Timepiece regulating member provided with linear actuation system

Abstract

To provide a regulating member that is compatible with a regulating device with an index system and that can be adapted in small horological movements.SOLUTION: A regulating member 1 for a horological movement is provided, comprising an inertial mass such as a balance 23, a balance spring 25 such as a wound ribbon 2, and adjusting means for adjusting stiffness of the balance spring 25 provided with a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the wound ribbon 2. The adjusting means includes compressive 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 includes a system for actuating the compressive stressing means 6. The actuation system includes an actuator 30 mechanically connected to the compressive stressing means 6. The actuator 30 is configured to cause at least in part a substantially linear, preferably rectilinear, displacement, in order to actuate the compressive stressing means 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and in particular to the field of mechanical watchmaking, in which the regulation of the drive energy is provided by a regulation member.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to an adjustment member provided with an actuation system, to a clock movement including such an adjustment member, and to a clock including such a clock movement. [Background technology]

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

[0004] The inner end of the balance spring is attached to a staff that rotates with the balance, and the outer end of the balance spring is attached to a stud mounted in a stud holder which is itself rigidly connected to a stationary bridge (the balance cock).

[0005] The balance is kept rotating and its oscillations are counted by an escapement mechanism, which consists of a pallet lever moving with a low amplitude oscillatory motion, provided with two pallets which mesh with the teeth of the escape wheel. When the escape wheel thus meshes, it rotates in steps, the speed of which is determined by the frequency of oscillation of the pallet lever, which is itself set to the frequency of oscillation of the balance spring.

[0006] In a conventional escapement, the oscillation frequency is approximately 4Hz, or approximately 28,800 vibrations per hour (V / h). One of the aims of a good watchmaker is to ensure the isochronism and regularity (or constancy of rate) of the oscillations of the balance.

[0007] The speed of the balance can be adjusted in a known manner by adjusting the effective length of the balance spring, defined as the curvilinear length between the inner end of the balance spring and a counting point located near the outer end of the balance spring, typically defined by a pair of bankings carried by a key mounted on an indexing system.

[0008] In operation, this indexing system cannot rotate about the axis of the balance spring, but its angular position can be fine-tuned by manual intervention, for example using a screwdriver to pivot an eccentric that acts like a cam in the indexing system.

[0009] The assembly including the bridge, index system, keys, stud holders, studs, staff, hairspring and balance is generally referred to as the "adjusting member". An example of an adjusting member is given in US Pat. No. 5,399,432 filed by the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0010] There are indexing systems that have a stud holder to which one end of the balance spring is attached, where the keys of the indexing system leave a play that allows the balance spring to move between the two bankings. However, this play is difficult to control precisely, since the chronometric characteristics, especially the anisochronism as a function of amplitude, are very sensitive to the play of the balance spring in the index key.

[0011] In some devices, these bankings can be adjusted to clamp the balance spring to eliminate play, especially when the balance spring is running. In this case, the speed is adjusted by first moving the index key and then clamping the balance spring. However, clamping the balance spring to the index key runs the risk of stressing the balance spring and causing chronometer errors due to a shift in the centre of winding. Moreover, since eliminating play also changes the speed, once the balance spring has been clamped, it is no longer possible to move the index key along the balance spring to complete the fine adjustment of the speed.

[0012] Other hairsprings also have an integrated adjustment device. In these hairsprings, the speed is adjusted not by modifying the effective length of the hairspring, but by exerting a force or torque on a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. In this way, the stiffness of the flexible element and thus of the entire hairspring, i.e. of the ribbon and of the flexible element, can be modified. Adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring allows adjusting the speed of the adjustment member. Such hairsprings provided with flexible elements are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,399,433 and US Pat. No. 5,499,433.

[0013] In these cases, the usual system cannot be used, since there is no compatibility with the hairspring adjustment device. Moreover, since the speed must be adjusted with great precision, it is essential that there is no play between the hairspring and the area where it interacts with the indexing mechanism. In particular, there is otherwise a risk that in the event of an impact the speed will be altered if the hairspring does not return to exactly the same position itself after said impact.

[0014] For the use of such hairsprings, an indexing system is described in US Pat. No. 5,399,623 and US Pat. No. 5,499,636. The indexing system comprises a stud holder divided into two parts which can be moved relative to each other, each part being provided with a stud on the one hand on which a flexible element is mounted and on the other hand on which compressive stress means acting on said flexible element are mounted. By moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque exerted on the flexible element is modified, and therefore the stiffness of the hairspring assembly is adjusted.

