A timepiece regulating member having an operating mechanism provided with a control lever

The regulating element with a pivotal control lever and actuator mechanism addresses the challenge of adjusting balance spring play and stiffness in mechanical watches, ensuring precise timing and compact design.

JP7776578B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-26ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024097155
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-24
Filing Date
2024-06-17
Publication Date
2025-11-26
Estimated Expiration
2044-06-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mechanical watch mechanisms face challenges in accurately adjusting the balance spring's play and stiffness, leading to chronometric errors and incompatibility with smaller movements due to complex indexing mechanisms and space constraints.

Method used

A regulating element with a pivotal control lever and actuator mechanism that allows for linear displacement of the balance spring's stiffness adjustment, independent of beat setting, using a flexible element and prestressing means for precise torque application.

Benefits of technology

Enables precise adjustment of the balance spring's stiffness without changing its position, reducing chronometric errors and accommodating smaller watch movements by minimizing space requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide an actuation mechanism that is adaptable to a linear displacement actuator.SOLUTION: A clock movement-purpose speed governing member 1 comprises: means for adjusting inertia mass, for example, a balance spring 25 including a balance with hairspring 23 and a wound ribbon, and rigidity of the balance spring. The speed governing member includes a mechanism for actuating the adjustment means, and an actuation mechanism includes: an actuator 30 that includes a movable part mechanically linked to the adjustment means; and means for adjusting the actuator. The adjustment means includes a pivotal control lever 45, and the control lever includes a support arm and pivotal arm cooperating with the movable part of the actuator for mechanically displacing the movable part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and more particularly to the field of mechanical watchmaking, in which the regulation of the drive energy is carried out by a regulating element.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a regulating member provided with an operating mechanism, a timepiece movement equipped with such a regulating member, and a timepiece equipped with such a timepiece movement. [Background technology]

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

[0004] The inner end of the balance spring is attached to an axle that rotates together with the balance, and the outer end of the balance spring is attached to a stud attached to a stud holder that is rigidly connected to a fixed cock.

[0005] The balance's rotation is maintained by an escapement with a lever that operates in low-amplitude oscillations, with two pallets that engage with the teeth of the escape wheel, counting their oscillations. As the escape wheel engages in this way, it rotates in steps, the speed of which is determined by the frequency of the pallets' oscillations, which are themselves set to the frequency of the balance's oscillations.

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

[0007] The speed of the balance can be controlled in a known manner by adjusting the effective length of the balance spring, which is defined as the curvilinear length between the inner end of the balance spring and a counting point located near the outer end of the balance spring, and is usually defined by a pair of banks carried by keys attached to an indexing mechanism.

[0008] During operation, the indexing mechanism cannot rotate around the axis of the balance spring, but its angular position can be finely adjusted manually, for example by using a screwdriver to rotate an eccentric that acts like a cam on the indexing mechanism.

[0009] The assembly comprising the bridges, indexing mechanism, keys, stud holders, studs, axles, springs, and balance is commonly referred to as a "regulating element." An example of a regulating element is described in European Patent EP 2876504 to watchmaker ETA.

[0010] Some indexing mechanisms have a stud holder to which one end of the balance spring is attached, and the indexing keys leave some play to allow the balance spring to move between the two banks. However, chronometric characteristics, especially anisochronism as a function of amplitude, are very sensitive to the play of the balance spring in the indexing keys, and it is difficult to control this play accurately.

[0011] In some watches, the bank can be adjusted to clamp the balance spring, especially to eliminate play while the balance spring is running. In this case, the index key is first moved to adjust the speed, and then the balance spring is secured to the index key. However, clamping the balance spring to the index key places stress on the balance spring, which, among other things, risks mis-centering the winding and introducing chronometric errors. Furthermore, removing play also changes the speed, and once the balance spring is clamped, it is no longer possible to move the index key along the balance spring to complete the fine adjustment of the speed.

[0012] Other hairsprings have an integrated adjusting device. In these hairsprings, the speed is adjusted not by changing the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying a force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. In this way, the stiffness of the flexible element and thus the stiffness of the entire hairspring, i.e., the stiffness of the ribbons and the flexible element, can be changed. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the speed of the speed-regulating member can be adjusted. Hairsprings equipped with such flexible elements are described, for example, in patent applications EP 4009115 and CH 0700385 / 2021.

