coach ensures:

• the transmission of energy (maintenance of the oscillation), and
• counting, since this coach rotates at the same speed as the wave.

It must be understood that the speed of propagation of the wave around the ring is a property of the ring, independently of the trainer.

So this coach can only follow this wave, at the same speed as the wave, if we sized the system correctly.

The wave propagates in the material of the ring. The wave has the effect of an elastic deformation of the ring (bending).

Preferably, but not limited to, the excitation is continuous. Thus, if we focus on a point of the ring, the passage of the trainer at a point is analogous to a sinus vertex. The signal is preferably periodic.

In the examples illustrated by the figures, the effect of the wave related to the presence of the trainer tends to push the ring radially, forcing it to deform elastically.

The excitation wave is a wave of elastic deformation of the ring, which is a wave approximately transverse, resulting in a substantially radial deformation.

This explains why, in the illustrated example, from a circular ring, the deformation is in the shape of an ellipse whose main axis revolves around the center. One can of course imagine other forms of deformation.

The object subjected to this or these excitation waves is of preferably substantially annular shape, the ring torus of perfect revolution being a special case.

This object can be kept in simple embedding as the foot of the glass in the laboratory example described above.

The figures show variants where recessed blades hold the ring. Preferably these blades are very flexible relative to the ring, to allow proper operation.

Indeed, the analogy with the foot of the glass seems poorly suited to a watch, because this embodiment requires a large glass wall height so that the edge of the glass can be deformed at a sufficient distance from the embedding point.

The invention relates to a clockwork movement 10 comprising, fixed on a plate 5, energy storage means 3 arranged to deliver torque to a gear train 2 for actuating a synchronization mechanism 1 of a clockwork train. with an annular resonator 6, that includes this movement 10, this annular resonator 6 having a ring 7 fixed by flexible blades 9 to the plate 5, and the synchronization mechanism 1 comprising a driver 8 driven by the gear 2, this coach 8 controlling the display means 4, in particular displaying the second, the movement 10.

This deformable annular resonator mechanism is substantially concentric with the axis of the driver, which performs the function ordinarily assigned to the escape wheel in a conventional clockwork train. Preferably this annular resonator is similar to a resonator of the "wineglass" type, as described above. The interaction between the trainer and the resonator may be mechanical or non-contact, in particular of the magnetic and / or electrostatic type.

The gear 2 is subjected to a torque, in particular coming from a means of energy storage 3 that this movement 10 comprises.

According to the invention, this annular resonator 6 thus comprises a ring 7, which is deformable around an axis A under the effect of an action induced by the movement of a driver 8, that the synchronization mechanism 1 comprises. This trainer 8 is driven, directly or indirectly, by this pair, and more particularly by said energy storage means 3, in particular from a cylinder via a wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the speed of the driver 8 defines a speed of propagation of a wave of deformation in the material of the ring 7 all around it.

In another embodiment of the invention, the speed of the driver 8 defines a stationary oscillation wave of the ring 7 between repetitive forms corresponding to stationary modes.

In a preferred embodiment, this driver 8 drives a display 4, for example a second display, of the watch movement 10.

The movement of the coach 8 includes a pivoting movement. Preferably, the movement of the driver 8 is a pivoting movement.

In one embodiment of the invention, as visible on the figure 15 , the driver 8 comprises at least one distal end 800 which extends, relative to the axis A, beyond the smallest diameter that has, in an unstressed free state, the ring 7 with respect to the Axis A. More particularly, at least one distal end 800 locally deforms the ring 7 in the form of a bead 700) protruding radially outwards with respect to the axis A.

More particularly, at least one distal end 800 is arranged to cooperate with at least one clearance 71 that comprises, in an unstressed free state, the ring 7 at its inner periphery on the side of the axis A.

In a particular embodiment, the ring 7 comprises, in an unstressed free state, at its inner periphery on the side of the axis A, at least one bulge 70 facing the axis A constituting the smallest diameter that presents the ring 7 with respect to the axis A.

In a particular embodiment, the interaction between the driver 8 and the annular resonator 6 is mechanical.