[0015] However, indexing systems are complex to implement, since each of the moving parts of the stud holder undergoes a rotational movement above the balance spring.

[0016] Furthermore, this indexing system increases the thickness of the movement, since the adjustment members take up a significant amount of space in the movement. However, only certain movements can incorporate such a system. It cannot fit into small movements, especially thin ones. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2876504 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 4009115 [Patent Document 3] Swiss Patent Application No. 0700385 / 2021 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application No. 22177059.7 [Patent Document 5] Swiss Patent Application No. 000678 / 2022 Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the above mentioned drawbacks by proposing an actuation system that is compatible with this type of regulating device and can be fitted into small clock movements.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to an adjustment member for a timepiece movement, comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance, a hairspring with a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring provided with a flexible element arranged in series with the wound ribbon, the adjustment means comprising compressive stress means for exerting a variable force or torque on the flexible element so as to adjust the speed of the adjustment member, the adjustment member comprising a system for actuating the compressive stress means.

[0020] The invention is characterized in that the actuation system includes an actuator mechanically connected to the compressive stress means, the actuator being configured to effect a substantially linear displacement, preferably a straight-line displacement, to actuate the compressive stress means.

[0021] That is, the present invention provides a simplified actuation system because the actuator provides linear displacement, preferably straight line displacement, but does not rotate.

[0022] Furthermore, the actuation system is thinner, as the actuators are not located above the balance and hairspring, but can be arranged alongside them so as not to increase the thickness of the movement.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is displaced substantially radially relative to the balance spring.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is eccentric and mounted at a fixed distance from the centre of the adjustment member.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the compressive stress means comprises a lever connected to the flexible element, the actuation of which allows to vary a variable force or torque on the flexible element so as to modify the stiffness of the flexible element and thus the stiffness of the balance spring as a whole.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator displaces the lever when the lever is actuated.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator includes a hook engaged with the lever.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the lever is movable on the hook so that it slides as it makes an angular displacement and therefore can have an angular position independent of the position of the hook.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment element comprises a balance cock, on which the actuator is mounted.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is substantially perpendicular to the balance cock.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises a part stationary relative to the balance cock, a spring part and a part movable by the spring part, the movable part comprising the hook.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable part is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the lever.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring portion includes at least one translation stage having a flexible blade, preferably multiple translation stages arranged in series.

[0034] 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 displace a movable part of the actuator when it is rotated.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprises a pivoting control lever comprising a pivot arm and a support arm cooperating with a movable part of the actuator for mechanical displacement by contact.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprises a control screw mechanically connected to a pivot arm for controlling the pivoting of the control lever.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment member comprises a stud holder mechanically connected to the flexible element, the stud holder comprising a stud on which the flexible element is mounted.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the stud holder can be rotated relative to the balance cock so that the pulsation of the adjustment member can be adjusted.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element is connected to a rigid support mounted on a stud.

[0040] The invention further relates to a clock movement including such an adjustment member.

[0041] The invention further relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, comprising such a timepiece movement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of some embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] [Figure 1]1 shows a schematic perspective view of an adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment member being arranged in a timepiece movement; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of the adjustment member shown in FIG. 1, but without the balance cock; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a portion of the adjustment member shown in FIG. 1 without the balance cock, without the stud holder, and without the bearing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the balance spring of the adjustment member shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 shows a schematic side view of an actuator of the actuation system of the adjustment member in FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of the actuator in FIG. 5 mounted on a balance cock. [Figure 7] 1 shows a perspective view of an actuator and a control lever of an adjustment member; [Figure 8] 2 shows a schematic bottom view of the adjustment member in FIG. 1; [Figure 9] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the actuator and control lever of the adjustment member in a first position; [Figure 10] 2 shows a perspective view of the actuator and the control lever of the adjustment member in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] 1 to 3 show diagrammatically an embodiment of an adjustment member 1 intended to be arranged in a timepiece movement comprising a plate (not shown in the drawings) provided with a recess, such a movement being arranged in a timepiece, for example a wristwatch.