[0013] In such cases, a normal mechanism cannot be used, as it is incompatible with the balance spring regulator. Furthermore, since the speed needs to be adjusted very finely, it is essential that there is no play between the balance spring and its location where it interacts with the indexing mechanism. More specifically, if there is no play, there is a risk that the speed will be changed if the balance spring does not reposition itself in exactly the same way after an impact.

[0014] For the use of such a balance spring, patent applications EP 22177059.7 and CH000678 / 2022 describe indexing mechanisms. The indexing mechanism comprises a stud holder with two parts movable relative to each other, each part carrying on one hand a stud with a flexible element attached thereto and on the other hand a prestressing means acting on the flexible element. By moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque acting on the flexible element is thus varied in order to adjust the stiffness of the balance spring assembly.

[0015] However, the implementation of the indexing mechanism is complicated, since the moving parts of the stud holders each rotate above the balance spring.

[0016] Furthermore, the regulating element of this index mechanism takes up a considerable amount of space within the movement, particularly increasing its thickness. However, only certain movements can accommodate such a mechanism; smaller, especially thinner, movements cannot.

[0017] Other actuation mechanisms are possible, for example, mechanisms using linear or straight-displacement actuators. However, this type of actuator must be simple to operate. However, no simple actuation mechanism exists that is compatible with a linear-displacement actuator. Summary of the Invention

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an actuation mechanism compatible with this type of linear displacement actuator.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to a regulating element for a timepiece movement, said regulating element comprising an inertial mass, for example a balance, a hairspring with a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of said hairspring, said regulating element comprising a mechanism for actuating said regulating means, said actuating mechanism comprising an actuator with a movable part mechanically connected to said regulating means and means for adjusting said actuator.

[0020] In the present invention, the adjusting means comprises a pivotal control lever, the control lever comprising a pivot arm and a support arm which cooperate with a movable part of the actuator to mechanically displace the movable part.

[0021] The present invention provides a simplified actuation mechanism as it allows for the use of actuators that provide linear, preferably straight line, displacement rather than rotational displacement.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the control lever comprises a hub configured to rotate around a body attached to a receiver or plate of the timepiece movement, the pivot arm and the support arm being connected to the hub.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the control lever is configured to pivot in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjusting means comprises a control screw mechanically connected to the pivot arm so as to control the pivoting of the control lever.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the control screw is arranged in the plane of the control lever.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the movable part of the actuator comprises a bulge portion that functions as a support for moving the movable part, and the support arm is in contact with the bulge portion.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the adjusting means comprises a flexible element arranged in series with the wound ribbon, the adjusting means comprises prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element to adjust the speed of the speed regulating member, and the actuator is mechanically connected to the prestressing means.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is configured to provide, at least in part, a substantially linear, preferably straight-line, displacement for actuating the prestressing means.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is displaced substantially radially relative to the balance spring.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator is off-center and is mounted at a position away from the center of the governor member.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said adjusting element comprises a balance cock on which said actuator is mounted, said actuator being substantially perpendicular to said balance cock.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the actuator further comprises a part that is fixed relative to the balance cock and a spring part that connects the mobile part to the fixed part.

[0033] The invention further relates to a timepiece movement equipped with such a regulating member.

[0034] The invention further relates to a timepiece including such a timepiece movement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a speed regulating member disposed in a timepiece movement. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the regulating member shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the stud holder and the balance cock are absent. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the speed regulating member shown in FIG. 1 in a state where there is no balance bridge and no bearing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the balance spring of the speed regulating member shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view of an actuator of the actuation mechanism of the speed regulating member of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the actuator of FIG. 5 attached to the balance cock; [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an actuator and a control lever of a speed regulating member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the speed regulating member of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control lever and actuator of the speed regulating member in a first position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the control lever and actuator of the speed regulating member in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a regulating element 1 intended to be placed in a timepiece movement comprising a plate (not shown) provided with a recess. Such a movement is placed in a timepiece, for example a wristwatch.

[0037] The regulating member 1 comprises an inertial mass, in this case an annular balance 23, a hairspring 25 as an elastic return element for the inertial mass configured to oscillate the inertial mass, a balance axle 24, and a balance bridge 22. The elements are stacked from bottom to top in the order of balance 23, hairspring 25, and balance bridge 22.

