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EP2515185B1 - Engine with constant torque - Google Patents

Engine with constant torque Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2515185B1
EP2515185B1 EP11163476.2A EP11163476A EP2515185B1 EP 2515185 B1 EP2515185 B1 EP 2515185B1 EP 11163476 A EP11163476 A EP 11163476A EP 2515185 B1 EP2515185 B1 EP 2515185B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
blade
motor according
wheel
wheels
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11163476.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2515185A1 (en
Inventor
Quentin Gubler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
Original Assignee
Manufacture et Fabrique de Montres et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle SA
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Priority to EP11163476.2A priority Critical patent/EP2515185B1/en
Publication of EP2515185A1 publication Critical patent/EP2515185A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B1/00—Driving mechanisms
    • G04B1/10—Driving mechanisms with mainspring
    • G04B1/105—Driving mechanisms with mainspring having a form other than a helix

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a constant moment moment motor according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • This constant force moment motor can be armed to accumulate energy and disarmed to restore it thereafter.
  • the invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock, containing the constant force moment motor which can replace a motor member, in particular a cylinder, connected to a regulating member for example an oscillator (such as a sprung balance) or a ringer regulator.
  • a timepiece in particular a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock
  • the constant force moment motor which can replace a motor member, in particular a cylinder, connected to a regulating member for example an oscillator (such as a sprung balance) or a ringer regulator.
  • the traditional motor organ of a mechanical watch is a spring contained in a barrel.
  • a traditional barrel is composed of a wheel formed of a toothed circular disk and a cylindrical box closed by a cover. He turns freely on a tree.
  • the watch's mainspring is located in this cylindrical box and is attached to the cylinder wall by its outer turn, and to the shaft by its inner coil.
  • the document WO 2008/114071 proposes a motor unit for a timepiece that is able to transmit energy to the gear train with a substantially constant torque.
  • this solution uses a helical spring which can work in compression or traction along its longitudinal axis and which drives a means of transmitting energy.
  • the drive mechanism of a constant torque timepiece is made with an auxiliary spring interposed between a wheel connected to the regulating member and a rotary support controlled by the motor.
  • this solution is quite complex and cumbersome.
  • the present invention is therefore a driving member, for a timepiece, which is capable of accumulating and restoring the accumulated energy with a moment of substantially constant force between a fully armed state (maximum accumulation) and a totally disarmed state (minimum accumulation) and having a simple structure.
  • a constant moment force motor for a timepiece comprising at least one energy storage element able to accumulate and restore energy that can be used for driving a mechanical mechanism between an armed state and a disarmed state, and at least one capable controller element controlling the accumulator element by relative movement movement between the controller element and the accumulator element, so that the moment of force created by the accumulator element remains essentially constant between the armed state and the disarmed state.
  • the accumulator element is a blade and the controller element is arranged to move along the accumulator element.
  • the advantage of this invention resides in particular in the fact that the structure of the constant moment moment motor makes it possible to obtain a source of energy which is capable of restoring the accumulated energy with a moment of force that is substantially constant, independently of the state of arming of the accumulator element.
  • the engine according to the invention can in particular be incorporated in a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock.
  • the controller element can release the energy accumulated in the blade between the armed state and the disarmed state by gradually releasing the blade so that it tends to return to its original shape.
  • the controller element is a device with at least one rotating part, this device being arranged to release the energy accumulated in the blade by means of a rotary movement of at least one rotating part of the device along the blade.
  • the device comprises a frame which is arranged so that the at least one rotatable piece rotates about an axis passing through the frame.
  • the distance between the blade and the axis of rotation of the rotating part can remain substantially constant during the displacement of the rotating part along the blade.
  • An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides that the frame follows the movement of the frame of a planetary gear.
  • a planetary gear must be provided in which at least one motor according to the present invention is suitably integrated into one of the gear levels.
  • follow in this context does not necessarily mean that the engine frame rotates at the same speed as the chassis of the gear.
  • the device may be composed of two wheels and the frame joining the axes of these two wheels, the blade being located between the two wheels and can be pressed against the wheel.
  • This variant embodiment of the present invention is particularly represented in the figure 2 and discussed in detail below. Obviously, it is not necessary that the blade plate against the wheel on which it is embedded - it is also conceivable to achieve the invention in the same way, while keeping a certain gap between the blade and the wheel.
  • At least one side face of the blade can be toothed and engaged with a corresponding toothing on one of the two wheels or the two wheels respectively.
  • optimal operation of the motor can be guaranteed.
  • the device may be composed of two mobiles each comprising an internal wheel, these internal wheels being arranged to be able to transmit a rotational movement between them, and an outer wheel, at least one of these wheels. external being in contact with the blade, the diameters of the inner wheels of the two mobiles and / or the diameters of the outer wheels of the two mobiles respectively not being identical to each other.
  • This variant embodiment of the present invention is particularly represented in the figure 3 and discussed in detail below.
  • the inner wheels can be toothed and engaged with each other. Also, at least one side face of the blade can be toothed and engaged with a corresponding toothing of the at least one of the outer wheels to reduce the risk of sliding between the parts.
  • the device can be arranged to rotate about an axis which is also the axis of rotation of a gear crown.
  • planetary a gear that is also the axis of rotation of a gear crown.
  • the engine may include a stop element in particular to prevent the blade, during its arming, from the fully armed state to the fully disarmed state. This allows a safer operation of the engine.
  • the blade is made of silicon, silicon-coated silicon, diamond-coated silicon or diamond. Of course, other suitable materials are also possible.
  • two beams each of which is embedded at one end and free to the other, illustrate the operating principle of the constant moment moment motor according to the invention.
  • These two beams are bending biased in three different states represented by the different types of lines, concretely a first state 102 "in which the beam is armed, a second state 102 'intermediate, and a third state 102 in which the beam is disarmed.
  • the beam in the sub Figure 1A schematically represents the disarming process of a traditional drive member (for example, a mainspring).
  • a traditional drive member for example, a mainspring
  • the fulcrum 103 ", 103 ', 103 which is also represented in the three different states, moves in a direction perpendicular to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102.
  • the fulcrum 103 ", 103 ', 103 does not move along the beam 102", 102', 102.
  • the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 (assuming that the fibers are parallel to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102 and that they have a negligible diameter ) is constant at each point of this fiber.
  • the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 is independent of the length of the fiber, but depends on the arming angle which corresponds to the angle between the vertical line corresponding to the embedding plane and the line perpendicular to a fiber and passing through the point of support 103 ", 103 ', 103.
  • the moment of force of a recessed beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 biased in bending depends only on the height of the beam 102", 102', 102, the thickness of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 and the stress in the beam 102', 102 ', 102. It is therefore independent of the length of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102.
  • the moment of force in state 102' is thus less than the moment of force in state 102".
  • the moment of force therefore depends on the arming angle of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 and is not constant.
  • the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 in the sub-beam Figure 1B schematically corresponds to the process of disarming the constant force moment motor according to the invention. Unlike the case represented in the sub- Figure 1A the fulcrum 104 ", 104 ', 104 does not move in a direction perpendicular to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102, but moves along the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 .
  • the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 is not constant at each point of this fiber since it is constant for the beam portion 102" 102, 102 and 102 for the beam portion 102, 102, 102.
  • the force in the beam portion 102, 102, 102, and the stress in the beam portion 102, respectively. , 102 ', 102 disarmed are independent of the arming angle.
  • the moment of force in state 102 ' is equal to the moment of force in state 102.
  • the moment of force therefore does not depend on the arming angle of beam 102 ", 102', 102 and is constant.
  • the sub- Figures 1A and 1B are a schematic representation of the operating principle and they are in no way limiting.
