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EP4049092A1 - Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device - Google Patents

Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device

Info

Publication number
EP4049092A1
EP4049092A1 EP20792694.0A EP20792694A EP4049092A1 EP 4049092 A1 EP4049092 A1 EP 4049092A1 EP 20792694 A EP20792694 A EP 20792694A EP 4049092 A1 EP4049092 A1 EP 4049092A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
lever
sound
transmission member
timepiece according
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20792694.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Quentin BENOIST
Sylvain Geiser
Eric Le Gall
Alessandro VANDINI
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.)
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Original Assignee
Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Patek Philippe SA Geneve filed Critical Patek Philippe SA Geneve
Publication of EP4049092A1 publication Critical patent/EP4049092A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G04B21/02—Regular striking mechanisms giving the full hour, half hour or quarter hour
    • G04B21/08—Sounding bodies; Whistles; Musical apparatus
    • 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
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/12—Alarm watches to be worn in pockets or on the wrist
    • 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
    • G04B21/00—Indicating the time by acoustic means
    • G04B21/02—Regular striking mechanisms giving the full hour, half hour or quarter hour
    • G04B21/12—Reiterating watches or clocks
    • 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
    • G04B23/00—Arrangements producing acoustic signals at preselected times
    • G04B23/02—Alarm clocks
    • G04B23/028—Sounding bodies; boxes used as sounding cases; fixation on or in the case
    • 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
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/0075—Cases with means to enhance sound transmission
    • 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
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G04B47/02—Installations within mirrors, pictures, furniture or other household articles
    • G04B47/025—Installations within mirrors, pictures, furniture or other household articles in musical instruments or loudspeakers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said box, a device for amplifying the vibrations. generated by said vibration generator device, and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece.
  • Such a timepiece is for example a striking watch (such as a minute repeater, grand strike, small strike, alarm clock) for which the vibration generating device is for example a gong arranged to be struck by a hammer when the ringtone is engaged to generate vibrations to produce sound.
  • the gong is conventionally in the form of a leaf spring wrapped around the movement.
  • the gong is mounted integral with the frame (all of the plate and the bridges) of the watch by means of a heel or gong holder, in order to transmit the vibrations of the gong to the whole of the watch (frame, movement , trim components).
  • the vibrations of the gong are transmitted to the wearer of the watch with maximum intensity.
  • One way to amplify the sound is to increase the impact force of the hammer on its tone. This made it possible to have a sound gain but the sound quality was degraded by parasitic noise.
  • the timepiece described in application EP 3525045 proposes to solve this problem by using a sound transmission bridge mounted on the plate or more generally on an element of the frame, said transmission bridge also being in contact with a membrane fixed on the build.
  • the sound transmission bridge also vibrates in the same way and transmits this same vibration to the membrane.
  • the transmission bridge contributes to a significant air displacement which allows to improve the intensity and the sound quality.
  • the transmission bridge can be integral with other elements of the frame than the plate, it can transmit vibrations to the membrane from other elements of the frame around other components of the movement.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a timepiece comprising a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound and a device for amplifying these vibrations making it possible to amplify said generated sound significantly.
  • Another aim of the present invention is to make it possible to amplify the sound generated without parasitic noise, or at least by limiting said parasitic noise.
  • the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said case, a device for amplification of the vibrations generated by said vibration generator device and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece.
  • the vibration amplification device comprises a lever mounted to pivot on a support in a pivoting plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generating device for transmit vibrations to the lever, said lever also being integral with the membrane at least in translation in the pivot plane so that a displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of said transmission member in connection with the device generating vibrations and transmitted to the membrane by means of the lever actuated by said transmission member generates an amplified displacement of said membrane, so as to generate an amplified sound.
  • the vibrations generated are recovered on the lever which is arranged to mechanically amplify said vibrations before transmitting them to the membrane, producing a first amplification of the sound.
  • the vibration amplifying device is isolated from the movement so that no vibration is transmitted to elements of the movement and / or the frame (plate and bridges).
  • the membrane is preferably advantageously placed outside the movement, and in particular in the bezel or in the back of the part, the membrane is itself isolated from the movement, so that none of the vibrations transmitted to the membrane is dissipated in movement.
  • the timepiece according to the invention generates little, or even generates no, parasitic noise linked to the vibrations of elements of the movement and / or of the frame.
  • a compression chamber arranged to amplify the sound which has been generated by the displacement of the membrane, before its exit to the outside.
  • the timepiece according to the invention makes it possible to produce significantly amplified sounds and with little, if any, parasitic noise.
  • FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view from the bottom side of the timepiece of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a view of the membrane and the vibration amplifying device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the membrane and the compression chamber
  • FIG. 6 is a view of the means for adjusting the volume of the sound generated by the membrane
  • FIG. 7 and 8 are partial sectional views showing respectively the volume adjustment means in the closed position and in the open position.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the timepiece according to the invention showing the closing of the openings of the compression chamber outside the sound generation time.
  • the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said box, a device for amplifying the vibrations. generated by said vibration generator device and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece.
  • said vibration amplification device comprises a lever mounted to pivot on a support in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generator device for transmitting vibrations to the lever, said lever also being integral with the membrane at least in translation in the pivot plane, the actuation point of the lever, the pivoting point of the lever and the linkage point of the lever with the membrane being positioned so that a displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of said transmission member in conjunction with the vibration generating device is transmitted to the membrane by means of the lever, actuated by said transmission member, in an amplified manner by the leverage effect of said lever.
  • the vibration generator device may be a ringing bell arranged to be struck by a striking hammer, said ringing bell being integral with the transmission member, and said transmission member being integral with the lever.
  • the vibration generator device may be a rotating disc and comprising an engraved groove arranged to generate a sound, the transmission member being a needle integral with the lever and arranged to follow the groove on the disc.
  • the vibration generating device may be a music box comprising vibrating blades fixed by studs, the transmission member being integral with said studs and with the lever.
  • the vibration-generating device is a striking gong struck by a striking hammer so that the timepiece includes a striking mechanism to indicate the time (minute repeater, large strike, small strike) or to ring at a predefined time (alarm clock).
  • the timepiece is preferably a watch, and more preferably a wristwatch intended to be worn by a user, on his wrist.
  • the watch 1 comprises a case 2 having a caseband 3, a caseback 4, a bezel 5, and a first crystal 6.
  • the caseback 4 is annular and its central opening is closed by a second ice 7, the function of which will be described below.
  • the bezel and the middle part can be two different parts, or form a single one-piece part.
  • the back and the middle part can be two different parts or form a single one-piece part.
  • the vibration amplification device and the membrane are designed to generate sounds through the back of the watch, and more particularly through the second crystal 7. It is obvious that the vibration amplification device and the membrane can be arranged in a similar manner but in reverse to generate sounds on the dial side of the watch, and more particularly by the first crystal 6.
  • watch 1 also comprises a movement (not shown) and a striking mechanism 9 constituting the device generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound.
  • the movement and the striking mechanism 9 are housed in the middle part 3 of the box 2, mounted on a frame 10 (plate and bridges).
  • the striking mechanism 9 comprises, in a known manner, hammers 12 arranged to come strike the chime stamp 14, here in the form of a wire stamp or leaf spring wound around the movement.
  • a device 16 for amplifying the vibrations generated by the gong 14 as well as a membrane 18 arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate a sound from the inside towards the end. outside of the watch.
  • the membrane 18 is mounted on the back 4, parallel to said back 4, between the movement and the second crystal 7. It will be mounted inside the bezel 5, parallel to said bezel 5 , between the movement and the first crystal 6 when the sound will be transmitted to the dial side.
  • the vibration amplification device 16 comprises a lever 20 linked to a support 22 by an articulation along a single axis of rotation, so that said lever 20 is mounted to tilt or pivot on said support 22 around said support. axis of rotation, in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane 18.
  • the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on its support 22 so that it swings in a pivot plane which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the membrane 18.
  • the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on the support 22 by means of a flexible ball joint 24.
  • the flexible ball joint allows, if necessary, to change the direction of the vibrations.
  • the ringing gong the latter tends to vibrate radially, in the direction of the strike of the hammer.
  • the position of the flexible ball 24 of the lever 20 makes it possible to modify the direction of the radial vibrations of the gong by 90 ° to transform them into movements perpendicular to the plane of the membrane 18 by means of the pivoting of said lever 20.
  • the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on the support 22 by means of a pin 26 mounted transversely on the support 22 and constituting the pivot axis of the lever 20.
  • the support 22 is constrained by a spring 27.
  • the lever 20 is arranged to be actuated by a transmission member 28 cooperating with the gong 14 to transmit the vibrations to the lever 20.
  • the transmission member 28 is preferably integral with the lever 20. It consists for example of a heel or gong holder integral with the lever 20 and in which the gong 14 is mounted, for example by embedding, locking by a screw or brazing. For this purpose, the transmission member 28 has an orifice 30 into which the stamp 14 is introduced.
  • the gong 14 is integral with the lever 20 and is not fixed, via a heel, on the frame of the watch.
  • the transmission member 28 can be attached or in one piece with the lever 20. When the lever 20 is made of steel, the gong 14, the transmission member 28 and the lever 20 can be made in one piece. room.
