Timepiece regulating mechanism provided with a system of precise fast and slow hands assemblies

By introducing a regulator assembly system into mechanical watches, and utilizing flexible elements and prestressing devices, high-precision time difference adjustment is achieved, solving the problem of difficult control of backlash in traditional regulator systems, and ensuring the accuracy of timekeeping and the compatibility of the system.

CN117170209BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04OMEGA SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
OMEGA SA
Filing Date
2023-05-30
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The fast and slow mechanism of traditional mechanical watches has a backlash that is difficult to control precisely when adjusting time difference, resulting in non-isochronous timing characteristics. In addition, traditional adjustment methods may cause increased stress on the hairspring or incompatibility with the adjustment device.

Method used

A fast/slow needle assembly system is adopted, including an inertial mass, a hairspring, and a flexible element. The time difference is adjusted by adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element. High-precision time difference adjustment is achieved by using a prestressing device and an eccentric component or cam structure, configured to an accuracy of less than 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or even 0.1 seconds per day.

Benefits of technology

It achieves high-precision time difference adjustment, avoids the timing inaccuracy problem caused by backlash, and does not require major modifications to the traditional system, maintaining the system's compatibility and ease of use.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a timepiece movement (1) comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance (23), a hairspring (25) comprising a coiled strip (2) and adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, and a fast / slow assembly system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of the hairspring (25), the adjustment means being equipped with a flexible elastic element (5) arranged in series with the coiled strip (2), the fast / slow assembly system (20) being configured to adjust the rate of the timepiece movement with an accuracy of less than or equal to 1 s / day, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 s / day, even less than or equal to 0.1 s / day.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horology, and more particularly to the field of mechanical horology in which the power energy is regulated by a regulating mechanism. More specifically, this invention relates to a regulating mechanism equipped with a precision regulator assembly system, a horological movement including such a regulating mechanism, and a horological timepiece including such a horological movement. Background Technology

[0002] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (such as the minute and hour hands) is stored in the mainspring barrel and then transmitted by the balance spring system, which includes a flywheel called the balance wheel, which is associated with a spring in the form of a spirally wound strip called the hairspring.

[0003] At the inner end, the hairspring is fastened to a shaft that is fixed to rotate with the balance wheel; at the outer end, the hairspring is fastened to an outer stud mounted on an outer stud retainer, which itself is fixed to a fixed bridge plate (or clamp).

[0004] The balance wheel's rotation is maintained by an escapement mechanism that counts its oscillations. This escapement mechanism includes an escape fork that moves with low-amplitude oscillating motion. The escape fork has two pallets that act on the teeth of the escape wheel. Therefore, upon impact, the escape wheel is given a stepping rotational motion, the frequency of which is determined by the oscillation frequency of the escape fork, which is itself set to the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel system.

[0005] In a traditional escapement mechanism, the oscillation frequency is approximately 4 Hz, or about 28,800 oscillations per hour (vph). One of the goals of a skilled watchmaker is to ensure the isochronism and regularity of the balance wheel oscillation (or a constant timekeeping difference).

[0006] The time difference (rate) of the balance wheel is adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the hairspring in a known manner. The effective length of the hairspring is defined as the curve length between the inner end of the hairspring and the counting point, which is located near the outer end of the hairspring and is usually defined by a pair of stops carried by a key mounted on the regulator assembly system.

[0007] During operation, the regulator assembly system is fixed to rotate relative to the axis of the hairspring. However, the angular position can be fine-tuned by manual intervention, such as using a screwdriver to pivot an eccentric element that acts like a cam on the regulator assembly system.

[0008] The assembly comprising the bridge, regulator system, key, stud retainer, stud, shaft, hairspring, and balance wheel is commonly referred to as the "regulating mechanism." Examples of regulating mechanisms are presented in International Patent Application WO 2016 / 192957 and European Patent EP2876504 filed by watchmaker ETA.

[0009] A regulator assembly system exists that includes an outer stud retainer, to which one end of the hairspring is secured, and the key of the regulator assembly system has a backlash to allow the hairspring to move between two stops. However, timing characteristics, particularly the non-isochronous nature that depends on amplitude, are very sensitive to the backlash of the regulator key, which is difficult to control precisely.

