Timepiece regulator provided with a linear actuation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a regulating organ (1) for a watch movement comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance wheel (23), a balance spring (25) comprising a wound ribbon (2) and means for adjusting the stiffness of the balance spring having a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising pre-stressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque on the flexible element (5) in order to adjust the operation of the regulating organ (1), the regulating organ (1) comprising a system for actuation of the pre-stressing means (6), the actuation system comprising an actuator (30) mechanically connected to the pre-stressing means (6), the actuator (30) being configured to perform at least in part a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, displacement to actuate the pre-stressing means (6).

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to the field of mechanical watchmaking, where the regulation of the driving energy is provided by a regulating organ.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a regulating organ provided with an actuation system, a watch movement comprising such a regulating organ, as well as a timepiece comprising such a watch movement. Technological background

[0003] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (e.g., the minute and hour hands) is stored in a barrel and then delivered by a balance-spring system, which includes a flywheel called a balance wheel, combined with a spring in the form of a spiral-wound ribbon called a balance spring.

[0004] At one internal end, the balance spring is fixed to a shaft which rotates with the balance wheel; at one external end, the balance spring is fixed to a stud mounted on a stud holder which is itself fixed to a fixed bridge (or balance cock).

[0005] The rotation of the balance wheel is maintained - and its oscillations counted - by an escapement mechanism comprising an anchor driven by a low-amplitude oscillating movement, equipped with two pallets which engage the teeth of an escape wheel. Thus engaged, the escape wheel is imposed a step-by-step rotation movement whose speed is determined by the oscillation frequency of the anchor, itself set to the oscillation frequency of the balance spring).

[0006] In a traditional escapement mechanism, the oscillation frequency is about 4 Hz, or about 28,800 vibrations per hour (A / h). One of the goals of good watchmakers is to ensure isochronism and regularity of the oscillations (or constancy of the rate) of the balance wheel.

[0007] It is known to regulate the rate of the balance wheel by adjusting the active length of the balance spring, defined as the curvilinear length between its internal end and a counting point, located near the external end of the balance spring and generally defined by a pair of stops carried by a key mounted on a rack system.

[0008] In operation, this index system is fixed in rotation relative to the balance spring axis. However, it is possible, by manual intervention, to finely adjust its angular position, e.g. by pivoting, using a screwdriver, an eccentric acting on the index system in the manner of a cam.

[0009] The assembly comprising the bridge, the index system, the key, the stud holder, the stud, the arbor, the spring and the balance wheel is commonly referred to as the "regulating organ". Examples of regulating organs are provided by European patent EP 2 876 504, in the name of the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0010] There are indexing systems that have a stud holder to which one end of the hairspring is attached, and whose indexing system key leaves a clearance to allow the hairspring to move between the two stops. However, the chronometric properties, in particular the anisochronism as a function of the amplitude, are very sensitive to the play of the hairspring at the index key, while this play is difficult to control precisely.

[0011] In some devices, the stops are adjustable to tighten the hairspring to eliminate play, especially during operation of the hairspring. In this case, the rate is first adjusted by moving the index key, then the hairspring is tightened with the key. But tightening the hairspring with the index key risks constraining it, and creating timekeeping defects, particularly by off-centering of the coils. In addition, removing play also modifies the rate, and once the hairspring is tightened, the index key can no longer be moved along the hairspring to finish fine-tuning the rate.

[0012] Other hairsprings have an integrated adjustment device. In these hairsprings, the rate is not adjusted 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. This allows the stiffness of the flexible element and therefore of the hairspring as a whole, i.e., the ribbon and the flexible element, to be changed. Adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring makes it possible to adjust the rate of the regulating member. Such a hairspring with a flexible element is, for example, described in patent applications EP4009115 and CH0700385 / 2021.

[0013] In these cases, the usual systems cannot be used, as they are not compatible with the balance spring adjustment device. In addition, since the rate must be adjusted very finely, it is essential that there is no play between the balance spring and its areas of interaction with the index assembly. Indeed, otherwise, there would be a risk of modifying the rate in the event of an impact, if the balance spring does not reposition itself in exactly the same way after the impact.

[0014] To use such a balance spring, a counter-rotation system has been described in patent applications EP22177059.7 and CH000678 / 2022. The counter-rotation system comprises a stud holder in two parts movable relative to each other, each part being provided with a stud on which the flexible element is mounted on the one hand, and the pre-stressing means acting on the flexible element on the other hand. Thus, by moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque applied to the flexible element is modified, in order to adjust the stiffness of the entire balance spring.