  • the fulcrum 104 ", 104 ', 104 in the sub- Figure 1B may, for example, be on the other side of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 or both sides of the beam 102", 102', 102.
  • the beam, in a given state may be of any geometry: for example, its fibers may be straight, arcuate or of any geometry, being able to form several turns, and its thickness and height may vary depending on the position of the considered section along a given fiber.
  • the beam may also be of any material coated partially or totally with at least any other material: for example, silicon coated or uncoated with silicon dioxide or diamond, diamond or nickel.
  • the beam is not necessarily embedded at one end and free to the other; it can be recessed at one end and supported on the other or recessed at both ends.
  • the beam and its or recesses can be made in one piece.
  • the beam may also comprise no toothing or at least one toothing on at least one face.
  • the sub figure 1C represents a possible practical embodiment of the invention with a support in a device E.
  • this support is a wheel 18 rotatable about a Y axis passing through a frame 24.
  • the frame 24 can rotate around an axis W which is fixed relative to the recess 40.
  • the displacement of the frame 24 rolls the wheel 18 along the beam or blade 14 which flexes more or less.
  • the sub figure 1D represents a possible practical embodiment of the invention with two supports grouped in a device E.
  • This second possible practical embodiment is based on the supports which are constituted by the first wheels which can rotate about an axis passing through a frame and which carry the second wheels that can train each other. Moving the chassis then rolls the first wheels along the beam or blade that flexes more or less.
  • the blade (the beam) 14 is fixed on a support 40 which can be the platen of the watch movement.
  • the blade 14 can wear teeth 47 and 49 on its lateral faces.
  • a mobile 42 has a wheel 44 which is engaged with the toothing 47 of the blade 14.
  • a mobile 48 has a wheel 52 which is engaged with the toothing 49 of the blade 14.
  • the diameters of the wheels 44 and 52 are equal.
  • the wheel 46 of the mobile 42 meshes with the wheel 50 of the mobile 48.
  • the diameter of the wheel 46 is smaller than the diameter of the wheel 50.
  • the axes of the two mobiles 42 and 48 are joined by the frame 24.
  • the support (as already mentioned, there may also be several supports) is not required to rotate about an axis passing through a frame 24: it may, for example, be fixed relative to the frame 24 or do not go through a chassis. Thus, the support does not necessarily roll along the beam 14.
  • the support is also not necessarily a wheel: it can be a piece of any geometry, for example a cam, with or without teeth .
  • this support like the other parts, can be made of any material coated or not partially or totally at least one other material.
  • At least one beam 14 can be integrated in a planetary gear.
  • the frame 24 of this beam 14 (we recall that the invention is not limited to a single beam 14 and several beams 14 may be provided) can then follow the movement of the frame of said planetary gear.
  • This planetary gear can, for example, be a simple planetary gear or another type of planetary gear. Planetary gears are described in chapter 3.9 of volume 1 "Mechanics - Theory", the "Theory of the construction of watchmaking for engineers" published by the "Laboratory Clockmaker of the High School Arc Engineering”.
  • the beam 14 may, for example, be recessed on a fixed reference (for example the stage of a movement) or on any part of the planetary gear (for example, the satellite).
  • one or more mobiles can be placed between certain parts of the planetary gear to, for example, change the speed of rotation of certain parts.
  • the beam in the sub- Figures 1A to 1D represents the energy storage element of the motor, while the support represents the controller element able to control the accumulator element.
  • FIG. figure 2 A practical embodiment of the implementation of the constant moment moment motor according to the present invention is schematically represented in FIG. figure 2 .
  • the energy accumulator element is a blade 14 made of an elastic material.
  • Traditional materials such as stainless steel, chromium and nickel alloys or spring brass, can be used for the manufacture of the blade 14.
  • other suitable materials are also possible, in particular silicon, silicon-coated silicon, diamond-coated silicon or diamond.
  • silicon, silicon-coated silicon, diamond-coated silicon or diamond it is clear that other suitable materials can also be used.
  • the controller element meanwhile, consists of a wheel 12, a wheel 18 and a frame 24.
  • the Z axis of the wheel 12 and the Y axis of the wheel 18 are 24.
  • the wheel 18 is fixed in position and in rotation and serves as a fulcrum for bending the blade 14.
  • the blade 14 will turn the wheel 12 on itself according to the arrow 22 and around the wheel 18 by providing a moment of constant force.
  • the blade 14 and the wheel 12 are not necessarily made as two separate pieces. An embodiment of the present invention in which these two elements are made as a single piece is of course also possible.
  • the value of the distance between the wheel 12 and the wheel 18 may be greater than the value of the sum of the radius of the wheel 12, the radius of the wheel 18 and the thickness of the blade.
  • the wheel 12 is optional (as illustrated in figure 1C ).
  • the device E (therefore the controller element) is thus composed of the wheel 12, the wheel 18 and the frame 24.
  • the wheel 18 comprises the wheel 30 which drives the wheel 31 that the wheel 12 comprises.
  • a rotary movement of the wheel wheel 12 is transmitted to a ring 26 which has an inner periphery 32.
  • the outer periphery 34 of the ring 26 is engaged with that of a pinion 28 connected directly or indirectly to the regulator.
  • pinion 28 may be part of any other mechanism that is driven by the constant moment force motor according to the invention.
  • the wheel 18 is linked, for example by means of a disengaging system, to the winding mechanism of the watch. These elements are not represented and their design is obvious to anyone skilled in the field of watchmaking.
  • the wheels 30 and 31, the ring 26 and the pinion 28 may for example have teeth to the contact faces. It may in certain cases be advantageous to provide teeth even on the wheel or wheels 12 and / or 18 and on the face or faces of the blade 14 in contact with the wheel or wheels.
  • the wheel 12 may be provided with a locking pin 36 which abuts against the frame 24 at the end of disarming to signal the disarmed state of the engine and at the end of the arming to prevent the engine from the fully armed state in totally disarmed state.
  • Other stop systems known to those skilled in the art, can be used.
  • the centerpiece of the constant force moment motor according to the invention is the blade 14 (the energy storage element) which is brought from a relaxed state, where it is of straight geometry, arcuate or arbitrary, to a state stretched, can be wrapped around a piece of any geometry. This action increases the energy stored in the blade 14.
  • FIG 3 is a schematic representation of another practical embodiment of the implementation of the invention. As previously described, the engine can be armed when the device E is moved along the toothed blade 14. figure 3 illustrates a possibility of achieving this displacement.
  • the device E is recognized, as schematically illustrated in the subclass. figure 1D above, comprising the mobiles 42 and 48, the blade 14 fixed, for example, to the plate of a watch 40, the frame 24, etc.
  • This device E further comprises a toothed wheel 60 called “satellite", freely rotating about an axis 64 fixed on the frame 24.
  • the toothing of this wheel 60 is engaged with the internal toothing of the ring 26 and the external toothing another wheel 62 called “sun gear” which rotates about an axis 66 located on the linear extension of the frame 24, beyond the mobile 48.
  • the ring 26 is connected to the winding mechanism, for example by means of a disengaging system, and the sun gear 62 is connected directly or indirectly to the regulating member of the watch. The opposite is also possible.
  • the sun gear 62 is fixed and the ring gear 26 rotates clockwise.
  • the satellite 60 then rolls outside the sun gear 62 by moving the frame 24 and the entire device E clockwise.
  • the ring 26 is fixed and the frame rotates counterclockwise by rolling the satellite 60 inside the ring 26.
  • the sun gear 62 then rotates counterclockwise and transmits its rotation to the movement of the shows.
  • the device E moves along the arrow D, and the portion of the blade 14 which has transmitted its energy to the wheel 62, is designated with a T.
  • This part T has in this case a lower curvature that the portion of the blade 14 between the contact lines with the device E and its embedment plane on the frame 40.
  • the blade 14 and the upper gears do not absolutely need toothing if these wheels pinch the blade 14 with sufficient force, for example by means of an elastic spacing between these wheels and / or an anti-slip lining on their contact faces.
  • the blade 14 may be made of a sufficiently elastic material so that the blade can always return to its original shape.
  • it may be stainless steel, chromium and nickel alloys, spring brass, silicon, silicon dioxide coated silicon, diamond coated silicon or diamond.
  • the mechanism may comprise several satellites. It may also include several blades, toothed or not, several pairs of mobiles whose wheels may also exist without teeth, and several frames.
  • the upper wheels may have different diameters.
  • the lower gear wheels can then have identical diameters.
  • the constant force moment motor according to the invention unlike the springs of the state of the art traditionally used in mechanical watches, can restore all of the energy it has received before, with a moment of invariable force. .
  • the energy available in the motor according to the invention is derived from a linear function for the portion of the blade 14 between its embedding plane and the position of the device E (see, for example, FIG. figure 3 ).
  • the section of the blade 14 which has already been left by the device E (reference sign T at the figure 3 ) has no influence on the remaining energy available.
  • this linear function is the basis of generating a moment of constant force.
  • the engine according to the present invention is intended to equip watch parts.
  • this engine is intended for mechanical pocket watches, wristwatches, clocks and other mechanical parts whose movement can be driven with a torque as constant as possible.

