HK1218001B - Assembly for producing a sound from a striking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Components for producing sound from a striking mechanism

Technical Field

The invention relates to an assembly for producing a striking sound, the assembly being intended to be installed in a watch provided with a timepiece movement including a striking mechanism.

The invention also relates to a watch comprising a case having a middle part defining a chamber for a timepiece movement including a striking mechanism provided with an assembly for producing striking sounds, a back cover and a crystal.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly for generating a time signal.

Background Art

In the field of horology, a watch movement housed within a watch case may be equipped with a conventional striking mechanism. This mechanism typically comprises a gong secured at one end to a gong carrier, which is in turn integral to the watch's main plate, which supports the movement, and a hammer that strikes the gong at a specific moment. This striking mechanism is particularly useful in minute repeaters or alarm watches. The gong can be a round metal wire that can be arranged around the watch movement.

Conventional striking mechanisms consist of separate components that are assembled one after another onto the watch's main plate. Assembly of the striking mechanism often takes a long time, a drawback. Furthermore, the components that make up the striking mechanism must be manufactured independently of one another. Consideration must also be given to the design of the striking mechanism's at least one gong, which should optimize the efficiency of the watch's striking mechanism and more efficiently transmit vibrations in conjunction with the various other components of the watch. Improving the transmission of vibrations from the gong to external components, such as the watch case, is desirable but difficult to achieve with conventional striking mechanisms.

European Patent No. 2 196 869 B1, which discloses a watch case with a striking mechanism, can be cited in this regard. The striking mechanism's gongs and gong carriers are manufactured simultaneously with the watch case's middle part and/or back cover. The gongs and gong carriers are joined to the middle part or to the back cover to form a single piece with the case.

However, a disadvantage of this embodiment is that the gong is integral to the manufacture of the watch case, which is therefore complex and expensive. Consequently, the material forming the gong cannot be chosen without taking into account the material of the watch case. This is a disadvantage when it is desired to replace the gong in order to modify the sound of the striking mechanism or due to damage or a visible defect, as part of the watch case must also be replaced.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an assembly for producing a striking sound from a striking mechanism that is easy to manufacture and that, once mounted in a watch case, is able to produce a sonorous sound with improved vibration propagation.

To this end, the present invention relates to an assembly for producing a striking sound from a striking mechanism as previously described, comprising the features defined in independent claim 1 .

Particular embodiments of the assembly for generating a time signal are defined in dependent claims 2-7.

One advantage of the assembly for producing sound signals is that the gong and gong carrier are manufactured simultaneously with the components for assembly in the watch case, forming a single component. This simplifies the manufacture of the gong, which is secured at at least one end to the gong carrier and which also serves to retain the gong carrier and gong within the watch case. The material for the integrated gong/assembly component can thus be selected independently of the material forming the watch case. Furthermore, since the gong carrier and the gong and assembly component are manufactured simultaneously in the same preform, the additional operation of assembling the gong to the gong carrier is avoided.

Advantageously, the assembly element is manufactured in the form of a band or ring, such as a watch case ring. This ring, carrying the gong carrier and the gong, can be assembled so as to be press-fitted into the watch case, in particular into the middle of the case. This assembly is thus retained within the case while allowing the gong to vibrate freely. This results in improved vibration transmission from the gong to the case, which increases the perceived volume of the striking sound.

To this end, the invention also relates to a watch comprising the features defined in independent claim 8 .

Particular embodiments of the watch are defined in dependent claims 9 and 10 .

To this end, the invention therefore also relates to a method for producing an assembly for generating a time sound, comprising the features defined in independent claim 11 .

Specific manufacturing steps are defined in dependent claims 12 and 13 .

One advantage of the method for manufacturing an assembly for producing a striking sound according to the invention is that a single component comprising the assembly element, the gong and its gong carrier is formed after a single machining operation, such as a stamping or casting operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, advantages and features of the assembly for producing a striking sound from a striking mechanism and the method of making the same will become more clearly apparent from the following description, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

1a and 1b show a three-dimensional top view and a plan view of a first embodiment of an assembly for generating a striking sound from a striking mechanism according to the present invention,

2a and 2b show a three-dimensional top view and a cross-sectional view along II-II in FIG. 2a of a second embodiment of an assembly for generating a striking sound from a striking mechanism according to the present invention, and

3a and 3b schematically show a top plan view of a watch in which the assembly for generating a striking sound from a striking mechanism according to the present invention is provided and a cross-sectional view along III-III in FIG. 3a .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, all parts of a watch striking mechanism known in the art, which includes an assembly for generating a striking sound by a gong struck by a hammer, will be described only briefly.