[0010] In some devices, a stop can be adjusted to compress the hairspring, thereby eliminating backlash, especially during hairspring operation. In this case, the time difference is first adjusted by moving the regulator key, and then the hairspring is compressed onto the key. However, compressing the hairspring onto the regulator key can stress it and cause timing defects, especially due to eccentric rotation. Furthermore, eliminating backlash also alters the time difference; once the hairspring is compressed, the regulator key can no longer move along the hairspring to make fine adjustments to the time difference.

[0011] Other hairsprings include integrated regulating mechanisms. In these hairsprings, the time difference is not adjusted by changing the effective length of the hairspring, but rather by applying a force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible element and the overall stiffness of the hairspring can be changed. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the time difference of the regulating mechanism can be adjusted. Such hairsprings with flexible elements are described, for example, in European Patent Application No. 21202213.1.

[0012] However, typical regulator systems cannot be used in such cases because they are incompatible with the hairspring regulating mechanism. Furthermore, since the time difference is adjusted very finely, it is crucial that there is no backlash between the interaction areas of the hairspring and the regulator assembly. This is because, conversely, if the hairspring does not self-reposition in the exact same way after being subjected to a shock, there is a risk of altering the time difference upon impact. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned defects by providing a speed control assembly system compatible with this type of adjustment device.

[0014] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a regulating mechanism for a watch movement, the regulating mechanism comprising an inertial mass such as a ring balance wheel, a hairspring, and a regulator assembly system for adjusting the time difference of the hairspring, the hairspring comprising a coiled strip and an adjusting device for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the adjusting device being provided with a flexible element arranged in series with the coiled strip.

[0015] The key feature of this invention is that the speed control assembly system is configured to adjust the time difference of the speed control mechanism with the following accuracy (resolution): less than or equal to 1 second per day, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 seconds per day, and even less than or equal to 0.1 seconds per day.

[0016] Thanks to this invention, a speed control assembly system has been obtained that allows for adjustment of the timing difference of the speed control mechanism with an unprecedentedly high degree of precision.

[0017] In fact, by using an actuation fast / slow needle assembly system, the stiffness of the flexible element can be changed by altering the force or torque applied to it.

[0018] Furthermore, this regulator assembly system is easy to use and can be assembled into a watch movement without major modifications, as its assembly is not significantly different from that of regulator assembly systems typically used for conventional hairsprings.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the speed control assembly system includes adjustment marks corresponding to the precision.

[0020] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the speed control assembly system includes an outer stud retainer mechanically connected to a flexible element, the outer stud retainer including a first outer stud and a second outer stud, the flexible element being disposed between the first outer stud and the second outer stud, the first outer stud being movable relative to the second outer stud, the movement of the first outer stud changing the stiffness of the hairspring.

[0021] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the outer pile retainer includes a first portion provided with the first outer pile and a second portion provided with the second outer pile, wherein the first portion is movable relative to the second portion in order to move the first outer pile.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first part and the second part are stacked together.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the fast / slow needle assembly system includes an eccentric member that cooperates with a first portion to allow the first portion to move as the eccentric member rotates.

[0024] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the speed control assembly system includes an arm arranged on a first portion and a cam cooperating with said arm, so as to move the first portion relative to a second portion by actuation of the cam.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the fast / slow needle assembly system includes a spring that applies a force between a first portion and a second portion to hold the arm of the first portion against the cam.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first part may rotate relative to the second part.

[0027] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first outer pile is rotatable.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element is arranged between the first outer pile and the second outer pile, and the movement of the first outer pile changes the stiffness of the flexible element.

[0029] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, the adjustment device includes a prestressing device for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element.

[0030] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing device is arranged between the first outer pile and the second outer pile, and the prestressing device is actuated by the movement of the first outer pile relative to the second outer pile.

[0031] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the prestressed device includes a rod connected to a flexible element, and a first outer pile is fixed to the free end of the rod.

[0032] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element is connected to the rigid support, and the second outer pile is fixed on the rigid support.

[0033] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing device includes a semi-rigid structure arranged parallel to the flexible element, and the rod is connected to the semi-rigid structure.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a watch movement including such a speed regulating mechanism.

[0035] The present invention also relates to watches, such as wristwatches, that include such a watch movement. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent after reading several embodiments given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] - Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of a speed regulating mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is arranged inside a watch movement.