[0038] The balance shaft 24 passes through the center of the balance, the balance spring 25, and the balance bridge 22. The balance shaft 24 is held by two shock-absorbing bearings 28, which are arranged at both ends of the balance shaft 24. The first bearing is arranged below the balance bridge 22, and the second bearing 28 is arranged within it. The balance bridge 22 is formed with a through hole in which the second bearing 28 is held.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the balance spring 25 preferably extends substantially in one plane. The balance spring 25 comprises a flexible ribbon 2 wound around itself several times, the ribbon 2 having a predetermined stiffness. An inner end 9 of the ribbon 2 is integral with or assembled to a rigid support 3, commonly called a collet. The rigid support 3 has a substantially triangular shape and is threaded around the axis 24 of the balance.

[0040] The balance spring 25 further comprises means for adjusting its stiffness, for example, the adjusting means being operable by the user, in particular when the regulating member is mounted in a timepiece movement.

[0041] The adjustment means comprises a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, i.e. following from the ribbon, preferably as an extension thereof, which flexible element 5 connects the outer end 4 of said ribbon 2 to the rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is a separate element from the ribbon 2.

[0042] The flexible element 5 adds additional stiffness to the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is preferably stiffer than the ribbon 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is arranged as an extension of the ribbon 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the ribbon 2 are integral or made of the same material, for example silicone.

[0043] The flexible element 5 of the balance spring 25 comprises a first flexible blade 19 and a movable semi-rigid part 18 extending from the outer end of the ribbon 2, which is connected to the first flexible blade 19, preferably on the same side of the rigid part 18. The first flexible blade 19 is also connected to the rigid support 17.

[0044] The rigid support 17 is L-shaped, with a first leg 46 of the L serving as a connection to the first flexible blade 19 and a second leg 47 of the L pointing away from the first flexible blade 19 so that it can be assembled to a watch movement.

[0045] The means for adjusting the balance spring 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 balance spring can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable thanks to the prestressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to discrete values. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted very precisely.

[0046] The prestressing means 6 comprises a second flexible blade 21 arranged in the extension of the first flexible blade 19 on the opposite side of the rigid part 18 .

[0047] The other end of the second flexible blade 21 is connected to a curved lever 14 that runs around the ribbon 2. In addition to the second flexible blade 21, the lever 14 is connected to a semi-rigid structure 27 that is attached to the rigid support 17. A portion of the semi-rigid structure 27 deforms when the lever 14 is actuated by a force or torque.

[0048] The force or torque acts on the free end 15 of the lever 14. In this way, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 transmits the force or torque via the second flexible blade 21 and the semi-rigid structure 27 to the flexible element 5, modifying the stiffness of the balance spring 25.

[0049] In order to be able to apply a variable force or torque to the balance spring 25, the regulating member is equipped according to the invention with a particular actuating mechanism 20.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the regulating member 1 comprises a stud holder 31 provided with a suspended stud 34. The stud holder 31 is mechanically connected to the flexible element 5 but does not block the ribbon 2. The stud holder 31 surrounds the second bearing 28. To this end, the stud holder 31 comprises a central ring 38 that is arranged around the second bearing 28 and rests on the balance cock 22.

[0051] The stud 34 cooperates with the second leg 47 of the rigid support 17. In this way, the prestressing means 6 and the flexible element 5 are supported by the stud holder 31 from which they are suspended.

[0052] Furthermore, the stud 34 is rigidly attached to the rigid support 17. In other words, the stud 34 is integral with the rigid support 17. The stud 34 and the balance spring 25 are assembled, for example, by gluing, brazing, welding, deformation of a metallic glass, or mechanical fastening.

[0053] The stud 34 is movable relative to the balance cock, so that the stud holder 31 can rotate about the second bearing 28 relative to the balance cock 22. The stud holder 34 can be displaced within an angular range of, for example, 20° or 10°.

[0054] By displacing the pin 34 relative to the balance bridge 22, the beat of the speed regulating member 1 can be adjusted.

[0055] The actuation mechanism 20 further comprises an actuator 30 configured to actuate the lever 14. The actuator 30 is mechanically connected to the prestressing means 6, and the actuator 30 is configured to provide, at least in part, a substantially linear, preferably straight-line, displacement to actuate the prestressing means 6.

