A method for adjusting a watch movement to facilitate restarting and / or balance it.

Abstract

An oscillator (2), particularly a balance wheel (21) / main spring (22) oscillator, includes an inertial element (21) and a return spring (22) that rotate around a pivot axis, Escapement (3), especially dual impulse escapement, especially Swiss lever escapement (3), A method for adjusting a speed control system (100), including, The adjustment method is to facilitate and / or balance the restart of the speed control system. Steps to adjust the beat setting, in particular to a non-zero value, and / or A step of adjusting the degree to which the anchor assembly (31) is inserted into the escape wheel (32), and / or A step to adjust the degree to which the anchor assembly is inserted into the escape wheel. including, Adjustment method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of adjusting a speed control system to promote or balance restart. The present invention also relates to a speed control system obtained by implementing the adjustment method. The present invention further relates to a timepiece movement obtained by implementing the adjustment method. Finally, the present invention relates to a timepiece including the timepiece movement or the speed control system.

Background Art

[0002] Restarting a stopped timepiece movement is anything but easy, due to the mainspring unwinding or under the stop-second action during the time reset operation. Specifically, on the one hand, a sufficiently high torque must be applied to the anchor assembly by the escape wheel, and on the other hand, the escapement must be configured to be able to impart an impact to the anchor assembly that causes the anchor assembly to restart the oscillation of the oscillator. In practice, it is often necessary to impart a slight movement to the small timepiece to rotate the oscillator ring so that the oscillator restarts and thus the timepiece movement restarts. In addition, certain types of escapements are seen as restarting more easily than other types.

[0003] Restart has hardly been studied in the horology industry so far, but it is important for the wearer of a small timepiece. Specifically, the wearer desires to minimize winding to restart their timepiece and also avoid the need to impart acceleration to their timepiece to facilitate restart.

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a system for promoting restart, particularly in the case of tourbillon timepieces. A stop cam is provided to stop the temp at a clearly defined angular position different from the neutral point of the oscillator in order to promote the restart of the oscillator.

[0005] Patent Document 2 provides a restart system for an oscillator having a flexible blade pivot. A mechanical impulse wheel powered by an energy source is activated to supply energy to the oscillator when the amplitude of the oscillator's vibration is zero or below a predetermined value.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a mechanism for the "gentle" restart of a balance wheel / mainspring oscillator, which uses an additional mechanism to impart motion to the balance wheel. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 716421 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 716525 [Patent Document 3] Swiss Patent Application Publication No. 717217 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment method that improves the restart of a stopped watch movement and improves on watch movements known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes an adjustment method that facilitates the restart of a stopped watch movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the adjustment method is defined in claim 1.

[0010] Embodiments of the determination method are defined in claims 2 to 8.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the speed control system is defined in claim 9.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the watch movement is defined in claim 10.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the clock is defined in claim 11.

[0014] According to other aspects of the present invention, and in particular aspects that complement the present invention, the subject matter is defined by the following proposals.

[0015] 1. A method for determining the beat setting value of an oscillator (2) of a clock movement (200), particularly an oscillator including an inertial element (21) and a return spring (22) that rotate around a pivot axis, particularly a balance wheel (21) / mainspring (22) oscillator, particularly by calculation, The oscillator is set to perform an oscillating motion relative to the frame (99) of the clock movement. Position the clock movement in at least two determined orientations with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. For each posture, the data relating to the beat setting of the oscillator (2) is determined. Using the data from the preceding steps, determine the beat setting value of the oscillator (2), in particular the directional value of the beat setting, and / or a function that defines the directional value of the beat setting according to the orientation of the clock movement with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. Includes at least one step, method.

[0016] 2. The beat setting value is a time value, The method proposed in Proposal 1.

[0017] 3. The oscillator is, In one of the positions of the step of positioning the clock movement, or In some of the positions of the step of positioning the clock movement, or In all of the positions of the step for positioning the clock movement, comprising an axis of vibration that takes an angle of at least 2° or at least 3° with respect to the direction of the gravitational field of the Earth The method proposed in Proposal 1 or 2.

[0018] 4. At least one of the determined attitudes is the orthographic projection of the center line (L) onto the plane (P) of the timepiece movement, and the orthographic projection of the direction of the gravitational field of the Earth onto the plane (P) of the timepiece movement, such that the angle between them has an absolute value of zero, or less than 5°, or less than 10°, and / or at least one of the determined attitudes is the orthographic projection of the center line (L) onto the plane (P) of the timepiece movement, and the orthographic projection of the direction of the gravitational field of the Earth onto the plane (P) of the timepiece movement, such that the angle between them is equal to 90°, or has an absolute value included between 85° and 95°, or included between 80° and 100°, The method proposed in any one of Proposals 1 to 3.

[0019] 5. At least two of the determined attitudes are the vertical attitude of the timepiece movement and / or an attitude approximately 90° apart about an axis perpendicular to the frame The method proposed in any one of Proposals 1 to 4.

[0020] 6. The function defining the directional value of the beat setting according to the attitude of the timepiece movement is defined as a sinusoidal function, or a polynomial function, or a Bézier function, or a spline function that best corresponds to the data regarding the beat setting of the oscillator The method proposed in any one of Proposals 1 to 5.

[0021] 7. comprising the step of determining the amplitude of the vibration of the oscillator (3) A method of proposing one of the six options from Proposal 1 to Proposal 6.

[0022] 8. The step of using the amplitude of the vibration of the oscillator (2) in order to determine the angle value of the beat setting, The method proposed in Proposal 7.

[0023] 9. The determination of the data relating to the beat setting of the oscillator (2) and / or the amplitude of the vibration of the oscillator (2) is carried out by processing an acoustic signal, or by processing an acoustic and optical signal. A method of proposing one of the eight options from Proposal 1 to Proposal 8.

[0024] 10. The process includes the step of implementing the method proposed in any one of proposals 1 to 9, and the step of adjusting the value of the beat setting of the oscillator (2), A method for adjusting oscillator (2).

[0025] 11. The process includes the steps of positioning the clock movement in a predetermined position and adjusting the value of the beat setting to zero or a non-zero value in the predetermined position. A method for adjusting oscillator (2).

[0026] 12. The step of adjusting the value of the beat setting involves moving the hairspring attachment support relative to the frame (99), The adjustment method proposed in Proposal 10 or 11.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, its object is defined by the following proposals.

[0028] 13. Oscillators (2), in particular the balance wheel (21) / mainspring (22) oscillator, Escapement (3), in particular a dual impulse oscillator, specifically a Swiss lever escapement (3), A method for adjusting a speed control system (100), including, The adjustment method is intended to facilitate and / or balance the restart of the speed control system. Steps to adjust the beat setting, in particular to a non-zero value, and / or A step of adjusting the degree to which the anchor assembly (31) is inserted into the escape wheel (32), and / or A step to adjust the degree to which the anchor assembly is inserted into the escape wheel. including, Adjustment method.

[0029] 14. The step of adjusting the beat setting includes a substep of positioning the speed control system (100) in a predetermined orientation with respect to the Earth's gravitational field, The adjustment method described in Proposal 13.

[0030] 15. The step of adjusting the beat setting includes a substep of adjusting the beat setting to a value, in particular to the zero value, while the speed control system (100) is positioned in the predetermined orientation with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. The adjustment method described in Proposal 14.

[0031] 16. The non-zero values ​​for which the beat setting is set are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°, and the changes to the beat setting are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°. The adjustment method described in any one of proposals 13 to 15.

[0032] 17. The step of adjusting the insertion of the anchor assembly into the escape wheel is: A substep to measure the insertion depth on the entry side, and then Controlled movement of the claws relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, for example, a substep of controlled movement of the claws less than 20 μm relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, then, A substep of fixing the aforementioned claw to the remainder of the ankle assembly, including, The adjustment method described in any one of proposals 13 to 16.

[0033] 18. The step of adjusting the outward insertion of the anchor assembly into the escape wheel is: A substep for measuring the insertion depth of the outlet, and then... A controlled movement of the claw relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, for example, a substep of controlled movement of the claw less than 20 μm relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, then, A substep for fixing the protruding claw to the remainder of the anchor assembly, including, The adjustment method described in any one of Proposals 13 to 17.

[0034] 19. The adjustment method includes a step of defining the adjustment to be performed, prior to the adjustment step, and the step of defining the adjustment is: A substep of measuring, determining, or estimating the entry restart torque, and measuring, determining, or estimating the exit restart torque, or a substep of measuring, determining, or estimating the difference in restart torque between the entry and exit sides, and A substep in which the nature and intensity of the adjustment applied to the speed control system (100) are determined, using the torque measurement, determination, or estimation, particularly through calculation, including, The adjustment method described in any one of proposals 13 to 18.

