Speed regulating mechanism for timepiece movement, timepiece movement and timepiece

By designing a speed control mechanism containing an inertial mass body, a hairspring and a regulating device in a small watch movement, combined with a prestressing device and an actuation system, the compatibility and space occupation problems of the speed control mechanism in a small movement are solved, and the effect of independent adjustment of the time difference and tilt is achieved.

CN222952593UActive Publication Date: 2025-06-06ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202421693864.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-24
Filing Date
2024-07-17
Publication Date
2025-06-06
Estimated Expiration
2034-07-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The speed control mechanism in existing mechanical clocks is difficult to compatible with small clock movements, and the speed control device occupies a large space, which increases the thickness of the movement and cannot be assembled in a smaller movement.

Method used

A speed regulation mechanism including an inertial mass body, a hairspring and a control device is designed. The control device adjusts the stiffness of the hairspring through a prestressing device and an actuation system. The actuation system adopts a mechanically connected actuator to perform a substantially linear displacement to actuate the prestressing device.

Benefits of technology

It realizes an actuation system compatible in small watch movements, reduces movement thickness, and can independently adjust the time difference and tilt.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a speed regulating mechanism (1) for a clock movement, which comprises an inertial mass body, such as a balance wheel (23); a hairspring (25) comprising a winding strip (2); and adjusting means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the adjusting means being provided with a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the winding strip (2), the adjusting means comprising prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) in order to adjust the travel time difference of the speed regulating mechanism (1), according to the invention, the speed regulation mechanism (1) comprises an actuation system for actuating the prestressing means (6), the actuation system comprising an actuator (30) mechanically connected to the prestressing means (6), the actuator (30) being configured to at least partially perform a substantially linear, preferably linear displacement in order to actuate the prestressing means (6). The utility model also relates to a clock movement comprising the speed regulating mechanism and a clock comprising the clock movement.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of watch manufacturing, and more specifically to the field of mechanical watch manufacturing, wherein the regulation of driving energy is provided by a speed regulating mechanism.

[0002] More specifically, the utility model relates to a speed regulating mechanism provided with an actuating system, a watch movement including such a speed regulating mechanism, and a watch including such a watch movement. Background Art

[0003] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (such as the minute and hour hands) is stored in a barrel and then transmitted by a balance-sprung system, which consists of a flywheel called a balance combined with a spring called a hairspring, which is in the form of a spirally wound ribbon.

[0004] The inner end of the balance spring is attached to the balance staff which rotates integrally with the balance wheel; the outer end of the balance spring is attached to the stud which is mounted on a stud holder which is itself rigidly connected to the fixed bridge (balance cock).

[0005] The rotation of the balance wheel is maintained and its oscillations are counted by the escapement, which consists of a lever that exhibits a low-amplitude oscillating motion and is provided with two pallet stones that engage with the teeth of the escape wheel. The escape wheel, when engaged in this way, causes a stepped rotation, the speed of which is determined by the oscillation frequency of the lever, which itself is set to the oscillation frequency of the balance-sprung system.

[0006] In a traditional escapement, the oscillation frequency is about 4 Hz, or about 28,800 vibrations per hour (V / h). One of the goals of a good watchmaker is to ensure the isochronism and regularity of the balance wheel's oscillations (or the constancy of its running time).

[0007] The rate of the balance wheel can be adjusted in a known manner by adjusting the effective length of the balance spring, defined as the length of the curve between its inner end and a counting point, located near its outer end and usually defined by a pair of stops carried by a key mounted on the regulator system.

[0008] During operation, the regulator index cannot rotate about the balance spring axis. However, its angular position can be fine-tuned by manual intervention, for example using a screwdriver to pivot an eccentric that acts on the regulator index like a cam.

[0009] The assembly comprising the bridge, index system, key, stud holder, stud, balance staff, hairspring and balance wheel is generally referred to as the “regulating mechanism”. An example of a regulating mechanism is given in European patent EP 2876504 filed by watchmaker ETA.