[0015] However, the racket system is complex to implement, because the moving parts of the piton holder each perform a rotary movement above the balance spring.

[0016] Furthermore, with this index system, the regulating organ occupies a significant space in the movement, which in particular increases its thickness. However, only certain movements are capable of integrating such a system. It cannot be mounted in smaller and especially thinner movements. Summary of the invention

[0017] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an actuation system compatible with this type of adjustment device, and which can be adapted into small watch movements.

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a regulating member for a watch movement, comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance, a balance spring comprising a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the balance spring provided with a flexible element arranged in series with the wound ribbon, the adjustment means comprising pre-stressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element in order to adjust the rate of the regulating member, the regulating member comprising a system for actuating the pre-stressing means.

[0019] The invention is remarkable in that the actuation system comprises an actuator mechanically connected to the prestressing means, the actuator being configured to perform a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, movement to actuate the prestressing means.

[0020] Thanks to the invention, we have a simplified actuation system, because the actuator has a linear movement, preferably rectilinear, and not rotary.

[0021] In addition, the actuation system is less thick, as the actuator is not arranged above the balance wheel and hairspring, but can be arranged next to it to avoid increasing the thickness of the movement.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movement of the actuator is substantially radial relative to the spiral spring.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is eccentric, and mounted at a distance from the center of the regulating member.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprise a lever connected to the flexible element, the actuation of the lever making it possible to vary the variable force or torque on the flexible element to modify the stiffness of the flexible element, and therefore of the spiral spring as a whole.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator moves the lever when it is actuated.

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

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lever is movable in the hook, so as to be able to slide when the lever performs an angular movement, and thus be positioned angularly independently of the position of the hook.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulating member comprises a balance bridge, on which the actuator is mounted.

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

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a part fixed relative to the balance bridge, a spring part and a part movable thanks to the spring part, the movable part comprising the hook.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable part is movable orthogonally to the direction of the lever.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring part comprises at least one translation table with flexible blades, preferably several translation tables arranged in series.

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

[0034] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprise a pivoting control rocker, the control rocker comprising a pivoting arm, and a support arm cooperating with the movable part of the actuator to move it mechanically by contact.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprise a control screw mechanically connected to the pivot arm to control the pivoting of the control rocker.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the regulating member comprises a stud holder mechanically linked 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 movable in rotation relative to the balance bridge, in order to be able to adjust the reference of the regulating organ.

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

[0039] The invention also relates to a clockwork movement comprising such a regulating organ.

[0040] The invention also relates to a timepiece, for example a watch, comprising such a timepiece movement. Brief description of the figures

[0041] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description of several embodiments given solely as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which: there figure 1 schematically represents a perspective view of a regulating organ according to an embodiment of the invention, the regulating organ being arranged in a clockwork movement, the figure 2 schematically represents a perspective view of part of the regulating organ of the figure 1 , without balance bridge, the figure 3 schematically represents a top view of part of the regulating organ of the figure 1 , without balance bridge, without piton holder and without bearing, the figure 4 schematically represents a view from below of a spiral spring of the regulating organ of the figure 1 , there Figure 5schematically represents a side view of the actuator of the actuation system of the regulating member of the figure 1 , there figure 6 schematically represents a side view of the actuator of the Figure 5 mounted on the balance bridge, the figure 7 schematically represents a perspective view of the actuator and the control rocker of the regulating member, and the figure 8 schematically represents a view from below of the regulating organ of the figure 1 , there figure 9 schematically represents a perspective view of the actuator and the control rocker of the regulating member in a first position, and the figure 10 schematically represents a perspective view of the actuator and the control rocker of the regulating member in a second position. Detailed description of the invention

[0042] THE figures 1 to 3show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a regulating member 1 intended to be arranged in a timepiece movement comprising a plate (not shown in the figures), provided with a housing. Such a movement is for example arranged in a timepiece, such as a watch.

[0043] The regulating member 1 comprises an inertial mass, here an annular balance wheel 23, a balance spring 25 as an elastic return element of the inertial mass configured to make it oscillate, a balance shaft 24, and a balance bridge 22. The elements are superimposed from bottom to top in the following order: the balance wheel 23, the balance spring 25, and the balance bridge 22.