[0035] 20. The substep using the torque measurement, determination, or estimation involves the implementation of the following formula: Mred = M0 + ap × p + ar × r Here Mred said, the difference in restart torque (between the entry restart torque and the exit restart torque), p is the difference in insertion between the inlet insertion and the outlet insertion, r is the beat setting, M0, ap, and ar are constants. The adjustment method described in Proposal 19.

[0036] 21. A speed control system (100) obtained by implementing one of the adjustment methods described in any one of Proposals 13 to 20.

[0037] 22. A watch movement (200) including the adjustment system (100) described in Proposal 21.

[0038] 23. A watch (300), particularly a wristwatch, comprising the watch movement (200) described in Proposal 22 and / or the regulating system (100) described in Proposal 21.

[0039] The attached drawings disclose, as an example, a mechanism in which the method according to the present invention is carried out, and illustrate the phenomena on which the method according to the present invention is based. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a time graph illustrating the oscillations detected in the escapement of a watch during the period of oscillation of the watch's balance wheel. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a watch to which the method for forming the subject matter of the present invention can be applied, as an example viewed from the back cover side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram of a watch design that shows in detail the orientation of the regulating system as viewed from the dial side, as an example. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a graph showing the variation in entry and exit restart torques for five watch movements with different entry values, where the restart torque variation is illustrated as a function of beat setting adjustment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a graph showing the variation in the input and output restart torque differences for five watch movements with different input difference values, where the variation in the restart torque derivative is illustrated as a function of the beat setting adjustment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] One embodiment of the clock 300 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2. The clock 300 is, for example, a small clock, in particular a wristwatch. The clock 300 includes a clock movement 200, which is advantageously fixed to the dial 50. The clock movement is intended to be mounted in a clock casing or case to protect itself from the external environment. The clock movement 200 may be a mechanical clock movement, in particular an automatic clock movement, or a hybrid clock movement.

[0042] The watch movement 200 includes frame 99 and regulating system 100.

[0043] The speed control system 100 includes an oscillator 2 and an escapement system such as a Swiss lever escapement 3.

[0044] Oscillator 2 is, - Inertial elements 21 such as the balance wheel 21, - Hairspring 22, return spring 22, Includes.

[0045] The escapement includes an escape wheel 32 and an anchor assembly 31, the anchor assembly is - On the one hand, oscillator 2 and, - On the other hand, the escape wheel 32 and, They interact.

[0046] The line connecting the pivot point of the balance wheel spring and the pivot point of the anchor assembly, in other words, - The pivot axis of the inertial element, especially the balance wheel-spring, - The pivot axis of the ankle assembly, The line connecting these axes (in a plane perpendicular to them) is usually called the centerline L.

[0047] Principles and Research of Beat Setting While watchmakers measure beat setting as a time interval, Figure 2 shows that beat setting is defined by the angular offset between the neutral point of the escapement and the neutral point of the oscillator. For historical reasons, this quantity is expressed in milliseconds [ms], thus representing half the time difference between two consecutive alternating repetitions (the term is equivalent to a half-oscillation). In practice, this time difference depends on the speed of the oscillator's passage, and therefore on its amplitude and period.

[0048] According to research conducted by the applicant, it was found that the measurement of the beat setting depends on the amplitude of the clock movement and its orientation at the time of measurement. These observations led to a redefinition of the beat setting (the concepts of signed beat setting and geometric beat setting), the development of procedures for measuring the sign and value of the beat setting, and the development of applied methods that utilize these concepts.

[0049] Historically, the beat setting was always a zero or positive number expressed in [ms], corresponding to the absolute time offset between the oscillator's equilibrium point (defined by the center of the balance wheel's collision pin when stationary and the direction passing through the balance wheel's pivot axis) and the line between the center of the balance wheel's pivot motion and the center of the anchor assembly's pivot motion, and the goal was to make it zero.

[0050] According to the research conducted by the applicant, ultimately, - Treat the beat setting as a value that can be negative, zero, or positive (signed or directional beat setting). - Measure the beat setting as an angle, for example, in [°] or [rad] (geometric beat setting). - The beat setting is experimentally measured in several vertical orientations to determine the sign and then estimate the beat setting at the midpoint (i.e., the average of the beat settings in four vertical orientations with 90° intervals). - When setting (or adjusting) the beat setting, the watch movement is oriented with great precision so that the beat setting set in that orientation corresponds to the beat setting at the midpoint. This is seen as advantageous.

[0051] From a physical standpoint, beat setting is a quantity centered at zero, and its sign depends on the direction of the angular offset. Currently, the measured beat setting is signless. Therefore, apart from the fact that this quantity does not follow a normal distribution, there is a risk of drawing false conclusions about the difference or drift in beat setting values ​​between two states, particularly between two measurements of the same watch movement at two different moments in time, such as before and after adjustment work, shock testing, or exposure to a magnetic field. For example, one might conclude that there is zero drift when in reality it is the (unknown) sign that has changed, or one might conclude that there is a regular drift between the two states when in reality there is only variance within the watch movement.

[0052] Therefore, it seems desirable to define the physical beat setting in the form of a signed geometric quantity. First, the beat setting may be considered invariant with respect to amplitude by applying a conversion that takes into account the amplitude recorded at the time of measurement. Second, the sign of the quantity can be determined in many non-invasive ways without changing the position of the hairspring stud carrier (i.e., without having to reset the beat setting), as has been done in the past.

[0053] From a geometrical standpoint, the beat setting is determined by the position of the inertial assembly where the return spring, particularly the hairspring, provides zero torque. - The center line of the escapement, - For example, the center of a protruding element such as an impact pin or claw that works in conjunction with the ankle assembly, and a line passing through the axis of the inertia assembly, especially the balance wheel, This corresponds to the angular offset (measured in the sense of the angle of rotation or rotation of the inertial element, particularly the balance wheel) between the two. In other words, the reference may be expressed as the directional angle of the position of the inertial element around its axis of rotation. As mentioned above, beat settings were historically defined and measured in milliseconds.

[0054] This time corresponds to the angular offset mentioned above and depends on the velocity of the inertial element at the neutral point, and therefore on its amplitude and frequency. Ultimately, the lower the amplitude, the greater the time difference across the two alternating iterations. The purpose of changing to a geometric beat setting is to relate the temporal offset across the periodic function to the angular offset, which is constant and represents the direct physical cause of the offset. Therefore, taking the amplitude at the time of measurement into account has the effect of keeping the beat setting constant throughout the unwinding of the mainspring, or despite any drift in amplitude over time.

[0055] The following mathematical development using small-angle approximation makes it possible to express the geometric beat setting as an angle. Rg = π × f × Rt × A Here, Rg is the geometric beat setting [°], f is the oscillator frequency [Hz]. A is the amplitude [°] of the inertial element of the clock movement. Rt is the time beat setting [s].

[0056] Therefore, beat settings can be expressed as an angular quantity or a temporal quantity.

[0057] Conversely, the change in beat setting as a function of amplitude is: When Rg / A is small, Rt(A) = (sin -1 (Rg / A)) / (π×f)≒Rg / (A×π×f) It can be expressed using [this method].

[0058] Therefore, it is clear that the time beat setting is proportional to the reciprocal of the amplitude of the clock movement of the inertial element.

[0059] Another important feature is the sign of the beat setting. Based on the formula (t1-t2) / 2, it can be seen that the beat setting can be positive or negative depending on the values ​​of t1 and t2. In practice, acoustic measuring instruments do not distinguish between in-side alternating repetitions and out-side alternating repetitions. Therefore, quantities are always communicated in absolute terms.

[0060] This practice presents problems not only in the statistical analysis of the data (because the resulting data exhibits a non-Gaussian distribution), but also in understanding phenomena that affect the beat setting, such as adjusting the beat setting, drift as a result of impact, phenomena caused by exposure to a magnetic field, or other devices that cause dispersion. For this reason, knowing the sign or direction of the beat setting offers practical benefits.

[0061] For example, with respect to a watch movement, the following convention may be chosen: The beat setting is defined as positive if the line from the oscillator's neutral point shows a positive angular offset (counterclockwise or triangular when viewed from the case back side, i.e., downwards) with respect to the center line passing through the pivot point of the anchor assembly true and the pivot point of the oscillator true. Otherwise, it is negative.

[0062] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 2, moving the hairspring stud carrier counterclockwise when viewed from the case back side (downward direction) corresponds to increasing the beat setting. This definition remains valid even if the watch movement includes other methods for adjusting the beat setting, rather than a traditional hairspring stud carrier.