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

La présente invention concerne un moteur à moment de force constant selon le préambule de la revendication 1. Ce moteur à moment de force constant peut être armé pour accumuler de l'énergie et désarmé pour la restituer ensuite.The present invention relates to a constant moment moment motor according to the preamble of claim 1. This constant force moment motor can be armed to accumulate energy and disarmed to restore it thereafter.

L'invention concerne également une pièce d'horlogerie, en particulier une montre-bracelet, une montre de poche ou une horloge, contenant le moteur à moment de force constant qui peut remplacer un organe moteur, notamment un barillet, lié à un organe régulateur, par exemple un oscillateur (tel qu'un balancier-spiral) ou un régulateur de sonnerie.The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock, containing the constant force moment motor which can replace a motor member, in particular a cylinder, connected to a regulating member for example an oscillator (such as a sprung balance) or a ringer regulator.

État de la techniqueState of the art

L'organe moteur traditionnel d'une montre mécanique est un ressort, contenu dans un barillet. Un barillet traditionnel est composé d'une roue formée d'un disque circulaire denté et d'une boîte cylindrique fermée par un couvercle. Il tourne librement sur un arbre. Le ressort-moteur de la montre est situé dans cette boîte cylindrique et il est accroché à la paroi du barillet par sa spire extérieure, et à l'arbre par sa spire intérieure.The traditional motor organ of a mechanical watch is a spring contained in a barrel. A traditional barrel is composed of a wheel formed of a toothed circular disk and a cylindrical box closed by a cover. He turns freely on a tree. The watch's mainspring is located in this cylindrical box and is attached to the cylinder wall by its outer turn, and to the shaft by its inner coil.

Même si le ressort de barillet s'est avéré être un bon organe moteur pour les montres mécaniques grâce à ses nombreux avantages, il est bien connu dans le domaine de l'horlogerie que le barillet traditionnel ne peut pas fournir l'énergie stockée avec un couple constant. De fait, lorsque le ressort est complètement armé, il a tendance à se détendre avec un maximum de force, et le couple transmis au reste du mouvement atteint sa valeur maximale. En revanche, lorsque le ressort est presque complètement détendu, il ne peut fournir qu'un couple beaucoup plus faible.Even though the mainspring has proved to be a good driving force for mechanical watches because of its many advantages, it is well known in the field of watchmaking that the traditional barrel can not provide the energy stored with constant torque. In fact, when the spring is fully armed, it tends to relax with maximum force, and the torque transmitted to the rest of the movement reaches its maximum value. On the other hand, when the spring is almost completely relaxed, it can only provide a much lower torque.

Par conséquent, ces différences de couples se transmettent directement au reste du mouvement de sorte que l'indication du temps souffre au niveau de la marche (précision variable) ou au niveau de la sonnerie (fréquence et intensité de frappe variables).Consequently, these torque differences are transmitted directly to the rest of the movement so that the indication of time suffers at the gait (variable accuracy) or at the level of the ring (variable frequency and intensity of typing).

Le document WO 2008/114071 propose un organe moteur pour une pièce d'horlogerie qui est apte à transmettre de l'énergie au train d'engrenages avec un couple essentiellement constant. Cependant, cette solution fait appel à un ressort hélicoïdal qui peut travailler en compression ou en traction le long de son axe longitudinal et qui entraîne un moyen de transmission de l'énergie.The document WO 2008/114071 proposes a motor unit for a timepiece that is able to transmit energy to the gear train with a substantially constant torque. However, this solution uses a helical spring which can work in compression or traction along its longitudinal axis and which drives a means of transmitting energy.

Selon le document FR 871 186 , le mécanisme moteur d'une pièce d'horlogerie à couple constant est réalisé avec un ressort auxiliaire intercalé entre une roue reliée à l'organe régulateur et un support rotatif commandé par le moteur. Cependant, cette solution est assez complexe et encombrante.According to the document FR 871 186 , the drive mechanism of a constant torque timepiece is made with an auxiliary spring interposed between a wheel connected to the regulating member and a rotary support controlled by the motor. However, this solution is quite complex and cumbersome.

Sommaire de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention est donc un organe moteur, pour une pièce d'horlogerie, qui est capable d'accumuler et de restituer l'énergie accumulée avec un moment de force sensiblement constant entre un état complètement armé (accumulation maximum) et un état totalement désarmé (accumulation minimum) et ayant une structure simple.The present invention is therefore a driving member, for a timepiece, which is capable of accumulating and restoring the accumulated energy with a moment of substantially constant force between a fully armed state (maximum accumulation) and a totally disarmed state (minimum accumulation) and having a simple structure.

Cet objet assigné à l'invention, ainsi que d'autres objets qui en ressortent, est atteint à l'aide d'un moteur à moment de force constant selon les revendications indépendantes. Des réalisations particulières ou préférées font l'objet de revendications dépendantes.This object assigned to the invention, as well as other objects that come out of it, is achieved by means of a constant moment force motor according to the independent claims. Particular or preferred embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont notamment atteints à l'aide d'un moteur à moment de force constant pour pièce d'horlogerie comprenant au moins un élément accumulateur d'énergie apte à accumuler et restituer de l'énergie qui peut être utilisée pour l'entraînement d'un mécanisme mécanique entre un état armé et un état désarmé, et au moins un élément contrôleur apte à contrôler l'élément accumulateur grâce à un mouvement de déplacement relatif entre cet élément contrôleur et l'élément accumulateur, de sorte que le moment de force créé par l'élément accumulateur reste essentiellement constant entre l'état armé et l'état désarmé. De manière spécifique, l'élément accumulateur est une lame et l'élément contrôleur est agencé pour se déplacer le long de l'élément accumulateur.The objects assigned to the invention are in particular achieved by means of a constant moment force motor for a timepiece comprising at least one energy storage element able to accumulate and restore energy that can be used for driving a mechanical mechanism between an armed state and a disarmed state, and at least one capable controller element controlling the accumulator element by relative movement movement between the controller element and the accumulator element, so that the moment of force created by the accumulator element remains essentially constant between the armed state and the disarmed state. Specifically, the accumulator element is a blade and the controller element is arranged to move along the accumulator element.

L'avantage de cette invention réside notamment dans le fait que la structure du moteur à moment de force constant permet d'obtenir une source d'énergie qui est capable de restituer l'énergie accumulée avec un moment de force sensiblement constant, indépendamment de l'état d'armage de l'élément accumulateur. Le moteur selon l'invention peut en particulier être incorporé dans une montre-bracelet, une montre de poche ou une horloge.The advantage of this invention resides in particular in the fact that the structure of the constant moment moment motor makes it possible to obtain a source of energy which is capable of restoring the accumulated energy with a moment of force that is substantially constant, independently of the state of arming of the accumulator element. The engine according to the invention can in particular be incorporated in a wristwatch, a pocket watch or a clock.

Selon un mode de réalisation notable, l'élément contrôleur peut libérer l'énergie accumulée dans la lame entre l'état armé et l'état désarmé en libérant progressivement la lame pour qu'elle tende à reprendre sa forme initiale.According to a notable embodiment, the controller element can release the energy accumulated in the blade between the armed state and the disarmed state by gradually releasing the blade so that it tends to return to its original shape.

