Regulating components, clock movements, and clocks

Abstract

To overcome some or all of drawbacks in the conventional index systems by providing an actuation system compatible with a regulating device.SOLUTION: A regulating member 1 for a horological movement is provided, including an inertial mass, for example a balance 23, a balance spring 25, a balance cock 22, and an actuation system 20 for adjusting the rate of the balance spring. The balance spring includes a coiled ribbon and means 30 of adjusting stiffness of the balance spring, where the means is provided with a resilient element arranged in series with the coiled ribbon. The adjustment means includes a pre-stress device for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible (resilient) element. The actuation system includes an eccentric 10 for actuating the pre-stress means) of the adjustment means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 driving energy is regulated by a regulating member. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a regulating member provided with a precise operating system for adjusting the speed of the hairspring, to a watch movement comprising such a regulating member, and to a watch comprising such a watch movement.

Background Art

[0002] In most mechanical watches, the energy required to rotate the hands (e.g., the minute hand and the hour hand) is stored in a barrel and then conveyed by a spring balance system comprising a balance, which is a flywheel combined with a spring in the form of a spiral ribbon called the 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 rigidly connected to a stationary cock.

[0004] The rotation of the balance is maintained by an escapement mechanism comprising a pallet lever driven by low-amplitude vibrations provided with two pallets that engage the teeth of a wheel train, and the vibrations are counted. When the wheel train engages in this way, the wheel train rotates stepwise, and the frequency of its rotation is determined by the frequency of the vibrations of the pallet lever. The pallet lever itself is set to the frequency of the vibrations of the spring balance.

[0005] In a conventional escapement mechanism, the frequency is about 4 Hz, i.e., about 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.

[0006] The speed of the hairspring can be controlled in a well-known manner, namely by adjusting the effective length of the hairspring. The effective length of the hairspring is defined as the curved length between the inner end of the hairspring and a typical count point, which is defined by a pair of bankings supported by keys mounted on an index system and located near the outer end of the hairspring.

[0007] When in 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 on the index system.

[0008] An assembly including the cock, index system, key, stud holder, stud, staff, spring, and balance is generally referred to as a “regulating member.” Examples of regulating members are given in Patent Documents 1 and 2, both of which are 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, especially heterochronism, are very sensitive to play in the index key, and it is difficult to precisely control this play.

[0010] In some devices, the banking can be adjusted to clamp the hairspring, particularly to eliminate play during the hairspring's operation. In this case, the speed is first controlled by moving the index key, and then the hairspring is clamped to the key. However, clamping the hairspring to the index key puts stress on it, and there is a risk of the winding center being misaligned, leading to chronometer errors. 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 fine-tune the speed.

[0011] In other hairsprings, the regulating device is integrated. In these hairsprings, the speed is not regulated by altering the effective length of the hairspring, but by applying force or torque to an elastic element arranged in series with the hairspring. In this way, the stiffness of the elastic element, and thus the stiffness of the entire hairspring, can be modified. By adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, it is permissible to regulate the speed of the regulating member. Such a hairspring with an elastic element is described, for example, in Patent Document 3.

[0012] However, in these cases, conventional indexing systems cannot be used because they are incompatible with the hairspring regulating device. Furthermore, since the speed needs to be adjusted very precisely, it is essential that there is no play between the hairspring and the area where it interacts with the indexing mechanism. In other words, 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 does not reposition itself precisely after the impact. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

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

[0014] The object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the aforementioned drawbacks, particularly by providing an operating system suitable for this type of regulatory device.

[0015] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a regulating member for a watch movement, which includes an inertial mass, such as a balance, a hairspring, a balance cock, and an actuation system for adjusting the speed of the regulating member, wherein the hairspring includes a coiled ribbon and means for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the means comprising an elastic element arranged in series with the coiled ribbon, and the adjusting means includes prestressing means for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element.

[0016] The present invention is characterized in that the operating system includes an eccentric that acts on the prestressing means of the adjustment means.

