An adjustable stiffness silicon balance spring and balance spring component

Abstract

The utility model belongs to mechanical clock technology field especially relates to a kind of stiffness-adjustable silicon hairspring and hairspring component. Including hairspring inner end, the hairspring inner end is used to install to balance wheel shaft;With the hairspring inner end connection's hairspring body, the hairspring body includes first hairspring partial body and second hairspring partial body, the first hairspring partial body and the second hairspring partial body are with the hairspring inner end as center of circle plane helix curve winding shape, the first hairspring partial body and the second hairspring partial body mutually close and with preset interval arrangement;When the interval between the first hairspring partial body and the second hairspring partial body is adjusted, the stiffness of the hairspring body is changed.The utility model can realize by adjusting the stiffness of silicon hairspring to adjust the time precision, with the advantages of wide adjustment range, high adjustment precision, convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of mechanical clock and watch technology, and in particular relates to an adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring and hairspring component. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of precision mechanical timekeeping, the hairspring, as the core elastic element in the regulating mechanism, plays a crucial role. Working in conjunction with the balance wheel system, it generates stable periodic oscillations, thereby controlling the timekeeping accuracy of the movement. For a long time, metal hairsprings (such as steel or alloy hairsprings) have dominated, and although their performance has been continuously optimized, they still face inherent challenges such as magnetization, temperature sensitivity, and aging. In the 21st century, the introduction of silicon materials brought a revolutionary breakthrough to hairspring technology. With its excellent antimagnetism, extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, lightweight characteristics, and the high geometric precision and consistency achieved through its manufacturing process, silicon hairsprings have significantly improved the performance stability and accuracy potential of mechanical watches, becoming one of the key technologies of modern high-end mechanical wristwatches.

[0003] However, the inherent properties of silicon, especially its brittleness, while offering many advantages, also introduce a significant technical obstacle: traditional methods for adjusting timekeeping accuracy are difficult to apply directly. For traditional metal hairsprings, a regulator mechanism is widely used for adjustment. This regulator clamps and moves the outer end of the hairspring's working point, changing the effective length of the hairspring participating in oscillation, thereby finely adjusting the oscillation period and thus regulating the timekeeping speed. This method is relatively intuitive, with a wide adjustment range and high precision. However, the brittleness of silicon makes it unable to withstand the localized stress and friction generated by the clamping and movement of the regulator; forced use can lead to hairspring breakage or irreversible damage.

[0004] To address the challenges of adjusting silicon hairsprings, the industry has primarily focused on adjusting the moment of inertia of the balance wheel, for example, by using adjustable balance wheel weights. While this method avoids direct contact with the silicon hairspring, it also has significant limitations: the adjustment process often requires specialized tools and a high level of skill, unlike the convenient, intuitive, and precise fine-tuning of a regulator. This greatly restricts the ease, accuracy, and flexibility of precise adjustments after the movement leaves the factory and during long-term maintenance of silicon hairspring movements.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a silicon hairspring and hairspring components with adjustable stiffness that can support a wide range of high precision and convenient adjustment of timekeeping accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring and hairspring components, which can adjust the timekeeping accuracy by adjusting the stiffness of the silicon hairspring, and has the advantages of wide adjustment range, high adjustment accuracy, and convenient operation.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring, comprising:

[0009] The inner end of the hairspring is used to be mounted onto the balance wheel shaft;

[0010] The hairspring body is connected to the inner end of the hairspring. The hairspring body includes a first hairspring section and a second hairspring section. Both the first hairspring section and the second hairspring section are wound in a planar spiral curve with the inner end of the hairspring as the center. The first hairspring section and the second hairspring section are close to each other and arranged at a preset distance.

[0011] When the distance between the first and second hairspring components is adjusted, the stiffness of the hairspring is changed.

[0012] Furthermore, the first and second hairspring components are arranged at a predetermined spacing in the thickness direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the first and second hairspring segments are of the same length. The end of the first hairspring segment furthest from the inner end of the hairspring is the outer end of the first segment, and the end of the second hairspring segment furthest from the inner end of the hairspring is the outer end of the second segment. The outer ends of the first and second segments are used to connect to the outer stud of the hairspring.

