WO2003001304A2

WO2003001304A2 - Clockwork with spring housings

Info

Publication number: WO2003001304A2
Application number: PCT/CH2002/000346
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elmar Mock; Elio Mariotto
Original assignee: Watch-U-License Ag
Priority date: 2001-06-26
Filing date: 2002-06-25
Publication date: 2003-01-03
Also published as: AU2002313153A1; WO2003001304A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical clockwork comprising a first level provided with an oscillating mass and comprising at least one additional level provided with a number of actively connected spring housings (30, 31, 32, 33, 34).

Description

CLOCKWORK

The present invention relates to a mechanical clockwork, in particular for wristwatches, according to the preamble of the independent claim.

Mechanical clockworks for wristwatches are known from the prior art. One of the greatest difficulties in the development of these clockworks is the dimensioning and coordination of the individual functional elements. The accuracy and the power reserve are two of the most important criteria that are implicitly linked to one another and largely depend on the available volume or. depend on the size of the clockwork. Today's movements reach an upper limit in terms of the achievable accuracy and power reserve.

CH 599 580 shows a mechanical clockwork with two barrels. These barrels are arranged in series and have different dimensions. This arrangement tries to increase the accuracy. However, a reduction in autonomy is accepted.

It is an object of the present invention to show a mechanical movement with an energy store that overcomes the limiting upper limit of comparable calibers with regard to accuracy and autonomy. A basic idea of the invention disclosed here consists in energy management, in particular in the arrangement and operative connection of individual energy areas, respectively. To save. An adaptable, modular structure and defined interfaces ensure that the previously limited limits are broken. There is a conscious distinction between an energy-supplying and an energy-consuming side within a clockwork. Modular structures on the side of energy consumers are known. These are usually coupled to existing active connections via interfaces and adversely affect them, since they usually change the associated energy flows in a time-dependent manner, for example by activating additional active connections. Today it is common practice to expand existing watch movements with the function of a chronograph. With an unfavorable construction, this leads to a time-dependent load and thus to an impairment of the remaining time measurement. Such compromise solutions are avoided in a targeted manner or compensated for by appropriate measures. So far, attempts have been made to increase the autonomy of clockworks by increasing the energy storage or reducing the energy consumers. However, this has the decisive consequence that the accuracy of the accuracy suffers either way. A conventional enlargement of the storage for mechanical energy increases the forces in the arrangements known from the prior art, but at the same time reduces the speed of the movement of the energy storage in order to achieve a longer autonomy. Faults, for example as a result of inaccuracies in the toothing, have a correspondingly greater effect. The oscillating mass is usually also reduced in order to compensate for the increased volume requirement of the energy store as a result of an enlargement or to generally reduce the energy consumption of the oscillating mass. In the arrangements known from the prior art, the energy stores are typically dimensioned very critically. As a result, the energy output is heavily dependent on the amount of energy available in the storage. Typically, for example, this problem is attempted by pretensioning the spring to encounter. The result of corresponding efforts is a reduced overall quality in comparison.

In the case of the invention disclosed here, energy stores are designed in such a way that a disadvantageous increase in the forces and a slowdown in the movement of the energy store are specifically avoided. Energy storage devices according to the invention are distinguished in that they have a much flatter characteristic curve compared to the typical storage curve characteristics known from the prior art. The energy stores according to the invention are dimensioned subcritically, i.e. they do not practically reach a saturation range during normal operation.

Energy stores according to the invention are generally composed of a plurality of barrels, which are preferably operatively connected to one another in series. These are usually arranged on a different clockwork level than the oscillating mass. Arrangements with two, three or more additional spring housings are particularly favorable. It is targeted that the last barrel, from which the energy is transferred to the clockwork, rotates at a rotational speed of several revolutions per day (approx. 4 to 10) in order, for example, to influence the toothing (toothing noise) minimize. In particular, particularly favorable profiles of the spring characteristics of an entire spring accumulator can be achieved. If required, the barrels of a coupled energy store are of different sizes compared to one another, such that they have an optimized output behavior and output speed overall.

The springs rolled up in the spring housings are designed in such a way that they have a spring characteristic that is as constant as possible. This is achieved in that, if necessary, they can have a variable material thickness on the one hand and on the one hand have a defined curvature adapted to the rolling behavior. With these measures, particularly constant spring characteristics can be achieved over the entire area of application. The barrel barrels are deliberately oversized if necessary.

