Mechanical watch

Abstract

To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the rotating unit R. [Solution] The mechanical watch 1 has a balance staff 311 including a lower end portion 311b, a rotating unit R having a projection 92 provided on the radially outer side of the balance staff 311 and projecting in the same direction as the extension direction of the lower end portion 311b, and a hairspring 32 having an inner end portion 321 and a spring portion 322 connected to the inner end portion 321 that elastically deforms as the rotating unit R rotates, causing the rotating unit R to rotate in forward and reverse directions, and the hairspring 32 has an insertion / removal portion into which the projection 92 is inserted / removed, and the inner end portion 321 includes an axial hole portion 3211 into which the projection 92 is inserted / removed, and a rotation transmission portion to which the rotation of the projection 92 inserted / removed into the insertion / removal portion is transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical watch.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanical watch having a beard oscillator and a crown wheel that rotates together with the crown.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As shown in FIG. 26 of Patent Document 1, the beard oscillator is integrally assembled to a rotating unit having a crown as a rotation axis. Therefore, when assembling or removing the rotating unit to / from the floor board, it is necessary to handle the beard oscillator. Since the beard oscillator will bend in the vertical direction unless its inner end and outer end are held, it is not easy to handle. Therefore, the work of assembling and removing the rotating unit becomes difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a mechanical watch that facilitates the assembly and removal of a rotating unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A mechanical watch comprising: a rotating unit having a rotating shaft including a tip, and a rotation transmission part provided on the radially outer side of the rotating shaft and protruding in the same direction as the extension direction of the tip; and a hairspring having an inner end and a spring part connected to the inner end and elastically deforming as the rotating unit rotates to cause the rotating unit to rotate in forward and reverse directions, wherein the hairspring has an insertion / removal part into which the rotation transmission part is inserted / removed, and the inner end includes a shaft hole into which the tip is inserted / removed, and a rotation transmission part to which the rotation of the rotation transmission part inserted / removed into the insertion / removal part is transmitted.

[0007] (2)(1) A mechanical clock in which the rotating unit has a permanent magnet, a coil that generates a back electromotive force due to the forward and reverse rotational motion of the permanent magnet, and a rate adjustment means that adjusts the rate according to the detection timing of a detection signal detected based on the back electromotive force.

[0008] (3)(2) A mechanical watch having a stator provided along the outer circumference of the permanent magnet and forming a magnetic circuit together with the coil, wherein in the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion from the shaft hole portion, the stator is positioned below the hairspring, and the stator has a recess formed on the lower side in the portion that overlaps with the hairspring when viewed from above.

[0009] (4)(2) or (3), the rotating unit has a balance wheel, and in the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion from the shaft hole, the balance wheel, the hairspring, and the permanent magnet are arranged in order from top to bottom, a mechanical clock.

[0010] (5)(2) or (3), the rotating unit has a balance wheel, and in the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip from the shaft hole, the permanent magnet, the balance wheel, and the hairspring are arranged in order from top to bottom, a mechanical clock.

[0011] (6)(2) or (3), the rotating unit has a balance wheel, and in the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion from the shaft hole, the hairspring, the balance wheel, and the permanent magnet are arranged in order from top to bottom, a mechanical clock.

[0012] (7)(4) A mechanical watch in which the diameter of the shaft hole is larger than the diameter of the permanent magnet.

[0013] (8) A mechanical clock in any of (1) to (7), wherein the rotating unit has a balance wheel that is detachably press-fitted to the rotating shaft.

[0014] (9) A mechanical clock having a base plate to which the rotating unit is assembled and to which a holding part that rotatably holds the shaft hole is fixed, in any of (1) to (8).

[0015] A mechanical clock having a base plate to which the rotating unit is assembled in any of (10)(1) to (9), wherein the outer end of the hairspring is fixed to the base plate by a fastener, and the mounting direction of the fastener is the same as the direction in which the tip is inserted into the shaft hole.

[0016] (11)(1) to (10) a mechanical clock having an escapement mechanism with an anchor, wherein the rotating unit has a balance wheel on which a swivel stone is provided that causes the anchor to move by colliding with the anchor, and the rotation transmission unit is provided on the balance wheel.

[0017] (12) A mechanical clock having an escapement mechanism with an anchor in any of (1) to (11), wherein the rotating unit has a pivot stone that acts on the anchor by colliding with it, and the rotational transmission part is the pivot stone.

[0018] (13) In any one of (2) to (7), the permanent magnet is disposed on either the tip side or the opposite side of the tip of the rotation axis in the assembly posture when the tip is inserted into and removed from the shaft hole portion, and includes a hole stone through which one end of either side is inserted, and a spiral spring that holds the hole stone and is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the rotation axis. The spiral spring is made of a non-magnetic material, a mechanical watch.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the aspects (1) to (13) of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanical watch that facilitates the assembly and removal of the rotating unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing each member assembled to the floor. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a part of the configuration in FIG. 1 is removed from the floor. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the mechanical watch. [Figure 4A] It is a plan view showing the arrangement of the permanent magnet, the stator, and the hairspring. [Figure 4B] It is a plan view showing the arrangement of the permanent magnet, the stator, and the hairspring. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining each torque acting on the permanent magnet. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a state where the hairspring is removed from the hairspring wheel. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and the hairspring. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing the hairspring. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing how the hairspring is held. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view for explaining a holding base for holding the hairspring. [Figure 11A] It is a perspective view showing the rotation transmission member of the present embodiment. [Figure 11B] This is a perspective view showing another example of a rotational transmission member. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in this embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the first modified example. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in a second modified example. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of the stator in the second modified example. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the third modified example. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the fourth modified example. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the fifth modified example. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the sixth modified example. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the seventh modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 4A, the overall configuration of the mechanical clock 1 will be described. The mechanical clock 1 is a clock that has a mainspring 11, which is a power source housed in the barrel, and drives the hands 131 by controlling the movement of the mainspring 11 with an escapement mechanism 20 and a regulating mechanism 30. Power from the mainspring 11 is transmitted to the escapement mechanism 20 and the regulating mechanism 30 through the gear train 12. Each of these components and mechanisms is assembled to the base plate 10. In this embodiment, "assembly" means assembly to the base plate 10, but is not limited to direct assembly to the base plate 10, and also includes assembly to the base plate 10 via other components.

