Adjustment mechanism of a watch bridge

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustment mechanism for a watch bridge fixed to a structure, said adjustment mechanism comprising, coaxial and movable relative to each other by sliding along a common axis and / or in rotation relative to said axis which defines the adjustment direction, and returned towards each other by an elastic return means or pressed against each other by a clamping means, a first component arranged to be fixed to said structure or to said bridge, and at least one second component arranged to be fixed to said bridge or respectively to said structure.

[0002] The invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism comprising at least one inertial mass cooperating with an elastic return means for maintaining the oscillation and defining the oscillation frequency, and comprising at least one such adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one bridge carrying means for pivoting the said at least one inertial mass.

[0003] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such clockwork oscillator mechanism, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism.

[0004] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timepiece movement, and / or at least one such timepiece oscillator mechanism, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism.

[0005] The invention relates to the field of geometric adjustment settings of watch components whose position determines the chronometric precision of a timepiece. Background of the invention

[0006] In watchmaking, the adjustment of the movements of moving components is a constant concern, amplified by the fact that, in a watch, such components can occupy all positions in the field of gravity.

[0007] The adjustment of the balance wheel swing is of capital importance for the precision of the oscillator.

[0008] The balance wheel swing adjustment is traditionally done by bending the balance bridge, or by moving the shock absorbers, which is on the one hand difficult to quantify, and on the other hand difficult to reverse in the case of adjustment by deformation.

[0009] Another possibility is to integrate one or more adjustment screws under the balance bridge support(s). While this avoids deformation of the bridge, precise marking remains cumbersome, and the play inherent in the screws must also be taken into account.

[0010] Another known solution, as described in document CH 714 379 A2, consists of using an intermediate ring cooperating by screwing with a screw foot secured to the plate, the screwing or unscrewing of the intermediate ring making it possible to adjust the support height of the bridge. However, precise adjustment remains inconvenient and the play specific to the use of a thread is not resolved.

[0011] Yet another known solution is described in document CH 506 116 A. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention consists in replacing the adjustment screws with ring-shaped components with double or even triple steps (for example 2x180° / 3x120°) that are smooth or notched. The variant with the use of notched steps has the advantage of allowing the number of steps taken to be felt, and of quantifying the value of the change in the clearance. In the case of smooth variants, operating with friction, it is the value of the angle that indicates the value of the displacement and change in the clearance.

[0013] Thus, the invention relates to a mechanism for adjusting a clock bridge fixed to a structure, according to claim 1.

[0014] The invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism comprising at least one inertial mass cooperating with an elastic return means for maintaining the oscillation and defining the oscillation frequency, and comprising at least one such adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one bridge carrying means for pivoting the said at least one inertial mass.

[0015] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising at least one such clockwork oscillator mechanism, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism.

[0016] The invention also relates to a timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising at least one such timepiece movement, and / or at least one such timepiece oscillator mechanism, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism. Summary description of the drawings

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: there figure 1 represents, in a schematic and simplified manner, and in plan view, a watch comprising a movement with a sprung balance oscillator, of which only the balance bridge is represented, fixed to a structure constituted by the plate of the watch at two points at the ends of this bridge, where two adjustment mechanisms according to the invention are installed; the figure 2represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, a first variant of such an adjustment mechanism, comprising a first component and a second component mounted coaxially and movable angularly and axially relative to each other, one being fixed to the bridge and the other to the plate, or vice versa; this first component and this second component each comprise a relief facing another relief of the other component, these reliefs not necessarily being complementary, and being arranged to take with each other a certain number of combinations of discrete positions, each resulting in a particular axial distance between the reference surfaces of the stack formed by this first component and this second component, each of the combinations corresponding to a different distance;the figure shows marks made on the external cylindrical diameter that each of the components has, a numerical or other marking can be added, and is not shown so as not to make the figure heavier; this figure also shows the cylindrical type guidance of the two components relative to each other; the; figure 3 represents, in a schematic and elevational manner, the mechanism of the figure 2 , and shows the first crenellated or toothed relief, on an annular sector, which this first component comprises, and its cooperation with a second crenellated or toothed relief of the second component; the figure 4 represents, in a schematic and perspective way, the only first component of the mechanism of the figure 2; this figure shows that the toothed crenellations it comprises are of different tooth height, and / or different tooth bottom height, and / or and of variable amplitude, and extend between distinct axial levels; in this particular execution the tooth edges and the tooth bottoms are not radial with respect to the common axis of the two components; the Figure 5represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, a variant of an adjustment mechanism close to the invention as defined in the attached set of claims, comprising a first component and a second component mounted coaxially and movable angularly and axially relative to each other, one being fixed to the bridge and the other to the plate, or vice versa; this first component and this second component each comprise a relief facing another relief of the other component, these reliefs being arranged to cooperate with each other by friction, but not necessarily being strictly complementary, each relative angular position between the two components corresponding to a particular axial distance between the reference surfaces of the stack formed by this first component and this second component; here the reliefs of the two components are in a helix with a very small pitch, on an annular track, each helix ending in a straight front;the figure shows marks made on the external cylindrical diameter that each of the components has, a numerical or other marking can be added, and is not shown so as not to make the figure heavier; this figure also shows the cylindrical type guidance of the two components relative to each other; the; figure 6 represents, in a schematic and elevational manner, the mechanism of the Figure 5 , in a position of minimum distance, where the straight edges of the propeller profiles touch; the figure 7 represents, in a schematic and perspective way, the only first component of the mechanism of the Figure 5 , and shows its helical profile, which has a friction surface that can be primed with a particular roughness, and / or a surface treatment intended to increase friction; the figure 8is a block diagram which represents a timepiece, in particular a watch comprising a movement with a sprung balance oscillator, comprising a balance bridge and two mechanisms for adjusting this bridge in relation to a structure. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0018] The invention relates to an adjustment mechanism 10 of a clockwork bridge 200 fixed to a structure 300.