[0063] Generally, and based on the above formula, the temporal and geometric beat settings have the same sign, where time t1 corresponds to a function of the alternating repetitions on the exit side, and t2 corresponds to a function of the alternating repetitions on the entry side. For t1 > t2, the sign is positive. Of course, the conventions of these signs depend on the orientation of the centerline, the shape of the escapement, or the design of the watch movement. However, for each caliber, it is easy to establish conventions by analogy.

[0064] Previously, the direction, sign, or orientation of the beat setting was determined solely by moving the hairspring stud carrier in a predetermined direction and measuring how the beat setting changed, thus losing the initial setting of the beat setting. In particular, previously known methods could not provide knowledge about the sign of the beat setting without performing numerous consecutive adjustments and measurements.

[0065] Although never used before, the sign of the beat setting is essential information for analyzing the quantity in question and for adjusting the clock movement. As will be explained in detail below, there are numerous techniques available for determining this sign, among others, including many acoustic measurements, photoacoustic measurements, raw signal analysis, and measurements in non-Gaussian coordinate systems.

[0066] The embodiment of the beat setting determination method described below utilizes the radial play of the inertial element pivot. Data owned by the applicant shows that this play affects the beat setting. The beat setting varies significantly depending on the vertical orientation of the clock movement (e.g., according to the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, and 12 o'clock positions). Using a model that can be easily performed with known instruments, particularly acoustic measuring instruments, a number of curve fitting processes enable the determination of the sign and value of the beat setting.

[0067] How to determine the beat setting value One embodiment of a method for determining the signed beat setting of a clock movement is described below. The method may use acoustic measurements taken in several positions, in particular in four vertical clock positions. Based on a theoretical model that uses the play of the inertial element pivot, and based on convention, it is possible to assign a sign to the beat setting results, which are initially measured as absolute values. The principle consists of comparing and fitting a regressive sine function that best corresponds to the beat setting measurements obtained in different positions, for example, four beat setting measurements obtained in different vertical positions.

[0068] In general, to determine, and in particular to calculate, the beat setting value of the oscillator 2 of the clock movement 200, the method is as follows: - Set the oscillator to oscillate relative to the frame 99 of the clock movement. - Position the clock movement in at least two distinct and defined (or determined) orientations with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. - For each posture, data regarding the beat setting of oscillator 2 is obtained, particularly through measurement and processing, to determine the absolute value of the beat setting of oscillator 2. - Using the data from the previous step, determine the beat setting value for oscillator 2, in particular, - Directional value of the beat setting of oscillator 2, and / or - A function that defines the directional value of the beat setting of oscillator 2, which is related to the attitude of the clock movement with respect to the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. To calculate It includes at least one step.

[0069] The orientation is defined, that is, the spatial orientation of the watch movement is known.

[0070] The beat setting value is a directional or signed value, meaning it can be positive or negative.

[0071] The beat setting value may also be a temporal value, particularly expressed in milliseconds. Such a value depends on the oscillator frequency and the amplitude of the oscillation of the inertial element.

[0072] Optionally, the beat setting value may be a geometric value, particularly an angular value expressed in degrees. Such a value offers the advantage of being independent of the oscillator frequency and the amplitude of the inertial element's vibration.

[0073] The method is carried out while the oscillator is operating. In particular, various tasks are performed in the method while the oscillator is operating, especially measurements are taken. For this reason, the method includes a step of operating the oscillator. This may be done by rewinding the mainspring so that it has enough energy to ensure the nominal operation of the watch movement.

[0074] The clock movement is sequentially positioned in at least two determined, i.e., distinct and defined, orientations with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. For example, these orientations may include the clock movement in a vertical reference clock orientation, particularly the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock orientation, or any vertical orientation intermediate between the two of the aforementioned vertical orientations.

[0075] The method may be carried out by positioning the clock movement in a number of distinct orientations with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field.

[0076] Horizontal clock positions, particularly downward and upward positions, are not desirable positions for implementing the determination method.

[0077] For each posture, data relating to the beat setting of oscillator 2 is determined. For example, as described above, acoustic data is used that allows the beat setting data to be determined, particularly by calculation, using the formula |(t1-t2) / 2|. For this reason, for example, the beat setting data is measured for each posture. For example, an instrument for measuring changes in the intensity of acoustic phenomena is used to obtain an acoustic signal. By processing this signal, it is possible to determine the values ​​of t1 and t2. These values ​​are then used in processing or calculation to determine the absolute value of the beat setting.

[0078] The simplest method for obtaining beat setting data is to obtain temporal beat setting data (unsigned or non-directional).

[0079] However, the method is advantageous in that the beat setting data is measured or determined at the moment of measurement. - Determine the amplitude of the oscillation of oscillator 2, or - Measure the amplitude of the oscillator's vibration. The method further includes the step of determining, advantageously, angular beat setting data corresponding to temporal beat setting data by calculation using the amplitude of the oscillation of oscillator 2.

[0080] If the amplitude of the oscillator's vibration does not change or changes only slightly in all measurements at different positions, then, particularly through measurement and calculation, the oscillator's amplitude can be determined only once, and this amplitude can be estimated to be constant in all measurements obtained at different positions.

[0081] If the amplitude of the oscillator's vibration changes in all measurements under different orientations, it is preferable to determine the oscillator's amplitude for each orientation and associate these different amplitude measurements with the different orientations and the different beat setting data obtained under those orientations.

[0082] The determination or determination of amplitude, in particular measurement or measurement, may be performed in one and / or the other of a separate and defined orientation. Alternatively, the determination or determination of amplitude, in particular measurement or measurement, may be performed in all other orientations.

[0083] Finally, data regarding the beat settings (temporal beat setting data, and, where appropriate, oscillator amplitude data) are used, in particular, to determine the beat setting value of oscillator 2 through calculations. - Directional value of the beat setting of oscillator 2, and / or - A function that defines the directional value of the beat setting of oscillator 2, which is related to the attitude of the clock movement relative to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. This is used to calculate the inverse of the beat setting data. In this step, preferably, all beat setting data are obtained together with their inverses, and (assuming the clock movement is arranged in n positions and a beat setting data item is obtained for each position) 2 of the data. n This is used to define individual combinations. Each of these orientations is associated with an angle λ (according to the NIHS95-10 standard). The combination that best correlates with a sine function representing the beat setting as a function of angle λ is then searched for, and this function is subsequently retained as a function of angle λ representing the beat setting of the tested clock movement, i.e., as a function of the orientation of the clock movement with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field.

[0084] If the design of the watch movement is understood, abnormal combinations can be determined as described below. For example, a combination that shows the minimum beat setting data determined in the position where the beat setting data should be maximum is not retained.

[0085] If the orientation of the watch movement is neither vertical nor horizontal, the angle λ of the watch movement's orientation is: - The direction of the dial, which extends from the center and points towards the 12 o'clock mark, - An upward, orthogonal projection of a vector parallel to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the principal plane P of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement. This is the directional angle formed between the two points. This angle is positive when rotating from the direction indicating the 12 o'clock mark to the direction indicating the 3 o'clock mark, that is, in the direction of the hands of the small clock on the dial.

[0086] Advantageously, the concept of signed beat setting is combined with the concept of geometric beat setting to obtain a new definition of beat setting, which directly links the determined value to physical reasons, improving the timekeeping performance of the watch movement and providing numerous uses for efficiency in assembly and adjustment work. In particular, as mentioned above, the signed geometric beat setting value is a directional angle value. This value is independent of the amplitude of the oscillation of the inertial element and the frequency of the oscillator.

[0087] The play in a watch movement, particularly the radial play of the inertial element pivot, can be observed to change the beat setting according to the orientation of the watch movement relative to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. In particular, the inertial element pivot has both axial play and radial play. In the vertical position, the inertial element pivot applies weight to the pivot jewel, which has the effect of shifting the oscillator's center of rotation relative to the frame. As a result, the orientation of the centerline is also changed, and thus the value of the beat setting is altered. For a given caliber, as an example, the estimated change in beat setting resulting from the difference in position between the centered pivot and the pivot that applies weight to the pivot jewel reaches 0.76°, which corresponds to a temporal beat setting of 0.25 ms with an oscillation amplitude of 240° and an oscillator frequency of 4 Hz. Beat setting measurements obtained at close intervals over a full rotation in the vertical position around an axis perpendicular to the frame and / or the dial of the watch movement reveal the total variation in beat setting, on the order of 0.5 ms. Therefore, this "play" phenomenon appears to explain the fluctuations in beat settings observed in practical applications.

