Timer adjustment member with index assembly system provided with locking means - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a timer adjustment member comprising an index assembly system provided with lock means.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an adjustment member (40) for a watch movement comprising inertial mass being a balance wheel (23), a balance spring (25), and an index assembly system (60) for adjusting a rate of the balance spring (25). The index assembly system (60) includes a stud holder (51) including a first part (52) and a second part (53). The first part (52) is movable with respect to the second part (53). The adjustment member (40) includes lock means configured to block the second part (33) of the stud holder (51) at a certain position with respect to a plate (21) of a movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of timepieces, and more particularly to the field of mechanical timepieces in which the drive energy is regulated by an adjustment member. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustment member provided with a precision index assembly system, to a clock movement comprising such an adjustment member, and to a timepiece comprising such a clock movement. [Background technology]

[0002] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (e.g., minute and hour hands) is stored in a barrel and then transmitted by a sprung balance system that includes a balance wheel, called the balance, associated with a spring in the form of a spirally wound coiled strip called the balance spring.

[0003] At its inner end, the balance spring is rigidly fixed to the shaft as it rotates, and at its outer end, it is fixed to a stud attached to a stud holder, which is itself fixed to a fixed bridge (or cock).

[0004] The rotation of the balance is maintained by an escapement mechanism with an anchor lever set in motion by a low amplitude oscillatory motion provided with two pallet stones acting against the teeth of the escape wheel, the oscillations of which are counted. This collision imparts to the escape wheel a stepped rotational motion, the frequency of which is determined by the oscillation frequency of the anchor lever, which itself is set to that of the sprung balance.

[0005] In a conventional escapement mechanism, the oscillation frequency is about 4 Hz, or about 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph). One goal of a good watchmaker is to ensure the isochronism and regularity of the oscillations of the balance (i.e., constant rate).

[0006] The rate of the balance is regulated in a known manner by adjusting the effective length of the balance spring, defined as the length of the curve between the inner end and the count point, which is defined by a pair of banks located near the outer end of the balance spring and usually moved by a key attached to an index assembly system.

[0007] In operation, the indexing assembly system is fixed to rotate relative to the axis of the balance spring, however the angular position can be fine-tuned manually, for example by using a screwdriver to rotate an eccentric wheel that acts like a cam in the indexing assembly system.

[0008] The set including the bridge, index assembly system, key, stud holder, balance spring, and balance is commonly referred to as the "adjustment member". Examples of adjustment members are proposed in European Patent EP 3304215 and European Patent EP 2876504, both filed by the watch maker ETA.

[0009] There are index assembly systems that include a stud holder in which one end of the balance spring is fixed and the key of the index assembly system leaves the recoil so that the balance spring can move between the two banks. However, chronometric characteristics, especially anisochronism, are very sensitive to the recoil of the index assembly key, and this recoil is difficult to control precisely.

[0010] In some devices, the bank can be adjusted to compress the balance spring and thus eliminate play, especially while the balance spring is in operation. In such cases, the rate is adjusted by first moving the index key, and then the balance spring is pressed against the key. However, when the balance spring is pressed against the index key, it can be strained, especially due to eccentricity of rotation, which can lead to chronometric malfunctions. Furthermore, the elimination of play also changes the rate, as once the balance spring is pressed, the index key cannot move along the balance spring, making it impossible to fine-tune the rate.

[0011] Other hairsprings include an integrated adjustment device. In these hairsprings, the rate is not adjusted by varying the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying a force or torque to an elastic element arranged in series with the hairspring. The stiffness of the elastic element and thus the stiffness of the entire hairspring can be changed. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the rate of the adjustment member can be adjusted. Hairsprings with such elastic elements are described, for example, in European patent application EP 4009115.

[0012] However, in such cases, a typical index assembly system cannot be used, since it is not compatible with the balance spring adjustment device. Moreover, since the rate is adjusted very finely, it is essential that there is no play between the balance spring and its interaction area with the index assembly, since there is a risk that the rate would change in the event of a crash if the balance spring did not return to exactly the same position after the crash.