  • the lever 20 is also integral with the membrane 18 at least in translation in the pivot plane of the lever 20 in order to be able to move said membrane 18 in the pivot plane of the lever 20 during its tilting. It is the linear movement of the membrane 18 moved by the lever 20 that will generate a sound.
  • the lever 20 comprises a first end 20a pivotally mounted on the support 22 and integral with the transmission member 28 and a second end 20b integral with the membrane 18 at least in translation in the pivot plane of said lever 20.
  • the transmission member 28 being fixed relative to the gong 14
  • the lever 20 is fixed in translation and is linked to the membrane 18 in a fixed manner, that is to say that it is integral with the membrane 18 in rotation and in translation.
  • the fixing of the lever 20 to the membrane 18 can be done for example by means of a screw 32 screwed into a hole 34 provided on the membrane 18 and in a hole 36 provided on the lever 20, or by gluing, welding, etc. .
  • the lever and the needle are arranged to allow a displacement in translation in the plane of the membrane of the lever and of the needle, the lever remaining integral in translation in the plane of pivoting, of the membrane 18, in order to be able to move it in its pivot plane during its tilting.
  • the point of actuation of the lever 20 by the transmission member 28, the pivot point of the lever 20 and the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 are positioned so that a displacement of the transmission member 28 generated by the vibration of said transmission member 28 in connection with the gong 14 and transmitted to the membrane 18 by means of the lever 20 actuated by said transmission member 28 generates an amplified displacement of said membrane 18 by a mechanical effect of the arm of lever, which generates amplified sound.
  • the flexible ball joint 24 is positioned on the center of mass of the stamp / lever / membrane assembly.
  • the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 is located at a distance from the center of said membrane 18 of less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the width of said membrane 18.
  • the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 is located at the center of said membrane 18, in order to have a maximum lever arm effect.
  • connection point at the periphery of the membrane, by varying the elasticity of the attachment point and the torsion of the membrane.
  • the vibration amplification device and more particularly the support 22 of the lever 20 is isolated from the movement, the striking mechanism 9 and the frame 10.
  • the support 22 of the lever 20 can be isolated from the movement. mounted on an element of the casing and more particularly on the bezel 5 if the sound is transmitted on the dial side, on the back 4, if the sound is transmitted through the back.
  • the bell 14 being embedded in the transmission member 28 integral with lever 20, said bell 14 is not fixed to the frame via a heel, as traditionally, but seems to float around the movement.
  • the support 22 of the lever 20 can also be mounted on the movement, or even on the middle part 3, but via an insulating element 35, such as a polymer, in order to guarantee the isolation of the support 22 from the movement, of the middle and the frame.
  • an isolation device on the movement, between the movement and said element of the box which carries the support 22 of the lever 20.
  • an isolation device may for example be a brass ring associated with a flat seal or a polyetheretherketone insulating ring ( PEEK) loaded with carbon.
  • PEEK polyetheretherketone insulating ring
  • said bezel 5, respectively said bottom 4 can be assembled directly on the middle part 3 in a conventional manner.
  • said bezel 5, respectively said bottom 4 is assembled on the middle part 3 by means of an insulating element, such as 'a polymer.
  • the membrane 18 is mounted on the back 4, if the sound is transmitted through the back, or the bezel 5 if the sound is transmitted on the dial side. Thus, the membrane 18 is also isolated from the movement and from the striking mechanism 9.
  • the vibration amplifying device and the diaphragm are isolated from the movement and the frame so that all gong vibrations picked up by the lever 20 are directed and transmitted to the diaphragm 18, without transmission to the movement, to the frame or to the middle.
  • the lever 20 is preferably made of a very light and very rigid material.
  • the lever 20 can be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, composite material, carbon, glass, sapphire and ceramic.
  • the membrane 18 must be able to vibrate freely. It is preferably made from a very light and rigid material in order to have a great dynamic response and not to deform when moving.
  • the membrane 18 is preferably made of a transparent material.
  • the membrane 18 can be made in the form of a plate, in sapphire, mineral glass, plexiglass, etc.
  • the membrane 18 can be formed by a third inner crystal arranged under the second crystal 7 (or the first glass 6 if applicable).
  • the membrane 18 can also be made of composite materials, cellulose, or composite glass of the safety glass type. It is obvious that the membrane 18 can also be made of a material that is not completely transparent, such as translucent or opaque materials, such as metallic glass, titanium, silicon, ceramic, carbon fiber composite, cellulose, kevlar.
  • the membrane 18 must be as rigid and as light as possible. For this, its thickness is less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm and more preferably less than 0.3 mm.
  • the membrane 18 is preferably mounted on a suspension to allow it to vibrate freely while ensuring the seal.
  • the suspension can be produced by means of a shaped seal arranged around the membrane 18 or an O-ring seal arranged at the periphery on either side of the membrane 18, between said membrane 18 and the bottom 4 (or bezel 5 if applicable).
  • the timepiece further comprises a compression chamber 40 arranged to amplify the sound which has been generated by the displacement of the membrane, having already been amplified a first time, before its exit to the outside. .
  • the compression chamber 40 is closed by a wall disposed downstream of the membrane 18 and having at least one opening 42 directed towards the outside of the part.
  • the dimensions of the opening 42 are chosen relative to the surface of the membrane 18 depending on the desired amplification of the sound.
  • said wall is formed by the second lens 7.
  • Said second lens 7 must be strong and scratchproof. It is preferably made of sapphire.
  • the wall disposed downstream of the membrane 18 makes it possible to generate a certain volume of air in the compression chamber 40.
  • the displacement of the membrane 18 generates a compression of this air.
  • the ratio between the surface of the moving membrane 18 defining the volume of air and the size of the openings will allow a second amplification of the sound to be generated.
  • the opening 42 can be in different shapes: hole in the center of the wall, here the second mirror 7, several side holes, a multitude of micro holes, etc.
  • the shape of the outlet opening can be conical to amplify more sound.
  • the opening 42 may be in the form of one or more longitudinal grooves extending around the middle part, parallel to the plane of the movement, and obtained by leaving a space, for example between the bottom 4 and the middle part 3 if the membrane 18 is placed on the bottom 4, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • Such lateral openings 42 advantageously make it possible to redirect the sound generated by the membrane 18 onto the arm of the wearer of the wristwatch, giving to the wearer the sensation of an even more amplified sound.
  • the timepiece advantageously comprises means 44 adjustable for shutting off the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to be able to adjust the volume of the sound generated by the membrane 18.
  • closure means 44 are arranged to be able to be moved between a closed position in which the opening 42 is fully closed and an open position in which the opening 42 is maximum, the intermediate positions making it possible to block the opening 42 to a greater or lesser extent in order to adjust the sound volume.
  • the closure means 44 may comprise a rotating element such as a ring, mounted in rotation on the base 4, and arranged to rotate between a closed position in which the opening 42 is fully plugged, as shown in Figure 7, and an open position in which the opening 42 is maximum, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the opening 42 can be protected by a filter permeable to air and impermeable to water, in order to prevent impurities from entering the compression chamber 40.
  • filters are known from the person skilled in the art.
  • the timepiece may comprise a mechanism for closing the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to close said opening 42 once the sound has been generated, for example. outside of ringing time.
  • a mechanism for closing the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to close said opening 42 once the sound has been generated, for example. outside of ringing time.
  • the closing mechanism may include a closing member 46, such as a ring, controlled by the striking mechanism so as to close the opening 42 automatically once the ringing has ended.
  • a closing member 46 such as a ring
  • a reflector arranged to allow the generated sound to go up on the side of the watch.
  • a reflector is for example positioned on the outside of the caseback, and has outer conical walls surrounding the caseback and directed towards the watch.
  • the timepiece according to the invention allows a significant amplification of the sound: the ratio of the first amplification carried out by means of the lever 20 is of the order of 10 to 16. In addition, due to the ratio between the surface in movement of the membrane 18 and the opening 42 (surface ratio of 20 to 30), the ratio of the second amplification is of the order of 1.5.
  • the ratio of the total amplification achieved by the watch according to the invention is such that a sound greater than 80 dB can be obtained, or even 90 dB, compared to a standard minute repeater sound of 60 dB.
  • the construction and mounting of the amplification device isolates the vibration generating device and the diaphragm from movement, frame and caseband, so that all vibrations are directed to the diaphragm by means of the lever. without going through movement. There is therefore little or no noise, generally linked to the vibrations of the components of the movement.
  • the striking power on the gong can be increased without impacting the vibrations of the components in the movement.
  • the amplification device with the membrane being integral with the back or the bezel, it is possible to easily access the movement and the gongs for their adjustment after only removing the back, respectively the bezel.
  • the construction of the amplification device with the membrane is such that the tightness of the box has no impact on the sound volume, unlike all the other principles of minute repetitions, for example.
  • the membrane with its suspension seals the system with the exception of the compression chamber 40. The latter can be sealed by a filter system.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a case, a movement and a vibration-generating device which are intended to produce at least one sound and are housed in said case, a device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by said vibration-generating device, and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and to generate a sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece. Said vibration-amplifying device (16) comprises a lever (20) which is pivotably mounted on a support (22) in a pivoting plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane and which is arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration-generating device to transmit the vibrations to the lever (20), said lever (20) being also secured to the membrane at least in translation in the pivoting plane such that a displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of said transmission member in connection with the vibration-generating device and transmitted to the membrane via the lever actuated by said transmission member generates an amplified displacement of said membrane, so as to generate an amplified sound.

