Spiral spring and rotary resonator mechanism

Abstract

To provide a spiral spring for a timepiece resonator mechanism.SOLUTION: A spiral spring 1 comprises a flexible strip 2 wound around the spiral spring itself multiple times. The strip has prescribed rigidity, and the spiral spring includes means for adjusting the rigidity of the strip. The adjustment means includes a flexible element 5 aligned in series with the strip. The flexible element should impart additive rigidity to the strip by connecting one end 4, 9 of the strip to a rigid support 11. The flexible element has rigidity that is larger than the rigidity of the strip. The adjustment means should change the rigidity of the flexible element by including pre-stress means 6 for adding variable force or torque to the flexible element. The pre-stress means includes a lever 14 capable of operating so that force or torque is transmitted to the flexible element using an actuator 7 by being connected to the flexible element. The lever has one end 15 that is movable in a first direction D1. The spiral spring includes holding means 25 aligned so as to substantially prevent movement of the lever in a second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spiral spring for a resonator mechanism of a watch, and the spiral spring is provided with improved means for adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a watch resonator mechanism having such a spiral spring.

Background Art

[0003] Most of today's mechanical watches are equipped with hairsprings and Swiss lever escapement mechanisms. The hairspring is the time base of the watch. It is also known as a resonator.

[0004] The escapement has two main functions, · the function of continuously moving the resonator back and forth, and · the function of counting this reciprocating motion and has.

[0005] A mechanical resonator requires an inertial element, a guide, and an elastic return element. Traditionally, the spiral spring acts as an elastic return element for the inertial element formed by the balance. This balance is rotationally guided by a plurality of pivots rotating in a plurality of ruby flat bearings.

[0006] The hairspring generally needs to be adjustable to improve the accuracy of the watch. For this purpose, means for adjusting the rigidity of the spiral spring, such as an index assembly that changes the effective length of the spring, is used. In this way, its rigidity is changed to adjust the speed accuracy of the watch. However, the effect of the traditional index assembly in adjusting the speed remains limited and is not necessarily effective for making a sufficiently accurate setting within the range of several seconds or tens of seconds per day.

[0007] Other spiral springs include integrated adjustment mechanisms. In these spiral springs, the speed is adjusted not by changing the effective length of the spiral spring, but by applying force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the spiral. This makes it possible to change the stiffness of the flexible element, which partially determines the return force acting on the balance, and thus change the stiffness of the entire spiral spring. By adjusting the stiffness of the spiral spring, the speed of the adjustment member can be adjusted. Such spiral springs having flexible elements are described, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0008] In these cases, conventional systems cannot be used because they are incompatible with the spiral spring adjustment device. In addition, since the speed must be adjusted very precisely, it is essential that there is no play between the spiral and the area where the spiral interacts with the index assembly mechanism. Otherwise, if the spiral is not repositioned in exactly the same way after the impact, there is a risk that the speed will be altered in the impact event.

[0009] To utilize such a spiral spring, an index assembly system is described in Patent Documents 3 and 4. This racking system includes a stud holder consisting of two parts that are movable relative to each other, each part having a stud on which a flexible element is mounted on one side and a prestressing means acting on the flexible element on the other side. In this way, by moving the two parts relative to each other, the force or torque applied to the flexible element is changed, and the stiffness of the spiral spring is adjusted.

[0010] However, in this index assembly system, the movable parts move in a circular motion around the spiral spring, so the adjustment mechanism is actuated tangentially to the spiral spring. This tangential actuation is brought about by the complex implementation of the index assembly system.

[0011] To circumvent this problem, a mechanism has been devised to operate the lever of the adjustment device by an actuator that performs substantially linear motion (for example, by pulling or pushing the lever, either directly or via an element connecting the actuator to the lever). The actuator includes, for example, a hook that engages with the lever.