[0045] The adjusting member 1 comprises an inertial mass, in this case an annular balance 23, a hairspring 25 as an elastic return element for the inertial mass, arranged to oscillate the inertial mass, a balance staff 24 and a balance cock 22. These elements are stacked from bottom to top in the following order: balance 23, hairspring 25 and balance cock 22.

[0046] The balance staff 24 passes through the center of the balance, the hairspring 25, and the balance cock 22. The balance staff 24 is supported by two shock absorbing bearings 28 arranged at both ends of the balance staff 24. The first bearing is arranged under the balance cock 22, and the second bearing 28 is arranged inside the balance bridge 22. The balance cock 22 has a through hole, and the second bearing 28 is supported inside the through hole.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the hairspring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The hairspring 25 comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound around itself with a number of turns, the ribbon 2 having a predefined stiffness. An inner end 9 of the ribbon 2 is integral with or assembled with a rigid support 3, typically called a collet. The rigid support 3 is substantially triangular in shape and is screwed around the staff of the balance 24.

[0048] The balance spring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its stiffness, which can for example be actuated by a user, in particular when the adjustment member is mounted on the timepiece movement.

[0049] The adjustment means comprises a flexible element 5 arranged in series with, i.e. from, and preferably as an extension of, the ribbon 2, which connects the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2 to the rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is a distinct element from the ribbon 2.

[0050] The flexible element 5 adds additional stiffness to that of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is preferably stiffer than the ribbon 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is arranged as an extension of the ribbon 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the ribbon 2 are integral or may be made from the same material, e.g. silicone.

[0051] The flexible element 5 of the hairspring 25 comprises a first flexible blade 19 and a movable semi-rigid portion 18, which extends from the outer end of the ribbon 2 and is connected to the first flexible blade 19, preferably on the same side of the rigid portion 18. The first flexible blade 19 is also connected to the rigid support 17.

[0052] The rigid support 17 is L-shaped, with a first leg 46 of the L acting as a connection with the first flexible blade 19 and a second leg 47 of the L facing away from the first flexible blade 19 for assembly with the clock movement.

[0053] The means for adjusting the hairspring 25 further comprise compressive stress means 6 which exert a variable force or torque on the flexible element 5. In this way the stiffness of the hairspring can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable thanks to the compressive stress means 6; in other words the torque or force is not limited to discrete values. The stiffness of the flexible element 5 can thus be adjusted very precisely.

[0054] The compressive stress means 6 comprises a secondary flexible blade 21 which is arranged on the opposite side to the rigid portion 18 in the extension of the first flexible blade 19.

[0055] The other end of the secondary flexible blade 21 is connected to a curved lever 14 that extends around the ribbon 2. In addition to the secondary flexible blade 21, the lever 14 is also connected to a semi-rigid structure 27 that is attached to the rigid support 17. The semi-rigid structure 27 has a portion that deforms when the lever 14 is actuated by a force or torque.

[0056] This force or torque is exerted on the free end 15 of the lever 14. In this way, the lever 14 of the compression stress means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the secondary flexible blade 21 and the semi-rigid structure 27 in order to modify the stiffness of the balance spring 25.

[0057] In order to be able to exert a variable force or torque on the balance spring 25, the adjustment member comprises a particular actuation system 20 according to the invention.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the adjustment member 1 comprises a stud holder 31 provided with a suspension stud 34. The stud holder 31 is mechanically connected to the flexible element 5 but does not block the ribbon 2. The stud holder 31 surrounds the second bearing 28. For this purpose, the stud holder 31 comprises a central ring 38 arranged around the second bearing 28. This central ring 38 rests on the balance cock 22.

[0059] The stud 34 cooperates with a second leg 47 of the rigid support 17. In this way, the compressive stress means 6 and the flexible element 5 are supported by and suspended from the stud holder 31.

[0060] Furthermore, the stud 34 is rigidly attached to the rigid support 17. In other words, the stud 34 is integrated into the rigid support 17. The stud 34 and the hairspring 25 are assembled, for example, by gluing, brazing, welding, deformation of a metallic glass or mechanical fastening.

[0061] The stud 34 is movable relative to the balance cock. To this end, the stud holder 31 is rotatable about the second bearing 28 relative to the balance cock 22. The stud holder 34 can be displaced over an angular range of, for example, 20° or better 10°.

[0062] By displacing the pin 34 relative to the balance cock 22, the pulsation of the adjustment member 1 can be adjusted.