[0010] Some regulator systems have a stud holder to which one end of the hairspring is attached and the regulator key has a clearance to allow the hairspring to move between two stops. However, the chronometric characteristics, especially the non-isochronism according to the amplitude variation, are very sensitive to the clearance of the hairspring at the regulator key, and this clearance is difficult to control accurately.

[0011] In some devices, the stop can be adjusted to clamp the balance spring, thus eliminating the play, especially when the balance spring is working. In this case, the balance spring is first adjusted by moving the regulator key, and then the balance spring is clamped to the key. However, clamping the balance spring to the regulator key may stress the balance spring and produce timing errors, especially due to the balance spring being wound off-center. In addition, eliminating the play will also change the balance spring, and once the balance spring has been clamped, it is no longer possible to move the regulator key along the balance spring to complete the fine adjustment of the balance spring.

[0012] Other hairsprings have an integrated speed regulating device. In these hairsprings, the travel time difference is not regulated by changing the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying a force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. In this way, it is possible to change the stiffness of the flexible element and thus the stiffness of the hairspring as a whole, i.e. the stiffness of the strip and the flexible element. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the travel time difference of the speed regulating mechanism can be adjusted. Such hairsprings provided with a flexible element are described, for example, in patent applications EP4009115 and CH0700385 / 2021.

[0013] In these cases, conventional systems cannot be used, as they are not compatible with a hairspring regulating device. Furthermore, since the balance spring must be regulated to a very fine degree, there must be no play between the balance spring and the area where it interacts with the regulator mechanism. More specifically, if this were not the case, the balance spring would not reposition itself in exactly the same way after an impact, and the balance spring could be altered in the event of a shock.

[0014] In order to use this hairspring, patent applications EP22177059.7 and CH000678 / 2022 describe a speed needle system. The speed needle system includes an external stud holder divided into two parts that can move relative to each other, each part is provided with an external stud, on the one hand, a flexible element is mounted on the external stud, and on the other hand, a prestressing device acts on the flexible element. Therefore, by moving the two parts relative to each other, it is possible to change the force or torque applied to the flexible element in order to adjust the stiffness of the hairspring assembly.

[0015] However, the realization of this regulator system is complicated by the fact that the movable parts of the stud holder each perform a rotational movement over the balance spring.

[0016] Furthermore, if this index system is adopted, the regulating organ takes up a lot of space in the movement, thus increasing in particular the thickness of the movement. However, only certain movements can incorporate this system. It cannot be fitted in smaller and in particular thinner movements. Utility Model Content

[0017] The purpose of the utility model is to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing an actuating system which is compatible with this type of speed regulating device and can be applied to small watch movements.

[0018] To this end, the utility model relates to a speed regulating mechanism for a watch movement, the speed regulating mechanism comprising: an inertial mass body, such as a balance wheel; a hairspring containing a winding 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 winding strip, the adjusting device comprising a prestressing device for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element to adjust the travel time difference of the speed regulating mechanism, and the speed regulating mechanism comprising an actuating system for actuating the prestressing device.

[0019] The utility model is characterized in that the actuation system comprises an actuator mechanically connected to the prestressing device, and the actuator is configured to perform a substantially linear, preferably straight-line displacement so as to actuate the prestressing device.

[0020] The invention thus provides a simplified actuation system, since the actuator performs a linear, preferably rectilinear, displacement without rotation.

