Clock adjustment member equipped with a linear actuation system

The linear actuation system for adjusting the hairspring stiffness in mechanical watches addresses precision and space constraints by using a compact, linear actuator to control speed and pulsation independently, enhancing isochronism and reducing errors in small watch movements.

JP7831942B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-17ETA SA MFG HORLOGERE SUISSE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-11
Publication Date
2026-03-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mechanical watch mechanisms face challenges in precisely adjusting the speed of the balance wheel due to sensitivity to hairspring play and complexity of adjustment systems, which are incompatible with small watch movements, leading to potential errors and increased thickness.

Method used

A linear actuation system is introduced for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, using a compression stress mechanism with a linearly displacing actuator that adjusts the flexible element without rotating above the balance, maintaining a compact design and allowing independent control of speed and pulsation settings.

Benefits of technology

The system enables precise adjustment of the balance wheel speed without increasing movement thickness, ensuring isochronism and reducing the risk of errors, compatible with small watch movements.

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Abstract

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

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a regulating member provided with an operating system, a watch movement including such a regulating member, and a watch including such a watch movement.

Background Art

[0003] In most mechanical wristwatches, the energy required to rotate the hands (e.g., the minute hand and the hour hand) is stored in a barrel and supplied by a hairspring-type balance system. This balance system includes a flywheel called a balance combined with a spring in the form of a spiral ribbon called a hairspring.

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

[0005] The rotation of the balance is maintained by an escapement mechanism and its vibrations are counted. The escapement mechanism includes a pallet lever that moves in a low-amplitude oscillating motion provided with two pallets that mesh with the teeth of the escape wheel. When the escape wheel meshes in this way, the escape wheel rotates stepwise, and the speed of its rotation is determined by the frequency of the vibration of the pallet lever that is set to the frequency of the vibration of the hairspring-type balance itself.

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

[0007] The balance speed can, in a well-known manner, be adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the hairspring, which is defined as the curved length between the inner end of the hairspring and counting points located near the outer end of the hairspring. The counting points are typically defined by a pair of bankings supported by keys mounted on the index system.

[0008] During operation, this index system cannot rotate around the balance spring axis. However, its angular position can be finely adjusted by manual intervention, for example, by using a screwdriver to pivot an eccentric that acts like a cam in the index system.

[0009] An assembly including the bridge, index system, keys, stud holders, studs, staff, hairspring, and balance is generally referred to as a “regulating member.” An example of a regulating member is given in Patent Document 1, filed by the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0010] An index system exists that has a stud holder to which one end of the hairspring is attached. Here, the key of the index system leaves play that allows the hairspring to move between two bankings. However, the chronometer characteristics, particularly anisochronism as a function of amplitude, are very sensitive to the play of the hairspring in the index key, making it difficult to precisely control this play.

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

[0012] Other hairsprings also have integrated adjustment devices. In these hairsprings, the speed is adjusted not by altering the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying force or torque to flexible elements arranged in series with the hairspring. In this way, the stiffness of the flexible elements, and by extension the entire hairspring, i.e., the ribbon and the flexible elements, can be modified. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, it is permissible to adjust the speed of the adjustment member. Such hairsprings equipped with flexible elements are described, for example, in Patent Documents 2 and 3.

[0013] In these cases, a normal system cannot be used because it is incompatible with the hairspring adjustment device. Furthermore, since the speed needs to be adjusted with very high precision, it is essential that there is no play between the hairspring and the area where it interacts with the indexing mechanism. In other words, in the event of an impact, there is a risk that the speed will be altered if the hairspring itself does not return to the exact same position after the impact.

[0014] An indexing system for using such a hairspring is described in Patent Documents 4 and 5. The indexing system includes a stud holder divided into two parts that can move relative to each other, each part having a stud on which a flexible element is mounted on one side and a means for applying compressive stress to the flexible element is mounted on the other side. That is, by moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque applied to the flexible element is modified, thereby adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring assembly.

[0015] However, the indexing system is complex to implement because each of the multiple moving parts of the stud holder rotates above the hairspring.