[0014] Furthermore, when the distance between the outer ends of the first and second spindles is adjusted, the distance between the first and second spindles gradually changes from the outer ends of the first and second spindles towards the inner end of the spindle, thus changing the equivalent cross-section of the spindle and consequently altering its stiffness.

[0015] Optionally, when the distance between the outer ends of the first and second split bodies is adjusted, the distance between the first and second split bodies changes locally at the outer ends of the first and second split bodies, and the equivalent length of the hairspring is changed, thereby changing the stiffness of the hairspring.

[0016] Furthermore, the equivalent curve formed by the first and second hairspring components is an Archimedean spiral.

[0017] Furthermore, the first and second hairspring components are provided with an elastic body at the connection point with the inner end of the hairspring. When the distance between the first and second hairspring components is adjusted, the elastic body deforms.

[0018] Furthermore, the first and second hairspring components have an inner notch at their connection points with the inner end of the hairspring to form the elastic body. The thickness of the elastic body at its connection point with the first hairspring component is less than the thickness of the first hairspring component, and the thickness of the elastic body at its connection point with the second hairspring component is less than the thickness of the second hairspring component.

[0019] Furthermore, a single spiral hairspring is connected between the elastomer and the inner end of the hairspring.

[0020] This utility model also provides a hairspring component, including the aforementioned adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring, and further comprising:

[0021] A first support member connected to the outer end of the first split part of the first hairspring;

[0022] A second support member connected to the outer end of the second split of the second hairspring split;

[0023] An adjusting member is provided between the first support member and the second support member, the adjusting member being used to adjust the first support member and the second support member to change the spacing between the first hairspring split and the second hairspring split.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes the outer end of a component for connecting to the outer stud of the hairspring, wherein the first support and the second support are elastically connected to the outer end of the component, and the adjusting component is a cam structure.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0026] This invention features a first and second hairspring unit arranged close to each other at a preset distance. By adjusting the distance between them, the overall stiffness of the hairspring can be changed without physically clamping the hairspring body, thereby achieving high-precision adjustment of the balance wheel system's vibration frequency. By making the first and second hairspring units the same length and providing external ends for connecting the hairspring stud, a unified and symmetrical adjustment force can be applied to the two units through the external ends, allowing stiffness adjustment by changing the equivalent moment of inertia or effective working length of the hairspring. The inclusion of an elastic body ensures that stress is effectively absorbed and released by the deformation of the elastic body during spacing adjustment. This invention allows for timekeeping accuracy adjustment by regulating the stiffness of the silicon hairspring, offering advantages such as a wide adjustment range, high precision, and convenient operation. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the silicon hairspring of this utility model;

[0028] Appendix Figure 2 This is an appendix to this utility model. Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A in the image;

[0029] Appendix Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the equivalent curve of the silicon hairspring of this utility model;

[0030] Appendix Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hairspring component of this utility model;

[0031] The diagram shows the following markings: 1-Inner end of the hairspring, 110-Mounting hole; 2-Hairspring body, 210-First hairspring split, 211-Outer end of the first split, 220-Second hairspring split, 221-Outer end of the second split; 3-Elastomer; 4-Inner notch; 5-First support; 6-Second support; 7-Adjusting component; 8-Outer end of component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In the embodiments of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] See appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4 The figure shows a specific embodiment of the adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring and hairspring component provided by this utility model.

[0037] See appendix Figure 1 Adjustable stiffness silicon hairsprings include:

[0038] Inner end 1 of the hairspring is used to be installed onto the balance wheel shaft;

[0039] The hairspring body 2 is connected to the inner end 1 of the hairspring. The hairspring body 2 includes a first hairspring section 210 and a second hairspring section 220. Both the first hairspring section 210 and the second hairspring section 220 are wound in a planar spiral curve with the inner end 1 of the hairspring as the center. The first hairspring section 210 and the second hairspring section 220 are close to each other and arranged at a preset distance.

[0040] When the distance between the first hairspring split 210 and the second hairspring split 220 is adjusted, the stiffness of the hairspring body 2 is changed.