[0013] Furthermore, it is necessary to be able to set the rate of the adjusting member without changing the reference. In fact, when the adjusting member is mounted on the movement, the reference is set so that the balance properly cooperates with the anchor lever. Once the reference has been set, it is desirable to avoid disturbing this setting, especially when adjusting the rate of the adjusting member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. EP3304215 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. EP2876504 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application No. EP4009115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an indexing assembly system that is compatible with adjustment devices of this type. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to an adjusting member for a timepiece movement comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance, a hairspring and an index assembly system for adjusting the rate of the hairspring, the index assembly system comprising a stud holder with a first part and a second part, the first part being movable relative to the second part and enabling the rate of the adjusting member to be set.

[0017] The invention is remarkable in that the adjustment member comprises locking means arranged to block the second part of the stud holder in a certain position relative to the plate of the movement.

[0018] Thanks to the invention, after setting the reference it is possible to lock the second part of the stud holder, thus avoiding disturbing said setting, for example when the first part is actuated to adjust the rate of the adjustment member.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprises an eccentric wheel mounted on the balance bridge of the adjustment member.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second part comprises a projection having an arcuate shape cooperating with the eccentric.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprises a locking plate and a locking screw for assembling the locking plate to the second part and locking it in position.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking plate has a shape which cooperates on one side with the balance bridge of the adjustment member and on the other side with the bearing of the adjustment member in order to block the second part.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the locking screw is arranged across the locking plate so as to be screwed into the balance bridge of the adjustment member.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the indexing assembly system includes a spring that exerts a force between the first and second parts to hold the arm of the first part against the cam.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the balance spring comprises a coiled strip and means for adjusting the stiffness of the balance spring fitted with an elastic element arranged in series with the coiled strip, the stud holder being mechanically connected to the elastic element.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprises prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first part comprises a first stud and the second part comprises a second stud, the elastic element and the prestressing means are arranged between the first stud and the second stud, the first stud is movable relative to the second stud to activate the prestressing means, and the movement of the first stud changes the stiffness of the balance spring.

[0028] According to one particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprises a lever connected to the flexible element, the first stud being integral with the free end of the lever.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the prestressing means comprises a semi-rigid structure arranged parallel to the flexible element, the lever being connected to the semi-rigid structure.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the flexible element is connected to the rigid support and the second stud is fixed to the rigid support.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first and second portions are overlapped.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the first part is rotationally moveable relative to the second part.

[0033] The invention further relates to a clock movement equipped with such an adjustment member.

[0034] The invention further relates to a timepiece, for example a wristwatch, equipped with such a clock movement. Effect of the Invention

[0035] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent upon reading some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a regulation member arranged in a timepiece movement according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the first embodiment of the adjustment member in FIG. 1, excluding the balance bridge and index assembly system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the balance spring of the adjustment member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of an adjustment member arranged in a timepiece movement according to a second embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjustment member in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the stud holder of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second part of the stud holder of the variant of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a second part of the stud holder attached to the balance bridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] 1 and 2 show schematic views of a first embodiment of an adjustment member 1 arranged inside a clock movement 10. The clock movement 10 comprises a plate 21, an adjustment member provided with an inertial mass and an elastic biasing element of the inertial mass arranged to oscillate the inertial mass.

[0038] The adjustment member 1 further comprises an index assembly system 20, an annular balance 23 as an inertial mass, a balance shaft 24, a hairspring 25 as an elastic biasing element, and a balance bridge 22.

[0039] The plate 21 is provided with a recess 26 for receiving the adjustment member 1, inside which the balance 23, the balance spring 25, the balance bridge 22 and the index assembly system 20 are stacked from below on top of each other.

[0040] The balance staff 24 is centrally located within the recess 26, passing through the center of the balance 23, the hairspring 25 and the balance bridge 22. The balance staff 24 is held by two shock-resistant bearings 28, which are located at both ends of the balance staff 24. The first bearing is located at the bottom of the recess 26, and the second bearing 28 is located above the recess 26 and is held by the balance bridge 22, which passes through the central axis of the recess 26 and the top of the recess 26. The balance bridge 22 has a hole, here a through hole, in which the second bearing 28 is held. The index assembly system 20 is attached to the balance bridge 22, which in this embodiment is located along the central axis of the recess 26.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the balance spring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The balance spring 25 comprises a flexible strip 2 wound several times on itself, the strip 2 having a given stiffness. An inner end 9 of the strip 2 is integrally formed with or assembled with a support 3, commonly called a collet, which is substantially triangular in shape and which is screwed around the balance staff 24.