[0056] In other words, at least a part of the actuator 30 moves substantially along a straight line, unlike the stud holder 31 which undergoes rotation, for example by rotating about an axis. In this way, at least a part of the actuator 30 moves towards or away from the balance spring 25 in a direction substantially towards the balance spring.

[0057] Preferably, the direction of displacement of the actuator 30 is substantially radial to the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. In this way, the straight line along which the actuator 30 moves is towards the centre of the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. This also makes the speed setting independent of the beat setting.

[0058] The actuator 30 is off-center with respect to the regulating member 1, i.e. it is mounted away from the center of the regulating member 1 and is connected only to the lever 14 of the adjusting means. The actuator 30 is therefore not directly attached to the regulating member 1, for example as a stud holder on the bearing 28 of the regulating member 1.

[0059] In this embodiment, the actuator 30 is attached to the balance cock 22. Preferably, the actuator 30 is mounted on a plate that is substantially perpendicular to the balance cock 22. More specifically, it is assembled to the end of the balance cock 22.

[0060] 5 and 6, the actuator 30 comprises, in particular, a fixed part 33 attached to the balance cock 22, a part 37 movable relative to the balance cock 22 and connected to the lever 14, and a spring part 35 formed by a flexible guide and connecting the movable part 37 to the fixed part 33. The fixed part 33 and the movable part 37 are preferably rigid. The fixed part 33, the spring part 35 and the movable part 37 are arranged on the same plane. The actuator 30 is therefore generally flat and extends substantially in one plane.

[0061] To actuate the lever 14, the actuator 30 is provided with a hook 39 which engages with the lever 14, the hook 39 being attached to the movable part 37. The hook 39 at least partially surrounds the lever 14, but may also be closed around the lever 14.

[0062] Radial displacement of the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 pulls or pushes the lever 14 radially relative to the balance spring 25. This causes the displacement of the lever to exert a greater or lesser force or torque on the flexible element 5, thereby changing the stiffness of the flexible element 5. This therefore changes the stiffness of the flexible element 5 and, consequently, the stiffness of the balance spring 25 as a whole. In this way, the actuating mechanism 20 makes it possible to adjust the speed of the speed regulating member 1.

[0063] The fixed part 33 here has a substantially square shape and comprises at least one mounting notch 41, preferably two mounting notches 41, 42 for receiving pads 43, 44 respectively extending from the balance cock 22. The mounting notches 41, 42 are, for example, arranged on two diagonally opposite sides of the fixed part 33.

[0064] Each notch 41, 42 includes a flexible tongue 48, 49 disposed therein. The first notch 41 has an open side so that the first pad 43 can slide laterally around it. The second notch 42 is closed and can receive the second pad 44 by inserting it into the second notch 42. The flexible tongues 48, 49 deform when the pad 43, 44 enters the notch 41, 42 and function as a support to hold the pad 43, 44 within the notch 41, 42. Furthermore, the flexible tongues 48, 49 allow for improved positioning accuracy by overcoming play in the positioning of the pads 43, 44 within the notches 41, 42, preferably in the same direction.

[0065] As shown, the actuator 30 is attached to the balance cock 22 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the plate and balance cock 22. It is therefore attached to the end of the balance cock 22.

[0066] The spring portion 35 is disposed below the fixed portion 33 so as to extend below the height of the balance cock 22.

[0067] In this case, the spring section 35 comprises a number of translating stages 51, 52, 53, 54 with flexible blades arranged in series, which are defined as being in series because the displacements of each translating stage are at least partially cumulative.

[0068] Each translating stage 51, 52, 53, 54 comprises a pair of substantially parallel flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64 and a rigid portion 56, 57, 58, 59 to which the pair of flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64 are attached.

[0069] The first translating stage 51 is disposed below the fixed portion 33 and has an extended first rigid portion 56 associated with a second translating stage 52 disposed head-to-tail with the first translating stage 51. In this manner, the second pair of flexible blades 52 are substantially parallel to the first pair of flexible blades 51. The second rigid portion 57 is substantially parallel to the first rigid portion 56 but offset by half the length of the first rigid portion 56.

[0070] The second rigid section 57 is also elongated so as to be associated with a third translating stage 53 that is disposed head-to-tail with the second translating stage 52 and thus substantially parallel to the first translating stage 51. The third pair of flexible blades 63 are substantially parallel to the first pair of flexible blades 61 and the second pair of flexible blades 62.