[0023] The escapement mechanism 20 continuously applies force to the balance wheel 31 of the speed control mechanism 30 to cause it to reciprocate, and the regular vibrations from the balance wheel 31 cause each gear in the gear train 12 to rotate at a constant speed. The escapement mechanism 20 includes an escape wheel 21 and an anchor 22. In this embodiment, the balance wheel 31 is designed to perform one reciprocating motion in 2 seconds, and the escape wheel 21 is configured to perform one step per second.

[0024] The speed regulating mechanism 30 comprises a balance wheel 31 and a hairspring 32. The balance wheel 31 is supported so as to be able to rotate freely in both forward and reverse directions around the balance staff 311, which is the axis of rotation.

[0025] The hairspring 32 is spiral-shaped, with its outer end fixed to the fixing part 34 and its inner end not fixed to the balance staff 311. The regulating mechanism 30 causes the balance wheel 31 to repeatedly rotate in forward and reverse directions (reciprocating motion) at a constant period by the expansion and contraction (elastic deformation) of the hairspring 32.

[0026] The hairspring 32 is made of a resin material with a low Young's modulus. Therefore, compared to the case where the hairspring 32 is made of a metal material, it is possible to achieve slower vibration of the balance wheel 31. In this embodiment, the rotation angle [deg] of the balance wheel 31 when the hairspring 32 is in the neutral position (natural length position) of elastic deformation is set to 0°. Power from the power spring 11 is supplied to the balance wheel 31 when the hairspring 32 is near the neutral position of elastic deformation. In other words, the 0° position is the power supply position.

[0027] Furthermore, the mechanical clock 1 is equipped with a rate adjustment means 40 for adjusting the rate. The rate adjustment means 40 includes a permanent magnet 41, a stator 42, and a coil 43 as shown in Figure 2, and a control circuit 44, a detection circuit 45, a frequency divider circuit 47, an oscillation circuit 48, and a damping circuit 49 as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] The permanent magnet 41 is a bipolar magnetized disc-shaped rotating body, and as shown in Figure 4A, it is a magnet having an N pole portion 411 and an S pole portion 412, which are magnetized radially as an N pole and an S pole. In addition, an insertion hole 41h is formed in the center of the permanent magnet 41 through which the balance staff 311 is inserted. The permanent magnet 41 rotates in forward and reverse directions together with the balance staff 31 (balance staff 311) so that its rotation angle is the same as the rotation angle of the balance staff 31.

[0029] The stator 42 is made of a soft magnetic material and includes a first magnetic part 421 and a second magnetic part 422, and together with the coil 43, constitutes a magnetic circuit. The first magnetic part 421 includes a first end portion 421a provided facing the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet 41, and the second magnetic part 422 includes a second end portion 422a provided facing the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet 41. The first end portion 421a is the part of the first magnetic part 421 that includes a curved inner circumferential surface 421a1 along the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet 41. The second end portion 422a is the part of the second magnetic part 422 that includes a curved inner circumferential surface 422a1 along the outer circumferential surface of the permanent magnet 41.

[0030] The second end 422a is provided on the opposite side of the first end 421a via a permanent magnet 41. The first end 421a and the second end 422a are arranged to surround the outer surface of the permanent magnet 41 so as to create magnetic resistance between them.

[0031] The stator 42 includes a first weld 423 that separates the magnetic coupling between the first end 421a and the second end 422a, and a second weld 424 that separates the magnetic coupling between the first end 421a and the second end 422a and is positioned opposite the first weld 423 via a permanent magnet 41. The first weld 423 and the second weld 424 are preferably formed within a gap that physically separates the first end 421a and the second end 422a.

[0032] The permanent magnet 41 is in a magnetically balanced position when its magnetization direction is perpendicular to the opposing direction of the first weld 423 and the second weld 424. In this embodiment, the magnetically balanced position of the permanent magnet 41 is set to a rotation angle of 0°.

[0033] In this embodiment, notches are formed on the inner circumferential surface 421a1 of the first end 421a and the inner circumferential surface 422a1 of the second end 422a of the stator 42. Specifically, notches n11 and n12 are formed on the inner circumferential surface 422a1 of the second end 422a. In addition, on the inner circumferential surface 421a1 of the first end 421a, notch n22 is formed opposite notch n11 via the permanent magnet 41, and notch n21 is formed opposite notch n12 via the permanent magnet 41. By forming these notches, the flow of magnetic flux around the permanent magnet 41 is changed, and the magnetic influence that the permanent magnet 41 has on the stator 42 is reduced.