[0019] The invention is illustrated in the figures, in a particular and non-limiting manner, for the adjustment of a bridge 200, which is a balance bridge, relative to a watch plate constituting such a structure 300.

[0020] This adjustment mechanism 10 comprises, coaxial and movable relative to each other by sliding along a common axis D10 and / or in rotation relative to this axis D10 which defines the adjustment direction, and returned towards each other by an elastic return means or pressed against each other by a clamping means, a first component 1 which is arranged to be fixed to the structure 300 or to the bridge 200, and at least one second component 4 which is arranged to be fixed to the bridge 200 or respectively to the structure 300.

[0021] According to the invention, the first component 1 comprises, on a first annular or circular sector around the axis D10, a first relief 3 or 7 facing a second relief 6 or 8 which the second component 4 comprises on a second annular or respectively circular sector around the same axis D10. This first relief 3 or 7 and this second relief 6 or 8 have a variable cooperation according to the relative angular position between the first component 1 and the second component 4. Each particular relative angular position defines a particular distance value between reference surfaces S1 and S2, perpendicular to the axis D10, of the first component 1 and the second component 4, which are for example their flat ends, opposite one another, in the non-limiting case of the figures.

[0022] Advantageously, the arrangement of the first relief 3 or 7 and the second relief 6 or 8 is intended to allow a sensitive adjustment for the watchmaker who carries out the adjustment of the play, and to allow him to return back, which the usual deformation of the bridge does not allow. This sensitive adjustment can be linked to jumps, in particular at the level of passage of notches, or of ascent / descent of steps, and / or to friction.

[0023] More particularly, and according to advantageous embodiments illustrated by the figures: the first relief 3 or 7 and the second relief 6 or 8 are arranged to guide the first component 1 and the second component 4 in an additional relative rotation towards a stable position among a finite number of stable equilibrium positions when they are pushed towards each other, each such stable position corresponding to an eigenvalue of distance between the reference surfaces S1 and S2, among a finite number of possible distance values. Even more particularly, each relative angular orientation induces a unique eigenvalue of distance H between the reference surfaces S1 and S2, which is different from all the other distance values ​​corresponding to all the other particular positions.

[0024] With regard to the friction variant, close to the invention as defined in the attached set of claims, the figures 5 to 7illustrate the case where, within the adjustment mechanism 10, the first relief 7 and the second relief 8 each comprise a friction surface capable of maintaining a stable relative angular orientation between the first component 1 and the second component 4 when they are pushed towards each other, in an infinite number of possible positions, each relative angular orientation inducing a distance value which is different from the distance values ​​corresponding to the other particular positions.

[0025] On these figures 5 to 7, the first component 1 and the second component 4 each comprise a relief 7, 8, facing another relief 8, 7, of the other component, these reliefs being arranged to cooperate with each other by friction, but not necessarily being strictly complementary. Each relative angular position between the two components 1 and 4 corresponds to an axial distance H between the reference surfaces S1, S2, particular to the stack formed by this first component and this second component. In these figures the reliefs 7 and 8 of the two components 1 and 4 are in a helix with a very small pitch, on an annular track, each helix ending in a straight front 91, 92.Marks 9, 90, 900 are made on the external cylindrical diameter of each of the components, a numerical or other marking can also be added; marks 90 and 900 correspond to the location of the fronts 91 and 92: In this example there is a cylindrical type guide between two surfaces 2, 5, of the two components 1 and 4 relative to each other.