[0021] Furthermore, the actuation system is thinner since the actuator is not located above the balance wheel and the balance spring but can be arranged next to them so as not to increase the thickness of the movement.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is substantially radially displaced relative to the balance spring.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is off-center and mounted at a distance from the center of the speed regulating mechanism.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a rod connected to the flexible element, the actuation of which allows varying a variable force or torque on the flexible element in order to modify the stiffness of the flexible element and thus of the balance spring as a whole.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said actuator displaces said rod when said actuator is actuated.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a hook engaged with the rod.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the rod is movable in the hook so that, when the rod is angularly displaced, it can slide and thus be angularly positioned independently of the position of the hook.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the speed regulating mechanism comprises a swing plate, and the actuator is mounted on the swing plate.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is substantially perpendicular to the balance cock.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a stationary part stationary relative to the balance cock, a spring part, and a movable part movable due to the spring part, the movable part comprising the hook.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable part is movable in a direction orthogonal to the rod.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring portion comprises at least one translation stage having flexible blades, preferably a plurality of translation stages arranged in series.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuation system comprises an adjustment device, such as an eccentric, cooperating with the actuator so as to be able to displace the movable part of the actuator when the adjustment device is rotated.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment device comprises a pivoting control lever comprising a pivoting arm and a supporting arm, the supporting arm cooperating with the movable part of the actuator so as to mechanically displace the movable part by contact.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment device comprises a control screw mechanically connected to the pivot arm to control the pivoting of the control lever.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulating organ comprises a stud holder mechanically connected to the flexible element, the stud holder comprising a stud on which the flexible element is mounted.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stud holder is rotatable relative to the balance cock, making it possible to adjust the beat of the regulating organ.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element is connected to a rigid support mounted on the stump.

[0039] The utility model also relates to a clock movement comprising such a speed regulating mechanism.

[0040] The utility model also relates to a timepiece comprising such a timepiece movement, such as a wristwatch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] - Figure 1 A perspective view schematically shows a speed regulating mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the speed regulating mechanism is arranged in a watch movement;

[0043] - Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the regulating organ shown in , without the pendulum cock;

[0044] - Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the regulating organ shown in , without the balance cock, stud holder and bearings;

[0045] - Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A bottom view of the hairspring of the regulating mechanism shown in FIG.

[0046] - Figure 5 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A side view of an actuator of an actuation system of a speed regulating mechanism in FIG.

[0047] - Figure 6 The diagram shows the mounting of the Figure 5 A side view of the actuator in FIG.

[0048] - Figure 7 A perspective view schematically showing the actuator and control lever of the speed regulating mechanism;

[0049] - Figure 8 The schematic diagram shows Figure 1 A bottom view of the speed regulating mechanism in FIG.

[0050] - Fig. 9 a perspective view schematically showing an actuator and a control lever of a speed regulating mechanism in a first position; and

[0051] - Fig.10 A perspective view of the actuator and control lever of the speed regulating mechanism is schematically shown in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of a regulating organ 1 to be arranged in a timepiece movement is schematically shown, the timepiece movement comprising a plate (not shown) provided with a recess. For example, such a movement is arranged in a timepiece such as a watch.

[0053] The speed regulating mechanism 1 includes: an inertial mass body, in this case an annular balance wheel 23; a hairspring 25 as an elastic reset element of the inertial mass body, which is configured to cause the inertial mass body to oscillate; a balance staff 24; and a balance cock 22. These elements are stacked in the following order from bottom to top: balance wheel 23, hairspring 25 and balance cock 22.

[0054] The balance shaft 24 passes through the center of the balance wheel, the hairspring 25 and the balance cock 22. The balance shaft 24 is held by two shock-absorbing bearings 28 arranged at both ends of the balance shaft 24. The first bearing is arranged below the balance cock 22, and the second bearing 28 is arranged in the balance cock 22. The balance cock 22 has a through hole, and the second bearing 28 is held in the through hole.

[0055] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the balance spring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The balance spring 25 comprises a flexible strip 2 wound several times around itself, the strip 2 having a predetermined rigidity. The inner end 9 of the strip 2 is integral or assembled with a rigid support 3, which is usually called a collet. The rigid support 3 is substantially triangular and is assembled around the balance staff 24.

[0056] Balance spring 25 also comprises adjustment means for adjusting its stiffness. This adjustment means can in particular be actuated by a user, for example, when the regulating organ is mounted in a timepiece movement.

[0057] The adjustment means comprise a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the strip 2, i.e. immediately after it, preferably as an extension of it, connecting the outer end 4 of said strip 2 to the rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is an element distinct from the strip 2.

[0058] The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is preferably stiffer than the strip 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is arranged as an extension of the strip 2. Preferably, the adjustment device is integral with the strip 2, or even made of the same material, such as silicone.

[0059] Flexible element 5 of balance spring 25 comprises a first flexible blade 19 and a movable semi-rigid portion 18 extending from the outer end of strap 2 and connected to first flexible blade 19, preferably on the same side as rigid portion 18. First flexible blade 19 is also connected to rigid support 17.