Description

PIECE D’HORLOGERIE COMPRENANT UN DISPOSITIF AMPLIFICATEUR DE WATCHMAKING PART INCLUDING AN AMPLIFIER DEVICE
VIBRATIONS VIBRATIONS
La présente invention concerne une pièce d’horlogerie comprenant une boite présentant une carrure, un fond et une lunette, un mouvement et un dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son, logés dans ladite boite, un dispositif d’amplification des vibrations générées par ledit dispositif générateur de vibrations, et une membrane agencée pour recevoir lesdites vibrations amplifiées et générer un son de l’intérieur vers l’extérieur de la pièce d’horlogerie. The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said box, a device for amplifying the vibrations. generated by said vibration generator device, and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece.
Une telle pièce d’horlogerie est par exemple une montre à sonnerie (telle que répétition minutes, grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, alarme de réveil) pour laquelle le dispositif générateur de vibrations est par exemple un timbre agencé pour être frappé par un marteau lorsque la sonnerie est enclenchée pour générer des vibrations afin de produire un son. Le timbre se présente classiquement sous la forme d’une lame de ressort enroulée autour du mouvement. Le timbre est monté solidaire du bâti (ensemble de la platine et des ponts) de la montre par l’intermédiaire d’un talon ou porte-timbre, afin de transmettre les vibrations du timbre à l’ensemble de la montre (bâti, mouvement, composants d’habillage). Ainsi les vibrations du timbre sont transmises au porteur de la montre avec un maximum d’intensité. Such a timepiece is for example a striking watch (such as a minute repeater, grand strike, small strike, alarm clock) for which the vibration generating device is for example a gong arranged to be struck by a hammer when the ringtone is engaged to generate vibrations to produce sound. The gong is conventionally in the form of a leaf spring wrapped around the movement. The gong is mounted integral with the frame (all of the plate and the bridges) of the watch by means of a heel or gong holder, in order to transmit the vibrations of the gong to the whole of the watch (frame, movement , trim components). Thus the vibrations of the gong are transmitted to the wearer of the watch with maximum intensity.
La transmission du son étant obtenue par la mise en vibration de toute la montre, il a été proposé de rigidifier les différents éléments de la montre afin de favoriser la vibration de ces éléments et ainsi d’améliorer ladite transmission du son. As the transmission of sound is obtained by setting the entire watch into vibration, it has been proposed to stiffen the various elements of the watch in order to promote the vibration of these elements and thus improve said transmission of sound.
Cette solution a donné des résultats satisfaisants en termes de qualité de transmission du son mais a généré d’autres problèmes, tels que l’apparition de sons parasites. En effet, plus l’intensité sonore est grande, plus le mouvement vibre, et plus les différents composants du mouvement génèrent du bruit en vibrant. Cet ensemble de vibrations génère des bruits parasites. This solution has given satisfactory results in terms of sound transmission quality but has generated other problems, such as the appearance of parasitic sounds. Indeed, the greater the sound intensity, the greater the movement vibrates, and the more the different components of the movement generate noise while vibrating. This set of vibrations generates parasitic noises.
Une solution pour amplifier le son est d’augmenter la force de frappe du marteau sur son timbre. Cela a permis d’avoir un gain sonore mais la qualité du son était dégradée par les bruits parasites. One way to amplify the sound is to increase the impact force of the hammer on its tone. This made it possible to have a sound gain but the sound quality was degraded by parasitic noise.
La pièce d’horlogerie décrite dans la demande EP 3525045 propose de résoudre ce problème en utilisant un pont de transmission de son monté sur la platine ou plus généralement sur un élément du bâti, ledit pont de transmission étant également en contact avec une membrane fixée sur la carrure. Ainsi, lorsque le timbre vibre, ledit timbre étant lui-même monté solidaire du bâti, le pont de transmission de son vibre également de la même façon et transmet cette même vibration à la membrane. De par sa rigidité et sa surface, le pont de transmission contribue à un déplacement d’air important ce qui permet d’améliorer l’intensité et la qualité sonore. De plus, le pont de transmission pouvant être solidaire d’autres éléments du bâti que la platine, il peut transmettre à la membrane des vibrations venant d’autres éléments du bâti autour d’autres composants du mouvement. The timepiece described in application EP 3525045 proposes to solve this problem by using a sound transmission bridge mounted on the plate or more generally on an element of the frame, said transmission bridge also being in contact with a membrane fixed on the build. Thus, when the gong vibrates, said gong being itself mounted integral with the frame, the sound transmission bridge also vibrates in the same way and transmits this same vibration to the membrane. By virtue of its rigidity and its surface, the transmission bridge contributes to a significant air displacement which allows to improve the intensity and the sound quality. In addition, since the transmission bridge can be integral with other elements of the frame than the plate, it can transmit vibrations to the membrane from other elements of the frame around other components of the movement.
Toutefois, des vibrations des différents composants du mouvement dues aux vibrations du bâti subsistent de sorte qu’il existe toujours des bruits parasites. However, vibrations of the various components of the movement due to the vibrations of the frame remain so that there is always parasitic noise.
La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients en proposant une pièce d’horlogerie comprenant un dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son et un dispositif d’amplification de ces vibrations permettant d’amplifier ledit son généré de manière significative. The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a timepiece comprising a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound and a device for amplifying these vibrations making it possible to amplify said generated sound significantly.
Un autre but de la présente invention est de permettre d’amplifier le son généré sans bruit parasite, ou au moins en limitant lesdits bruits parasites. Another aim of the present invention is to make it possible to amplify the sound generated without parasitic noise, or at least by limiting said parasitic noise.
A cet effet, la présente invention concerne une pièce d’horlogerie comprenant une boite présentant une carrure, un fond et une lunette, un mouvement et un dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son, logés dans ladite boite, un dispositif d’amplification des vibrations générées par ledit dispositif générateur de vibrations et une membrane agencée pour recevoir lesdites vibrations amplifiées et générer un son de l’intérieur vers l’extérieur de la pièce d’horlogerie. To this end, the present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said case, a device for amplification of the vibrations generated by said vibration generator device and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece.
Selon l’invention, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations comprend un levier monté pivotant sur un support dans un plan de pivotement non parallèle au plan de la membrane et agencé pour être actionné par un organe de transmission coopérant avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations pour transmettre au levier les vibrations, ledit levier étant également solidaire de la membrane au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement de sorte qu’un déplacement de l’organe de transmission généré par la vibration dudit organe de transmission en liaison avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations et transmis à la membrane par l’intermédiaire du levier actionné par ledit organe de transmission génère un déplacement amplifié de ladite membrane, de manière à générer un son amplifié. According to the invention, the vibration amplification device comprises a lever mounted to pivot on a support in a pivoting plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generating device for transmit vibrations to the lever, said lever also being integral with the membrane at least in translation in the pivot plane so that a displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of said transmission member in connection with the device generating vibrations and transmitted to the membrane by means of the lever actuated by said transmission member generates an amplified displacement of said membrane, so as to generate an amplified sound.
Ainsi, grâce au dispositif d’amplification utilisé dans la présente invention, les vibrations générées sont récupérées sur le levier qui est agencé de manière à amplifier mécaniquement lesdites vibrations avant de les transmettre à la membrane, produisant une première amplification du son. Thus, thanks to the amplification device used in the present invention, the vibrations generated are recovered on the lever which is arranged to mechanically amplify said vibrations before transmitting them to the membrane, producing a first amplification of the sound.
De préférence, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations est isolé du mouvement de sorte qu’aucune vibration n’est transmise à des éléments du mouvement et/ou du bâti (platine et ponts). De plus, comme la membrane est de préférence avantageusement placée en dehors du mouvement, et notamment dans la lunette ou dans le fond de la pièce, la membrane est elle-même isolée du mouvement, de sorte qu’aucune des vibrations transmises à la membrane n’est dissipée dans le mouvement. Ainsi, la pièce d’horlogerie selon l’invention génère peu de, voire ne génère aucun, bruit parasite lié aux vibrations d’éléments du mouvement et/ou du bâti. Toutes les vibrations étant dirigées sur la membrane sans transmission à l’un des éléments du mouvement et/ou du bâti, il est alors possible, dans le cas d’une sonnerie, de modifier la puissance de frappe du timbre, sans avoir d’impact sur les vibrations des éléments du mouvement et/ou du bâti. D’une manière avantageuse, il est prévu une chambre de compression agencée pour amplifier le son qui a été généré par le déplacement de la membrane, avant sa sortie vers l’extérieur. Preferably, the vibration amplifying device is isolated from the movement so that no vibration is transmitted to elements of the movement and / or the frame (plate and bridges). In addition, as the membrane is preferably advantageously placed outside the movement, and in particular in the bezel or in the back of the part, the membrane is itself isolated from the movement, so that none of the vibrations transmitted to the membrane is dissipated in movement. Thus, the timepiece according to the invention generates little, or even generates no, parasitic noise linked to the vibrations of elements of the movement and / or of the frame. All the vibrations being directed on the membrane without transmission to one of the elements of the movement and / or of the frame, it is then possible, in the case of a ringing, to modify the striking power of the gong, without having to impact on the vibrations of the elements of the movement and / or the frame. Advantageously, there is provided a compression chamber arranged to amplify the sound which has been generated by the displacement of the membrane, before its exit to the outside.
