Watch adjustment components, watch movement, and watch, including an improved index system.

Abstract

To provide an adjust member for a timepiece movement which is adjustable with extremely high accuracy.SOLUTION: An adjustment member 1 for a timepiece movement includes an index system for adjusting an inertia mass, for example, a balance 23, a balance-spring 25, a balance bridge 22, and a speed of the balance-spring 25, wherein the index system includes a stud holder including a first stud 34 on which the balance-spring 25 is mounted, the balance bridge 22 includes a second stud 35 on which the balance-spring 25 is mounted again, and the stud holder is rotatable to the balance bridge 22 so as to adjust a speed of the adjustment member 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 adjustment of the driving energy is provided by an adjusting member. Specifically, the present invention relates to an adjusting member provided with a precision indexing system, a watch movement including such an adjusting member, and a watch including such a watch movement.

Background Art

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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 itself firmly connected to a fixed bridge.

[0004] 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 frequency of its rotation is determined by the frequency of the oscillation of the pallet lever whose frequency is itself set to the frequency of the oscillation of the hairspring-type balance.

[0005] In a conventional escapement mechanism, the oscillation 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 oscillation of the balance.

[0006] 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.

[0007] During operation, this index system cannot rotate around the balance spring axis. However, its angular position can be adjusted by manual intervention, for example, by using a screwdriver to pivot an eccentric that acts like a cam in the index system.

[0008] An assembly including the bridge, index system, key, stud holder, stud, staff, hairspring, and balance is generally referred to as a “regulating member.” Examples of regulating members are given in Patent Documents 1 and 2, both filed by the watch manufacturer ETA.

[0009] An index system exists that has a stud holder to which the outer 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, chronometer characteristics, particularly non-isochronism, are very sensitive to play in the index key, and it is difficult to precisely control this play.

[0010] 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 the hairspring is clamped to the key. However, clamping the hairspring to the index key carries the risk of stressing the hairspring, which can cause errors in the chronometer, particularly due to a shift in the center of winding. Furthermore, since eliminating play also changes the speed, once the hairspring is clamped, it is no longer possible to move the index key along the hairspring to complete fine adjustments to the speed.

[0011] 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 consequently the stiffness of the entire hairspring, can be modified. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, it is permissible to adjust the speed of the adjustment member. Such a hairspring with flexible elements is described, for example, in Patent Document 3.

[0012] However, in these cases, a standard indexing 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 more detail, if this is not the case, 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. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3304215 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2876504 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 4009115 [Overview of the project]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the aforementioned drawbacks by providing an index system that is compatible with this type of adjustment device.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a regulating member for a watch movement. The regulating member includes an inertial mass such as a balance, a hairspring, a balance bridge, and an index system for adjusting the speed of the regulating member, the index system including a stud holder which includes a first stud on which the hairspring is mounted.

[0016] The present invention is characterized in that the balance bridge includes a second stud. A hairspring is also mounted on the second stud, and the stud holder is rotatable relative to the balance bridge to adjust the speed of the adjustment member.

[0017] In this invention, the speed of the adjustment member can be adjusted simply by changing the position of the stud holder. This is because the position of the first stud changes relative to the second stud, which remains stationary relative to the plate. Since the hairspring is supported by the two studs, the rigidity of the hairspring is altered. Since the position of the second stud does not change, the guide mark also remains unchanged.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the indexing system includes a return spring that exerts an expansion force between the stud holder and the balance bridge.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the stud holder and the spring are integrated and preferably made of the same material.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the indexing system includes a rotatable cam that cooperates with the stud holder to rotate the stud holder.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the stud holder includes an arm that contacts the cam so that the stud holder can rotate.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the beard trimmer includes a wound ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the beard trimmer, and the means is provided with a flexible element arranged in series with the wound ribbon, and the second stud is mechanically connected to the flexible element.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible element is connected to a rigid support, and the second stud is integrated with the rigid support.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the adjusting means includes compressive stress means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element, and the first stud is mechanically connected to the compressive stress means.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the flexible element and the compressive stress means are arranged between the first stud and the second stud, the first stud is movable relative to the second stud to operate the compressive stress means, and the stiffness of the beard trimmer is corrected by the displacement of the first stud relative to the second stud.

[0026] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the compressive stress means includes a lever connected to the flexible element, and the first stud is integrated with the free end of the lever.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the compressive stress means includes a rigid structure arranged parallel to the flexible element, and the lever is connected to the rigid structure.

[0028] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible element is connected to a rigid support, and the second stud is integrated into the rigid support.

