Timepiece module
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022141203
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-09-08
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing timepiece modules require complex assembly processes that are difficult to integrate into watch movements, often necessitating precise adjustments post-integration, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage to components.
A clock module design featuring a positioning system with threaded legs and bridges that allows for precise assembly and adjustment before integration into the watch movement, enabling independent assembly and lubrication of components, and simplifies the integration process by using pins for alignment and fixation.
Facilitates precise and efficient assembly of watch modules within the movement, allowing for pre-adjustment of components like the oscillator and escapement, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the overall assembly process.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a clock module. The present invention also relates to a clock assembly, particularly a clock movement, including the clock module. The present invention also relates to a clock including the clock module or the clock assembly. Finally, the present invention relates to an assembly method of a clock assembly or a clock.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 relates to a modular clock movement that enables displaying a plurality of time displays in various configurations on the same main board. For this reason, the movement includes at least two modules that can be positioned relative to each other at different positions. In a preferred embodiment, the first module may be a basic module including at least a main board and a barrel. The second module may include at least one final gear train kinematically connected to the movable part of the first module. The second module also includes a speed control system manufactured from an escapement device and a balance-wheel type oscillator. The gear train movable part rotates between a bottom plate and a top plate, the oscillator rotates between the bottom plate and a balance cock, and the anchor fork of the escapement device rotates between the bottom plate and an anchor receiver. The positioning of the bottom plate relative to the top plate is here implemented through the mediation of screw legs. The same screw legs enable positioning of the main board relative to the first and second plates. Nevertheless, fixing the bottom plate to the top plate, particularly screwing, cannot be performed independently of the main board. This is because the main board is necessary for fixing, particularly screwing, the bottom plate to a predetermined screw leg.
[0003] For this reason, the assembly of the second module depends on the first module, particularly the main board of the first module. Further, the balance cock and the anchor receiver are positioned on the bottom plate independently of the screw legs, but enable relative positioning of the bottom plate and the top plate on the main board.
[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a regulating system module in the form of an autonomous module. The regulating system module includes a bottom bridge on which a balance bridge, an escapement bridge, and an escapement bridge are mounted. Each of these elements is guided and fixed to the bottom bridge using separate guide and fixing elements. Furthermore, the bottom bridge is positioned and fixed to the main plate of the watch movement by dedicated guide and fixing elements. Such a module is known from Moser. This module is incorporated, in particular, into the Caliber HMC 343 manual rewinding movement.
[0005] Patent Document 3 itself discloses a governor system module which is superior in that all components of the governor are designed to allow automated assembly from the same plane of the module. The module includes a bottom bearing and a top bearing on which both the escapement elements and the balance spring oscillator elements are mounted. The top bearing is positioned on the bottom bearing by positioning studs which are dedicated and do not perform any other function. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2238518 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 700660 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2565730 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 3637195 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Application Publication No. 2799937 Specification [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 2336832 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a clock module that improves upon known clock devices from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a clock module that allows adjustment work to be performed within the clock module before it is easily integrated into a clock. The present invention enables the precise assembly of components into the module and enables the precise and simple assembly of the module into a movement or clock. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] According to the present invention, the clock module is defined in claim 1.
[0009] Embodiments of the module are defined in claims 2 to 11.
[0010] According to the present invention, the clock assembly is defined in claim 12.
[0011] One embodiment of the clock assembly is defined in claim 13.
[0012] According to the present invention, a clock is defined in claim 14.
[0013] According to the present invention, a method for assembling an assembly is defined in claim 15.
[0014] The attached drawings illustrate two embodiments of the clock as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded and assembled perspective view of the first embodiment of the clock module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positioning of the first embodiment of the clock module for forming the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positioning of the first embodiment of the clock module for forming the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the positioning of the first embodiment of the clock module for forming the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positioning of the first embodiment of the clock module for forming the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positioning of the first embodiment of the clock module for forming the first embodiment of the clock. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the clock module. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the second embodiment of the clock.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0016] The first embodiment of the clock 500 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The clock 500 is, for example, a small clock, particularly a wristwatch. The clock 500 includes an assembly 400, particularly a clock movement 400, which is intended to be mounted within a clock case or casing to protect itself from the external environment. The clock movement 400 may be a mechanical movement, particularly an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement.