[0034] Here, the shape of the first weld 423 and the second weld 424 may vary depending on how the welding material melts during welding. As a result, it may not be possible to generate the intended holding torque as described later. Therefore, in this embodiment, notches n3 are also formed at the locations where the first weld 423 and the second weld 424 are located in the circumferential direction. It is preferable to form the notches n3 after welding. When forming the notches n3, a portion of the first weld 423 and the second weld 424 is cut away. This improves the dimensional accuracy of the first weld 423 and the second weld 424, making it possible to generate the intended holding torque.

[0035] Note that the number of notches, the spacing between each notch, and the shape of each notch are not limited to those shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0036] The control circuit 44 controls the operation of each circuit in the rate adjustment means 40. The control circuit 44 sets a braking force to brake the permanent magnet 41 by controlling the braking circuit 49. The braking force is applied to the permanent magnet 41 based on, for example, an electromagnetic brake. The electromagnetic brake is preferably based on an induced electromotive force that short-circuits the first and second terminals of the coil 43 to create a closed loop, generating a magnetic field in a direction that opposes the change in magnetic flux generated in the coil 43 as the permanent magnet 41 rotates.

[0037] The detection circuit 45 detects a detection signal DE based on the voltage waveform generated in the coil 43 due to the motion of the permanent magnet 41. The detection signal DE detected by the detection circuit 45 is input to the control circuit 44. The detection signal DE is preferably detected by the detection circuit 45 when a back electromotive force voltage of a predetermined threshold Vth or higher is generated.

[0038] The oscillation circuit 48 outputs a predetermined oscillation signal based on the frequency of the crystal oscillator 70. The frequency divider circuit 47 divides the oscillation signal output from the oscillation circuit 48. By dividing the oscillation signal based on the crystal oscillator 70, the frequency divider circuit 47 generates a reference signal OS that is output at intervals corresponding to the unit period of the back electromotive force. The output timing of the reference signal OS is preset to correspond to the detection signal DE, which is detected when there is neither a lead nor a lag in the forward or reverse rotational motion of the balance wheel 31.

[0039] The control circuit 44 then adjusts the rate by controlling the braking circuit 49 based on the difference in the detection timing of the detection signal DE relative to the output timing of the reference signal OS.

[0040] Furthermore, the mechanical clock 1 has a power generation function using the principle of electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, the speed regulating mechanism 30 functions as part of the generator. Specifically, the permanent magnet 41 rotates in the forward and reverse directions in conjunction with the forward and reverse rotational motion of the balance wheel 31, and power is generated by the current produced in the coil 43 based on the change in the magnetic field caused by the motion of the permanent magnet 41. The power extracted by this operating principle is used to start the power supply circuit 60. Once the power supply circuit 60 is started, the control circuit 44 becomes drivable.

[0041] The rectifier circuit 50 rectifies the current generated in the coil 43 by the motion of the permanent magnet 41 accompanying the forward and reverse rotational motion of the balance wheel 31 of the speed control mechanism 30. The power supply circuit 60, for example, includes a capacitor and stores power to drive the control circuit 44 based on the current rectified by the rectifier circuit 50.

[0042] Note that the rate adjustment means 40 shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and is not limited to the illustrated configuration as long as it can realize the functions described above. Furthermore, it is not limited to an electromagnetic brake as long as it is a configuration that can control braking (rate adjustment); for example, braking of the permanent magnet 41 may be performed by a speed control pulse.

[0043] In the following description, the magnetic torque acting between the permanent magnet 41 and the stator 42 when the coil 43 is not energized is referred to as the "holding torque." The holding torque acts in a direction corresponding to the arrangement of welds and notches in the stator 42 that are not made of magnetic material. The torque generated by the elastic deformation of the hairspring 32 is referred to as the "spring torque." The spring torque depends on the Young's modulus mentioned above.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the holding torque and spring torque in this embodiment. The waveforms of the holding torque and spring torque are point-symmetrical around the 0° position. The "folding position" is the position where the rotation direction of the balance wheel 31 reverses, and in this embodiment it is ±270°.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, when the permanent magnet 41, which rotates in the positive direction (in this case, the direction in which the rotation angle becomes larger in the positive direction), moves from the 0° position to the turning point position, the spring torque of the hairspring 32, which acts in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the permanent magnet 41, increases linearly.

[0046] The holding torque acts in the opposite direction to the rotation of the permanent magnet 41 when the permanent magnet 41 rotates in the positive direction from the 0° position to the 180° position, and acts in the same direction as the rotation of the permanent magnet 41 when the permanent magnet 41 rotates in the positive direction from the 180° position to the turning point position. In other words, between the 0° position and the turning point position, the only node in the waveform showing the holding torque (the position where the holding torque is 0) is at the 180° position.

[0047] The reason for designing the holding torque to have the tendency shown in Figure 5 is to enable a reduction in the spring torque of the hairspring 32 in order to reduce the vibration of the balance wheel 31. For example, if the waveform of the holding torque is a sine wave with many magnetically stable points, reducing the spring torque of the hairspring 32 would make it easier for the balance wheel 31 to stop at a magnetically stable point. By generating the holding torque shown in Figure 5, it becomes possible to continuously rotate the balance wheel 31 in both forward and reverse directions.

[0048] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, an example of the arrangement of the permanent magnet 41, stator 42, and tensioner 311 to achieve the holding torque shown in Figure 5 will be explained.

[0049] The planar shape of the permanent magnet 41 is a perfect circle in which the distance from the center position 41O to the outer surface is equal at any point in the circumferential direction.