[0044] The balance shaft 24 passes through the center of the balance wheel, the hairspring 25 and the balance bridge 22. The balance shaft 24 is held by two shock-absorbing bearings 28 arranged at both ends of the balance shaft 24. A first bearing is arranged below, and the second bearing 28 is arranged in the balance bridge 22. The balance bridge 22 is provided with a through hole in which the second bearing 28 is held.

[0045] Represented on the Figures 3 and 4 , the spiral spring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The spiral spring 25 comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound on itself in several turns, the ribbon 2 having a predefined stiffness. The internal end 9 of the ribbon 2 comes from the same material or is assembled to a rigid support 3, generally called a collet. The rigid support 3 has a substantially triangular shape, and is threaded around the balance shaft 24.

[0046] The spiral spring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its stiffness. For example, the adjustment means can be actuated by a user when the regulating member is mounted in the watch movement.

[0047] The adjustment means comprise a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, that is to say following the ribbon, preferably in its extension, the flexible element 5 connecting an external end 4 of said ribbon 2 to a rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integral with the external end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is an element different from the ribbon 2.

[0048] The flexible element 5 adds additional stiffness following that of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has a stiffness greater than that of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is here arranged in the extension of the strip 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the strip 2 are in one piece, or even formed from the same material, for example silicon.

[0049] The flexible element 5 of the spiral spring 25 comprises a first flexible blade 19 and a movable semi-rigid part 18, which extends from the external end of the ribbon 2, and is connected to the first flexible blade 19, preferably on the same side of the rigid part 18. The first flexible blade 19 is connected on the other hand to the rigid support 17.

[0050] The rigid support 17 has an L shape, a first branch 46 of the L serving as a connection with the first flexible blade 19, the second branch 47 of the L being oriented on the side opposite the first flexible blade 19 so that it can be assembled to the clockwork movement.

[0051] The spiral spring adjustment means 25 further comprise pre-stressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. Thus, the stiffness of the spiral spring can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable by the pre-stressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not restricted to point values. Thus, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with great precision.

[0052] The prestressing means 6 comprise a secondary flexible blade 21, arranged on an opposite side of the rigid part 18 in the extension of the first flexible blade 19.

[0053] The secondary flexible blade 21 is connected by the other end to a curved lever 14 going around the ribbon 2. The lever 14 is connected, in addition to the secondary flexible blade 21, to a semi-rigid structure 27 linked to the rigid support 17. The semi-rigid structure 27 deforms in part when the lever 14 is actuated by force or torque.

[0054] The force or torque is exerted on the free end 15 of the lever 14. Thus, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the secondary flexible blade 21 and the semi-rigid structure 27, so as to modify the stiffness of the spiral spring 25.

[0055] To be able to apply the variable force or torque to the spiral spring 25, the regulating member comprises a particular actuation system 20 according to the invention.

[0056] In the embodiment of the figures 1 to 3, the regulating member 1 comprises a stud holder 31 provided with a suspended stud 34. The stud holder 31 is mechanically linked to the flexible element 5, but it does not block the ribbon 2. The stud holder 31 surrounds the second bearing 28. For this, the stud holder 31 comprises a central ring 38 arranged around the second bearing 28, and which rests on the balance bridge 22.

[0057] The stud 34 cooperates with the second branch 47 of the rigid support 17. Thus, the prestressing means 6 and the flexible element 5 are supported by the stud holder 31 from which they are suspended.

[0058] Furthermore, the stud 34 is rigidly connected to the rigid support 17. In other words, the stud 34 is integral with the rigid support 17. The assembly of the stud 34 and the spiral spring 25 is for example carried out by gluing, brazing, welding, by deformation of metallic glass, or by mechanical fixing.

[0059] The stud 34 is movable relative to the balance bridge. For this purpose, the stud holder 31 is rotatable around the second bearing 28 relative to the balance bridge 22. The stud holder 34 can, for example, be moved over an angular range of 20°, or even 10°.

[0060] The movement of the stud 34 relative to the balance bridge 22 makes it possible to adjust the reference of the regulating organ 1.

[0061] According to the invention, the actuation system 20 further comprises an actuator 30 configured to actuate the lever 14. The actuator 30 is mechanically connected to the prestressing means 6, the actuator 30 being configured to perform at least in part a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, movement to actuate the prestressing means 6.