[0017] The assembly 400 includes a clock module 300 and a clock movement frame 99, in particular a receiver for the clock movement or a main plate 4 for the clock movement. The clock module is advantageously positioned and fixed to the frame. For example, the clock module 300 may be a regulating system module. The module is designed to be assembled within the movement 400 of the clock 500, in particular on the frame 99, in particular on the main plate 4 of the movement. The clock module advantageously includes a movable part 100, in particular an oscillator 100 and an escapement 200. Preferably, the oscillator 100 takes the form of an oscillator including a balance wheel 11 and a hairspring 12, which is assembled to a shaft or spindle 13 of a geometric axis A1 perpendicular to the plane P on which the main plate 4 of the movement 400 extends.
[0018] For example, the escapement device 200 is an escapement that is driven tangentially, as disclosed in Patent Document 4.
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates the general arrangement of the clock 500, the movement 400 of the clock including a final gear train 90 that connects the mainspring barrel 8 to a regulating system which includes an escapement 200 and an oscillator 100, the escapement 200 and oscillator 100 being positioned within the clock module 300. The gear train 90 and the mainspring barrel 8 are positioned within the frame 99, particularly on the main plate 4.
[0020] The clock module 300 is shown more specifically in the exploded assembly diagram in Figure 2.
[0021] The clock module 300 is - The movable part 100, in particular the oscillator 100, - First acceptance 34 - Second acceptance 36, - A positioning system 150 that positions the second receiver 36 on the first receiver 34, Includes.
[0022] The positioning system 150 includes positioning elements 31a and 31b, each of which is - First positioning parts 312a, 312b for positioning the first receiver 34, - Second positioning parts 314a, 314b for positioning the second receiver 36, - Third positioning portions 311a, 311b capable of positioning the positioning elements 31a, 31b relative to the frame 99, and in particular relative to the receiver or main plate 4, Includes.
[0023] The first positioning portions 312a and 312b enable the first receiver 34 to be positioned relative to the positioning elements 31a and 31b.
[0024] The second positioning portions 314a and 314b enable the second receiver 36 to be positioned relative to the positioning elements 31a and 31b.
[0025] In this first embodiment, the number of positioning elements is two. Alternatively, the number of positioning elements may vary, and in particular, be three. Preferably, the positioning elements are threaded legs 31a, 31b. These include cylindrical or partially cylindrical portions or openings 311a, 311b that constitute the third positioning portion. Positioning elements 41a, 41b provided on or attached to the frame, particularly protruding elements 41a, 41b such as pins 41a, 41b, are provided to cooperate with the third positioning portion 311a, 311b when the module 300 is assembled within the movement 400. As can be seen particularly in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the two positioning elements 41a, 41b are provided, in particular, to be inserted into the respective third positioning portions 311a, 311b of the two positioning elements 31a, 31b.
[0026] Two screw legs 31a and 31b are also intended to position the receivers of the clock module 300, respectively. Here, module 300 includes three receivers 34, 35, and 36. In particular, these are through receivers, especially elongated in shape. More specifically, these receivers are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical here with respect to the plane through which the geometric axis A1 of the oscillator 100 passes.
[0027] The receiver 34 serves as a substrate on which the components of the escapement device 200 and the oscillator 100, specifically the three movable parts 21, 22a, and 22b of the escapement device 200 and the shaft 13 of the oscillator 100, are positioned.
[0028] The receiver 35 is intended to work in cooperation with the receiver 34 to pivot the movable parts 21, 22a, and 22b of the escapement 200. More specifically, these movable parts are true-mount movable parts, each including a first end pivoted by the receiver 34 and a second end pivoted by the receiver 35. Thus, the receiver 35 functions as an escapement receiver. The receiver 35 is advantageously positioned between the receivers 34 and 36.
