EP4492153A1 - Escapement device for a timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

Escapement device, comprising: - a first escapement wheel, - a second escapement wheel, - an inertial element, arranged to exhibit oscillations comprising a first alternation and a second alternation, - a blocking wheel, comprising: - a first blocking surface portion, - a second blocking surface portion, - pulse receiving means, arranged to receive a first pulse during a first alternation, and to receive a second pulse during a second alternation, - pulse transmission means, characterized in that the first blocking surface portion is arranged so that a first force, exerted by the first escapement wheel, passes in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, and in that the second blocking surface portion is arranged so that a second force, by the second escapement wheel, passes in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to escapement devices for timepieces equipped with an inertial element, for example a balance wheel, and in particular, the present invention relates to escapement devices with active two-wave tangential drive.

State of the art

In the prior art of active two-alternation escapement devices, it is known for example from document WO2013182243A1 to provide a tangentially driven escapement device with two active alternations comprising a single escapement wheel and two blocking wheels cooperating with each other and with the escapement wheel. In return, in order to be able to occupy a space comparable to the space occupied by a conventional escapement, for example with a Swiss lever, this system requires small components that are complex to manufacture and assemble.

We also know the document EP1367462A1 which concerns a double indirect impulse escapement device, with a blocker arranged between two escape wheels. In this document, the blocker has a particularly limited format with respect to the respective format of the escape wheels which are each provided with a significant number of teeth. As a result, the blocker has a very small size so that its manufacture is complex, or the escape wheels have a large size, which is detrimental to the compactness of the system. Finally, the orientation of the contact force between a given tooth of one or the other of the two escape wheels and a first or a second blocking means of the blocker is such that limiting pins or shims are necessary, particularly in the event of an impact.

The document CH719133A1 relates to a resonator for a timepiece, intended to cooperate with an escapement mechanism comprising two escapement wheels, in which the inertial element receives direct impulses from the escapement wheels.

Disclosure of the invention

An aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and in particular, first of all, to propose an escapement device with active two-alternation tangential drive whose components are easier to manufacture and/or assemble, and/or whose size is reduced, and/or which has robust operation.

• un premier mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un premier axe de rotation, agencé pour être engagé avec un rouage du mouvement d'horlogerie, tel qu'un rouage moteur, pour recevoir une force motrice, et comprenant une pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage et une première denture d'entraînement,
• un deuxième mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation, comprenant une pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage et une deuxième denture d'entraînement engagée avec la première denture d'entraînement pour transmettre la force motrice du premier mobile d'échappement au deuxième mobile d'échappement,
• un élément inertiel, monté pivotant autour d'un troisième axe de rotation, agencé pour présenter des oscillations comprenant chacune une première alternance et une deuxième alternance,
• un mobile de blocage, monté pivotant autour d'un quatrième axe de rotation, comprenant :
• une première portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des premières surfaces de blocage pour bloquer la rotation du premier mobile d'échappement,
• une deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des deuxièmes surfaces de blocage pour bloquer la rotation du deuxième mobile d'échappement,
• des moyens de réception d'impulsion, agencés pour recevoir une première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement lors d'une première alternance d'une oscillation de l'élément inertiel, et pour recevoir une deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement lors d'une deuxième alternance de ladite oscillation de l'élément inertiel,
• des moyens de transmission d'impulsion, agencés pour transmettre au moins une partie de la première impulsion ou de la deuxième impulsion à l'élément inertiel,

caractérisé en ce que la première portion surfacique de blocage est agencée pour qu'une première force, exercée sur le mobile de blocage par le premier mobile d'échappement bloqué par la première portion surfacique de blocage, passe sensiblement au voisinage du quatrième axe de rotation, en particulier passe par le quatrième axe de rotation, et en ce que la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage est agencée pour qu'une deuxième force, exercée sur le mobile de blocage par le deuxième mobile d'échappement bloqué par la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, passe sensiblement au voisinage du quatrième axe de rotation, en particulier passe par le quatrième axe de rotation.For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to an escapement device for a clock movement, comprising:

• a first escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, arranged to be engaged with a gear train of the clockwork movement, such as a motor train, to receive a driving force, and comprising a plurality of first blocking surfaces and a first drive toothing,
• a second escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation, comprising a plurality of second locking surfaces and a second drive toothing engaged with the first drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel to the second escapement wheel,
• an inertial element, pivotally mounted about a third axis of rotation, arranged to exhibit oscillations each comprising a first alternation and a second alternation,
• a locking mobile, pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation, comprising:
• a first blocking surface portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces to block rotation of the first escape wheel,
• a second surface blocking portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces to block rotation of the second escape wheel,
• pulse receiving means, arranged to receive a first pulse from the first escapement wheel during a first alternation of an oscillation of the inertial element, and to receive a second pulse from the second escapement wheel during a second alternation of said oscillation of the inertial element,
• pulse transmission means, arranged to transmit at least part of the first pulse or the second pulse to the inertial element,

characterized in that the first surface blocking portion is arranged so that a first force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the first escape wheel set blocked by the first surface blocking portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, and in that the second surface blocking portion is arranged so that a second force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the second escape wheel set blocked by the second surface blocking portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation.

According to the above implementation, the escapement device comprises a single blocking mobile and two escapement mobiles. Unlike the escapement device of the document WO2013182243A1 comprising two locking mobiles to be angularly indexed between them, no indexing is required for the above implementation, since there is only one locking mobile. Furthermore, a particularly compact assembly can be obtained since the locking mobile is pivotally mounted for alternately blocking the first or second escapement mobile: the latter can be mounted or arranged side by side, in particular symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through the respective axes of rotation of the inertial element and the blocking mobile. Finally, it can be noted that the escapement device according to the above implementation provides increased operational safety, in particular with respect to the device which is the subject of the document EP1367462A1 , because the first or second locking force passes through the fourth axis of rotation or substantially through the fourth axis of rotation: in the locking position (in the rest phase), the locking mobile does not undergo any overturning torque, which makes it possible to obtain a stable locking position, and there is no need to provide stops or stops normally necessary to limit the travel of the locking mobile, in particular in the event of an impact.

• recevoir de la part du premier mobile d'échappement une première impulsion et la transmettre à l'élément inertiel lors d'une première alternance (par exemple un aller constitutif d'une première moitié d'une oscillation) de l'élément inertiel, et
• peut recevoir de la part du deuxième mobile d'échappement une deuxième impulsion et la transmettre à l'élément inertiel lors d'une deuxième alternance (par exemple un retour constitutif d'une deuxième moitié de l'oscillation considérée) de l'élément inertiel.

It can be noted that the escapement device according to the above implementation transmits two pulses to the inertial element during the same oscillation (a round trip) of the inertial element, to maintain its oscillations. Indeed, the blocking mobile can:

• receiving a first impulse from the first escapement wheel and transmitting it to the inertial element during a first alternation (for example a forward movement constituting a first half of an oscillation) of the inertial element, and
• can receive a second impulse from the second escapement wheel and transmit it to the inertial element during a second alternation (for example a return constituting a second half of the oscillation considered) of the inertial element.

The invention may be defined by the following features, taken individually or in combination.

According to one embodiment, the first force, exerted on the blocking mobile by the first escapement mobile blocked by the first blocking surface portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, so as to ensure an absence of overturning torque on the blocking wheel set during a rest phase. In other words, the first force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the first escape wheel set blocked by the first blocking surface portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, so as to ensure a stable rest position of the blocking wheel set during a rest phase. In said rest phase, the blocking wheel set is engaged only with the first escape wheel set.

According to one embodiment, the second force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the second escape wheel set blocked by the second blocking surface portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, so as to guarantee an absence of overturning torque on the blocking wheel set during a rest phase. In other words, the second force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the second escape wheel set blocked by the second blocking surface portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, so as to guarantee a stable rest position of the blocking wheel set during a rest phase. In said rest phase, the blocking wheel set is engaged only with the second escape wheel set.