[0062] In other words, at least a portion of the actuator 30 moves substantially along a straight line, unlike, for example, the stud holder 31 which undergoes rotation by turning around an axis. Thus, at least a portion of the actuator 30 moves closer to or further away from the spiral spring 25 in a direction oriented substantially towards the spiral spring.

[0063] Preferably, the direction of movement of the actuator 30 is substantially radial relative to the balance 23 and the balance spring 25. Thus, the straight line along which the actuator 30 moves is directed towards the center of the balance 23 and the balance spring 25. In addition, this makes the adjustment of the rate independent of the adjustment of the reference mark.

[0064] The actuator 30 is eccentric relative to the regulating member, that is to say mounted at a distance from the center of the regulating member 1, and is only connected to the lever 14 of the adjustment means. Thus, the actuator 30 is not mounted directly on the regulating member 1, like a stud holder on a bearing 28 of the regulating member 1 for example.

[0065] In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is mounted on the balance bridge 22. Preferably, the actuator 30 is mounted substantially perpendicular to the plane of the balance bridge 22 on the plate. More precisely, it is assembled on a slice of the balance bridge 22.

[0066] On the Figures 5 and 6, the actuator 30 comprises in particular a fixed part 33 mounted on the balance bridge 22, a movable part 37 relative to the balance bridge 22 and connected to the lever 14, as well as a spring part 35, formed of a flexible guide, joining the movable part 37 to the fixed part 33. The fixed part 33 and the movable part 37 are preferably rigid. The fixed part 33, the spring part 35 and the movable part 37 are arranged in the same plane. Thus, the actuator 30 is generally flat, and extends substantially in one plane.

[0067] To actuate the lever 14, the actuator 30 comprises a hook 39 engaged with the lever 14, the hook 39 being mounted on the movable part 37. The hook 39 at least partially surrounds the lever 14, but it can also be closed around the lever 14.

[0068] A radial displacement of the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 pulls or pushes the lever 14 radially relative to the spiral spring 25. Thus, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 is modified, because the displacement of the lever 14 exerts a greater or lesser force or torque on the flexible element 5, so that the stiffness of the flexible element 5 varies, and consequently the stiffness of the spiral spring 25 as a whole. The actuation system 20 thus makes it possible to adjust the operation of the regulating member 1.

[0069] The fixed part 33 here has a substantially square shape, and is provided with at least one fixing notch 41, preferably two fixing notches 41, 42, each to receive a stud 43, 44 extending from the balance bridge 22. The fixing notches 41, 42 are for example arranged on two diagonally opposite sides of the fixed part 33.

[0070] Each notch 41, 42 is provided with a flexible tab 48, 49 arranged in the notch 41, 42. The first notch 41 is open on the side to slide it laterally around the first stud 43. The second notch 42 is closed, and can receive the second stud 44 by insertion into the second notch 42. The flexible tabs 48, 49 deform when a stud 43, 44 enters the notch 41, 42, and they serve as a support means to retain the stud 43, 44 in the notch 41, 42. In addition, the flexible tabs 48, 49 make it possible to improve the positioning accuracy by taking up the positioning clearances of the studs 43, 44 in the notches 41, 42, preferably in the same direction.

[0071] As shown in the figures, the actuator 30 is mounted on the balance bridge 22, so as to be substantially perpendicular to the plate and to the balance bridge 22. Thus, it is mounted on the edge of the balance bridge 22.

[0072] The spring part 35 is arranged under the fixed part 33, so that it extends below the level of the balance bridge 22.

[0073] The spring part 35 here comprises several translation tables 51, 52, 53, 54 with flexible blades arranged in series, one after the other. They are defined as being in series, because the movements of each translation table add up at least in part.

[0074] Each translation table 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 is mounted.

[0075] The first translation table 51 is arranged under the fixed part 33 and has a first rigid section 56 extended to associate with it a second translation table 52 arranged head to tail with respect to the first translation table 51. Thus, 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 is offset by half the length of the first rigid section 56.

[0076] The second rigid section 57 is also extended to associate a third translation table 53 arranged head to tail with respect to the second translation table 52, and therefore substantially parallel to the first translation table 51. The third pair of flexible blades 63 is substantially parallel to the first 61 and to the second pair of flexible blades 62.