[0017] Thanks to the present invention, the speed of the regulating member can be adjusted simply by changing the position of the eccentric, and this eccentric acts on a prestressing means to adjust the speed of the regulating member.

[0018] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric is positioned to pass through a balance cock, thereby mounting the eccentric in a rotatable manner.

[0019] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the eccentric includes a head and a body extending from the head.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the body includes fingers extending from the body, the fingers being off-center with respect to the main axis of the body of the eccentric.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the head includes a recess intended to receive the tip of a tool used to operate the eccentric.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the prestressing means includes a first movable lever connected to a flexible element, and the eccentric is in direct or indirect contact with the first lever so as to be able to operate the first lever.

[0023] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the prestressing means includes a second movable lever connected to a flexible element, and the eccentric is in direct or indirect contact with the second lever so as to be able to operate the second lever.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the prestressing means includes a movable body connected to the first lever and / or the second lever, and the finger is in contact with the movable body so as to be able to move the movable body.

[0025] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the finger includes a peripheral groove that cooperates with the movable body.

[0026] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the operating system includes a stud holder that includes a stud on which the hairspring is mounted, and the stud is mechanically connected to the elastic element of the hairspring.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the stud is mechanically connected to the elastic element.

[0028] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the stud holder is arranged on the balance cock around a bearing on the balance staff.

[0029] The present invention further relates to a timepiece movement including such a regulating member.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a timepiece, such as a wristwatch, including such a timepiece movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] The object, advantages, and features of the present invention will become clear after reading several embodiments. These embodiments are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, subject to reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] [Figure 1] A schematic top view of a regulating member according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a bottom view illustrating the first embodiment of the regulating member. [Figure 3] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view taken along the cutting line III of the first embodiment of the regulating member shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the regulating member. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a top view of the hairspring of the first embodiment of the regulating member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 schematically show a first embodiment of the regulating member 1 intended to be placed in a clock movement (not shown). Such a clock movement includes, for example, a plate having a recess for receiving the regulating member 1 on which an inertial mass is provided, and an elastic return element for the inertial mass configured to oscillate the inertial mass.

[0034] The regulating member 1 further includes an operating 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 cock 22.

[0035] In Figures 1 to 3, the balance 23, hairspring 25, balance cock 22, and operating system 20 are stacked from bottom to top in this case.

[0036] The hairspring 24 is centrally located and passes through the center of the balance 23, the center of the hairspring 25, and the balance cock 22. The balance staff 24 is held by two shock-resistant bearings 28 located at both ends of the balance staff 24. A first bearing (not shown) is located under the balance 23 and the balance cock 22, and a second bearing 28 is held by the balance cock 22. The balance cock 22 has a hole (in this case a through hole) in which the second bearing 28 is held. The actuation system 20 is mounted on the balance cock 22 and, in this embodiment, is located along the central axis of the balance staff 24.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a hairspring 25 which preferably extends substantially in a single plane. The hairspring 25 includes a flexible ribbon 2 wound several times around itself, the ribbon 2 having a predetermined rigidity. The inner end 9 of the ribbon 2 is integral with or assembled to a support 3, commonly referred to as a collet. The support 3 is substantially triangular in shape and is screwed around the balance staff 24.

[0038] The hairspring 25 further includes means 30 for adjusting its rigidity. For example, the adjustment means 30 can be operated by the user, particularly when the regulating member is mounted to the plate of the watch movement.

[0039] The adjustment means 30 includes a flexible element 5 arranged in series with the ribbon 2, the flexible element 5 connecting one end 4 of the ribbon 2 to a fixed support 53 and being integral with the one end 4 of the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is integral with the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2. The elastic element 5 is a separate element from the ribbon 2.

[0040] The flexible element 5 adds additional rigidity to the ribbon 2. The flexible element 5 is preferably harder than the ribbon 2. In this case, the flexible element 5 is positioned as an extension of the ribbon 2. Preferably, the adjusting means and the strip 2 are integral or made from the same material, such as silicon.