[0050] The first end 421a and the second end 422a are provided such that the inner circumferential surface of the opening formed by the stator 42 is a perfect circle with an equal distance from the center position 42O at any position in the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the opening formed by the stator 42 refers to the inner circumferential surface excluding the portions in which notches n11, n12, n21, n22, and n3 are formed.

[0051] Figure 4A shows the permanent magnet 41 in the 0° position. In the 0° position, the N pole portion 411 of the permanent magnet 41 is positioned towards the second end portion 422a, and the S pole portion 412 is positioned towards the first end portion 421a. With this configuration, the permanent magnet 41 is magnetically stable in the 0° position.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4A, the tensioner 311, permanent magnet 41, and stator 42 are arranged such that the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41, which is at 0° from the rotation center 311O of the tensioner 311, is offset, and the center position 42O of the opening of the stator 42 is offset from the rotation center 311O of the tensioner 311. As a result, the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41, the rotation center 311O of the tensioner 311, and the center position 42O of the opening of the stator 42 are at different positions on the same line.

[0053] Furthermore, the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41, which is at the 0° position, is positioned symmetrically to the center position 42O of the opening of the stator 42, via the rotation center 311O of the tensioning rod 311. In addition, the amount of displacement s1 of the center position 41O relative to the rotation center 311O and the amount of displacement s2 of the center position 42O relative to the rotation center 311O are made the same.

[0054] The distance d2 between the outer surface of

[0055] Figure 4B shows the state in which the permanent magnet 41 has been rotated 180° in the positive direction from the state shown in Figure 4A. As shown in Figure 4B, when the permanent magnet 41 is in the 180° position, the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41 coincides with the center position 42O of the opening of the stator 42. Therefore, the distance between the outer surface of the permanent magnet 41 and the inner surface of the stator 42 is uniform in the circumferential direction, the south pole portion 412 is positioned opposite the second end portion 422a with a distance d4, and the north pole portion 411 is positioned opposite the first end portion 421a with a distance d3, and the distances d4 and d3 are equal.

[0056] Spacings d3 and d4 are greater than spacing d1 and smaller than spacing d2. This arrangement results in a relatively small holding torque acting on the permanent magnet 41 in the direction toward the 180° position. Note that spacings d3 and d4 do not necessarily have to be the same, as long as the difference between spacing d3 and spacing d4 is smaller than the difference between spacing d1 and spacing d2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the displacement amounts s1 and s2 were set so that the holding torque attempting to stabilize at the 0° position was sufficiently larger than the holding torque attempting to stabilize at the 180° position. That is, the displacement amounts s1 and s2 were set so that the device was stable at the 0° position and unstable at the 180° position. This made it possible to achieve the holding torque waveform shown in Figure 5.

[0058] Note that the arrangements shown in Figures 4A and 4B are examples only and are not limited to these; any configuration that can obtain a holding torque with at least the tendency shown in Figure 5 is acceptable.

[0059] Next, with reference to Figures 6-12, the configuration and arrangement of the rotating unit R and the hairspring 32 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0060] In this embodiment, the unit member composed of the multiple components shown in Figure 6 is called the rotating unit R. The rotating unit R includes a balance staff 311, a balance seat 312, a balance wheel 31, a permanent magnet 41, and a rotation transmission member 90. The balance seat 312, balance wheel 31, permanent magnet 41, and rotation transmission member 90 are fixed to the balance staff 311 by press-fitting the balance staff 311 into holes formed in their centers, and rotate together with the balance staff 311.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the rotating unit R may have an eccentric structure in which the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41 is offset from the rotation center 311O of the balance staff 311. To realize the eccentric structure, the permanent magnet 41 may be press-fitted and held in place on the balance staff 311, as shown in Figure 7, such that its center position 41O is offset from the rotation center 311O of the balance staff 311.

[0062] Here, in Figures 6 to 12, the direction indicated by arrow Z1 is considered upward, and the direction indicated by arrow Z2 is considered downward. Upward and downward directions indicate the orientation of the mechanical clock 1 when performing assembly or disassembly of parts (hereinafter also referred to as the "assembly orientation"). As shown in Figure 7, etc., in the assembly orientation, the balance wheel 31, hairspring 32, and permanent magnet 41 are arranged in order from upward to downward.

[0063] As shown in Figure 12, the tension rod 311 is rotatably supported by its upper end 311a being pivotally supported on the upper support base 150 that holds the support stone 151, and its lower end 311b being pivotally supported on the lower support base 160 that holds the support stone 161. The upper support base 150 is fitted into a recess formed in the receiving member 35. The receiving member 35 may be fixed to the base plate 10 by fasteners such as screws.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11A, the rotation transmission member 90 includes a disc portion 91 having a central hole that is press-fitted onto the tension rod 311, and a projection 92 which is a rotation transmission portion that protrudes downward from the disc portion 91.

[0065] As shown in Figure 8, the hairspring 32 includes an inner end portion 321, a spiral-shaped spring portion 322 connected to the inner end portion 321 that elastically deforms in accordance with the rotation of the rotating unit R to cause the rotating unit R to rotate in forward and reverse directions, and an outer end portion 323 connected to the spring portion 322 and fixed to the fixing portion 34. The spring portion 322 includes an inner end spring portion 3221. The inner end spring portion 3221 is the innermost spiral-shaped part of the spring portion 322 and is connected to the inner end portion 321. The inner end spring portion 3221 extends along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft hole portion 3211 at a predetermined distance from the shaft hole portion 3211.