[0038] - Figure 2 schematic representation Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the first embodiment of the speed regulating mechanism, not showing the swing plate and the speed regulator assembly system.

[0039] - Figure 3 A schematic top view of the hairspring of the speed regulating mechanism.

[0040] - Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a regulating mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention, the regulating mechanism being arranged within a watch movement.

[0041] - Figure 5 schematic representation Figure 4 A perspective view of the second embodiment of the speed regulating mechanism.

[0042] - Figure 6 A perspective view schematically illustrating a variation of the external pile retainer of the second embodiment.

[0043] - Figure 7 schematic representation Figure 6 A perspective view of the second part of the modified external pile retainer, and

[0044] - Figure 8 A perspective view schematically showing the second part of the outer pile retainer mounted on the swing clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 and 2 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a regulating mechanism 1 arranged inside a watch movement 10 is shown. The watch movement 10 includes a base plate 21, an inertial mass, an elastic reset element of the inertial mass configured to oscillate thereon, and a balance plate 22.

[0046] The speed regulating mechanism 1 also includes a speed control assembly system 20, an annular balance wheel 23 as an inertial mass, a balance shaft 24, and a hairspring 25 as an elastic reset element.

[0047] The plate 21 is provided with a recess 26 for receiving the speed regulating mechanism 1. The balance wheel 23, hairspring 25, balance clamp 22 and speed regulator assembly system 20 are stacked from bottom to top in the recess 26.

[0048] The balance shaft 24 is centered within the recess 26 and passes through the center of the balance wheel 23, the hairspring 25, and the balance clamp 22. The balance shaft 24 is held by two anti-vibration bearings 28 arranged at both ends of the balance shaft 24. The first bearing is arranged at the bottom of the recess 26, and the second bearing 28 is arranged above the recess 26 and held by the balance clamp 22, which passes through the top of the recess 26 and through its central axis. The balance clamp 22 has a hole, here a through hole, in which the second bearing 28 is held. The regulator assembly system 20 is mounted on the balance clamp 22 and, in this embodiment, is arranged along the central axis of the recess 26.

[0049] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the hairspring 25 preferably extends substantially within a single plane. The hairspring 25 comprises a flexible strip 2 coiled multiple times, the strip 2 having a predetermined stiffness. The inner end 9 of the strip 2 is integrally formed or assembled with a support member 3, commonly referred to as the "inner stud". The support member 3 is generally triangular in shape and is wound around the balance shaft 24.

[0050] The hairspring 25 also includes a device for adjusting its stiffness. For example, when the regulating mechanism is mounted on the mainplate of the watch movement, this adjusting device can be actuated by the user.

[0051] The adjustment device includes a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the strip 2. The flexible element 5 connects one end 4 or 9 of the strip 2 to the rigid support 17, and the flexible element 5 is fixed to one of the ends 4 or 9 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is a different element from the strip 2.

[0052] The flexible element 5 adds additional stiffness to the strip 2. Preferably, the flexible element 5 has a higher stiffness than the strip 2. In this example, the flexible element 5 is arranged in the continuation of the strip 2. Preferably, the adjusting device and the strip 2 are integrally formed, or even made of the same material (e.g., silicon).

[0053] The flexible element 5 of the hairspring 25 includes a non-crossing flexible pivot. This pivot comprises two flexible, non-crossing blades 11 and 12 and a rigid portion 18. The flexible blades 11 and 12 engage laterally with the rigid support 17 on one side and engage with the rigid portion 18 on the other side by moving closer together. Therefore, preferably, the flexible blades 11 and 12 are separated from each other from the rigid portion 18 toward the rigid support 17. The outer end 4 of the strip 2 engages with the rigid portion 18. The rigid support 17 cannot move relative to the movement plate 21. The rigid support 17 has an L-shaped form, with a first branch 46 serving as a connection with the flexible blades 11 and 12, and a second branch 47 pointing to the side opposite to the non-crossing pivot, allowing it to be assembled onto the watch movement 10.

[0054] The device for adjusting the hairspring 25 also includes a prestressing device 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. Therefore, the stiffness of the hairspring can be adjusted. The torque or force can be continuously adjusted by the prestressing device 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to a single point value. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with high precision.