[0060] Rigid support 17 is L-shaped, with a first leg 46 of the L serving as connection to first flexible blade 19 and a second leg 47 of the L facing away from first flexible blade 19 so that it can be assembled to a timepiece movement.

[0061] The adjustment device for adjusting the balance spring 25 also comprises a prestressing device 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. In this way, the stiffness of the balance spring can be adjusted. Thanks to the prestressing device 6, the torque or force can be adjusted continuously. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to an isolated value. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted very accurately.

[0062] The prestressing means 6 comprise a second flexible blade 21 which is arranged on the opposite side of the rigid portion 18 and in the extension of the first flexible blade 19 .

[0063] The other end of the second flexible blade 21 is connected to a curved rod 14 extending around the strip 2. In addition to the second flexible blade 21, the rod 14 is also connected to a semi-rigid structure 27 attached to the rigid support 17. When the rod 14 is actuated by a force or torque, the semi-rigid structure 27 is partially deformed.

[0064] The force or torque is exerted on the free end 15 of the rod 14 . In this way, the rod 14 of the prestressing device 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the second flexible blade 21 and the semi-rigid structure 27 , so as to modify the stiffness of the balance spring 25 .

[0065] In order to be able to apply a variable force or torque to balance spring 25 , the regulating organ comprises a particular actuation system 20 according to the invention.

[0066] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, regulating organ 1 comprises a stud holder 31 provided with a suspended stud 34. Stud holder 31 is mechanically connected to flexible element 5, but does not block strap 2. Stud holder 31 surrounds second bearing 28. To this end, stud holder 31 comprises a central ring 38 arranged around second bearing 28 and resting on balance cock 22.

[0067] The stud 34 cooperates with the second leg 47 of the rigid support 17. In this way, the prestressing means 6 and the flexible element 5 are supported by the stud holder 31 from which they are suspended.

[0068] Furthermore, stud 34 is rigidly attached to rigid support 17. In other words, stud 34 is integral with rigid support 17. Stud 34 and balance spring 25 are assembled, for example, by gluing, soldering, welding, deformation of metallic glass or mechanical fastening.

[0069] Stud 34 is movable relative to balance cock. To this end, stud holder 31 is rotatable relative to balance cock 22 about second bearing 28. Stud holder 34 is displaceable over an angular range of 20° or even 10°, for example.

[0070] By displacing the stud 34 relative to the balance cock 22 , the deflection of the speed regulating mechanism 1 can be adjusted.

[0071] According to the invention, the actuation system 20 further comprises an actuator 30 configured to actuate the rod 14. The actuator 30 is mechanically connected to the prestressing device 6 and is configured to at least partially perform a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, displacement in order to actuate the prestressing device 6.

[0072] In other words, at least a portion of actuator 30 moves substantially along a straight line, unlike stud holder 31 which rotates, for example by turning about an axis. In this way, at least a portion of actuator 30 moves towards or away from balance spring 25 in a direction substantially oriented towards the balance spring.

[0073] Preferably, the direction of displacement of actuator 30 is substantially radial relative to balance wheel 23 and balance spring 25. In this way, the straight line along which actuator 30 moves is directed towards the center of balance wheel 23 and balance spring 25. This also makes the setting of the travel time independent of the setting of the runout.

[0074] The actuator 30 is eccentric with respect to the regulating mechanism, i.e. it is mounted at a distance from the center of the regulating mechanism 1 and is connected only to the rod 14 of the regulating device. The actuator 30 is therefore not mounted directly on the regulating mechanism 1, for example on a bearing 28 of the regulating mechanism 1 like a stud holder.

[0075] In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is mounted on the swing cock plate 22. Preferably, the actuator 30 is mounted on a plate substantially perpendicular to the plane of the swing cock plate 22. More specifically, the actuator 30 is assembled on the edge of the swing cock plate 22.