Cela permet de générer une seconde amplification du son. This makes it possible to generate a second amplification of the sound.
Ainsi, la pièce d’horlogerie selon l’invention permet de produire des sons amplifiés de manière significative et avec peu de, voire aucun, bruit parasite. Thus, the timepiece according to the invention makes it possible to produce significantly amplified sounds and with little, if any, parasitic noise.
D’autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante de différents modes de réalisation de l’invention, donnés à titre d’exemples non limitatifs, et faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels : Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- la figure 1 est une vue du fond d’une pièce d’horlogerie selon un premier mode de réalisation de l’invention ; - Figure 1 is a bottom view of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe coté fond de la pièce d’horlogerie de la figure 1 ; - Figure 2 is a partial sectional view from the bottom side of the timepiece of Figure 1;
- la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du fond d’une pièce d’horlogerie selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l’invention ; - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 4 est une vue de la membrane et du dispositif d’amplification des vibrations selon le premier mode de réalisation de l’invention ; - Figure 4 is a view of the membrane and the vibration amplifying device according to the first embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 5 est une vue en coupe de la membrane et de la chambre de compression ; - Figure 5 is a sectional view of the membrane and the compression chamber;
- la figure 6 est une vue des moyens de réglage du volume du son généré par la membrane ; FIG. 6 is a view of the means for adjusting the volume of the sound generated by the membrane;
- les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues partielles en coupe montrant respectivement les moyens de réglage du volume en position fermée et en position ouverte ; et - Figures 7 and 8 are partial sectional views showing respectively the volume adjustment means in the closed position and in the open position; and
- la figure 9 est une vue en perspective de la pièce d’horlogerie selon l’invention montrant la fermeture des ouvertures de la chambre de compression en dehors du temps de génération du son. La présente invention concerne une pièce d’horlogerie comprenant une boite présentant une carrure, un fond et une lunette, un mouvement et un dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son, logés dans ladite boite, un dispositif d’amplification des vibrations générées par ledit dispositif générateur de vibrations et une membrane agencée pour recevoir lesdites vibrations amplifiées et générer un son de l’intérieur vers l’extérieur de la pièce d’horlogerie. Selon l’invention, ledit dispositif d’amplification des vibrations comprend un levier monté pivotant sur un support dans un plan de pivotement non parallèle au plan de la membrane et agencé pour être actionné par un organe de transmission coopérant avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations pour transmettre au levier les vibrations, ledit levier étant également solidaire de la membrane au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement, le point d’actionnement du levier, le point de pivotement du levier et le point de liaison du levier avec la membrane étant positionnés de sorte qu’un déplacement de l’organe de transmission généré par la vibration dudit organe de transmission en liaison avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations est transmis à la membrane par l’intermédiaire du levier, actionné par ledit organe de transmission, de manière amplifiée par l’effet de bras de levier dudit levier. - Figure 9 is a perspective view of the timepiece according to the invention showing the closing of the openings of the compression chamber outside the sound generation time. The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a case having a caseband, a back and a bezel, a movement and a device for generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said box, a device for amplifying the vibrations. generated by said vibration generator device and a membrane arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece. According to the invention, said vibration amplification device comprises a lever mounted to pivot on a support in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member cooperating with the vibration generator device for transmitting vibrations to the lever, said lever also being integral with the membrane at least in translation in the pivot plane, the actuation point of the lever, the pivoting point of the lever and the linkage point of the lever with the membrane being positioned so that a displacement of the transmission member generated by the vibration of said transmission member in conjunction with the vibration generating device is transmitted to the membrane by means of the lever, actuated by said transmission member, in an amplified manner by the leverage effect of said lever.
Le dispositif générateur de vibration peut être un timbre de sonnerie agencé pour être frappé par un marteau de sonnerie, ledit timbre de sonnerie étant solidaire de l’organe de transmission, et ledit organe de transmission étant solidaire du levier. The vibration generator device may be a ringing bell arranged to be struck by a striking hammer, said ringing bell being integral with the transmission member, and said transmission member being integral with the lever.
Dans une autre variante, le dispositif générateur de vibration peut être un disque rotatif et comportant un sillon gravé agencé pour générer un son, l’organe de transmission étant une aiguille solidaire du levier et agencée pour suivre le sillon sur le disque. In another variant, the vibration generator device may be a rotating disc and comprising an engraved groove arranged to generate a sound, the transmission member being a needle integral with the lever and arranged to follow the groove on the disc.
Dans une autre variante, le dispositif générateur de vibration peut être une boite à musique comprenant des lames vibrantes fixées par des plots, l’organe de transmission étant solidaire desdits plots et du levier. Dans la description qui suit, le dispositif générateur de vibrations est un timbre de sonnerie frappé par un marteau de sonnerie de sorte que la pièce d’horlogerie comprend un mécanisme de sonnerie pour indiquer l’heure (répétition minutes, grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie) ou pour sonner à un moment prédéfini (réveil). La pièce d’horlogerie est de préférence une montre, et plus préférentiellement une montre-bracelet destinée à être portée par un utilisateur, à son poignet. In another variant, the vibration generating device may be a music box comprising vibrating blades fixed by studs, the transmission member being integral with said studs and with the lever. In the following description, the vibration-generating device is a striking gong struck by a striking hammer so that the timepiece includes a striking mechanism to indicate the time (minute repeater, large strike, small strike) or to ring at a predefined time (alarm clock). The timepiece is preferably a watch, and more preferably a wristwatch intended to be worn by a user, on his wrist.
Sauf indication spécifique, la suite de la description de l’invention, en particulier du dispositif d’amplification des vibrations, s’appliquera de la même manière à une montre comprenant un disque rotatif lu par une aiguille ou une boite à musique. Unless specifically indicated, the remainder of the description of the invention, in particular the vibration amplification device, will apply in the same way to a watch comprising a rotating disc read by a needle or a music box.
En référence aux figures 1, 2 et 9, la montre 1 comprend une boite 2 présentant une carrure 3, un fond 4, une lunette 5, et une première glace 6. Le fond 4 est annulaire et son ouverture centrale est fermée par une seconde glace 7 dont la fonction sera décrite ci-après. La lunette et la carrure peuvent être deux pièces différentes, ou former une seule pièce monobloc. De même, le fond et la carrure peuvent être deux pièces différentes ou former une seule pièce monobloc. Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 9, the watch 1 comprises a case 2 having a caseband 3, a caseback 4, a bezel 5, and a first crystal 6. The caseback 4 is annular and its central opening is closed by a second ice 7, the function of which will be described below. The bezel and the middle part can be two different parts, or form a single one-piece part. Likewise, the back and the middle part can be two different parts or form a single one-piece part.
Dans la description qui suit, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations et la membrane sont agencés pour générer des sons par le fond de la montre, et plus particulièrement par la seconde glace 7. Il est bien évident que le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations et la membrane peuvent être agencés de manière similaire mais à l’inverse pour générer des sons côté cadran de la montre, et plus particulièrement par la première glace 6. In the following description, the vibration amplification device and the membrane are designed to generate sounds through the back of the watch, and more particularly through the second crystal 7. It is obvious that the vibration amplification device and the membrane can be arranged in a similar manner but in reverse to generate sounds on the dial side of the watch, and more particularly by the first crystal 6.
En référence plus spécifiquement aux figures 1, 2 et 4, la montre 1 comprend également un mouvement (non représenté) et un mécanisme de sonnerie 9 constituant le dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son. Le mouvement et le mécanisme de sonnerie 9 sont logés dans la carrure 3 de la boite 2, montés sur un bâti 10 (platine et ponts). Le mécanisme de sonnerie 9 comprend de manière connue des marteaux 12 agencés pour venir frapper le timbre de sonnerie 14, ici sous la forme d’un timbre fil ou lame de ressort enroulée autour du mouvement. With reference more specifically to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, watch 1 also comprises a movement (not shown) and a striking mechanism 9 constituting the device generating vibrations intended to produce at least one sound. The movement and the striking mechanism 9 are housed in the middle part 3 of the box 2, mounted on a frame 10 (plate and bridges). The striking mechanism 9 comprises, in a known manner, hammers 12 arranged to come strike the chime stamp 14, here in the form of a wire stamp or leaf spring wound around the movement.
Afin d’amplifier les sons produits par le timbre 14, il est prévu un dispositif d’amplification 16 des vibrations générées par le timbre 14 ainsi qu’une membrane 18 agencée pour recevoir lesdites vibrations amplifiées et générer un son de l’intérieur vers l’extérieur de la montre. Ici, le son étant transmis côté fond, la membrane 18 est montée sur le fond 4, parallèlement audit fond 4, entre le mouvement et la seconde glace 7. Elle sera montée à l’intérieur de la lunette 5, parallèlement à ladite lunette 5, entre le mouvement et la première glace 6 lorsque le son sera transmis côté cadran. In order to amplify the sounds produced by the gong 14, there is provided a device 16 for amplifying the vibrations generated by the gong 14 as well as a membrane 18 arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate a sound from the inside towards the end. outside of the watch. Here, the sound being transmitted on the back side, the membrane 18 is mounted on the back 4, parallel to said back 4, between the movement and the second crystal 7. It will be mounted inside the bezel 5, parallel to said bezel 5 , between the movement and the first crystal 6 when the sound will be transmitted to the dial side.