In a particular embodiment, statically, the driver 8 exerts at least one radial force with respect to the axis A in the centrifugal direction on the ring 7.

In a preferred embodiment, the ring 7 is fixed to a plate 5 that includes said watch movement 10 by a plurality of flexible blades 9, which in a first alternative are more flexible than the ring 7, arranged to hold the ring 7 substantially centered on said axis A, and to restrict the movements of the ring 7 in the same plane P perpendicular to the axis A with limited displacements of the center of inertia of the ring 7 less than one-tenth of the smallest dimension outer ring 7 in said plane P.

In a second alternative, these flexible blades 9 are more rigid than the ring 7.

In a first variant embodiment, as visible on the Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 11 an annular resonator 6 of the "wineglass" type is synchronized with a driver 8 acting as a crank. The figure 2 shows the shape of the resonator at rest, and the Figures 1 and 3 show the extreme states that can take the ring resonator 6 during the evolution of the crank.

Advantageously, the ring 7 of the annular resonator 6 is fixed to a plate 5 that the watch movement 10 comprises by a plurality of flexible blades 9, more flexible than the ring 7, and which are arranged to hold the ring 7 centered on the axis A, and to restrict the movements of this ring 7 in the same plane P perpendicular to the axis A at very short strokes, especially with strokes less than one-tenth of the smallest outer dimension of the ring 7 in this plane P. In the preferred and illustrated case where the ring 7 has at rest a substantially circular shape, this smaller dimension is the length of the minor axis of the flatter ellipse corresponding to an extreme deformation of this ring 7. The Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a similar configuration, but where the flexible blades 9 are attached to areas likely to become vibration nodes, at 45 ° modulo 90 ° relative to the horizontal axis of the figures, and where the annular resonator is not strictly of revolution in the free state, but includes two narrowing, as visible in figure 10 , forcing the trainer to exert on the ring an additional radial force to cross them.

The interaction between the driver 8 and the annular resonator 6 is of the mechanical type, and the driver 8 induces a radial centrifugal force on the ring 7.

In a second variant embodiment, the interaction between the driver 8 and the annular resonator 6 is achieved by magnetic interaction means 11 comprising magnets and / or magnetic poles.

According to the invention, the ring 7 comprises a plurality according to a first number of magnets or magnetic poles, the driver 8 comprises a plurality according to a second number of magnets or magnetic poles, the first number differing from the second number , so that the ring 7 and the driver 8 together constitute a gear reduction mechanism or multiplier. More particularly, the first number differs from the second number by one unit.

In a particular embodiment, the shape of the magnetic interaction means 11 or magnets defines first zones forming potential ramps and second potential barrier zones, making it possible to locate a pulse between the driver 8 and the annular resonator 6 .

In a third variant, the interaction between the driver 8 and the annular resonator 6 is performed by electrostatic interaction means comprising electrets or / and electrostatically conductive poles.

In the second or third variant, and as visible on the figure 5 the form of the electrostatic magnetic interaction means 11 or electrets, respectively, defines first zones forming potential ramps and second potential barrier zones, making it possible to locate a pulse between the driver 8 and the electrodes; the annular resonator 6. On the nonlimiting embodiment of the figure 5 , the coach 8 carries T-shaped magnets 81, which, in certain relative positions of the coach 8 and the ring 7, will arrive in superposition, initially partial then total, with zones of the 7, equipped or not with magnetic tracks 71. The cooperation between the magnets 81 and the tracks 71 is progressive: a first branch 82 of the magnet 81 begins to cooperate with the magnetic track 71 antagonist, forming a potential ramp, then a transverse bar 83 of the magnet 81 forms a real potential barrier generating a pulse.

In an advantageous variant illustrated on the figures 4 and 5 , 21 and 27 to 31 , the ring 7 is weighted on its periphery, continuously or periodically, for example by flyweights 75 giving the ring 7 thus equipped the appearance of a vehicle crawler.

The Figures 27 to 31 illustrate the advantage these weights bring by lowering the frequency of the first eigen modes.

More particularly, the ring 7 is weighted on its periphery, continuously or periodically.