[0029] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the stud holders are arranged on a balance bridge around the bearing in the balance staff.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a watch movement including such an adjusting member.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a watch, such as a wristwatch, that includes such a watch movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] The object, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent after reading several embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0033] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective top view of the adjustment member according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the top portion of the first embodiment of the adjustment member. [Figure 3] A schematic top view of the hairspring of the adjustment member according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 schematically shows an exploded view of the bottom of the first embodiment of the adjustment member shown. [Figure 5] A schematic bottom view of the first embodiment of the adjustment member shown in Figure 1 is provided. [Figure 6] A schematic top view of a perspective portion of the adjustment member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a schematic, partially enlarged view of a part of the second embodiment of the adjustment member. [Figure 8] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective top view of the stud holder of the second embodiment of the adjustment member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Figures 1 to 5 schematically show a first embodiment of the adjustment member 1 intended to be arranged in a clock movement not shown in the drawings. Such a clock movement includes, for example, a plate having a recess for receiving the adjustment member 1 having an inertial mass, and an elastic return element configured to vibrate the inertial mass.

[0035] The adjustment member 1 further includes an index system 20, an annular balance 23 as an inertial mass, a balance staff 24, a hairspring 25 as an elastic return element, and a balance bridge 22.

[0036] In Figures 1 to 3, the balance 23, hairspring 25, balance bridge 22, and index system 20 are stacked from bottom to top in this example.

[0037] The balance staff 24 is centrally located and passes through the center of the balance 23, the hairspring 25, and the balance bridge 22. The balance staff 24 is held in place by two shock-resistant bearings 28 arranged at both ends of the balance staff 24. A first bearing, not shown in the drawing, is arranged beneath the balance 23 and the balance bridge 22, and a second bearing 28 is held in place by the balance bridge 22. The balance bridge 22 is provided with a hole, in this case a through hole, in which the second bearing 28 is held. The indexing system 20 is mounted on the balance bridge 22 and, in this embodiment, is arranged along the central axis of the balance staff 24.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of a hairspring 25 which is preferably 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 into, or assembled with, a support 3, typically called a collet. The support 3 is substantially triangular in shape and is screwed around the staff of the balance 24.

[0039] The hairspring 25 also includes means for adjusting its rigidity. For example, the adjustment means is operated by the operator once the adjustment member is mounted on the plate of the watch movement.

[0040] The adjustment means includes flexible elements 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, the flexible elements 5 connecting one end 4 of the ribbon 2 to a rigid support 17 and being integrated into one of the ends 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible elements 5 are integrated into the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible elements 5 are separate elements from the ribbon 2.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The flexible element 5 of the hairspring 25 includes a pivot having non-crossing flexible blades. The pivot includes two non-crossing flexible blades 11, 12 and a rigid part 18. The flexible blades 11, 12 are laterally joined to the rigid support 17 on one side and laterally joined to the rigid part 18 on the other side, moving toward each other. That is, the flexible blades 11, 12 preferably extend away from the rigid part 18 to the rigid support 17. The outer end 4 of the ribbon 2 is joined to the rigid part 18. The rigid support 17 is immovable relative to the plate. The rigid support 17 is L-shaped, with the first leg 46 of the L acting as a connection to the flexible blades 11, 12, and the second leg 47 of the L facing away from the pivot having non-crossing blades so that it can be assembled into a watch movement.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The compressive stress means 6 includes secondary flexible blades 19 arranged on the side opposite the rigid portion 18 in the extension of the pivot having non-crossing blades. The secondary flexible blades 19 are arranged tangentially toward the ribbon 2 at the outer end 4.

[0045] The other end of the secondary flexible blade 19 is connected to a curved lever 14 that extends around the ribbon 2. In addition to the secondary flexible blade 19, the lever 14 is also connected to a rigid structure 27 attached to the rigid support 17. The rigid structure 27 deforms in part when the lever 14 is actuated by force or torque.

[0046] 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 19 and the rigid structure 27 in order to correct the rigidity of the hairspring 25.

[0047] In Figures 1 and 2, the hairspring 25 has a different configuration. The non-crossing blades 11, 12, the rigid part 18, and the secondary flexible blade 19 are replaced by a single blade, and the outer end 4 of the lever 14 is attached to the single blade.

[0048] To enable the application of variable force or torque to the hairspring 25, the adjustment member includes an index system 20.

[0049] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the index system 20 is mounted on a stud holder 31 on which the first stud 34 is provided.

[0050] According to the present invention, the balance bridge 22 is provided with a second stud 35. The stud holder 31 is mechanically connected to the lever 14 of the compressive stress means 6, but does not block the ribbon 2.

[0051] The stud holder 31 is in contact with the balance bridge 22 and is held and positioned by the shock absorber 28.