Conformément à l’invention, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations 16 comprend un levier 20 lié à un support 22 par une articulation selon un seul axe de rotation, de sorte que ledit levier 20 est monté basculant ou pivotant sur ledit support 22 autour dudit axe de rotation, dans un plan de pivotement non parallèle au plan de la membrane 18. According to the invention, the vibration amplification device 16 comprises a lever 20 linked to a support 22 by an articulation along a single axis of rotation, so that said lever 20 is mounted to tilt or pivot on said support 22 around said support. axis of rotation, in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane 18.
D’une manière particulièrement préférée, le levier 20 est monté pivotant sur son support 22 de sorte qu’il bascule dans un plan de pivotement qui est perpendiculaire au plan défini par la membrane 18. In a particularly preferred manner, the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on its support 22 so that it swings in a pivot plane which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the membrane 18.
Selon le premier mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1, 2 et 4, le levier 20 est monté pivotant sur le support 22 au moyen d’une rotule flexible 24. La rotule flexible permet en cas de besoin de modifier le sens des vibrations. Notamment, dans le cas du timbre de sonnerie, ce dernier a tendance à vibrer de manière radiale, dans le sens de la frappe du marteau. De préférence, la position de la rotule flexible 24 du levier 20 permet de modifier le sens des vibrations radiales du timbre de 90° pour les transformer en mouvements perpendiculaires au plan de la membrane 18 par l’intermédiaire du pivotement dudit levier 20. According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on the support 22 by means of a flexible ball joint 24. The flexible ball joint allows, if necessary, to change the direction of the vibrations. In particular, in the case of the ringing gong, the latter tends to vibrate radially, in the direction of the strike of the hammer. Preferably, the position of the flexible ball 24 of the lever 20 makes it possible to modify the direction of the radial vibrations of the gong by 90 ° to transform them into movements perpendicular to the plane of the membrane 18 by means of the pivoting of said lever 20.
Selon le deuxième mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 3, le levier 20 est monté pivotant sur le support 22 au moyen d’une goupille 26 montée transversalement sur le support 22 et constituant l’axe de pivotement du levier 20. Le support 22 est contraint par un ressort 27. According to the second embodiment shown in Figure 3, the lever 20 is pivotally mounted on the support 22 by means of a pin 26 mounted transversely on the support 22 and constituting the pivot axis of the lever 20. The support 22 is constrained by a spring 27.
Le levier 20 est agencé pour être actionné par un organe de transmission 28 coopérant avec le timbre 14 pour transmettre au levier 20 les vibrations. L’organe de transmission 28 est de préférence solidaire du levier 20. Il est constitué par exemple d’un talon ou porte-timbre solidaire du levier 20 et dans lequel le timbre 14 est monté, par exemple par encastrement, blocage par une vis ou brasage. A cet effet, l’organe de transmission 28 comporte un orifice 30 dans lequel le timbre 14 est introduit. Ainsi, le timbre 14 est solidaire du levier 20 et n’est pas fixé, via un talon, sur le bâti de la montre. L’organe de transmission 28 peut être rapporté ou d’une seule pièce avec le levier 20. Lorsque le levier 20 est réalisé en acier, le timbre 14, l’organe de transmission 28 et le levier 20 peuvent être réalisés d’une seule pièce. The lever 20 is arranged to be actuated by a transmission member 28 cooperating with the gong 14 to transmit the vibrations to the lever 20. The transmission member 28 is preferably integral with the lever 20. It consists for example of a heel or gong holder integral with the lever 20 and in which the gong 14 is mounted, for example by embedding, locking by a screw or brazing. For this purpose, the transmission member 28 has an orifice 30 into which the stamp 14 is introduced. Thus, the gong 14 is integral with the lever 20 and is not fixed, via a heel, on the frame of the watch. The transmission member 28 can be attached or in one piece with the lever 20. When the lever 20 is made of steel, the gong 14, the transmission member 28 and the lever 20 can be made in one piece. room.
Le levier 20 est également solidaire de la membrane 18 au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement du levier 20 afin de pouvoir déplacer ladite membrane 18 dans le plan de pivotement du levier 20 lors de son basculement. C’est le mouvement linéaire de la membrane 18 déplacée par le levier 20 qui va générer un son. The lever 20 is also integral with the membrane 18 at least in translation in the pivot plane of the lever 20 in order to be able to move said membrane 18 in the pivot plane of the lever 20 during its tilting. It is the linear movement of the membrane 18 moved by the lever 20 that will generate a sound.
Plus spécifiquement, le levier 20 comprend une première extrémité 20a montée pivotante sur le support 22 et solidaire de l’organe de transmission 28 et une seconde extrémité 20b solidaire de la membrane 18 au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement dudit levier 20. More specifically, the lever 20 comprises a first end 20a pivotally mounted on the support 22 and integral with the transmission member 28 and a second end 20b integral with the membrane 18 at least in translation in the pivot plane of said lever 20.
De préférence, dans le cas d’une sonnerie, l’organe de transmission 28 étant fixe par rapport au timbre 14, le levier 20 est fixe en translation et est lié à la membrane 18 de manière fixe, c’est-à-dire qu’il est solidaire de la membrane 18 en rotation et en translation. La fixation du levier 20 à la membrane 18 peut se faire par exemple au moyen d’une vis 32 vissée dans un trou 34 prévu sur la membrane 18 et dans un trou 36 prévu sur le levier 20, ou par collage, soudage, etc.. Dans le cas d’un disque lu par une aiguille, le levier et l’aiguille sont agencés pour permettre un déplacement en translation dans le plan de la membrane du levier et de l’aiguille, le levier restant solidaire en translation dans le plan de pivotement, de la membrane 18, afin de pouvoir la déplacer dans son plan de pivotement lors de son basculement. Preferably, in the case of a ringing, the transmission member 28 being fixed relative to the gong 14, the lever 20 is fixed in translation and is linked to the membrane 18 in a fixed manner, that is to say that it is integral with the membrane 18 in rotation and in translation. The fixing of the lever 20 to the membrane 18 can be done for example by means of a screw 32 screwed into a hole 34 provided on the membrane 18 and in a hole 36 provided on the lever 20, or by gluing, welding, etc. . In the case of a disc read by a needle, the lever and the needle are arranged to allow a displacement in translation in the plane of the membrane of the lever and of the needle, the lever remaining integral in translation in the plane of pivoting, of the membrane 18, in order to be able to move it in its pivot plane during its tilting.
Le point d’actionnement du levier 20 par l’organe de transmission 28, le point de pivotement du levier 20 et le point de liaison du levier 20 avec la membrane 18 sont positionnés de sorte qu’un déplacement de l’organe de transmission 28 généré par la vibration dudit organe de transmission 28 en liaison avec le timbre 14 et transmis à la membrane 18 par l’intermédiaire du levier 20 actionné par ledit organe de transmission 28 génère un déplacement amplifié de ladite membrane 18 par un effet mécanique de bras de levier, ce qui permet de générer un son amplifié. The point of actuation of the lever 20 by the transmission member 28, the pivot point of the lever 20 and the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 are positioned so that a displacement of the transmission member 28 generated by the vibration of said transmission member 28 in connection with the gong 14 and transmitted to the membrane 18 by means of the lever 20 actuated by said transmission member 28 generates an amplified displacement of said membrane 18 by a mechanical effect of the arm of lever, which generates amplified sound.
De préférence, la rotule flexible 24 est positionnée sur le centre de masse de l’ensemble timbre/levier/membrane. Preferably, the flexible ball joint 24 is positioned on the center of mass of the stamp / lever / membrane assembly.
De préférence, le point de liaison du levier 20 avec la membrane 18 se situe à une distance du centre de ladite membrane 18 inférieure à 40%, préférentiellement inférieure à 20%, de la largeur de ladite membrane 18. De manière particulièrement préférée, le point de liaison du levier 20 avec la membrane 18 se situe au centre de ladite membrane 18, afin d’avoir un effet de bras de levier maximal. Preferably, the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 is located at a distance from the center of said membrane 18 of less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the width of said membrane 18. Particularly preferably, the point of connection of the lever 20 with the membrane 18 is located at the center of said membrane 18, in order to have a maximum lever arm effect.
Dans une autre variante, on peut prévoir de positionner le point de liaison à la périphérie de la membrane, en jouant sur l’élasticité du point de fixation et la torsion de la membrane. In another variant, provision can be made to position the connection point at the periphery of the membrane, by varying the elasticity of the attachment point and the torsion of the membrane.