[0066] The inner end portion 321 includes a shaft bore portion 3211 and a collision portion 3212 which is a rotation transmission portion. The collision portion 3212 is integrally formed with the shaft bore portion 3211 and has a wider radial width than the shaft bore portion 3211.

[0067] The lower end portion 311b, which is the tip of the balance staff 311, is inserted and removed into the shaft hole portion 3211. A gap is formed between the shaft hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221, which is the part into which the projection 92 is inserted and removed. Here, "insertable and removable" means that it is fitted in a way that it can be inserted and removed. For both projections to be insertable and removable, they must both protrude in the same direction. In the configuration of this embodiment, the lower end portion 311b of the balance staff 311 and the projection 92 both protrude downward, so that they can both be inserted and removed into the hole formed in the hairspring 32.

[0068] In Figure 8, the inner end portion 321 and the spiral spring portion 322 are shown as a single unit, but they may be separate. In this case, the hairspring 32 may have a configuration in which the shaft hole portion 3211 serves as the hairspring ball, and the inner end spring portion 3221 is attached to the hairspring ball.

[0069] The projection 92 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the tension rod 311. The projection 92 is inserted into the region between the shaft hole 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221, and is rotatably positioned in the circumferential direction within that region. The dashed arrows shown in Figure 8 indicate the movement trajectory of the projection 92. Note that in Figure 8, the parts of the rotation transmission member 90 other than the projection 92 are not shown.

[0070] In the configuration of this embodiment, the projection 92, which rotates as the balance staff 311 rotates, collides with the part to be impacted 3212. The projection 92 repeatedly alternates between a state in which it contacts the part to be impacted 3212 and rotates it, and a state in which the projection 92 is separated from the part to be impacted 3212 and does not contact it. By rotating the part to be impacted 3212, the projection 92 transmits rotational force to the hairspring 32. As a result, the spring portion 322 of the hairspring 32 expands and contracts. On the other hand, when the projection 92 is separated from the part to be impacted 3212, no rotational force is transmitted to the hairspring 32.

[0071] In this embodiment, periods in which spring torque is generated in the hairspring 32 and periods in which it is not are repeated. For example, in Figure 5, the width of the impacted portion 3212 should be set in the circumferential direction so that spring torque is not generated in the hairspring 32 during the period from -135° to +135°. That is, the spring torque of the hairspring 32 should be set to 0 during the period from -135° to +135°. It is also desirable that there be a period in at least part of the period from -180° to +180° in which the positive and negative signs of the spring torque and the holding torque are the same, during which no spring torque is generated. In this way, by having a period in which no spring torque is generated, the spring torque of the hairspring 32 can be made even lower.

[0072] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the hairspring 32 is held by a holder 320, which is a holding part. The holder 320 has a mounting part 320a and a cylindrical part 320b that protrudes upward from the mounting part 320a. The hairspring 32 is preferably held so as to be rotatable by inserting the cylindrical part 320b through the axial hole of the axial hole part 3211 and by placing the lower surface of the axial hole part 3211 on the mounting part 320a. The holder 320 is preferably provided on a holding plate 10b fixed to the base plate 10 so as to span the opening 10a formed in the base plate 10. However, it is not limited to this, and the holder 320 may be fixed to the base plate 10 via other members, or it may be fixed directly to the base plate 10.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, a portion of the first magnetic part 421 of the stator 42 is provided on the retaining plate 10b. The fixing part 34 is also provided on the first magnetic part 421 of the stator 42. However, it is not limited to this, and the fixing part 34 may also be provided on the base plate 10.

[0074] The fixing portion 34 has a pair of wall portions into which the outer end portion 323 is fitted and which position the outer end portion 323. The fixing portion 34 also has a screw hole through which a fastener F, such as a screw, is inserted. The screw hole formed in the fixing portion 34 opens in the vertical direction. That is, the direction in which the fastener F is attached is the same as the direction in which the lower end portion 311b of the balance staff 311 is inserted into the shaft hole portion 3211. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the fastener is inserted from the left and right directions, the work of fixing the outer end portion 323 of the hairspring 32 becomes easier.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the stator 42 has a recessed portion 42a that is recessed downwards in the portion that overlaps with the hairspring 32 when viewed from above. Also, the fixing portion 34 that secures the outer end portion 323 of the hairspring 32 is located above the recessed portion 42a of the stator 42. This prevents the hairspring 32 from interfering with the stator 42 when it bends downward (vertically) due to gravity. However, the recessed portion 42a does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0076] The assembly and disassembly procedures for the rotating unit R and the hairspring 32 in this embodiment will be described.

[0077] First, the hairspring 32 is held in place by the holder 320. Then, the rotating unit R, which is integrally composed of the balance staff 311, the balance seat 312, the balance wheel 31, the permanent magnet 41, and the rotation transmission member 90, is assembled to the base plate 10. At this time, the lower end portion 311b of the balance staff 311 is inserted through the axial hole portion 3211 of the axial hole portion 3211 in the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32, and the projection portion 92 of the rotation transmission member 90 is inserted through the area between the axial hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221 in the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32. After that, by assembling the receiving member 35 on which the upper jewel seat 150 is provided, the rotating unit R is rotatably supported. Furthermore, the timing for fixing the outer end 323 of the hairspring 32 to the fixing part 34 is preferably after the hairspring 32 is held in the holder 320 and before the rotating unit R is assembled to the base plate 10. This is because it is easier to fix the outer end 323 to the fixing part 34 before assembling the rotating unit R. However, this is not limited to this, and the outer end 323 may also be fixed to the fixing part 34 after assembling the rotating unit R.