[0041] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 3In the above embodiment, the inner end 1 of the hairspring is provided with a mounting hole 110, through which the inner end 1 of the hairspring is mounted to the balance wheel shaft. The hairspring body 2 is wound in a planar helical curve with the mounting hole 110 as the center. In the embodiment, the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 are arranged close to each other, and the preset distance between them is an adjustable distance greater than or equal to 0. When the distance between them is 0, the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 are in close contact with each other. In the embodiment, the distance between the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 can be equal or unequal, and the cross-sectional shape or width of the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 is a specific fixed value or a variable value. The equivalent curve formed by the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 is a specific curve. In this embodiment, the equivalent curve is an Archimedean spiral. When the distance between the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 is adjusted, the equivalent cross-sectional moment of inertia or effective working length of the hairspring 2 is changed, thereby altering the stiffness of the hairspring 2. This allows for adjustment of the oscillation period or beat of the balance wheel and hairspring system without changing the moment of inertia of the balance wheel, thus achieving fine-tuning of the watch's timekeeping. Compared to traditional free-sprung balance systems or structures, this method, which changes the oscillation period or beat of the balance wheel and hairspring system without altering the hairspring length or the moment of inertia of the balance wheel, offers advantages such as a wide adjustment range, high adjustment precision, and convenient operation.

[0042] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 In the above embodiments, the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 are arranged at a preset spacing in the thickness direction. In the embodiments, when the spiral silicon hairspring is placed horizontally on a plane, the horizontal direction is the thickness direction of the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220, and the vertical direction is the width direction of the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220.

[0043] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 In the above embodiment, the first spindle spring segment 210 and the second spindle spring segment 220 are of the same length. The end of the first spindle spring segment 210 away from the inner end 1 of the spindle spring is the outer end 211 of the first spindle spring segment, and the end of the second spindle spring segment 220 away from the inner end 1 of the spindle spring segment is the outer end 221 of the second spindle spring segment. The outer ends 211 and 221 of the first spindle spring segment are used to connect to the outer stud of the spindle spring. In the embodiment, the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first spindle spring segment can be directly connected to the outer stud of the spindle spring segment or indirectly connected to the outer stud of the spindle spring segment. The fact that the first spindle spring segment 210 and the second spindle spring segment 220 are of the same length facilitates the application of a uniform and symmetrical adjustment force to the first spindle spring segment 210 and the second spindle spring segment 220 through the outer ends 211 and 221, ensuring the stability of the shape of the spindle spring 2 after adjustment.

[0044] See appendix Figure 1 and attached Figure 3 In the above embodiment, when the distance between the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first and second spindle springs is adjusted, the distance between the first spindle spring spool 210 and the second spindle spring spool 220 gradually changes from the outer ends 211 and 221 towards the inner end 1 of the spindle spring. This alters the equivalent cross-section of the spindle spring 2, thereby changing its stiffness. In this embodiment, after changing the distance between the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first and second spindle springs, a change in distance occurs in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the change is gradual from the outer end to the inner end, which can be simplified to a specific average distance value.

[0045] Specifically, for a spiral hairspring, the stiffness formula is k = EI / L, where E is the Young's modulus of the material, I is the moment of inertia of the hairspring cross-section about the neutral axis, and L is the effective length of the hairspring; in this embodiment, E and L are constants. Taking the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 as rectangular cross-sections as an example, the moment of inertia of a single hairspring is I = (1 / 12)·b·h 3 Where b is the cross-sectional width and h is the cross-sectional thickness. When the distance between the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 is 0, the total thickness H = 2h; when the average distance between the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 is d, the distance from each hairspring component to the neutral axis is d / 2. Therefore, the total moment of inertia of the combined cross-section Itotal = (1 / 6)·b·h 3 + (1 / 2)·b·h·d 2 .

[0046] As can be seen, when the distance between the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 increases, the total moment of inertia of their combined cross section increases accordingly. Therefore, the total stiffness of the hairspring body 2 increases, the vibration period of the hairspring system decreases, and the watch runs faster. When the distance between the first hairspring component 210 and the second hairspring component 220 decreases, the total moment of inertia of their combined cross section decreases accordingly. Therefore, the total stiffness of the hairspring body 2 decreases, the vibration period of the hairspring system increases, and the watch runs at full speed, thus achieving fine adjustment of the watch's timekeeping.