[0042] The hairspring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its stiffness, for example the adjustment means being actuated by the user, in particular when the adjustment member is attached to a plate of the timepiece movement.

[0043] The adjustment means comprises a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the strip 2, which connects one end 4, 9 of said strip 2 to a rigid support 17 and is fixed to one of the ends 4, 9 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The elastic element 5 is a distinct element from the strip 2.

[0044] The flexible element 5 adds an additional stiffness to that of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has a higher stiffness than the strip 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is arranged to follow the strip 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the strip 2 are made integrally or even of the same material, for example silicone.

[0045] The flexible element 5 of the hairspring 25 is provided with a non-intersecting bending pivot. The pivot comprises two flexible, non-intersecting blades 11, 12 and a rigid part 18. The flexible blades 11, 12 are joined laterally to the rigid support 17 on the one hand and to the rigid part 18 by moving towards each other on the other hand. Thus, preferably, the flexible blades 11, 12 move away from each other starting from the rigid part 18 to the rigid support 17. The outer end 4 of the strip 2 is joined to the rigid part 18. The rigid support 17 cannot move relative to the plate 21. The rigid support 17 is L-shaped, with a first branch 46 of the L-shape serving as a connection with the flexible blades 11, 12 and a second branch 47 of the L-shape facing the opposite side of the non-intersecting pivot, which allows it to be assembled into the clock movement 10.

[0046] The means for adjusting the hairspring 25 further comprise prestressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. In this way the stiffness of the hairspring can be adjusted. The torque or force can be continuously adjusted by the prestressing means 6. In other words the torque or force is not limited to a point value. This allows the stiffness of the flexible element 5 to be adjusted with great precision.

[0047] The prestressing means 6 includes a secondary flexible blade 19 arranged on the opposite side of the rigid portion 18 so as to follow a non-intersecting pivot. The secondary flexible blade 19 is arranged tangentially to the strip 2 at the outer end 4.

[0048] The secondary flexible blade 19 is connected at its other end to a curved lever 14 which extends around the strip 2. Besides the secondary flexible blade 19, the lever 14 is connected to a semi-rigid structure 27 which is connected to the rigid support 17. When the lever 14 is actuated by a force or torque, the semi-rigid structure 27 is partially deformed.

[0049] A force or torque is applied to the free end 15 of the lever 14. The lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 thus transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the secondary flexible blade 19 and the semi-rigid structure 27 so as to modify the stiffness of the balance spring 25.

[0050] To be able to apply a variable force or torque to the balance spring 25, the adjustment member is equipped with a particular index assembly system 20 according to the invention.

[0051] In the first embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the indexing assembly system 20 is provided with a two-part stud holder 31, a first part 32 and a second part 33. The first part 32 of the stud holder 31 suspends a first stud 34 and the second part 33 of the stud holder 31 is provided with a second stud 35. The stud holder 31 is mechanically connected to the elastic element 5 but does not block the strip 2.

[0052] A first part 32 of the stud holder 31 is partially positioned over a second part 33 of the stud holder 31 which is in contact with the balance bridge 22. The two parts of the stud holder 31 are held and positioned by the damper 28.

[0053] The indexing assembly system 20 comprises two eccentrics 36, 37. The first eccentric 36 is attached to the second part 33 of the stud holder 31 and allows the angle between the two parts of the stud holder 31 to be set, thereby allowing the rate to be set.

[0054] According to the invention, the adjustment member 1 further comprises locking means arranged to block the second part 33 of the stud holder 31 in a position, here at an angle, relative to the plate 21 of the movement. The locking means comprises a second eccentric 37.

[0055] A second eccentric 37 is attached to the balance bridge 22 and enables the angular position of the stud holder 31 to be set relative to the plate 21, thereby allowing a reference to be set.