[0088] Since the beat setting depends on the orientation of the watch movement, it is possible to formulate a model that connects these two variables. This model allows for the determination of the sign of beat settings measured at different orientations. However, it seems necessary to establish conventions to ensure that the same theory is always applied within the same coordinate system.

[0089] This refers to the orientation (λ in the NIHS95-10 standard), which indicates the angular orientation of the watch movement in its vertical position relative to the center. The 0° position corresponds to the 12 o'clock position of the watch. When viewed from the dial side (upward), the orientation is positive when the watch movement rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, the watch movement moves from the 12 o'clock (0°) position to the 3 o'clock (90°) position, etc. The tilt (θ in the NIHS95-10 standard) corresponds to the angle defined between the vertical axis (axis Z in the NIHS95-10 standard) oriented opposite to the Earth's gravitational field and the plane P of the watch movement. The position viewed from the dial side is defined as 90°, and the position viewed from the case back side is defined as -90°.

[0090] It is also appropriate to define a convention for the sign. The beat setting is said to become increasingly positive as the neutral point line (passing through the pivot point of the oscillator's pivot axis and the center of the protruding element as the center of the pin, when the inertial element is in a stationary position) is moved counterclockwise when viewed from below the escapement line (or the center line, which is the line located in the plane P of the clock movement that passes through the oscillator's pivot axis and the pivot axis of the anchor assembly).

[0091] Understanding that the beat setting relies on the play within the pivot makes it possible to define orientations corresponding to minimum and maximum beat setting data.

[0092] Figure 3 shows the speed control system 100 from the upward side in the 12 o'clock position (λ=0°, θ=90°). The extreme values ​​of the beat setting must be observed when the center line L is in the horizontal position. Knowing that the center line L is tilted 150° with respect to the 12 o'clock position, the extreme and median values ​​of the beat setting are given in the following orientation (relative to 12 o'clock). -300° or 60°. The beat setting indicates the minimum value. -120° or 240°. The beat setting indicates the maximum value. -30° or 150°. The beat setting indicates the median value, which is sometimes referred to as the "midpoint beat setting."

[0093] If a measurement (in terms of absolute value) shows a high beat setting value (higher than other measurements) in relation to a posture where the beat setting should have its minimum value, it can be inferred that the beat setting should be negative in that posture, and therefore a negative value should be considered.

[0094] It is possible to formulate a logical model that allows us to define the value of the beat setting as a function of the orientation of the clock movement relative to the direction of gravity. As a first approximation, the beat setting is: R(λ) = R0 × sin(λ-φ) + M It conforms to the type of function, where, R(λ) is the (signed or directional) beat setting as a function of the orientation of the clock movement, and the beat setting may be expressed temporally in [ms] or geometrically as an angle in [°]. R0 is always a positive value, with a sinusoidal amplitude. λ is the direction of the clock movement relative to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field (0-360°). φ is a phase shift determined or defined by the design of the clock, in particular by the direction of the center line. M is a positive, zero, or negative offset (corresponding to the beat setting at the midpoint, i.e., when the orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field in the direction onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the oscillator's pivot axis, or onto the main plane P of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement, is parallel to the centerline).

[0095] Since the parameter φ is predetermined based on the design of the clock movement and measured beat setting data for different orientations of the clock movement, only parameters R0 and M need to be calculated to define the beat setting values ​​of the clock movement for all orientations relative to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. One solution is to use the least squares method to obtain, through calculation, the sine function that best corresponds to the measured beat setting data of the oscillator for different orientations of the clock movement.

[0096] Parameter M corresponds to the theoretical beat setting that the oscillator would have if there were no play in the pivot. The terms “midpoint” or “midpoint beat setting” in relation to parameter M can be used because they allow us to describe the overall or average behavior of the beat setting and are equal to the average of the beat setting values ​​obtained in four vertical positions separated by 90°, for example, in four vertical clock positions.

[0097] As mentioned above, all beat setting data obtained by measurement are positive. However, depending on the watch adjustment, the signed beat setting data may all be positive or all be negative, or if the watch movement is properly set to the beat setting, some may be positive and some may be negative.

[0098] For example, in the first stage, beat setting data is measured (in absolute value) in four vertical test positions. Table 1 below shows the results obtained.

[0099] [Table 1]

[0100] In the second stage, the sign of each measurement is determined. Specifically, based on the four measurements, two signs of the value are determined. 4 16 possible combinations exist. It is necessary to determine the combination of signed values ​​that actually corresponds to the results of tests performed on the watch movement. Through knowledge of the design of the tested watch movement, it was determined that the beat setting data at the 3 o'clock position is the value closest to the minimum, and the beat setting data at the 9 o'clock position is the value closest to the maximum. As a result, the combination to be retained must satisfy the following condition: Beat setting (3 o'clock) < Beat setting (9 o'clock). In many cases, this condition allows for a reduction in the number of solutions. Furthermore, the sign of each data item may be determined by matching the function R(λ) to the data by trying different sign combinations. The most probable solution is, for example, minimizing the least squares sum between the theoretical function R(λ) and the points defined by the different combinations of data described above. Other optimization or regression methods may be used.

[0101] In the third stage, the final solution is expressed in the following form, where the beat setting value is a measured value with a sign assigned to it, calculated according to a theoretical model defined using data obtained during testing of the clock movement.

[0102] [Table 2]

[0103] Based on a defined model, it is also possible to determine the value of the beat setting at the midpoint (i.e., in the orientation of the clock movement where the orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, is parallel to the centerline) through calculation. The value of the beat setting at the midpoint is equal to +0.19 ms (or 0.57° for the geometrically expressed beat setting). Therefore, as a preference, the function that defines the directional angle value of the beat setting according to the orientation (orientation λ) of the clock movement can be determined as a sine function (of the orientation λ of the clock movement) that best corresponds to the data related to the oscillator's beat setting. Thanks to such a sine function, it becomes possible to interpolate the value of the beat setting of the clock movement in any one of its orientations (provided that the direction perpendicular to the dial makes an angle of at least 2°, preferably 3°, with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field). In this way, the beat setting value can be determined from the position of a watch movement even if the beat setting has not been measured.

[0104] The example above clearly illustrates the traditional definition of beat setting and the limitations of the corresponding measurement (temporal beat setting measured in absolute value). Measurements in the vertical position yield two values ​​close to zero (0.02 and 0.07 ms) and two values ​​close to the maximum tolerance (0.36 and 0.43 ms). Adjusting the beat setting was difficult for the watchmaker. Should the watch movement be left as is, based on one of the near-zero measurements, or should it be modified based on one of the other two measurements? Furthermore, if the watchmaker chose to modify, what beat setting should they aim to achieve? Specifically, the average of the four signed beat setting measurements in the vertical position equals the beat setting at the midpoint, but this is not the average of the four "reference" measurements of beat setting, as this is a measurement in absolute value. It can be seen that the usual recommendation to "set the beat setting to zero in all positions" is, in practice, completely unattainable.

[0105] As mentioned above, instead of fitting the measurement to a sine function, or in addition to it, other approaches to determining the sign of the beat setting can also be considered. Some basic ideas are described below.

[0106] Distinguish codes based on their acoustic properties. In principle, specifically in the case of a Swiss lever escapement, it is difficult to distinguish between the acoustic properties of two consecutive alternating repetitions. As a result, acoustic instruments do not take this criterion into account. However, in certain calibers and in certain types of escapements, this difference is significant and can be used to estimate the code of a watch movement. Extending this concept, the distinction between the characteristics specific to each caliber can be performed using supervised classification algorithms (K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, or neural networks).

[0107] Distinguish between signs using photoacoustic measurements. In the absence of beat setting measurements, optical measurements (dual-channel) can be used to determine the direction of passage of the inertial element in each alternating repetition. By combining this technique with acoustic measurements, it becomes possible to determine the direction of the alternating repetition for each time measurement and estimate the sign of the beat setting from there.

[0108] The symbols are distinguished by the excitation of the clock movement. Generally, in acoustic measurements, it is impossible to distinguish between a "tick" and a "tack." This problem can be avoided by taking the first measurement in a stationary state (with the clock movement fixed) and then taking a second measurement with angular acceleration in a known direction. When acceleration is applied with a rotation center that coincides with the rotation center of the inertial element (non-Gaussian coordinate system), the inertial element is subjected to a torque that causes an angular offset in the hairspring. Therefore, the value of the beat setting becomes erroneous depending on the angular motion applied to the hairspring. The sign of the beat setting can be estimated by observing whether the beat setting increases or decreases during the measurement under acceleration. For example, if the beat setting increases while the plate is rotating, this is known to deviate from zero compared to the measurement in the stationary state. Therefore, it becomes possible to determine the sign of the beat setting. However, the sign of a beat setting very close to zero is difficult to determine. One improvement method is to apply a stepped acceleration, starting very weakly, so that the change in measurement, and if possible, the change in sign, can be detected as the torque increases. An alternative method involves exciting the clock movement with short pulses at very precise moments, such that the disturbance synchronizes with the alternating repetitions of the clock movement when the oscillator is close to the escapement function (midway through the alternating repetitions). While the direction of the impulses is known, it is necessary to identify the "ticks" and "tacks" of the alternating repetitions, so that any disturbance to one of these will cause an increase or decrease in amplitude. Therefore, the algorithm allows us to associate the alternating repetitions with the direction of rotation of the inertial elements. This allows us to identify the sign of the beat setting.