[0029] The receiver 36 is intended to work in cooperation with the receiver 34 to rotate the oscillator 100's trunnion 13. More specifically, the first end of the trunnion 13 is rotated via the receiver 34, particularly the bearing 17 mounted on the receiver 34, and the second end of the trunnion 13 is rotated via the receiver 36, particularly the bearing 16 mounted on the receiver 36. In this way, the receiver 36 functions as a balance receiver.
[0030] In a simplified variant of the clock module 300, the functions of receivers 35 and 36 can be combined to implement a single receiver that pivots both the escapement element and the oscillator element.
[0031] Two threaded legs 31a, 31b are fixed here at both ends of the receiver 34. These legs are driven into two openings 34a, 34b, particularly two holes 34a, 34b, of the receiver 34, in particular in their respective portions 312a, 312b. The first positioning portions 312a, 312b are, for example, cylindrical or partially cylindrical portions. The cooperation of the first positioning portions 312a, 312b of the two threaded legs 31a, 31b and the openings 34a, 34b of the receiver 34 makes the positioning elements 312a, 312b, particularly the threaded legs 31a, 31b, positionable relative to the receiver 34. The threaded legs 31a, 31b also include a fourth positioning portion 313a, 313b for positioning the third receiver 35, or a guide portion 313a, 313b for guiding the third receiver 35, respectively. The cooperation between the fourth positioning portions 313a, 313b and the third receiver 35 enables the receiver 35 to be positioned relative to the positioning elements 31a, 31b, particularly the two threaded legs 31a, 31b. The threaded legs 31a, 31b also include, respectively, second positioning portions 314a, 314b for positioning the second receiver 36, or guide portions 314a, 314b for guiding the receiver 36. The second positioning portions 314a, 314b are, for example, cylindrical or partially cylindrical portions.
[0032] The two threaded legs 31a, 31b also include first fixing parts, particularly threaded portions 316a, 316b, which are intended to cooperate with the first fixing elements 32a, 32b, such as threaded spacers 32a, 32b or nuts, respectively, forming part of the positioning system. These first fixing elements are advantageous, - Positioning the balance support 36 relative to the support 34 with a predetermined separation in the vertical direction z parallel to axis A1, and / or - Position the receiver 35 on the receiver 34, and / or - In particular, when the module does not have a receiver 35, i.e., when the receiver 36 serves as the escapement receiver and balance receiver, the screw leg is fixed to the receiver 34. This makes it possible.
[0033] Finally, the fixing of receivers 34, 35, and 36, in particular the fixing of receiver 36 to receiver 34 and, if applicable, to receiver 35, is carried out using second fixing elements 33a, 33b, such as screws 33a, 33b, which are intended to be screwed in, and which cooperate with the screwed portions 315a, 315b of the respective fixing parts, in particular the screwed legs 31a, 31b.
[0034] These features can be seen in more detail in Figure 3, a detailed cross-sectional view, and in Figures 4 and 5.