[0056] Thus, when mounting the indexing assembly system 20, the second part 33 of the movable stud holder 31 is positioned first and then blocked by the second eccentric 37 so that it cannot move relative to the plate 21. The first part 32 of the stud holder 31 is then positioned and then angularly blocked by the first eccentric 36 so that it cannot move relative to the second part 33. As a result, in order to set the reference, the entire stud holder 31 is rotated around the axis of the balance by activating the second eccentric 37. In order to unblock and move the first part 32, the first eccentric 36 is activated. In this case, only the first part 32 of the stud holder 31 rotates around the axis of the balance, which moves the first stud 34, which can act on the elastic element 5 and thus fluctuate the rate.

[0057] As a result, only the first part 32 of the stud holder 31 can be moved relative to the balance bridge 22 after mounting, in order to move the first stud 34 and thus be able to act on the elastic element 5 .

[0058] The two parts 32, 33 surround the second bearing 28. To this end, each part 32, 33 is provided with a central ring 38, 39 arranged around the second bearing 28, the two central rings 38, 39 being superimposed.

[0059] The first part 32 has two protrusions 41, 42 extending radially from the central ring 38, the first protrusion 41 holding the first stud 34 downwardly within the recess 26 using a first screw 74, and the second protrusion 42 having an arc shape that cooperates with the first eccentric wheel 36.

[0060] The second part 33 includes three protrusions 43, 44, 45 extending from a central ring 39. The first protrusion 43 holds the second stud 35 downwardly within the recess 26 using a second screw 75, the second protrusion 44 extends around the first eccentric 36, and the third protrusion 45 has an arcuate shape that cooperates with the second eccentric 37.

[0061] In the reference arrangement, the first stud 34 and the second stud 35 are, for example, arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the balance staff 24 .

[0062] The first stud 34 cooperates with the free end 15 of the lever 14 and the second stud 35 cooperates with the second branch 47 of the rigid support 17. In this way, the prestressing means 6 and the elastic element 5 are supported by the indexing assembly system 20 from which they are suspended.

[0063] The two studs 34, 35 are arranged on either side of the prestressing means 6 and the elastic element 5. Furthermore, the two studs 34, 35 are rigidly connected to the lever 14 and to the rigid support 17. In other words, the first stud 34 and the second stud 35 are fixed by their free ends 15 to the lever 14 and by their second branches 47 to the rigid support 17, respectively. The studs and the hairspring 25 are assembled, for example, by gluing, brazing, welding, by deformation of a metallic glass or by mechanical fastening.

[0064] The first stud 34 is movable relative to the second stud 35. For this purpose, the first part 32 is movable relative to the second part 33. The first part 32 is rotationally movable around the second bearing 28. Thus, the first stud 34 moves together with the first part 32, and the first stud 34 is rotationally movable around the second bearing 28. For example, the first stud 34 can be moved over an angular range of 20° or 10°.

[0065] The movement of the first stud 34 relative to the second stud 35 changes the stiffness of the elastic element 5 depending on whether the movement exerts an increased or decreased force or torque on the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6, thereby varying the stiffness of the elastic element 5 and thus the stiffness of the entire balance spring 25. The indexing assembly system 20 can therefore be used to adjust the rate of the adjustment member 1.

[0066] For this purpose, the indexing assembly system 20 is able to change the position of the first stud 34 relative to the second stud 35 by means of the arc-shaped second projection 42 of the second part 32 and by means of the first eccentric 36. The arc has a diameter slightly smaller than the head of the first eccentric 36, so that the movement of the first eccentric 36 causes the second projection 42, and thus the first part 32, to move in a circular manner around the second bearing 28 relative to the second part 33, while the second part 33 remains in a predetermined position when the first part 32 is actuated. Thus, by rotating the first eccentric 36, the arc-shaped second projection 42 moves in a circular manner around the second bearing 28. The first part 32 moves relative to the second part 33, and as a result the first stud 34 moves relative to the second stud 35, varying the force or torque applied to the prestressing means 6 of the hairspring 25. The absence of reaction between the eccentrics 36, 37 and the arcs 42, 45 allows for a setting without hysteresis.

[0067] The setting datum 29 is located on the arc-shaped second protrusion 42 around the first eccentric 36. Thus, to set the indexing assembly system 20, the first eccentric 36 is oriented according to the priority datum.