[0076] exist Figure 5 and 6 , the actuator 30 comprises in particular a stationary portion 33 mounted on the swing cock 22, a movable portion 37 movable relative to the swing cock 22 and connected to the lever 14, and a spring portion 35 formed by a flexible guide, the spring portion 35 connecting the movable portion 37 to the stationary portion 33. The stationary portion 33 and the movable portion 37 are preferably rigid. The stationary portion 33, the spring portion 35 and the movable portion 37 are arranged in the same plane. Therefore, the actuator 30 is flat overall and extends substantially in one plane.

[0077] In order to actuate said rod 14, the actuator 30 comprises a hook 39 engaging with the rod 14, the hook 39 being mounted on the movable part 37. The hook 39 at least partially surrounds the rod 14, but can also be closed around it.

[0078] The radial displacement of the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 pulls or pushes the rod 14 radially relative to the balance spring 25. This changes the stiffness of the flexible element 5, since the displacement of the rod 14 exerts a greater or lesser force or torque on the flexible element 5, causing a change in the stiffness of the flexible element 5 and therefore of the balance spring 25 as a whole. Thus, the actuation system 20 allows the regulation of the rate difference of the regulating organ 1.

[0079] Here, stationary part 33 has a substantially square shape and is provided with at least one attachment recess 41, preferably two attachment recesses 41, 42, each intended to receive a stud 43, 44 extending from balance cock 22. Attachment recesses 41, 42 are arranged, for example, on diagonally opposite sides of stationary part 33.

[0080] Each recess 41, 42 is provided with a flexible spring 48, 49 arranged in the recess 41, 42. The first recess 41 is open at the side so that it can slide laterally around the first column 43. The second recess 42 is closed and can receive the second column 44 by inserting it into the second recess 42. When the column 43, 44 enters the recess 41, 42, the flexible springs 48, 49 are deformed and serve as supporting means to keep the column 43, 44 in the recess 41, 42. In addition, the flexible springs 48, 49 make it possible to improve the positioning accuracy by overcoming the play when the column 43, 44 is positioned in the recess 41, 42 (preferably in the same direction).

[0081] As shown in the figure, the actuator 30 is mounted on the balance cock 22 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the machine plate and the balance cock 22. Therefore, the actuator 30 is mounted on the edge of the balance cock 22.

[0082] Spring portion 35 is arranged below stationary portion 33 in such a way that it extends below the level of balance cock 22 .

[0083] In this example, the spring portion 35 comprises a plurality of translation stages / translation stages 51, 52, 53, 54 with flexible blades arranged in series one after the other. They are defined as "in series" because the displacement of each translation stage is at least partially cumulative.

[0084] Each translation stage 51, 52, 53, 54 comprises a pair of substantially parallel flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64, and a rigid section 56, 57, 58, 59 on which the pair of flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64 are mounted.

[0085] The first translation stage 51 is arranged below the stationary part 33 and has a first rigid section 56 which is lengthened so as to be associated with the second translation stage 52 which is arranged end to end with the first translation stage 51. In this way, the second pair of flexible blades 52 is substantially parallel to the first pair of flexible blades 51. The second rigid section 57 is substantially parallel to the first rigid section 56 but offset by half the length of the first rigid section 56.

[0086] The second rigid section 57 is also lengthened to associate the third translation stage 53 with the second translation stage 52 in an end-to-end arrangement and thus the third translation stage 53 is substantially parallel to the first translation stage 51. The third pair of flexible blades 63 is substantially parallel to the first and second pairs of flexible blades 61,62.

[0087] The actuator 30 includes a fourth translation stage 54, which is arranged on a different side of the first translation stage 51 from the second translation stage 52 and the third translation stage 53. The fourth translation stage 54 is arranged end to end with the third translation stage 53.

[0088] In this manner, the fourth pair of flexible blades 64 are substantially parallel to the other pairs of flexible blades, and the fourth section 59 is arranged in substantially the same direction as the second section 57 .

[0089] The third translation stage 53 and the fourth translation stage 54 are connected by an arm 55 , which extends from the third section 58 and passes under the first rigid section 56 of the first translation stage 51 .

[0090] This arrangement of translation stages 51 , 52 , 53 and 54 enables the movable portion 37 to be displaced in a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, manner while keeping the actuator 30 compact.