[0055] The prestressing device 6 includes a secondary flexible blade 19, which is arranged on the opposite side of the rigid portion 18 and located in the continuation of the non-crossing pivot. The secondary flexible blade 19 is disposed tangentially to the strip 2 at its outer end 4.

[0056] The secondary flexible blade 19 is connected at its other end to a curved rod 14 that extends around the strip 2. In addition to the secondary flexible blade 19, the rod 14 is also connected to a semi-rigid structure 27, which is connected to a rigid support 17. When the rod 14 is actuated by force or torque, the semi-rigid structure 27 undergoes partial deformation.

[0057] Force or torque is applied to the free end 15 of the rod 14. Therefore, the rod 14 of the prestressing device 6 transmits force or torque to the flexible element 5 through the secondary flexible blade 19 and the semi-rigid structure 27 to change the stiffness of the hairspring 25.

[0058] In order to apply a variable force or torque to the hairspring 25, the speed regulating mechanism includes a specific speed control assembly system 20 according to the invention.

[0059] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the first embodiment, the fast / slow needle assembly system 20 is provided with an outer stake retainer 31 divided into two parts, namely a first part 32 and a second part 33. The first part 32 of the outer stake retainer 31 suspends a first outer stake 34, while the second part 33 of the outer stake retainer 31 is provided with a second outer stake 35. The outer stake retainer 31 is mechanically connected to the flexible element 5, but it does not stop the strip 2.

[0060] The first portion 32 of the outer pile retainer 31 is positioned above the second portion 33 of the outer pile retainer 31, and the second portion 33 contacts the swing clamp 22. The fast / slow needle assembly system 20 includes two eccentric members 36 and 37. The first eccentric member 36 is mounted on the second portion 33 of the outer pile retainer 31 and enables angular adjustment between the two portions of the outer pile retainer 31, thereby allowing adjustment of the time difference. The second eccentric member 37 is mounted on the swing clamp 22 and allows setting the angular position of the outer pile retainer 31 relative to the machine plate 21, thereby allowing the setting of a reference. The two portions of the outer pile retainer 31 are held and positioned by a shock absorber 28.

[0061] The speed regulating mechanism 1 also includes a locking device configured to stop the second portion 33 of the outer stud retainer 31 in an angular position relative to the movement plate 21. The locking device includes a second eccentric member 37.

[0062] Therefore, when installing the speed regulator assembly system 20, the movable second portion 33 of the outer stud retainer 31 is first positioned, and then the second portion 33 is stopped by the second eccentric member 37, preventing it from moving relative to the plate 21. Next, the first portion 32 of the outer stud retainer 31 is positioned, and then the first portion 32 is stopped in the angular direction by the first eccentric member 36, preventing it from moving relative to the second portion 33. Therefore, by actuating the second eccentric member 37, the entire outer stud retainer 31 rotates about the axis of the balance wheel to set a reference. To unlock and move the first portion 32, the first eccentric member 36 is actuated. In this case, only the first portion 32 of the outer stud retainer 31 rotates about the axis of the balance wheel, which allows the first outer stud 34 to move and act on the flexible element 5 to change the time difference.

[0063] Therefore, after installation, only the first part 32 of the outer pile retainer 31 can move relative to the swing plate 22 so that the first outer pile 34 can be moved and act on the flexible element 5.

[0064] Two parts 32 and 33 surround the second bearing 28. For this purpose, each part 32 and 33 includes a central ring 38 and 39 arranged around the second bearing 28, with the two central rings 38 and 39 overlapping each other.

[0065] The first part 32 includes two protrusions 41, 42 extending radially from the central ring 38. The first protrusion 41 uses a first screw 74 to hold the first outer post 34 downward in the recess 26. The second protrusion 42 has an arcuate shape that mates with the first eccentric member 36.

[0066] The second part 33 includes three protrusions 43, 44, and 45 extending from the central ring 39. The first protrusion 43 holds the second outer post 35 downward in the recess 26 using a second screw 75, the second protrusion 44 extends around the first eccentric member 36, and the third protrusion 45 has an arcuate shape that mates with the second eccentric member 37.

[0067] In one reference configuration, the first outer pile 34 and the second outer pile 35 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the pivot axis 24, for example.