[0068] The indexing assembly system 20 is configured to adjust the rate of the adjustment member 1 with a resolution of 1 second per day or less, preferably 0.5 seconds per day or less, and in some cases 0.1 seconds per day or less. The indexing assembly system 20 is therefore calibrated such that its operation allows for such resolution. The configuration of the adjustment member 1 allows such precision to be achieved.

[0069] Preferably, the set criterion 29 corresponds to a resolution, in other words the difference between two successive criteria corresponds to 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or even 0.1 seconds per day.

[0070] In the second embodiment of the adjustment member 40 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the features of the adjustment member 40 are substantially the same as the first embodiment, except for the provision of the index assembly system 60.

[0071] The first portion 52 of the indexing assembly system 60 includes an arm 63 that extends radially outward from the first portion 52 in a single plane. The second portion 53 does not include an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0072] The indexing assembly system 60 includes a cam 55 which is rotatably movable instead of the first eccentric. The cam 55 cooperates with an arm 63 of the first part 52 to rotate the first part 52 around the second bearing 28. Preferably, the end 56 of the arm 63 is always in contact with the cam 55 such that the rotation of the cam 55 results in the movement of the arm 63 depending on the angular position of the cam 55. Thus, the first part 52 of the indexing assembly system 60 moves in a similar manner to the first embodiment. Such an indexing assembly system 60 fitted with a cam 55 allows the stiffness of the balance spring 25 to be varied linearly.

[0073] To maintain the arm 63 of the first part 52 in contact with the cam 55, the indexing assembly system 60 includes a spring 57 that applies a biasing force to the first part 52. The spring 57 is substantially U-shaped surrounding the locking screw 37, with a first end 58 of the U-shape assembled with the second part 53 of the indexing assembly system 20 and a second end 59 of the U-shape retained by a retaining hook 61 located on the first part 52. The spring 57 is located on the second part of the stud holder 31 symmetrically to the cam 55 with respect to the second bearing 28.

[0074] Thus, the spring 57 exerts a return force on the two parts 52, 53 of the indexing assembly system 60, which return force is designed to always keep the arm 63 of the first part 52 in contact with the cam 55. When the cam 55 is actuated, the first part 52 rotates to move the first stud 34 relative to the second stud 35, while under the return force exerted by the spring 57, it allows the arm 63 of the first part 52 to come into contact with the cam 55, in particular when the peripheral wall 64 of the cam 55 moves away from the arm 63.

[0075] The indexing assembly system 60 is configured to adjust the rate of the adjustment member 40 with a resolution of 1 second per day or less, preferably 0.5 seconds per day or less, and in some cases 0.1 seconds per day or less. The configuration of the adjustment member 40 allows such precision to be achieved.

[0076] According to the invention, the adjustment member 40 further comprises locking means arranged to block the second part 53 of the stud holder 51 in a certain position relative to the balance 22 of the movement. The locking means comprises a locking plate 62 and a locking screw 77 for assembling the locking plate 62 to the second part 53 and locking it in position.

[0077] Preferably, the locking plate has a shape which cooperates with the balance bridge 72 on one side and with the second bearing 28 on the other side. A locking screw 77 traverses the locking plate 62 so as to be screwed into the balance bridge 72 arranged below the locking plate 62. Thus, by tightening the locking screw 77, the locking plate 62 exerts a force at least partially on the second part 53 of the stud holder 51 with a shoe 78 of the U-shaped first end 58 of the spring 57, which in turn rests on the second part 53 of the stud holder 51.

[0078] Thus, when mounting the indexing assembly system 20, the second part 53 of the movable stud holder 51 is positioned first and is then blocked by the locking plate 62 and the locking screw 77 and remains immovable relative to the balance bridge 72. Only the first part 52 remains movable relative to the balance bridge 72 after mounting in order to be able to move the first stud 34 and thus act on the elastic element 5.

[0079] The cam 55 is also provided with a setting criterion 49. Thus, to set the indexing assembly system 60, the cam 55 is moved, for example, by a setting button (not shown in Figures 4 and 5) that is arranged on the cam 55 and is rotatable. Thus, to set the indexing assembly system 60, the cam 55 is oriented according to the priority criterion.