[0063] 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 compressive stress means 6. The actuator 30 is configured to provide at least a substantially linear displacement, preferably a straight line displacement, to actuate the compressive stress means 6.

[0064] In other words, at least a part of the actuator 30 moves substantially along a straight line, unlike the stud holder 31 which rotates, for example, by rotating about an axis. In this way, at least a part of the actuator 30 moves towards or away from the balance spring 25 in a direction oriented substantially towards the balance spring.

[0065] Preferably, the direction of displacement of the actuator 30 is substantially radial with respect to the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. In this way, the straight line along which the actuator 30 moves is directed towards the centre of the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. This also makes the speed setting independent of the pulsation setting.

[0066] The actuator 30 is eccentric with respect to the adjustment member, i.e. it is mounted at a distance from the centre of the adjustment member 1 and is only connected to the lever 14 of the adjustment means. The actuator 30 is therefore not directly mounted to the adjustment member 1, e.g. as a stud holder on the bearing 28 of the adjustment member 1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is mounted to the balance cock 22. Preferably, the actuator 30 is mounted to a plate that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the balance cock 22. In particular, the actuator 30 is assembled to an edge of the balance cock 22.

[0068] 5 and 6, the actuator 30 specifically includes a stationary part 33 mounted on the balance cock 22, a part 37 movable relative to the balance cock 22 and connected to the lever 14, and a spring part 35 formed by a flexible guide joining the movable part 37 to the stationary part 33. The stationary part 33 and the movable part 37 are preferably rigid. The stationary 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.

[0069] To actuate the lever 14, the actuator 30 includes a hook 39 that is engaged with the lever 14. The hook 39 is mounted on the movable part 37. The hook 39 at least partially surrounds the lever 14, but may close around the lever 14.

[0070] The radial displacement of the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 pulls or pushes the lever 14 radially against the balance spring 25. This causes the displacement of the lever 14 to exert a greater or lesser force or torque on the flexible element 5, thereby changing the stiffness of the flexible element 5 and, as a result, the overall stiffness of the balance spring 25. The actuation system 20 thus allows the speed of the adjustment member 1 to be adjusted.

[0071] Here, the stationary part 33 has a substantially square shape and comprises at least one mounting notch 41, preferably two mounting notches 41, 42, which receive pads 43, 44 respectively extending from the balance cock 22. The mounting notches 41, 42 are, for example, arranged on two diagonally opposite sides of the stationary part 33.

[0072] Each notch 41, 42 is provided with a flexible tongue 48, 49 arranged in the notch 41, 42. The first notch 41 is open at its side so that it can slide laterally around the first pad 43. The second notch 42 is closed and can receive the second pad 44 by inserting it into the second notch 42. The flexible tongues 48, 49 deform when the pad 43, 44 enters the notch 41, 42 and act as support means to hold the pad 43, 44 in the notch 41, 42. Furthermore, the flexible tongues 48, 49 make it possible to improve the positioning accuracy by overcoming play when positioning the pads 43, 44 in the notches 41, 42, preferably in the same direction.

[0073] As shown in the drawings, the actuator 30 is mounted to the balance cock 22 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the plate and the balance cock 22. The actuator 30 is therefore mounted to an edge of the balance cock 22.

[0074] The spring portion 35 is arranged below the stationary portion 33 and therefore extends below the level of the balance cock 22 .

[0075] In this case, the spring portion 35 includes a number of translation stages 51, 52, 53, 54 having a number of flexible blades arranged in series one after the other, which are defined as being in series because the displacement of each translation stage is at least partially cumulative.

[0076] Each translation stage 51, 52, 53, 54 includes 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.

[0077] The first translation stage 51 is arranged below the stationary portion 33 and has a first rigid section 56 of a length associated with a second translation stage 52 arranged in series with the first translation stage 51. In this manner, the second pair of flexible blades 52 are 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.

[0078] The second rigid section 57 is also of a length such that it associates a third translation stage 53 arranged in series with the second translation stage 52 such that it is substantially parallel to the first translation stage 51. The third pair of flexible blades 63 are substantially parallel to the first pair of flexible blades 61 and the second pair of flexible blades 62.

[0079] The actuator 30 includes a fourth translation stage 54 arranged on the opposite side of the first translation stage 5 from the second translation stage 52 and the third translation stage 53. The fourth translation stage 54 is arranged in series with the third translation stage 53.