[0068] The first outer pile 34 mates with the free end 15 of the member 14, and the second outer pile 35 mates with the second branch 47 of the rigid support member 17. Therefore, the prestressing device 6 and the flexible element 5 are supported by the fast-slow needle assembly system 20 on which they are suspended.

[0069] Two outer piles 34 and 35 are arranged on either side of the prestressing device 6 and the flexible element 5. Furthermore, the two outer piles 34 and 35 are rigidly connected to the rod 14 and the rigid support 17. In other words, the first outer pile 34 and the second outer pile 35 are respectively fixed to the rod 14 and the rigid support 17 via the free end 15 and the second branch 47. These outer piles and the spiral spring 25 are assembled, for example, by adhesive bonding, brazing, fusion welding, metal-glass deformation, or mechanical fastening.

[0070] The first outer pile 34 is movable relative to the second outer pile 35. For this purpose, the first portion 32 is movable relative to the second portion 33. The first portion 32 is rotatable about the second bearing 28. Therefore, the first outer pile 34 moves together with the first portion 32, and the first outer pile 34 is rotatable about the second bearing 28. For example, the first outer pile 34 can move within an angular range of 20° or 10°.

[0071] The movement of the first outer stake 34 relative to the second outer stake 35 alters the stiffness of the flexible element 5. This movement applies a larger or smaller force or torque to the rod 14 of the prestressing device 6, causing a change in the stiffness of the flexible element 5, and consequently, a change in the stiffness of the entire hairspring 25. The speed regulator assembly system 20 can therefore be used to adjust the time difference of the speed regulating mechanism 1.

[0072] For this purpose, the fast / slow needle assembly system 20 allows modification of the position of the first outer stud 34 relative to the second outer stud 35 via the arcuate second protrusion 42 of the first portion 32 and the first eccentric member 36. The diameter of the arc is slightly smaller than the head of the first eccentric member 36, such that movement of the first eccentric member 36 causes movement of the second protrusion 42, and thus causes circumferential movement of the first portion 32 relative to the second portion 33 about the second bearing 28, while the second portion 33 remains in place when the first portion 32 is actuated. Therefore, by rotating the first eccentric member 36, the arcuate second protrusion 42 moves circumferentially about the second bearing 28. The first portion 32 moves relative to the second portion 33, and therefore the first outer stud 34 moves relative to the second outer stud 35 to change the force or torque applied to the prestressing device 6 of the hairspring 25. Since there is no side clearance between the eccentric members 36, 37 and the arcs 42, 45, hysteresis-free adjustment is possible.

[0073] Adjustment mark 29 is positioned around the first eccentric member 36 on the arc-shaped second protrusion 42. Therefore, in order to adjust the speed control assembly system 20, the first eccentric member 36 is oriented according to the priority mark.

[0074] The speed regulator assembly system 20 is configured to adjust the time difference of the speed control mechanism 1 with the following accuracy / resolution: less than or equal to 1 second / day, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 seconds / day, and possibly less than or equal to 0.1 seconds / day. Therefore, the speed regulator assembly system 20 is calibrated so that its actuation can achieve such accuracy. The configuration of the speed control mechanism 1 allows for this level of precision.

[0075] Preferably, the adjustment mark 29 corresponds to precision. In other words, the difference between two consecutive marks corresponds to 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or even 0.1 seconds per day.

[0076] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the second embodiment of the speed regulating mechanism 40, the features of the speed regulating mechanism 40 are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, except for the arrangement of the fast / slow needle assembly system 60.

[0077] The first portion 52 of the speed regulator assembly system 60 includes an arm 63 extending radially outward from the first portion 52 in a single plane. The second portion 53 does not include an arcuate protrusion.

[0078] The regulator assembly system 60 includes a rotatable cam 55 instead of a first eccentric member. The cam 55 engages with an arm 63 of the first portion 52 to rotate the first portion 52 about a second bearing 28. Preferably, the end 56 of the arm 63 is always in contact with the cam 55, such that rotation of the cam 55 applies movement to the arm 63 according to the angular position of the cam 55. Therefore, the first portion 52 of the regulator assembly system 60 moves in a manner similar to the first embodiment. This regulator assembly system 60 with the cam 55 allows for linear variation in the stiffness of the hairspring 25.