[0035] One step in the assembly of module 300 includes the following steps: - An optional first step, which includes securing the threaded legs 31a, 31b to the respective openings 34a, 34b of the receiver 34, particularly by driving them in. Alternatively, the threaded legs may be formed integrally with the receiver 34 or permanently fixed to the receiver 34. - Subsequently, the movable parts 21, 22a, and 22b of the escapement device 200 are mounted on the support 34 in the guide bearing. The movable part 21 is the escapement movable part, and the movable parts 22a and 22b are blocking movable parts that are kinematically connected to each other by their teeth. When stationary, the end of one tooth of the escapement movable part 21 cooperates with one or the other of the respective blocking surfaces of the blocking movable parts 22a and 22b. For this reason, during the step of mounting the movable parts 21, 22a, and 22b, a support part with an error-prevention function may be used to position these movable parts accurately relative to each other, particularly angularly. - Subsequently, the receiver 35 is assembled onto the receiver 34. For this purpose, the receiver 35 includes two openings 35a, 35b, which are provided at both ends of the receiver and are intended to cooperate with the threaded legs 31a, 31b in the positioning portions 313a, 313b, respectively. In this way, the receiver 35 is positioned on the receiver 34 via the threaded legs 31a, 31b. - Subsequently, the spacers 32a and 32b are screwed into the threaded legs 31a and 31b at the fixed parts 316a and 316b, respectively. This allows the receiver 35 to be pressed against the receiver 34, while ensuring that the movable parts 21, 22a, and 22b have an appropriate gap between the receivers 34 and 35. - The receiver 36, on which the oscillator 100 is mounted beforehand, is then assembled to spacers 32a and 32b to allow the shaft 13 to pivot between bearings 16 and 17. For this purpose, the receiver 35 includes a central opening 35c through which the oscillator 100, and in particular the shaft 13, passes. The receiver 36 includes two openings 36a and 36b located at its two ends, which are intended to cooperate with the threaded legs 31a and 31b in the positioning portions 314a and 314b, respectively. Thus, the receiver 36 is positioned on the receiver 34 using the threaded legs 31a and 31b. Furthermore, the distance between the receiver 34 and the receiver 36 is defined in a perpendicular direction parallel to vector z shown in Figure 8, here using the receiver 35 and spacers 32a and 32b. Finally, the screws 33a and 33b are screwed into the screw legs 31a and 31b in the fixed parts, particularly the fixed parts with screw holes 315a and 315b.
[0036] At the end of the step, module 300 constitutes an autonomous module or a subassembly of the movement. Adjustment of the oscillator 100 and / or escapement 200 and / or lubrication can be performed and / or before module 300 is mounted on the rest of the movement to form the movement 400.
[0037] The vertical clearance of the balance wheel / hairspring assembly can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the vertical position of the bearing 17 on the receiver 34. Positioning may be performed, for example, by rotating the bearing 16 around the axis A1, as taught in Patent Document 5. In particular, according to this particular modification of the first embodiment of the module, the outer end of the hairspring 12 is fixed to the receiver 36 by a support 15 fixed to the bearing 16. More specifically, the outer end of the hairspring 12 is fixed to the support 15 by fixing elements 14a, 14b, and the bearing 16 is rotatably mounted on the receiver 36. Thus, the rotation of the bearing 16 results in the rotation of the balance wheel / hairspring assembly, enabling proper positioning of the balance plate pin 18, which is intended to cooperate with the fork of the locking module 22b.
[0038] According to a particular modified embodiment of module 300, which is a modified example illustrated in Figure 6, the outer end of the hairspring 12 may be positioned relative to receivers 34 and 36 using positioning elements 31a and 31b. For this purpose, the outer end of the hairspring 12 may be provided with openings 12a and 12b located at two ends of the outer end of the hairspring, each intended to cooperate with the screw legs 31a and 31b in their respective guide portions 314a and 314b, and the guide portions 314a and 314b are also intended to enable the positioning of receiver 36 relative to receiver 34. Of course, the guide portion for guiding the hairspring 12 may also be separate from the guide portion for guiding receiver 36. This modified method of assembling the oscillator 100 into module 300 offers the remarkable advantage of enabling very precise positioning of the oscillator. In particular, this modification offers the advantage of allowing the center of the balance plate peg to be reliably and repeatedly positioned independently of any auxiliary adjustment means, such as a movable support for fixing the hairspring. The absence of a movable support for the hairspring further allows for a reduction in the thickness of the module and enables easy removal and reinstallation of the balance wheel / hairspring. According to this particular modified embodiment of module 300, the hairspring preferably bears weight on spacers 37a, 37b that are screwed into the threaded portions 316a, 316b of the threaded legs 31a, 31b, respectively. Such a solution makes the vertical gap of the balance wheel / hairspring assembly adjustable by adjusting the vertical position of the spacers 37a, 37b on the threaded legs 31a, 31b. Therefore, the threaded holes and / or threads of portions 316a and 316b of spacers 37a and 37b are formed to generate a holding torque, particularly by friction, that can reliably and repeatedly hold spacers 37a and 37b in position on the threaded legs 31a and 31b. In the modified example shown in Figure 6, the threaded portions 316a and 316b are also intended to receive spacers 32a and 32b, which enable the receiver 35 to be fixed to the receiver 34.Of course, the threaded portions intended to work with spacers 37a and 37b may, alternatively, be separate from the threaded portions 316a and 316b intended to work with spacers 32a and 32b.