[0041] In this embodiment of the hairspring, the flexible element 5 includes two flexible portions 15 and 16, each connecting the ribbon 2 to the fixed support 53.

[0042] The two flexible parts 15 and 16 are positioned axially symmetric with respect to each other along the axis A of the hairspring 25. In other words, the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis A.

[0043] On the one hand, axis A substantially passes through the center O of the hairspring, and on the other hand, axis A preferably passes through the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2.

[0044] Therefore, the two flexible parts 15 and 16 are positioned on the outer circumference of the hairspring such that they are at the same distance from the center O of the hairspring 25.

[0045] The two flexible portions 15 and 16 are preferably positioned in a "mirror-like" relationship with respect to axis A. For this purpose, it is preferable that the two flexible portions 15 and 16 are substantially identical.

[0046] Each of the flexible sections 15 and 16 includes a curved flexible strip 55, which is preferably semicircular and extends from the end of the fixed support 53. Each curved flexible strip 55 is also connected to the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2 by a main flexible strip 7. In this case, the main flexible strips 7 are arranged continuously with respect to each other.

[0047] The fixed support 53 has a trapezoidal shape with its longer side opening towards the outer end 4 of the ribbon 2.

[0048] The means for adjusting the hairspring 25 further includes a prestressing 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 by the prestressing means 6. In other words, the torque or force is not limited to an isolated value. The stiffness of the flexible element 5 can therefore be adjusted with great precision.

[0049] Preferably, the prestressing means 6 applies substantially the same force or torque to each of the flexible portions 15, 16. The direction of the force is preferably substantially symmetric with respect to axis A.

[0050] The prestressing means 6 further includes two levers 14, 26. Each lever connects a curved strip 55 to the same movable body 19 located on the opposite side of the hairspring 25 relative to the fixed support 53. In this case, the movable body 19 is hook-shaped.

[0051] A variable force or torque is applied to the movable body 19. The variable force or torque is transmitted, at least partially, via the lever 26 to the main flexible strips 7 of the flexible portions 15, 16 of the flexible element 5.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the operating system 20 is fitted into a stud holder 31 equipped with studs 34.

[0053] The stud holder 31 contacts the balance cock 22 and is held and positioned by the shock absorber 28.

[0054] During the operation of the regulating member 1, it is preferable that the stud holder 31 remains stationary relative to the balance cock 22.

[0055] The stud holder 31 includes a central ring 38 positioned around the second bearing 28.

[0056] The stud holder 31 includes a projection 41 extending radially from the central ring 38, and the projection 41 presses against the stud 34 by a screw 74.

[0057] The stud 34 cooperates with the fixed support 53 of the elastic element 57. In this way, the elastic element 5 is held by the stud. The hairspring 25 is held on one side by the elastic element 5 and on the other side by the support 3.

[0058] The prestressing means 6 is also supported by the stud holder 31.

[0059] The studs and balance spring 25 are assembled, for example, by bonding, brazing, welding, deformation of metallic glass, or mechanical fastening.

[0060] To enable the application of a variable force or torque to the hairspring 25, the regulating member includes an actuation system 20.

[0061] According to the present invention, the operating system 20 includes a rotatable eccentric 10 that cooperates with the hairspring 25 to correct its rigidity.

[0062] The eccentric 10 includes a head 21 having a recess 18 for receiving the tip of a tool to adjust the eccentric 10. The eccentric 10 has a body 11, preferably cylindrical, extending from the head 21.

[0063] The eccentric 10 further includes fingers 12 that are offset from the main axis of the body 11 of the eccentric 10. The fingers 12 extend from the body 11. The fingers 12 are mechanically connected to the prestressing means 6 but do not block the ribbon 2.

[0064] The eccentric 10 is positioned to pass through the balance cock 22. The balance cock 22 includes a flared through-hole 17 to hold the head 21 of the eccentric 10 and to allow the body 11 and fingers 12 to pass through to the other side of the balance cock 22.

[0065] The eccentricizer 10 is held below the balance cock 22 by a clamp 29 that is clipped around the body 11 of the eccentricizer 10.