According to one embodiment, the blocking wheel set is mounted in a free pivot connection. According to one embodiment, the blocking wheel set is mounted in a free pivot connection on a bridge and/or on a plate of the timepiece. According to one embodiment, the blocking wheel set is free of an elastic return device, and/or the escapement device is free of an elastic return device coupled or engaged with the blocking wheel set to maintain it or return it to a rest position (it being understood that the elastic member (a balance spring) is nonetheless conventional manner) of the oscillator coupled to the inertial element causes, by means of the sustained movements of the inertial element, the release of the escapement wheels and then the movements of the blocking wheel). In other words, the movements of the blocking wheel are caused by the inertial element and/or the first escapement wheel and/or the second escapement wheel. In particular, during normal operation of the escapement device, the movements of the blocking wheel are caused exclusively by the inertial element and/or the first escapement wheel and/or the second escapement wheel.

According to one embodiment, the escapement device is not a direct impulse escapement device. In other words, according to this embodiment, the first escapement wheel and/or the second escapement wheel do not cooperate directly with the inertial element (or an oscillator member typically formed by a balance wheel/hairspring pair).

According to one embodiment, the inertial element comprises a balance wheel. In particular, the inertial element may comprise a balance wheel, a balance shaft and a plate with a pin, coupled to a balance spring.

According to one embodiment, the first surface blocking portion is arranged to block the rotation of the first escapement wheel, i.e. an escapement movement of the first escapement wheel, and/or the second surface blocking portion is arranged to block the rotation of the second escapement wheel, i.e. an escapement movement of the second escapement wheel.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the escapement device is free of stops or stops limiting the movement of the locking mechanism beyond a nominal locking position.

According to one embodiment, the first surface blocking portion is arranged so that a first friction cone constructed around a point of application of the force exerted by the first mobile escapement on the blocking mobile comprises, or encompasses, or passes through the fourth axis of rotation, and/or the second blocking surface portion is arranged so that a second friction cone constructed around a point of application of the force exerted by the second escapement mobile on the blocking mobile comprises, or encompasses, or passes through the fourth axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment, the first blocking surface portion has a first normal direction passing through the fourth axis of rotation or passing substantially through the fourth axis of rotation, and the second blocking surface portion has a second normal direction passing through the fourth axis of rotation or passing substantially through the fourth axis of rotation.

• une première droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion surfacique de blocage lors d'une première phase de blocage, et
• une deuxième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage lors d'une deuxième phase de blocage, définissent entre elles un angle α aigu. Autrement dit, on peut construire un triangle ayant :
• pour premier sommet le quatrième axe de rotation,
• pour deuxième sommet le point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion surfacique de blocage,
• pour troisième sommet le point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage. Selon le mode de réalisation ci-dessus, ce triangle présente un angle aigu au niveau de son premier sommet. Une telle configuration permet de garantir une course réduite pour le mobile de blocage entre une première position de blocage (du mobile de blocage) dans laquelle le premier mobile d'échappement est

bloqué (par le mobile de blocage) et une deuxième position de blocage (du mobile de blocage) dans laquelle le deuxième mobile d'échappement est bloqué (par le mobile de blocage). Cela procure un assemblage compact et avantageusement symétrique en regard d'un plan passant par les axes de rotation respectifs de l'élément inertiel et du mobile de blocage.According to one embodiment:

• a first straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first surface blocking portion during a first blocking phase, and
• a second straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second surface portion of blocking during a second blocking phase, define between them an acute angle α. In other words, we can construct a triangle having:
• for first vertex the fourth axis of rotation,
• for second vertex the point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first surface blocking portion,
• for third vertex the point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second surface blocking portion. According to the embodiment above, this triangle has an acute angle at its first vertex. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee a reduced travel for the blocking wheel between a first blocking position (of the blocking wheel) in which the first escapement wheel is

blocked (by the blocking mobile) and a second blocking position (of the blocking mobile) in which the second escapement mobile is blocked (by the blocking mobile). This provides a compact and advantageously symmetrical assembly with respect to a plane passing through the respective axes of rotation of the inertial element and the blocking mobile.

• un premier mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un premier axe de rotation, agencé pour être engagé avec un rouage du mouvement d'horlogerie, tel qu'un rouage moteur, pour recevoir une force motrice, et comprenant une pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage et une première denture d'entraînement,
• un deuxième mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation, comprenant une pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage et une deuxième denture d'entraînement engagée avec la première denture d'entraînement,
• un élément inertiel, tel qu'un balancier, monté pivotant autour d'un troisième axe de rotation, agencé pour présenter des oscillations comprenant chacune une première alternance et une deuxième alternance,
• un mobile de blocage, monté pivotant autour d'un quatrième axe de rotation, comprenant :
  • une première portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des premières surfaces de blocage pour bloquer un mouvement du premier mobile d'échappement,
  • une deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des deuxièmes surfaces de blocage pour bloquer un mouvement du deuxième mobile d'échappement,
  • des moyens de réception d'impulsion, agencés pour recevoir une première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement lors d'une première alternance d'une oscillation du balancier, et pour recevoir une deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement lors d'une deuxième alternance de ladite oscillation du balancier,
  • des moyens de transmission d'impulsion, agencés pour transmettre au moins une partie de la première impulsion ou de la deuxième impulsion à l'élément inertiel,

caractérisé en ce que :

• une première droite passant par un point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion surfacique de blocage et par un point par lequel passe le quatrième axe de rotation, et
• une deuxième droite passant par un point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage et par un point par lequel passe le quatrième axe de rotation,
  définissent entre elles un angle α aigu.

In other words, the invention may relate to an escapement device for a clock movement, comprising:

• a first escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, arranged to be engaged with a gear train of the clockwork movement, such as a motor train, to receive a driving force, and comprising a plurality of first blocking surfaces and a first drive toothing,
• a second escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation, comprising a plurality of second locking surfaces and a second drive toothing engaged with the first drive toothing,
• an inertial element, such as a balance, pivotally mounted about a third axis of rotation, arranged to exhibit oscillations each comprising a first alternation and a second alternation,
• a locking mobile, pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation, comprising:
  • a first blocking surface portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces to block a movement of the first escape wheel,
  • a second blocking surface portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces to block a movement of the second escape wheel,
  • impulse receiving means, arranged to receive a first impulse from the first escapement wheel during a first alternation of an oscillation of the balance, and to receive a second impulse from the second escapement wheel during a second alternation of said oscillation of the pendulum,
  • pulse transmission means, arranged to transmit at least part of the first pulse or the second pulse to the inertial element,

characterized in that:

• a first straight line passing through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first surface blocking portion and through a point through which the fourth axis of rotation passes, and
• a second straight line passing through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second surface blocking portion and through a point through which the fourth axis of rotation passes,
  define between them an acute angle α.

According to one embodiment, the angle α is within a range of values from 60° to 80°.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of first locking surfaces and the plurality of second locking surfaces are arranged to cooperate with the locking wheel set in a first plane, called the locking plane, and the first drive toothing is arranged to cooperate with the second drive toothing in a second plane, called the drive plane, parallel and distinct from the locking plane, to transmit the driving force from the first escape wheel set to the second escape wheel set. According to one embodiment, the first escape wheel set and/or the second escape wheel set may be formed by two superimposed components: a first level comprises the drive toothing and a second level comprises the locking surfaces. The cooperation between the two escape wheel sets thus takes place in a plane distinct from the cooperation of each escape wheel set with the locking wheel set.

• la pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage et la première denture d'entraînement forment une première denture principale d'entraînement,
• la pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage et la deuxième denture d'entraînement forment une deuxième denture principale d'entraînement,

• la deuxième denture principale d'entraînement est engagée avec la première denture principale d'entraînement pour transmettre la force motrice du premier mobile d'échappement au deuxième mobile d'échappement dans un plan donné,
• et la première denture principale d'entraînement et la deuxième denture principale d'entraînement sont agencées pour coopérer avec le mobile de blocage dans le même plan. Selon ce mode de réalisation, la coopération entre les deux mobiles d'échappement se fait ainsi dans le même plan que celui de la coopération de chaque mobile d'échappement avec le mobile de blocage, si bien que l'épaisseur totale du dispositif d'échappement est réduite.