[0016] Furthermore, this indexing system increases the thickness, particularly because the adjustment components occupy a significant amount of space within the movement. However, such a system can only be incorporated into certain movements; it cannot be fitted to small movements, especially thin ones. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

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

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing an operating system that is compatible with this type of adjustment device and can be adapted to a small watch movement.

[0019] Towards this end, the present invention relates to an adjustment member for a watch movement. This adjustment member includes an inertial mass such as a balance, a hairspring including a wound ribbon, and means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring provided with a flexible element arranged in series with the wound ribbon. The adjusting means includes compression stress means for exerting a variable force or torque on the flexible element so as to adjust the speed of the adjustment member, and the adjustment member includes a system for actuating the compression stress means.

[0020] The present invention is characterized in that the operating system includes an actuator mechanically connected to the compression stress means, and the actuator is configured to perform a substantially linear displacement, preferably a linear displacement, so as to actuate the compression stress means.

[0021] That is, the present invention provides a simplified operating system. This is because the actuator performs a linear displacement, preferably a linear displacement, and does not rotate.

[0022] Furthermore, since the actuator is not arranged above the balance and the hairspring but can be arranged side by side so as not to increase the thickness of the movement, the operating system is made thinner.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is displaced substantially radially with respect to the hairspring.

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

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the compression stress means includes a lever connected to a flexible element, and the operation of this lever allows for changing the variable force or torque applied to the flexible element so as to modify the rigidity of the flexible element, and thus the rigidity of the entire beard trimmer.

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

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

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the lever is movable at the hook, so that it slides when the lever undergoes an angular displacement, and thus can determine its angular position independently of the position of the hook.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment element includes a balance cock, and the actuator is mounted on this balance cock.

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

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the actuator includes a stationary part with respect to the balance cock, a spring part, and a movable part movable by the spring part, and this movable part includes a hook.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the movable part can move in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the lever.

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

[0034] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the operating system includes adjustment means such as an eccentric that cooperates with the actuator so that the movable part of the actuator can be displaced when it rotates.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means includes a pivot control lever, which includes a pivot arm and a support arm that cooperates with the movable part of the actuator to be mechanically displaced by contact.

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

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

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

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

[0040] The present invention further relates to a watch movement including such an adjusting member.

[0041] The present invention further relates to a watch, such as a wristwatch, that includes such a watch movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of several embodiments, which are given only by non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] [Figure 1]A schematic perspective view of an adjustment member according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adjustment member is arranged in a watch movement. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of a part of the adjustment member shown in Figure 1 is shown without the balance cock. [Figure 3] A schematic top view of a portion of the adjustment member shown in Figure 1 is shown without the balance cock, stud holder, and bearing. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a schematic bottom view of the hairspring of the adjustment member. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the actuator of the operating system of the adjustment member. [Figure 6] A schematic side view of the actuator mounted on the balance cock in Figure 5 is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view of the actuator and control lever of the adjustment member is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic bottom view of the adjustment member in Figure 1 is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective view of the actuator and control lever of the adjustment member in the first position is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic perspective view of the actuator and control lever of the adjustment member in the second position is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 schematically show one embodiment of an adjustment member 1 intended to be arranged within a watch movement, which includes a plate (not shown in the drawings) having a recess. Such a movement is arranged in a watch, for example, a wristwatch.

[0045] The adjustment member 1 includes an inertial mass which is an annular balance 23 in this case, a hairspring 25 which is an elastic return element for the inertial mass configured to oscillate the inertial mass, a balance staff 24, and a balance cock 22. These elements are stacked from bottom to top in the order of balance 23, hairspring 25, and balance cock 22.

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

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

[0048] The hairspring 25 also includes means for adjusting its rigidity. For example, the adjustment means can be operated by the user, more specifically, when the adjustment member is mounted to the watch movement.

[0049] The adjustment means includes a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, i.e., from the ribbon, preferably as an extension thereof, the flexible element 5 connecting the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2 to the rigid support 17. The flexible element 5 is integrated with the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is a separate element from the ribbon 2.