[0109] As described above, the use of signed beat settings, specifically signed geometric beat settings, can determine the midpoint, i.e., the actual difference between the oscillator's neutral point and the center line. It should be recalled that traditional measurements yield absolute values. The applicant's results showed that the beat setting value, expressed in time, depends on the amplitude and therefore fluctuates between horizontal and vertical orientations, typically fluctuating by 0.5 ms between extreme values ​​measured in the vertical orientation due to play within the pivot.

[0110] As described above, the method preferably includes a step of searching for the best fit of the sine function to the measurement point by trying combinations of different signs for the obtained measurement data. Such a step may be applied during the manufacturing workflow.

[0111] The "overall" beat setting for each watch movement can thus be expressed through the midpoint beat setting (Table 3). This clearly demonstrates the full benefit of using signed values ​​for the beat setting. Table 3 shows the following three scenarios: The beat setting values ​​are far from zero and are positive. Standard methods, in terms of absolute value, provide a good approximation for the midpoint beat setting, and even the correct value for the average of the four vertical positions considered (watch movement 3, 5). This is not surprising given the factors mentioned above. The beat setting value is far from zero and is negative (watch movement 2, 4). Here again we see the same characteristics as above, but the sign is reversed. The absolute value becomes systematically incorrect. This has direct consequences for adjusting the beat setting. The watchmaker must, for example, perform at least two cycles of measurement for adjustment and inspection. The beat setting value is close to zero (clock movement 1). In this case, the average of the values ​​is different from the average of the absolute values, which leads to a significant error in the beat setting value (twice in this example), further highlighting the advantages of the approach developed herein.

[0112] [Table 3]

[0113] In the embodiments described in detail above, the determination method was applied to a clock movement in a vertical position, i.e., in a position perpendicular to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. The applicant's research has shown that it is necessary to avoid implementing the determination method for clock movements in a horizontal position. However, a clock movement is in a position suitable for effective implementation of the determination method if an angle of about 2°, preferably 3° or more, is measurable between the oscillator truth and the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. This condition can be met in one, some, or all of the positions in which the clock movement is positioned to determine the beat setting data items.

[0114] When the clock movement is neither in a vertical nor horizontal position, the angular direction λ of the clock movement is as described above, that is, - The direction of the dial extending from the center of the watch movement and pointing toward the 12 o'clock mark, - The orthogonal projection of an upward vector parallel to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the oscillator's pivot axis, or onto the main plane of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement, It is defined as the directional angle formed between [the two points].

[0115] Depending on preference, at least one of the defined postures is - The orthogonal projection of the center line L (a line perpendicular to both axes, connecting the oscillation axis of the oscillator and the pivot axis of the anchor assembly 31) onto the dial of the clock, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, - The orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the clock face, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, The angle between them may be zero, have an absolute value less than 5°, or have an absolute value less than 10°.

[0116] Depending on preference, at least two defined distinct positions are the vertical position of the watch, and / or positions separated by approximately 90° around an axis (axis X according to the NIHS95-10 standard) perpendicular to the frame and / or dial, and / or at least 90° apart. More generally, at least two defined distinct positions are positions of the watch movement such that the difference in the angular orientation λ of the watch movement between these two positions is 90°, approximately 90°, or at least 90°.

[0117] To a great advantage, at least the first defined position of the watch movement is - The orthogonal projection of the center line L onto the dial of the clock, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, - Orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial of a clock, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement. The angle between is zero or has an absolute value less than 5°, or has an absolute value less than 10°. At least the second position of the watch movement is such that the difference in the angular orientation λ of the watch movement between these first and second positions is ±90° or approximately ±90°, and optionally, A possible third position of the watch movement is such that the difference in the angular orientation λ of the watch movement between these first and third positions is ±90° or approximately ±90°. The second and third positions are distinct positions, meaning that the difference in the angular orientation λ of the clock movement between these second and third positions is 180° or approximately 180°. It will be done that way.

[0118] Therefore, to our advantage, the second and third positions are, - The orthogonal projection of the center line L onto the dial of the clock, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, - The orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the clock face, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the clock movement, or onto the frame of the clock movement, These are distinct, defined positions where the angle between them is equal to 90°, or an absolute value that falls between 85° and 90°, or an absolute value that falls between 80° and 100°. In such second and third positions, the extreme values ​​of the beat setpoint, or values ​​close to the extreme values ​​of the beat setpoint, can be measured.

[0119] Generally, the more measurement points there are, the more reliable and accurate the determination of the beat setting value becomes. For clock movements of unknown design, it is recommended that the clock movement be positioned in at least three, preferably four, positions, in particular four vertical positions or positions tilted at least 2° from the horizontal. If the design of the clock movement is known, and therefore the positions where the theoretical sine function R(λ) is minimum, zero, and maximum are known, it is possible to position the clock movement in only two vertical positions (or positions tilted at least 2° from the horizontal) and determine the value by elimination, in particular by removing certain combinations of signs that do not follow sign convention and / or physical reality (resulting in an amplitude R0 that is too high). Advantageously, the measurement positions may be 90° or less apart, or may correspond to the positions where the function R(λ) is maximum or minimum.

[0120] Whatever embodiments or modifications may be used to carry out the method, data relating to the beat setting (absolute value of the temporal beat setting) and / or the amplitude of the oscillation of oscillator 2 are determined, for example, by processing already measured or obtained acoustic signals, or by processing already measured or obtained acoustic and optical signals.

[0121] How to adjust beat settings The beat setting is systematically set or adjusted for each watch or small watch movement, either manually (e.g., by a watchmaker during after-sales service or within the manual manufacturing workflow) or automatically (e.g., on automated manufacturing equipment). Previously, the lack of a beat setting code not only posed problems with adjusting the beat setting but also limited industrial control over its quality, particularly by making statistical analysis difficult.

[0122] The usual approach to adjusting the beat setting involved performing an iterative sequence of acoustic measurements. Between each measurement, the hairspring stud carrier was moved by a predetermined angle, depending on the beat setting value measured in the previous iteration, with the direction of movement during the first cycle being random. By taking measurements of the beat setting before and after the adjustment, and knowing the direction in which the hairspring stud carrier was moved, it was often possible to estimate the direction in which to adjust the beat setting. Another possibility was to move the hairspring stud carrier a large amount in one direction so as not to doubt the sign of the beat setting, and then adjust the beat setting as needed. However, this approach is difficult because it relies on several measurements and adjustments of the hairspring stud carrier position to iteratively reach the desired value.

[0123] Thanks to the solutions described above, the issue of the direction of the hairspring's movement can be resolved before the first fine-tuning iteration, limiting the work performed on the hairspring stud carrier. Furthermore, for watches that have a beat setting within tolerance from the outset, it is not necessary to lose that setting in order to determine the sign of the beat setting. To this end, as described above, a series of measurements, for example, in a vertical position, makes it possible to determine the sign of the beat setting. These measurements, shown as a signed geometric beat setting, also make it possible to quantify the beat setting through a midpoint that reflects the overall behavior of the watch movement.

[0124] One embodiment of a method for adjusting the speed control system 100 or oscillator 2 is described below. The adjustment method is as follows: - A step of carrying out a beat setting-determination method that forms the subject of the present invention, specifically a step of carrying out one embodiment of the determination method described above, - The step of adjusting the beat setting value of oscillator 2, Includes.

[0125] The step of adjusting the beat setting value advantageously involves moving the hairspring attachment support relative to the escapement and / or frame 99.

[0126] Therefore, - Measure the beat setting in multiple vertical orientations, for example, in four mutually orthogonal orientations, and - The beat setting at the midpoint is determined through calculation by fitting a function—for example, a sine function, or other appropriate function such as a polynomial function, a Bézier function, or a spline function—to the measurement point. This appears to be effective.