According to one embodiment:

• the plurality of first locking surfaces and the first toothing drive gears form a first main drive toothing,
• the plurality of second locking surfaces and the second drive toothing form a second main drive toothing,

• the second main drive toothing is engaged with the first main drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel to the second escapement wheel in a given plane,
• and the first main drive toothing and the second main drive toothing are arranged to cooperate with the blocking wheel set in the same plane. According to this embodiment, the cooperation between the two escapement wheels is thus in the same plane as that of the cooperation of each escapement wheel set with the blocking wheel set, so that the total thickness of the escapement device is reduced.

• le premier mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de premières dents de blocage comprenant chacune une première surface de blocage de la pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage, les premières dents de blocage étant de préférence asymétriques,
• le deuxième mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de deuxièmes dents de blocage comprenant chacune une deuxième surface de blocage de la pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage, les deuxièmes dents de blocage étant de préférence asymétriques,
  et chacune des premières dents de blocage est agencée pour coopérer avec la deuxième denture d'entraînement et/ou chacune des deuxièmes dents de blocage est agencée pour coopérer avec la première denture d'entraînement pour transmettre la force motrice du premier mobile d'échappement au deuxième mobile d'échappement.

According to one embodiment:

• the first escapement wheel comprises a plurality of first locking teeth each comprising a first locking surface of the plurality of first locking surfaces, the first locking teeth preferably being asymmetrical,
• the second escapement wheel comprises a plurality of second locking teeth each comprising a second locking surface of the plurality of second locking surfaces, the second locking teeth preferably being asymmetrical,
  and each of the first locking teeth is arranged to cooperate with the second drive toothing and/or each of the second locking teeth is arranged to cooperate with the first drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel to the second escapement wheel.

• le premier mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de premières dents de blocage comprenant chacune une première surface de blocage de la pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage,
• le deuxième mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de deuxièmes dents de blocage comprenant chacune une deuxième surface de blocage de la pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage,
  et les premières dents de blocage et les deuxièmes dents de blocage sont asymétriques.

According to one embodiment:

• the first escapement wheel comprises a plurality of first locking teeth each comprising a first locking surface of the plurality of first locking surfaces,
• the second escapement wheel comprises a plurality of second locking teeth each comprising a second locking surface of the plurality of second locking surfaces,
  and the first locking teeth and the second locking teeth are asymmetrical.

According to one embodiment, the first escapement wheel and/or the second escapement wheel respectively comprises between 3 and 8 first locking teeth and between 3 and 8 second locking teeth, and preferably 4 or 5 first locking teeth and 4 or 5 second locking teeth.

• les moyens de réception d'impulsion du mobile de blocage comprennent :
  • une première portion d'entrée d'impulsion, agencée pour recevoir la première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement lors de la première alternance du balancier,
  • une deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion, agencée pour recevoir la deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement lors de la deuxième alternance du balancier,
• et :
  • la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion est adjacente à la première portion surfacique de blocage, et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion est adjacente à la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, et/ou :
  • la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion est séparée de la première portion surfacique de blocage par un premier bec de repos, et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion est séparée de la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage par un deuxième bec de repos.

According to one embodiment:

• the means of receiving the blocking mobile pulse include:
  • a first impulse input portion, arranged to receive the first impulse from the first escapement wheel during the first alternation of the balance,
  • a second impulse input portion, arranged to receive the second impulse from the second escapement wheel during the second alternation of the balance,
• And :
  • the first pulse input portion is adjacent to the first blocking surface portion, and the second pulse input portion is adjacent to the second blocking surface portion, and/or:
  • the first pulse input portion is separated from the first blocking surface portion by a first resting beak, and the second pulse input portion is separated from the second blocking surface portion by a second resting beak.

• une troisième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion lors d'une première phase d'impulsion, et
• une quatrième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion lors d'une deuxième phase d'impulsion, définissent entre elles un angle γ aigu.

According to one embodiment:

• a third straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first impulse input portion during a first impulse phase, and
• a fourth straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second impulse input portion during a second impulse phase, define between them an acute angle γ.

According to one embodiment, the angle γ is within a range of values from 50° to 70°.

According to one embodiment, the angle γ is less than the angle α.

• la première portion surfacique de blocage est concave, et/ou
• la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage est concave.

According to one embodiment:

• the first blocking surface portion is concave, and/or
• the second blocking surface portion is concave.

• la première portion surfacique de blocage comprend au moins deux premières surfaces secondaires de blocage formant un Vé (ou un « V ») ou un « U », de préférence un Vé selon un angle βa obtus, et de préférence l'angle βa est compris dans une plage de valeurs allant de 140° à 170°,
• la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage comprend au moins deux deuxièmes surfaces secondaires de blocage formant un Vé (ou un « V ») ou un « U », de préférence un Vé selon un angle βb obtus, et de préférence l'angle βb est compris dans une plage de valeurs allant de 140° à 170°.

According to one embodiment:

• the first blocking surface portion comprises at least two first secondary blocking surfaces forming a Vee (or a “V”) or a “U”, preferably a Vee at an obtuse angle βa, and preferably the angle βa is within a range of values from 140° to 170°,
• the second blocking surface portion comprises at least two second secondary blocking surfaces forming a Vee (or a “V”) or a “U”, preferably a Vee at an obtuse angle βb, and preferably the angle βb is within a range of values from 140° to 170°.

• le premier mobile d'échappement forme ou comprend une première roue d'échappement, et/ou
• le deuxième mobile d'échappement forme ou comprend une deuxième roue d'échappement.

According to one embodiment:

• the first escapement wheel forms or comprises a first escape wheel, and/or
• the second escapement wheel forms or includes a second escape wheel.

• un premier mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un premier axe de rotation, agencé pour être engagé avec un rouage du mouvement d'horlogerie, tel qu'un rouage moteur, pour recevoir une force motrice, et comprenant une pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage et une première denture d'entraînement,
• un deuxième mobile d'échappement, monté pivotant autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation, comprenant une pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage et une deuxième denture d'entraînement,
• un élément inertiel, monté pivotant autour d'un troisième axe de rotation, agencé pour présenter des oscillations comprenant chacune une première alternance et une deuxième alternance,
• un mobile de blocage, monté pivotant autour d'un quatrième axe de rotation, comprenant :
  • une première portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des premières surfaces de blocage pour bloquer la rotation du premier mobile d'échappement,
  • une deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des deuxièmes surfaces de blocage pour bloquer la rotation du deuxième mobile d'échappement,
  • des moyens de réception d'impulsion, agencés pour recevoir une première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement lors d'une première alternance d'une oscillation de l'élément inertiel, et pour recevoir une deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement lors d'une deuxième alternance de ladite oscillation de l'élément inertiel,
  • des moyens de transmission d'impulsion, agencés pour transmettre au moins une partie de la première impulsion ou de la deuxième impulsion à l'élément inertiel,
  caractérisé en ce que :
  • la pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage et la première denture d'entraînement forment une première denture principale d'entraînement,
  • la pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage et la deuxième denture d'entraînement forment une deuxième denture principale d'entraînement, dans lequel la deuxième denture principale d'entraînement est engagée avec la première denture principale d'entraînement pour transmettre la force motrice du premier mobile d'échappement au deuxième mobile d'échappement dans un plan donné,
    et dans lequel la première denture principale d'entraînement et la deuxième denture principale d'entraînement sont agencées pour coopérer avec le mobile de blocage dans le même plan.

A second aspect of the invention may relate to an escapement device for a clock movement, comprising:

• a first escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation, arranged to be engaged with a gear train of the clockwork movement, such as a motor train, to receive a driving force, and comprising a plurality of first blocking surfaces and a first drive toothing,
• a second escapement wheel, pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation, comprising a plurality of second locking surfaces and a second drive toothing,
• an inertial element, pivotally mounted about a third axis of rotation, arranged to exhibit oscillations each comprising a first alternation and a second alternation,
• a locking mobile, pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation, comprising:
  • a first blocking surface portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces to block rotation of the first escape wheel,
  • a second surface blocking portion, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces to block rotation of the second escape wheel,
  • pulse receiving means, arranged to receive a first pulse from the first escapement wheel during a first alternation of an oscillation of the inertial element, and to receive a second pulse from the second escapement wheel during a second alternation of said oscillation of the inertial element,
  • pulse transmission means, arranged to transmit at least part of the first pulse or the second pulse to the inertial element,
  characterized in that:
  • the plurality of first locking surfaces and the first toothing drive gears form a first main drive toothing,
  • the plurality of second locking surfaces and the second drive toothing form a second main drive toothing, wherein the second main drive toothing is engaged with the first main drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel to the second escapement wheel in a given plane,
    and wherein the first main drive toothing and the second main drive toothing are arranged to cooperate with the locking wheel in the same plane.