[0039] Once module 300 is assembled and all adjustments and / or lubrication work has been carried out, module 300 can be assembled into the rest of the movement, in particular onto the main plate 4, to constitute the movement 400. The main difficulty is to make the elements of module 300 mesh with the gear train 90, in particular the movable part 21 of the escapement 200 mesh with the movable part 9 of the gear train 90 furthest from the barrel 8. To mitigate these problems, module 300 and the movement 400, and especially the rest of the movement 400, have a special shape that simplifies the assembly of module 300, and in particular allows the teeth of the movable parts 9 and 21 to pass through each other during the assembly of module 300.
[0040] More specifically, these shapes allow for defining a method of mounting the module 300 onto the main plate 4, which includes the step of rotating the module 300 around at least a positioning element 41a or 41b of the main plate 4, in particular a protruding element 41a or 41b such as a pin. According to embodiments illustrated in Figures 7 to 11, which illustrate the mounting method in particular, the rotation of the module 300 is carried out around a pin 41b on a geometric axis A41. This step allows the movable part 21, in particular the pinion 21a (which can be seen in Figure 10), to approach the movable part 9, in particular the gear 9a, along a circular path C that is centered on axis A41 and passes through axis A21 of the movable part 21.
[0041] More specifically, the method for incorporating module 300 into movement 400 includes the following steps: - Step 1: Provide the clock module 300. - A step of providing a frame 99, in particular a main board 4. - A step of guiding the pin 41b into the opening 311b of the threaded leg 31b, vertically and in the opposite direction to vector z (from receiver 34 to receiver 36 as shown in Figure 8), until the module 300 puts weight on the main plate 4, specifically (as seen in Figure 8) until the temporary bearing surface 34c of receiver 34 puts weight on the temporary bearing surface 4a of the main plate 4. For this purpose, the clock module 300 is mounted to pivot on the frame 99, in particular on the main plate 4, and especially around the positioning element 41b. - The second step involves rotating module 300 around axis A41, so that module 300, due to the cooperation of surfaces 4a, 34c, applies weight to the main plate 4 until the opening 311a of the threaded leg 31a faces the pin 41a (as seen in Figure 9). In this configuration, as shown in Figure 10, the teeth of pinion 21a mesh with the teeth of gear 9. To avoid accidental damage to the moving parts of the gear train as module 300 is rotated around axis A41, angular contact surfaces 34g, 42 may be provided, for example, on the clock module 300, particularly the receiver 34, and on the main plate 4, respectively. Advantageously, this second step is made possible by the fact that pins 41a and 41b are not arranged and / or molded in the same way on the main plate 4. Alternatively or in addition, pins 41a and 41b may be mounted by a separate mounting step. As a preference, as can be seen particularly in Figure 9, the longitudinal ends 411a and 411b of pins 41a and 41b closest to module 300, respectively, are not located on the same plane or at the same height. The end 411a of pin 41a extends in plane P1, while the end 411b of pin 41b extends in plane P2, where P2 is above P1 along vector z, and P1 and P2 are preferably parallel to the plane P on which the main plate 4 extends. Thus, pin 41a does not intersect plane P2. Thus, when module 300 is pivoted by pin 41b and touches surface 4a, the module 300, in particular the threaded leg 31a, can position itself to coincide with pin 41a. As a preference, separate parallel planes P1 and P2 are parallel to the plane P on which the frame 99 extends, and / or separate planes P1 and P2 are perpendicular to the geometric axis A41 of the positioning element. - Once the threaded leg 31a aligns with the pin 41a, a third step is performed, which includes guiding the pin 41a into the opening 311a until the bearing surface 34d of the receiver 34 applies weight to the bearing surface 4b of the main plate 4 (as seen in Figures 4 and 5). In this way, the clock module 300 is positioned relative to the frame 99 using the positioning elements 41a, 41b. Advantageously, the positioning of the clock module 300 relative to the frame includes moving the clock module 300 relative to the frame in a direction parallel to the axis of the pin 41a. - Subsequently, a fourth step is performed, which includes fixing the module 300 onto the movement 400. This step may be performed, for example, using two screws 5a, 5b that are intended to be housed in, and especially through, the openings 34e, 34f of the module 300, and especially through the receiver 34. The threads of the screws are intended to cooperate with threaded holes formed in the screw legs 6a, 6b that are fixed to the main plate 4, in particular by driving them in (as seen in Figures 10 and 11).