[0127] This adjustment method allows the beat setting to be adjusted in a single operation, directly targeting the correct value without the need for repeated testing. The adjustment is even more effective when a signed geometric beat setting determination is used, which directly provides the correct angular value and direction for the correction. The procedure for measuring and setting the beat setting using a signed beat setting allows the distribution to center on the correct value, enabling control and reduction of variance.

[0128] The adjustment method described above is robust due to the fact that it allows for the reliable and precise adjustment of virtually any watch movement. However, this adjustment method can be improved (particularly in terms of the time and means of implementation) by knowledge of the design of the watch movement being adjusted and / or the type of escapement.

[0129] Research conducted by the applicant has made it possible to predict how the beat setting value of a known clock movement will change depending on the function of the setup in which the clock movement is mounted. Knowing the orientation of the regulating system within the clock movement makes it possible to determine a setup that is favorable for adjusting the beat setting. In particular, the applied setup positions the clock movement in a known orientation λ. As a result, it is possible to determine the optimal value for adjusting the beat setting in this orientation, and this value can be zero, maximum, minimum, or other intermediate values.

[0130] To make such adjustments, the watch movement is preferably positioned such that the normal to the dial makes an angle θ of at least 2°, preferably at least 3°, with respect to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. Any angle θ greater than 10°, specifically greater than 30° or greater than 45°, appears particularly advantageous from the standpoint of ergonomic convenience for the watchmaker.

[0131] Therefore, other methods for implementing the speed control system 100 or the oscillator 2 adjustment method are: - The step of positioning the watch movement in a predetermined position, - In the predetermined posture, the step of adjusting the beat setting value to a predetermined value, particularly to zero or a value close to zero, Use it.

[0132] In particular, depending on the setup employed, it becomes possible to proceed with adjusting the beat setting by attempting to achieve a non-zero value in the adjustment, unlike what is known from prior art. By benefiting from the effect that the orientation of the watch movement has on the measurement of the beat setting, it is also possible to identify the orientation of the movement during adjustment so that the zero target in that orientation brings about a predetermined value in the beat setting at the midpoint.

[0133] This adjustment can be made for all types of escapements, including Swiss lever escapements. However, it is of particular relevance to asymmetrical escapements, such as Robin escapements, where the beat setting affects operation.

[0134] Therefore, other methods for implementing the method of adjusting the speed control system 100 or oscillator 2 are: - The step of positioning the watch movement in a predetermined position, - In the predetermined posture, the step of adjusting the beat setting value to a non-zero value, Use it.

[0135] The step of adjusting the beat setting value advantageously involves moving the hairspring attachment support relative to the frame 99.

[0136] To the advantage of this, various methods for implementing adjustments can be combined.

[0137] Thanks to the adjustment method according to the present invention, the watch movement is - The orthogonal projection of the center line L onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement, - Orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement. The angle between them is zero or virtually zero. Therefore, it can be configured so that a step can be performed to adjust the beat setting value, in which an attempt is made to bring the beat setting adjustment as close to zero as possible.

[0138] Alternatively, the watch movement can be positioned in other predetermined positions, and in particular, the watch movement can be positioned in other predetermined positions. - The orthogonal projection of the center line L onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement, - Orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto the dial, or onto a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator, or onto the main plane of the watch movement, or onto the frame of the watch movement. The angle between is a right angle or substantially a right angle. Therefore, it can be arranged so that a step can be performed to adjust the beat setting value, in which an attempt is made to bring the beat setting adjustment as close to a non-zero value as possible.

[0139] By performing the adjustment method described above, it is possible to obtain a properly adjusted watch movement 200, or a properly adjusted watch 300, especially a wristwatch.

[0140] The concept of “frame” as used herein can be replaced with the concept of “module” when, for example, an oscillator-escapement system is mounted on and / or regulated on a clock module which is then intended to be assembled on the frame.

[0141] In this specification, in order to avoid overcomplicating the wording, the term "beat setting" may be used to refer to the "beat setting value."

[0142] In this specification, “plane of the clock movement” or “principal plane of the clock movement” means a plane perpendicular to the axes of the gears in the gear train. This plane is, for example, perpendicular to the pivot axis of the oscillator. This plane is preferably a plane in which the clock movement extends. For example, this plane is: - The largest surface of the frame that is tangential to the surface perpendicular to the axis of the gears of the gear train, or - It passes through the points of the frame on which the dial is positioned.

[0143] "To determine a value" means a set of at least one steps that make it possible to define a value or to quantify something or some phenomenon. These steps are: - At least one measurement, and / or - At least one calculation, and / or - At least one mathematical, logical, or computer processing task, Includes.

[0144] "Determining a function" means a set of at least one steps that make it possible to specify or define a function, in particular a mathematical function, and more specifically, the coefficients and / or constants of that function. These steps are: - At least one measurement, and / or - At least one calculation, and / or - At least one mathematical, logical, or computer processing task, Includes.

[0145] Adjustment method to facilitate restart

[0146] In this specification, the phrases “restart the balance wheel,” “restart the oscillator,” “restart the escapement,” and “restart the clock movement” are interchangeable.

[0147] The applicant's research has shown that the restart of the escapement can be facilitated by specific adjustments to the watch movement, specifically by specific adjustments to the regulating system.

[0148] Assuming a watch movement has a Swiss lever escapement, including an escape wheel and an anchor assembly including an entry and exit pawl, it has become clear that there may be differences in the movement restart torque depending on whether the escapement stopped during the entry or exit function (particularly, for example, while the teeth of the escape wheel are pressing against the impact surface of the entry or exit pawl, or while the spool of the entry or exit pawl is pressing against the impact surface of the teeth of the escape wheel).

[0149] The restart torque is the torque to which the escape wheel is exposed (by the balance spring via the gear train) immediately before the watch movement restarts. This torque may otherwise be measured or determined, for example, around the pivot axis of the anchor assembly or around the rotation axis of the gears in the gear train, specifically around the rotation axis of the seconds wheel. Restarting is preferred by limiting or reducing these torques.

[0150] - Beat setting (whose definition, properties, determination and adjustment have already been described), and / or - The degree to which the claw is inserted into the teeth of the escape wheel, It became clear that by changing this, it is possible to change the restart torque, specifically the difference in restart torque mentioned above.

[0151] Specifically, in seeking a solution to the problem of restarting the watch movement, the applicant's research showed that unusual, asymmetrical, and even counterintuitive adjustments to the beat setting and / or the degree to which the pawl engages with the teeth of the escape wheel could improve the situation.

[0152] The restart problem can vary significantly from one type of escapement to another. More specifically, the research has focused on dual-impulse escapements, such as the Swiss lever escapement, where an impulse is transmitted with each alternating iteration. However, the results and solutions obtained from these studies are generalizable to any type of escapement in which a blocker (specifically the anchor assembly) works in conjunction with the escape wheel.

[0153] The fact that there is an impact with each alternating repetition of the oscillator means that a protruding element, such as a collision pin fixed to the oscillator, enters the fork of the anchor assembly in two opposite directions. From the standpoint of restarting, ideally the energy transfer function in the entry and exit pawls should be identical. Otherwise, restarting will be easier in one direction than the other. Energy transfer relies on the lever arm and friction, and these may differ between the two functions due to the fact that the geometric configuration and orientation of the tooth-pawl forces are not identical. As a result, to prevent one side from being less effective than the other when restarting, the entry and exit sides need to have equivalent torque (applied to the anchor assembly and resulting from the lever arm and friction).

[0154] However, in many cases, having a perfect balance in restarting is undesirable, or even impossible. Optimizing an escapement is a multi-function, or multi-factor, problem where compromises must be made between numerous performance factors and functions, such as efficiency, safety, and even timing. In other words, designing an escapement by applying the same restarting torque to the enter and exit pawls is undesirable because it has the effect of compromising the escapement's essential performance. In addition, the play in the various gears and the true positioning of the pivot has a strong influence and differs from one watch movement to another (for the same standards of the watch movement). For this reason, in the search for a solution, it seemed important to inductively adjust the watch movement to balance the restarting, that is, after the movement has been manufactured.

[0155] In the case of Swiss lever escapements, it has been found that the nominal degree of engagement of the pawl with the teeth of the escape wheel is not the same for the entry and exit sides, and this difference leads to a difference of approximately 20% in the restart torque (typically, 20% less torque is required on the exit side than on the entry side to restart the watch movement). For such escapements, there is an advantage in developing and targeting different adjustments to optimize restart while minimizing the impact on operation and amplitude. These different adjustments are, - Beat settings, and / or - The degree to which the pawls engage and disengage from the teeth of the escape wheel (the engagement interference between a circle centered on the rotation axis of the escape wheel and passing through the vertices of the teeth of the escape wheel, and a circle centered on the pivot axis of the anchor assembly and passing through the vertices of the engagement pawls; and the disengagement interference between a circle centered on the rotation axis of the escape wheel and passing through the vertices of the teeth of the escape wheel, and a circle centered on the pivot axis of the anchor assembly and passing through the vertices of the disengagement pawls), It appears to be related to this. In particular, to balance the restart, you can change a single value of the beat setting adjustment.