[0080] Preferably, the setting reference 49 corresponds to a resolution. In other words, the difference between two successive references can change the pace by 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or even 0.1 seconds per day. In FIG. 6, the resolution of the setting reference 49 is 0.1 seconds.

[0081] 6 and 7, the stud holder 51 is a variant of the second embodiment, in which the second part 53 not only includes a central, substantially circular through orifice 68, but also includes, on one side, a curved arm 70 and, on the other side, a pair of pins 71. The curved arm 70 is intended to cooperate with the locking plate 62. The pair of pins 71 hold the axis of the cam 55 and are intended to rest on the balance bridge 72 of the movement.

[0082] The through orifice 68 allows the insertion of the shock-absorbing bearing 28 of the balance, around which the stud holder 51 is mounted and held. The through orifice 68 is opened by a slot 69 to give flexibility to the segment 73 adjacent to the orifice 68. The bearing 28 is thus mounted and held in the orifice 68. Thanks to this flexibility, the segment 73 clears the way for the bearing 28 to be inserted into the orifice 68 and is able to apply a force sufficient to hold the bearing 28. The shapes of the orifice 68 and the shock-absorbing bearing 28 are arranged to cooperate, the shape of the bearing 28 being preferably slightly larger than the shape of the orifice 68.

[0083] Furthermore, the geometric shape of the orifice 68 makes it possible to guide the rotation of the stud holder 51. In fact, the flexible segment 73 makes it possible to guide the stud holder 51 in rotation about a shock-absorbing bearing whilst preserving the concentricity of the axis of the balance (not shown).

[0084] In FIG. 6, a rotary setting button 65 is attached to cam 55, button 65 including a peripheral setting datum 66, setting datum 66 being in accordance with the present invention.

[0085] Figure 8 shows how the locking means blocks the second part 53 of the stud holder 51 on the balance bridge 72. The locking plate 62 bears against the curved arm 70 and presses it against the balance bridge 72. The locking screw 77 traverses the locking plate 62, passes through the curved arm 70 and reaches the balance bridge 72 located below. The second part 53 of the stud holder 51 is thus sandwiched between the locking plate 62 and the balance bridge 72. In addition, the locking plate 62 holds a spring 57.

[0086] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the adjustment member described with reference to the drawings, and alternatives are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Adjustment member 2. Strip 3 Support 4 Outer edge 5 Elastic elements, flexible elements 6 Prestressing methods 9 Inner edge 10. Clock Movement 11 Flexible Blade 12 Flexible Blade 14 Lever 15 Free end 17 Rigid support 18 Rigid part 19 Secondary flexible blade 20 Index Assembly System 21 Plate 22 Temp Bridge 23 Temp 24 Temp staff, balance shaft 25 Hairspring 26 Recess 27 Semi-rigid structure 28 Bearings, dampers 29 Setting Standards 30 Adjustment means 31 Stud holder 32 First Part 33 Second Part 34 First Stud 35 Second Stud 36 First eccentric wheel 37 Second eccentric wheel 38 Center Ring 39 Center Ring 40 Adjustment member 41 First protrusion 42 Second protrusion 43 First protrusion 44 Second protrusion 45 Third prong 46 First Branch 47 Second Branch 49 Setting Standards 50 Adjustment means 51 Stud holder 52 First Part 53 Second Part 55 Cam 56 End 57 Spring 58 First end 59 Second end 60 Index Assembly System 61 Retaining hook 62 Lock plate 63 Arm 64 Peripheral wall 65 Rotation setting button 66 Setting Standards 68 Through Orifice 69 Slots 70 Curved Arm 71 Pair of pins 72 Temp Bridge 73 Segments 74 First Screw 75 Second screw 77 Lock Screw

Claims

1. A adjusting member (1, 40) for a timepiece movement comprising an inertial mass, which is a balance (23), a hairspring (25) and an indexing assembly system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of said hairspring (25), said indexing assembly system (20, 60) comprising a stud holder (31, 51) with a first part (32, 52) and a second part (33, 53), said first part (32, 52) being movable relative to said second part (33, 53) and allowing the rate of said adjusting member (1, 40), said adjusting member (1, 40) comprising locking means arranged to block, in a position, said second part (33) of said stud holder (31, 51) relative to a plate (21) of the timepiece movement, An adjustment member (1, 40), characterized in that said first part (32, 52) is fixed to the free end of said balance spring (25).