[0042] A second embodiment of the clock 500' is described below in detail with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The clock 500' is, for example, a small clock, in particular a wristwatch. The clock 500' includes an assembly 400', in particular a clock movement 400', which is intended to be housed in a clock case or casing to protect itself from the external environment. The clock movement 400' may be a mechanical movement, in particular an automatic movement, or a hybrid movement.
[0043] The assembly 400' includes a clock module 300' and a clock movement frame 99, in particular a receiver for the clock movement or a main plate 4 for the clock movement. The clock module is advantageously positioned and fixed to the frame. For example, the clock module 300' may be a regulating system module. The module may be designed to be assembled within the movement 400' of the clock 500', in particular on the frame 99, in particular on the main plate 4 of the movement. The module advantageously includes an oscillator 100 and an escapement 200'. Preferably, the oscillator 100 takes the form of an oscillator including a balance wheel and a hairspring, which is assembled on a shaft or pivot of a geometric axis perpendicular to the plane P to which the main plate 4 of the movement 400' extends.
[0044] For example, the escapement device 200' is a Swiss lever escapement, particularly an escapement like the one disclosed in Patent Document 6.
[0045] Figure 12 illustrates module 300', which includes such an escapement 200'. The escapement 200' includes an escapement movable part 21' and a blocker 22' that cooperates with the oscillator 100 as described above. Elements 21' and 22' here have a completely conventional structure. On the other hand, receiver 36' has the special feature of pivoting the escapement movable part 21' at one end, in addition to the oscillator 100.
[0046] Following the aspect of the first embodiment, the number of positioning elements 31a, 31b is two in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the number of positioning elements may be different, and in particular, it may be three. Preferably, the positioning device is a screw leg 31a, 31b.
[0047] The assembly of module 300' into movement 400' (as shown in Figure 13) is carried out in the same manner as the assembly of module 300 into movement 400.
[0048] The embodiments described relate to a clock regulating system module. However, the present invention is applicable to the creation of any kind of module for regulating a clock mobile or multiple clock mobiles. For example, it can serve as a module that acts as the final gear train or as an automatic module. For this reason, the present invention is also applicable to electronic clock movements.
[0049] The module described has the specific feature of including positioning means for positioning on the movement frame, the means also serving as means for relatively positioning at least two receivers that form part of the module, and the module is fixed to the movement frame by means other than the positioning means.
[0050] Here, “module” means an autonomous module, i.e., a module that is self-sufficient and independent of the movement frame to which it is intended to be assembled, enabling the assembly of elements, in particular rotation, or any other module within the movement. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the module is fixed to the movement frame by auxiliary means, distinct from positioning elements. Advantageously, the module includes receivers 34, 35, 36; 34, 35, 36', in which one or more clock components 100, 21, 22a, 22b; 100, 21', 22' are guided, in particular by the module. The module is mounted, in particular fixed, in one or more receivers 34, 35, 36; 34, 35, 36', on the main frame 99 of the clock movement, in particular on the main plate 4, in order to constitute the clock movement.