Grâce à cette manière particulière de déplacement de l'élément contrôleur par rapport à la lame, et grâce aux propriétés intrinsèques de la lame, le moment de force ne dépend pas de l'état d'armage de la lame.Due to this particular manner of displacement of the controller element relative to the blade, and thanks to the intrinsic properties of the blade, the moment of force does not depend on the state of arming of the blade.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, l'élément contrôleur est un dispositif à au moins une pièce rotative, ce dispositif étant agencé pour libérer l'énergie accumulée dans la lame grâce à un mouvement rotatif d'au moins une pièce rotative du dispositif le long de la lame. L'avantage de ce mode de réalisation réside notamment dans le fait que le mouvement de roulement ainsi possible, qui engendre typiquement moins de perte d'énergie qu'un mouvement de glissement, d'une pièce peut être utilisé pour le contrôle de la restitution de l'énergie.In another embodiment of the present invention, the controller element is a device with at least one rotating part, this device being arranged to release the energy accumulated in the blade by means of a rotary movement of at least one rotating part of the device along the blade. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that the rolling movement thus possible, which typically generates less energy loss than a sliding movement, of a part can be used for the control of the restitution. Energy.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le dispositif comprend un châssis qui est agencé de sorte que l'au moins une pièce rotative tourne autour d'un axe passant par le châssis. Notamment, la distance entre la lame et l'axe de rotation de la pièce rotative peut rester essentiellement constante pendant le déplacement de la pièce rotative le long de la lame. Ce mode de réalisation de la présente invention possède l'avantage, entre autres, que ce châssis soutient l'élément contrôleur pendant l'accumulation et la restitution de l'énergie par l'élément accumulateur.According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a frame which is arranged so that the at least one rotatable piece rotates about an axis passing through the frame. In particular, the distance between the blade and the axis of rotation of the rotating part can remain substantially constant during the displacement of the rotating part along the blade. This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage, inter alia, that this frame supports the controller element during the accumulation and the return of energy by the accumulator element.

Une variante de réalisation de la présente invention prévoit que le châssis suit le mouvement du châssis d'un engrenage planétaire. Evidemment, dans ce cas, un engrenage planétaire doit être prévu, dans lequel au moins un moteur selon la présente invention est intégré de manière appropriée dans un des niveaux de l'engrenage. Le terme « suivre » dans ce contexte ne veut pas forcément dire que le châssis du moteur tourne à la même vitesse que le châssis de l'engrenage. En outre, il est aussi possible de prévoir une ou plusieurs roues intermédiaires et de construire une variante dans laquelle le châssis du moteur et le châssis de l'engrenage ne tournent pas dans le même sens.An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides that the frame follows the movement of the frame of a planetary gear. Obviously, in this case, a planetary gear must be provided in which at least one motor according to the present invention is suitably integrated into one of the gear levels. The term "follow" in this context does not necessarily mean that the engine frame rotates at the same speed as the chassis of the gear. In addition, it is also possible to provide one or more intermediate wheels and build a variant in which the motor frame and the frame of the gear do not rotate in the same direction.

D'une manière notable, le dispositif peut être composé de deux roues et du châssis réunissant les axes de ces deux roues, la lame étant située entre les deux roues et pouvant être plaquée contre la roue. Cette variante de réalisation de la présente invention est notamment représentée dans la figure 2 et discutée en détail plus bas. Evidemment, il n'est pas nécessaire que la lame plaque contre la roue sur laquelle elle est encastrée - il est également imaginable de réaliser l'invention de la même manière, tout en gardant un certain écart entre la lame et la roue.Notably, the device may be composed of two wheels and the frame joining the axes of these two wheels, the blade being located between the two wheels and can be pressed against the wheel. This variant embodiment of the present invention is particularly represented in the figure 2 and discussed in detail below. Obviously, it is not necessary that the blade plate against the wheel on which it is embedded - it is also conceivable to achieve the invention in the same way, while keeping a certain gap between the blade and the wheel.

Pour diminuer le risque de glissement entre les pièces, au moins une face latérale de la lame peut être dentée et en prise avec une denture correspondante sur l'une des deux roues ou les deux roues respectivement. Ainsi, un fonctionnement optimal du moteur peut être garanti.To reduce the risk of sliding between the parts, at least one side face of the blade can be toothed and engaged with a corresponding toothing on one of the two wheels or the two wheels respectively. Thus, optimal operation of the motor can be guaranteed.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation de la présente invention, le dispositif peut être composé de deux mobiles comprenant chacun une roue interne, ces roues internes étant agencées pour pouvoir transmettre un mouvement rotatif entre elles, et une roue externe, au moins une de ces roues externes étant en contact avec la lame, les diamètres des roues internes des deux mobiles et/ou les diamètres des roues externes des deux mobiles respectivement n'étant pas identiques entre eux. Cette variante de réalisation de la présente invention est notamment représentée dans la figure 3 et discutée en détail plus bas.In another variant embodiment of the present invention, the device may be composed of two mobiles each comprising an internal wheel, these internal wheels being arranged to be able to transmit a rotational movement between them, and an outer wheel, at least one of these wheels. external being in contact with the blade, the diameters of the inner wheels of the two mobiles and / or the diameters of the outer wheels of the two mobiles respectively not being identical to each other. This variant embodiment of the present invention is particularly represented in the figure 3 and discussed in detail below.

Les roues internes peuvent être dentées et en prise entre elles. Aussi, au moins une face latérale de la lame peut être dentée et en prise avec une denture correspondante de l'au moins une des roues externes afin de diminuer le risque de glissement entre les pièces.The inner wheels can be toothed and engaged with each other. Also, at least one side face of the blade can be toothed and engaged with a corresponding toothing of the at least one of the outer wheels to reduce the risk of sliding between the parts.

Avantageusement, le dispositif peut être agencé pour tourner autour d'un axe qui est également l'axe de rotation d'une couronne de l'engrenage planétaire. Ainsi, les avantages d'un engrenage planétaire peuvent être combinés avec les avantages du moteur selon l'invention.Advantageously, the device can be arranged to rotate about an axis which is also the axis of rotation of a gear crown. planetary. Thus, the advantages of a planetary gear can be combined with the advantages of the motor according to the invention.

D'une manière notable, le moteur peut comprendre un élément d'arrêt notamment pour éviter que la lame, lors de son armage, passe de l'état totalement armé à l'état totalement désarmé. Ceci permet donc un fonctionnement plus sûr du moteur.Notably, the engine may include a stop element in particular to prevent the blade, during its arming, from the fully armed state to the fully disarmed state. This allows a safer operation of the engine.

Typiquement, la lame est fabriquée en silicium, en silicium revêtu de dioxyde de silicium, en silicium revêtu de diamant ou en diamant. Bien entendu, d'autres matériaux appropriés sont également possibles.Typically, the blade is made of silicon, silicon-coated silicon, diamond-coated silicon or diamond. Of course, other suitable materials are also possible.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

L'invention sera expliquée plus en détail à l'aide de réalisations particulières ; on se référera aux dessins dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 avec les sous-figures 1A à 1D montre en vue latérale un développement schématique du principe de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une mise en oeuvre pratique du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention, représentée de façon schématique et simplifiée ; et
  • la figure 3 est une mise en oeuvre pratique du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention, représentée de façon schématique et simplifiée.
The invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of particular embodiments; reference should be made to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 with the sub- Figures 1A to 1D shows in a side view a schematic development of the principle of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a practical implementation of the constant moment moment motor according to the invention, shown schematically and simplified; and
  • the figure 3 is a practical implementation of the constant moment moment motor according to the invention, shown schematically and simplified.

Dans les figures, des éléments ou composants identiques ou similaires portent les mêmes signes de référence.In the figures, identical or similar elements or components bear the same reference signs.

Description de réalisations de l'inventionDescription of embodiments of the invention

On se réfère maintenant à la figure 1 (avec les sous-figures 1A à 1D) dans laquelle le principe du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention est schématiquement représenté.We now refer to the figure 1 (with the sub- Figures 1A to 1D ) in which the principle of the constant moment moment motor according to the invention is schematically represented.

Dans les sous-figures 1A et 1B, deux poutres, dont chacune est encastrée à une extrémité et libre à l'autre, illustrent le principe de fonctionnement du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention. Ces deux poutres sont sollicitées en flexion dans trois états différents représentés à l'aide des différents types de traits, concrètement un premier état 102" dans lequel la poutre est armée, un deuxième état 102' intermédiaire, et un troisième état 102 dans lequel la poutre est désarmée.In the sub- Figures 1A and 1B , two beams, each of which is embedded at one end and free to the other, illustrate the operating principle of the constant moment moment motor according to the invention. These two beams are bending biased in three different states represented by the different types of lines, concretely a first state 102 "in which the beam is armed, a second state 102 'intermediate, and a third state 102 in which the beam is disarmed.