[0050] The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to the ribbon 2. It is preferable that the flexible element 5 is harder than the ribbon 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is arranged as an extension of the ribbon 2. Preferably, the adjusting means and the ribbon 2 are integral or made from the same material, such as silicon.

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

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

[0053] The means for adjusting the hairspring 25 further includes a compressive stress means 6 that applies 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 is continuously adjustable thanks to the compressive stress means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to a set value. The stiffness of the flexible element 5 can thus be adjusted with great precision.

[0054] The compressive stress means 6 includes a secondary flexible blade 21, which is arranged on the side of the extension of the first flexible blade 19 that faces the rigid portion 18.

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

[0056] This force or torque is applied to the free end 15 of the lever 14. In this way, the lever 14 of the compressive stress means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the secondary flexible blade 21 and the semi-rigid structure 27 in order to correct the rigidity of the hairspring 25.

[0057] To enable the hairspring 25 to be subjected to a variable force or torque, the adjustment member includes a specific actuation system 20 according to the present invention.

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

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

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

[0061] The stud 34 can move relative to the balance cock. For this purpose, the stud holder 31 can rotate around the second bearing 28 relative to the balance cock 22. The stud holder 34 can be displaced over an angular range of, for example, 20° or more appropriately 10°.

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

[0063] According to the present invention, the actuation system 20 further includes an actuator 30 configured to actuate the lever 14. The actuator 30 is mechanically connected to the compressive stress means 6. The actuator 30 is configured to perform at least a portion substantially linear displacement, preferably linear displacement, in order to actuate the compressive stress means 6.

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

[0065] Preferably, the direction of displacement of the actuator 30 is substantially radial with respect to the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. In this way, the line of motion of the actuator 30 is directed toward the centers of the balance 23 and the hairspring 25. This also makes the speed setting independent of the pulsation setting.

[0066] The actuator 30 is eccentric with respect to the adjustment member. That is, the actuator 30 is mounted at a certain distance from the center of the adjustment member 1 and is connected only to the lever 14 of the adjustment means. Therefore, the actuator 30 is not mounted directly to the adjustment member 1, for example, as a stud holder on the bearing 28 of the adjustment member 1.

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

[0068] In Figures 5 and 6, the actuator 30 more specifically includes a stationary portion 33 mounted on the balance cock 22, a portion 37 that is movable relative to the balance cock 22 and connected to the lever 14, and a spring portion 35 formed by a flexible guide that connects the movable portion 37 to the stationary portion 33. The stationary portion 33 and the movable portion 37 are preferably rigid. The stationary portion 33, the spring portion 35, and the movable portion 37 are arranged in the same plane. Therefore, the actuator 30 is generally flat and extends substantially in a single plane.

[0069] An actuator 30, which operates the lever 14, includes a hook 39 that engages with the lever 14. The hook 39 is mounted on a movable part 37. The hook 39 surrounds the lever 14 at least partially, but may be closed around the lever 14.

[0070] The radial displacement of the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 pulls or pushes the lever 14 radially relative to the hairspring 25. As a result, the displacement of the lever 14 exerts a large or small force or torque on the flexible element 5, which changes the rigidity of the flexible element 5, and consequently, the rigidity of the hairspring 25 as a whole also changes. In other words, the operating system 20 can adjust the speed of the adjustment member 1.

[0071] Here, the stationary portion 33 has a substantially square shape and includes at least one mounting notch 41, preferably two mounting notches 41, 42, each receiving pads 43, 44 extending from the balance cock 22. The mounting notches 41, 42 are located, for example, on two opposite sides of the stationary portion 33 diagonally opposite each other.

[0072] Each notch 41, 42 is provided with flexible tongues 48, 49 arranged within the notches 41, 42. The first notch 41 has open sides to allow lateral sliding around the first pad 43. The second notch 42 is closed and can receive the second pad 44 by inserting it into the second notch 42. The flexible tongues 48, 49 deform when the pads 43, 44 enter the notches 41, 42 and act as support means to hold the pads 43, 44 in the notches 41, 42. Furthermore, the flexible tongues 48, 49 make it possible to improve positioning accuracy by overcoming play when positioning the pads 43, 44 in the notches 41, 42, preferably in the same direction.