[0051] Regardless of the described embodiment or modified embodiment, the positioning elements 31a, 31b take the form of threaded legs 31a, 31b, which also serve as fixing elements for securing at least one receiver 36;36' to the receiver or base 34 of module 300;300'. However, alternatively, the fixing elements for securing the first receiver to the second receiver of the module may differ from the positioning elements for positioning the first receiver to the second receiver. For example, the positioning element may take the form of a pin, in particular a pin fixed to or formed integrally with the receiver 34, and the fixing element may take the form of a threaded hole formed in the receiver 34, intended to cooperate with, for example, the second fixing elements 33a, 33b, in particular a thread 33a, 33b. As a further alternative, the fixing element may take the form of a simple hole into which the second fixing element, in particular a rivet, is intended to be inserted.
[0052] Furthermore, these fixing elements can fix receivers 34, 35, 36;36' without the first fixing elements 32a, 32b, and especially without the spacers 32a, 32b.
[0053] Regardless of the described embodiment or modified embodiment, the openings 311a, 311b within the positioning elements 31a, 31b are intended to cooperate with the protruding positioning elements 41a, 41b, which take the shape of pins 41a, 41b fixed to the main plate 4 of the movement. Alternatively, the positioning elements 41a, 41b may take the shape of openings formed in the main plate 4, which are intended to cooperate with the external portions formed in the positioning elements 31a, 31b, respectively.
[0054] The positioning elements 31a, 31b may further be fixed to receivers 35 or 36;36' as an alternative to receiver 34. The positioning elements 31a, 31b may be formed integrally with one of the receivers, or they may be permanently fixed to one of the receivers (particularly by welding, brazing, bonding, or riveting). In such cases, the permanent connection between the positioning elements 31a, 31b and one of the receivers ensures the positioning of the positioning elements relative to the receiver to which they are mounted. For this purpose, the permanent connection constitutes a first positioning portion for positioning the first receiver or a second positioning portion for positioning the second receiver.
[0055] As a preference, regardless of the embodiment or modification, the positioning elements 31a, 31b are each integral and / or have the shape of a post or spacer that defines the distance between the two receivers.
[0056] The fixing elements 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b that secure the clock modules 300;300' to the main plate 4 preferably take the form of screws and threaded legs. Of course, any other fixing method can be used. For example, the fixing elements may take the form of rivets and simple holes.
[0057] The clock module 300;300' preferably includes three receivers 34, 35, 36;34, 35, 36'. Of course, the module 300;300' may also include only two receivers 34, 36;34, 36'. In that case, receivers 36;36' rotate and / or restrict both the oscillator 100 and the elements 21:21', 22a, 22b;22' of the escapement 200;200'.
[0058] In the above description, the mounting of the watch module 300;300', particularly the movement, onto the watch frame was described in the application of the present invention to the mounting of the watch module. However, the mounting method of the present invention is also applicable to other watch modules that are not configured in accordance with the present invention.
[0059] Conventional integration of a regulating system into a watch movement requires several adjustments to both the oscillator and the escapement. For example, the axial clearance of the oscillator between the balance bridge and the main plate requires precise adjustment, the insertion of the escapement blocker into the escape wheel also requires adjustment, and the escapement may require precise positioning. The present invention makes it possible to create a regulating system module that can be easily integrated into the movement. Such a module advantageously allows adjustments to be made upstream of the assembly of the regulating system into the movement. Furthermore, its particular configuration allows for the precise assembly of the module onto the movement, enabling extremely precise assembly of the elements related to the module and, in particular, optimal cooperation between the elements of the basic movement and the elements of the module.