Figures 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of an assembly 1 for producing a sound from a striking mechanism. This assembly consists of at least one gong 2, secured at one end to a gong carrier 3, and an assembly element 4, which is directly secured to this carrier. The other end of gong 2 is free to move. The assembly element can be assembled directly, in particular by press-fitting, into a complementary part of a watch case, such as a watch case middle.

According to Figures 1a and 1b, the gong 2 is arranged slightly above and parallel to the assembly element 4 when connected to the assembly element via the gong carrier 3. However, the gong can be arranged in the same plane as the assembly element 4 when connected to the assembly element 4 via the gong carrier 3. In addition, it is provided that the two ends of the gong 2 are fixed to two opposite sides of the gong carrier 3.

The assembly element 4 of the mechanical watch movement is preferably manufactured in the form of a band or ring. This ring can, for example, be a case ring for assembly and press-fitting into a watch case, as schematically shown in Figures 3a and 3b. However, the case ring can also be secured within the case in other ways. The band or ring 4 can be mounted on the watch mainplate, which also houses the mechanical watch movement. Preferably, the lower portion of the case ring 4 is mounted on the mainplate, while the gong 2 is positioned on the upper side of the case ring 4.

The gong 2, which is parallel to the case ring 4, can be circular and coaxial with the case ring 4. The outer diameter of the gong 2 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the case ring 4. The gong 2 can be configured to surround a portion of the watch movement on the main plate of the watch. The gong can be struck by a hammer of the striking mechanism, which also forms part of the watch movement. The gong 2 extends in a plane parallel to the main plate. The metal wire of the gong 2 can define a partial circle having an angle, for example, between 180° or less and 360°, preferably approximately 330°.

Gong 2, gong carrier 3, and assembly element 4 can be made of a material, preferably metal or metallic glass. This material can be a metallic material, such as steel, or a precious metal such as gold, platinum, or silver, or a precious metal alloy. The cross-section of the gong can be circular, with a diameter of less than 1 mm, for example, approximately 0.6 mm. However, each gong can also preferably have a rectangular cross-section, which is easier to manufacture, as described below.

If the material of gong 2 is selected from precious metals, in particular gold, a single coil of wire inside the watch case can be used to produce the chime. This increases the sound intensity due to the increased transmission coefficient to the external components of the watch located downstream of the gong. This therefore provides for improved vibration propagation from gong 2 to the radiating components of the watch.

The method for manufacturing the assembly 1 for producing a sound can now be described. At least one gong 2, connected to a gong carrier 3, can be manufactured together with the assembly element 4 in a single preform. To achieve this, and depending on the type of material used or the desired shape, a stamping operation or a casting operation can first be performed on the preform of the assembly.

During the preform stamping operation, the resulting component, comprising the gong 2 connected to the assembly element 4 via the gong carrier 3, can be obtained in a single step in the die of the stamping machine. However, it may be preferred that the free end of the gong is retained to the assembly element by at least one material bridge and that at least one grinding operation is performed in the machine after the stamping operation to release the end of the gong 2 and allow it to be tuned. However, if the two ends of the gong must be connected to two opposite sides of the gong carrier, a single stamping operation may be sufficient.

During a casting operation in a mold consisting of at least two parts, molten metal or metallic glass is introduced into the mold, followed by a cooling operation. The assembly 1, comprising at least one gong 2 connected to an assembly element 4 via a gong carrier 3, is thus obtained directly after removal from the mold. Gongs 2 can be manufactured directly in a single casting step, either with both ends fixed to the gong carrier 3 or with one end fixed to the gong carrier and one free end. This casting operation allows each gong to have a circular or equivalently rectangular cross-section. However, a subsequent grinding operation can also be performed to tune the gong 2.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a second embodiment of an assembly 1 for producing a striking sound from a striking mechanism. This assembly comprises a first gong 2 and a second gong 2′, which are fixed at at least one end to a common gong carrier 3, and an assembly element 4, which is directly connected to the gong carrier 3. The other ends of the first and second gongs 2 and 2′ are free to move. The materials used for assembly 1 are the same as those described with reference to the first embodiment.