According to the above implementation, the escapement device comprises a single blocking mobile and two escapement mobiles. Unlike the escapement device of the document WO2013182243A1 comprising two locking mobiles to be angularly indexed with respect to each other, no indexing is required for the above implementation, since there is only one locking mobile. Furthermore, a particularly compact assembly can be obtained since the locking mobile is pivotally mounted to alternately block the first or second escapement mobile: the latter can be mounted or arranged side by side, in particular symmetrically with respect to a plane passing through the respective axes of rotation of the inertial element and the locking mobile.

• recevoir de la part du premier mobile d'échappement une première impulsion et la transmettre (au moins en partie) à l'élément inertiel lors d'une première alternance (par exemple un aller constitutif d'une première moitié d'une oscillation) de l'élément inertiel, et
• peut recevoir de la part du deuxième mobile d'échappement une deuxième impulsion et la transmettre (au moins en partie) à l'élément inertiel lors d'une deuxième alternance (par exemple un retour constitutif d'une deuxième moitié de l'oscillation considérée) de l'élément inertiel.

It can be noted that the escapement device according to the above implementation transmits two pulses to the inertial element during the same oscillation (a round trip) of the inertial element, to maintain its oscillations. Indeed, the blocking mobile can:

• receiving a first impulse from the first escapement wheel and transmitting it (at least in part) to the inertial element during a first alternation (for example a forward movement constituting a first half of an oscillation) of the inertial element, and
• can receive a second escapement from the second impulse and transmit it (at least in part) to the inertial element during a second alternation (for example a return constituting a second half of the oscillation considered) of the inertial element.

According to this embodiment, the cooperation between the two escapement mobiles is done in the same plane as that of the cooperation of each escapement mobile with the blocking mobile, so that the total thickness of the escapement device is reduced and the parts are easy to manufacture, because they can be designed flat and without relief.

According to one embodiment, the first surface blocking portion is arranged so that a first force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the first escape wheel set blocked by the first surface blocking portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation, and in that the second surface blocking portion is arranged so that a second force, exerted on the blocking wheel set by the second escape wheel set blocked by the second surface blocking portion, passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation, in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation.

It may be noted that the escapement device according to the above implementation provides increased operational safety, since the first or second blocking force passes through the fourth axis of rotation: in the blocking position (or in the rest phase), the blocking wheel set does not undergo any overturning torque, which makes it possible to obtain a stable blocking position, and there is advantageously no need to provide stops or stoppers normally necessary to limit the travel of the blocking wheel set, in particular in the event of an impact. Naturally, such an escapement device also accommodates the installation of stops or stoppers.

• une première droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion surfacique de blocage lors d'une première phase de blocage, et
• une deuxième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage lors d'une deuxième phase de blocage, définissent entre elles un angle α aigu. Autrement dit, on peut construire un triangle ayant :
• pour premier sommet le quatrième axe de rotation,
• pour deuxième sommet le point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion surfacique de blocage,
• pour troisième sommet le point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage. Selon le mode de réalisation ci-dessus, ce triangle présente un angle aigu au niveau de son premier sommet. Une telle configuration permet de garantir une course réduite pour le mobile de blocage entre une première position de blocage (du mobile de blocage) dans laquelle le premier mobile d'échappement est bloqué (par le mobile de blocage) et une deuxième position de blocage (du mobile de blocage) dans laquelle le deuxième mobile d'échappement est bloqué (par le mobile de blocage). Cela procure un assemblage compact et avantageusement symétrique en regard d'un plan passant par les axes de rotation respectifs de l'élément inertiel et du mobile de blocage.

According to one embodiment:

• a first straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first blocking surface portion during a first blocking phase, and
• a second straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second surface portion of blocking during a second blocking phase, define between them an acute angle α. In other words, we can construct a triangle having:
• for first vertex the fourth axis of rotation,
• for second vertex the point of contact between the first escapement mobile and the first surface blocking portion,
• for third vertex the point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second surface blocking portion. According to the embodiment above, this triangle has an acute angle at its first vertex. Such a configuration makes it possible to guarantee a reduced travel for the blocking wheel between a first blocking position (of the blocking wheel) in which the first escapement wheel is blocked (by the blocking wheel) and a second blocking position (of the blocking wheel) in which the second escapement wheel is blocked (by the blocking wheel). This provides a compact and advantageously symmetrical assembly with respect to a plane passing through the respective axes of rotation of the inertial element and the blocking wheel.

According to one embodiment, the angle α is within a range of values from 60° to 80°.

• les moyens de réception d'impulsion du mobile de blocage comprennent :
  • une première portion d'entrée d'impulsion, agencée pour recevoir la première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement lors de la première alternance du balancier,
  • une deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion, agencée pour recevoir la deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement lors de la deuxième alternance du balancier,
  dans lequel :
  • la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion est adjacente à la première portion surfacique de blocage, et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion est adjacente à la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage, et/ou :
  • la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion est séparée de la première portion surfacique de blocage par un premier bec de repos, et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion est séparée de la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage par un deuxième bec de repos.

According to one embodiment:

• the means of receiving the blocking mobile pulse include:
  • a first impulse input portion, arranged to receive the first impulse from the first escapement wheel during the first alternation of the balance,
  • a second pulse input portion, arranged to receive the second pulse from the second escapement wheel during the second pendulum swing,
  in which:
  • the first pulse input portion is adjacent to the first blocking surface portion, and the second pulse input portion is adjacent to the second blocking surface portion, and/or:
  • the first pulse input portion is separated from the first blocking surface portion by a first resting beak, and the second pulse input portion is separated from the second blocking surface portion by a second resting beak.

• une troisième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le premier mobile d'échappement et la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion lors d'une première phase d'impulsion, et
• une quatrième droite passant par le quatrième axe de rotation et par un point de contact entre le deuxième mobile d'échappement et la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion lors d'une deuxième phase d'impulsion, définissent entre elles un angle γ aigu.

According to one embodiment:

• a third straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel and the first impulse input portion during a first impulse phase, and
• a fourth straight line passing through the fourth axis of rotation and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel and the second impulse input portion during a second impulse phase, define between them an acute angle γ.

According to one embodiment, the angle γ is within a range of values from 50° to 70°.

According to one embodiment, the angle γ is less than the angle α.

• le premier mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de premières dents de blocage comprenant chacune une première surface de blocage de la pluralité de premières surfaces de blocage, chaque première dent de blocage étant agencée entre deux premières dents d'entraînement de la première denture d'entraînement,
• le deuxième mobile d'échappement comprend une pluralité de deuxièmes dents de blocage comprenant chacune une deuxième surface de blocage de la pluralité de deuxièmes surfaces de blocage, chaque deuxième dent de blocage étant agencée entre deux deuxièmes dents d'entraînement de la deuxième denture d'entraînement.

According to one embodiment:

• the first escapement wheel comprises a plurality of first locking teeth each comprising a first locking surface of the plurality of first locking surfaces, each first locking tooth being arranged between two first drive teeth of the first drive toothing,
• the second escapement wheel comprises a plurality of second locking teeth each comprising a second locking surface of the plurality of second locking surfaces, each second locking tooth locking being arranged between two second drive teeth of the second drive toothing.

• chaque première dent de blocage comprend au moins une première surface latérale d'entraînement, de préférence avec un profil en développante de cercle, prévue pour s'engrener avec une deuxième dent d'entraînement,
• chaque deuxième dent de blocage comprend au moins une deuxième surface latérale d'entraînement, de préférence avec un profil en développante de cercle, prévue pour s'engrener avec une première dent d'entraînement.

