Hairspring for a clock resonator mechanism with symmetrical stiffness adjustment means, and clock resonator mechanism

Abstract

To provide a balance-spring comprising effective and accurate adjustment means.SOLUTION: Provided is a balance-spring 100 for a timepiece resonator mechanism in particular. The balance-spring 100 comprises a flexible strip 2 wound around the balance-spring itself using multiple coils. The strip 2 has prescribed rigidity, and the balance-spring 100 includes means for adjusting the rigidity of the strip. The adjustment means includes a flexible element 5 aligned in series with the strip 2. In the flexible element 5, an end 4 of the strip 2 is connected to a fixed mount 38 so as to impart additive rigidity to a connection part of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 preferably has rigidity that is larger than the rigidity of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 includes two flexible portions 15, 16. The two flexible portions 15, 16 respectively connects the strip 2 to the fixed mount 38. The two flexible portions 15, 16 are arranged in axial symmetry relative to each other along an axis A. Preferably, the axis A substantially passes through a center 0 of the balance-spring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hairspring for a clock resonator mechanism, the hairspring being provided with symmetry means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring. The present invention also relates to a clock resonator mechanism comprising such a hairspring.

Background Art

[0002] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (for example, the minute hand and the hour hand) is stored in a barrel and then conveyed by a spring balance system including a flywheel known as a spring balance in combination with a spring in the form of a helically wound strip known as a hairspring.

[0003] The inner end of the hairspring is attached to an integrated shaft that rotates with the spring balance, and the outer end of the hairspring is attached to a hairspring stud mounted on a stud holder integrated with a fixed bridge (or cock).

[0004] The rotation of the spring balance is maintained by an escapement mechanism and its vibrations are counted. The escapement mechanism includes pallets driven by a low-amplitude vibration movement. The low-amplitude vibration movement includes two pallets that engage the teeth of a wheel. When the wheel engages in this way, a rotational movement per step is imposed on the wheel, the frequency of which is determined by the frequency of the vibration of the pallets. The pallets themselves are matched to the frequency of the vibration of the spring balance.

[0005] In traditional escapement mechanisms, the frequency of vibration is approximately 4 Hz, that is, approximately 28,800 vibrations per hour (A / h). One of the aims of an excellent watchmaker is to ensure the isochronism and regular vibration (or constant speed) of the spring balance.

[0006] A known practice is to regulate the speed of a spring balance by adjusting the effective length of the hairspring. This effective length is defined as the curved length between the inner end of the hairspring and a count point located near the outer end of the hairspring, and is generally defined by a pair of stoppers supported by pins mounted on the index assembly system.

[0007] During operation, this index assembly system is rotatably fixed relative to the balance spring axis. However, its angular position can be finely adjusted manually, for example, by using a screwdriver to rotate an eccentric, cam-like component in the index assembly system.

[0008] An assembly including a bridge, index assembly system, pins, stud holders, hairspring studs, shaft, hairspring, and spring balance is commonly known as a “regulator.” Examples of regulators are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, both under the name of the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0009] There exists an index assembly system that has a stud holder to which one end of the hairspring is attached. Here, the pins of the index assembly system have enough play to allow the hairspring to move between two stoppers. However, chronometer characteristics, particularly anisotropy as a function of amplitude, are very sensitive to play in the index pins, and it is difficult to precisely control this play.

[0010] In a given device, the stopper may be adjusted to tighten the hairspring, particularly to eliminate play during the hairspring's operation. In this case, the speed is adjusted first by moving the index pin, and then by using that pin to tighten the hairspring. However, tightening the hairspring using the index pin puts stress on the hairspring, which carries the risk of causing the coil to become eccentric and leading to malfunctions in the chronometer. In addition, eliminating play alters the speed, and once the hairspring is tightened, it is no longer possible to move the index pin along the hairspring to complete the fine adjustment of the speed.