[0079] To maintain contact between the arm 63 of the first portion 52 and the cam 55, the regulator assembly system 60 includes a spring 57 that applies a biasing force to the first portion 52. The spring 57 is generally U-shaped, surrounding the locking screw 77. The first end 58 of the U-shape is assembled to the second portion 53 of the regulator assembly system 60, and the second end 59 of the U-shape is held by a hook 61 disposed on the first portion 52. The spring 57 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the cam 55 about the second bearing 28 on the second portion of the outer stud retainer 31.

[0080] Therefore, spring 57 applies a restoring force to the two parts 52, 53 of the speed regulator assembly system 60. This restoring force is designed to always keep the arm 63 of the first part 52 in contact with the cam 55. When the cam 55 is actuated, the first part 52 rotates to move the first outer post 34 relative to the second outer post 35, while being subjected to the restoring force applied by spring 57 to allow the arm 63 of the first part 52 to contact the cam 55, particularly when the outer peripheral wall 64 of the cam 55 moves away from the arm 63.

[0081] According to the present invention, the speed regulator assembly system 60 is configured to adjust the time difference of the speed regulating mechanism 40 with an accuracy of less than or equal to 1 second / day, preferably less than or equal to 0.5 seconds / day, and even less than or equal to 0.1 seconds / day. The configuration of the speed regulating mechanism 40 allows for such accuracy.

[0082] The speed regulating mechanism 40 also includes a locking device configured to stop the second portion 53 of the outer stud retainer 51 relative to the balance wheel 22 of the movement in one position. The locking device includes a locking plate 62 and a locking screw 77 for mounting the locking plate 62 onto the second portion 53 and locking its position.

[0083] Preferably, the locking plate has a shape that mates with the swing clamp plate 72 on one side and with the second bearing 28 on the other side. A locking screw 77 passes through the locking plate 62 to be screwed into the swing clamp plate 72 located below the locking plate 62. Thus, by tightening the locking screw 77, the locking plate 62 applies force at least partially to the brake shoe 78 at the first U-shaped end 58 of the spring 57, which rests against the second portion 53 of the outer pile retainer 51.

[0084] Therefore, when installing the fast / slow pin assembly system 20, the movable second portion 53 of the outer peg retainer 51 is first positioned, and then the second portion 53 is stopped by the locking plate 62 and the locking screw 77, so that the second portion 53 remains immobile relative to the swing clamp 72. After installation, only the first portion 52 remains movable relative to the swing clamp 72, so that the first outer peg 34 can be moved and act on the flexible element 5.

[0085] Adjustment mark 49 is similarly provided on cam 55. Therefore, in order to adjust the speed control assembly system 60, for example by means of a rotatable setting button provided on cam 55 (…). Figure 4 and 5 (Not shown in the image) to move cam 55. Therefore, in order to adjust the speed control assembly system 60, cam 55 is oriented according to the priority mark.

[0086] Preferably, the adjustment mark 49 corresponds to the precision. In other words, the difference between two consecutive marks allows for correction of the time difference in increments of 1 second, 0.5 seconds, and even 0.1 seconds per day. Figure 6 In the middle, the precision of adjusting mark 49 is 0.1 seconds.

[0087] exist Figure 6 and 7In this embodiment, the outer stud retainer 51 is a variation thereof, wherein the second part 53 includes a bent arm 70 on one side and a pair of pins 71 on the other side, and a generally circular through-hole 68 in the middle. The bent arm 70 is used to engage with the locking plate 62. The pair of pins 71 are used to retain the axis of the cam and rest against the oscillating plate 72 of the movement.

[0088] The through-hole 68 allows the insertion of the damping bearing 28 of the balance wheel, around which the outer stud retainer 51 is mounted and held. The through-hole 68 leads to a groove 69 to impart flexibility to the section 73 defining the through-hole 68. Thus, the bearing 28 can be assembled and held in the through-hole 68. Due to this flexibility, the section 73 can be separated to insert the bearing 28 into the through-hole 68 and apply sufficient force to hold it. The shapes of the through-hole 68 and the damping bearing 28 are configured to fit together, with the shape of the bearing 28 preferably slightly larger than the shape of the through-hole 68.