D’une manière avantageuse, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations, et plus particulièrement le support 22 du levier 20 est isolé du mouvement, du mécanisme de sonnerie 9 et du bâti 10. A cet effet, le support 22 du levier 20 peut être monté sur un élément de l’habillage et plus particulièrement sur la lunette 5 si le son est transmis côté cadran, sur le fond 4, si le son est transmis par le fond. Le timbre de sonnerie 14 étant encastré dans l’organe de transmission 28 solidaire du levier 20, ledit timbre 14 n’est pas fixé sur le bâti via un talon, comme traditionnellement, mais semble flotter autour du mouvement. Advantageously, the vibration amplification device, and more particularly the support 22 of the lever 20 is isolated from the movement, the striking mechanism 9 and the frame 10. For this purpose, the support 22 of the lever 20 can be isolated from the movement. mounted on an element of the casing and more particularly on the bezel 5 if the sound is transmitted on the dial side, on the back 4, if the sound is transmitted through the back. The bell 14 being embedded in the transmission member 28 integral with lever 20, said bell 14 is not fixed to the frame via a heel, as traditionally, but seems to float around the movement.
Le support 22 du levier 20 peut également être monté sur le mouvement, voire sur la carrure 3, mais par l’intermédiaire d’un élément isolant 35, tel qu’un polymère, afin de garantir l’isolement du support 22 du mouvement, de la carrure et du bâti. The support 22 of the lever 20 can also be mounted on the movement, or even on the middle part 3, but via an insulating element 35, such as a polymer, in order to guarantee the isolation of the support 22 from the movement, of the middle and the frame.
Lorsque le support 22 du levier 20 est monté sur l’un des éléments de la boite (lunette 5, carrure 3, fond 4), il est également possible d’isoler le mouvement du reste de la montre en disposant un dispositif d’isolation sur le mouvement, entre le mouvement et ledit élément de la boite qui porte le support 22 du levier 20. Un tel dispositif d’isolation peut être par exemple un cercle de laiton associé à un joint plat ou un cercle d’isolation en polyétheréthercétone (PEEK) chargé en carbone. Par exemple, afin d’isoler le mouvement, ce dernier peut être bridé sur un cercle d’isolation en PEEK, lui-même vissé dans la carrure. When the support 22 of the lever 20 is mounted on one of the elements of the case (bezel 5, caseband 3, caseback 4), it is also possible to isolate the movement from the rest of the watch by providing an isolation device on the movement, between the movement and said element of the box which carries the support 22 of the lever 20. Such an isolation device may for example be a brass ring associated with a flat seal or a polyetheretherketone insulating ring ( PEEK) loaded with carbon. For example, in order to isolate the movement, the latter can be clamped on a PEEK insulating circle, itself screwed into the caseband.
Lorsque le support 22 du levier 20 est monté sur la lunette 5, respectivement sur le fond 4, ladite lunette 5, respectivement ledit fond 4 peut être assemblé directement sur la carrure 3 de manière classique. Toutefois, afin de s’assurer qu’aucune vibration parasite n’arrivera sur la carrure 3 et donc au mouvement, ladite lunette 5, respectivement ledit fond 4 est assemblé sur la carrure 3 par l’intermédiaire d’un élément isolant, tel qu’un polymère. When the support 22 of the lever 20 is mounted on the bezel 5, respectively on the bottom 4, said bezel 5, respectively said bottom 4 can be assembled directly on the middle part 3 in a conventional manner. However, in order to ensure that no parasitic vibration will occur on the middle part 3 and therefore on the movement, said bezel 5, respectively said bottom 4 is assembled on the middle part 3 by means of an insulating element, such as 'a polymer.
La membrane 18 est montée sur le fond 4, si le son est transmis par le fond, ou la lunette 5 si le son est transmis côté cadran. Ainsi, la membrane 18 est également isolée du mouvement et du mécanisme de sonnerie 9. The membrane 18 is mounted on the back 4, if the sound is transmitted through the back, or the bezel 5 if the sound is transmitted on the dial side. Thus, the membrane 18 is also isolated from the movement and from the striking mechanism 9.
En conséquence, le dispositif d’amplification des vibrations et la membrane sont isolés du mouvement et du bâti de sorte que toutes les vibrations du timbre récupérées par le levier 20 sont dirigées et transmises à la membrane 18, sans transmission au mouvement, au bâti ou à la carrure. Le levier 20 est de préférence réalisé dans un matériau très léger et très rigide. Par exemple, le levier 20 peut être réalisé en acier, titane, aluminium, magnésium, matériau composite, carbone, verre, saphir et céramique. As a result, the vibration amplifying device and the diaphragm are isolated from the movement and the frame so that all gong vibrations picked up by the lever 20 are directed and transmitted to the diaphragm 18, without transmission to the movement, to the frame or to the middle. The lever 20 is preferably made of a very light and very rigid material. For example, the lever 20 can be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, magnesium, composite material, carbon, glass, sapphire and ceramic.
La membrane 18 doit pouvoir vibrer librement. Elle est de préférence réalisée dans un matériau très léger et rigide afin d’avoir une grande réponse dynamique et de ne pas se déformer lors de son déplacement. La membrane 18 est réalisée de préférence en un matériau transparent. Par exemple, la membrane 18 peut être réalisée sous la forme d’une plaque, en saphir, verre minéral, plexiglas, etc.. Ainsi, la membrane 18 peut être constituée par une troisième glace intérieure disposée sous la seconde glace 7 (ou la première glace 6 le cas échéant). La membrane 18 peut également être réalisée en matériaux composites, cellulose, ou verre composite du type verre de sécurité. Il est bien évident que la membrane 18 peut également être réalisée en un matériau non totalement transparent, tels que des matériaux translucides ou opaques, tels que verre métallique, titane, silicium, céramique, composite fibre de carbone, cellulose, kevlar. The membrane 18 must be able to vibrate freely. It is preferably made from a very light and rigid material in order to have a great dynamic response and not to deform when moving. The membrane 18 is preferably made of a transparent material. For example, the membrane 18 can be made in the form of a plate, in sapphire, mineral glass, plexiglass, etc. Thus, the membrane 18 can be formed by a third inner crystal arranged under the second crystal 7 (or the first glass 6 if applicable). The membrane 18 can also be made of composite materials, cellulose, or composite glass of the safety glass type. It is obvious that the membrane 18 can also be made of a material that is not completely transparent, such as translucent or opaque materials, such as metallic glass, titanium, silicon, ceramic, carbon fiber composite, cellulose, kevlar.
La membrane 18 doit être la plus rigide et la plus légère possible. Pour cela, son épaisseur est inférieure à 1 mm, de préférence inférieure à 0.5 mm et plus préférentiellement inférieure à 0.3 mm. The membrane 18 must be as rigid and as light as possible. For this, its thickness is less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm and more preferably less than 0.3 mm.
En référence plus spécifiquement à la figure 5, la membrane 18 est de préférence montée sur une suspension pour lui permettre de vibrer librement tout en assurant l’étanchéité. La suspension peut être réalisée au moyen d’un joint de forme disposé autour de la membrane 18 ou de joint O-ring disposé à la périphérie de part et d’autre de la membrane 18, entre ladite membrane 18 et le fond 4 (ou la lunette 5 le cas échéant). Il est également possible de structurer la membrane 18 pour améliorer sa flexibilité, au moyen par exemple de rainures 38 prévues à la périphérie de la membrane 18. Il est également possible de jouer sur l’épaisseur de la membrane 18. D’une manière avantageuse, la pièce d’horlogerie comprend en outre une chambre de compression 40 agencée pour amplifier le son qui a été généré par le déplacement de la membrane, en étant déjà amplifié une première fois, avant sa sortie vers l’extérieur. With reference more specifically to FIG. 5, the membrane 18 is preferably mounted on a suspension to allow it to vibrate freely while ensuring the seal. The suspension can be produced by means of a shaped seal arranged around the membrane 18 or an O-ring seal arranged at the periphery on either side of the membrane 18, between said membrane 18 and the bottom 4 (or bezel 5 if applicable). It is also possible to structure the membrane 18 to improve its flexibility, for example by means of grooves 38 provided at the periphery of the membrane 18. It is also possible to vary the thickness of the membrane 18. Advantageously, the timepiece further comprises a compression chamber 40 arranged to amplify the sound which has been generated by the displacement of the membrane, having already been amplified a first time, before its exit to the outside. .
La chambre de compression 40 est fermée par une paroi disposée en aval de la membrane 18 et présentant au moins une ouverture 42 dirigée vers l’extérieur de la pièce. Les dimensions de l’ouverture 42 sont choisies par rapport à la surface de la membrane 18 en fonction de l’amplification du son recherchée. The compression chamber 40 is closed by a wall disposed downstream of the membrane 18 and having at least one opening 42 directed towards the outside of the part. The dimensions of the opening 42 are chosen relative to the surface of the membrane 18 depending on the desired amplification of the sound.
De préférence, lorsque la membrane 18 est disposée sur le fond 4, ladite paroi est constituée par la seconde glace 7. Ladite seconde glace 7 doit être résistante et inrayable. Elle est de préférence réalisée en saphir. Preferably, when the membrane 18 is placed on the bottom 4, said wall is formed by the second lens 7. Said second lens 7 must be strong and scratchproof. It is preferably made of sapphire.
La paroi disposée en aval de la membrane 18 permet de générer un certain volume d’air dans la chambre de compression 40. Le déplacement de la membrane 18 génère une compression de cet air. Le rapport entre la surface de la membrane 18 en mouvement définissant le volume d’air et la taille des ouvertures va permettre de générer une seconde amplification du son. The wall disposed downstream of the membrane 18 makes it possible to generate a certain volume of air in the compression chamber 40. The displacement of the membrane 18 generates a compression of this air. The ratio between the surface of the moving membrane 18 defining the volume of air and the size of the openings will allow a second amplification of the sound to be generated.