[0011] Other hairsprings have an integrated adjustment device. In these hairsprings, the speed is adjusted not by altering the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying force or torque to a flexible element arranged in series with the hairspring. In effect, by placing a flexible element in series with the strip between one end of the strip and the fixed mount, the stiffness of the pinning point is altered, giving the resonator further flexibility. Thus, the effective stiffness of the resonator includes the stiffness of the strip and the stiffness of the flexible element.

[0012] Subsequently, a variable force or torque is applied to prestress the flexible element. Prestressing the flexible element changes its stiffness, partially generating a return force acting on the spring balance, while the strip's stiffness remains unchanged. By altering the stiffness of this flexible element, the overall stiffness of the resonator (the stiffness of the strip and the flexible element) changes, resulting in a modification of the resonator's velocity and precise adjustment of the timebase frequency. This allows for high precision when adjusting the velocity because only one element is used to adjust the stiffness.

[0013] A hairspring fitted with such an elastic element is described, for example, in Patent Document 3, filed for Omega Corporation.

[0014] However, the geometric configuration of the flexible element poses a risk of creep, which affects the adhesive used to attach the fixed mount for the hairspring in the movement. In effect, the position of the fixed mount and the orientation of the force or torque applied to the flexible element cause stress on the adhesive, which leads to creep and alters the precision of the adjustment.

[0015] In addition, due to manufacturing tolerances, assembly tolerances, alignment errors, etc., the direction in which the adjustment force is applied may differ from the intended direction. This difference has the effect of altering the speed, thus degrading the accuracy of the adjustment.

[0016] In addition, hysteresis can exist in the adjustment mechanism due to impact and friction. This is because the direction of the applied force changes, and it does not return to the original direction after an impact. As a result, the speed changes, and the adjustment accuracy deteriorates. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 192957 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2876504 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 4009115 [Overview of the project]

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the above-mentioned drawbacks, and more specifically, to minimize sensitivity to changes in the direction of the adjustment force, which is achieved in particular by providing a hairspring equipped with an effective and precise adjustment means configured to adjust the speed of the watch by modifying the effective rigidity of the hairspring.

[0019] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a hairspring for a clock resonator mechanism. The hairspring includes a flexible strip wound with a plurality of coils thereon. The strip has a predetermined rigidity, and the hairspring includes means for adjusting the rigidity, the adjusting means including a flexible element arranged in series with the strip, the flexible element adding additional rigidity to the continuation of the strip by connecting one end of the strip to a fixed mount. The flexible element preferably has a rigidity greater than that of the strip.

[0020] What the present invention focuses on is that the flexible element includes two flexible parts, each flexible part connects the strip to the fixed mount, and these two parts are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to each other along an axis, and the axis (A) preferably passes through a point substantially at the center of the hairspring.

[0021] Thanks to the symmetrical arrangement of the two parts of the flexible element, a balanced variable force or torque can be applied, and the risk that creep affects the adhesive used for attaching the fixed mount in the movement is avoided. In fact, the force or torque is evenly distributed across the flexible element, and thus is distributed across the joint between the fixed mount and the movement.

[0022] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element is arranged at the outer end of the strip.

[0023] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the two flexible parts are substantially identical.

[0024] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, each flexible part includes one or two flexible necks.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, each flexible part includes a translation table with two substantially parallel flexible blades and a movable rigid part to which the strip is connected.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element includes a flexible guide with two offset blades.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible part includes a flexible blade.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, each flexible part includes a flexible arm to which the strip is connected.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, each flexible part includes a flexible hook.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting means includes prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element so as to change only the rigidity of the flexible element.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means is configured to apply a variable force or torque to each part of the flexible element.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the torque or force is continuously adjustable by the prestressing means.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means is configured to apply a variable force or torque to each part of the flexible element.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means includes a screw configured to abut against the flexible element.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means includes two flexible levers each connected to a flexible part.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means includes two springs, each spring being connected to one flexible part.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the prestressing means includes a secondary flexible blade connected to each flexible portion.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the two levers are connected to each other by a movable body.