According to Figures 2a and 2b, the first gong 2 and the second gong 2' are arranged slightly above and parallel to the assembly element 4 when connected to the assembly element via the gong carrier 3. The second gong 2' is superimposed on the first gong 2, and the gongs are arranged parallel and coaxially with respect to the assembly element 4. The two gongs 2, 2' also do not touch each other, so that each gong can be struck by a corresponding hammer of the striking mechanism.

As in the first embodiment, the assembly element 4 of the mechanical watch movement can be a band or ring, such as a case ring. This band or ring 4 is intended to be assembled so as to be press-fitted into a complementary shaped portion of the watch case, particularly into the case middle. However, the case ring can also be secured to the interior of the watch case in other ways. The case ring 4 can be mounted on the main plate of the watch. The lower portion of the case ring 4 can be mounted on the main plate, while the gongs 2, 2' are arranged on the upper side of the case ring 4.

The first and second gongs 2 and 2' can thus be circular, having the same outer diameter, but smaller than the inner diameter of the case ring 4. The wire of each gong 2, 2' can define a partial circle having an angle, for example, ranging from 180° or less to 360°, but preferably close to 330°. The partial circle of the first gong 2 can have an angle different from that of the partial circle of the second gong 2'. Each gong can have a uniform cross-section along its entire length or a non-constant cross-section along its length. The cross-section of the first gong 2 can also differ from that of the second gong 2'. One end of the first gong 2 is fixed to one side of the gong carrier 3, while one end of the second gong 2' is fixed to the opposite side of the same gong carrier 3.

The method for manufacturing the second embodiment of the chime sound generating assembly 1 includes the same manufacturing steps as those described with reference to the first embodiment of the assembly. For the second embodiment of the assembly 1, the first gong 2 and the second gong 2', originating from the same gong carrier 3, can be manufactured together with the assembly element 4 in a single preform. A machining operation, such as stamping or casting, can be performed on the preform.

If it is desired to produce two gongs 2 and 2', each of which has at least one end connected to the same gong carrier 3, a material bridge generally connects the free ends of the two gongs to the interior of the assembly element 4 or to another gong. In this case, at least one grinding or cutting operation must be performed on the machine tool after the preform has been stamped to separate the two gongs and disconnect them from the assembly element 4. However, if both ends of the gongs 2, 2' must be fixed to the gong carrier 3, only a stamping operation is required. After the stamping operation, the cross-section of each gong can preferably be rectangular.

Figures 3a and 3b show a partial top plan view and a simplified radial cross-sectional view of a watch 10 including a striking mechanism. The striking mechanism comprises a portion within a timepiece movement 14 disposed on a main plate 15, and another portion formed by an assembly 1 for producing a striking sound. The portion of the striking mechanism contained within the timepiece movement 14 comprises, in particular, at least one hammer driven by a drive spring for striking a gong at a specific moment.

Watch 10 also includes a case, which is conventionally constructed from a back cover 11 secured to the lower portion of a case middle 12, and a crystal 13 mounted on top of the case middle 12 to close the case. A main plate 15 is secured to the case middle 12, but may also be secured between the back cover 11 and the case middle 12 by inserting a sealing gasket (not shown). A timepiece movement 14, including a minute hand mechanism, is mounted on main plate 15 and located within the chamber defined by back cover 11, case middle 12, and crystal 13. Although not shown, watch 10 also includes a dial positioned above the timepiece movement 14 and hands for indicating the time on the dial, the hands being connected to the timepiece movement via at least one arbour.

The sound generating assembly 1 is preferably assembled by being pressed into a complementary portion 12a of the watch case (e.g., middle part 12 of the watch case). The assembly element 4 is thus held against the inner wall 12a of the middle part 12 by friction, without the need for additional fastening elements. The assembly element 4 can also be supported on the main plate 15.

In the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b, gong 2, like assembly element 4, is circular and includes two ends fixed directly to gong carrier 3. Gong 2 is arranged coaxially with assembly element 4 and in the same plane without contacting assembly element 4. Since assembly element 4 is fixed by being pressed into inner wall 12a of middle part 12, this facilitates assembly of sound generating assembly 1 and provides improved vibration transmission from vibrating gong 2 to an external component (e.g., case 10).