[0078] The rotation unit R and the hairspring 32 should be removed by reversing the assembly procedure. When removing the rotation unit R from the base plate 10, the lower end 311b of the balance staff 311 is removed from the axial hole 3211 of the inner end 321 of the hairspring 32, and the projection 92 of the rotation transmission member 90 is removed from the area between the axial hole 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221 of the inner end 321 of the hairspring 32. After that, the hairspring 32 can be removed from the holder 320.

[0079] In the embodiment described above, since it is not necessary to handle the hairspring 32 during the assembly or disassembly of the rotating unit R, assembly and disassembly of the rotating unit R becomes easier. Furthermore, by adopting an eccentric structure in which the center position 41O of the permanent magnet 41 is offset from the rotation center 311O of the balance staff 311, the spring torque of the hairspring 32 can be reduced, thereby achieving slower vibration and allowing the rotation of the balance wheel 31 to be maintained stably. Moreover, since the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32 is not fixed to the balance staff 311, the spring torque of the hairspring 32 can be further reduced, thereby achieving even slower vibration.

[0080] The projection 92 of the rotation transmission member does not need to be located radially outside the balance staff 311, and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 11A. For example, the rotation transmission member may have the configuration shown in Figure 11B. The rotation transmission member 190 shown in Figure 11B includes a disc portion 191 having a central hole that is press-fitted into the balance staff 311, and a projection 192 that protrudes downward from the disc portion 191 and has a longer circumferential length than the projection 92 shown in Figure 11A. The circumferential length of the projection 192 should be approximately the same as the circumferential length of the region between the axial hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221, as shown in Figure 8. By employing the rotation transmission member 190, the hairspring 32 can be made independent of the balance staff 311, while simultaneously transmitting rotational force to the hairspring 32 at all times. This configuration is effective when it is desired to increase the spring torque of the hairspring 32. A configuration that does not require holding torque is also possible.

[0081] Furthermore, the diameter of the shaft hole 3211 should be larger than the diameter of the permanent magnet 41. That is, the permanent magnet 41 should be able to be inserted into the shaft hole of the shaft hole 3211 when assembling the rotating unit R. This makes it possible to position the permanent magnet 41 below the balance spring 32 in the assembled position, as shown in Figure 12.

[0082] Hereinafter, various modifications of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 19. Note that components having the same function as those described in this embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, in Figures 13 to 19, components having the same function as those described with reference to Figure 12, and for which no particular explanation is necessary, will have their reference numerals omitted as appropriate.

[0083] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the first modified example. In the first modified example, the swing seat 312 and the rotation transmission member 90 shown in Figure 12 are integrated into a single unit. That is, the swing seat 1312 has a projection 92 and is configured to function as a rotation transmission member. In the first modified example, the number of parts can be reduced, and as a result, costs can be suppressed.

[0084] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring and surrounding components in the second modified example. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the stator support structure and surrounding components in the second modified example.

[0085] In the second modification, the mechanical watch is assembled in the following order from top to bottom: the permanent magnet 41, the balance wheel 31, and the hairspring 32. Specifically, the permanent magnet 41 is located on the upper jewel bearing 150 side, not the lower jewel bearing 160 side, and is positioned above the balance wheel 31. The stator 42 is also positioned in a manner corresponding to the position of the permanent magnet 41 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the stator 42 is positioned above the balance wheel 31.

[0086] To generate the appropriate holding torque, the positioning of the stator 42 relative to the permanent magnet 41 is crucial. In the arrangement shown in Figure 14, it is difficult to directly fix the stator 42 to the base plate 10. Therefore, in the second modified example, the stator 42 is positioned using a stator positioning member 142.

[0087] The stator positioning member 142 is preferably cylindrical in shape and fitted into the opening of the stator 42. Also, as shown in Figure 15, a recess 35a is formed on the lower surface of the receiving member 35, and the stator positioning member 142 is preferably fitted into the recess 35a. The receiving member 35 is preferably fixed to the base plate 10.

[0088] In the second modified configuration, the stator 42 can be positioned with high precision relative to the permanent magnet 41. As shown in Figure 14, the stator positioning member 142 is positioned between the permanent magnet 41 and the stator 42 so as to surround the permanent magnet 41. Therefore, the stator positioning member 142 is preferably made of a non-magnetic material so as not to have a magnetic effect on the permanent magnet 41.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the upper stone base 150 may hold a spiral spring 153. The spiral spring 153 may hold a hole jewel 152 and be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the balance staff 311. The hole jewel 152 is a stone such as a ruby ​​or sapphire in which a hole is formed through which the upper end portion 311a of the balance staff 311 is inserted. A similar configuration is adopted for the lower stone base 160. That is, the lower stone base 160 holds a spiral spring 163. The spiral spring 163 may hold a hole jewel 162 and be elastically deformable in the radial direction of the balance staff 311.

[0090] By adopting the configuration described above, when vibrations occur in the radial direction of the balance staff 311, the spiral springs 153 and 163 expand and contract, generating elastic force. This reduces the impact caused by vibrations and improves the durability of the balance staff 311.

[0091] Furthermore, the spiral springs 153 and 163 are applicable to this embodiment shown in Figure 12, as well as to other modified examples.

[0092] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the third modified example. The arrangement of the permanent magnet 41, balance wheel 31, and hairspring 32 in the third modified example is the same as in the second modified example.