[0039] The present invention also relates to a rotational resonator mechanism, particularly for a watch movement, which includes an oscillating weight and such a hairspring. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] The object, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from a certain number of embodiments given only by non-extensive examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] [Figure 1] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 10] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the 10th embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 11]A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 12] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the 12th embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 13] A schematic top view of a hairspring according to the 13th embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a part of the hairspring according to the 13th embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Figures 1 to 13 show schematic representative examples of different embodiments of hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110, respectively, particularly for clock resonator mechanisms. In this case, the hairspring extends substantially in a single plane. Hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 include a flexible strip 2 wound with multiple coils around itself, the strip 2 having a predetermined rigidity. The hairspring has means for adjusting its rigidity. For example, the adjustment means may be actuated when the hairspring is mounted on a plate of a clock movement.

[0043] The adjustment means includes a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the strip 2, the flexible element 5 connecting one end 4, 9 of the strip 2 to a fixed mount 11, 14, 17, 24, 29, 38, 44 which is integral to one of the ends 4, 9 of the strip 2. The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to the rigidity of the strip 2. Preferably, the flexible element 5 has greater rigidity than the strip 2. The flexible element 5 is arranged on the continuous portion of the strip 2 that is an extension of it. Preferably, the adjustment means 5 and the strip 2 are integral or made from the same material.

[0044] The hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 also include prestressing means 6 that apply a variable force or torque to the flexible element 5. In this way, the rigidity of the hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 110 can be adjusted, in particular, to improve the speed accuracy of the movement.

[0045] Preferably, the end of strip 2 remains substantially immobile regardless of the adjustment of the prestressing means. The force or torque applied to the flexible element 5 does not alter the position of the end 4 of strip 2 to which the flexible element is connected. Only the flexible element 5 is affected, and its stiffness is altered, without the strip 2 being directly affected. This further improves accuracy because only one element is used to adjust the stiffness. During vibration, the end 4 of strip 2 may become movable.

[0046] In addition, the torque or force can be continuously adjusted by the prestressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to a single value. Therefore, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 can be adjusted with great precision.

[0047] The prestressing means 6 preferably allows the flexible element 5 to translate or rotate within the plane of the hairspring. In this way, the rigidity of the flexible element 5 can be changed.

[0048] The embodiments described below include a flexible element 5 integrated with the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The inner end 9 of the strip 2 is connected to the mount 3 of the resonator's vibrating mass. In alternative embodiments not shown in the drawings, the flexible element is connected to the inner end of the strip so as to be in series between the strip and the vibrating mass mount.

[0049] In embodiments of the hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 shown in Figures 1 to 13, the flexible element 5 includes two flexible portions 15 and 16 that connect the strip 2 to the fixed mounts 11, 14, 17, 24, 29, 38, and 44.

[0050] According to the present invention, the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the axis A of the hairspring. In other words, the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis A.

[0051] The axis A preferably passes through the substantially center 0 of the hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120, and further preferably passes through the outer end 4 of the strip 2.

[0052] In other words, the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are arranged on the outer circumference of the hairspring so that they are all at the same distance from the center 0 of the hairspring 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120.

[0053] It is preferable that the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are positioned relative to axis A by a "mirror" effect. For this purpose, it is preferable that the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are substantially identical.

[0054] The prestressing means 6 preferably applies substantially the same force or torque to each of the flexible portions 15, 16. The direction of the force is preferably substantially parallel.

[0055] In one modified example, the prestressing means 6 applies independent forces or torques to each of the flexible parts 15 and 16.

[0056] Alternatively, the prestressing means 6 applies a single force or torque, which is redistributed, preferably substantially evenly, across the two flexible portions 15, 16.

[0057] In the first embodiment of the hairspring 1, the adjustment means includes a single flexible blade 7 as a flexible portion 15, 16. The flexible element 5 also includes a fork-shaped fixed mount 14 having two elongated tips 17, 18. Each flexible blade 7 connects the end 4 of the strip 2 to the different elongated tips 17, 18 of the fixed mount 14. The flexible blades 7 are arranged coaxially in the resting position of the hairspring 1.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 2, the flexible portions 15 and 16 of the flexible element 5 of the hairspring 1 each include a neck 8 that is thinned in terms of material thickness, and the neck 8 is flexible. The flexible element 5 also includes a fork-shaped fixed mount 14 having two elongated ends 17 and 18, similar to the first embodiment. Each neck 8 connects the end 4 of the strip 5 to the elongated ends 17 and 18, and these necks 8 are arranged in the same direction.