[0047] In another embodiment, when the distance between the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first and second spindle springs is adjusted, the distance between the first spindle spring spool 210 and the second spindle spring spool 220 changes locally at the outer ends 211 and 221, thus altering the equivalent length of the spindle spring 2 and consequently its stiffness. In this embodiment, the distance between the first spindle spring spool 210 and the second spindle spring spool 220 only changes gradually at positions closer to the outer stud, while remaining unchanged at positions farther from the outer stud. Due to the stress at the outer ends 211 and 221, the equivalent length of the spindle spring 2 is altered, thereby changing its stiffness and achieving the effect of quickly adjusting the watch's timekeeping accuracy.

[0048] See appendix Figure 2 In the above embodiment, the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 are provided with an elastic body 3 at their connection with the inner end 1 of the hairspring. When the distance between the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 is adjusted, the elastic body 3 deforms. In this embodiment, when adjusting the distance, the stress can be effectively absorbed and released by the deformation of the elastic body 3, avoiding stress concentration at the brittle silicon material connection root, thereby greatly improving the reliability of adjustment and the durability of the hairspring.

[0049] See appendix Figure 2 In the above embodiment, the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 have an inner notch 4 at their connection with the inner end 1 of the hairspring to form an elastic body 3. The thickness of the elastic body 3 at its connection with the first hairspring segment 210 is less than the thickness of the first hairspring segment 210, and the thickness of the elastic body 3 at its connection with the second hairspring segment 220 is less than the thickness of the second hairspring segment 220. In this embodiment, by forming a thinner elastic body 3 at the inner notch 4, a highly efficient hinge function is achieved, making the relative deflection of the hairspring segments more flexible and smooth, and the equivalent curve of the hairspring remains unchanged or changes very little, making it suitable for one-time molding manufacturing using silicon micromachining technology. In this embodiment, the inner notch is a circular notch.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, a single spiral hairspring is connected between the elastomer 3 and the inner end 1 of the hairspring. In this embodiment, the elastomer 3 is positioned near the outer end 211 of the first split hairspring and the outer end 221 of the second split hairspring, i.e., near the outer stud of the hairspring. From the inside out, the components are the inner end 1 of the hairspring, the single hairspring, the elastomer 3, and the split hairspring. When the distance between the first split hairspring 210 and the second split hairspring 220 is changed, the change in stress is equivalent to changing the effective length of the hairspring, thereby altering the stiffness of the hairspring.

[0051] See appendix Figure 4 This embodiment also provides a hairspring component, including the aforementioned adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring, and further comprising:

[0052] The first support member 5 is connected to the outer end 211 of the first split part of the first hairspring split part 210;

[0053] The second support member 6 is connected to the outer end 221 of the second split body 220;

[0054] An adjusting member 7 is disposed between the first support member 5 and the second support member 6. The adjusting member 7 is used to adjust the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 to change the spacing between the first hairspring assembly 210 and the second hairspring assembly 220. In this embodiment, by integrating an adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring, the first support member 5, the second support member 6, and the adjusting member 7, a complete, ready-to-use hairspring component is realized, making movement assembly and subsequent timekeeping accuracy adjustment simple and efficient.

[0055] See appendix Figure 4 In the above embodiment, it also includes an outer end 8 of a component for connecting to the outer stud of the hairspring. The first support member 5 and the second support member 6 are elastically connected to the outer end 8 of the component, and the adjusting member 7 is a cam structure. In the embodiment, when the adjusting member 7 is rotated, the cam rotates and pushes the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 away from each other, thereby changing the distance between the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first split body and thus changing the distance between the first hairspring split body 210 and the second hairspring split body 220, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the timekeeping accuracy. The first support member 5 and the second support member 6 are elastically connected to the outer end 8 of the component. When the distance between the first support member 5 and the second support member 6 changes, the area of ​​the elastic connection deforms.