[0156] The adjustment method forming the subject of this invention is applied to a speed control system 100 or a clock movement 200 or a clock 300 to balance and / or facilitate its restart. The method is primarily, - A step to adjust the beat setting, in particular to a non-zero value, and / or - A step of adjusting the degree to which the anchor assembly 31 is inserted into the escape wheel 32, and / or - A step to adjust the degree to which the anchor assembly 31 is inserted into the escape wheel 32. Includes.

[0157] The adjustment method is performed, for example, at the end of the manufacturing of the watch movement, or at the end of the manufacturing of a small watch in which the watch movement is installed, or during the adjustment work, or during the chronometer certification work, or during after-sales service work.

[0158] More specifically, one method for carrying out the adjustment method according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0159] Prior to the adjustment step, the adjustment method includes a step that defines the adjustment to be made. In other words, in this step, the nature and intensity of the adjustment to be made are defined.

[0160] The step of defining the adjustment is, - A substep for measuring, determining, or estimating the entry restart torque, and for measuring the exit restart torque, or for measuring, determining, or estimating the difference in restart torque between the entry and exit sides, and - A substep in which the nature and intensity of the adjustment applied to the speed control system 100 are determined using the difference between the measured, determined, or estimated torque or restart torque, It may include.

[0161] In the substeps of measuring the entry restart torque and the exit restart torque, the process can proceed as follows, for example. The operator places the clock movement in a configuration defined as follows: - The watch movement stops. - The main spring is unwound. - The ankle assembly is positioned in the center, for example, midway between its two furthest positions. - One of the teeth of the escape wheel is pressed against the impact surface of the tine. The operator gradually rewinds the mainspring until the watch movement restarts. The operator records the number of rotations of the winding crown or ratchet required to restart the watch movement. 〇 Subsequently, the operator places the clock movement into a configuration defined as follows: - The watch movement stops. - The main spring is unwound. - The ankle assembly is positioned in the center. - One of the teeth of the escape wheel is pressed against the impact surface of the tine. The operator gradually rewinds the mainspring until the watch movement restarts. The operator records the number of rotations of the winding crown or ratchet required to restart the watch movement.

[0162] The number of rotations of the crown or ratchet required to restart the watch movement while the escape wheel is in contact with the entry pawl, and while the escape wheel is in contact with the exit pawl, can be determined. The number of rotations of the crown represents the restart torque. Specifically, in the configuration described, the torque provided by the mainspring is an increasing (monotonically) function of the number of rotations of the crown. Therefore, by knowing the number of rotations of the crown required to restart, the restart torque can be determined. These torque values ​​may be determined or evaluated. The difference between the entry and exit restart torques can then be determined.

[0163] In a substep that uses torque measurement to calculate the adjustment values ​​applied to the speed control system 100, the previously defined torque values ​​or their differences are used to determine the nature and intensity of the adjustments applied to the speed control system 100 (adjustments to the beat setting and / or to the engagement).

[0164] Regarding the nature of the adjustment, the operator may make adjustments to the beat setting and / or to the incorporation. The choice of one and / or the nature of the adjustment is: - The magnitude of the restart torque correction to be performed, and / or - Other constraints, such as beat settings and / or input limits that must not be exceeded, and / or - For example, due to the nature or structure of the escapement, one property of regulation may be favored over the other. It may be derived by...

[0165] To determine the adjustments that should be made, for example, the following formula Mred = M0 + ap × p + ar × r Here - Mred is the difference in restart torque between the entry restart torque and the exit restart torque. - p is the difference in insertion depth between the inlet insertion and the outlet insertion. - r is the beat setting (signed), - M0, ap, and ar are constants. This is used.

[0166] Specifically, the analysis of measurements taken on five movements (equipped with a thin claw, dashed Swiss lever escapement) made it possible to establish the aforementioned relationships between restart torque, engagement, and beat setting.

[0167] Restart measurements were performed for different beat settings on both the entry and exit sides. The entry and exit restart torques are shown in Figure 4 as a function of the beat setting. Entry measurements are connected by dashed lines, and exit measurements by solid lines. The entry and exit entry settings were 66 μm and 75 μm (mvt1), 68 μm and 68 μm (mvt2), 73 μm and 74 μm (mvt3), 72 μm and 68 μm (mvt4), and 70 μm and 74 μm (mvt5), respectively. The restart performance, in the first approximation, is linear within the examined beat setting range (typically between -3° and +3°, and even between -8° and +8°), with the entry and exit sides being opposite to each other and having slopes that may vary between the two functions depending on the escapement design. The intersection of the lines (showing the entry-side restart torque and the exit-side restart torque) corresponds to the point where the entry-side and exit-side performance are in equilibrium. For these five movement samples, equilibrium is achieved by the clock at a midpoint beat setting between -1.1° and +1.2°. The torque value at this equilibrium point is between 24 and 28 μNm (torque is measured in the second wheel).

[0168] From the perspective of adjustment sensitivity, it has been found that the torque of this type of movement and escapement varies depending on the possibility of manual winding and adjustment, according to the following characteristics. - Winding stem rotation: 3 to 4 [winding stem rotation / μNm] (equivalent to approximately one rotation of the mainspring for this caliber), - Inclusion: 1 to 2 [μm / μNm] or 0.5 to 1 [μNm / μm] - Beat setting: 0.5 to 2 [° / μNm] or 0.5 to 2 [μNm / °].

[0169] Advantageously, the orientation of the intersection also depends on the engagement value. Therefore, Figure 5 shows the difference in restart torque as a function of the difference in engagement. It can be seen that the equilibrium point (where the torque difference is 0 μNm) actually depends on the difference between the entry and exit engagements. In this particular case, if symmetric adjustment of engagement is taken as the reference point, the optimal beat setting (for restart torque) is at +1°. If an engagement of +4 μm on the exit side is allowed compared to the entry side (which is possible in certain calibers), the equilibrium point for restart torque is obtained at a beat setting of 0°. Therefore, it is advantageous to combine the two effects to make restart symmetrical and balance the restart torque.

[0170] The combination of these two effects was analyzed by estimating restart performance. The formula mentioned above is: Mred = M0 + ap × p + ar × r However, the beat settings and incorporation were changed based on measurements taken across the entire population of the movement.

[0171] As an example of this principle, in the cases of Figures 4 and 5, the difference in restart torque Mred is given by the following formula Mred = 2.5 + 0.6 × p - 2.2 × r Follow the rules.

[0172] Furthermore, it is possible to determine the distribution of beat settings and engagement values ​​for movement samples, for example, throughout the production process. This makes it possible to estimate the distribution of restart torque, and then, by knowing the behavior of the gear train, convert that torque into the rotation of the winding stem. This also provides a prediction of the restart performance of the population of watch movements.

[0173] Based on the analysis conducted, it appears crucial to use signed values ​​when adjusting the beat setting. Therefore, the method for setting signed beats, described in detail herein, is extremely important.

[0174] If the adjustment step includes adjusting the beat setting, in practice, the operator moves the distal end of the oscillator spring relative to the frame 99 by rotating it around the oscillator axis relative to the frame by an angular value corresponding to the correction or change to be made to the beat setting. Depending on preference, the non-zero values ​​for which the midpoint beat setting is adjusted are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°, and the changes to the beat setting are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°.

[0175] If the adjustment step includes adjusting the entry of the anchor assembly 31 into the escape wheel 32, the operator moves the entry claw relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly, which is then clamped, for example, within the remainder of the anchor assembly and secured to the remainder using molten resin. Therefore, heating the anchor assembly allows for the separation of the entry claw, and thus allows for the movement of the entry claw relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly. Optionally, this movement is controlled using a micrometer or a graduated image capture measurement system. The entry claw can be moved in a direction that protrudes from the remainder of the anchor assembly or in a direction that positions it further deeper within the remainder of the anchor assembly. Once the entry claw is moved to the target position, the anchor assembly is cooled, the molten resin re-cures, and the entry claw is secured in its new position relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly. The amount by which the entry claw is moved is preferably less than 20 μm.