[0059] The third embodiment of the hairspring 10 shown in Figure 3 has a flexible portion including two flexible necks connected by a rigid section.

[0060] In a fourth embodiment of the hairspring 20 shown in Figure 4, each flexible portion 15, 16 of the flexible element 5 of the hairspring 20 includes a pivot having an offset flexible blade. In this case, the pivot includes two offset flexible blades 51, 52 that are joined by being pulled apart from each other, on one hand to the end 4 of the strip 2 and on the other hand to a projection of the fixed mount 24. The first flexible blade of each pivot is arranged tangentially with respect to the end 4, while the second flexible blade is oblique by moving away from the end 4.

[0061] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show a hairspring 30, the flexible portion of which includes a translation table. The translation table includes two flexible blades. The two flexible blades 21 and 22 are substantially parallel and arranged on different lines. Preferably, the flexible blades 21 and 22 of the translation table are joined to the same face 25 of a fixed mount. The rigid portion 23 has an elongated rectangular shape, and the outer end 4 of the strip 2 is joined to one side of this rigid portion 23 in its extension. The secondary flexible blades 21 and 22 are substantially perpendicular to the rigid portion 23 and to the outer end 4. In the drawings, a variable force or torque is preferably applied to the rigid portion 23 parallel to the blades 21 and 22.

[0062] In Figure 5, the fixed mount 14 takes the form of a fork with two elongated ends, and multiple blades of the translation table connect their ends 4 to one of the elongated ends of the fork. These blades are arranged tangentially toward the end 4 of the strip 2.

[0063] In the hairspring 50 of Figure 6, the flexible blades of the translation tables of the flexible portions 16 and 17 are substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry A of the flexible element 5. Each fixed mount 29 has an inverted T-shape, and the flexible blades connect the apex of the T to the end 4 of the strip 2. The end 4 has an elongated shape tangentially toward the strip 2, to which the flexible blades of the translation tables are joined.

[0064] In order to modify the overall rigidity of the hairsprings 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 in the above embodiment, the prestressing means 6 applies a variable force or torque to the flexible portions 16 and 17 of the flexible element 5, respectively. For example, forces F1 and F2 are represented by arrows pointing towards the flexible portions 16 and 17.

[0065] As a result, the rigidity of the flexible portions 15 and 16 of the flexible element 5 is altered, and therefore the rigidity of the assembly including the strip 2 and the flexible element 5 is altered.

[0066] The prestressing means 6 includes, for example, screws (not shown in the drawings) that contact each flexible portion 16, 17 in order to apply the forces F1, F2.

[0067] Alternatively, the prestressing means 6 includes one or more actuators that contact the flexible portions 16, 17 of the flexible element 5.

[0068] The variable force or torque applied to each flexible portion 15, 16 is preferably the same. However, in these embodiments, the variable force or torque applied to each flexible portion 15, 16 may be different.

[0069] In the hairspring 60 of Figure 7, the flexible blades of the translation tables of the flexible portions 16 and 17 are substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry A of the flexible element 5. Each fixed mount 29 has an inverted T-shape, and the flexible blades connect the apex of the T to the end 4 of the strip 2. The end 4 has an elongated shape tangentially toward the strip 2, to which the flexible blades of the translation tables are joined.

[0070] In Figure 7, the flexible portions 16, 17 of the hairspring 60 include two movable bodies 35, 36, each of which is connected to the end 4 of the strip 2 by a secondary flexible blade 7 that is substantially tangential to the strip 2. The flexible blades 42, 43 of the translation table connect the movable bodies 35, 36 to a fixed mount 29 in the shape of an inverted T, and are substantially perpendicular to the secondary blade 7.