[0080] 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 aligned in substantially the same direction as the second section 57 .

[0081] The third translation stage 53 and the fourth translation stage 54 are connected by an arm 55. The arm 55 extends from the third section 58 and passes below the first rigid section 56 of the first translation stage 51.

[0082] This arrangement of translation stages 51 , 52 , 53 and 54 enables the moveable portion 37 to be displaced in a substantially linear, preferably rectangular, manner while maintaining a compact actuator 30 .

[0083] Preferably, the actuator 30 includes an even number of translation stages, since two translation stages arranged in series can mutually compensate for the vertical deviation of the hook 39 caused by each of them, thus keeping the hook 39 at substantially the same height during movement.

[0084] The movable part 37 extends from the fourth section 59. The movable part 37 is preferably rigid. In this case, the movable part 37 has the shape of an elbow formed by a first segment 66 arranged perpendicular to the fourth section 59 and a second segment 67 at a right angle to the first segment 66.

[0085] The hook 39 of the actuator 30 is located at the end of the second segment 67. At the free end of the first segment 66, a bulge 68 serves as a support for the movement of the mobile part 37.

[0086] By pressing more or less hard on the bulge 68 , the mobile part 37 moves more or less close to the stationary part 33 thanks to the deformation of the translation stages 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 of the spring part 35 .

[0087] In this way, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14 more or less tightly, activating a means for adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element 5 .

[0088] The direction of displacement of the movable part 39 of the actuator 30 and the direction of displacement of the lever 14 are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the lever 14 .

[0089] Furthermore, the lever 14 is preferably slidably movable on the hook 39 when performing the angular displacement. To this end, the lever 14 comprises a free end 15 cooperating with the hook 39.

[0090] For example, in order to adjust the pulsation of the adjustment member 1, the stud holder 31 must be rotatable, so that the balance spring 25 rotates together with the stud holder 31 and the free end 15 of the lever 14 slides on the hook 39.

[0091] Thanks to such an actuation system 20, the pulsation can be adjusted without having to modify the position of the actuator 30, in particular its position relative to the plate of the movement. The mechanical link between the actuator 30 and the lever 14 is maintained regardless of the position of the lever 14 relative to the actuator 30.

[0092] That is, the actuation system 20 allows the speed and pulsation to be adjusted independently of each other while maintaining a constant, pre-determined position of the actuator in the movement, for example in relation to the plate and the balance cock 22 .

[0093] The actuation system 20 further includes adjustment means cooperating with the actuator 30 to enable the displacement of a moveable part 37 of the actuator 30 .

[0094] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the adjustment means consists of a pivoting control lever 45 arranged to displace the movable part 37 of the actuator 30. The control lever 45 is preferably arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30 and is in contact with a bulge 68 of the movable part 37.

[0095] The control lever 45 has a pivot arm 69 and a support arm 71 connected to a hub 72 of the pivot control lever 45 .

[0096] The support arm 71 cooperates with the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 to mechanically displace it by contact. The support arm 71 pushes against the bulge 68 of the movable part 37, moving it to a greater or lesser extent. That is, the hook 39 pulls to a greater or lesser extent the lever 14 of the balance spring 25. The control lever 45 is arranged to pivot in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30.

[0097] The control lever 45 is arranged to be mounted to a plate of the movement via a hub 72. This hub 72 can rotate about a screw body 73, which is mounted to the plate.

[0098] That is, by rotating the control lever 45 about the screw body 73, the movable part 37 moves towards or away from the stationary part 33 by deforming the spring part 35 of the actuator 30 to a greater or lesser extent, thereby modifying the position of the lever 14.

[0099] The adjustment means further includes a control screw 70 mechanically connected to the pivot arm 69 for controlling the pivoting of the control lever 45. The axis of the control screw 70 is aligned in the plane of the control lever 45 in the direction of the pivot arm 69.

[0100] That is, by screwing or unscrewing the control screw 70 , the control lever 45 and the actuator 30 are actuated to move the hook 39 and thus the lever 14 of the compressive stress means 6 .

[0101] The return force of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 presses 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.

[0102] In Figure 9, the control screw 70, the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the lever 15 are all in a first position, with the hook 39 pulling lightly on the lever 15. The dotted lines show the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the lever 15 in a second position corresponding to the positions in Figure 10.