[0026] As regards the variant with discrete positions, several executions are possible. The execution with notching, crenellation, or toothing, makes it possible to separate the positions well, to give the watchmaker clear information of change of position. Advantageously, the reliefs 3 and 6 are arranged so as to offer a range of several different distances H, and preferably obtained in an increasing order when the relative rotation between the first component 1 and the second component 4 is made in a single direction of rotation. Advantageously, at least one relief 3, 6, and more particularly each relief 3, 6, is of the helical staircase type, with a sloping surface allowing the change of step in both directions of rotation; each step can be substantially flat, or even hollow, as on the figures 2 to 4where each bearing corresponds to a dihedral guaranteeing good stability of the adjustment, and preventing any de-adjustment under the effect of vibrations or shocks during the life of the watch. These figures 2 to 4illustrate the case where, within the adjustment mechanism 10, the first relief 3 and the second relief 6 are arranged to guide the first component 1 and the second component 4 in an additional relative rotation towards a stable position among a finite number of stable equilibrium positions when they are pushed towards each other, where each stable position corresponds to a single eigenvalue of distance among a finite number of possible distance values ​​between said reference surfaces. These reliefs 3 and 6 are not necessarily complementary, and are arranged to take with each other a certain number of combinations of discrete positions, each resulting in a particular axial distance H between the reference surfaces S1 and S2 of the stack formed by this first component 1 and this second component 4, each of the combinations corresponding to a different distance.Marks 90, 900 are made on the external cylindrical diameter of each of the components, a numerical or other marking can also be added: In this example there is a cylindrical type guide between two surfaces 2, 5, of the two components 1 and 4 relative to each other. The . figure 4shows, in the lower part, a first female edge 33 of a first hollow dihedron corresponding to a first stair step, a slope leads to a high point constituted by a male edge 30 constituting a hard point to cross when changing the setting, a second dihedron comprises a second female edge 35, delimited by two oblique faces 31 and 32, this second female edge 35 is at a latitude different from that of the first female edge 33, and so on. It is understood that the number of setting positions can be further multiplied with a first component 1 and a second component 4 having different numbers of edges, and in particular prime numbers between them.

[0027] The invention also relates to a clockwork oscillator mechanism 500 comprising at least one inertial mass cooperating with an elastic return means for maintaining the oscillation and defining the oscillation frequency, and comprising at least one such adjustment mechanism 10 for adjusting at least one bridge 200 carrying means for pivoting the pivoting of this at least one inertial mass.

[0028] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement 500 comprising at least one such clockwork oscillator mechanism 100, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism 10.

[0029] The invention also relates to a watch, comprising at least one such clockwork movement 500, and / or at least one such clockwork oscillator mechanism 100, and / or at least one such adjustment mechanism 10.

[0030] The invention has the advantage of simple mechanical adjustment of the clearance.

[0031] The arrangement specific to the invention makes it possible to control the geometry of the supports (in particular the counter-pivot stones) and to keep the balance parallel to the plate. For simple adjustment of the play, the system must be sized to have the balance shaft very slightly constrained through the counter-pivot stones and the shock absorber springs. By angularly moving one of the two components (the other being fixed, on the plate or the bridge) continuously, the balance will be set in motion as soon as any play is present.

Claims

1. Adjustment mechanism (10) for adjusting a bridge (200) of a timepiece movement of a watch, fixed to a structure (300), said adjustment mechanism (10) comprising, coaxial and movable one with respect to the other by sliding along a common axis (D10) and / or in rotation with respect to said axis (D10), which defines the adjustment direction, and returned one towards the other by an elastic return means or pressed one against the other by a clamping means, a first component (1) arranged so as to be fixed to said structure (300) or to said bridge (200), and at least one second component (4, 8) arranged so as to be fixed to said bridge (200) or respectively to said structure (300), said first component (1) including, on a first annular or circular sector around said axis (D10), a first relief (3, 7) facing a second relief (6) that said second component (4, 8) includes on a second annular or respectively circular sector around said axis (D10), said first relief (3, 7) and said second relief (6) having variable cooperation depending on the relative angular position between said first component (1) and said second component (4, 8), each said particular relative angular position defining a particular distance H value between reference surfaces (S1, S2) perpendicular to said axis (D10) of said first component (1) and of said second component (4, 8), characterised in that said first relief (3, 7) and said second relief (6) are arranged to guide said first component (1) and said second component (4, 8) in an additional relative rotation towards a stable position among a finite number of stable equilibrium positions when they are pushed one towards the other, and in that each said stable position corresponds to a particular distance value among a finite number of possible distance values between said reference surfaces (S1, S2).

2. Adjustment mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that each relative angular orientation gives rise to a unique particular distance H value between the reference surfaces (S1, S2), which is different from all the other distance values corresponding to all the other particular positions.

3. Timepiece oscillator mechanism (100) including at least one inertial mass cooperating with an elastic return means for maintaining the oscillation and the definition of the oscillation frequency, and including at least one adjustment mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2, for adjusting at least one bridge carrying means for the pivotal guidance of said at least one inertial mass.

4. Timepiece movement (500) including at least one timepiece oscillator mechanism (100) according to claim 3, and / or at least one adjustment mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2.

5. Timepiece (1000) including at least one timepiece movement (500) according to claim 4, and / or at least one timepiece oscillator mechanism (100) according to claim 3, and / or at least one adjustment mechanism (10) according to one of claims 1 to 2.

6. Timepiece (1000) according to claim 5, characterised in that said timepiece (1000) is a watch.