La poutre dans la sous-figure 1A représente schématiquement le processus de désarmage d'un organe moteur traditionnel (par exemple, d'un ressort de barillet). Dans ce cas, le point d'appui 103", 103', 103, qui est également représenté dans les trois états différents, se déplace selon une direction perpendiculaire à la longueur de la poutre 102", 102', 102. Par contre, il est évident que le point d'appui 103", 103', 103 ne se déplace pas le long de la poutre 102", 102', 102.The beam in the sub Figure 1A schematically represents the disarming process of a traditional drive member (for example, a mainspring). In this case, the fulcrum 103 ", 103 ', 103, which is also represented in the three different states, moves in a direction perpendicular to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102. On the other hand, it is obvious that the fulcrum 103 ", 103 ', 103 does not move along the beam 102", 102', 102.

Pour un état donné, la contrainte dans une fibre donnée de la poutre 102", 102', 102 (en supposant que les fibres sont parallèles à la longueur de la poutre 102", 102', 102 et qu'elles ont un diamètre négligeable) est constante en chaque point de cette fibre. En d'autres termes, la contrainte dans une fibre donnée de la poutre 102", 102', 102 est indépendante de la longueur de la fibre, mais dépendante de l'angle d'armage qui correspond à l'angle entre la ligne verticale correspondant au plan d'encastrement et la ligne perpendiculaire à une fibre et passant par le point d'appui 103", 103', 103.For a given state, the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 (assuming that the fibers are parallel to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102 and that they have a negligible diameter ) is constant at each point of this fiber. In other words, the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 is independent of the length of the fiber, but depends on the arming angle which corresponds to the angle between the vertical line corresponding to the embedding plane and the line perpendicular to a fiber and passing through the point of support 103 ", 103 ', 103.

Par conséquent, le moment de force d'une poutre encastrée 102", 102', 102 sollicitée en flexion ne dépend que de la hauteur de la poutre 102", 102', 102, de l'épaisseur de la poutre 102", 102', 102 et de la contrainte dans la poutre 102", 102', 102. Il est donc indépendant de la longueur de la poutre 102", 102', 102. Le moment de force dans l'état 102' est ainsi inférieur au moment de force dans l'état 102". Le moment de force dépend donc de l'angle d'armage de la poutre 102", 102', 102 et n'est pas constant.Consequently, the moment of force of a recessed beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 biased in bending depends only on the height of the beam 102", 102', 102, the thickness of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 and the stress in the beam 102', 102 ', 102. It is therefore independent of the length of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102. The moment of force in state 102' is thus less than the moment of force in state 102". The moment of force therefore depends on the arming angle of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 and is not constant.

La poutre 102", 102', 102 dans la sous-figure 1B correspond schématiquement au processus de désarmage du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention. Contrairement au cas représenté dans la sous-figure 1A, le point d'appui 104", 104', 104 ne se déplace pas selon une direction perpendiculaire à la longueur de la poutre 102", 102', 102, mais se déplace le long de la poutre 102", 102', 102.The beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 in the sub-beam Figure 1B schematically corresponds to the process of disarming the constant force moment motor according to the invention. Unlike the case represented in the sub- Figure 1A the fulcrum 104 ", 104 ', 104 does not move in a direction perpendicular to the length of the beam 102", 102', 102, but moves along the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 .

Dans ce cas, pour un état donné, la contrainte dans une fibre donnée de la poutre 102", 102', 102 n'est pas constante en chaque point de cette fibre étant donné qu'elle est constante pour la portion de poutre 102", 102', 102 armée et nulle pour la portion de poutre 102", 102', 102 désarmée. Par contre, la contrainte dans la portion de poutre 102", 102', 102 armée et la contrainte dans la portion de poutre 102", 102', 102 désarmée sont indépendantes de l'angle d'armage.In this case, for a given state, the stress in a given fiber of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 is not constant at each point of this fiber since it is constant for the beam portion 102" 102, 102 and 102 for the beam portion 102, 102, 102. The force in the beam portion 102, 102, 102, and the stress in the beam portion 102, respectively. , 102 ', 102 disarmed are independent of the arming angle.

Ainsi, le moment de force dans l'état 102' est égal au moment de force dans l'état 102". Le moment de force ne dépend donc pas de l'angle d'armage de la poutre 102", 102', 102 et est constant.Thus, the moment of force in state 102 'is equal to the moment of force in state 102. The moment of force therefore does not depend on the arming angle of beam 102 ", 102', 102 and is constant.

Bien entendu, les sous-figures 1A et 1B sont une représentation schématique du principe de fonctionnement et elles ne sont nullement limitatives. Ainsi, le point d'appui 104", 104', 104 dans la sous-figure 1B peut, par exemple, se trouver de l'autre côté de la poutre 102", 102', 102 ou des deux côtés de la poutre 102", 102', 102. De même, la poutre, dans un état donné, peut être de géométrie quelconque : par exemple, ses fibres peuvent être droites, arquées ou de géométries quelconques en pouvant former plusieurs tours, et son épaisseur et sa hauteur peuvent varier en fonction de la position de la section considérée le long d'une fibre donnée.Of course, the sub- Figures 1A and 1B are a schematic representation of the operating principle and they are in no way limiting. Thus, the fulcrum 104 ", 104 ', 104 in the sub- Figure 1B may, for example, be on the other side of the beam 102 ", 102 ', 102 or both sides of the beam 102", 102', 102. Similarly, the beam, in a given state, may be of any geometry: for example, its fibers may be straight, arcuate or of any geometry, being able to form several turns, and its thickness and height may vary depending on the position of the considered section along a given fiber.

La poutre peut aussi être en matériau quelconque revêtu partiellement ou totalement d'au moins aucun autre matériau quelconque : par exemple, silicium revêtu ou non de dioxyde de silicium ou de diamant, diamant ou nickel. De plus, la poutre n'est pas obligatoirement encastrée à une extrémité et libre à l'autre ; elle peut être encastrée à une extrémité et en appui à l'autre ou encastrée aux deux extrémités. Aussi, la poutre et son ou ses encastrements peuvent être réalisés en une seule pièce. La poutre peut également comporter aucune denture ou au moins une denture sur au moins une face.The beam may also be of any material coated partially or totally with at least any other material: for example, silicon coated or uncoated with silicon dioxide or diamond, diamond or nickel. In addition, the beam is not necessarily embedded at one end and free to the other; it can be recessed at one end and supported on the other or recessed at both ends. Also, the beam and its or recesses can be made in one piece. The beam may also comprise no toothing or at least one toothing on at least one face.

La sous-figure 1C représente une réalisation pratique possible de l'invention avec un appui dans un dispositif E. Concrètement, cet appui est une roue 18 pouvant tourner autour d'un axe Y passant par un châssis 24. Le châssis 24 peut lui tourner autour d'un axe W qui est fixe par rapport à l'encastrement 40. Le déplacement du châssis 24 fait rouler la roue 18 le long de la poutre ou lame 14 qui fléchit plus ou moins.The sub figure 1C represents a possible practical embodiment of the invention with a support in a device E. Concretely, this support is a wheel 18 rotatable about a Y axis passing through a frame 24. The frame 24 can rotate around an axis W which is fixed relative to the recess 40. The displacement of the frame 24 rolls the wheel 18 along the beam or blade 14 which flexes more or less.

La sous-figure 1D représente une réalisation pratique possible de l'invention avec deux appuis regroupés dans un dispositif E. Cette deuxième réalisation pratique possible est basée sur les appuis qui sont constitués par les premières roues qui peuvent tourner autour d'un axe passant par un châssis et qui portent les secondes roues qui peuvent s'entrainer mutuellement. Le déplacement du châssis fait alors rouler les premières roues le long de la poutre ou lame qui fléchit plus ou moins.The sub figure 1D represents a possible practical embodiment of the invention with two supports grouped in a device E. This second possible practical embodiment is based on the supports which are constituted by the first wheels which can rotate about an axis passing through a frame and which carry the second wheels that can train each other. Moving the chassis then rolls the first wheels along the beam or blade that flexes more or less.