In the inventions disclosed here, energy modules are preferably coupled in such a way that there are no negative effects on energy flows. these are compensated. The relevant modules are arranged in such a way that they do not restrict each other. This is achieved in particular by the fact that energy consumers and energy stores do not necessarily occupy the same effective range. One of the main ideas of the invention is to arrange energy storage in a different plane than an oscillating mass used for time measurement. This will include achieved in that energy storage as a module e.g. are designed to be connected via bridge elements. As a result, an increase in the energy storage does not affect the quality of the oscillating mass. The energy store or at least part of it is preferably integrated in a module in such a way that it functions as a functional unit, e.g. can be coupled with an existing clockwork on the energy generation side.

Individual energy modules interact with each other via interaction areas or interfaces. These interaction areas can be arranged in such a way that they can be used in a multifunctional and flexible manner. Here, specific areas are defined which are used for energy supply and to which modules with corresponding interfaces can be connected and detached again. These modules advantageously form self-contained functional units and are usually interchangeable. In particular, they can be combined with one another in different configurations. A clockwork according to the invention can thus be constructed not only from one but from several energetic modules. The problem with mechanical clockworks is often that there is an insufficient power reserve. As a rule, the accuracy of the clockwork suffers when the power reserve is increased, since it must be accepted that the oscillating mass must be reduced. Today it is common for one person to wear several watches alternately. It is therefore particularly important that a power reserve that meets the requirements is available, which guarantees autonomy for several days or weeks. Since the invention provides a modular, layered structure, it is possible to provide a module as an energy store. A corresponding module preferably has a plurality of spring accumulators, which are advantageously connected in series in an advantageous manner. In contrast to the prior art, such an arrangement achieves a particularly harmonic course of the spring characteristic. Errors are deliberately corrected. In order to avoid over-tensioning the spring accumulator, a slip clutch is provided, as is known, for example, from the prior art. This slip clutch is advantageously arranged in the first spring accumulator that is furthest away from the oscillating mass. In the prior art, slip clutches, if they respond, generally have a negative effect on the accuracy of a clockwork, since vibrations are generated. These have an effect on the oscillating mass via spring accumulators and gearwheels and have a negative effect on this. These problems are largely avoided in the invention disclosed here. Firstly, because the slip clutch rarely responds due to the overall very large spring accumulator and because the slip clutch is arranged very far from the oscillating mass and the interposed operative connection, in particular the spring accumulator, has a damping effect. As a result of the preferred serial arrangement of the spring accumulators, the forces which occur are kept to a controlled level. The spring accumulators are advantageously constructed in such a way that the same parts can be used repeatedly in order to avoid manufacturing costs. The invention is illustrated by the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows a clockwork in perspective view,

FIG. 2 shows an energy store in a perspective view,

FIG. 3 shows a first diagram,

Figure 4 shows a second diagram.

Figure 1 shows a simplified structure of a conventional clockwork 1. An oscillating mass 2 (balance), a pendulum 3 and two barrels 4, 5 which serve here as energy stores, are operatively connected to one another and are essentially in the same clockwork plane 7 as the oscillating mass 2. The operative connection between the two spring housings 4, 5 is illustrated by an arrow 15. The barrels 4, 5 are supplied with energy by means of a pulling device 6, manually or by means of the pendulum 3, and are serially coupled here. Energy from the elevator device 6 or from the pendulum 3 first reaches the barrel 4 and from there via the operative connection 15, which here consists of an interchangeable gear 8, to the barrel 5. Another operative connection, schematically illustrated by an arrow 16, transfers the energy to the oscillating mass 2. In reality, operative connections 15, 16 are formed, for example, by gear wheels which are in engagement with one another. The oscillating mass 2 is arranged approximately on the same level as the two barrels 4, 5, see above that when the barrels 4, 5 are enlarged, the surrounding parts and in particular the oscillating mass 2 must be reduced accordingly.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of an energy store 10 according to the invention. The energy store 10 is coupled here as a preferably detachable (detachable) module 25 to the clockwork 1 from FIG. 1 and comes into operative connection with it via transmission elements 11, 12. The transmission elements 11, 12 here consist of waves 13, 14 which transmit energy perpendicular to a direction z. The clockwork 1 has means which are designed such that they are suitable for establishing an operative connection with the spring accumulator 10. These are preferably interchangeable parts, such as the gear 8, which have a bridge function, in such a way that forces and movements can be specifically diverted to another level (for example interchangeable gears, axes, etc.). The gear 8 is replaced here by two suitable shafts 13, 14 with coupled gears.