[0091] Preferably, the actuator 30 comprises an even number of translation stages, because two translation stages arranged end to end allow the vertical deviations of the hook 39 produced by each translation stage to compensate each other. In this way, the hook 39 is kept at substantially the same height during movement.

[0092] The movable part 37 extends from the fourth section 59. The movable part 37 is preferably rigid. In this example, the movable part 37 has an elbow shape, which is formed by a first section 66 arranged perpendicular to the fourth section 59 and a second section 67 forming a right angle with the first section 66.

[0093] The hook 39 of the actuator 30 is located at the end of the second section 67. At the free end of the first section 66, a projection 68 serves as a bearing against which the movable part 37 can be moved.

[0094] By pressing the protrusion 68 with more or less force, the movable part 37 is moved more or less close to the stationary part 33 due to the deformation of the translation stages 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 of the spring part 35 .

[0095] In this way, the hook 39 pulls the rod 14 with more or less force in order to actuate the adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element 5 .

[0096] The displacement direction of the movable part 39 of the actuator 30 and of the rod 14 is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the rod 14 .

[0097] Furthermore, the rod 14 is preferably movable in the hook 39 so that the rod 14 can slide when the rod 14 is angularly displaced. To this end, the rod 14 comprises a free end 15 cooperating with the hook 39.

[0098] For example, in order to be able to adjust the runout of regulating organ 1 , stud holder 31 must be able to rotate. Balance spring 25 thus rotates together with stud holder 31 , and free end 15 of stem 14 slides in hook 39 .

[0099] With this actuation system 20, the yaw can be adjusted without changing the position of the actuator 30, in particular relative to the movement plate. The mechanical link between the actuator 30 and the rod 14 is maintained whatever the position of the rod 14 relative to the actuator 30.

[0100] Such an actuation system 20 thus enables the rate difference and the runout to be adjusted independently of one another while maintaining a constant predetermined position of the actuator in the movement, for example relative to the plate and balance-cock 22 .

[0101] The actuation system 20 also comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator 30 so as to be able to displace the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 .

[0102] like Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the adjustment device comprises a pivoting lever 45 arranged to displace the movable part 37 of the actuator 30. The lever 45 is preferably arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30 and in contact with the projection 68 of the movable part 37.

[0103] The control lever 45 has a pivot arm 69 and a support arm 71 which is connected to a hub 72 which pivots the control lever 45 .

[0104] The support arm 71 cooperates with the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 so as to mechanically displace the movable part 37 by contact. The support arm 71 pushes the projection 68 of the movable part 37 to a greater or lesser extent to move it. Thus, the hook 39 pulls the rod 14 of the balance spring 25 to a greater or lesser extent. The control lever 45 is configured to pivot in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30.

[0105] Control lever 45 is configured to be mounted on the plate of the movement via a hub 72 rotatable about a screw 73 mounted on the plate.

[0106] Thus, by rotating the control rod 45 about the screw 73 , the movable portion 37 is moved towards or away from the stationary portion 33 , thereby changing the position of the rod 14 , due to the deformation of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 to a greater or lesser extent.

[0107] The adjustment device also comprises a control screw 70 which is mechanically connected to the pivot arm 69 in order to control the pivoting of the control lever 45. The axis of the control screw 70 is arranged in the plane of the control lever 45 in the direction of the pivot arm 69.

[0108] Thus, by tightening or loosening the control screw 70 , the control rod 45 and the actuator 30 are actuated so as to move the hook 39 and therefore the rod 14 of the prestressing device 6 .

[0109] The restoring force of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 pushes the control lever 45 against the control screw 70. In this way, the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45 is held against the control screw 70.

[0110] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the control screw 70, the control rod 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the rod 15 are all in a first position, in which the hook 39 slightly pulls the rod 15. The dashed lines show that the control rod 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the rod 15 are in the same position as the first position. Fig.10 The corresponding second position.

[0111] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the control screw 70, the control rod 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the rod 15 are all in the second position, in which the pulling force of the hook 39 on the rod 15 is greater than Fig. 9 Medium is bigger.