Concrètement, dans la sous-figure 1D, la lame (la poutre) 14 est fixée sur un support 40 qui peut être la platine du mouvement de montre. La lame 14 peut porter des dentures 47 et 49 sur ses faces latérales. Un mobile 42 comporte une roue 44 qui est en prise avec la denture 47 de la lame 14. Un mobile 48 comporte une roue 52 qui est en prise avec la denture 49 de la lame 14. Les diamètres des roues 44 et 52 sont égaux. La roue 46 du mobile 42 engrène avec la roue 50 du mobile 48. Le diamètre de la roue 46 est inférieur au diamètre de la roue 50. Les axes des deux mobiles 42 et 48 sont réunis par le châssis 24.In concrete terms, in the figure 1D , the blade (the beam) 14 is fixed on a support 40 which can be the platen of the watch movement. The blade 14 can wear teeth 47 and 49 on its lateral faces. A mobile 42 has a wheel 44 which is engaged with the toothing 47 of the blade 14. A mobile 48 has a wheel 52 which is engaged with the toothing 49 of the blade 14. The diameters of the wheels 44 and 52 are equal. The wheel 46 of the mobile 42 meshes with the wheel 50 of the mobile 48. The diameter of the wheel 46 is smaller than the diameter of the wheel 50. The axes of the two mobiles 42 and 48 are joined by the frame 24.

Le déplacement de l'ensemble E constitué par le châssis 24 et les mobiles 42 et 48 le long de la lame 14 fait tourner les mobiles 42 et 48 sur eux-mêmes à des vitesses différentes puisque la roue dentée 50 n'a pas le même diamètre que la roue dentée 46 ; la roue 44 parcourt alors une distance sur la lame 14 plus grande que la roue 52. Par conséquent, la lame 14 fléchit, stockant ainsi de l'énergie dans la lame 14.The displacement of the assembly E constituted by the frame 24 and the mobiles 42 and 48 along the blade 14 rotates the mobiles 42 and 48 on themselves at different speeds since the toothed wheel 50 does not have the same diameter as the gear wheel 46; the wheel 44 then travels a distance on the blade 14 greater than the wheel 52. Consequently, the blade 14 flexes, thus storing energy in the blade 14.

Comme mentionné précédemment, les sous-figures 1C et 1D représentent des réalisations pratiques possibles. Cependant, l'appui (comme déjà mentionné, il peut également y avoir plusieurs appuis) n'est pas obligé de tourner autour d'un axe passant par un châssis 24 : il peut, par exemple, être fixe par rapport au châssis 24 ou ne pas passer par un châssis. Ainsi, l'appui ne roule pas nécessairement le long de la poutre 14. De plus, l'appui n'est pas non plus obligatoirement une roue : il peut être une pièce de géométrie quelconque, par exemple une came, avec ou sans dentures. Aussi, cet appui, tout comme les autres pièces d'ailleurs, peut être réalisé en matériau quelconque revêtu ou non partiellement ou totalement d'au moins un autre matériau quelconque.As mentioned earlier, the sub- Figures 1C and 1D represent possible practical achievements. However, the support (as already mentioned, there may also be several supports) is not required to rotate about an axis passing through a frame 24: it may, for example, be fixed relative to the frame 24 or do not go through a chassis. Thus, the support does not necessarily roll along the beam 14. In addition, the support is also not necessarily a wheel: it can be a piece of any geometry, for example a cam, with or without teeth . Also, this support, like the other parts, can be made of any material coated or not partially or totally at least one other material.

Au moins une poutre 14 peut être intégrée dans un engrenage planétaire. Le châssis 24 de cette poutre 14 (nous rappelons que l'invention n'est pas limitée à une seule poutre 14 et que plusieurs poutres 14 peuvent être prévues) peut alors suivre le mouvement du châssis dudit engrenage planétaire. Cet engrenage planétaire peut, par exemple, être un train planétaire simple ou un autre type de train planétaire. Les engrenages planétaires sont notamment décrits au chapitre 3.9 du volume 1 « Mécanique - Théorie », de la « Théorie de la construction horlogère pour ingénieurs » édité par le « Laboratoire Horloger de la Haute Ecole Arc Ingénierie ». La poutre 14 peut, par exemple, être encastrée sur une référence fixe (par exemple la platine d'un mouvement) ou sur n'importe quelle pièce de l'engrenage planétaire (par exemple, le satellite). Aussi, un ou plusieurs mobiles peuvent être placés entre certaines pièces de l'engrenage planétaire pour, par exemple, modifier la vitesse de rotation de certaines pièces.At least one beam 14 can be integrated in a planetary gear. The frame 24 of this beam 14 (we recall that the invention is not limited to a single beam 14 and several beams 14 may be provided) can then follow the movement of the frame of said planetary gear. This planetary gear can, for example, be a simple planetary gear or another type of planetary gear. Planetary gears are described in chapter 3.9 of volume 1 "Mechanics - Theory", the "Theory of the construction of watchmaking for engineers" published by the "Laboratory Clockmaker of the High School Arc Engineering". The beam 14 may, for example, be recessed on a fixed reference (for example the stage of a movement) or on any part of the planetary gear (for example, the satellite). Also, one or more mobiles can be placed between certain parts of the planetary gear to, for example, change the speed of rotation of certain parts.

En d'autres termes, la poutre dans les sous-figures 1A à 1D représente l'élément accumulateur d'énergie du moteur, pendant que l'appui représente l'élément contrôleur apte à contrôler l'élément accumulateur.In other words, the beam in the sub- Figures 1A to 1D represents the energy storage element of the motor, while the support represents the controller element able to control the accumulator element.

Une réalisation pratique de la mise en oeuvre du moteur à moment de force constant selon la présente invention est schématiquement représentée à la figure 2. Dans cette figure, l'élément accumulateur d'énergie est une lame 14 en un matériau élastique. Les matériaux traditionnels, tels que l'acier inoxydable, les alliages de chrome et de nickel ou le laiton à ressort, peuvent être utilisés pour la fabrication de la lame 14. Néanmoins, d'autres matériaux appropriés sont également possibles, notamment le silicium, le silicium revêtu d'oxyde de silicium, le silicium revêtu de diamant ou le diamant. Il est cependant clair que d'autres matériaux appropriés peuvent également être utilisés.A practical embodiment of the implementation of the constant moment moment motor according to the present invention is schematically represented in FIG. figure 2 . In this figure, the energy accumulator element is a blade 14 made of an elastic material. Traditional materials, such as stainless steel, chromium and nickel alloys or spring brass, can be used for the manufacture of the blade 14. Nevertheless, other suitable materials are also possible, in particular silicon, silicon-coated silicon, diamond-coated silicon or diamond. However, it is clear that other suitable materials can also be used.

L'élément contrôleur, quant à lui, est composé d'une roue 12, d'une roue 18 et d'un châssis 24. En particulier, l'axe Z de la roue 12 et l'axe Y de la roue 18 sont raccordés par le châssis 24. Lors du désarmage, la roue 18 est fixe en position et en rotation et sert de point d'appui pour fléchir la lame 14. En se désarmant, la lame 14 va faire tourner la roue 12 sur elle-même selon la flèche 22 et autour de la roue 18 en fournissant un moment de force constant.The controller element, meanwhile, consists of a wheel 12, a wheel 18 and a frame 24. In particular, the Z axis of the wheel 12 and the Y axis of the wheel 18 are 24. During disarming, the wheel 18 is fixed in position and in rotation and serves as a fulcrum for bending the blade 14. On disarming, the blade 14 will turn the wheel 12 on itself according to the arrow 22 and around the wheel 18 by providing a moment of constant force.

Il doit être remarqué à cet endroit que la lame 14 et la roue 12 ne sont pas forcément réalisées comme deux pièces distinctes. Une réalisation de la présente invention dans laquelle ces deux éléments sont réalisés comme une seule pièce est bien entendu également possible. De plus, la valeur de l'entraxe entre la roue 12 et la roue 18 peut être supérieure à la valeur de la somme du rayon de la roue 12, du rayon de la roue 18 et de l'épaisseur de la lame. Aussi, la roue 12 est facultative (comme illustré dans la sous-figure 1C).It should be noted here that the blade 14 and the wheel 12 are not necessarily made as two separate pieces. An embodiment of the present invention in which these two elements are made as a single piece is of course also possible. In addition, the value of the distance between the wheel 12 and the wheel 18 may be greater than the value of the sum of the radius of the wheel 12, the radius of the wheel 18 and the thickness of the blade. Also, the wheel 12 is optional (as illustrated in figure 1C ).