In a particular embodiment, the ring 7 is ballasted by a plurality of weights 75.

In a particular embodiment, at least some weights 75 extend externally to the ring 7 relative to the axis A, with a T-shaped profile whose vertical bar is radial with respect to the axis A, and whose bar cross is perpendicular to the axis A and the farthest from it.

The figure 4 thus illustrates an annular resonator 6 of the "wineglass" type weighted in order to lower the natural frequency, synchronized with a crank. The figure 5 illustrates an annular resonator 6 of wineglass type weighted to lower the natural frequency, synchronized magnetically with a wheel.

The use of magnets as interaction elements between the wheel and the resonator makes it possible to eliminate friction losses, impact noise and losses due to "falls". The shape of the magnets can be optimized to obtain a ramp / potential barrier effect for locating the pulse.

In a first variant of the mechanical type, the driver 8 is advantageously a crank inducing a mechanical deformation of the ring 7.

In achievements such as those of Figures 5 and 6 , the driver 8 is a wheel arranged to exert a contactless force on the ring 7.

In a particular embodiment, the wheel carries a crank arm provided with at least one roller 85 arranged to roll or slide on the inner peripheral surface of the ring 7 on the side of the axis A.

In either of the embodiments described above, the ring 7 may have sections and / or varying thicknesses along its periphery.

In a particular embodiment, the ring 7 has, in an unstressed free state, a polygonal or multi-lobed shape in a plane P orthogonal to the axis A.

In a particular embodiment, and preferred, the ring 7 is made of micro-machinable material or silicon and has a rectangular section in any plane passing through said axis A.

In a particular embodiment, the ring 7 is integral with a plurality of flexible blades 9 connecting with a plate 5 that includes the watch movement 10. More particularly, the ring 7 is integral with the plurality of flexible blades 9 and with the platinum 5.

In a particular embodiment, the driver 8 is driven by a gearing mechanism or speed multiplier interposed between the energy storage means 3 and the driver 8. More particularly, this gear reduction mechanism or speed multiplier is a coupling mechanism magnetic, as visible on the figure 6 , which illustrates an annular resonator 6 of the "wineglass" type weighted in order to lower the natural frequency, synchronized magnetically with a wheel, via a magnetic multiplier, arranged to have an escape wheel that rotates at a frequency lower than the frequency own of the resonator.

In a particular embodiment, the driver 8 comprises a first disk having magnetic fields 81 alternating in a first step, and cooperating with a second disk having magnetic fields 82 in a second step, very close, but different from the first step.

Another variant, not illustrated, consists of the combination of a mechanical and magnetic or electrostatic interaction.

The invention also relates to a timepiece 100 comprising such a movement 10. More particularly, this piece 200 is a watch.

The invention has important advantages: the invention makes it possible to eliminate the jerky movements of a Swiss lever escapement, and hence the losses due to shocks. The exhaust efficiency is substantially increased.

Such an annular resonator does not have pivots, and therefore does not support the frictional losses of the pivots of a spiral balance.

Due to the absence of jerky movements, it is possible to increase the frequency of the resonator, and consequently the quality factor and the accuracy of the watch.

The crank variants represent purely mechanical synchronization systems, which can not pick up.

The invention proposes an innovation in the field of the exhaust and the resonator. It has, again, a strong emotional potential because of its visual similarities with a beating heart.

Claims (25)