L’ouverture 42 peut se présenter sous différentes formes : trou au centre de la paroi, ici la seconde glace 7, plusieurs trous latéraux, une multitude de micro trous, etc.. La forme de l’ouverture en sortie peut être conique pour amplifier davantage le son. D’une manière avantageuse, l’ouverture 42 peut se présenter sous la forme d’une ou plusieurs rainures longitudinales s’étendant autour de la carrure, parallèlement au plan du mouvement, et obtenues en laissant un espace par exemple entre le fond 4 et la carrure 3 si la membrane 18 est disposée sur le fond 4, comme représentées sur la figure 9. De telles ouvertures latérales 42 permettent avantageusement de rediriger le son généré par la membrane 18 sur le bras du porteur de la montre-bracelet, en donnant audit porteur la sensation d’un son encore plus amplifié. The opening 42 can be in different shapes: hole in the center of the wall, here the second mirror 7, several side holes, a multitude of micro holes, etc. The shape of the outlet opening can be conical to amplify more sound. Advantageously, the opening 42 may be in the form of one or more longitudinal grooves extending around the middle part, parallel to the plane of the movement, and obtained by leaving a space, for example between the bottom 4 and the middle part 3 if the membrane 18 is placed on the bottom 4, as shown in FIG. 9. Such lateral openings 42 advantageously make it possible to redirect the sound generated by the membrane 18 onto the arm of the wearer of the wristwatch, giving to the wearer the sensation of an even more amplified sound.
En référence aux figures 6 à 8, la pièce d’horlogerie comprend avantageusement des moyens d’obturation 44 modulables de l’ouverture 42 de la chambre de compression 40 agencés pour pouvoir régler le volume du son généré par la membrane 18. Ces moyens d’obturation 44 sont agencés pour pouvoir être déplacés entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle l’ouverture 42 est entièrement fermée et une position d’ouverture dans laquelle l’ouverture 42 est maximale, les positions intermédiaires permettant de boucher plus ou moins l’ouverture 42 pour régler le volume sonore. Par exemple, lorsque l’ouverture 42 est latérale, les moyens d’obturation 44 peuvent comprendre un élément rotatif tel qu’une bague, montée en rotation sur le fond 4, et agencée pour tourner entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle l’ouverture 42 est entièrement bouchée, comme le montre la figure 7, et une position d’ouverture dans laquelle l’ouverture 42 est maximale, comme le montre la figure 8. With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the timepiece advantageously comprises means 44 adjustable for shutting off the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to be able to adjust the volume of the sound generated by the membrane 18. These closure means 44 are arranged to be able to be moved between a closed position in which the opening 42 is fully closed and an open position in which the opening 42 is maximum, the intermediate positions making it possible to block the opening 42 to a greater or lesser extent in order to adjust the sound volume. For example, when the opening 42 is lateral, the closure means 44 may comprise a rotating element such as a ring, mounted in rotation on the base 4, and arranged to rotate between a closed position in which the opening 42 is fully plugged, as shown in Figure 7, and an open position in which the opening 42 is maximum, as shown in Figure 8.
D’une manière avantageuse, l’ouverture 42 peut être protégée par un filtre perméable à l’air et imperméable à l’eau, afin d’éviter que les impuretés ne rentrent dans la chambre de compression 40. De tels filtres sont connus de l’homme du métier. Advantageously, the opening 42 can be protected by a filter permeable to air and impermeable to water, in order to prevent impurities from entering the compression chamber 40. Such filters are known from the person skilled in the art.
D’une manière avantageuse, et en référence à la figure 9, la pièce d’horlogerie peut comprendre un mécanisme de fermeture de l’ouverture 42 de la chambre de compression 40 agencé pour fermer ladite ouverture 42 une fois le son généré, par exemple en dehors du temps de sonnerie. Un tel mécanisme permet de limiter l’entrée d’impuretés lorsque le dispositif générateur de vibrations n’est pas utilisé. En particulier, lorsque l’ouverture 42 est latérale, le mécanisme de fermeture peut comprendre un organe de fermeture 46, tel qu’une bague, commandé par le mécanisme de sonnerie de sorte à fermer l’ouverture 42 automatiquement une fois la sonnerie terminée. Un tel mécanisme est décrit par exemple dans le brevet CH 704940 incorporé par référence. Advantageously, and with reference to FIG. 9, the timepiece may comprise a mechanism for closing the opening 42 of the compression chamber 40 arranged to close said opening 42 once the sound has been generated, for example. outside of ringing time. Such a mechanism makes it possible to limit the entry of impurities when the vibration generating device is not in use. In particular, when the opening 42 is lateral, the closing mechanism may include a closing member 46, such as a ring, controlled by the striking mechanism so as to close the opening 42 automatically once the ringing has ended. Such a mechanism is described for example in patent CH 704940 incorporated by reference.
Lorsque la membrane 18 est disposée sur le fond 4 et que le son est généré côté fond, il est également possible de prévoir un réflecteur, agencé pour permettre au son généré de remonter sur le côté de la montre. Un tel réflecteur est par exemple positionné sur l’extérieur du fond, et présente des parois coniques extérieures entourant le fond et dirigées vers la montre. When the membrane 18 is placed on the back 4 and the sound is generated on the back side, it is also possible to provide a reflector, arranged to allow the generated sound to go up on the side of the watch. Such a reflector is for example positioned on the outside of the caseback, and has outer conical walls surrounding the caseback and directed towards the watch.
La pièce d’horlogerie selon l’invention permet une amplification significative du son : le rapport de la première amplification réalisée par l’intermédiaire du levier 20 est de l’ordre de 10 à 16. De plus, en raison du ratio entre la surface en mouvement de la membrane 18 et l’ouverture 42 (ratio de surface de 20 à 30), le rapport de la seconde amplification est de l’ordre de 1.5. Le rapport de l’amplification totale réalisée par la montre selon l’invention est tel qu’un son supérieur à 80 dB peut être obtenu, voire 90 dB, par rapport à un son standard de répétition minute de 60 dB. The timepiece according to the invention allows a significant amplification of the sound: the ratio of the first amplification carried out by means of the lever 20 is of the order of 10 to 16. In addition, due to the ratio between the surface in movement of the membrane 18 and the opening 42 (surface ratio of 20 to 30), the ratio of the second amplification is of the order of 1.5. The ratio of the total amplification achieved by the watch according to the invention is such that a sound greater than 80 dB can be obtained, or even 90 dB, compared to a standard minute repeater sound of 60 dB.
De plus, la construction et le montage du dispositif d’amplification permettent d’isoler le dispositif générateur de vibrations et la membrane du mouvement, du bâti et de la carrure, de sorte que toutes les vibrations sont dirigées sur la membrane au moyen du levier sans passer par le mouvement. Il se produit donc peu de, voire aucun, son parasite généralement lié aux vibrations des composants du mouvement. In addition, the construction and mounting of the amplification device isolates the vibration generating device and the diaphragm from movement, frame and caseband, so that all vibrations are directed to the diaphragm by means of the lever. without going through movement. There is therefore little or no noise, generally linked to the vibrations of the components of the movement.
De plus, la puissance de frappe sur le timbre peut être augmentée sans avoir d’impact sur les vibrations des composants dans le mouvement. In addition, the striking power on the gong can be increased without impacting the vibrations of the components in the movement.
En outre, le dispositif d’amplification avec la membrane étant solidaire du fond ou de la lunette, il est possible d’accéder facilement au mouvement et aux timbres pour leur réglage après le seul démontage du fond, respectivement de la lunette. In addition, the amplification device with the membrane being integral with the back or the bezel, it is possible to easily access the movement and the gongs for their adjustment after only removing the back, respectively the bezel.
Enfin, la construction du dispositif d’amplification avec la membrane est telle que l’étanchéité de la boite n’a pas d’impact sur le volume sonore, contrairement à tous les autres principes des répétitions minutes par exemple. En effet, la membrane avec sa suspension rend le système étanche à l’exception de la chambre de compression 40. Cette dernière peut être rendue étanche par un système de filtre. Finally, the construction of the amplification device with the membrane is such that the tightness of the box has no impact on the sound volume, unlike all the other principles of minute repetitions, for example. In fact, the membrane with its suspension seals the system with the exception of the compression chamber 40. The latter can be sealed by a filter system.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Pièce d’horlogerie (1) comprenant une boite (2) présentant une carrure (3), un fond (4) et une lunette (5), un mouvement et un dispositif générateur de vibrations destinées à produire au moins un son, logés dans ladite boite (2), un dispositif (16) d’amplification des vibrations générées par ledit dispositif générateur de vibrations et une membrane (18) agencée pour recevoir lesdites vibrations amplifiées et générer un son de l’intérieur vers l’extérieur de la pièce d’horlogerie, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif (16) d’amplification des vibrations comprend un levier (20) monté pivotant sur un support (22) dans un plan de pivotement non parallèle au plan de la membrane (18) et agencé pour être actionné par un organe de transmission (28) coopérant avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations pour transmettre au levier (20) les vibrations, ledit levier (20) étant également solidaire de la membrane (18) au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement de sorte qu’un déplacement de l’organe de transmission (28) généré par la vibration dudit organe de transmission (28) en liaison avec le dispositif générateur de vibrations et transmis à la membrane (18) par l’intermédiaire du levier (20) actionné par ledit organe de transmission (28) génère un déplacement amplifié de ladite membrane (18), de manière à générer un son amplifié. 1. Timepiece (1) comprising a case (2) having a caseband (3), a back (4) and a bezel (5), a movement and a vibration generator device intended to produce at least one sound, housed in said box (2), a device (16) for amplifying the vibrations generated by said vibration generator device and a membrane (18) arranged to receive said amplified vibrations and generate a sound from the inside to the outside of the timepiece, characterized in that said device (16) for amplifying vibrations comprises a lever (20) pivotally mounted on a support (22) in a pivot plane not parallel to the plane of the membrane (18) and arranged to be actuated by a transmission member (28) cooperating with the vibration generator device to transmit vibrations to the lever (20), said lever (20) also being integral with the membrane (18) at least in translation in the plane pivot so that a movement of the transmission member (28) generated by the vibration of said transmission member (28) in connection with the vibration generating device and transmitted to the membrane (18) via the lever (20) actuated by said member of transmission (28) generates an amplified displacement of said membrane (18), so as to generate an amplified sound.