[0093] In the third modified example, the swinging base 312 shown in Figure 12 is inverted and fixed to the balance staff 311. Therefore, the swinging stone 312a is positioned to protrude upward.

[0094] Here, an anchor is known that has a pointed tip in the center of a stag beetle, which includes a pair of protrusions. The pointed tip is a component that restricts the movement of the anchor by contacting the swinging base when the swinging stone is rotating and not in contact with the anchor's box and is subjected to an external impact. The pointed tip is positioned differently from the stag beetle in the vertical direction so that the swinging stone does not collide with it.

[0095] In the arrangement of the swinging base 312 in the third modified example, the tip 221 cannot be placed below the swinging stone 312a, as shown in Figure 14. Therefore, in the third modified example, the tip 221 is positioned above the upper end surface of the swinging stone 312a so as not to interfere with the swinging stone 312a.

[0096] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring and surrounding components in the fourth modified example. The arrangement of the permanent magnet 41, balance wheel 31, and hairspring 32 in the fourth modified example is the same as in the second and third modified examples.

[0097] In the fourth modified example, a configuration is adopted in which the bouncing stone 9312a provided on the bouncing seat 9312 is given the function of a rotational transmission part. That is, the bouncing stone 9312a is inserted into the region between the shaft hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221, and is arranged to be rotatable in the circumferential direction within that region. For this reason, the bouncing stone 9312a has a shape that is longer in the downward direction than the bouncing stone 312a shown in Figure 12, etc.

[0098] In the fourth modified example, the rotational transmission member 90 shown in Figure 12, etc., is not provided. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and as a result, costs can be suppressed.

[0099] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the fifth modified example. The arrangement of the permanent magnet 41, balance wheel 31, and hairspring 32 in the fifth modified example is the same as in the second to fourth modified examples.

[0100] In the fifth modified example, in addition to the pivot stone 312a shown in Figure 12, a configuration is adopted in which a pivot stone 9312a shown in Figure 17 is further provided. The pivot stone 312a in the fifth modified example has the same function as the pivot stone 312a shown in Figure 12. The pivot stone 9312a in the fifth modified example has the same function as the pivot stone 9312a shown in Figure 17. In the fifth modified example, the rotation transmission member 90 shown in Figure 12 is not provided. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and as a result, costs can be suppressed.

[0101] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring and surrounding components in the sixth modified example. In the sixth modified example, in the assembled position of the mechanical watch, the hairspring 32, balance wheel 31, and permanent magnet 41 are arranged in order from top to bottom.

[0102] In the sixth modification, the rotation transmission member 90 is assembled to the balance staff 311 such that the projection 92 protrudes upward. The direction of projection 92 is the same as the direction in which the upper end portion 311a, which is the tip of the balance staff 311, extends. The hairspring 32 is not fixed to the balance staff 311 and is mounted on the upper surface of the wider portion of the balance staff 311.

[0103] The assembly and disassembly procedures for the rotating unit R and the hairspring 32 in the sixth modified example will be explained.

[0104] First, a receiving member 35 is prepared to which the upper jewel seat 150 that holds the jewel bearing 151 is fixed, and the hairspring 32 is assembled to the receiving member 35. At this time, it is preferable to position the receiving member 35 in an inverted position from the position shown in Figure 19, and then place the hairspring 32 on top of the receiving member 35. Next, a rotating unit R, which is composed of the balance staff 311, swing arm 312, balance wheel 31, permanent magnet 41, and rotation transmission member 90, is assembled to the base plate 10. Then, the receiving member 35 with the hairspring 32 assembled is assembled to the base plate 10. This makes the rotating unit R rotatably supported. When assembling the receiving member 35, the upper end portion 311a of the balance staff 311 is inserted through the axial hole portion 3211 of the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32, and the projection portion 92 of the rotation transmission member 90 is inserted through the region between the axial hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221 of the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32. It is preferable that the hairspring 32 is held in place by the receiving member 35 to the extent that it does not fall out under its own weight when the receiving member 35 is assembled.

[0105] The rotation unit R and the hairspring 32 can be removed by following the reverse procedure of the assembly procedure described above. When removing the receiving portion 35 to which the hairspring 32 is assembled, the upper end portion 311a of the balance staff 311 is removed from the shaft hole portion 3211 of the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32, and the projection portion 92 of the rotation transmission member 90 is removed from the area between the shaft hole portion 3211 and the inner end spring portion 3221 of the inner end portion 321 of the hairspring 32. After that, the rotation unit R can be removed from the base plate 10.

[0106] In the sixth modification, similar to this embodiment, there is no need to handle the hairspring 32 during the assembly or disassembly of the rotating unit R, making the assembly and disassembly of the rotating unit R easier.

[0107] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating unit and hairspring, and the surrounding components, in the seventh modified example. The arrangement of the permanent magnet 41, balance wheel 31, and hairspring 32 in the seventh modified example is the same as in the third modified example. The arrangement of the balance wheel 312 is also the same as in the third modified example.

[0108] In the seventh modification, the swing stone 19312a is made to protrude downward, thereby giving the swing stone 19312a the function of a projection 92. Therefore, in the seventh modification, the rotation transmission member 90 is not provided. Also, in the seventh modification, similar to the third modification, the tip 221 is positioned above the upper end surface of the swing stone 19312a so as not to interfere with the swing stone 312a.