1. Timepiece movement (10) comprising, secured to the same plate (5), a gear train (2) subjected to a torque in said movement (10), and an energy storage means (3) arranged to deliver said torque to said gear train (2), which is arranged for actuation of a mechanism (1) for synchronizing said gear train (2) with an annular resonator (6), having a given natural resonant frequency, comprised in said movement (10), said annular resonator (6) including a ring (7) disposed about an axis (A), said ring (7) is arranged to be periodically deformed under an action induced by the movement of a drive member (8), comprised in said synchronization mechanism (1), and said drive member (8) is driven in a pivoting motion, directly or indirectly, by said gear train (2), characterized in that the interaction between said drive member (8) and said annular resonator (6) is achieved by magnetic interaction means (11) comprising magnets and/or magnetic poles, said ring (7) includes a plurality comprising a first number of magnets or of magnetic poles, in that said drive member (8) includes a plurality comprising a second number of magnets or of magnetic poles, said first number differing from said second number, such that said ring (7) and said drive member (8) together form a speed reducing or increasing mechanism.
2. Movement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first number differs from said second number by one unit.
3. Movement (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the shape of said magnetic interaction means (11) or of said magnets defines first areas forming potential ramps and second areas forming potential barriers, allowing an impulse to be confined between said drive member (8) and said annular resonator (6).
4. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said drive member (8) is a wheel arranged to exert a contactless force on said ring (7).
5. Movement (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said wheel carries an arm forming a crank-handle provided with at least one roller (85) arranged to roll or slide on the inner peripheral surface of said ring (7) on the side of said axis (A).
6. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said given natural resonant frequency defines a speed of propagation of a wave of deformation in the material of said ring (7) all around the latter, during the movement of said drive member (8), which follows said wave, at the same speed as said wave.
7. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said given natural resonant frequency defines a standing wave of oscillation of said ring (7) between repetitive shapes corresponding to standing modes, during the movement of said drive member (8), which follows said wave, at the same speed as said wave.
8. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said drive member (8) drives a display (4) of said timepiece movement (10).
9. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said movement of said drive member (8) includes at least one pivoting motion.
10. Movement (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that said movement of said drive member (8) is a pivoting motion.
11. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said drive member (8) includes at least one distal end (800) that extends, with respect to said axis (A), beyond the smallest diameter exhibited by said ring (7) with respect to said axis (A).
12. Movement (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that said ring (7) includes, at said at least one distal end (800), a bulge (700) projecting radially outwards with respect to said axis (A).
13. Movement (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that said at least one distal end (800) is arranged to cooperate with at least one recess (71) comprised in said ring (7) at the inner periphery thereof on the side of said axis (A).
14. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said ring (7) comprises, in an unrestricted free state, at the inner periphery thereof on the side of said axis (A), at least one bulge portion (70) facing said axis (A) forming the smallest diameter exhibited by said ring (7) with respect to said axis (A).
15. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said ring (7) is secured to said plate (5) by a plurality of flexible strips (9), more flexible than said ring (7), arranged to hold said ring (7) substantially centred on said axis (A), and to restrict the movements of said ring (7) in the same plane (P) perpendicular to said axis (A) with limited displacements of the centre of inertia of said ring (7) less than one tenth of the smallest external dimension of said ring (7) in said plane (P).
16. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said ring (7) is secured to said plate (5) by a plurality of flexible strips (9), more rigid than said ring (7), arranged to hold said ring (7) substantially centred on said axis (A), and to restrict the movements of said ring (7) in the same plane (P) perpendicular to said axis (A) with limited displacements of the centre of inertia of said ring (7) less than one tenth of the smallest external dimension of said ring (7) in said plane (P).
17. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said ring (7) is weighted on the periphery thereof, in a continuous or periodic manner.
18. Movement (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that said ring (7) is weighted by a plurality of inertia-blocks (75).
19. Movement (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that at least some of said inertia-blocks (75) extend outwardly of said ring (7) with respect to said axis (A), with a T-shaped profile whose vertical bar is radial with respect to said axis (A), and whose transverse bar is perpendicular to said axis (A) and the farthest therefrom.
20. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said ring (7) has variable sections and/or thicknesses along the periphery thereof.
21. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that, in an unrestricted free state, said ring (7) has a polygonal or polylobate shape in a plane (P) orthogonal to said axis (A).
22. Movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that said ring (7) is made of micromachinable material or silicon and has a rectangular cross-section in any plane passing through said axis (A).
23. Movement (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that said ring (7) is in one piece with a plurality of flexible strips (9) for connection to a plate (5) comprised in said timepiece movement (10).
24. Movement (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that said ring (7) is in one piece with said plurality of flexible strips (9) and with said plate (5).
25. Timepiece (100) including a movement (10) according to any of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that said timepiece is a watch.

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