2. A regulating member (1, 40) for a clock movement comprising an inertial mass which is a balance (23), a hairspring (25) and an indexing assembly system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of the hairspring (25), said indexing assembly system (20, 60) comprising a stud holder (31, 51) having a first part (32, 52) and a second part (33, 53), said first part (32, 52) being movable relative to said second part (33, 53) and enabling the rate of the regulating member (1, 40) to be set, said regulating member (1, 40) comprising locking means configured to block, in a certain position, said second part (33) of the stud holder (31, 51) relative to a plate (21) of the clock movement, The index assembly system (20, 60) is characterized in that it includes a spring (57) that maintains the contact with a cam (55) that is arranged to contact an arm (63) of the first part (52) to enable the movement.

3. A regulating member (1, 40) for a clock movement comprising an inertial mass which is a balance (23), a hairspring (25) and an indexing assembly system (20, 60) for adjusting the rate of the hairspring (25), said indexing assembly system (20, 60) comprising a stud holder (31, 51) having a first part (32, 52) and a second part (33, 53), said first part (32, 52) being movable relative to said second part (33, 53) and enabling the rate of the regulating member (1, 40) to be set, said regulating member (1, 40) comprising locking means configured to block, in a certain position, said second part (33) of the stud holder (31, 51) relative to a plate (21) of the clock movement, The adjustment member (1, 40) of the hairspring (25) comprises a coiled strip (2) and means (30, 50) for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the means (30, 50) being fitted with an elastic element (5) arranged in series with the coiled strip (2), the stud holder (31, 51) being mechanically connected to the elastic element (5).

4. An adjusting member as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking means comprises an eccentric wheel (37) attached to the balance bridge (22) of the adjusting member (1).

5. The adjustment member described in claim 4, characterized in that the second part (33) has a protrusion (45) having an arc shape that at least partially abuts the eccentric wheel (37) to cooperate with the eccentric wheel (37) to rotate the entire stud holder (31, 51).

6. An adjustment member as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking means comprises a locking plate (62) and a locking screw (77) for assembling the locking plate (62) to the second part (53) and locking it in position.

7. An adjustment member as described in claim 6, characterized in that the lock plate (62) has a shape complementary to the balance bridge (72) of the adjustment member (40) on one side so as to cooperate with the balance bridge (72) to block the second part (33).

8. An adjustment member as described in claim 6, characterized in that the lock screw (77) is arranged across the lock plate (62) so as to be screwed into a temp bridge (72) of the adjustment member (40).

9. An adjustment member as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the index assembly system (60) comprises a spring (57) maintaining contact between an arm (63) of the first part (52) and a cam (55) provided for moving the first part (52).

10. An adjusting member as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hairspring (25) comprises a coiled strip (2) and means (30, 50) for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the means (30, 50) being fitted with an elastic element (5) arranged in series with the coiled strip (2), and the stud holder (31, 51) is mechanically connected to the elastic element (5).

11. An adjusting member as described in claim 10, characterized in that the means (30, 50) for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring comprise prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5).

12. An adjusting member as described in claim 11, characterized in that the first part (32, 52) includes a first stud (34) and the second part (33, 53) includes a second stud (35), the elastic element (5) and the prestressing means (6) are arranged between the first stud (34) and the second stud (35), the first stud (34) is movable relative to the second stud (35) to activate the prestressing means (6), and the movement of the first stud (34) changes the stiffness of the hairspring.

13. An adjusting member as described in claim 11, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), and a first stud is fixed to a free end (15) of the lever (14).

14. An adjustment member as described in claim 11, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a semi-rigid structure arranged parallel to the flexible element (5), and the lever (14) is connected to the semi-rigid structure.

15. An adjustment member as described in claim 10, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is connected to a rigid support (17) and the second stud (35) is fixed to the rigid support (17).

16. An adjustment member as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first part (32, 52) and the second part (33, 53) are overlapped.

17. An adjustment member as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first part (32, 52) is rotatably movable relative to the second part (33, 53).

18. A clock movement, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment member (1, 40) described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

19. A timepiece comprising a clock movement as defined in claim 18.

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