[0066] Preferably, the main body 11 includes a groove 32 into which a clamp 29 is inserted to hold the eccentric 10 in the hole 17.

[0067] The eccentric 10 is rotatably mounted on the balance cock 22. Thus, the eccentric 10 can rotate in the hole 17 and the clamp 29 around its main axis, preferably substantially perpendicular to the balance cock 22 and / or substantially parallel to the balance staff 24.

[0068] The fingers 12 of the eccentricizer 10 are in contact with the movable body 19 of the prestressing means 6, allowing the levers 14 and 26 to be pressed somewhat strongly when the eccentricizer 10 rotates.

[0069] Preferably, the finger 12 includes a peripheral groove 33 that cooperates with the movable body 19 of the hairspring 25, and the movable body 19 is inserted into the groove 33.

[0070] Therefore, when the eccentric 10 rotates, the finger 12 is eccentric with respect to the main rotation axis of the eccentric 10, and thus presses against the movable body 19 to some extent.

[0071] The movement of the finger 12 relative to the movable body modifies the stiffness of the elastic element 5, as its movement exerts a large or small force or torque on the movable body 19 of the prestressing means 6. This changes the stiffness of the flexible portions 15 and 16 of the elastic element 5 via the lever 26, and consequently, the overall stiffness of the hairspring 25 also changes. In this way, the actuation system 20 can regulate the speed of the regulating member 1.

[0072] To this end, the position of the finger 12 can be corrected using the actuator system 20.

[0073] The operating system 20 is configured to adjust the speed of the regulating 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. Such precision can be achieved through the configuration of the regulating member 1.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the regulating member described with reference to the figures, and it goes without saying that alternative examples can be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A regulating member (1) for a watch movement comprising an inertial mass including a balance (23), a hairspring (25), a balance cock (22), and an operating system (20) for adjusting the speed of the hairspring (25), wherein the hairspring (25) comprises a coiled ribbon (2) and an adjusting means (30) for adjusting the stiffness of the hairspring, the adjusting means (30) comprises a flexible element (5) arranged in series with the coiled ribbon (2), the adjusting means (30) comprises a prestressing means (6) for applying a variable force or torque to the flexible element (5), and the operating system (20) comprises an eccentric (10) positioned on the opposite side of the hairspring (25) from the flexible element (5) to actuate the prestressing means (6) of the adjusting means (30), the regulating member (1).

2. The regulating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the eccentric (10) is rotatably mounted so as to pass through the balance cock (22).

3. The eccentric member (1) according to claim 1 is characterized in that the eccentric member (10) includes a head (21) and a body (11) extending from the head (21).

4. The regulating member (1) according to claim 3, wherein the eccentric (10) further includes a finger (12) extending from the main body (11), and the finger (12) is offset from the main axis of the main body (11) of the eccentric (10).

5. The regulating member (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the head (21) includes a recess (18) intended to receive the tip of a tool for operating the eccentric (10).

6. The regulating member (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a movable first lever (14) connected to the flexible element (5), and the eccentric (10) is in direct or indirect contact with the first lever (14) so ​​as to be able to actuate the first lever (14).

7. The regulating member (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a movable second lever connected to the flexible element (5), and the eccentric (10) is in direct or indirect contact with the second lever (26) so as to be able to actuate the second lever (26).

8. The restricting member (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the prestressing means (6) includes a movable body (19) connected to the first lever (14) and / or the second lever (26), and the finger (12) is in contact with the movable body (19).

9. The restricting member (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the finger (12) includes a peripheral groove (33) that cooperates with the movable body (19).

10. The regulating member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating system (20) includes a stud holder (31) including a stud (34) on which the hairspring (25) is mounted, and the stud (34) is mechanically connected to the flexible element (5) of the hairspring (25).

11. The regulating member (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the stud holder (31) is positioned on the balance cock (22) around the bearing (28) on the balance staff (24).

12. A watch movement characterized by including the regulating member (1) described in claim 1.

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

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

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