[0077] The actuator 30 comprises a fourth translation table 54 arranged on the other side of the first translation table 5 relative to the second 52 and the third translation table 53. The fourth translation table 54 is arranged head to tail relative to the third translation table 53.

[0078] Thus, the fourth pair of flexible blades 64 is substantially parallel to the other pairs of flexible blades, and the fourth section 59 is arranged substantially in the same direction as the second section 57.

[0079] The third 53 and the fourth translation table 54 are connected by an arm 55 extending from the third section 58, and passing below the first rigid section 56 of the first translation table 51.

[0080] Such an arrangement of translation tables 51, 52, 53, 54 makes it possible to obtain a movement of the mobile part 37, which is substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, while maintaining a compact actuator 30.

[0081] Preferably, the actuator 30 comprises an even number of translation tables, since two translation tables arranged head to tail make it possible to mutually compensate for the vertical deviation of the hook 39 generated by each. Thus, the hook 39 remains substantially at the same height when it moves.

[0082] The movable part 37 extends from the fourth section 59. The movable part 37 is preferably rigid. The movable part 37 here has the shape of an elbow formed of a first segment 66 arranged perpendicular to the fourth section 59 and a second segment 67 forming a right angle with the first segment 66.

[0083] The hook 39 of the actuator 30 is arranged at the end of the second segment 67. At the free end of the first segment 66, a bulge 68 serves as a support to be able to move the movable part 37.

[0084] By pressing more or less hard on the bulge 68, the mobile part 37 comes closer or less to the fixed part 33, thanks to the deformation of the translation tables 51, 52, 53, 54 of the spring part 35.

[0085] Thus, the hook 39 pulls more or less strongly on the lever 14 to actuate the means for adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element 5.

[0086] The direction of movement of the movable part 39 of the actuator 30 and of the lever 14 is substantially orthogonal to the direction of the lever 14.

[0087] Furthermore, the lever 14 is preferably movable in the hook 39, so as to be able to slide when the lever 14 performs an angular displacement. For this purpose, the lever 14 comprises a free end 15 cooperating with the hook 39.

[0088] For example, to be able to adjust the reference mark of the regulating member 1, it is necessary to be able to rotate the stud holder 31. Consequently, the spiral spring 25 rotates with the stud holder 31, and the free end 15 of the lever 14 slides in the hook 39.

[0089] Thanks to such an actuation system 20, the reference mark can be adjusted without having to modify the position of the actuator 30, in particular relative to the plate of the movement. The mechanical connection between the actuator 30 and the lever 14 is maintained regardless of the position of the lever 14 relative to the actuator 30.

[0090] Thus, this actuation system 20 makes it possible to adjust the rate and the reference mark independently of each other, while having a constant predetermined position of the actuator in the movement, for example relative to the plate and the balance bridge 22.

[0091] The actuation system 20 further comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator 30 so as to be able to move the movable part 37 of the actuator 30.

[0092] As shown on the figures 7 to 10 , the adjustment means comprise a pivoting control rocker 45 arranged to move the movable part 37 of the actuator 30. The control rocker 45 is preferably arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30, and is in contact with the bulge 68 of the movable part 37.

[0093] The control rocker 45 comprises a pivot arm 69 and a support arm 71 connected to a hub 72 of the pivoting control rocker 45.

[0094] The support arm 71 cooperates with the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 to move it mechanically by contact. The support arm 71 pushes back the bulge 68 of the movable part 37 to a greater or lesser extent to move it. Thus, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14 of the spiral 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.

[0095] The control lever 45 is configured to be mounted on the movement plate via the hub 72, which can rotate about a screw body 73, the screw 73 being mounted on the plate.

[0096] Thus, by the rotation of the control rocker 45 around the screw body 73, the movable part 37 moves closer to or further away from the fixed part 33 by the more or less pronounced deformation of the spring part 35 of the actuator 30 in order to modify the position of the lever 14.

[0097] The adjustment means also comprise a control screw 70 mechanically connected to the pivot arm 69, in order to control the pivoting of the control rocker 45. The axis of the control screw 70 is arranged in the plane of the control rocker 45 in the direction of the pivot arm 69.

[0098] Thus, by screwing or unscrewing the control screw 70, the control rocker 45 and the actuator 30 are actuated to move the hook 39 and therefore the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6.