[0012] However, the contact area between the actuator and the lever causes friction problems when the lever is moved relative to the actuator, especially when the reference mark on the regulating member is adjusted. In fact, when the spiral spring is moved, the lever moves the hook due to friction from the actuator, thus altering the speed setting. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 4009115 [Patent Document 2] Swiss Patent Application No. 0700385 / 2021 Specification [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application No. 22177059.7 Specification [Patent Document 4] Swiss Patent Application No. 000678 / 2022 [Overview of the project]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to mitigate some or all of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a spiral spring equipped with effective and precise adjustment means configured not to interfere with the operation of a regulating member.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates in particular to a spiral spring for a clock resonator mechanism. The spiral spring includes a flexible strip wound multiple times around itself, the strip having a predetermined stiffness, the spiral spring includes means for adjusting its stiffness, the adjusting means includes a flexible element arranged in series with the strip, the flexible element having one end of the strip connected to a rigid support to add additional stiffness to the strip sequence, the flexible element preferably having greater stiffness than the strip, the adjusting means includes a prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element to change the stiffness of the flexible element, the prestressing means includes a lever connected to the flexible element and operable to transmit the force or torque to the flexible element by an actuator, the lever having one end movable in a first direction.

[0016] The present invention is noteworthy in that it includes retaining means arranged such that the spiral spring substantially prevents the movement of the lever in a second direction.

[0017] The present invention avoids parasitic motion caused by friction between the actuator and the lever, which can move the lever in a second direction and distort the adjustment. Specifically, by selecting a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the lever's movement, the actuator moves the lever in the first direction even if the orientation of the spiral spring changes.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the retaining means connects a rigid support to a lever.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the retaining means includes a flexible guide.

[0020] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible guide includes a first translational table comprising two first flexible blades and a first rigid portion.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible guide includes a second translational table arranged in series with the first translational table, and the second translational table includes two second flexible blades and a second rigid portion.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible guide includes a single flexible blade.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible guide includes a pair of non-intersecting flexible blades.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the holding means includes a second flexible lever.

[0025] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction of movement of the lever.

[0026] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible element includes a flexible blade.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the torque or force is continuously adjustable by prestressing means.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a regulating member and a rotating resonator mechanism including such a spiral spring, particularly for a watch movement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from a certain number of embodiments given as non-limiting examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] [Figure 1] A top view of the spiral spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 2] A top view of the spiral spring according to the second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 3] [[ID=4|6]]A top view of the spiral spring according to the third embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. [Figure 4] A schematic top view of a spiral spring according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic top view of a spiral spring according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic top view of a spiral spring according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Figures 1 to 6 show schematic representative examples of different embodiments of spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50, particularly for regulating members of time-operated resonator mechanisms.

[0032] The regulating member generally includes an inertial mass such as an annular balance, balance shaft, and balance bridge (not shown), and spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 configured to vibrate the inertial mass as elastic return elements for the inertial mass.

[0033] In these examples, each of the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 extends substantially in the same plane.

[0034] The spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 include a flexible strip 2. The flexible strip 2 is wound several times around itself and has a predetermined rigidity. The inner end 9 of the strip 2 is integrated with or assembled to a support 3, commonly referred to as a collet. The support 3 is substantially triangular in shape and can slide around the balance shaft.

[0035] The spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 also include means for adjusting their stiffness. For example, the adjustment means can be operated by a user, particularly when the adjustment member is mounted on a plate of a watch movement.

[0036] The adjustment means includes a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the strip 2, the flexible element 5 connecting the outer end 4 of the strip 2 to a rigid support 11 intended to be fixed to the flexible element 5. The flexible element 5 is fixed to the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is a separate element from the wound strip 2.

[0037] The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is preferably harder than the strip 2. Here, the flexible element 5 is arranged along the extension of the strip 2. Preferably, the adjustment means and the strip 2 are integral or made from the same material, such as silicon.

[0038] The flexible elements 5 of the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 include a first flexible blade 19 and a movable rigid portion 18. The movable rigid portion 18 extends from the outer end of the strip 2 and is connected to the first flexible blade 19, preferably on the same side of the rigid portion 18. The first flexible blade 19 is also connected to the rigid support 11.

[0039] The adjustment means for the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 also include a prestressing means 6 for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. In this way, the stiffness of the spiral springs can be adjusted. The torque or force is continuously adjustable by the prestressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to a point value. In this way, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with great precision.