Le dispositif E (donc l'élément contrôleur) est donc composé de la roue 12, de la roue 18 et du châssis 24. La roue 18 comporte la roue 30 qui entraine la roue 31 que comporte la roue 12. Un mouvement rotatif de la roue 12 est transmis à une couronne 26 qui comporte une périphérie interne 32. La périphérie externe 34 de la couronne 26 est en prise avec celle d'un pignon 28 lié directement ou indirectement au régulateur. Il est bien entendu clair pour chaque homme du métier que le pignon 28 peut faire parti de tout autre mécanisme qui est entraîné par le moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention.The device E (therefore the controller element) is thus composed of the wheel 12, the wheel 18 and the frame 24. The wheel 18 comprises the wheel 30 which drives the wheel 31 that the wheel 12 comprises. A rotary movement of the wheel wheel 12 is transmitted to a ring 26 which has an inner periphery 32. The outer periphery 34 of the ring 26 is engaged with that of a pinion 28 connected directly or indirectly to the regulator. It is of course clear to those skilled in the art that pinion 28 may be part of any other mechanism that is driven by the constant moment force motor according to the invention.

La roue 18 est liée, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un système de débrayage, au mécanisme de remontage de la montre. Ces éléments ne sont pas représentés et leur conception est évidente pour tout homme du métier dans le domaine de l'horlogerie.The wheel 18 is linked, for example by means of a disengaging system, to the winding mechanism of the watch. These elements are not represented and their design is obvious to anyone skilled in the field of watchmaking.

Il est aussi évident que des mesures peuvent être prévues pour éviter tout glissement entre les roues. A cette fin, les roues 30 et 31, la couronne 26 et le pignon 28 peuvent par exemple comporter des dentures aux faces de contact. Il peut dans certains cas être avantageux de prévoir des dentures même sur la ou les roues 12 et/ou 18 et sur la ou les faces de la lame 14 en contact avec la ou les roues.It is also obvious that measures can be provided to prevent slippage between the wheels. To this end, the wheels 30 and 31, the ring 26 and the pinion 28 may for example have teeth to the contact faces. It may in certain cases be advantageous to provide teeth even on the wheel or wheels 12 and / or 18 and on the face or faces of the blade 14 in contact with the wheel or wheels.

La roue 12 peut être munie d'une goupille d'arrêt 36 qui bute contre le châssis 24 en fin de désarmage pour signaler l'état désarmé du moteur et en fin d'armage pour éviter que le moteur passe de l'état totalement armé à l'état totalement désarmé. D'autres systèmes d'arrêtage, connu de l'homme du métier, peuvent être utilisés.The wheel 12 may be provided with a locking pin 36 which abuts against the frame 24 at the end of disarming to signal the disarmed state of the engine and at the end of the arming to prevent the engine from the fully armed state in totally disarmed state. Other stop systems, known to those skilled in the art, can be used.

On peut alors regarder la réalisation du moteur à moment de force constant selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 2 comme étant un train planétaire simple. L'ajout d'un ou plusieurs satellites munis de lames permet alors d'augmenter le moment de force fourni et de diminuer les moments de forces de frottement, notamment sur les paliers. L'ajout possible de mobiles, pouvant former des trains multiplicateurs ou démultiplicateurs, entre, par exemple, les satellites et la couronne permet de profiter des espaces vides pour modifier la vitesse angulaire et le couple sur la couronne. La réalisation pratique de toutes ces possibilités - qui ne sont pas représentées ici - est du savoir de l'homme du métier et fait partie de la présente invention. Dans ce sens, il est aussi imaginable de construire un moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention dans lequel la lame 14 n'est pas liée au satellite de l'engrenage planétaire, mais à d'autres pièces de l'engrenage planétaire.We can then look at the realization of the motor at a moment of constant force according to the embodiment of the figure 2 as being a simple planetary gear. The addition of one or more satellites equipped with blades then makes it possible to increase the moment of force supplied and to reduce the moments of friction forces, in particular on the bearings. The possible addition of mobiles, which can form multiplier or gear trains, between, for example, the satellites and the ring makes it possible to take advantage of the empty spaces to modify the angular velocity and the torque on the ring gear. The practical realization of all these possibilities - which are not shown here - is known to those skilled in the art and forms part of the present invention. In this sense, it is also conceivable to construct a constant force moment motor according to the invention in which the blade 14 is not connected to the planet gear of the planet gear, but to other parts of the planetary gear. .

La pièce maîtresse du moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention est la lame 14 (l'élément accumulateur d'énergie) qui est amenée, d'un état détendu, où elle est de géométrie droite, arquée ou quelconque, à un état tendu, pouvant être enroulée autour d'une pièce de géométrie quelconque. Cette action augmente l'énergie stockée dans la lame 14.The centerpiece of the constant force moment motor according to the invention is the blade 14 (the energy storage element) which is brought from a relaxed state, where it is of straight geometry, arcuate or arbitrary, to a state stretched, can be wrapped around a piece of any geometry. This action increases the energy stored in the blade 14.

La figure 3 est une représentation schématique d'une autre réalisation pratique de la mise en oeuvre de l'invention. Comme décrit précédemment, le moteur peut s'armer lorsque le dispositif E est déplacé le long de la lame dentée 14. La figure 3 illustre une possibilité de réalisation de ce déplacement.The figure 3 is a schematic representation of another practical embodiment of the implementation of the invention. As previously described, the engine can be armed when the device E is moved along the toothed blade 14. figure 3 illustrates a possibility of achieving this displacement.

Dans la figure 3, on reconnaît le dispositif E, comme illustré schématiquement dans la sous-figure 1D plus haut, comprenant les mobiles 42 et 48, la lame 14 fixée, par exemple, à la platine d'une montre 40, le châssis 24, etc. Ce dispositif E comprend de plus une roue dentée 60 appelée « satellite », tournant librement autour d'un axe 64 fixé sur le châssis 24. La denture de cette roue 60 est en prise avec la denture interne de la couronne 26 et la denture externe d'une autre roue 62 appelée « pignon solaire » qui tourne autour d'un axe 66 situé sur le prolongement linéaire du châssis 24, au-delà du mobile 48.In the figure 3 , the device E is recognized, as schematically illustrated in the subclass. figure 1D above, comprising the mobiles 42 and 48, the blade 14 fixed, for example, to the plate of a watch 40, the frame 24, etc. This device E further comprises a toothed wheel 60 called "satellite", freely rotating about an axis 64 fixed on the frame 24. The toothing of this wheel 60 is engaged with the internal toothing of the ring 26 and the external toothing another wheel 62 called "sun gear" which rotates about an axis 66 located on the linear extension of the frame 24, beyond the mobile 48.

La couronne 26 est liée au mécanisme de remontage, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un système de débrayage, et le pignon solaire 62 est lié directement ou indirectement à l'organe régulateur de la montre. L'inverse est aussi possible.The ring 26 is connected to the winding mechanism, for example by means of a disengaging system, and the sun gear 62 is connected directly or indirectly to the regulating member of the watch. The opposite is also possible.

Lors de l'armage, le pignon solaire 62 est fixe et la couronne 26 tourne dans le sens horaire. Le satellite 60 roule alors à l'extérieur du pignon solaire 62 en déplaçant le châssis 24 et tout le dispositif E dans le sens horaire.During winding, the sun gear 62 is fixed and the ring gear 26 rotates clockwise. The satellite 60 then rolls outside the sun gear 62 by moving the frame 24 and the entire device E clockwise.

Lors du désarmage, la couronne 26 est fixe et le châssis tourne dans le sens antihoraire en faisant rouler le satellite 60 à l'intérieur de la couronne 26. Le pignon solaire 62 tourne alors dans le sens antihoraire et transmet sa rotation au mouvement de la montre. En même temps, le dispositif E se déplace le long de la flèche D, et la partie de la lame 14 qui a transmis son énergie à la roue 62, est désignée avec un T. Cette partie T présente dans ce cas une courbure plus faible que la partie de la lame 14 entre les lignes de contact avec le dispositif E et son plan d'encastrement sur le châssis 40.During disarming, the ring 26 is fixed and the frame rotates counterclockwise by rolling the satellite 60 inside the ring 26. The sun gear 62 then rotates counterclockwise and transmits its rotation to the movement of the shows. At the same time, the device E moves along the arrow D, and the portion of the blade 14 which has transmitted its energy to the wheel 62, is designated with a T. This part T has in this case a lower curvature that the portion of the blade 14 between the contact lines with the device E and its embedment plane on the frame 40.