According to one embodiment:

• each first locking tooth comprises at least one first lateral drive surface, preferably with a circular involute profile, intended to mesh with a second drive tooth,
• each second locking tooth comprises at least one second lateral driving surface, preferably with a circular involute profile, intended to mesh with a first driving tooth.

According to one embodiment, the first locking teeth and the second locking teeth are asymmetrical.

According to one embodiment, the first locking teeth and the second locking teeth have a head diameter (DT2) greater than a head diameter (DT1) of the first and second drive teeth respectively.

According to one embodiment: 1.1.DT1 ≤ DT2 ≤ 1.3.DT1.

According to one embodiment, the first locking teeth and the second locking teeth have a tooth thickness (e2) greater than a tooth thickness (e1) of the first and second drive teeth respectively.

According to one embodiment: 1.8.e1 ≤ e2 ≤ 2.5.e1.

According to one embodiment, the first escapement wheel and/or the second escapement wheel respectively comprises between 3 and 8 first locking teeth and between 3 and 8 second locking teeth, and preferably 4 or 5 first locking teeth and 4 or 5 second locking teeth.

• le premier mobile d'échappement forme ou comprend une première roue d'échappement, et/ou
• le deuxième mobile d'échappement forme ou comprend une deuxième roue d'échappement.

According to one embodiment:

• the first escapement wheel forms or comprises a first wheel exhaust, and/or
• the second escapement wheel forms or includes a second escape wheel.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a timepiece, comprising an escapement device according to the first or second aspect.

Description of figures

• [fig. 1] représente une vue générale d'un oscillateur d'une pièce d'horlogerie avec un dispositif d'échappement selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention et comprenant notamment un premier mobile d'échappement, un deuxième mobile d'échappement et un mobile de blocage ;
• [fig. 2] représente une vue du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 1, coopérant avec un plateau de balancier de l'oscillateur, pendant une phase de repos ;
• [fig. 3] représente une vue agrandie du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 2, sans le plateau de balancier ;
• [fig. 4] représente une vue du mobile de blocage du dispositif d'échappement des figures 1 à 3 ;
• [fig. 5] représente un détail du mobile de blocage de la figure 4 ;
• [fig. 6] représente une vue du deuxième mobile d'échappement du dispositif d'échappement des figures 1 à 3 ;
• [fig. 7] représente une vue du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 2, lors du passage d'une phase de repos à une phase d'impulsion ;
• [fig. 8] représente une vue du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 7, lors d'une phase d'impulsion
• [fig. 9] représente un dispositif d'échappement selon un deuxième mode de réalisation différent du dispositif d'échappement des figures 1 à 3 par certains aspects, coopérant avec un plateau de balancier et comprenant notamment un premier mobile d'échappement, un deuxième mobile d'échappement et un mobile de blocage ;
• [fig. 10] représente une vue du premier mobile d'échappement du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 9 ;
• [fig. 11] représente une vue du dispositif d'échappement de la figure 9, sans le plateau de balancier.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• [ fig. 1 ] represents a general view of an oscillator of a timepiece with an escapement device according to a first embodiment of the invention and comprising in particular a first escapement wheel, a second escapement wheel and a blocking wheel;
• [ fig. 2 ] represents a view of the exhaust system of the figure 1 , cooperating with a balance wheel of the oscillator, during a rest phase;
• [ fig. 3 ] represents an enlarged view of the exhaust system of the figure 2 , without the balance wheel;
• [ fig. 4 ] represents a view of the blocking mobile of the exhaust device of the Figures 1 to 3 ;
• [ fig. 5 ] represents a detail of the blocking mobile of the figure 4 ;
• [ fig. 6 ] represents a view of the second escapement wheel of the escapement device of the Figures 1 to 3 ;
• [ fig. 7 ] represents a view of the exhaust system of the figure 2 , when transitioning from a rest phase to a pulse phase;
• [ fig. 8 ] represents a view of the exhaust system of the figure 7 , during an impulse phase
• [ fig. 9 ] represents an exhaust device according to a second embodiment different from the exhaust device of the Figures 1 to 3 in some aspects, cooperating with a balance wheel and notably comprising a first escapement wheel, a second escapement wheel and a blocking wheel;
• [ fig. 10 ] represents a view of the first escapement wheel of the escapement device of the figure 9 ;
• [ fig. 11 ] represents a view of the exhaust system of the figure 9 , without the balance wheel.

Detailed description of embodiment(s)

THE Figures 1 to 8 illustrate an escapement device 10 with active two-alternation tangential drive according to a first embodiment, namely that during the impulse phases of the escapement device, one or the other of the first and second escapement wheels in contact with the blocking wheel, and the blocking wheel have rotations in opposite directions.

• un mobile de blocage 4,
• un premier mobile d'échappement 1,
• un deuxième mobile d'échappement 2.

There figure 1 represents an overall view of a movement 100 comprising an escapement device 10 arranged between a gear train of the movement, here a motor train 99, and an oscillator 5 in the form of a balance wheel 51 coupled to a spiral spring. The escapement device 10 comprises in particular:

• a blocking mobile 4,
• a first escapement mobile 1,
• a second escapement mobile 2.

As will be explained below with reference to the figure 2 , the escapement device 10 cooperates with the resonator 5 via a pin mounted on a plate 511 of the balance wheel 51. As for the engine train 99, there figure 1 shows that the first escapement wheel 1 is engaged with a driving wheel 3 of the driving train 99, in particular a wheel 31 of the driving train 99, by means of a pinion 13 secured to the first escapement wheel 1.

As is well known, the escapement device 10 of the present invention has the function of maintaining the oscillations of the regulating organ, that is to say the balance 51 of the oscillator 5.

In particular, as detailed in figure 2 , the first escapement wheel 1 is pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation A1, and it is engaged with the drive train 99 of the clockwork movement to receive a driving force, and comprises a plurality of first locking surfaces 121a arranged on first locking teeth 121 (visible on the figures 2 And 3 ), as well as a first drive tooth 111. It can be noted that the first locking teeth 121 and the first drive tooth 111 are arranged in parallel and distinct planes.

The second escapement wheel 2 is pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation A2, comprises a plurality of second blocking surfaces 221a arranged on second blocking teeth 221, as well as a second drive toothing 211 engaged with the first drive toothing 111. It may be noted that the second blocking teeth 221 and the second drive toothing 211 are arranged in parallel and distinct planes.

• d'une première portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41a, agencée pour recevoir une première impulsion du premier mobile d'échappement 1 lors d'une première alternance du balancier 51,
• une deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41b, agencée pour recevoir une deuxième impulsion du deuxième mobile d'échappement 2 lors d'une deuxième alternance du balancier 51.

The locking mobile 4 is pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation A4, and comprises pulse reception means which are respectively in the form:

• of a first impulse input portion 41a, arranged to receive a first impulse from the first escapement wheel 1 during a first alternation of the balance 51,
• a second pulse input portion 41b, arranged to receive a second impulse of the second escapement wheel 2 during a second alternation of the balance wheel 51.

The blocking wheel 4 also comprises impulse transmission means with first and second impulse transmission means which are respectively in the form of a first impulse surface 42a and a second impulse surface 42b, which form a fork such as that known within a blocker or an anchor of an anchor escapement device. This fork is shaped to cooperate with a pin 511a of the plate 511 of the balance 51.

• une première portion surfacique de blocage 43a, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des premières surfaces de blocage 121a pour bloquer la rotation du premier mobile d'échappement 1,
• une deuxième portion surfacique de blocage 43b, agencée pour entrer en contact avec une de la pluralité des deuxièmes surfaces de blocage 221a pour bloquer la rotation du deuxième mobile d'échappement 2.

Finally, the blocking mobile 4 includes:

• a first blocking surface portion 43a, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces 121a to block the rotation of the first escapement wheel 1,
• a second blocking surface portion 43b, arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces 221a to block the rotation of the second escape wheel 2.