From the description just given, those skilled in the art will be able to envision numerous variations of the components for producing the sound of a striking mechanism without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Multiple gongs may be provided, secured to the same gong carrier or to multiple gong carriers arranged around the periphery of an assembly element. Each gong may have a different length and cross-section than the others, so that each gong produces a specific sound when vibrated. One or more gongs may have a shape other than circular, such as a generally rectangular or polygonal shape, or a spiral formed around the watch movement. The assembly element may be arranged inside one or more gongs. At least one gong arranged inside the assembly element and at least one other gong arranged outside the assembly element may be arranged in the same or different planes as the assembly element. The sound-generating element may be obtained by machining operations, such as laser or water jet cutting, or grinding.

Claims (17)

1. An assembly (1) for generating a chiming sound from a watch chiming mechanism, characterized in that the assembly includes at least one reed (2) which is coupled to an assembly element (4) by means of a reed carrier (3) to form a single piece, the assembly element (4) for mounting the assembly within a watch case, the assembly element (4) being circular or polygonal and intended to be mounted as a press-fitted portion of the watch case having a complementary shape. 2. The component (1) for generating a time chime according to claim 1, wherein the material used to manufacture the component is metallic glass, or a precious metal, or a precious metal alloy. 3. The component (1) for generating a chime according to claim 1, characterized in that the reed (2) is held to the reed carrier (3) via one end of it while the other end is free to move, a portion of the reed defining a partial circle within the watch case surrounding the watch movement, having an angle between 180° and 360°. 4. The component (1) for generating a time signal according to claim 1, characterized in that the component comprises two reeds (2, 2') originating from the same reed carrier (3). 5. The component (1) for generating a chime according to claim 4, characterized in that one end of the first reed (2) and one end of the second reed (2') are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the reed carrier (3), while the other end of each reed is free to move, and each reed defines a partial circle within the watch case surrounding the watch movement, having an angle between 180° and 360°. 6. The component (1) for generating a chime tone according to claim 4, characterized in that the two chime reeds (2, 2') are coaxially stacked inside the watch case and do not contact each other. 7. The component (1) for generating a chime according to claim 1, wherein the assembly element is a strip or a case bushing. 8. The component (1) for generating a time chime according to claim 2, wherein the precious metal is gold or platinum. 9. The component (1) for generating a time chime according to claim 1, wherein the assembly element (4) is rectangular. 10. A watch (10) comprising a case having an intermediate part (12) defining a chamber for a watch movement (14) having a striking mechanism, a back cover (11) and a crystal (13), characterized in that the striking mechanism comprises an assembly (1) for generating a striking sound according to claim 1. 11. The watch (10) according to claim 10, wherein the component (1) for generating the chime is mounted to be pressed into the watch case to optimize the acoustic radiation of at least one vibrating spring (2) of the component for generating the chime. 12. The watch (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the assembly element (4) is mounted to abut against the inner wall (12a) of the intermediate part (12) of the watch case. 13. A method of manufacturing a component (1) for generating a chime according to claim 1, characterized in that a monolith is formed after an operation of stamping a preform or casting the preform in a mold, the monolith having at least one chime (2) connected via a chime carrier (3) to an assembly element (4) for mounting the component within a complementary shape portion of a watch case, the assembly element (4) being circular or polygonal. 14. The method for manufacturing a component (1) that generates a time-announcing tone according to claim 13, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: - Stamping the preform of the component to obtain the assembly element (4), the reed carrier (3), one or two reeds (2, 2'), wherein one end of each reed is connected to the same reed carrier (3), and at least the other end of each reed is connected to the interior of the assembly element via a material bridging portion, and - At least grind or cut the material bridging portion that holds each reed to release the other end of the reed. 15. The method of manufacturing the component (1) that generates the chime sound according to claim 14, characterized in that a subsequent grinding operation is performed to tune each reed. 16. The method of manufacturing a component (1) that generates a chime according to claim 13, wherein the assembly element is a strip or a case bushing. 17. The method of manufacturing a component (1) that generates a time chime according to claim 13, wherein the assembly element (4) is rectangular.