[0071] The actuator 30 includes a fourth translation stage 54 disposed on the opposite side of the first translation stage 5 from the second translation stage 52 and the third translation stage 53. The fourth translation stage 54 is disposed head-to-tail with the third translation stage 53.

[0072] In this manner, the fourth pair of flexible blades 64 are substantially parallel to the other pairs of flexible blades, and the fourth portion 59 is disposed in substantially the same direction as the second portion 57 .

[0073] The third translation stage 53 and the fourth translation stage 54 are connected by an arm 55 that extends from the third section 58 and passes below the first rigid portion 56 of the first translation stage 51 .

[0074] This arrangement of translation stages 51, 52, 53, 54 allows for substantially linear, preferably straight line, displacement of movable part 37 while keeping actuator 30 compact.

[0075] Preferably, the actuator 30 has an even number of translation stages, with two translation stages located head to tail, allowing each to compensate for the vertical deviation of the hook 39. In this way, the hook 39 remains at substantially the same height during movement.

[0076] The movable part 37 extends from the fourth part 59. The movable part 37 is preferably rigid. In this case, the movable part 37 has the shape of an elbow formed by a first part 66 arranged perpendicular to the fourth part 59 and a second rigid part 67 at a right angle to the first part 66.

[0077] The hook 39 of the actuator 30 is located at the end of the second rigid part 67. At the free end of the first rigid part 66, a bulge 68 serves as a support for the moving part 37 to move.

[0078] By pressing the bulge 68 more or less strongly, the translation stages 51, 52, 53, 54 of the spring part 35 are deformed, causing the movable part 37 to approach the fixed part 33 more or less.

[0079] In this way, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14 more or less strongly to activate the means for adjusting the stiffness of the flexible element 5 .

[0080] The displacement direction of the movable part 39 of the actuator 30 and the lever 14 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the lever 14 .

[0081] Furthermore, the lever 14 is preferably movable within the hook 39 so that the lever 14 can move initially when making an angular displacement. For this purpose, the lever 14 comprises a free end 15 which cooperates with the hook 39.

[0082] For example, the stud holder 31 must be rotatable so that the beat of the regulating member 1 can be adjusted, so that the balance spring 25 rotates together with the stud holder 31 and the free end 15 of the lever 14 slides in the hook 39.

[0083] Thanks to such an actuation mechanism 20, it is possible in particular to adjust the beat without changing the position of the actuator 30 relative to the plate of the movement. The mechanical link between the actuator 30 and the lever 14 is maintained regardless of the position of the lever 14 relative to the actuator 30.

[0084] This actuating mechanism 20 therefore makes it possible to adjust the speed and beat independently of each other while keeping constant the predetermined position of the actuator within the movement, for example relative to the plate and balance cock 22.

[0085] The actuation mechanism 20 further comprises adjustment means cooperating with the actuator 30 so as to be able to displace the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 .

[0086] According to the invention, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the adjustment means comprises a pivotal control lever 45 arranged to displace the movable part 37 of the actuator 30. The control lever 45 is preferably arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bulge 68 of the movable part 37 and is in contact with it.

[0087] The control lever 45 has a pivot arm 69 and a support arm 71 connected to a hub 72 of the pivot control lever 45 .

[0088] The support arm 71 cooperates with the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 to mechanically displace it by contact. The support arm 71 pushes or moves the bulge 68 of the movable part 37 to a greater or lesser extent. The hook 39 therefore pulls or pulls the lever 14 of the balance spring 25 to a greater or lesser extent. The control lever 45 is configured to pivot in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30.

[0089] The control lever 45 is configured to be attached to a plate of the movement via a hub 72, which can rotate about a body, in this case a screw body 73, which is attached to the plate.

[0090] Therefore, by rotating the control lever 45 around the screw body 73, the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 is deformed larger or smaller to change the position of the lever 14, thereby moving the movable portion 37 toward or away from the fixed portion 33.

[0091] The adjusting means further comprises a control screw 70 mechanically connected to the pivot arm 69 for controlling the pivoting of the control lever 45. The axis of the control screw 70 is arranged in the plane of the control lever 45 in the direction of the pivot arm 69.

[0092] The control screw 70 is arranged, for example, through a vertical wall (not shown) and belongs to the plate or is attached to the plate by means of a receiver.