[0060] The described solution offers a specific feature: it includes means for positioning the module onto the movement frame, which also serve as means for relative positioning of the receiver that forms part of the module. Such a configuration advantageously allows for the maximum minimization of dimensional chains. As a variation of this solution, the receiver positioning means may also serve as means for positioning the hairspring of a balance wheel / hairspring type oscillator. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0061] 4 Main plate 11 Tenrin 12. Whiskers 31a, 31b Positioning elements 32a, 32b First fixed element 33a, 33b Second fixed element 34 First reception 34a, 34b opening 35 Third Uke 36 Second Uke 36a, 36b opening 41a, 41b protruding elements 99 frames 100 Moving parts 150 Positioning Systems 200 Escapement 300 Clock Modules 311a, 311b Third positioning part 312a, 312b First positioning section 314a, 314b Second positioning section 315a, 315b Fixing part with screw hole 316a, 316b fixed part 400 watch movement 500 Clocks
Claims
1. A movable part (100); First receiver (34) and The second reception (36; 36') and a positioning system (150) for positioning the second receiving portion (36; 36') on the first receiving portion (34); A clock module (300; 300') comprising: The positioning system (150) includes positioning elements (31 a, 31 b), each of which: First positioning portions (312a, 312b) for positioning the first receiver (34); second positioning portions (314a, 314b) for positioning the second receiver (36; 36'); a third positioning portion (311a, 311b) capable of positioning the positioning elements (31a, 31b) relative to the frame (99); Each of these includes Clock module (300; 300').
2. the positioning system (150) comprises second fixing elements (33a, 33b) for fixing the second bearings (36; 36') onto the first bearings (34), each of the second fixing elements cooperating with a second fixing portion (315a, 315b) provided on each of the positioning elements (31a, 31b); A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
3. the first positioning portions (312a, 312b) are cylindrical or partially cylindrical portions intended to cooperate with first openings (34a, 34b) provided in the first receiver (34); A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
4. the second positioning portions (314a, 314b) are cylindrical or partly cylindrical portions intended to cooperate with second openings (36a, 36b) provided in the second receivers (36; 36'); A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
5. the third positioning portions (311a, 311b) are cylindrical or partly cylindrical portions intended to cooperate with protruding elements (41a, 41b) provided on or attached to the frame (99); A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
6. The positioning elements (31a, 31b) are screw legs. A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
7. The clock module includes a third bridge (35) positioned between the first bridge (34) and the second bridge (36; 36'), A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
8. The positioning elements (31a, 31b) each include a fourth positioning portion (313a, 313b) that positions the third receiver (35). A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 7.
9. The positioning system (150) includes first fixing elements (32a, 32b) that cooperate with first fixing portions (316a, 316b) provided on each positioning element (31a, 31b), respectively. A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
10. The clock module is a speed control system module; The movable part (100) is an oscillator (100). At least one of the following is true: A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
11. the timepiece module further includes an escapement; A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
12. An assembly (400; 400') comprising a watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1 and a frame (99).
13. said frame (99) comprises two positioning elements (41a, 41b) in the form of protruding elements (41a, 41b) arranged so that their longitudinal ends (411a, 411b) are positioned in separate parallel planes (P1, P2); Assembly (400; 400') according to claim 12.
14. A watch (500; 500') comprising a watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
15. 1. A method of assembling an assembly, comprising: Providing a watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1, providing a frame (99); Mounting the clock module (300; 300') so that it is pivotable on the frame (99); positioning the clock module (300; 300') in a fixed position relative to the frame (99) using the positioning elements (41a, 41b); and Fixing a watch module (300; 300') in said fixed position relative to said frame (99); A method comprising the steps of:
16. The third positioning portion (311a, 311b) is capable of positioning the positioning element (31a, 31b) relative to a support or main plate (4). A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 1.
17. The second fixing element (33a, 33b) is a screw (33a, 33b) and the second fixing portion (315a, 315b) is a threaded hole. A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 2.
18. The first opening (34a, 34b) is a first hole (34a, 34b). A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 3.
19. The second opening (36a, 36b) is a second hole (36a, 36b). A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 4.
20. The protruding elements (41a, 41b) are pins (41a, 41b), A watch module (300; 300') according to claim 5.