[0112] In the second position, the control screw 70 pushes the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45, so that the support arm 71 in contact with the protrusion 68 in turn pushes the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 towards the stationary part 33 by deformation of the spring part 35. In this way, the hook 39 pulls the rod 14, which is displaced eccentrically.

[0113] In this deformed configuration of the spring portion 35 , the flexible blades of the first and third translation stages 51 , 53 deform in the same first direction, while the flexible blades of the second and fourth translation stages 52 , 54 deform in the same second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

[0114] A spring 74 is arranged around the screw 73 for pressing the actuator 30 against the swing bridge 22 to prevent the actuator 30 from falling off.

[0115] The spring 74 clamps the screw 73. The spring 74 is U-shaped and surrounds the screw 73. In this example, one leg of the U-shape extends from the stationary part 33 of the actuator 30 to which it is attached.

[0116] 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 alternatives may be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement, the speed regulating mechanism (1) comprising: A balance wheel (23) as an inertial mass body; a hairspring (25) containing a wound strip (2); and an adjustment device for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the adjustment device being provided with a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the wound strip (2), the adjustment device comprising a prestressing device (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) to adjust the travel time difference of the speed regulating mechanism (1), the speed regulating mechanism (1) also comprising an actuation system (20) for actuating the prestressing device (6), characterized in that the actuation system comprises an actuator (30) mechanically connected to the prestressing device (6), the actuator (30) being configured to perform at least partially a linear displacement in order to actuate the prestressing device (6).

2. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The displacement of the actuator (30) relative to the balance spring (25) is in the radial direction.

3. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The actuator (30) is off-center and mounted at a distance from the center of the speed regulating mechanism (1).

4. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The prestressing device (6) comprises a rod (14) connected to the flexible element (5), the actuation of which makes it possible to vary a variable force or torque on the flexible element (5), thereby varying the stiffness of the flexible element (5).

5. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the actuator (30) is actuated, the actuator (30) causes the rod (14) to displace.

6. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 5, characterized in that: The actuator includes a hook portion (39) engaged with the rod (14).

7. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rod (14) is movable in the hook (39) so that the rod (14) can slide when the rod (14) is angularly displaced.

8. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 7, characterized in that: The speed regulating mechanism (1) comprises a swing plate (22), and the actuator (30) is mounted on the swing plate (22).

9. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 8, characterized in that: The actuator (30) is perpendicular to the swing plate (22).

10. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 8, characterized in that: The actuator (30) comprises a stationary part (33) stationary relative to the swing cock (22), a spring part (35), and a movable part (37) movable due to the spring part (35), wherein the movable part (37) comprises the hook (39).

11. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 10, characterized in that: The movable portion (37) is movable in a direction orthogonal to the rod (14).

12. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 10, characterized in that: The spring portion (35) comprises at least one translation stage (51) having flexible blades.

13. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 10, characterized in that: The actuation system (20) comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator so as to be able to displace the movable part (37) of the actuator (30).

14. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 13, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises a pivoting control lever (45), the control lever (45) comprising a pivoting arm (69) and a supporting arm (71), the supporting arm (71) cooperating with the movable part (37) of the actuator (30) so as to mechanically displace the movable part (37) by contact.

15. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 14, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises a control screw (70) which is mechanically connected to the pivot arm (69) in order to control the pivoting of the control lever (45).

16. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 8, characterized in that: The speed regulating mechanism comprises a stud holder (31) mechanically connected to the flexible element (5), the stud holder (31) comprising a stud (34) on which the flexible element (5) is mounted.

17. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 16, characterized in that: The stud holder (31) can rotate relative to the balance cock (22) to adjust the deflection of the speed regulating mechanism (1).

18. The speed regulating mechanism (1) for a watch movement according to claim 16, characterized in that: The flexible element (5) is connected to a rigid support (17) mounted on the stump (34).

19. A watch movement, characterized in that: The timepiece movement comprises a regulating organ (1) for a timepiece movement according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A timepiece, characterized in that: The timepiece comprises a timepiece movement according to claim 19 .

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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