[0056] In summary, this embodiment provides an adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring and hairspring components. By arranging a first hairspring segment 210 and a second hairspring segment 220 close to each other at a preset distance, and by adjusting the distance between them, the overall stiffness of the hairspring body 2 can be changed without physically clamping the hairspring body, thereby adjusting the vibration frequency of the balance wheel system with high precision. By making the first hairspring segment 210 and the second hairspring segment 220 the same length, and respectively providing the outer ends 211 and 221 of the first segment for connecting the hairspring stud, it is convenient to apply a uniform and symmetrical adjustment force to the two hairspring segments through the outer ends, thereby realizing the adjustment of stiffness by changing the equivalent cross-sectional moment of inertia or effective working length of the hairspring body 2. By providing an elastic body 3, the stress can be effectively absorbed and released by the deformation of the elastic body 3 when adjusting the distance. This embodiment can realize the adjustment of timekeeping accuracy by adjusting the stiffness of the silicon hairspring, and has the advantages of wide adjustment range, high adjustment accuracy, and convenient operation.

[0057] The embodiments described above are merely one of the preferred embodiments of this utility model. Ordinary variations and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A silicon hairspring with adjustable stiffness, characterized in that, include: The inner end (1) of the hairspring is used to be installed on the balance wheel shaft; The hairspring body (2) is connected to the inner end (1) of the hairspring. The hairspring body (2) includes a first hairspring section (210) and a second hairspring section (220). The first hairspring section (210) and the second hairspring section (220) are both wound in a planar spiral curve with the inner end (1) of the hairspring as the center. The first hairspring section (210) and the second hairspring section (220) are close to each other and arranged at a preset distance. When the distance between the first hairspring split (210) and the second hairspring split (220) is adjusted, the stiffness of the hairspring body (2) is changed.

2. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hairspring component (210) and the second hairspring component (220) are arranged at a preset spacing in the thickness direction.

3. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first spindle split (210) and the second spindle split (220) have the same length. The end of the first spindle split (210) away from the inner end (1) of the spindle is the first outer end (211), and the end of the second spindle split (220) away from the inner end (1) of the spindle is the second outer end (221). The first outer end (211) and the second outer end (221) are used to connect to the outer stud of the spindle.

4. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the distance between the outer end (211) of the first split body and the outer end (221) of the second split body is adjusted, the distance between the first split body (210) and the second split body (220) gradually changes from the outer end (211) of the first split body (211) and the outer end (221) of the second split body (221) toward the inner end (1) of the hairspring, and the equivalent cross section of the hairspring body (2) is changed, thereby changing the stiffness of the hairspring body (2).

5. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the distance between the outer end (211) of the first split body and the outer end (221) of the second split body is adjusted, the distance between the first split body (210) and the second split body (220) changes locally at the outer end (211) of the first split body and the outer end (221) of the second split body, and the equivalent length of the hairspring body (2) is changed, thereby changing the stiffness of the hairspring body (2).

6. A silicon hairspring with adjustable stiffness according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first hairspring split (210) and the second hairspring split (220) are provided with an elastic body (3) at the connection with the inner end (1) of the hairspring. When the distance between the first hairspring split (210) and the second hairspring split (220) is adjusted, the elastic body (3) deforms.

7. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first hairspring split (210) and the second hairspring split (220) have an inner notch (4) at the connection with the inner end (1) of the hairspring to form the elastic body (3). The thickness of the elastic body (3) at the connection with the first hairspring split (210) is less than the thickness of the first hairspring split (210), and the thickness of the elastic body (3) at the connection with the second hairspring split (220) is less than the thickness of the second hairspring split (220).

8. The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to claim 6, characterized in that, A single spiral hairspring is connected between the elastomer (3) and the inner end (1) of the hairspring.

9. A hairspring component, characterized in that, The adjustable stiffness silicon hairspring according to any one of claims 1-8 further includes: A first support member (5) is connected to the outer end (211) of the first split of the first hairspring split (210). A second support member (6) is connected to the outer end (221) of the second split of the second hairspring split (220); An adjusting member (7) is provided between the first support member (5) and the second support member (6), the adjusting member (7) being used to adjust the first support member (5) and the second support member (6) to change the distance between the first hairspring split (210) and the second hairspring split (220).

10. A hairspring component according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes an outer end (8) of a component for connecting to the outer stud of the hairspring, wherein the first support (5) and the second support (6) are elastically connected to the outer end (8) of the component, and the adjusting member (7) is a cam structure.

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