[0071] The prestressing means 6 also includes a third movable body 19 in the shape of an arc. The third movable body 19 is connected to two movable bodies 35, 36 of the flexible element 5 via two flexible levers 26, 27. Each flexible lever 26, 27 partially surrounds the wound strip 2. The third movable body 19 is positioned on the other side of the hairspring 60 for the fixed mount 38.

[0072] To modify the overall rigidity of the hairspring 60, the prestressing means 6 applies a variable force or torque to the third movable body 19 of the prestressing means 6. For example, the force F is represented by an arrow pointing towards the third movable body 19. The force F is preferably parallel to axis A.

[0073] In this case, substantially the same force is transmitted from a single force F applied to the third movable body 19 to the two flexible parts 16 and 17 of the flexible element 5 via the two levers 26 and 27.

[0074] In Figure 8, the flexible portions 15 and 16 of the flexible element 5 of the hairspring 70 have rounded flexible hooks 28 instead of the elongated tips of the fixed mounts 44. The tips of the flexible hooks 28 are directed toward the end 4 of the strip 2 and are connected to the end 4 of the strip 2 by a single flexible blade 7.

[0075] The flexible hook 28 is also connected by two flexible levers 26, 27 to the main body, which is in the form of an arc arranged on the other side of the hairspring 70 for the fixed mount 29, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0076] The embodiments of the hairspring 90 in Figures 9 and 10, similar to the embodiment in Figure 7, include flexible parts 15 and 16 each comprising a translation table 31, a single flexible blade 7, and a first movable body 32.

[0077] The first movable body 32 is curved, and the blades 33 of the translation table 31 are arranged at one end of the first movable body 32.

[0078] The prestressing means 6 also includes a spring 34 connecting the first movable body 32 to the second movable body 37. In this case, the spring 34 is formed by a plurality of substantially parallel tertiary blades, for example, three tertiary blades, connected to the other end of the first movable body 32.

[0079] The second moving body 37 is arranged on both sides of the hairspring 80. The second moving body 37 receives a variable force or torque and transmits it to the first moving body 32 via a spring 34.

[0080] In the embodiment of the hairspring 90 shown in Figure 10, the prestressing means 6 also includes two levers 39. Each of the two levers 39 connects a second movable body 37 to a third movable body 41 which is in the form of an arc arranged on the other side of the hairspring 90 with respect to the fixed mount 38.

[0081] A variable force or torque is applied to the third movable body 41, for example, by an actuator or by a screw that contacts the third movable body 41. The variable force or torque is transmitted, at least partially, to the flexible portions 15, 16 of the flexible element 5 via the spring 34.

[0082] The eleventh embodiment of the hairspring 100 in Figure 11 shows flexible parts 15, 16 including two first movable bodies 49, each connected by a neck 53 to a fixed mount 38 in an inverted T-shape.

[0083] The prestressing means 6 also includes two levers 26, each connecting the second movable body 37 to a third movable body 19, which is in the form of an arc arranged on the other side of the hairspring 100 for the fixed mount 38.

[0084] A variable force or torque is applied to the third movable body 19, for example, by an actuator or by a screw that contacts the third movable body 19. The variable force or torque is transmitted at least partially to the necks 53 of the flexible portions 15, 16 of the flexible element 5 via the lever 26.

[0085] In the twelfth embodiment shown in Figure 12, the flexible portions 15 and 16 each include a curved flexible rod 54. The curved flexible rod 54 preferably forms a semicircle and extends from the end of a fixed mount 44 which is in the shape of an inverted T. Each of the curved flexible rods 54 is also connected to the outer end 4 of the strip 2 by a single flexible blade 7.

[0086] The prestressing means 6 also includes two levers 26. Each of the two levers 26 connects a curved flexible rod 54 to a movable body 19 which is in the form of an arc arranged on the other side of the hairspring 110 for the fixed mount 44.

[0087] A variable force or torque is applied to the third movable body 19, for example, by an actuator or by a screw that contacts the third movable body 19. The variable force or torque is transmitted at least partially to each of the curved flexible rods 54 of the flexible portions 15, 16 of the flexible element 5 via the lever 26.