[0089] Furthermore, the geometry of orifice 68 allows for the rotation of the outer pile retainer 51. In fact, the flexible section 73 allows the outer pile retainer to rotate around the damping bearing while maintaining the concentricity of the balance wheel axis (not shown in the figure).

[0090] exist Figure 6 In the middle, a rotary setting button 65 is mounted on the cam, and the button 65 includes an outer peripheral adjustment mark 66, which is an adjustment mark according to the present invention.

[0091] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates how the locking device stops the second portion 53 of the outer stake retainer 51 against the swing clamp 72. A locking plate 62 rests against a curved arm 70. A locking screw 77 passes through the locking plate 62 and the curved arm 70 to reach the swing clamp 72 located below. Thus, the second portion 53 of the outer stake retainer 51 is clamped between the locking plate 62 and the swing clamp 72. Additionally, the locking plate 62 retains the spring 57.

[0092] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the speed regulating mechanism described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and alternative solutions may be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A timepiece movement (1, 40) comprising an inertial mass, a hairspring (25) comprising a coiled strip (2) and a fast / slow hand assembly system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of the hairspring (25), the fast / slow hand assembly system being equipped with an adjusting device (30, 50) for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the adjusting device being equipped with a flexible elastic element (5) arranged in series with the coiled strip (2), characterized in that, The speed regulator assembly system (20, 60) is configured to adjust the time difference of the speed regulating mechanism (1, 40) with an accuracy of less than or equal to 0.1 seconds / day, and the speed regulator assembly system (20, 60) includes adjustment marks (29, 49) corresponding to the accuracy.

2. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 1, wherein The speed control assembly system (20, 60) includes an outer stud retainer (31, 51) mechanically connected to the flexible element (5), the outer stud retainer (31, 51) including a first outer stud (34) and a second outer stud (35), the flexible element (5) being arranged between the first outer stud (34) and the second outer stud (35), the first outer stud (34) being movable relative to the second outer stud (35), the movement of the first outer stud (34) changing the stiffness of the hairspring.

3. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The outer pile retainer includes a first portion (32, 52) having the first outer pile (34) and a second portion (33, 53) having the second outer pile (35), the first portion (32, 52) being movable relative to the second portion (33, 53) to move the first outer pile (34).

4. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 3, wherein The first part (32, 52) and the second part (33, 53) are stacked together.

5. A speed regulation mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that, The fast / slow needle assembly system (20) includes an eccentric member (36) that engages with the first portion (32) to allow the first portion (32) to move as the eccentric member rotates.

6. A speed regulation mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that, The fast / slow needle assembly system (60) includes an arm (63) arranged on the first part (52) and a cam (55) cooperating with the arm (63) so as to move the first part (52) relative to the second part (53) by actuation of the cam (55).

7. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The fast / slow needle assembly system (60) includes a spring that applies force between the first portion (52) and the second portion (53) to hold the arm (63) of the first portion (52) against the cam (55).

8. A speed regulation mechanism according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that, The first part (32, 52) is capable of rotational movement relative to the second part (33, 53).

9. A speed regulation mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that, The first outer pile (34) is capable of rotational movement.

10. A speed regulation mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that, The adjustment device (30, 50) includes a prestressing device (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5).

11. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 10, wherein, The prestressing device (6) is arranged between the first outer pile (34) and the second outer pile (35), and the prestressing device (6) is actuated by the movement of the first outer pile (34) relative to the second outer pile (35).

12. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 10, wherein, The prestressed device (6) includes a rod (14) connected to the flexible element (5), and the first outer pile is fixed to the free end (15) of the rod (14).

13. The speed regulation mechanism of claim 12, wherein, The prestressing device (6) includes a semi-rigid structure parallel to the flexible element (5), and the rod (14) is connected to the semi-rigid structure.

14. The speed regulation mechanism of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The flexible element (5) is connected to the rigid support (17), and the second outer pile (35) is fixed to the rigid support (17).

15. The speed regulation mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The inertial mass is a balance wheel (23).

16. A timepiece movement, characterized in that, The timepiece movement comprises a timepiece movement according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A timepiece, characterized by The timepiece comprises a timepiece movement according to claim 16.

18. A timepiece according to claim 17, characterised in that The timepiece is a watch.