[0093] Thus, by screwing or unscrewing the control screw 70 , the control lever 45 and the actuator 30 are actuated to move the hook 39 and thus the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 .

[0094] The restoring force of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 presses the control lever 45 against the control screw 70. In this way, the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45 is held against the control screw 70.

[0095] 9, the control screw 70, the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are all in a first position where the hook 39 gently pulls on the lever 15. The dotted lines show the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 in a second position corresponding to FIG.

[0096] In FIG. 10, the control screw 70, the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are all in the second position, and the hook 39 pulls the lever 15 harder than in FIG.

[0097] In the second position, the control screw 70 presses against the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45, and the support arm 71, which is in contact with the bulge 68, presses the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 towards the fixed part 33 due to the deformation of the spring part 35. In this way, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14, thereby performing a centrifugal displacement.

[0098] In the deformed configuration of the spring section 35, the flexible blades of the first translation stage 51 and the flexible blades of the third translation stage 53 deform in the same first direction, while the flexible blades of the second translation stage 52 and the flexible blades of the fourth translation stage 54 deform in the same second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0099] Such a control screw 70 is accessible from the outside of the watch case.

[0100] The control screw 70 can be received through the wall of the case so that it can be threaded or unthreaded from outside the case using a tool, with the screw head at least partially outside the case wall.

[0101] A spring 74 is arranged around the threaded body 73 to press the actuator 30 against the balance cock 22, preventing it from coming off.

[0102] The spring 74 clamps the screw body 73. The spring 74 is U-shaped and surrounds the screw body 73. One leg of the U extends from the fixed part 33 of the actuator 30 to which it is attached in this case.

[0103] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the speed regulating member described with reference to the figures, and alternatives can be considered without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A regulating member (1) for a timepiece movement, an inertial mass, a hairspring (25) with a wound ribbon (2), and adjustment means for adjusting the stiffness of said hairspring; the regulating member (1) comprises an actuating mechanism for actuating the adjusting means, the actuating mechanism comprising an actuator (30) having a movable part (37) mechanically connected to the adjusting means, and an adjusting means for adjusting the actuator (30), the adjusting means comprising a pivotal control lever (45), the control lever (45) comprising a support arm (71) and a pivot arm (69) cooperating with the movable part (37) of the actuator (30) to mechanically displace the movable part (37); The regulating member (1) comprises a balance cock (22), and the actuator (30) is attached to an end of the balance cock (22) so that its plane is perpendicular to the balance cock; The control lever (45) is configured to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the actuator (30).

2. 2. The speed regulating member according to claim 1, wherein said inertial mass is a balance (23).

3. 2. The regulating member according to claim 1, wherein the control lever (45) comprises a hub (72) configured to rotate about a body attached to a receiver or plate of the timepiece movement, and the pivot arm (69) and the support arm (71) are connected to the hub (72).

4. 2. The speed governor member according to claim 1, wherein said adjusting means comprises a control screw (70) mechanically connected to said pivot arm (69) for controlling the pivoting of said control lever (45).

5. 5. A governor member according to claim 4, wherein the control screw (70) is arranged in a plane of the control lever (45) perpendicular to the plane of the actuator (30).

6. 2. The speed regulating member according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion (37) of the actuator (30) includes a bulge (68) that functions as a support for displacing the movable portion (37), and the support arm (71) is in contact with the bulge (68).

7. 2. The speed regulating member according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprises a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), the adjusting means comprises prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) to adjust the speed of the speed regulating member, and the actuator (30) is mechanically connected to the prestressing means (6).

8. 8. The governor member according to claim 7, wherein the actuator (30) is configured to perform at least a partial linear displacement to actuate the prestressing means (6).

9. The speed regulating member of claim 8 , wherein the linear displacement is a straight-line displacement.

10. 9. The speed regulating member according to claim 8, wherein the displacement of the actuator (30) is radial with respect to the balance spring (25).

11. 9. The speed governor member according to claim 8, wherein the actuator (30) is mounted at a position away from the center of the speed governor member (1).

12. 2. The speed regulating member according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (30) further comprises a fixed part (33) fixed relative to the balance cock (22), and a spring part (35) connecting the movable part (37) to the fixed part (33).

13. A timepiece movement comprising a regulating member (1) according to claim 1.

14. A timepiece comprising a timepiece movement according to claim 13.

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