The first and second escapement wheels 1 and 2, comprising in particular first and second escapement wheels 12, 22 respectively, are provided to cooperate with the blocking wheel 4 so as to provide the impulses to the sprung balance and thus allow the maintenance of its oscillations around a third axis of rotation A3, as will be described below. Furthermore, the first and second escapement wheels 1, 2 mesh with each other by means of the first and second wheels 11, 21 respectively, in particular by means of the first and second drive teeth formed respectively by teeth 111, 211.

Advantageously, the mobile motor 3 of the figure 1 can be in direct contact with a seconds wheel (not shown) of the engine train 99. Indeed, such a construction makes it possible to generate rotation speeds of the first and second escapement wheels 1, 2 which make it possible to limit the number of teeth of the first and second escapement wheels 12, 22, and thus allow the implementation of first and second escapement wheels 1, 2 whose respective dimensions are substantially of the same order as those of the blocking wheel 4 to provide a compact active two-alternation escapement device of dimensions substantially similar to those of a Swiss lever escapement.

In particular, the first and second escapement wheels 1 and 2 can respectively be inscribed in a cylinder of diameter D1, D2 each centered on the axis A1, A2 of the same order as the diameter D4 of the cylinder centered on the fourth axis of rotation A4 in which the blocking wheel 4 can be inscribed ( Figure 3 ). In the specific construction illustrated by the figure 3 , the diameter D4 is greater than the diameter D1 or D2. Furthermore, the axes A1, A2, A4 define the respective ends of a substantially equilateral triangle.

In our construction variant shown in the Figures 1 to 8 , D4 is equal to approximately 1.4.D1 or 1.4.D2 (D1 and D2 being identical). More generally, D4 is preferably between D1 and 2.D1, or between D2 and 2.D2.
By "an element inscribed in a cylinder having a diameter D centered on an axis" is meant that the diameter D is the smallest diameter centered on the axis such that the element is included in the cylinder.

There figure 4 represents a detailed view of the locking mobile 4 seen from above in a plane. This highlights in particular an angle α separating a first straight line S1 connecting the first surface locking portion 43a to the fourth axis of rotation A4 from a second straight line S2 connecting the second surface locking portion 43b to the fourth axis of rotation A4. In particular, the first straight line S1 connects the fourth axis of rotation A4 to the first surface locking portion 43a at the contact zone, in particular at the contact point 431a (see Figure 5 ), between the first surface blocking portion 43a and a first blocking tooth 121, in particular an end 121a, during a rest phase of the escapement device 10. In particular, the second straight line S2 connects the fourth axis of rotation A4 to the second surface blocking portion 43b at the contact zone, in particular at the contact point 431b (see Figure 5 ), between the second surface blocking portion 43b and a second blocking tooth 221, in particular an end 221a, during a rest phase of the escapement device (see Figure 3 ).

In the construction variant shown here as an example, this angle α is approximately equal to 70°. More generally, the following range of values can be expected: 60° ≤ α ≤ 80°.

Preferably and according to the embodiment shown, the first and second surface blocking portions 43a, 43b are concave, that is to say that they are formed of continuous or discontinuous surfaces forming a V when they are seen from one or the other of the escapement mobiles. Thus, in particular, the points 431a, 431b are defined by the hollow tip of the “V” ( Figure 5 ).

These surfaces with continuous or discontinuous, rectilinear or curved portions, highlighted by bold lines on the figure 4 , form an angle βa, βb at each of the surfaces 43a, 43b. If the first and second surface blocking portions 43a, 43b are curved, the angle βa, βb may be determined by considering tangents to said surface blocking portions. Advantageously, the angles βa, βb are obtuse angles. Preferably, the angles βa, βb are approximately equal to 170°. More generally, the angles βa, βb are preferably between 140° and 175°. Studies carried out by the applicant show that this angular range represents a good compromise between good blocking security, minimal or no rebound at the end of the pulse and minimal energy loss on release. The angle βa may or may not be equal to the angle βb.

Furthermore, these first and second surface blocking portions 43a, 43b are inclined with respect to the normals to the segments S1, S2 ( Figure 5 ). A first surface portion 43a1 may for example form an angle βa1 of the order of 6° with respect to the normal to the line S1. A second surface portion 43a2 may for example form an angle βa2 of the order of 8° with respect to the normal to the line S1. A first surface portion 43b1 may for example form an angle βb1 of the order of 6° with respect to the normal to the line S2. A second surface portion 43b2 may for example form an angle βb2 of the order of 8° with respect to the normal to the line S2. If the first and second blocking surface portions 43a, 43b are curved, the angles βa1, βa2, βb1, βb2 may be determined by considering tangents to said surface portions.

We can note on this figure 5 that the first and second blocking surface portions 43a, 43b are respectively adjacent to the first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b. Indeed, the first blocking surface portion 43a joins the first pulse input portion 41a at a first resting beak 44a which separates these two functional and adjacent surfaces. In the same way, the second blocking surface portion 43b joins the second pulse input portion 41b at a second resting beak 44b which separates these two functional and adjacent surfaces.

During the rest phases of the escapement device, the ends 121a, 221a of the first and second locking teeth 121, 221 are provided to be housed respectively within the first and second locking surface portions 43a, 43b, more particularly within the “V”s formed by the first and second locking surface portions 43a, 43b. Advantageously, the ends 121a, 221a each have the form of a rounded surface.

For example, the figure 2 represents a rest phase in which the end 221a of a second locking tooth 221 is supported on against the second surface blocking portion 43b, more particularly within the “V” formed by this same second surface blocking portion. In this configuration, the pin 511a can be released from the first impulse surface 42a under the effect of the rotation of the balance 51 in a first direction of rotation (represented by the arrow of the figure 2 ), until this pin 511a regains contact with this same first impulse surface 42a under the effect of the rotation of the balance 51 in a second direction of rotation (represented by the arrow on the figure 7 ) and thus allow the release.

There figure 7 illustrates a release phase in which the end 221a of the second locking tooth 221 has left the second locking surface portion 43b under the effect of the pin 511a which leads the impulse surface 42a until the end 221a passes the second resting beak 44b and comes into contact with the second impulse input portion 41b, so that this end 221a can communicate an impulse to the locking mobile 4 via the second impulse input portion 41b, and that the locking mobile 4 can thus communicate an impulse to the pin 511a via the second impulse surface 42b, as shown in FIG. figure 8 . This impulse phase continues until a following rest phase (not shown) in which an end 121a of a first blocking tooth 121 of the first escape wheel 1 comes into contact against the first blocking surface portion 43a of the blocking wheel 4.

This second pulse input portion 41b is thus able to receive a pulse generated by the end 221a of the second blocking tooth 221 of the second escapement wheel 2. The blocking wheel 4 also comprises a first pulse input portion 41a able to receive a pulse generated by an end 121a of a first blocking tooth 121 of the first escapement wheel 1. These first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b are preferentially convex when viewed from either escapement wheel, as can be seen in the plan view of the figure 5 . Each of these first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b comprises in particular a cylinder portion, in particular a cylinder portion whose directrix is an involute of a circle. These first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b preferentially cooperate with rounded surfaces 121a, 221a of the first and second locking teeth 121, 221 having an asymmetrical profile. Such a conformation of locking teeth makes it possible to optimize the geometries of the surfaces 121a, 221a and 41a, 41b with respect to the transmission of the torque to the oscillator 5. In particular, asymmetrical first and second locking teeth 121, 221 make it possible to generate a large choice of possible geometries for the first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b.

• une troisième droite S3, tangente à la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41a et passant par le quatrième axe de rotation A4,
• d'une quatrième droite S4 tangente à la deuxième portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41b et passant par le quatrième axe de rotation A4. De préférence, l'angle γ est aigu. Préférentiellement, les première et deuxième portions d'entrée d'impulsion 41a, 41b s'inscrivent dans la plage angulaire d'angle α séparant les surfaces 43a, 43b. Ainsi, γ est strictement inférieur à α. Dans une variante de construction, l'angle γ est environ égal à 60°. Plus généralement, on peut prévoir la plage de valeurs suivante : 50°≤ γ ≤ 70°.