2. Pièce d’horlogerie selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif (16) d’amplification des vibrations est isolé du mouvement. 2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration amplifying device (16) is isolated from the movement.
3. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le support (22) du levier (20) est monté sur la lunette (5), sur le fond (4), ou sur le mouvement par l’intermédiaire d’un élément isolant (35) entre le mouvement et le support (22). 3. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (22) of the lever (20) is mounted on the bezel (5), on the base (4), or on the movement by the 'intermediary of an insulating element (35) between the movement and the support (22).
4. Pièce d’horlogerie selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que, lorsque le support (22) du levier (20) est monté sur la lunette (5), respectivement sur le fond (4), ladite lunette (5), respectivement ledit fond (4) est assemblé sur la carrure (3) par l’intermédiaire d’un élément isolant. 4. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the support (22) of the lever (20) is mounted on the bezel (5), respectively on the back (4), said bezel (5), respectively said back (4) is assembled on the caseband (3) by means of an insulating element.
5. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le plan de pivotement du levier (20) est perpendiculaire au plan de la membrane (18). 5. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot plane of the lever (20) is perpendicular to the plane of the membrane (18).
6. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le levier (20) est monté pivotant sur le support (22) au moyen d’une goupille (26) ou d’une rotule flexible (24). 6. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (20) is pivotally mounted on the support (22) by means of a pin (26) or a flexible ball joint (24) .
7. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le levier (20) comprend une première extrémité (20a) montée pivotante sur le support (22) et solidaire de l’organe de transmission (28) et une seconde extrémité (20b) solidaire de la membrane (18) au moins en translation dans le plan de pivotement. 7. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (20) comprises a first end (20a) pivotally mounted on the support (22) and integral with the transmission member (28) and a second end (20b) integral with the membrane (18) at least in translation in the pivot plane.
8. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le point de liaison du levier (20) avec la membrane (18) se situe à une distance du centre de ladite membrane inférieure à 40%, de préférence inférieure à 20%, de la largeur de ladite membrane, et plus préférentiellement, se situant au centre de ladite membrane (18). 8. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the point of connection of the lever (20) with the membrane (18) is located at a distance from the center of said membrane of less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, of the width of said membrane, and more preferably, located at the center of said membrane (18).
9. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend une chambre de compression (40) agencée pour amplifier le son qui a été généré par le déplacement de la membrane (18), avant sa sortie vers l’extérieur. 9. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a compression chamber (40) arranged to amplify the sound which has been generated by the displacement of the membrane (18), before its release. outwards.
10. Pièce d’horlogerie selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que la chambre de compression (40) est fermée par une paroi disposée en aval de la membrane (18) et présentant au moins une ouverture (42) dont les dimensions sont choisies par rapport à la surface de la membrane (18) en fonction de l’amplification du son recherchée. 10. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the compression chamber (40) is closed by a wall disposed downstream of the membrane (18) and having at least one opening (42) whose dimensions are chosen. relative to the surface of the membrane (18) as a function of the desired sound amplification.
11. Pièce d’horlogerie selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend des moyens d’obturation (44) modulables de l’ouverture (42) de la chambre de compression (40) agencés pour pouvoir régler le volume du son généré par la membrane. 11. Timepiece according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises shutter means (44) adjustable for the opening. (42) of the compression chamber (40) arranged to be able to adjust the volume of the sound generated by the membrane.
12. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications 10 et 11, caractérisée en ce qu’elle comprend un mécanisme de fermeture (46) de l’ouverture (42) de la chambre de compression (40) agencé pour fermer ladite ouverture (42) une fois le son généré. 12. Timepiece according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that it comprises a closing mechanism (46) of the opening (42) of the compression chamber (40) arranged to close said opening. (42) once the sound is generated.
13. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif générateur de vibration est un timbre de sonnerie (14) agencé pour être frappé par un marteau de sonnerie (12), ledit timbre de sonnerie (14) étant solidaire de l’organe de transmission (28), ledit organe de transmission (28) étant solidaire du levier (20). 13. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibration generator device is a striking gong (14) arranged to be struck by a striking hammer (12), said striking gong (14) ) being integral with the transmission member (28), said transmission member (28) being integral with the lever (20).
14. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif générateur de vibration est un disque rotatif et comportant un sillon gravé agencé pour générer un son, l’organe de transmission (28) étant une aiguille solidaire du levier (20) et agencée pour suivre le sillon sur le disque. 14. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vibration generator device is a rotating disc and comprising an engraved groove arranged to generate a sound, the transmission member (28) being a needle integral with the lever (20) and arranged to follow the groove on the disc.
15. Pièce d’horlogerie selon l’une des revendications 1 à 12, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif générateur de vibration est une boite à musique comprenant des lames vibrantes fixées par des plots, l’organe de transmission étant solidaire desdits plots et du levier (20). 15. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vibration generator device is a music box comprising vibrating blades fixed by pads, the transmission member being integral with said pads and the lever (20).
EP20792694.0A 2019-10-25 2020-10-23 Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device Pending EP4049092A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19205438.5A EP3812844B1 (en) 2019-10-25 2019-10-25 Timepiece comprising a device for amplifying vibrations
PCT/EP2020/079950 WO2021078968A1 (en) 2019-10-25 2020-10-23 Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4049092A1 true EP4049092A1 (en) 2022-08-31

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19205438.5A Active EP3812844B1 (en) 2019-10-25 2019-10-25 Timepiece comprising a device for amplifying vibrations
EP20792694.0A Pending EP4049092A1 (en) 2019-10-25 2020-10-23 Timepiece comprising a vibration-amplifying device

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19205438.5A Active EP3812844B1 (en) 2019-10-25 2019-10-25 Timepiece comprising a device for amplifying vibrations

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US20220382217A1 (en)
EP (2) EP3812844B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7607651B2 (en)
CN (1) CN114730158B (en)
CH (1) CH716753A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2021078968A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4167033A1 (en) 2021-10-18 2023-04-19 Patek Philippe SA Genève Bell and lug assembly for a chiming mechanism of a timepiece

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US576180A (en) * 1897-02-02 Orson it
GB191416602A (en) * 1913-07-14 1915-09-13 Marcus Clarence Hopkins Improvements in or relating to Sound Regenerating Machine.
GB270238A (en) * 1926-05-01 1927-06-02 Gramophone Co Ltd Method and means for converting mechanical vibrations into acoustical vibrations
DE1458431U (en) * 1939-01-23 1939-02-02
FR990766A (en) * 1949-05-07 1951-09-26 Speaking or sound acoustic mechanism, its various applications and resulting articles
CH288209A (en) * 1951-03-14 1953-01-15 Felsa Ag Clockwork with an automatic winding device with a lockable winding weight.
US2679134A (en) * 1951-12-05 1954-05-25 Mary V Marshall Noiseless wrist watch alarm
DE1497838A1 (en) * 1966-12-15 1969-06-19 Marvin Glass & Associates Musical instrument, in particular music box
GB1307725A (en) * 1970-07-20 1973-02-21 Pasquali G Musical sound generating device
CH704940B1 (en) 2008-02-14 2012-11-15 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve ringing timepiece.
EP3404493B1 (en) 2010-03-16 2021-09-01 Montres Breguet S.A. Chiming watch provided with an acoustic membrane
EP2707779B1 (en) * 2011-05-12 2020-06-10 Hublot S.A., Genève Timepiece with acoustic mechanism
CH714635A1 (en) 2018-02-09 2019-08-15 Mft Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Timepiece with bell.
CH715470A1 (en) * 2018-10-25 2020-04-30 Mft Et Fabrique De Montres Et Chronometres Ulysse Nardin Le Locle S A Ringing watch.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7607651B2 (en) 2024-12-27
WO2021078968A1 (en) 2021-04-29
EP3812844A1 (en) 2021-04-28
US20220382217A1 (en) 2022-12-01
CN114730158A (en) 2022-07-08
JP2022553980A (en) 2022-12-27
EP3812844B1 (en) 2023-09-06
CH716753A2 (en) 2021-04-30
CN114730158B (en) 2024-03-08

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