[0052] The stud holder 31 can rotate around the balance staff relative to the balance bridge 22, so that it can move the first stud 34 and act on the lever 14.

[0053] The stud holder 31 includes a central ring 38 arranged around the second bearing 28.

[0054] The stud holder 31 includes two protrusions 41 and 42 extending radially from the central ring 38. The first protrusion 41 pushes down the first stud 34 by a first screw 74. The second protrusion 42 pushes down the second stud 35 by a second screw.

[0055] In the standard arrangement, the first stud 34 and the second stud 35 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to, for example, the staff of balance 24.

[0056] The first stud 34 cooperates with the free end 15 of the lever 14, and the second stud 35 cooperates with the second leg 47 of the rigid support 17. That is, the compressive stress means 6 is supported by the index system 20, and the flexible element 5 is supported by the balance bridge 22, from which they are suspended.

[0057] The two studs 34 and 35 are arranged on either the compressive stress means 6 or the flexible element 5. Furthermore, these two studs 34 and 35 are rigidly connected to the lever 14 and the rigid support 17. In other words, the first stud 34 and the second stud 35 are integrated to the lever 14 by their free ends 15 and to the rigid support 17 by their second legs 47. These studs and the balance spring 25 are assembled, for example, by bonding, brazing, welding, deformation of metallic glass, or mechanical fastening.

[0058] The first stud 34 is movable relative to the second stud 35. For this purpose, the stud holder 31 is made movable relative to the balance bridge 22. The stud holder 31 can rotate around the second bearing 28. That is, the first stud 34 moves with the stud holder 31, and the first stud 34 is rotatable around the second bearing 28. The first stud 34 can be displaced, for example, over an angular range of 20° or more appropriately 10°.

[0059] The displacement of the first stud 34 relative to the second stud 35 modifies the stiffness of the flexible element 5. This is because this displacement exerts a large or small force or torque on the lever 14 of the compressive stress means 6. As a result, the stiffness of the flexible element 5 changes, and consequently, the overall stiffness of the hairspring 25 also changes. In other words, the speed of the adjustment member 1 can be adjusted by the index system 20.

[0060] To this end, the index system 20 allows the position of the first stud 34 to change relative to the second stud 35. As a result of the stud holder 31 moving relative to the balance bridge 22, the first stud 34 moves relative to the second stud 35, and the force or torque exerted on the compressive stress means 6 of the hairspring 25 is corrected.

[0061] The stud holder 31 of the indexing system 20 includes an arm 63 that extends radially outward in a single plane.

[0062] The indexing system 20 includes a rotatable cam 55 arranged on the balance bridge 22. The cam 55 cooperates with an arm 63 of the stud holder 31 to rotate the arm 63 around the second bearing 28. Preferably, one end 56 of the arm 63 is in constant contact with the cam 55. This ensures that the rotation of the cam 55 exerts a constant movement on the arm 63 depending on the angular position of the cam 55. That is, the stud holder 31 of the indexing system 20 rotates around the second bearing 28. Such an indexing system 20 equipped with the cam 55 allows for a linear change in the stiffness of the hairspring 25.

[0063] To keep the arm 63 of the stud holder 31 in contact with the cam 55, the indexing system 20 includes a spring 57 that exerts a return force on the stud holder 31.

[0064] In Figure 4, the spring 57 is substantially horseshoe-shaped, with its first end 58 connected to the balance bridge 22, and its second end 59 surrounding the retaining stud 60 extending from the stud holder 31. The spring 57 is positioned on the side of the balance 23 and the hairspring 25 in a hollow section 61 created in the balance bridge 22. The balance bridge 22 includes a through hole 62 opening into the hollow section 61, through which the retaining stud 60 extends into the hollow section 61. The through hole 62 is sized to allow the retaining stud 60 to move as the stud holder 31 rotates relative to the balance bridge 22.

[0065] In other words, the spring 57 exerts a return force on the stud holder 31 of the index system 20, and this return force has the function of keeping the arm 63 of the stud holder in constant contact with the cam 55. When the cam 55 acts, the stud holder 31 rotates and moves the first stud 34 relative to the second stud 35, while receiving the return force exerted by the spring 57. In particular, even when the peripheral wall 64 of the cam 55 moves away from the arm 63, the arm 63 of the stud holder 31 is allowed to remain in contact with the cam 55.

[0066] The indexing system 20 is configured to adjust the speed of the adjustment member 1 with a resolution of 1 second or less per day, preferably 0.5 seconds or less per day, and more preferably 0.1 seconds or less per day. The configuration of the adjustment member 1 allows for achieving such precision.