As shown in the figure 4 , we can construct an angle γ separating:

• a third straight line S3, tangent to the first pulse input portion 41a and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4,
• of a fourth straight line S4 tangent to the second pulse input portion 41b and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4. Preferably, the angle γ is acute. Preferably, the first and second pulse input portions 41a, 41b fall within the angular range of angle α separating the surfaces 43a, 43b. Thus, γ is strictly less than α. In a construction variant, the angle γ is approximately equal to 60°. More generally, the following range of values can be provided: 50°≤ γ ≤ 70°.

The locking mobile 4 may be symmetrical with respect to a plane P normal to the plane of the figure and passing through the fourth axis of rotation A4, in particular in the case where the surfaces 41a, 42a, 43a and 41b, 42b, 43b are identical. Manufacturing is easier, and the part may be mounted in one direction or another during assembly. Naturally, the locking mobile 4 may not be symmetrical with respect to the plane P.

THE Figures 9 to 11 illustrate an exhaust device 10' according to a second embodiment. The operation of this second embodiment is in all respects identical to that of the exhaust device according to the first embodiment, but the construction differs in certain aspects described below, and the references are modified by the simple addition of an apostrophe: '.

According to this second embodiment, the first escapement wheel 1' and the second escapement wheel 2' each take the form of a flat component, here a single escape wheel.

In detail, the first escapement wheel 1' is pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation A1', and it is arranged to be engaged with a drive train of the clockwork movement (not shown) to receive a driving force, and comprises a plurality of first blocking surfaces 121a' provided on first blocking teeth 121', as well as a first drive toothing 111' together forming a first main drive toothing. As seen above, the first main drive toothing is essentially planar, that is to say that the first blocking teeth 121' and the first drive toothing 111' are arranged in the same plane. Finally, it can be noted that the first blocking teeth 121' have an asymmetrical profile, while the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' have a symmetrical profile.

The second escapement wheel 2' is pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation A2', and comprises a plurality of second blocking surfaces 221a' provided on second blocking teeth 221', as well as a second drive toothing 211' together forming a second main drive toothing. As seen above, the second main drive toothing is essentially planar, that is to say that the second blocking teeth 221' and the second drive teeth 211' are arranged in the same plane. Finally, it can be noted that the second locking teeth 221' have an asymmetrical profile, while the teeth of the second drive teeth 211' have a symmetrical profile.

The first main drive toothing (comprising the first drive toothing 111' and the first locking teeth 121') and the second main drive toothing (comprising the second drive toothing 211' and the second locking teeth 221') cooperate on the one hand with each other and on the other hand with the locking wheel 4' in the manner described below.

On the one hand, the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211' are provided to allow their meshing together. The first drive toothing 111' is also provided to allow its meshing with the second locking teeth 221', and the second drive toothing 211' is also provided to allow its meshing with the first locking teeth 121'. Thus, the first escapement wheel 1' and the second escapement wheel 2' have a synchronous movement.

On the other hand, the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221', like the first and second locking teeth 121, 221 of the first and second escapement wheels 1, 2 of the first embodiment, comprise an end respectively forming first and second locking surfaces 121a', 221a' each in the form of a rounded surface intended to cooperate with the first and second locking surface portions 43a', 43b' and with the impulse receiving means of the locking wheel 4'.

• la première denture d'entraînement 111' et la deuxième denture d'entraînement 211' sont exclusivement prévues pour permettre l'engrènement des premier et deuxième mobiles d'échappement 1', 2',
• les premières dents de blocage 121' et les deuxièmes dents de blocage 221' sont prévues pour coopérer avec le mobile de blocage 4', mais aussi prévues pour permettre l'engrènement des premier et deuxième mobiles d'échappement 1', 2'. En particulier, les premières dents de blocage 121' sont prévues pour coopérer successivement avec la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41a' et avec la première portion surfacique de blocage 43a' du mobile de blocage 4'. De même, les deuxièmes dents de blocage 221' sont prévues pour coopérer successivement avec la première portion d'entrée d'impulsion 41b' et avec la deuxième portion surfacique de blocage 43b' du mobile de blocage 4'.

In particular, the following points can be noted:

• the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211' are exclusively provided to allow the meshing of the first and second escapement wheels 1', 2',
• the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221' are provided to cooperate with the locking wheel set 4', but also provided to allow the meshing of the first and second escapement wheels 1', 2'. In particular, the first locking teeth 121' are provided to cooperate successively with the first impulse input portion 41a' and with the first surface locking portion 43a' of the locking wheel set 4'. Similarly, the second locking teeth 221' are provided to cooperate successively with the first impulse input portion 41b' and with the second surface locking portion 43b' of the locking wheel set 4'.

In this second embodiment, the head diameter DT2 of the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221' is greater than the diameter DT1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211', as shown in FIG. figure 10 . In this way, the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211' do not interact or interfere with the locking wheel 4'. In a particular construction variant, the diameter DT2 may be of the order of 1.2.DT1. More generally, the following range of values may be provided: 1.1.DT1 ≤ DT2 ≤ 1.3.DT1.

In this second embodiment, the thickness e2 of the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221' is advantageously different from the thickness e1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211'. Preferably, the thickness e2 of the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221' is greater than the thickness e1 of the teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and the second drive toothing 211' as also shown in FIG. figure 10 . In a particular construction variant, the thickness e2 can be of the order of 1.9.e1. Preferably, the following range of values can be provided: $$\mathrm{1,8}.\mathrm{e}1\le \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="e"\; filenames="imgf0002.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">e</figure-callout>}2\le \mathrm{2,5}.\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="e"\; filenames="imgf0005.png,imgf0006.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">e</figure-callout>}1.$$

By "thickness" we mean the distance measured between two flanks of a given tooth, measured at the level of a diameter DP corresponding to or substantially coinciding with the primitive diameter of the toothing considered.

In this way, the angular indexing of the first and second escapement wheels 1', 2' is carried out easily, without risk of error. In particular, during assembly, a given first locking tooth 121' can only be housed between two consecutive teeth of the second drive toothing 211', and vice versa. The distribution of the teeth of the first and second main drive toothings around their respective axis means that only one angular indexing configuration is possible between the first and second escapement wheels 1', 2'.

• dix dents pour la première denture d'entraînement 111' et dix dents pour la deuxième denture d'entraînement 211' et
• cinq premières dents de blocage 121' et cinq deuxièmes dents de blocage 221'.

En particulier, deux dents consécutives de la première denture d'entraînement 111' et deux dents consécutives de la deuxième denture d'entraînement 211' sont disposées entre deux dents consécutives des premières dents de blocage 121' et des deuxièmes dents de blocage 221', respectivement.In this particular construction variant, the first and second escapement wheels 1', 2' each comprise:

• ten teeth for the first drive toothing 111' and ten teeth for the second drive toothing 211' and
• first five locking teeth 121' and second five locking teeth 221'.

In particular, two consecutive teeth of the first drive toothing 111' and two consecutive teeth of the second drive toothing 211' are arranged between two consecutive teeth of the first locking teeth 121' and the second locking teeth 221', respectively.

Advantageously, the first and second escapement mobiles 1', 2' are identical, the first and second escapement mobiles 1', 2' can thus be respectively mounted in reverse when assembling the exhaust device 10'.

The exhaust device according to the second embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous with regard to its compactness (a mobile escapement simply being reduced to an escape wheel), and its simplicity of assembly (each escapement wheel not resulting from an assembly, and the escapements not needing to be assembled together with a foolproofing system).

Regarding the dimensions in the plan of the elements of the exhaust device 10' according to the second embodiment, these are comparable to those of the elements of the device of the first embodiment (see Figures 3 And 11 ). In particular, the diameter D4 is equal to approximately 1.3.D1 or 1.3.D2 (D1 and D2 being identical). More generally, D4 is preferably between D1 and 2.D1, or between D2 and 2.D2.

Industrial application

An exhaust device according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, it may be noted that whatever the embodiment, the locking mobile may be a single-piece component or result from an assembly. In particular, the locking means could for example be attached to the locking mobile, in the form of pallets which may be made of a particular material.

Preferably, the escapement wheels according to the first embodiment can form an assembly between a single-piece meshing wheel and a single-piece escapement wheel.

Preferably, the escapement wheels according to the second embodiment can each be in the form of a single-piece wheel.