[0103] 10, the control screw 70, the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 and the lever 15 are all in their second positions and the hook 39 pulls the lever 15 harder than in FIG.

[0104] In the second position, the control screw 70 presses against the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45, so that the support arm 71 in contact with the bulge 68 in turn presses the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 towards the stationary part 33 due to the deformation of the spring part 35. In this way, the hook 39 pulls against the lever 14, which causes a centrifugal displacement.

[0105] In the deformed configuration of spring portion 35, the flexible blades of first translation stage 51 and third translation stage 53 deform in the same first direction, while the flexible blades of second translation stage 52 and fourth translation stage 54 deform in the same second direction, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0106] A spring 74 is arranged around the screw body 73 to press the actuator 30 against the balance cock 22 so that it does not become dislodged.

[0107] The spring 74 clamps the screw body 73. The spring 74 is U-shaped and surrounds the screw body 73, where one leg of the U extends from the stationary part 33 of the actuator 30 to which it is attached.

[0108] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the adjustment member described with reference to the drawings, but alternatives are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A adjusting member (1) for a clock movement, comprising: a balance (23), a hairspring (25) including a wound ribbon (2), and means for adjusting the stiffness of said hairspring provided with a flexible element (5) arranged in series with said wound ribbon (2), said adjusting means comprising compressive stress means (6) for exerting a variable force or torque on said flexible element (5) so as to adjust the speed of said adjusting member (1), said adjusting member (1) comprising a system for actuating said compressive stress means (6); The adjustment member (1), characterized in that the actuation system includes an actuator (30) mechanically connected to the compressive stress means (6), the actuator (30) being configured to perform at least a portion of a substantially linear displacement, preferably a straight-line displacement, to actuate the compressive stress means (6).

2. 2. An adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement of the actuator (30) is substantially radial with respect to the balance spring (25).

3. 2. An adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (30) is eccentric and mounted at a fixed distance from the centre of the adjustment member (1).

4. 2. An adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressive stress means (6) comprise a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), the actuation of which makes it possible to vary the variable force or torque on the flexible element (5) so as to modify the stiffness of the flexible element (5).

5. 5. An adjustment member according to claim 4, characterized in that said actuator (30) displaces said lever (14) upon actuation.

6. 6. An adjustment member according to claim 5, characterized in that said actuator comprises a hook engaged with said lever (14).

7. 7. An adjustment member according to claim 6, characterized in that said lever (14) is slidably movable on said hook (39) when said lever (14) performs an angular displacement.

8. 2. The adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment member (1) comprises a balance cock (22) on which the actuator (30) is mounted.

9. 9. An adjustment member according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (30) is substantially perpendicular to the balance cock (22).

10. 9. The adjustment member according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (30) includes a part (33) stationary with respect to the balance cock (22), a spring part (35) and a part (37) movable by the spring part (35), the movable part (37) including the hook (39).

11. 11. An adjustment member according to claim 10, characterized in that said movable part (37) can move perpendicularly to the direction of said lever (14).

12. 11. An adjustment member according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring portion (35) comprises at least one translation stage (51) having a flexible blade, preferably a plurality of translation stages (51, 52, 53, 54) with a plurality of flexible blades arranged in series.

13. An adjustment member according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuation system (20) comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator (30) so as to be able to displace a movable part (37) of the actuator.

14. 14. An adjustment member according to claim 13, characterized in that the adjustment means comprises a pivoting control lever (45) including a pivoting arm (69) and a support arm (71) cooperating with a movable part (37) of the actuator (30) for mechanical displacement by contact.

15. An adjustment member according to claim 14, characterized in that the adjustment means comprises a control screw (70) mechanically connected to the pivot arm (69) for controlling the pivoting of the control lever (45).

16. 2. An adjustment member according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a stud holder (31) mechanically connected to the flexible element (5), said stud holder (31) comprising a stud (34) on which the flexible element (5) is mounted.

17. 17. Adjustment member according to claim 16, characterized in that the stud holder (31) can be rotated relative to the balance cock (22) so that the pulsation of the adjustment member (1) can be adjusted.

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

19. A clock movement, characterized in that it includes a adjusting member (1) according to claim 1.

20. 20. A timepiece, such as a wristwatch, characterised in that it includes a timepiece movement according to claim 19.

Images