[0176] If the adjustment step includes adjusting the outward insertion of the anchor assembly 31 into the escape wheel 32, the operator moves the outward claw relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly, which is then clamped, for example, within the remainder of the anchor assembly and secured to the remainder using molten resin. Therefore, heating the anchor assembly allows for the separation of the outward claw, thus enabling its movement relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly. Optionally, this movement is controlled using a micrometer or a graduated image capture measurement system. The outward claw can be moved in a direction that protrudes from the remainder of the anchor assembly or in a direction that positions it further within the remainder of the anchor assembly. Once the outward claw is moved to the target position, the anchor assembly is cooled, the molten resin recurs, and the outward claw is secured in its new position relative to the remainder of the anchor assembly. The amount the outward claw is moved is preferably less than 20 μm.

[0177] Therefore, the step of adjusting the insertion of the anchor assembly into the escape wheel for one or the other anchor is, - A substep for measuring the inlet insertion and / or outlet insertion, then - A substep of controlled movement of the corresponding claw relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly (which may include removing the claw from the remainder of the ankle assembly), in particular, a substep of controlled movement of the corresponding claw relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, then, - Substep to secure the corresponding claw to the remaining part of the ankle assembly, It may include.

[0178] As described above, depending on the changes made to facilitate and / or balance the restart, one or more combinations of the following features are affected: - Beat settings, - Location of ingrown toenails, - The position of the protruding claw.

[0179] As described above, if there is an intention to change the beat setting, during the step of adjusting the beat setting, the adjustment system 100 is directed to a predetermined orientation with respect to the Earth's gravitational field, in particular - The orthogonal projection of the direction of the Earth's gravitational field onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the inertial element is parallel or substantially parallel to the centerline (L) (i.e., in particular, the two directions form an angle less than 10° or less than 5°), and - The axis of rotation of the inertial element forms an angle of at least 2° or at least 3° with respect to the direction of the gravitational field. It can sometimes be advantageous to position them in a specific orientation.

[0180] When the regulating system 100 is in a predetermined orientation relative to the Earth's gravitational field, it is possible to set the beat setting to zero, for example. This is practical because it eliminates the need to know the sign of the beat setting. However, due to play in the operational gaps of the regulating system, if the regulated regulating system is positioned in a different orientation, the beat setting will have a different determined value. This approach to adjusting the beat setting is possible as long as the desired beat setting adjustment is still within approximately ±1°. Typically, the target is a zero beat setting value in the movement orientation, where the average beat setting or midpoint beat setting (where the centerline is aligned with the direction of the gravitational field) adopts a non-zero value for the target.

[0181] Changes can also be made to the beat setting without having precise knowledge of the beat setting value before modification. Specifically, the above formula shows the torque difference change obtained for a given amount of modification to the beat setting (independent of the original setting the beat setting had).

[0182] From the perspective of industrial-scale manufacturing of watch movements, it is possible to determine the nominal target restart torque for a batch, series, or production process based on several pioneering watch movements.

[0183] Alternatively, optimization can be performed individually, but this involves stopping the movement, measuring the required restart torque at the entry and exit points respectively, and then changing the entry and / or beat settings to balance the restart torques.

[0184] In summary, the method for obtaining a balanced restart when an unbalanced restart torque is measured or observed is as follows: - In order to change the restart torque, the entry-side engagement is reduced or increased (depending on the sign of the dependency between the variation in entry-side engagement and the variation between the entry-side and exit-side torques), and / or - To change the restart torque, the exit engagement is reduced or increased (depending on the sign of the dependency between the variation in exit engagement and the variation between the entry and exit torques), and / or - In particular, if there is a desire to maintain the same virtual meshing, the entry-side engagement is reduced and the exit-side engagement is increased, or vice versa (depending on the sign of the dependency relationship between engagement variation and restart torque variation), and / or - The beat setting is changed toward the inward or outward direction, depending on the sign of the dependency between the variation in the beat setting and the variation in the derivatives of the inward and outward torques. By convention (and independently of conventions set forth herein), the beat setting is directed such that as the beat setting increases, the outward claw restart torque also increases.

[0185] The fact that both beat settings and inputs are manipulated opens up the possibility of optimizing restart and operational safety simultaneously.

[0186] According to the solution described above, it is assumed that the beat setting will be adjusted independently for each watch under consideration, according to the previously measured input values.

[0187] This concept is particularly applicable to all types of dual-impulse escapements. It is especially important in structures where engagement adjustment is not possible, such as in the case of a one-piece anchor assembly, where one of the methods of operation is eliminated to balance the restart between the entry and exit sides. In such cases, adjusting the beat setting to a non-zero value is an excellent alternative, and even the only and / or the simplest alternative that can be implemented. The concept is applicable to all types of escapements with tangential impact, as well as all types of escapements with direct or indirect impact.

[0188] The concept is particularly applicable to all types of oscillators, especially oscillators formed in an oscillator system having periodic oscillations. The oscillator may be formed of an inertial element and a return spring, such as an oscillator formed of a balance wheel and a hairspring, or it may be formed as a flexible blade oscillator, which is formed of an inertial element and at least two separate flexible blades that return the inertial element to a stationary position and allow the inertial element to rotate around its pivot axis.

[0189] It is important to note that the adjustments described in the above solutions will have no effect on operations, or will have no effect on operations in any meaningful way.

[0190] The present invention also relates to a speed control system 100 or a clock movement 200 or a clock 300 obtained by carrying out a control method that forms the subject of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oscillator (2), particularly a balance wheel (21) / main spring (22) oscillator, includes an inertial element (21) and a return spring (22) that rotate around a pivot axis, Escapement (3), in particular dual impulse escapement, especially Swiss lever escapement (3), A method for adjusting a speed control system (100), including, The adjustment method is intended to facilitate and / or balance the restart of the speed control system. A step of adjusting the beat setting to a non-zero value, and / or A step of adjusting the degree to which the anchor assembly (31) is inserted into the escape wheel (32), and / or A step of adjusting the degree to which the anchor assembly is inserted into the escape wheel. including, Adjustment method.

2. The step of adjusting the beat setting includes a substep of positioning the regulating system (100) in a predetermined orientation with respect to the Earth's gravitational field, in particular, such that the reference set in that orientation coincides with the reference at the midpoint, and / or the normal to the dial forms an angle of at least 2°, preferably at least 3°, with respect to the direction of Earth's gravity, and / or the reference at the midpoint takes a non-zero value of the target. The adjustment method according to claim 1.

3. The step of adjusting the beat setting includes a substep of adjusting the beat setting to a value, in particular to the zero value, while the speed control system (100) is positioned in the predetermined orientation with respect to the Earth's gravitational field. The adjustment method according to claim 2.

4. The non-zero values ​​for which the beat setting is set are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°, and the changes to the beat setting are between -3° and +3°, more specifically between -3° and -0.1°, and between +0.1° and +3°, and the reference is as a signed geometric quantity and / or at the position of the inertial element where the return spring imparts zero torque. The center line of the escapement, A line passing through the center of the protruding element and the axis of the inertial element, Defined as corresponding to the angle offset, which is measured as the rotation angle of the inertial element between and The adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The step of adjusting the insertion of the anchor assembly into the escape wheel is, A substep to measure the insertion depth on the entry side, and then Controlled movement of the claws relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, for example, a substep of controlled movement of the claws less than 20 μm relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, then, A substep of fixing the aforementioned claw to the remainder of the ankle assembly, including, The adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The step of adjusting the insertion of the anchor assembly into the escape wheel is, A substep for measuring the insertion depth of the outlet, and then... A controlled movement of the claw relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, for example, a substep of controlled movement of the claw less than 20 μm relative to the remainder of the ankle assembly, thereafter, A substep for fixing the protruding claw to the remainder of the anchor assembly, including, The adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The adjustment method includes a step of defining the adjustment to be performed, prior to the adjustment step, and the step of defining the adjustment is A substep of measuring, determining, or estimating the entry restart torque, and measuring, determining, or estimating the exit restart torque, or a substep of measuring, determining, or estimating the difference in restart torque between the entry and exit sides, and A substep in which the nature and intensity of the adjustment applied to the speed control system (100) are determined, using the torque measurement, determination, or estimation, particularly through calculation, including, The adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The substep using the torque measurement, determination, or estimation involves the implementation of the following formula: Mred=M0+ap×p+ar×r Here Mred is the difference in restart torque (between the entry restart torque and the exit restart torque), p is the difference in insertion between the inlet insertion and the outlet insertion, r is the beat setting, M0, ap, and ar are constants. The adjustment method according to claim 7.

9. A speed control system (100) obtained by carrying out the adjustment method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A watch movement (200) comprising the adjustment system (100) described in claim 9.

11. A clock (300), particularly a wristwatch, comprising a clock movement (200) according to claim 10 and / or a regulating system (100) according to claim 9.

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