[0073] As shown in the drawing, the actuator 30 is mounted on the balance cock 22 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the plate and the balance cock 22. Thus, the actuator 30 is mounted on the edge of the balance cock 22.

[0074] Since the spring portion 35 is positioned below the stationary portion 33, it extends below the level of the balance cock 22.

[0075] In this case, the spring portion 35 includes a plurality of translational stages 51, 52, 53, 54, each having a plurality of flexible blades arranged in series. These are defined as being in series because the displacements of each translational stage are at least partially cumulative.

[0076] Each translational stage 51, 52, 53, 54 includes a substantially parallel pair of flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64 and rigid sections 56, 57, 58, 59 on which the pair of flexible blades 61, 62, 63, 64 are mounted.

[0077] The first translational stage 51 has a first rigid section 56 positioned below the stationary section 33 and having a length such that it is associated with a second translational stage 52 positioned in series with the first translational stage 51. In this way, the second pair of flexible blades 52 are substantially parallel to the first pair of flexible blades 51. The second rigid section 57 is substantially parallel to the first rigid section 56 but is offset by half the length of the first rigid section 56.

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

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

[0080] In this way, the fourth pair of flexible blades 64 are substantially parallel to the other pairs of flexible blades, and the fourth section 59 is aligned substantially in the same direction as the second section 57.

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

[0082] The translational stages 51, 52, 53, and 54 in this arrangement allow the movable part 37 to be displaced in a substantially linear, preferably rectangular manner, while maintaining the compact actuator 30.

[0083] Preferably, the actuator 30 includes an even number of translational stages. Two translational stages arranged in series can mutually compensate for the vertical deviation of the hook 39 generated by each. In this way, the hook 39 maintains substantially the same height even while moving.

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

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

[0086] By pressing the bulge 68 more or less firmly, the movable part 37 moves more or less closer to the stationary part 33 thanks to the deformation of the translational stages 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the spring part 35.

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

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

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lever 14 is movable so as to slide when the hook 39 undergoes angular displacement. To this end, the lever 14 includes a free end 15 that cooperates with the hook 39.

[0090] For example, in order to adjust the pulsation of the adjustment member 1, the stud holder 31 needs to be rotatable. As a result, the hairspring 25 rotates together with the stud holder 31, and the free end 15 of the lever 14 slides on the hook 39.

[0091] Thanks to this operating system 20, the pulse can be adjusted without the need to correct the position of the actuator 30, particularly its position relative to the movement plate. The mechanical link between the actuator 30 and the lever 14 is maintained regardless of the position of the lever 14 relative to the actuator 30.

[0092] In other words, this operating system 20 makes it possible to adjust the speed and pulse independently of each other, for example, in the relationship between the plate and the balance cock 22, while maintaining a fixed, predetermined position of the actuator in the movement.

[0093] The operating system 20 further includes adjustment means that cooperate with the actuator 30 to displace the movable portion 37 of the actuator 30.

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

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

[0096] The support arm 71 works in cooperation with the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 to mechanically displace it by contact. The support arm 71 pushes the bulge 68 of the movable part 37, moving it to some degree. That is, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14 of the balance spring 25 to some degree. The control lever 45 is configured to pivot in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the actuator 30.

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

[0098] In other words, by rotating the control lever 45 around the screw body 73, the movable part 37 moves toward or away from the stationary part 33 by deforming the spring part 35 of the actuator 30 to some degree and correcting the position of the lever 14.

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

[0100] In other words, by screwing in or unscrewing the control screw 70, the control lever 45 and the actuator 30 are activated to move the hook 39 and, consequently, the lever 14 of the compressive stress means 6.

[0101] The return force of the spring portion 35 of the actuator 30 presses the control lever 45 against the control screw 70. In this way, the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45 is held in place against the control screw 70.