[0088] The 13th embodiment shown in Figure 13 is a modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 12. The curved rod is replaced by a curved flexible blade 55. The fixed mount 53 has a trapezoidal shape with its long side opening towards the outer end 4 of the strip 2. The movable body 19 is U-shaped and arranged tangentially toward the lever 26 so that it can engage with an actuator 57 having a hook or finger inserted into the U-shape.

[0089] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the curved blade 55 of the hairspring 120 in Figure 13. The curved blade 55 forms a semicircular curve, with one end extended by a single flexible blade 7 and the other end extended by a fixed mount 53. The end 56 of the mount itself forms a curve with the opposite curvature to the curve of the curved blade 55. The end 56 of the mount 53 is semi-rigid so that it can be partially deformed.

[0090] This arrangement of curvature and inverse curvature prevents the isochronism of the adjustment member from being altered when the speed is modified using the adjustment means. In effect, the force acting on the top of the curved blade 55 is compensated by the reaction force of the inverse curvature at the end 56, as shown by the multiple arrows in Figure 14. Thus, only the single flexible blade 7 receives the force or torque applied by the prestressing means 6.

[0091] The flexible blade described in various embodiments of the hairspring may be a continuous flexible blade, as generally applicable in the drawings, or a blade having a rigid section and a flexible neck connecting the section.

[0092] The present invention also relates in particular to a rotating resonator mechanism for a watch movement. The resonator mechanism includes an oscillating weight (not shown in the drawings) and the balance spring described above. The oscillating weight is, for example, an annular spring balance. The oscillating weight is bonded to the balance spring so as to be integrated with the mount.

Claims

1. A balance spring for a clock resonator mechanism, The hairspring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) includes a flexible strip (2) wound with a plurality of coils, the strip (2) having a predetermined rigidity, the hairspring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) includes an adjustment means for adjusting its rigidity, the adjustment means includes a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the strip (2), the flexible element (5) connects the end (4) of the strip (2) to a fixed mount (11, 14, 17, 24, 29, 38, 44, 53) so as to add additional rigidity to the continuous portion of the strip (2), the flexible element (5) has greater rigidity than the strip (2), A hairspring characterized in that the flexible element (5) includes two flexible parts (15, 16), each of which connects the strip (2) to the fixed mount (11, 14, 17, 24, 29, 38, 44, 53), the two flexible parts (15, 16) are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to an axis (A), the axis (A) passes through the center (0) of the hairspring, and the position of the end (4) is not altered by force or torque applied to the flexible element (5).

2. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that the two flexible portions (15, 16) are identical.

3. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is arranged on the outer end (4) of the strip (2).

4. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes one or two flexible necks (8, 53).

5. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes a translational table having two parallel flexible blades (21, 22, 42, 43, 74, 78) and a movable rigid portion (23, 45) to which the strip (2) is connected.

6. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes a flexible guide equipped with two offset blades (51, 52).

7. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes a flexible arm (18) to which the strip (2) is connected.

8. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes a flexible blade (7).

9. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that each flexible portion (15, 16) includes a flexible hook (28).

10. The hairspring according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment means includes a prestressing means (6) that applies a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5) so as to change the rigidity of only the flexible element (5).

11. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) is configured to apply a variable force or torque to each part of the flexible element (5).

12. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the force or torque can be continuously adjusted by the prestressing means (6).

13. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) is configured to apply the same variable force or torque to each part of the flexible element (5).

14. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a screw configured to contact the flexible element (5).

15. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes two flexible levers (26) each connected to the flexible portions (15, 16).

16. The hairspring according to claim 15, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes two springs (34), each of which is connected to a flexible portion (15, 16).

17. The hairspring according to claim 10, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes secondary flexible blades (7) connected to each flexible portion (15, 16).

18. The hairspring according to claim 15, characterized in that each of the two flexible levers (26) is connected to one another via movable bodies (19, 41).

19. A rotating resonator mechanism for a watch movement, comprising an oscillating weight, characterized by comprising a hairspring (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) as described in claim 1.

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