[0040] The prestressing means 6 includes a second flexible blade and a curved semi-rigid portion 21 located on the extension of the first flexible blade 19, opposite the rigid portion 18.

[0041] The other end of the second flexible blade and curved semi-rigid element 21 is connected to a curved lever 14 that extends around the strip 2. The second flexible blade and curved semi-rigid element are connected to rigid structures 17, 27, and 37 which are connected to the rigid support 11.

[0042] A force or torque acts on the free end 15 of the lever 14. Thus, the lever 14 of the prestressing means 6 transmits the force or torque to the flexible element 5 via the second flexible leaf 19 to change the stiffness of the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50.

[0043] To adjust the speed by operating the lever 14, the adjustment member further includes an actuation system that includes an actuator 7 that contacts the lever 14. The actuator is configured to push and / or pull the lever 14.

[0044] In the drawing, the actuator 7 is represented as a circular body that contacts the lever 14 inward toward the strip 2. Preferably, the actuator 7 includes hooks that at least partially surround the lever 14, preferably on rigid portions 23 arranged at the end 15 of the lever 14.

[0045] According to the present invention, the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 include a retaining means 25 for holding the lever 14 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is substantially perpendicular to the movement of the end 15 of the lever 14 and the actuator 7 in a first direction D1. In this way, the lever is prevented from moving in this second direction D2, so that the speed adjustment is not distorted by such movement when attempting to adjust it with the actuator.

[0046] In reality, when the spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 move relative to each other, the contact friction between them causes the lever 14 to move laterally, which can result in errors in the accuracy of speed adjustment.

[0047] Thanks to the retaining means 25, in events where the levers move relative to each other, the retaining means 25 prevents lateral movement of the levers 14 caused by friction.

[0048] In addition, when the actuator 7 pulls or pushes the end 15 of the lever 14, the lever 14 moves only in the first direction D1 of the actuator 7's movement, so the lever 14 substantially maintains its lateral position relative to the strip 2.

[0049] Preferably, these retaining means 25 include flexible guides arranged between the lever and the rigid support 11 of the flexible element 5, in this case between the lever and the rigid support 17.

[0050] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, the flexible guide is a translational table.

[0051] The rigid support 11 is L-shaped, with the first L-shaped leg 46 serving as a connection to the first flexible blade 19, and the second L-shaped branch 47 facing away from the first flexible blade 19 so that it can be assembled to the watch movement 10.

[0052] The rigid support 17 further includes an arm 8 extending parallel to the L-shaped second branch 47 toward the end 15 of the lever 14.

[0053] The translational table comprises two substantially parallel flexible blades 22, 24 and a rigid portion 23 that is movable relative to the arm 8, on which the two flexible blades 21, 22 are mounted. The two flexible blades 22, 24 are connected to the arm 8 of the rigid support 17.

[0054] The rigid part 23 is directly assembled to the end of the lever 14.

[0055] Thanks to the translational table, the lever can move primarily in a first direction D1 that is substantially perpendicular to the flexible blades 22, 24 of the translational table, but cannot move in a second direction D2 that is substantially parallel to the flexible blades when the translational table is at rest. In fact, the flexible blades 22, 24 allow the lever to move in the first direction D1, even though they hold the lever 14 in this second direction D2.

[0056] The flexible element 5, the prestressing means 6, and the holding means 25 form a closed circuit around the wound strip.

[0057] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the holding means 25 includes a second translation table arranged in series with the first translation table.

[0058] Here, the rigid support 17 of the flexible element 5 does not include the arm.

[0059] The first translation table is attached to the end 15 of the lever 14, similar to the first embodiment.

[0060] The second translational table extends directly from the rigid support 11 of the flexible element 5. The second translational table includes substantially parallel second flexible blades 25, 26 extending from the rigid support 11 and a second rigid portion 29 movable relative to the rigid support 17, to which the second flexible strips 25, 26 are connected.

[0061] The first flexible blades 22 and 24 are attached to the second rigid section 29.

[0062] The second translation table allows for an increase in the distance of the first direction D1 covered by the lever 14, while maintaining substantially linear motion.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the spiral spring 20 of Figure 3. Here, the flexible guide includes a single flexible blade 32 that connects the elastic element 5 to the rigid portion 23 of the end 15 of the lever 14 via a crescent-shaped body 31.