Regardless of the embodiment, the locking wheel and/or the escape wheel, in particular the escape wheel, may comprise all or part of the monocrystalline silicon regardless of its orientation, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, amorphous silicon dioxide, doped silicon regardless of the type and level of doping. It may also comprise silicon carbide, glass, ceramic, quartz, ruby or sapphire. Alternatively, it may be made of metal or a metal alloy, in particular an at least partially amorphous metal alloy. For example, such a component may comprise Ni or NiP. Advantageously, an alloy such as that described in the patent application WO2017102661 can be used. It is also possible to plan to produce all or part of these parts in amorphous metal alloy (for example, it is possible to plan to form all or part of these parts in metallic glass).

Preferably, the escapement device is designed to cooperate with a sprung balance, having a frequency of 3 or 4 Hz, or even higher such as 5, 6, 8 or 10 Hz.

Naturally, it is possible to use the escapement device to maintain the oscillations of any type of oscillator, whether it is a balance-spring type oscillator as described above or any other type of oscillator, for example an inertial element guided and elastically returned by flexible blades.

Claims (15)

Escapement device (10; 10') for a clock movement, comprising: - a first escapement wheel (1; 1'), pivotally mounted about a first axis of rotation (A1; A1'), arranged to be engaged with a gear train of the clockwork movement, such as a motor train (99), to receive a driving force, and comprising a plurality of first blocking surfaces (121a; 121a') and a first drive toothing (111; 111'), - a second escapement wheel (2; 2'), pivotally mounted about a second axis of rotation (A2; A2'), comprising a plurality of second blocking surfaces (221a; 221a') and a second drive toothing (211; 211') engaged with the first drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel (1; 1') to the second escapement wheel (2; 2'), - an inertial element, pivotally mounted about a third axis of rotation (A3; A3'), arranged to present oscillations each comprising a first alternation and a second alternation, - a locking mobile (4; 4'), pivotally mounted around a fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4'), comprising: - a first surface blocking portion (43a; 43a'), arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of first blocking surfaces (121a; 121a') to block the rotation of the first escapement wheel (1; 1'), - a second surface blocking portion (43b; 43b'), arranged to come into contact with one of the plurality of second blocking surfaces (221a; 221a') to block the rotation of the second escapement wheel (2; 2'), - pulse receiving means, arranged to receive a first pulse from the first escapement wheel (1; 1') during a first alternation of an oscillation of the inertial element, and to receive a second impulse from the second escapement wheel (2; 2') during a second alternation of said oscillation of the inertial element, - pulse transmission means, arranged to transmit at least part of the first pulse or the second pulse to the inertial element, characterized in that the first surface blocking portion (43a; 43a') is arranged so that a first force, exerted on the blocking wheel set (4; 4') by the first escapement wheel set (1; 1') blocked by the first surface blocking portion (43a; 43a'), passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4'), in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4'), and in that the second surface blocking portion (43b; 43b') is arranged so that a second force, exerted on the blocking wheel set (4; 4') by the second escapement wheel set (2; 2') blocked by the second surface blocking portion (43b; 43b'), passes substantially in the vicinity of the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4'), in particular passes through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4'). Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 1, wherein: - a first straight line (S1) passing through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4') and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel (1; 1') and the first surface blocking portion (43a; 43a') during a first blocking phase, and - a second straight line (S2) passing through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4') and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel (2; 2') and the second surface blocking portion (43b; 43b') during a second blocking phase, define between them an acute angle α. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 2, wherein the angle α is within a range of values from 60° to 80°. Exhaust device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the plurality of first blocking surfaces (121a; 121a') and the plurality of second blocking surfaces (221a; 221a') are arranged to cooperate with the blocking wheel set (4; 4') in a first plane, called the blocking plane, and the first drive toothing (111; 111') is arranged to cooperate with the second drive toothing in a second plane, called the drive plane, parallel and distinct from the blocking plane, to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel set (1; 1') to the second escapement wheel set (2; 2'). Exhaust device (10') according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which: - the plurality of first locking surfaces (121a; 121a') and the first drive toothing (111; 111') form a first main drive toothing, - the plurality of second locking surfaces (221a; 221a') and the second drive toothing form a second main drive toothing, wherein the second main drive toothing is engaged with the first main drive toothing to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel (1; 1') to the second escapement wheel (2; 2') in a given plane, and wherein the first main drive toothing and the second main drive toothing are arranged to cooperate with the locking wheel (4; 4') in the same plane. Exhaust device (10') according to claim 5, wherein: - the first escapement wheel (1; 1') comprises a plurality of first locking teeth (121; 121') each comprising a first locking surface of the plurality of first locking surfaces (121a; 121a'), the first locking teeth (121; 121') preferably being asymmetrical, - the second escapement wheel (2; 2') comprises a plurality of second locking teeth (221; 221') each comprising a second locking surface of the plurality of second locking surfaces (221a; 221a'), the second locking teeth (221; 221') preferably being asymmetrical, and wherein each of the first locking teeth (121; 121') is arranged to cooperate with the second drive toothing (211; 211') and/or wherein each of the second locking teeth (221; 221') is arranged to cooperate with the first drive toothing (111; 111') to transmit the driving force from the first escapement wheel (1; 1') to the second escapement wheel (2; 2'). Exhaust device (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which: - the first escapement wheel (1; 1') comprises a plurality of first locking teeth (121; 121') each comprising a first locking surface of the plurality of first locking surfaces (121a; 121a'), - the second escapement wheel (2; 2') comprises a plurality of second locking teeth (221; 221') each comprising a second locking surface of the plurality of second locking surfaces (221a; 221a'), and wherein the first locking teeth (121; 121') and the second locking teeth (221; 221') are asymmetrical. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 6 or 7, in which the first escapement wheel (1; 1') and/or the second escapement wheel (2; 2') comprises respectively between 3 and 8 first locking teeth (121; 121') and between 3 and 8 second locking teeth (221; 221'), and preferably 4 or 5 first locking teeth (121; 121') and 4 or 5 second locking teeth (221; 221'). Exhaust device (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which: the means for receiving the pulse from the blocking mobile (4; 4') comprise: - a first impulse input portion (41a; 41a'), arranged to receive the first impulse from the first escapement wheel (1; 1') during the first alternation of the inertial element, - a second impulse input portion (41b; 41b'), arranged to receive the second impulse from the second escapement wheel (2; 2') during the second alternation of the inertial element, in which: - the first pulse input portion (41a; 41a') is adjacent to the first blocking surface portion (43a; 43a'), and the second pulse input portion (41b; 41b') is adjacent to the second blocking surface portion (43b; 43b'), and/or: - the first pulse input portion (41a; 41a') is separated from the first blocking surface portion (43a; 43a') by a first resting beak (44a), and the second pulse input portion (41b; 41b') is separated from the second blocking surface portion (43b; 43b') by a second resting beak (44b). Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 9, wherein: - a third straight line (S3) passing through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4') and through a point of contact between the first escapement wheel (1; 1') and the first impulse input portion (41a; 41a') during a first phase of impulse, and - a fourth straight line (S4) passing through the fourth axis of rotation (A4; A4') and through a point of contact between the second escapement wheel (2; 2') and the second impulse input portion (41b; 41b') during a second impulse phase, define between them an acute angle γ. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 10 in which the angle γ is within a range of values from 50° to 70°. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to claim 10 or 11, in their dependence on claim 2 or 3, in which the angle γ is less than the angle α. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which: - the first blocking surface portion (43a; 43a') is concave, and/or - the second surface blocking portion (43b; 43b') is concave, and preferably in which: - the first blocking surface portion (43a; 43a') comprises at least two first secondary blocking surfaces forming a V or a "U", preferably a V at an obtuse angle βa, and preferably the angle βa is within a range of values from 140° to 170°, - the second blocking surface portion (43b; 43b') comprises at least two second secondary blocking surfaces forming a V or a "U", preferably a V at an obtuse angle βb, and preferably the angle βb is within a range of values from 140° to 170°. Exhaust device (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which: - the first escapement wheel (1; 1') forms or comprises a first escape wheel (12; 12'), and/or - the second escapement wheel (2; 2') forms or comprises a second escape wheel (22; 22'). Timepiece, comprising an escapement device (10; 10') according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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