[0102] In Figure 9, the control screw 70, the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are all in the first position, with the hook 39 lightly pulling the lever 15. The dotted line shows the state where the control lever 45, the movable part 37 of the actuator 30, and the lever 15 are in the second position, which corresponds to the position in Figure 10.

[0103] In Figure 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 more strongly than in Figure 9.

[0104] In the second position, the control screw 70 pushes the pivot arm 69 of the control lever 45, so the support arm 71, which is in contact with the bulge 68, now pushes the movable part 37 of the actuator 30 toward the stationary part 33 due to the deformation of the spring part 35. In this way, the hook 39 pulls the lever 14, thereby causing centrifugal displacement.

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

[0106] The springs 74 are arranged around the screw body 73 so as to press the actuator 30 against the balance cock 22, preventing it from detaching.

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

[0108] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the adjusting members described with reference to the drawings, and alternative examples can be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Adjustment member (1) for a watch movement, It includes an inertial mass (23), a hairspring (25) including a wound ribbon (2), and an adjustment means for adjusting the rigidity of the hairspring (25) which is provided with flexible elements (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), The adjusting means includes a compressive stress means (6) that applies a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) to adjust the speed of the adjusting member (1), The adjusting member (1) includes an operating system (20) that operates the compressive stress means (6), The operating system (20) includes an actuator (30) slidably connected to the compressive stress means (6), The actuator (30) is an adjustment member (1) configured to perform linear displacement in at least a portion of the way, in order to actuate the compressive stress means (6).

2. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 1, wherein the displacement of the actuator (30) is radial with respect to the hairspring (25).

3. The actuator (30) is mounted at a certain distance from the center of the hairspring (25), as described in claim 1.

4. The adjusting member (1) according to claim 1, wherein the compressive stress means (6) includes a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), and the variable force or torque applied to the flexible element (5) can be changed by operating the lever (14) to modify the rigidity of the flexible element (5).

5. The actuator (30) displaces the lever (14) when it is operated, as described in claim 4.

6. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (30) includes a hook engaged with the lever (14).

7. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 6, wherein the lever (14) is movable on the hook (39) so as to slide when the lever (14) performs the displacement.

8. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 6 further includes a balance cock (22) on which the actuator (30) is mounted.

9. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 8, wherein the actuator (30) is mounted perpendicularly to the balance cock (22).

10. The actuator (30) includes a stationary portion (33) relative to the balance cock (22), a spring portion (35), and a movable portion (37) that is movable by the spring portion (35), wherein the movable portion (37) includes the hook (39), as described in claim 8.

11. The adjustable member (1) according to claim 10, wherein the movable portion (37) can move in a radial direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the lever (14).

12. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 10, wherein the spring portion (35) includes at least one translational stage (51, 52, 53, 54) having a flexible blade.

13. The adjusting member (1) according to claim 10, wherein the operating system (20) includes an adjusting means that cooperates with the actuator to displace the movable part (37).

14. The adjustment means includes a pivot control lever (45), The pivot control lever (45) is Pivot arm (69) and, A support arm (71) that cooperates with the movable part (37) to mechanically displace the movable part (37) by contact, and The adjustment member (1) according to claim 13, including the adjustment member (1) described in claim 13.

15. The adjustment means includes a control screw (70) mechanically connected to the pivot arm (69) to control the pivot of the pivot control lever (45), as described in claim 14.

16. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 8, further comprising a stud holder (31) mechanically connected to the flexible element (5), wherein the stud holder (31) includes a stud (34) on which the flexible element (5) is mounted.

17. The stud holder (31) is rotatable relative to the balance cock (22) so as to adjust the pulsation of the adjustment member (1), as per claim 16.

18. The adjustable member (1) according to claim 16, wherein the flexible element (5) is connected to a fixed support (17) mounted on the stud (35).

19. A watch movement comprising the adjustment member (1) described in claim 1.

20. A clock including the clock movement described in claim 19.

21. The adjustment member (1) according to claim 1, wherein the linear displacement is a linear displacement.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • CH000678/2022

  • CH0700385/2021

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