[0064] The crescent-shaped body 31 is connected to the flexible element 5 on one side and to the single flexible blade 32 on the other. Here, the flexible blade is straight when the single flexible blade 32 is at rest.

[0065] The single flexible blade 32 allows the lever 14 to be held in place so as not to move in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 of the actuator 7's movement.

[0066] Alternatively, as shown in the modified example in Figure 4, the flexible guide includes a curved flexible blade 33. In this case, the rigid structure is an S-shaped, crescent-shaped body without branches, or a rear arm. The curved blade 33 is mounted directly to the S-shaped rigid structure, and the rigid portion 23 is directly connected to the end 15 of the lever 14.

[0067] In Figure 5, the flexible guide of the fourth embodiment includes a flexible pivot having two non-crossing flexible blades 34, 35.

[0068] The rigid structure 27 is S-shaped with a rounded arm 38 extending to the rear. The two flexible blades 34, 35 do not intersect from the tip of the rounded arm 38 to the rigid portion 23 at the end 15 of the lever 14.

[0069] These non-intersecting blades 34, 35 essentially have the same effect as the blades of a translational table.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the retaining means 25 includes a second flexible lever 36 arranged symmetrically to the first lever 14 around the flexible strip 2. The first lever 14 and the second lever 36 are joined together at a rigid joint 37, forming part of a ring around the strip 2.

[0071] The actuator 7 engages with the rigid joint 37 of the two levers 14 and 36. The rigid joint 37 is U-shaped, and the actuator 7 can be inserted into this U-shape.

[0072] The second lever 36 prevents the first lever from moving in the second direction D2, and only allows the first lever to remain movable in the first direction D1.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a regulating member and a rotational resonator mechanism, particularly for a clock movement. The regulating member of the resonator mechanism includes an oscillating mass (not shown) and the aforementioned spiral springs 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. The oscillating mass is, for example, an annular balance. The oscillating mass is joined to the spiral springs so as to be fixed to a support 3.

Claims

1. A spiral spring for a clock resonator mechanism, wherein the spiral spring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) includes a flexible strip (2) wound multiple times around itself, the flexible strip (2) having a predetermined rigidity, the spiral spring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) includes an adjustment means for adjusting its rigidity, the adjustment means includes a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the flexible strip (2), the flexible element (5) provides rigid support (1) to one end (4, 9) of the flexible strip (2) to add additional rigidity to the flexible strip (2). 1, 14, 17, 24) The flexible element (5) is connected to the flexible strip (2) and has greater rigidity than the flexible strip (2), and the adjustment means includes a prestressing means (6) that applies a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) in order to change the rigidity of the flexible element (5), and the prestressing means (6) includes a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5) and operable by an actuator (7) to transmit the force or torque to the flexible element (5), and the lever (14) includes one end (15) that is movable in a first direction (D1), A spiral spring characterized in that the spiral springs (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) include retaining means (25) arranged to prevent movement of the lever (14) in a second direction (D2) caused by contact friction between the actuator (7) and the lever (14).

2. The spiral spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (25) connects the rigid support (11, 14, 17, 24) to the lever (14).

3. The spiral spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining means (25) includes a flexible guide.

4. The spiral spring according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexible guide includes a first translational table comprising two first flexible blades (22, 24) and a first rigid portion (23).

5. The flexible guide includes a second translation table arranged in series with the first translation table, The second translational table includes two second flexible blades (26, 28) and a second rigid portion (29). A spiral spring according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The spiral spring according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexible guide includes one single flexible blade (32, 33).

7. The spiral spring according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexible guide includes a pair of non-crossing flexible blades (34, 35).

8. The spiral spring according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining means (25) includes a second flexible lever (36).

9. The spiral spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the second direction (D2) is perpendicular to the first direction (D1) of movement of the lever (14).

10. The spiral spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible element (5) includes a flexible blade (19).

11. The spiral spring according to claim 1, characterized in that the torque or force can be continuously adjusted by the prestressing means (6).

12. A rotating resonator mechanism for a watch movement, comprising an oscillating mass, characterized by comprising a spiral spring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images