Les sens de rotation peuvent être inversés ce qui demande naturellement de déplacer l'encastrement à l'autre extrémité de la lame 14.The directions of rotation can be reversed which naturally requires moving the recess to the other end of the blade 14.

La lame 14 et les roues dentées supérieures n'ont pas absolument besoin de denture si ces roues pincent cette lame 14 avec une force suffisante, par exemple à l'aide d'un entraxe élastique entre ces roues et/ou une garniture anti-glissement sur leurs faces de contact.The blade 14 and the upper gears do not absolutely need toothing if these wheels pinch the blade 14 with sufficient force, for example by means of an elastic spacing between these wheels and / or an anti-slip lining on their contact faces.

La lame 14 peut être réalisée en un matériau suffisamment élastique pour que la lame puisse toujours reprendre sa forme initiale. Par exemple, il peut s'agir d'acier inoxydable, d'alliages de chrome et de nickel, de laiton à ressort, de silicium, de silicium revêtu de dioxyde de silicium, de silicium revêtu de diamant ou de diamant.The blade 14 may be made of a sufficiently elastic material so that the blade can always return to its original shape. For example, it may be stainless steel, chromium and nickel alloys, spring brass, silicon, silicon dioxide coated silicon, diamond coated silicon or diamond.

Le mécanisme peut comporter plusieurs satellites. Il peut aussi comporter plusieurs lames, dentées ou non, plusieurs paires de mobiles dont les roues peuvent également exister sans denture, et plusieurs châssis.The mechanism may comprise several satellites. It may also include several blades, toothed or not, several pairs of mobiles whose wheels may also exist without teeth, and several frames.

Les roues supérieures, dentées ou non, peuvent avoir des diamètres différents. Les roues dentées inférieures peuvent alors avoir des diamètres identiques.The upper wheels, toothed or not, may have different diameters. The lower gear wheels can then have identical diameters.

Le moteur à moment de force constant selon l'invention, contrairement aux ressorts de l'état de la technique traditionnellement utilisés dans les montres mécaniques, peut restituer la totalité de l'énergie qu'il a reçue auparavant, avec un moment de force invariable.The constant force moment motor according to the invention, unlike the springs of the state of the art traditionally used in mechanical watches, can restore all of the energy it has received before, with a moment of invariable force. .

En revanche, l'énergie disponible dans le moteur selon l'invention est issue d'une fonction linéaire pour la portion de la lame 14 comprise entre son plan d'encastrement et la position du dispositif E (voir, par exemple, la figure 3). Le tronçon de la lame 14 qui a déjà été quitté par le dispositif E (signe de référence T à la figure 3) n'a plus d'influence sur l'énergie restante disponible. Et cette fonction linéaire est la base de la génération d'un moment de force constant.On the other hand, the energy available in the motor according to the invention is derived from a linear function for the portion of the blade 14 between its embedding plane and the position of the device E (see, for example, FIG. figure 3 ). The section of the blade 14 which has already been left by the device E (reference sign T at the figure 3 ) has no influence on the remaining energy available. And this linear function is the basis of generating a moment of constant force.

Dans ce qui précède, l'invention a été décrite d'abord en termes généraux et ensuite sous forme d'une explication de réalisations pratiques. Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la description de ces modes de mise en oeuvre ; il va de soi qu'une multitude d'autres exécutions sont possibles et que de nombreuses variations et modifications peuvent être apportées sans que l'étendue de l'invention qui est définie par le contenu des revendications, ne soit quittée.In the foregoing, the invention has been described first in general terms and then in the form of an explanation of practical achievements. Of course, the invention is not limited to the description of these modes of implementation; It goes without saying that a multitude of other embodiments are possible and that many variations and modifications can be made without the scope of the invention which is defined by the content of the claims, is left.

Le moteur selon la présente invention est prévu pour équiper des pièces horlogères. En particulier, ce moteur est destiné aux montres mécaniques de poche, aux montres-bracelets, aux horloges et à d'autres pièces de mécanique dont un mouvement peut être entraîné avec un couple le plus constant possible.The engine according to the present invention is intended to equip watch parts. In particular, this engine is intended for mechanical pocket watches, wristwatches, clocks and other mechanical parts whose movement can be driven with a torque as constant as possible.

Claims (12)

  1. Motor with constant moment of force for a timepiece, comprising
    at least one energy accumulator element (102, 102', 102", 14) able to accumulate and give back the energy which can be used for driving a mechanical mechanism between a loaded state (102") and an unloaded state (102), and
    at least one controller element (104, 104', 104", 18, 44, 52) able to control the accumulator element (102, 102', 102") owing to a movement of relative displacement between this controller element (104, 104', 104") and the accumulator element (102, 102', 102"), such that the moment of force created by the accumulator element (102, 102', 102") remains substantially constant between the loaded state (102") and the unloaded state (102),
    the controller element (104, 104', 104", 18, 44, 52) being designed to displace itself along the accumulator element (102, 102', 102"), characterized in that the accumulator element is a blade (14).
  2. Motor according to claim 1, characterized in that controller element (104, 104', 104", 18, 44, 52) releases the energy accumulated in the blade (14) between the loaded state (102") and the unloaded state (102) by gradually releasing the blade (14) so that it tends to take on its initial shape.
  3. Motor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller element is a device of at least one rotary piece (E), the said device (E) being designed to release the energy accumulated in the blade (14) owing to a rotational movement of at least one rotary piece of the device (E) along the blade (14).
  4. Motor according to claim 3, characterized in that the device (E) comprises a frame (24) which is designed such that the at least one rotary piece turns about an axis passing through the frame (24).
  5. Motor according to claim 4, characterized in that the frame (24) follows the movement of the frame of a planetary gearing.
  6. Motor according to any one of the claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the device (E) is composed of two wheels (12, 18) and of a frame (24) uniting the shafts of these two wheels (12, 18), the blade (14) being situated between the two wheels (12, 18) and being able to be pressed against the wheel (12).
  7. Motor according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one lateral face of the blade (14) is toothed and is engaged with a corresponding toothing on the wheel (12) and/or with the wheel (18), respectively.
  8. Motor according to any one of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that
    the device (E) is composed of two mobiles (42, 48), each comprising an inner wheel (46, 50), these inner wheels (46, 50) being designed to be able to transmit a rotational movement between one another, and an outer wheel (44, 52), at least one of these outer wheels (44, 52) being in contact with the blade (14),
    and in that the diameters of the inner wheels (46, 50) of the two mobiles (42, 28) and/or the diameters of the outer wheels (44, 52) of the two mobiles (46, 50), respectively, are not identical to one another.
  9. Motor according to claim 8, characterized in that the inner wheels (46, 50) are toothed and are engaged with one another and/or that at least one lateral face of the blade (14) is toothed and is engaged with a corresponding toothing of at least one of the outer wheels (44, 52).
  10. Motor according to claim 5, or according to this claim 5 and any one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the device (E) is designed to turn about an axis (Y, 66) which is at the same time the rotational axis of a ring gear (26) of the planetary gearing.
  11. Motor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a stop element (36) notably to prevent the blade (14), during its winding, from passing from the totally loaded state to the totally unloaded state.
  12. Motor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blade (14) is made of silicon, of silicon coated with silicon dioxide, of diamond-coated silicon or of diamond.
EP11163476.2A 2011-04-21 2011-04-21 Engine with constant torque Active EP2515185B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH708654A2 (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-15 Rado Montres Sa A method of manufacturing an inlaid ceramic element of a timepiece and timepieces including such elements.
EP3112949B1 (en) * 2015-07-01 2018-04-25 Cartier International AG Mechanical power source for a clock movement

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR871186A (en) * 1940-04-01 1942-04-11 Auxiliary spring motor mechanism
WO2008114071A2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Philip Lutolf Driving member with helical spring

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