The spring accumulator 10 here consists of five spring housings 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 which are serially coupled to one another and essentially arranged on a further clockwork level 26. The barrel barrels 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are here arranged around a center and lie approximately on a circle. The active connection 15 of the clockwork 1 (cf. FIG. 1) is not present in the arrangement shown here, but is replaced by active connections shown by the arrows 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. The active connections are realized here by gears. Energy via the elevator device 6, respectively. the pendulum 3 reaches the barrel 4 via the operative connections 17 and 18 to the barrel 30 and from there via the operative connections 19, 20, 21 and 22 to the barrel 31, 32, 33 and 34 the energy via the active connections 23 and 24 to the barrel 5 and from there drives the oscillating mass 2 via the active connection 16. Instead of the one shown here, there is also a different number of spring barrels. feasible. The optimal number is determined by the requirements to be met. Part of the space in the plane of the spring accumulator 10 can also be provided for other functions, such as an alarm clock or a repeater, if required. Part of the energy storage device can be provided for this. Because of the preferred modular design, any combination is possible. Of course, further levels can be realized with additional energy stores.

FIG. 3 schematically shows characteristic curves 40, 44 of spring energy stores (energy stores) in a coordinate system in a coordinate system. The abscissa 52 represents a measure of the state of charge of the energy store and the ordinate 53 represents the measure of the drive torque. A curve 40 shows a course of a conventional spring store, as is used in common clockworks. The curve 40 has three characteristic sections 46, 47, 48. Section 46 corresponds to a deep discharge, section 47 to a work area and section 48 to an overload. As can be seen, the curve 40 in the working area 47 has a relatively steep slope, so that the drive torque depends strongly on the state of charge. Because of the minimal dimensioning of this spring accumulator, it occurs relatively frequently that either section 46 of the deep discharge or section 48 of the overload is reached. In the event of a deep discharge, the clockwork stops and must be supplied with new energy. be adjusted. In the event of an overload (section 48), the forces initially increase sharply until a safety (slipping clutch) responds. Strong vibrations run through the movement and cause the accuracy to deteriorate.

The behavior of a spring accumulator 10 according to the invention (see FIG. 2) is shown schematically by a curve 44. Due to the serial arrangement of several spring housings according to the invention, their properties overlap in such a way that a particularly favorable characteristic curve 44 is achieved. A work area 50 is particularly flat and essential in comparison to that of curve 40 longer. As a result, there is much less the risk that the problematic edge regions 49 (deep discharge) and 51 (overloading) will be affected. If, for example, the area 51 of an overload is nevertheless reached and a fuse responds, the vibrations that are triggered are much less damaging, since the spring barrels located between them have a damping effect (cf. description of FIG. 2). Due to the serial arrangement, the drive torque is not increased.

FIG. 4 shows the behavior of a spring accumulator according to the invention (cf. FIG. 2) with four spring housings arranged in series in a coordinate system. The time course is plotted on an abscissa 54 and the superimposed rotational speed of the barrel is plotted on an ordinate 55. A curve 60 represents the rotational speed of a first, a curve 61 the rotational speed of a second, a curve 62 that of a third and a curve 63 that of a fourth. The first barrel (curve 60) is closest to an energy source (automatic pendulum 3 , Elevator device 6) and the fourth barrel (curve 63) furthest from it, but closest, for example with oscillating mass 2 (balance). As can be seen, the first barrel (curve 60) moves with the lowest and the fourth barrel (curve 63) with the highest rotation speed. Gear errors and other disturbances have a far greater impact the lower the rotational speed. This is illustrated by the deviations of the curves 60, 61, 62, 63 from an average value, illustrated schematically by the curves 64, 65, 66, 61. In the arrangement of the barrel barrels according to the invention, it is also achieved that the disturbances overlap one another and at least partially compensate. The deviations of the fourth barrel (curve 63) from an average (curve 67) are correspondingly smaller. The arrangement of the barrel barrels according to the invention also ensures that the barrel barrel, which rotates the shortest operative connection to the oscillating mass with an optimal rotational speed of typically several revolutions per day, and transmits minimal disturbances. The greatest possible consistency is achieved.

Claims

1. Mechanical clockwork (1) with an oscillating mass (2) arranged in a first clockwork level (7), characterized in that in at least one further clockwork level (26) several serially operatively connected spring houses (30, 31, 32, 33 , 34) are arranged.

2. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that several barrels (4, 5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged on several levels and that these are operatively connected via at least one transmission element (11, 12) are.

3. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the serially operatively connected spring barrels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) lying on the at least one further level are configured identically or differently.

4. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of serially operatively connected barrels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged in a detachable module (25).

5. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrel (5) arranged closest to the oscillating mass (2) in the operative connection chain has a rotational speed of 4 to 10 revolutions per day.

, Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized ^{* in} that the barrel (4) arranged furthest from the oscillating mass (2) in the operative connection chain has a slip clutch.

Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring arranged in a barrel (4, 5, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) has a variable curvature and / or a variable thickness such that it has an approximately constant spring characteristic.

8. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of barrels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged around a center.

Mechanical clockwork (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the several barrels (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) are arranged lying on a circle.

10. Mechanical clockwork (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clockwork (1) has means for coupling a module (25).