[0067] Adjustment marks 49 are also arranged on the cam 55. Therefore, in order to adjust the indexing system 20, the cam 55 is moved by, for example, a rotatable adjustment knob (not shown in the drawing) arranged on the cam 55. That is, the cam 55 is oriented according to preferred guide marks in order to adjust the indexing system 20.

[0068] Preferably, the adjustment mark 49 corresponds to the resolution. In other words, the difference between two consecutive guide marks allows for speed changes in units of 1 second, 0.5 seconds, or 0.1 seconds per day. In Figure 6, the resolution of the adjustment mark 49 is 0.1 seconds.

[0069] Figures 6 to 8 schematically show a second embodiment of the adjustment member 40 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the stud holder 71 and the spring 72 are integrated and preferably made from the same material. In all other respects, the adjustment member 40 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0070] The stud holder 71 includes a single projection 81 that supports the first stud 34. The stud holder 71 includes a spring 72 instead of a second projection.

[0071] The spring 72 is elongated and extends from the ring 737 of the stud holder 71 to the opposite side of the arm 81. The spring 72 is U-shaped and leans against the balance bridge 52 when the stud holder 71 is mounted on the adjustment member 40. The first end 75 of the U-shape is integrated into the ring 77 of the stud holder 71, while the second end 76 is free.

[0072] The second end 76 is inserted into a hole in the balance bridge 52. The free second end 76 includes, for example, a bent portion 79 that hooks into the hole. That is, the second end 76 of the spring 72 is supported in the hole to lock the spring 72 to this side.

[0073] In other words, as the stud holder 71 rotates, the spring 72 is subjected to large or small stress due to the movement of the cam 55, exerting a return force on the stud holder 71 and holding the arm 63 in contact with the cam 55 in whatever position it is in.

[0074] Alternatively, the free second end 76 may be wedge-fastened to the edge 78 of the balance bridge 52.

[0075] Aside from these differences, the adjustment member 40 of the second embodiment has the same characteristics as the adjustment member of the first embodiment, particularly with respect to the cam 55, the first stud 34 and the second stud 35, and the hairspring 25.

[0076] Because the stud holder 71 reduces the number of components arranged on the balance bridge to just one, it becomes easier to fit the stud holder 71 into the adjustment member. Since two components are replaced by a single component, storage is also simplified.

[0077] 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. Adjusting members (1, 40) for a watch movement, including a balance (23) as an inertial mass, a hairspring (25), a balance bridge (22, 52), and an index system (20) for adjusting the speed of the hairspring (25), The index system (20) includes a stud holder (31, 71) which includes a first stud (34) on which the hairspring (25) is mounted. The features are, The balance bridge (22, 52) includes a second stud (35) on which the hairspring (25) is mounted, and the stud holders (31, 71) are rotatable relative to the balance bridge (22, 52) in order to adjust the speed of the adjustment members (1, 40), The hairspring (25) includes a wound ribbon (2) and means for adjusting the rigidity of the hairspring, the means being provided with flexible elements (5) arranged in series with the wound ribbon (2), and the second stud (35) being mechanically connected to the flexible elements (5), The adjusting means includes a compressive stress means (6) that applies a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), and the first stud (34) is mechanically connected to the compressive stress means (6). Adjustment member (1, 40) located there.

2. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible element (5) and the compressive stress means (6) are arranged between the first stud (34) and the second stud (35), the first stud (34) is movable relative to the second stud (35) to actuate the compressive stress means (6), and the rigidity of the hairspring (25) is corrected by the displacement of the first stud (34) relative to the second stud (35).

3. The adjustment member (1,40) according to claim 2, characterized in that the compressive stress means (6) includes a lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), and the first stud is integrated into the free end (15) of the lever (14).

4. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 3, characterized in that the compressive stress means (6) includes a rigid structure arranged parallel to the flexible element (5), and the lever (14) is connected to the rigid structure.

5. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible element (5) is connected to the rigid support (17) and the second stud (35) is integrated into the rigid support (17).

6. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the index system (20, 60) includes a rotatable cam (55), and the rotatable cam (55) cooperates with the stud holder (31, 71) to rotate the stud holder (31, 71).

7. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stud holder (31, 71) includes an arm (63) that contacts the rotatable cam (55) so that the stud holder can be rotated.

8. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the index system (20, 60) includes return springs (57, 72) that exert an expansion force between the stud holders (31, 71) and the balance bridge (22, 52).

9. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 8, characterized in that the stud holders (31, 71) and the return springs (57, 72) are integrally formed and made from the same material.

10. The adjustment member (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stud holders (31, 71) are arranged on the balance bridge (22, 52) around the bearing (28) in the balance staff (24).

11. A watch movement characterized by including the adjustment member (1, 40) described in claim 1.

12. A wristwatch characterized by including the watch movement described in claim 11.

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