[0099] The restoring force of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 pushes the control rocker 45 against the control screw 70. Thus, the pivot arm 69 of the control rocker 45 is held against the control screw 70.

[0100] On the figure 9 , the control screw 70, the control rocker 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are each in a first position, in which the hook 39 pulls little on the lever 15. In dotted lines, the control rocker 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are shown in a second position corresponding to the figure 10 .

[0101] To the figure 10 , the control screw 70, the control rocker 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are each in a second position, in which the hook 39 pulls the lever 15 more than on the figure 9 .

[0102] In the second position, the control screw 70 pushes the pivot arm 69 of the control rocker 45, so that the support arm 71 in contact with the bulge 68, in turn pushes the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 towards the fixed part 33 by deformation of the spring part 35. Thus, the hook 39 pulls on the lever 14, which performs a centrifugal movement.

[0103] In the deformed configuration of the spring part 35, the flexible blades of the first translation table 51 and of the third translation table 53 deform in the same first direction, while the flexible blades of the second translation table 52 and of the fourth translation table 54 deform in the same second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0104] A spring 74 is arranged around the screw body 73 to press the actuator 30 against the balance bridge 22, so that it does not come loose.

[0105] The spring 74 clamps the screw body 73. The spring 74 has a U-shape surrounding the screw body 73. One branch of the U here extends from the fixed portion 33 of the actuator 30 to which it is attached.

[0106] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments of regulating members described with reference to the figures, and variants could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Regulating member (1) for a watch movement, comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance (23), a balance spring (25) comprising a wound ribbon (2) and means for adjusting the stiffness of the balance spring provided with a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), the adjustment means comprising pre-stressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) in order to adjust the rate of the regulating member (1), the regulating member (1) comprising a system for actuating the pre-stressing means (6), characterized in that the actuation system comprises an actuator (30) mechanically connected to the prestressing means (6), the actuator (30) being configured to perform at least in part a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, movement to actuate the prestressing means (6).

2. Regulating body according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe movement of the actuator (30) is substantially radial relative to the spiral spring (25).

3. Regulating body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (30) is eccentric, mounted at a distance from the center of the regulating member (1).

4. Regulating body according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) comprise a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), the actuation of the lever (14) making it possible to vary the variable force or torque on the flexible element (5) to modify the stiffness of the flexible element (5).

5. Regulating body according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuator (30) moves the lever (14) when actuated.

6. Regulating body according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuator comprises a hook (39) engaged with the lever (14).

7. Regulating body according to claim 6, characterized in thatthe lever (14) is movable in the hook (39), so as to be able to slide when the lever (14) performs an angular movement.

8. Regulating body according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the regulating member (1) comprises a balance bridge (22), on which the actuator (30) is mounted.

9. Regulating body according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (30) is substantially perpendicular to the balance bridge (22).

10. Regulating body according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the actuator (30) comprises a fixed part (33) relative to the balance bridge (22), a spring part (35) and a movable part (37) thanks to the spring part (35), the movable part (37) comprising the hook (39).

11. Regulating body according to claim 10, characterized in that the movable part (37) is movable orthogonally to the direction of the lever (14).

12. Regulating body according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the spring part (35) comprises at least one translation table (51) with flexible blades, preferably several translation tables (51, 52, 53, 54) with flexible blades arranged in series.

13. Regulating body according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the actuation system (20) comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator so as to be able to move the movable part (37) of the actuator (30).

14. Regulating body according to claim 13, characterized in that the adjustment means comprise a pivoting control rocker (45), the control rocker (45) comprising a pivoting arm (69), and a support arm (71) cooperating with the movable part (37) of the actuator (30) to move it mechanically by contact.

15. Regulating body according to claim 14, characterized in thatthe adjustment means comprise a control screw (70) mechanically connected to the pivot arm (69) to control the pivoting of the control rocker (45).

16. Regulating body according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a stud holder (31) mechanically linked to the flexible element (5), the stud holder (31) comprising a stud (34) on which the flexible element (5) is mounted.

17. Regulating body according to claim 16, characterized in that the stud holder (31) is rotatable relative to the balance bridge (22), in order to be able to adjust the reference of the regulating organ (1).

18. Regulating body according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is connected to a fixed support (17) mounted on the stud (35).

19. Clockwork, characterized in that it comprises a regulating member (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. Timepiece, for example a watch, characterized in that it comprises a clockwork movement according to claim 19.

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