[0109] In this embodiment and its various modifications, the rotation unit R is easily removable, which in turn makes it easy to replace the balance wheel 31. This makes it possible to use balance wheels 31 of various designs and shapes. The balance wheel 31 is preferably press-fitted onto the balance shaft 311 in a detachable manner. Alternatively, a rotation unit R with balance wheels 31 of various designs and shapes pre-installed may be provided for quick replacement.

[0110] In this embodiment and its various modifications, it is preferable that the members placed near the permanent magnet 41 be made of non-magnetic materials. This is because the permanent magnet 41 may be affected by magnetic influences if members made of magnetic materials are placed near it. For example, in this embodiment shown in Figure 12 and the sixth modification shown in Figure 19, at least the lower stone base 160 and the spiral spring 163 should be made of non-magnetic materials. Also, for example, in the second modification shown in Figure 14, at least the upper stone base 150, the spiral spring 153, and the stator positioning member 142 should be made of non-magnetic materials.

[0111] In this embodiment and its various modifications, an example has been described in which the mechanical clock 1 has a permanent magnet 41 and is capable of rate adjustment and power generation, but it is not limited to this. The mechanical clock 1 only needs to have a configuration in which at least the inner end 321 of the hairspring 32 is not fixed to the balance staff 311, and the rotating unit R can be easily assembled and disassembled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Mechanical clock, 10 Main plate, 11 Power mainspring, 12 Gear train, 131 Second hand, 20 Escapement mechanism, 21 Escape wheel, 22 Lever, 30 Regulating mechanism, 31 Balance wheel, 311 Balance stem, 311a Upper end, 311b Lower end, 312 Balance seat, 312a Balance jewel, 32 Hairspring, 321 Inner end, 3211 Shaft hole, 3212 Inner spring, 322 Spring, 323 Outer end, 34 Fixing part, 40 Rate adjustment means, 41 Permanent magnet, 42 Stator, 421 First magnetic part, 421a First end, 422 Second magnetic part, 422a Second end, 43 Coil, 44 Control circuit, 45 Detection circuit, 46 Regulating pulse output circuit, 47 Frequency divider circuit, 48 Oscillator circuit, 40 damping circuit, 50 rectifier circuit, 60 power supply circuit, 70 crystal oscillator, 90 rotational transmission member, 91 disc section, 92 projection section, n11, n12, n21, n22, n3 notches.

Claims

1. A rotating unit having a rotating shaft including a tip, and a rotating transmission part provided radially outside the rotating shaft and protruding in the same direction as the extension direction of the tip, A hairspring including an inner end and a spring portion connected to the inner end, which elastically deforms as the rotating unit rotates, thereby causing the rotating unit to rotate in forward and reverse directions, It has, The hairspring has a removable portion into which the rotation transmission portion is inserted and removed. The inner end portion includes a shaft hole into which the tip portion is removably fitted, and a rotation transmission portion into which the rotation of the rotation transmission portion, which is removably fitted to the insertion / removal portion, is transmitted. Mechanical watch.

2. The rotating unit has a permanent magnet, A coil that generates a back electromotive force due to the forward and reverse rotational motion of the permanent magnet, A rate adjustment means that adjusts the rate according to the detection timing of the detection signal detected based on the back electromotive force, Having, The mechanical clock according to claim 1.

3. The permanent magnet has a stator provided along its outer circumference, which together with the coil forms a magnetic circuit. In the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion into the shaft hole, the stator is positioned below the hairspring. The stator has a recess formed in the portion that overlaps with the hairspring when viewed from above, with the recess being recessed on the lower side. The mechanical clock according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned rotating unit has a balance wheel, In the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion into the shaft hole, the balance wheel, the hairspring, and the permanent magnet are arranged in order from top to bottom. The mechanical clock according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned rotating unit has a balance wheel, In the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion into the shaft hole, the permanent magnet, the balance wheel, and the hairspring are arranged in order from top to bottom. The mechanical clock according to claim 2.

6. The aforementioned rotating unit has a balance wheel, In the assembly position when inserting and removing the tip portion into the shaft hole, the hairspring, balance wheel, and permanent magnet are arranged in order from top to bottom. The mechanical clock according to claim 2.

7. The diameter of the axial hole is larger than the diameter of the permanent magnet. The mechanical clock according to claim 4.

8. The rotating unit has a balance wheel that is detachably press-fitted onto the rotating shaft. A mechanical clock according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The rotating unit is assembled to a base plate on which a holding part that rotatably holds the shaft hole is fixed, The mechanical clock according to claim 1.

10. The base plate to which the aforementioned rotating unit is assembled is The outer end of the hairspring is fixed to the base plate by a fastener. The mounting direction of the fastener is the same as the direction in which the tip portion is inserted into the shaft hole. The mechanical clock according to claim 1.

11. It has an escapement mechanism equipped with an anchor, The rotating unit has a swinging seat on which a bouncing stone is provided that causes the anchor to move by colliding with the anchor. The rotational transmission unit is provided on the aforementioned swing seat. The mechanical clock according to claim 1.

12. It has an escapement mechanism equipped with an anchor, The rotating unit has a pivot stone that moves the anchor by colliding with it. The rotational transmission unit is the swing stone. The mechanical clock according to claim 1.

13. The permanent magnet is positioned on either the tip side or the opposite side of the tip of the rotating shaft in the assembly position when inserting or removing the tip from the shaft hole. A hole stone through which one of the aforementioned ends is inserted, A spiral spring that holds the aforementioned hole stone and is elastically deformable in the radial direction of the rotation axis, It has, The aforementioned spiral spring is made of a non-magnetic material. The mechanical clock according to claim 2.

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